Cavendish Update 3/20/26: Flower Wkshp/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

OPEN HOUSE FOR DIANE MCNAMARA THIS AFTERNOON: Open House to wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement Friday, March 20 (Friday) 2:00-4:00 pm 

Our Rivers & Streams Talk: This coming Wednesday 6pm at the Cavendish Fletcher Library-What can be done to restore VTs rivers and streams to a natural ecological state?

3/20/26

1.    Free Paper Flower Workshop

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. FREE PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP: Continuing the 250 Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence, the Cavendish Historical Society, with the Cavendish Library, will be holding a free paper flower workshop on April 11 (Saturday), 1 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville.

Faux flowers, made from paper, silk, and wire were favorites of the Colonial period and would have adorned clothes and hats, as well as displayed as decorative items. While often imported from England, they’d also be made by milliners (hat makers).

While the April workshop will be focusing on red, white and blue, other options will be available. Note we will have a few straw hats for decorating-first come first served. This is a free workshop, open to the public-donations appreciated and welcomed.  For more information: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid and Flu A in “low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/8/26-3/14/26. Statewide Covid and flu are listed as “low.”  

• Cavendish Select Board Unapproved Minutes for 3/9/26

• CTES Kindergarten Registration: Registration for kindergarten, entering fall 2026, is April 13-April 17. FMI: Donna Hamilton donna.hamilton@trsu.org or 802-875-7758.

• CTES Ham Bingo: On Friday evening, 6 pm, the Cavendish Town Elementary School will once again hold Ham Bingo, a fundraiser to support field trips, artists in residence and fun family events. The cost is $1 a card with lots of snacks and food. Prizes include hams and gift certificates.

• Safety Message-One Pot Meth Labs: These are plastic bottles that are used to mix chemicals and make Methamphetamine. The bottles often get discarded on the side of the road. Usually these bottles contain a sludge material or a white residue. A person finding the discarded bottle can be badly burned if they remove the cap allowing oxygen to mix with the ingredients. When oxygen mixes too quickly with the chemicals it explodes. The explosion often happens while the person is holding the bottle. It can turn into a fireball of chemicals and flames leaving the holder and those around him badly burned. Plastic bottles with unidentified contents should be referred to local law enforcement and under no circumstances touched.

• Time to Take Down Bird Feeders: VT Fish and Wildlife has posted the following. Early April is traditionally thought of as bear-aware time, shorter winters mean bears emerge from their dens earlier in the spring. Don't wait until a bear comes to visit your property to take steps to prevent a bear incident. Here are some steps you can take now to help teach bears, and other wildlife like raccoons, skunks and rodents, that our yards and neighborhoods are not where they should come looking for a snack: Take down your birdfeeders until next winter Keep your garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures. You can contact your waste hauler to see about getting a bear-resistant dumpster! Get your chickens and bees behind electric fencing or a bear-proof enclosure to keep them safe Visit our website to learn more about composting in bear country To learn more about living with bears, or to report a bear incident, you can visit our website

• Attorney general declines to prosecute Ludlow police chief who shot 18-year-old: Attorney General Charity Clark announced Friday her office wouldn’t prosecute Ludlow Police Chief Jeffrey Warfle after he shot an 18-year-old who lunged at him with a knife. VT Public

3. EVENTS

MARCH 20 (FRIDAY): Open House to Wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement 2:00-4:00 pm

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Our Rivers and Streams talk by Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with VT Fish and Wildlife. Sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 11 (SATURDAY): Free paper flower workshop at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. 1 pm. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society. FMI margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

MAY 2 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY

MAY 9 (SATURDAY): Audubon Bird Walk, 7:30 A, 731 Stevens Rd. To register or for more information jleak499Wgmail.com or 802/376-3937

MAY 16 (SATURDAY):  Geological Exploration of the Cavendish Gore. Meet at the Green Mountain Power Station on Power Plant Road at 10 am. To register or more information bdayaemig@gmail.com or cavendishcommunityconsdervation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/13/26: SB Mtg/Greven Field/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SNOW this evening and possibly tomorrow may impact change of dates for both this evening and tomorrow afternoon’s programs. Please check Cavendish Facebook for cancellations. 

FRIDAY EVENING: Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the Ken Burns American Revolution. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

OPEN HOUSE FOR DIANE MCNAMARA: Open House to wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement Friday, March 20 (Friday) 2:00-4:00 pm

3/13/26

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/9/26

2.    Our Rivers and Streams Presentation

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/9/26: The video of the March Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website. Unapproved minutes will soon be available at the Town’s website.

Approved/Action Taken

• Annual Organization: All positions remain the same as they appear on page 10 of the 2025 Annual Town Report with the following exceptions: Betty McEnaney will be the 2026 Green Up Committee Chair and Tim Calabrese has resigned as tree warden.  The 2026/2027 list of positions is available at the Town Website. Please note there are vacancies for a number of positions. If you are interested in learning more about any of them please, contact the Town Manager, Rick Chambers, at 802.226.7291 Animal Control Officer, Tree Warden, Town Planning Commissioner, Energy Coordinator, Budget Committee Member (2 positions), Alternate Representative to Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, Water Commissioner, Town Representative to Council on Aging Board, Town Representative to Black River Valley Senior Center Board

• Plan for Greven Field prepared by the Planning Commission: was adopted. Activity will begin after mud season. A picture of the plan has been posted to the Cavendish Facebook page. See Item 2 below for more information about Greven Field.

• Truck Purchase: Town manager Rick Chambers will proceed to work on the financials for the possible purchase of a 2025 10 wheel semi, the twin of one recently purchased by the town.  

• Subdivision Administrator and fees: As subdivision regulations were passed on Town Meeting Day, with new regs going into effect on March 24, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) will serve as the administrator and a fee schedule has been adopted, though these may need to be modified based on actual costs incurred.

• Signed perpetual care funds

Discussed

• Police Contract: As a follow up of the joint SB meeting of Cavendish, Reading and Weathersfield to discuss the formation of a regional police force based in Weathersfield, the SB discussed the possibility of contracting with Weathersfield for FY26/27. Board members thought it was too short a time frame for Weathersfield to restart their police force (Weathersfield used the Windsor Sheriff’s Dept. (WSD) in 2025) and while the first year would be within the Cavendish budget, who knows what costs would be in subsequent years. Further, the town has been pleased by the service with the WSD and have no issues with current policing. One area of concern is emergency calls as it’s become increasingly more difficult for the state police to respond. Cavendish has more than doubled their police coverage (8 hours currently) in the FY26/27 budget. No motion was made about contracting for police coverage for the coming year.

• Mud Season: Now underway, the town is prepared. Note that the highway dept can’t grade roads until they freeze up a bit. Work has already begun and roads are becoming soft very quickly.

• Retirement Party: Diane McNamara’s retirement party/open house is open to the community and takes place on March 20 (Friday) 2-4 pm at the Town Office.

• Billing for Water Used: One property in Proctorsville is responsible for a water leak that drained, excessive water -possibly as high as 1 million gallons- creating major problems for the water department as well as anyone on town water. SB board member Mike Ripley said the property owner needs to be billed for the water usage. Chambers will be working on a bill to that effect.

2. OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS/GREVEN FIELD: On March 25 (Wednesday), at 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville, Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with the VT Fish and Wildlife Dept, will be discussing what VT streams and rivers looked like before European settlement and what can be done to restore them to a more natural and ecologically productive state. His talk will include the science behind strategic wood addition. This event is free and sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com or Bonnie Daya Emig 610-724-6026.

As noted in Item 1, the Planning Commission’s plan for Greven Field has been adopted by the Select Board. In response to the plan being posted at the Cavendish Facebook page, people are questioning whether It would be better to dig out the river. Kelly Stettner of Black River Action Team (BRAT has provided the following information  The overall design here does incorporate a 3" high mowed area in the middle for public recreation without any infrastructure. BYO chairs, etc. Keeping the grass that tall helps the roots grow strong and deep, letting the soil grow healthier and more absorbent to better capture and hold water. … Dredging/removing large quantities of gravel does not actually address flooding. Flooding isn't something to 'fix,' it's a condition to be managed, a dynamic balance to be considered when we develop. Dredging can be a 'tool in the toolbox,' but digging the river deeper only speeds up and concentrates the flow, bringing in even more gravel through greater erosion both upstream and downstream.

Giving the river small areas to spread out, slow down, and soak in naturally where it is feasible (with consideration for homes, businesses, roads, etc.) is our most pragmatic way to manage high water.

It's a matter of physics...a river is always moving a balance of water and sediment, constantly. When we change one element of the equation, the river adjusts. Remove sediment, speed up the water. Faster water erodes.

The program on March 25 will include what Stettner references. This is a good program to attend if you have questions.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid has increased to “high” while flu A remains “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/1/26-3/7/26. Statewide Covid has dropped to “very low” while flu A remains “low.”  Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• GMUSD Board Meeting March 19 Agenda: The Green Mountain Unified School District Board will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday March 17 at the Green Mountain High School Library, 716 Rt. 103 South and remotely via Zoom.

•  68th annual Ludlow Rotary Penny Sale announced: The Ludlow Rotary Club is announcing its 68th annual penny sale on Saturday, April 25, at 6 p.m., in the Ludlow Elementary School’s gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

• Adopt A Swimming Hole: Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests swimming and recreational areas along the Black River all summer, is looking for businesses that would like to adopt a swimming area. The tax-deductible "adoption fee" of $500 covers all the lab fees, volunteer mileage, chart generation and posting. Your company or organization will be listed on the back of our annual tee shirts, featured in social media posts and press releases, and you'll even receive an "adoption certificate" thanking you for your support. FMI: email blackrivercleanup@gmail.com!

4. EVENTS

MARCH 13 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

MARCH 20 (FRIDAY): Open House to Wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement 2:00-4:00 pm

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Rivers and Streams talk by Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with VT Fish and Wildlife. Sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/6/26: Town Mtg/Meters/Hearing/News

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SPRING AHEAD ON SUNDAY: Daylight Savings time starts on Sunday. Set clocks ahead one hour and be sure to check smoke and other type of detector devices.  

TOWN WATER:  As a follow up to last week’s water leak in Proctorsville, the town manager is encouraged all water users to sign up for the new water meters. See Item 2 below for more information. 

CHANGES AT THE TOWN OFFICE: With 23 years as a dedicated town employee, Diane McNamara is retiring as town clerk/town treasurer. Thank you Diane for your dedication to the town and best wishes for a fun and enjoyable retirement. Michael Murphy will be replacing Diane, though she will be on hand initially to show him the ropes. Michael has 30 years business and IT experience and lives in Cavendish Village.

3/6/26

1.    Town Meeting Results

2.    New Meters for Water Users

3.    Public Hearing Before the Planning Commission

4.    Hannah Lovell & the Role of Women in the Revolutionary War

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events Calendar

1. TOWN MEETING RESULTS: While all articles for the Town passed Tuesday’s vote, Michael Murphy, received 75 write-ins for both Town Clerk and Town Treasurer and Christopher Saylor received 13 write-in votes sufficient to be Library trustee.  All positions ran unopposed, with insufficient write-ins for Town Agent, Trustees of Public Funds or Auditors. Michael Ripley continues as Town Moderator and will also serve a three year term on the GMUSD board. Donovan Nichols will serve two years as GMUSD Director. Select board membership will remain the same, with Shannon Devereux and David Norton serving one year terms and Robert Glidden the three year term. Theresa McNamara was elected as Town Grand Juror.

Information is not provided on how specific towns vote for the Green Mountain Unified School District budget. However, the school budget was voted down by a margin of 37 votes (488 Yes and 525 No).

By a vote of 110 to 89, the adoption of Subdivision Regulations was passed, along with the town budget, allocations for Red Cross, Okemo Valley Technical Rescue, Black River Senior Center and the Vermont Center for Independent Living. The results of the Australian Ballot are available at the town’s website.

2. NEW METERS FOR TOWN WATER USERS: Last Friday we posted that the leak had been found in Proctorsville. Town Manager, Rick Chambers posted  that the Town has purchased new water meters and if these meters had been installed throughout, the leak issue could have been resolved within days not months. These new meters, which are free, sense vibrations of a leak, as well as warn when a line is freezing, in addition to identifying leaks by increased usage.

Meter installation needs to be scheduled when you are home and available. Below is an email for scheduling, please list Name, Address and a Phone Number to schedule the meter replacement. chris.hughes@cavendishvt.org

Note that one town users posted her experience on Facebook having the water meter installed. We had a very positive installation today. Sent our name, address and contact phone number as requested to Chris Hughes. A few days later we received a call and discussed and agreed to the installation to take place this morning. Ron arrived at 8:30 as promised. He replaced all 3 of the meters in our 3 condo building in 30 minutes. No cost to us. EZPZ. Please send in your information so we can get all the meters updated to improve the ability of the town to troubleshoot in the future. Thanks Ron for your hard work. We appreciate you very much.

3. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION 4/1/26: A public hearing before the Planning Commission for the town of Cavendish will be held at the Cavendish Town Hall on April 1st 2026 at 6:00 PM. to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

Reason For Hearing: Proposed improvements are within the Floodway Fringe as defined in the Cavendish Flood Hazard Regulations which require a Conditional Use Hearing with the Cavendish Planning Commission.

The above application is available for inspection at the Cavendish Municipal Offices. Persons wishing to participate may do so in person, be represented by an agent or an attorney, by Zoom, or by writing to the Planning Commission. Written communications about the application should be filed with the Cavendish Planning Commission PO Box 126 Cavendish VT 05412 either prior to, or during, the hearing. Hybrid meeting information will be available on the agenda. Tim Calabrese Chair, Cavendish Planning Commission

4. HANNAH LOVELL & THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR: Without women, the Revolutionary War would not have been won. Often overlooked in history books, which tend to focus on battles and men, women were responsible for running the boycotts, serving the quarter master function in camps, nursing, manning cannons, spying and much more. Not only did women influence the outcome of the war, it set the stage for women  to begin liberating themselves over the coming centuries legally, economically and from patriarchal control. 

On Saturday March 14, at 1 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will hold a talk on Hannah Lovell and the role of women in the Revolutionary War. Lovell, who carried messages during the war, is the only woman in the Cavendish cemeteries with acknowledgment as a “patriot” on her grave stone and a Revolutionary War flag holder.  However, she was far from the only female patriot. This event will include showing excerpts from Ken Burns American Revolution series, as well a “Liberty Tea” party featuring the drinks of the era-special tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

This event is free, open to the public and recommended for those 12 and up. In the event of inclement weather, changes will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page by 10 am. For more information call 802-226-7807 or email margocaulfield@icloud.com

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid has significantly dropped from “Very High” to “low” while flu has remained “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of /22/26-2/28/26. Statewide Covid is rated as “moderate” and flu A “low.”  Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• CHS March Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Briefs for March are now on-line and include a schedule of upcoming events.

• Weathersfield voters reject town and school budgets: How this will impact Weathersfield plan to form a regional police departments isn’t known. Valley News

• Voters approve new school in Woodstock: A growing number of Cavendish students attend Woodstock High School. Valley News

• Ludlow/Mt Holly Pass School Budget: The town of Ludlow had sufficient votes to override Mt. Holly’s No votes to pass their school budget 351 to 325.

• Sen. Alison Clarkson to retire after more than two decades in Vermont’s Legislature: Clarkson has been Cavendish’s Senate rep since 2016. VT Digger

• Free Easter Dinners: Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

6. EVENTS

MARCH 8 (SUNDAY): Day light savings return. Move clocks forward one hour and check smoke detectors and other devices.

MARCH 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office/

MARCH 13 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update: 2/27/26: Police/Water/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

TOWN WATER:  A leak has been found in a Proctorsville. House wasn’t being occupied this winter and a pipe appears to have burst. The water has been shut off and the town has been able to start replenishing the water supply. 

TOWN MEETING: The informational town meeting is tomorrow, Feb. 28, 10 am at Cavendish Town Elementary School at 10 am. Voting is March 3, Tuesday, from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. 

CHS WORKSHOP: Tomorrow afternoon, In keeping with Black History Month, this workshop will include screening portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series on the role of black patriots,  the Ethiopian Army, and two Cavendish patriots-Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson-who had been enslaved and made their way to Cavendish after the war. 1-2:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up. 

3SQUARES VT: Make sure you continue your benefits after March 1. If you get 3SquaresVT, you may have heard about work reporting requirements—and you may be confused about what they actually mean. Some adults 18-64 have to report info about work, volunteering, or meeting an exemption to get 3SquaresVT for more than 3 months. If you want some support with understanding this rule and what it means for you, reach out! Learn more by clicking here.  

2/27/26

1.    Regional Police Force

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. REGIONAL POLICE FORCE: Last night, Thursday, Feb. 26, the Select boards of Cavendish, Reading and Weathersfield met to discuss a regional police force.

In June, 2025, Weathersfield township (includes Ascutney and Perskinsville) signed a five-year patrol contact with the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) for 100 hours of patrols per week, with a provision for up to 20 hours a week for emergency calls. Prior to this time, Weathersfield had their own police force, but made the switch when the last police chief left to go to Windsor.

Weathersfield has a loan agreement with WCSD for their equipment (tasers, guns ammo etc.) and cruisers for $140,000 spread over 60 months.

Reading and Cavendish both have contracts with WCSD-12 and 8 hours of service respectively. In the proposed budgets for 2026/2027, Reading will continue with their same hours of service while Cavendish will be doubling their number of hours.

Weathersfield had 1,373 calls for service last year, Reading 253 and Cavendish 227.

The regional proposal comes in the wake of the arrest of Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer on seven criminal charges, including sexual misconduct. The Vermont State Police criminal investigation began with questions about finances within the sheriff’s department, but soon spread to other issues.

In addition, WCSD provided more hours per week than negotiated in the Weathersfield contact, which the town did not pay for. Going forward, to provide that same level of service would cost $500,000, approximately $100,000 more than what was budgeted.

On February 3, the Weathersfield Select Board voted unanimously to: cancel the town’s patrol contract with WCSD; to consider the creation of a regional police force, to be known as Mt. Ascutney Regional Police Dept.; and to re acquire equipment and cruisers from WCSD. Weathersfield had a contract with a provision that allowed the town to terminate the patrol contract for no cause, with a 120-day notice to end it.  The select board made their decision based on their concerns about current finances of the WCSD and the possible inability to complete its five-year agreement for road patrols.

Under the regional proposal for 2026/2027, the towns would receive coverage at $68 per hour versus the WCSD’s $75 an hour. Year one costs of a regional department would be within the budgets to be voted on at town meeting (March 3).

Weathersfield: 118 hours per week $401.000

Reading: 12 hours per week $40,000

Cavendish: 20 hours per week $67,221

VL Coffeen, Cavendish and Weathersfield state representative, pointed out in last night’s meeting, that creating a regional police department requires a legislative process that takes 18 months. He recommended that for this first year, Cavendish and Reading could purchase service in the same manner as they currently do with WCSD,

It should be noted that in last night’s meeting, as well as from other reporting (Valley News and VT Standard) the community has been very satisfied by the service provided by WCSD. The concern is whether that same level of service will be possible moving forward given the current issues being experienced by the department.

While there are distinct advantages of a regional police force-better coverage, local control, potentially lower costs etc., the outline for bringing such a service on-line, without considering the legislative requirements, is extremely short. Within a 120 days, they will need to hire a chief of police, who will then hire a police force. Further, while year one costs would be within the budgets being voted on at town meeting (March 3), it’s clear costs would go up considerably in subsequent years. It was pointed out that cruisers need to be replaced every five years, and at least two of the current cruisers were purchased in 2023. It was further noted, until the equipment and cruisers are returned, no one knows the condition they’re in and whether funds will be needed to make repairs etc.

All three towns contracts with WCSD run through June 2026.

Cavendish will be discussing Weathersfield’s proposal at their next monthly meeting, Monday March 9. Reading was less willing to commit to a timeframe as they’ve only had a short phone conversation about it.

To learn more about this topic, and what transpired at a previous informational meeting, read the following:

• Weathersfield cuts ties with Windsor sheriff’s department, Proposes regional police with Reading and Cavendish VT Standard

• Weathersfield explains why it pulled out of sheriff contract; Will meet Thursday with Reading and Cavendish

• Weathersfield cancels sheriff’s contract, seeks new policing options Valley News

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid has significantly risen to “Very High” while flu has remained “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 2/15/26-2/21/26. Statewide Covid is rated as “low” and flu A “moderate.”  Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• 2026 Dog Licenses Available for Renewal: All dogs residing in Vermont are required to be licensed by state law. Dog licenses must be renewed by April 1st of each year. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Please contact the Town Clerk’s office with any questions about dog licenses at 802.226.7292.

• CTES Exceeding Expectations: The Vermont Agency of Education released the State’s Report Card based on 2024–2025 school year data. While the state is required to identify schools in need of support, it also recognizes schools that are exceeding expectations — and Cavendish Town Elementary School was named one of them.

• Create Together March Workshops: The March schedule of classes at Create Together are now available on-line.

• Health insurance, inflation and federal funding cuts: Here’s what’s driving school budget increases this year: With inflation and health insurance rates rising, school district officials say they’re running out of financial runway as they try to limit Town Meeting Day budget increases. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 28 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop: In keeping with Black History Month, this workshop will include screening portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series on the role of black patriots,  the Ethiopian Army, and two Cavendish patriots-Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson-who had been enslaved and made their way to Cavendish after the war. 1-2:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up.

• Town Meeting Day (Informational Meeting) 10 am at Cavendish Town Elementary School. All articles are now voted on by Australian Ballot. A copy of the Town Report is available at the Town’s Website.

MARCH 8 (SUNDAY): Day light savings return. Move clocks forward one hour and check smoke detectors and other devices.

MARCH (TUESDAY): VOTE on town and school budgets as well as elected Cavendish positions. Proctorsville Fire Dept., 10-7

MARCH 13 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

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