Cavendish Update 10/9/26: Rescue/Solzhenitsyn/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

TODAY (FRIDAY OCT 9): FLU VACCINE CLINIC 8-12 @ Ludlow Health Center. Note that flu is rapidly increasing and is much earlier this year, so a good idea to vaccinate early and not wait until the end of the month.

• FREE CONTRA DANCE: Sponsored by BRGNS 6-8 pm @ the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow.  Celebrating the 4th year serving community meals. Open to the public. 

SUNDAY (Oct 11): BRAT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS to help plant in the Fletcher Farm Foundation floodplain forest- field next to the Black River Rugby Pitch, across from Stepping Stones Preschool on Route 103 at the Ludlow/Cavendish town line. 10 AM until the planting is done. The more volunteers the quicker it will go. Please email if you think you can volunteer: blackrivercleanup@gmail.com

FALL INTO WINTER: 11-3 Okemo’s Annual Fall celebration 11-3 @ Jackson Gore. Cavendish Park Playground will have a booth there and will be selling bacelets the CTES 5/6th graders made to benefit the playground https://www.okemo.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/signature-events/fall-into-winter.aspx

LAST DAY CHS MUSEUM IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON 2-4 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAVENDISH: October 12 marks the 265th anniversary of the creation of the Cavendish township.

10/9/26

1.    Successful Search and Rescue

2.    Solzhenitsyn in Vermont Exhibit

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. SUCCESSFUL SEARCH AND RESCUE: On Sunday, Pieter van Schaik, well known to those in Cavendish and beyond, was reported missing. At 83, he was on the trails of the Albert C. Lord State Forest, and his abutting land. When his friends couldn’t find him, the response was immediate with North Country Search Dogs on the scene along with the VT State Police, Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments and community volunteers.

As the search ended after midnight, many left with heavy hearts, worried for Pieter’s safety. People on Tarbell Hill were leaving lights on and as one person posted, My porch light, porch door and house door is open and on and I've left blankets and pillows out. I'm so worried right now.

With the first teams out in the field, around 9 am, on Monday morning, word was quickly received that Pieter had been found by Peter Kolenda, retired fire chief of Ludlow, walking on Tarbell Hill.

Pieter explained that he walked around but as it became dark, he laid down and watched the moon. He remained, calm and at first light, he made his way out and onto a road.  Surprisingly in good shape, he was transported to Springfield Hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure and was released later that day.

The response to Pieter being found alive, was greeted with great joy. Teri McNamara went to her front porch on Depot St. and “rang the bell,” alerting her neighbors to the good news. North Country Search Dogs posted, Everyone gratefully returned to the local fire department where tables groaned with food, donated by locals. Cavendish has an amazing community that quickly rallies in times of crisis. We’ve benefited from their support on a previous search and were once again blown away by their organization and hospitality. Having food and hydration provided is like pouring fuel into the search engine. It makes for happy searchers, particularly when the four-legged searchers have their own section of the table dedicated to dog treats! So precious! Thank you to the local businesses and individuals who contributed.

Thank you to all those who volunteered, dropped off food and your prayers. Special thanks to the Cavendish Shelter, who housed the trackers and dogs Sunday night-they make it possible to house people when we need the extra help. To Juda Gross and Garrett Turco, thank you for helping to get the shelter ready. While we know you were willing to do more, it was a school night.

Many have asked how could Pieter have survived. For starters Pieter had food and extra clothing with him. He didn’t panic. While he didn’t have his cell phone with him, which would have helped, we can’t always rely on technology. It’s a good idea when hiking to have back up measures to your electronics-a whistle and mirror. Note that the Go Kits, which are available for free to those living in Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly at the Cavendish and Ludlow Libraries, contain a whistle.

2. SOLZHENITSYN IN VERMONT EXHIBIT:  In celebration of the Russian writer, Soviet dissident and Nobel Laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s who moved to  Cavendish 50 years ago, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS), in conjunction with the Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library, is pleased to announce the exhibit “Solzhenitsyn in Vermont.” This exhibit was developed by the Vermont Historical Society in honor of Solzhenitsyn’s 100th birthday in 2018 and is currently on loan to CHS and the Library.

The Solzhenitsyn in Vermont exhibit celebrates the life and work of Russian novelist and historian Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, particularly his time living in Cavendish, Vermont and its influence on his life and work. Telling the story through photographs, quotes, and family memories, the exhibit includes 5 main exhibit panels, along with 4 timeline panels noting important moments from Solzhenitsyn’s life.

The exhibit is now on display at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 753 Main St., Proctorsville until Dec. 5. In addition to the VHS display are the autographed books Solzhenitsyn donated to the town upon his return to Russia.

The library is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-6 pm. For more information, or to arrange other times, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Vermonters are unhappy with school performance and property taxes, poll finds: A majority of Vermonters are not happy with how the state’s schools have been performing. But those same people are also not ready to make changes to how the schools are funded. Those are some of the big takeaways from the latest Vermont Public poll. Statewide, only 43% of those polled said the quality of Vermont’s schools was excellent or good, while 50% rated them as fair or poor. VT Public

• Agenda for first meeting for Group 7 school merger study committee: The first meeting of the Group 7 school merger study committee will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 13 at Bellows Falls Union High School, 406 High School Road, Westminster, Vt. and remotely via Zoom.

• Fossil fuel prices are up, and Vermonters are struggling to foot the bill: The price of fuel oil for home heat is up about $2 per gallon over this time last year.

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER -DECEMBER 5: Solzhenitsyn in Vermont Exhibit, Cavendish Library, 753 Main Street, Proctorsville. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-6 pm. FMI, or to arrange other times, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

OCTOBER 9 (FRIDAY): 6-8 pm Free Contra Dance to celebrate 4th year of serving community meals. Sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow.

OCTOBER 10 (SATURDAY): Pet Vaccine Clinic 10-12 Springfield Humane Society, registration required. No walk-ins. Call 802-885-3997 to register.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Trunk or Treat 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth VT, 4-6 pm

OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY): Bambino University’s 1st Trunk or Treat. Bring your vehicle, decorate your trunk. 6-8 pm, 2588 Route 103, Proctorsville VT. RSVP by Oct. 15th bambinouniversityvt@gmail.com

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

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Cavendish Update 10/2/26: Jobs/News/Events

Murdoch Mill, Proctorsville VT

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SATURDAY: 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more.

11-1: Create Together at Fletcher Farms is hosting a FREE community art class for teens and adults-Stained Glass Mosaic Bricks. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, come spend some time creating, connecting, and enjoying the beauty of fall in Vermont. Registration Required.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio. Local artists-CreateTogether and Patricia Darling Dean Artworks are part of the Fall Tour.

Okemo Valley TV website is back on-line.

10/2/26

1.Preparedness Tips for 2026

2. Job Postings

3. CCCA Workshops

4. Cavendish Related News

5. Events Calendar

1. PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026:  For the 2026 list of tips, as well as the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) handout “Emergency Preparedness,” click here If you don’t have a Go Kit, you can now pick up a free one at the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries.

As we close out Preparedness Month, keep in mind that Cavendish has a well-established shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church that needs support. There are three ways to donate:  online via PayPal to Cavendish Baptist Church and designate your funds to the Emergency Shelter Fund . Mail checks directly to the Cavendish Baptist Church, PO Box 425, Cavendish, VT 05142 (memo line should specify the shelter) or drop your donation off at the church.

2. JOB POSTINGS

Cavendish Fire District #1 (Proctorsville Fire Dept) New Clerk/Treasurer. Andrea, Clerk/Treasurer, will be stepping down from the role this April after 5 years, What the role involves: Managing District finances and record-keeping; Taking meeting minutes; Handling correspondence; Filing required reports; Preparing yearly taxes; Preparing for the annual meeting; Attending monthly district meeting This is a great way to support your local fire department without any firefighting or emergency response required — just organization, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If you're interested or have questions, please reach out to District Prudential Board Chair Jeff Gilcris or stop by the firehouse during the next district meeting on 10/13 at 7pm.

Cavendish Town Elementary School: Head of Maintenance, M-F, 7-3, flexible summer hours. Contact Angela Cartier, principal angela.cartier@trsu.org

Shaws Hiring Event 11-3 on Oct. 4 (Sunday) in Ludlow for part time employment. Hiring as young as 14 and welcome students and retirees.

Benson’s hiring Automotive Service Technician call 802-228-4001.

American Legion Ballard-Hobart Post 36: Invitation to Bid Plowing/Winter Maintenance Facility Cleaning.FMI lstevens@vermontel.net or 802-282-6697 Bids due by Oct. 3.

Town of Ludlow: Ludlow Polic Department is accepting applications for a full-time patrol officer and a full time emergency services dispatcher. FMI Jeffrey.warfle@vermont.gov or 802-228-4411

3. CCCA WORKSHOPS: At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, join wildlife photographer Tim Donoghue for a Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s  Walk & Talk program, Who Lives Behind Your House, at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library,  573 Main St.

Learn how to use a trail camera to discover the wildlife that lives among us. Whether it’s a bobcat on the prowl, a black bear, a fox or something you didn’t imagine, the trail cam can pick up movement and snap a shot. O’Donoghue will talk about best locations and habitat sites for setup and have a slideshow of photos he has taken. He will also be introducing a Cavendish Community Citizen Science project inviting community members to help tally wildlife sightings in the area.

Bring your own wildlife photos to share and enter to win a trail cam yourself. The winner will be announced at the presentation. Then  at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, also at the library Conservation Planning Biologist Jens Hilke, of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, will give a presentation on biodiversity in our area and how you can use Fish & Wildlife’s website to understand more about the species that populate and travel in Cavendish, whether they are year round residents or simply passing through. For more information, email cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Town of Cavendish Development Review Board Meeting Minutes 9/17/26

• CHS October Briefs:  The Cavendish Historical Society October Briefs are now on-line. For the next three months CHS will be celebrating Solzhenitsyn's Arrival in Cavendish.

• Support for Abe Teter: Many of our local snowboarders learned to ride and were encouraged by Abe and his siblings. A graduate of Black River High School, Abe is fighting a rare form of aggressive skin cancer on his face for more than 19 years. His sister Hannah has set up a Go Fund Me site to help so Abe can pursue a new cutting edge treatment that could give him a chance to save his remaining eye and preserve his vision.

• Free education opportunity for 3SquaresVT recipients: Goodwin University is expanding a program that offers no-cost online training, associate degrees, and job skill badges to Vermonters. You can find more information about the program here. WCAX 

• Is Vermont a good place to grow old? Opinions are split, poll shows: Nearly one in four Vermonters is 65 or older. But opinions are split over whether the state is a good place to retire or grow old, according to a new Vermont Public poll. VT Public

5. EVENTS

OCTOBER 3 (SATURDAY): 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more. This is part of the CCCA’s Walk and Track series.

• 11-1: Create Together at Fletcher Farms is hosting a FREE community art class for teens and adults-Stained Glass Mosaic Bricks. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, come spend some time creating, connecting, and enjoying the beauty of fall in Vermont. Registration Required.

OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, “Who Lives Behind Younr House?” Taking pictures with a trail camera with Tim O’Donoghue. Sponsored by CCCA.

OCTOBER 10 (SATURDAY): Pet Vaccine Clinic 10-12 Springfield Humane Society, registration required. No walk-ins. Call 802-885-3997 to register.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Trunk or Treat 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth VT, 4-6 pm

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/25/26: Culvert Care/Flushing/News/Events

  LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

FREE GO BAGS TODAY: At the BRGNS Rummage today, 10-3 at Fletcher Farms off route 103, the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) will be distributing free Go Bags (also called Go Kits, Bug Out bags) to those in Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt Holly and Plymouth. You never know when you’ll have an emergency and need to evacuate. 

1st Annual CULVERT CARE DAY 10-Noon Fletcher Farm Fields Proclamations by representatives from Cavendish & Ludlow. Learn how to protect culverts, ditches in & around your property. Bring your smartphone to check out the online culvert tool. Site visit a local property to see culvert tools in action. Wear comfortable shoes & bring water.

For more information, e-mail blackrivercleanup@gmail.com 

HELP! ASAP the 6th graders at CTES need 4 more refrigerator sized cardboard boxes so they can build their final project for Newton's Laws of Motion. Reach out to Jennifer.Harper@trsu.org or 802-548-7419 if you can help us out. 

9/26//26

1.    Hydrant Flushing

2.    Preparedness Tips for Storm Water Awareness

3.    The Community Partnership: Caring for Cavendish culverts, ditches

4.    Rural Rivers Project

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events Calendar

1. NOTICE OF HYDRANT FLUSHING: Cavendish Municipal Water System Monday, September 28th, through Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 During the hours of 8 am to 5 pm System users are reminded that: Flushing hydrants may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water. We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, however this very important system maintenance procedure must be conducted each spring and fall. The flushing program allows the pipes to be purged and the hydrants checked for proper operation. Users are advised to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence. Following hydrant flushing in your area, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use. It is also a good idea to flush residential water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. Thank you for your cooperation, Cavendish Municipal Water System For additional information call 802-226-7291

2. PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR STORM WATER AWARENESS For the 2026 list of tips, as well as the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) handout “Emergency Preparedness,” click here. This week’s tips include:

• Have plans in place including: When instructed to evacuate or shelter-in-place, do so immediately. Set a meet up place in case your family is separated. Plan a place to stay if you cannot return to your home within a week

• Go Kits: Flood, wildfire or any number of other emergencies can happen quickly, leaving little time to think, so it’s important to have a go bag (also called a “ready bag,” or “bug-out bag”) by the door so you can grab and go. The Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) group makes it easy with a free Go Kit that you can pick up at the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries for those living in Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth. Wirecutter has a good guide

• Be Storm Savvy: Learn how to protect your property.

3. THE COMMUNITY/TOWN PARTNERSHIP: CARING FOR CAVENDISH CULVERT, DITCHES & DRAINS: In order to help reduce flooding risks in Cavendish, it’s important that there is a community/town partnership. With over 750 town culverts, spread over 39.7 miles, our small town crew can’t check every one each year, let alone clear out the ditches that feed into the culverts and drains.

Note: If a ditch or culvert is on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain them.

Please review the basics below and either download a copy of Be Storm Savvy, or pick up a copy at the town office or from the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries.

Don’t Pitch in the Ditch: Keep ditches clear of items that can prevent water from moving including: snow; sand; dirt; grass clippings leaves & branches; trash; hazardous materials (e.g. pet waste, oil & gas, paint and pesticides & fertilizers.

Instead: Clear out culverts/ditches every spring and fall

• Look through your culvert with a flashlight to make sure it’s clear

• Take household hazardous waste to HHW Depot at the Alva Waste Transfer Station in Springfield (1050 Charlestown Road) .This service is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9am to 12pm, from May through September. All appointments must be made 24+ hours in advance. Call 802-674-9235

Check for Damage: Look for wear or damage to culverts on, or next to, your property. If you see any damage, make repairs or contact the town (802-226-7291) to clarify your responsibility.

• Check for cracks, misalignment and blockages

• Openings should be free of sediment, rubbish and debris

• Remove any obstructions you can see including large branches, overgrown fencing and any other barriers

• Be safe and smart. Don’t enter water higher than your ankles if you can’t see the bottom, only use hand tools (rake, shovel, broom)

• Work in pairs or teams when you can.

CULVERT CARE DAY: The last Saturday in September is Culvert Care Day in the Okemo Valley. Please do necessary checks using the information above. This year, on Saturday Sept. 26th, Culvert Care Day will kick off with a short workshop at Fletcher Fields at 10 am. This is a good time to get questions answered.

4. RURAL RIVERS PROJECT:  The Rural Rivers Project is excited to announce a new community science collaboration with the towns of Ludlow and Cavendish, Vt. Over the coming months, researchers Charis Boke, Aletha Spang, and the Rural Rivers team at Dartmouth College will collaborate with municipal officials, local partners, and community members to install new, low-cost, open-source/open-access devices to monitor water levels at key points on the Black and Ottauquechee rivers.

The Social Science, Technology, Rivers, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (SSTREAMnet) project has emerged out of collaborations with the Black River Action Team, Black River Good Neighbors Services in Ludlow, and Cavendish Connects. With the help of Don Blair, of Waterbear Field School, this summer, two community science fellows – Jacob Zinkerman and Jacob Lloyd – worked with the Rural Rivers Project to build the prototype water level sensor that will be installed in Ludlow in Septebmer. Partners through Mutual Aid Disaster Relief and Signals Rising provided additional devices that will be installed in Ludlow and Cavendish.

The goal of this local network of water-level sensors is to give researchers and the public – including town managers, road crews, state floodplain managers, local residents, and others – better information about changes in water levels. This will help inform work to mitigate the impacts of future floods.

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• GMUSD Board hears need for deep cuts to avoid penalties: The “excess spending threshold” is currently set at $16,470 per student, while GM spends $16,060 per student. Next year, the threshold drops to $16,121. But increases in salaries and health care, among others, will push the district over that. When that happens, the state taxes the district double for the amount spent over the threshold. As next year’s budget is being developed, it has to be at least half a million dollars less than this year’s. And, as the threshold continues to decrease, each year there will have to be another budget cut to keep from incurring the penalty. TRSU Superintendent Layne Millington called that cut “a minimum.” Chester Telegraph

• Act 170 school merger groupings announced, meetings in weeksWhat is good faith? Chester Telegraph

• More low-income seniors in Vermont are now eligible for help paying for Medicare: Thousands more low-income seniors in Vermont became newly-eligible for help paying for Medicare this year when the state changed who qualifies for subsidies. VT Public

• Federal Medicaid Changes Vermont Impact: The Federal Government has passed a new law that brings a wide range of changes to Medicaid. New rules will change how people apply for and stay enrolled in Vermont Medicaid. The new rules will affect some adults aged 19-64 and certain immigrants. Most changes to Medicaid begin in 2027. The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is focused on clearly explaining the changes to Vermonters. We want to keep you informed so you can best plan for you and your family.

6. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 25 (FRIDAY)- 26 (SATURDAY): Annual BRGN Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farms off route 103. 10-3. Free Go Kits on Friday.

SEPTEMBER 26 (SATURDAY): CULVERT CARE DAY

SEPTEMBER 27 (SUNDAY): 10 am. The Singing Men of Texas-West in concert at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St. Cavendish.

OCTOBER 3 (SATURDAY): 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more. This is part of the CCCA’s Walk and Track series.

OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, “Who Lives Behind Younr House?” Taking pictures with a trail camera with Tim O’Donoghue. Sponsored by CCCA.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

   IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/18, 2026: SB Mtg/Hearings/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SUNDAY:  WALK & TALK: History & health of the Black River, what’s being done to help mitigate flooding, a site visit to Greven field in Proctorsville (weather permitting) and a medicinal plant walk with herbalist and medical anthropologist, Dr. Charis Boke. Meet at the CHS Museum, 1958 Main St., (Route 131) at 2 pm to carpool to Greven Field. This event is free, open to the public and takes place rain or shine.  FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com 

REMINDER: Please note that ATV riding on public roads in the Town of Cavendish is not permitted at this time. The Selectboard is currently exploring creating an ATV use ordinance (see item 1 below). This process will take some time, and no decisions have been made yet. In the meantime, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, our contracted law enforcement, will continue to monitor ATV activity to ensure current regulations are followed. We truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and as we navigate this conversation together. Cavendish thrives because of engaged, respectful neighbors like you—thank you for helping keep our town safe, vibrant, and welcoming for all. Rick Chambers, Town Manager, Cavendish VT 802-226-7291

9/18/26

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 9/14/26

2.    Notice of public hearing before the Planning Commission

3.    Notice of public hearing before the DRB 10/7/26

4.    Storm Water Awareness Week

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/14/26: The video of the September Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting will be available at the Okemo Valley TV Website, which is currently under construction. Unapproved minutes are posted to the Town’s website.

ATVs on Town Roads: With standing room only, and taking up the majority of the meeting, there were strong feelings for and against a proposed ordinance that would allow ATVs on town roads so riders can access the trails in Reading.  

This is a follow up to the May SB meeting, where the board asked for a map, similar to what VAST-snowmobile trail- presents every fall, which shows the town roads to be crossed in the upcoming four month season. At that meeting, it was noted that when the snowmobilers started out it was pretty chaotic, with a lot of complaints,  but the development of the VAST trail system (which is primarily on private property) has worked out well. Could a similar system be developed for ATVs?

The President of the Reading All-Terrain Sportsmen Club (RATS), Jeff Gilcris, explained at Monday night’s meeting, that while they had forwarded recommended roads, such as Twenty Mile Stream, Town Farm, Heald, Atkinson, East, Brook and all class 4 roads, it really should be that all town roads are open to legal ATVs. Their objective is to be able to ride from their Cavendish home to the Reading trails.

A property owner pointed out that what this would do is basically expand the Reading trail system to Cavendish town roads, opening them to all ATV riders regardless of where they live.

In essence, unlike the VAST trail, where permission is granted to cross town roads to get from one trail to the next, the town roads themselves become the route people would take to get to Reading’s trails.

Those against the ordinance described not only the noise factor, but lack of enforcement. Two neighbors on Atkinson Rd. described how they’ve experienced gun shots by their home, believing it’s because of their anti-ordinance stance.

Jim Zimmer read aloud a letter from his doctor  from the Veteran’s Center, explaining how the noise of the ATVs is triggering his PTSD, which was a result of serving in Vietnam.  A petition has been circulated opposing the ordinance and currently has approximately 50 or more signatures.

A member of the audience stated there is one ATV rider that is causing all the problems. People have tried to talk to this person but to no avail. Those who are in favor of the ordinance said that with it in place, more would be done with enforcement, including game wardens (there are only 40 in the entire state), sheriff (Cavendish pays for a sheriff 16 hours per week) and state police (currently there is a shortage), as well as club members who have a vested interest in the sport. They didn’t think it fair that one bad apple should ruin it for everyone else.

Zimmer did note that there are very respectful ATV users that ride by his home on their way to work. He didn’t want to see them penalized. However, it’s not possible to pick and choose riders who can ride on the town roads, should the ordinance past. Unlike the VAST trails for snowmobilers, which goes on private land and only crosses town roads to get to a connecting trail, a homeowner can withdraw their property from VAST if it’s being misused. When it comes to ATVs, those that live on town roads would not have that option.

People in various parts of town, including Twenty Mile Stream, Densmore, East Road, Brook, Atkinson, and even 131 have complained about ATV riders-indicating it’s a lot more than just one person. There is also a concern about unintentionally hitting someone on an ATV, since there are plenty of blind spots on various town roads and drivers aren’t expecting them to be there.

Various people said that the town roads in Plymouth and Reading were available for ATV use, which turns out not to be quite accurate. According to Reading’s ATV Policy, there is limited use of town roads. At the end of Monday’s meeting, SB member Mike Ripley, provided information he had just obtained from Angela Kessel, Plymouth’s town clerk. She said that while she’s not received complaints from residents about ATVs, they are off limits on any town lined road.

The next steps include the town formatting an ordinance. Rick Chambers, town manager,  said it would be at least four months before anything was decided and it is likely the SB will consider having the voters make the final decision.

Before preparing an ordinance, the SB may best serve the community by taking the advice of Tommy O’Connor the past executive director of VASA, who commented the following in the 2025 article Vermont towns weigh ATV use on public roads at town meeting, Tommy O’Connor..., says towns and voters should think hard about whether they have the resources to support ATV use in their community, including providing proper signage and enforcement. “Do you have the budget to maintain the roads?” O’Connor said. “Because just like other motor vehicles, you know, any type of traffic is going to … show wear and tear on the roads, particularly dirt, class IV, things like that.” VASA doesn’t advise that towns open all their roads to ATV use. O’Connor recommends that select boards commission studies of where people are riding and where the community supports the activity before writing an ordinance.

Finally, since most VASA trails are on private land, similar to the VAST trails can the ATV riders begin identifying ways to develop a system, that would provide off road local riding options?

Approved

• $2,000 of community funds for A MidSummer’s Night Salsa

• Cemetery Lot Buy Back

• Six changes to the 2026 Grand List Errors & Omissions

• Lowest Bid for Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP), pending Chambers final review of the bid. This approximately $300,000 grant allows significant upgrades to the town office and water treatment plant. Work will take place for about 12 days in October and will cause interruptions.

• Changing the date of the October SB meeting to Oct. 19, due to the legal holiday on the second Monday of the month.

Discussed

• Playground: An account has been created by the town for the Cavendish Village Green playground project. Donations can be made to the town of Cavendish for the Playground Improvement Fund. Cash can be dropped at the Town Office. Contact cavendishtownpark@gmail.com for electronic or tax deductible donations or to become involved in this project.

• Greven Field: Steve Laskivetch provided a free mowing of Greven Field. Chambers said he now realizes how uneven it is there and the town’s mowing equipment can’t do the job. Changes are needed in order to create the desired flood plain.

• Paving: The paving of High St, Pleasant St. and Ranny Hill is now underway. Milling begins next week. Avoid the area if possible.

2. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION: A public hearing before the Planning Commission for the town of Cavendish will be held at the Cavendish Town Hall on October 7th 2026 at 6:30 PM.  to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 866 Main Street (appellant Stephanie Sheehan). A site visit to the property will be on October 7, 2026 at the above address at 4:00 PM.

Reason For Hearing: Proposed improvements are within the River Corridor 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 9/11/2026

3. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE DRB 10/7/26: A public hearing before the Cavendish Development Review Board (DRB)will be held at the Cavendish Town Hall On October 7th 2026 at 6:00 PM to consider a 4 lot subdivision application. Applicant is Jeffery Sterns, Power Plant Road, Cavendish.

Reason For Hearing: The subdivision is considered a major application which requires a public hearing as per the Cavendish Subdivision Bylaws. 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 Cavendish DRB. Written communications about the application should be filed with the Cavendish DRB PO Box 126 Cavendish VT 05412 either prior to, or during, the hearing. Hybrid meeting information will be available on the agenda. Tim Calabrese, For the Cavendish DRB 9/10/2026

4. STORM WATER AWARENESS WEEK:  National Flood Awareness Week is Sept. 20-26. The goal of this week is to help the community understand where water goes and how to keep rainfall and snowmelt on and in the landscape by helping it “slow, spread and soak.” This coming week’s events and focus will be as follows:

20: Black River Walk & Talk: Meet 2pm at the CHS Museum (1958 Route 131, Cavendish) to carpool to Greven Field. This program includes a site visit to Greven field and a medicinal plant walk with Dr. Charis Boke. Free, open to the public and takes place rain or shine. FMI: 802-226-7807  margocaulfield@icloud.com

21:  Floodplains are our friends - where rivers naturally spread out and slow down. Large or small, floodplains are 'pressure relief valves' for flowing water, allow it to spend some energy and reduce the damage caused by too much volume and velocity in a stream channel.  Work with your town to learn where flood buyouts have occurred and any place where a rising river or a stream can safely access an area with no infrastructure.  

22. Native plants are our partners - plan your yard and garden NOW, for spring!  Every leaf breaks up the power of a falling raindrop; every stem and trunk slows fast-moving water and captures soil, sand, and silt on the land where it will do the most good.

23.  Rethink Runoff - help keep excess water out of our drains, ditches, culverts, and waterways!  Plant a rain garden, install a rain barrel, reduce your salt usage, pick up dog poo, don't dump any waste in the road or down a drain, don't "P" on your lawn, etc. 

24. Don't Pitch in the Ditch - keep leaves, branches, snow, and ice out of the street and ditches, to keep culverts from clogging. 

25: BRGNS Annual Rummage Sale @ Fletcher Farm. 10-4  Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) will be distributing Free Go Bags & Preparedness information

26: 1st Annual CULVERT CARE DAY 10-Noon Fletcher Farm Fields Proclamations by representatives from Cavendish & Ludlow. Learn how to protect culverts, ditches in & around your property. Bring your smartphone to check out the online culvert tool. Site visit a local property to see culvert tools in action. Wear comfortable shoes & bring water.

For more information, e-mail blackrivercleanup@gmail.com

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Hundreds of layoffs announced at the 2 largest healthcare networks Vermonters rely on: Dartmouth Health is cutting over 420 positions while University of Vermont Health lays off 199 staff. Across the Connecticut River, 124 Dartmouth Health employees learned that their positions are being terminated, according to a release Tuesday from the New Hampshire-based hospital network. The network canceled an additional 303 open positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and at its clinics in the region.   Vermonters rely heavily on care from Dartmouth Health, which includes the medical center, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington and six other New Hampshire hospitals. About 40% of Dartmouth Hitchcock’s patients are Vermonters. VT Digger

• VT 2026 General Election Guide: Find candidates on the ballot, explore federal, statewide and county races, learn how to vote and access trusted election resources for Vermont’s general election on Nov. 3, 2026. VT Digger

6. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 19 (SATURDAY): Free Stop the Bleed training at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 10-Noon. This training is free for Cavendish residents. To register contact Chief Nareau at 802-226-7790, puba0111@mail.com or stop by the station.

SEPTEMBER 20-26 (SUNDAY-SATURDAY): STORM WATER AWARENESS WEEK

SEPTEMBER 20 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society (CHS), Black River Action Team (BRAT) and Dr. Charis Boke of Dartmouth program on the Black River including its history, flood plains and a medicinal plant walk. Meet at the CHS Museum at 2 pm to car pool to Greven Field. In the event of rain, the full program will be held at the Museum.

SEPTEMBER 26 (SATURDAY): CULVERT CARE DAY

SEPTEMBER 27 (SUNDAY): 10 am. The Singing Men of Texas-West in concert at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St. Cavendish.

SEPTEMBER 25 (FRIDAY)- 26 (SATURDAY): Annual BRGN Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farms.

OCTOBER 3 (SATURDAY): 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more. This is part of the CCCA’s Walk and Track series.

OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, “Who Lives Behind Younr House?” Taking pictures with a trail camera with Tim O’Donoghue. Sponsored by CCCA.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

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