Cavendish Update 12/5/25: Land use map/Shelter/News/Events

    LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

Jingle Jog 5 K Walk/Run: Enjoy a 5K walk or run to benefit Tedy’s team and Dana Farber Cancer Institute at the Ludlow Community Center. The event starts at 9 am with a Kids fun run (10 and under) at 9:15. Santa will be at the event and available for pictures after he is done cheering on all of the runners! This is meant for fun and friendly competition so dust off the sneakers and start the holiday season off healthy while making a difference! Adults $20, Children (12 and under) $10. Thank you Lisa Marks of Proctorsville for helping to organize this event. Hope to see you there.

The  Okemo Valley’s Annual INNdulgence Tour is Dec. 6 and 7 (Saturday and Sunday) and benefits the VT Food Shelf. For tickets and other information, check their website

Singleton’s Little Free Pantry: Outside Singleton’s is now a free panty-Leave what you can, take what you need.

The Cavendish Shelter Program needs your support! Please read item 1 and give what you can. We are an incredibly lucky town to have a shelter that can serve multiple functions and because of its location, it draws on resources from around the country during a town wide disaster.

12/5/25

1.    Support the Cavendish Shelter

2.    Proposed Cavendish Future Land Use Map

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1.SUPPORT THE CAVENDISH SHELTER: On Giving Tuesday, the Cavendish Baptist Church (CBC) posted on their Facebook page a request for help and support. Many of our community, and in the Black River Valley, relied on the Town Shelter, which is housed at the CBC, during the 2023 floods. Between the thousands of meals prepared and delivered, a  free well stocked store available 24/7 for two weeks, housing, work crews, and an information hub, the town was incredibly supported by the shelter team.  Once the shelter was closed, this space then housed Mennonite work crews, for over two months, who came from around the country to help rebuild the homes and property of impacted families in Cavendish, Ludlow and surrounding towns.

Whatever the emergency, Cavendish has used this shelter many times since it was first established in 2012. And yes, during times of emergency, our community has given generously. All money given during a disaster, or for people with needs, goes through our Deacons Fund to help people affected. None of it goes to overhead expenses unless very specifically directed. We don’t put money aside for a “rainy day fund” when there are people, literally or figuratively, getting rained on. While money was coming in during the 2023 floods, it was going out just as fast to help Cavendish families get back on their feet.

Prior to COVID, there were five active churches in Cavendish, today there are only two (St. James and CBC). The forces that closed 4 of the 6 Churches in Cavendish are pressing on us too. In 2025, to meet the budget of $70,000, we had to take $32,000 more than expected out of the $250,000 of total monetary endowment we currently have. Our current level of support cannot continue to fund our current level of operations.

The request is simple, if we want to make sure the lights are on the next time the town has an emergency  (this winter we could see extended power outages) and people need to be fed/sheltered/clothed etc. we need to help support CBC now.

Help Keep the Lights On by donating via Pay Pal, where you can select your donation to go to either the Emergency Shelter Fund or Building Operations. If you prefer to pay by check, send it to the Cavendish Baptist Church, PO Box 425 Cavendish VT 05142. Checks should be payable to Cavendish Baptist Church, with Emergency Shelter/Building noted on the check.

2. CAVENDISH FUTURE LAND USE MAP: There have been concerns raised about the proposed Cavendish Future Land Use Map, being developed by Mt Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC). This will be on the agenda at Monday night's select board meeting. Be aware of the following:

• Act 181 of (2024) made changes to various laws related to land use, commercial development, and housing development such as: Encouraged smart-growth housing and shifted towards a location-based Act 250 jurisdiction model by adding temporary Interim Housing Exemptions through 2027. The Regional Planning Commissions have been tasked to create Future Land Use Maps (FLU maps) based on new standards through a public process with a focus on equity, climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation. The FLU maps must utilize consistent land use categories across the state. Four of the categories – Downtowns, Village Centers, Planned Growth Areas, and Village Areas – coordinate with the state designation and Act 250 jurisdictional areas.  

• The FLU does not impact current property owners but will impact developers.

• The Cavendish FLU being proposed-best to look at it at the town office as its readability varies by device used-is an update from MARC's 2022 map. Not a lot has changed, with the primary difference being in categories.

• MARC is soliciting input from the town and hopes to solidify it by Sept. 2026. Note that this is MARC's project so they have the final vote on it but there are plenty of ways to voice your opinion about the map.

To learn more about the FLU, check out MARC's webpage on this topic.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid concentrations in Ludlow waste water have risen from very low to moderate as of Nov.29. As of Nov. 22, flu levels remain minimal in Vermont. If you are in need of masks or hand sanitizer these are available for free at the Cavendish Cares Closet next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

• Upgrades at Singleton’s: Singleton’s in Proctorsville, closes at 2 pm on December 9 (Tuesday) and will remain closed on Dec. 10 (Wednesday) for kitchen floor replacement.

• Video featuring Proctor Piper Trail: It was a very wet and rainy morning when a Boston TV film crew came to Proctorsville to film a piece on the Proctor Piper Forest trail. Interviews were conducted with members of the Cavendish Association of Trails as well as the Cavendish Historical Society. Watch the video by clicking here.  

• CHS December Briefs: The December news briefs from the Cavendish Historical Society are now on-line.

• Green Mountain Preschool Has Openings: There is space for two more 3 or 4 year olds for the remainder of the 2025/2026 school year.  The preschool is located at CTES in Proctorsville. FMI: 802 (875-7758) or e-mail Hannah.nadeau@trsu.org

• Vt. property taxes set for another double-digit increase: Vermont’s Tax Department forecasts an average 12% property tax increase based on projections from two-thirds of preliminary school budgets. Per-pupil spending is up nearly $1,000 over last year, about a 7% jump. If the increase takes effect, Vermonters’ property taxes for education will have gone up nearly 41% over the past five years. The increases come as Vermont schools report declining enrollment and test scores.

• How the Dollar Store Industry Overcharges Cash strapped customers while promising low prices:The Guardian

4. EVENTS

DECEMBER 6-7 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): The INNdulgence Tour

DECEMBER 8 (MONDAY): 2ND Public Hearing on Proposed Cavendish Sub Division Bylaws. 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

-       Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm at the Town Office. The agenda will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page when it becomes available.

DECEMBER 20 (SATURDAY): Stuff a Fire Truck to benefit BRGNS food shelf Singleton’s in Proctorsville and Shaw’s Ludlow 9-5

DECEMBER 24 (WEDNESDAY): Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 25 (THURSDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 31 (WEDNESDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (THURSDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Cavendish Update 11/21/25: News/Events

    LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

                           TURKEY BINGO @ CTES TONIGHT @ 6 PM

Christmas Trees and Wreaths for sale at the Cavendish Fire Department along with maple syrup.

Looking for Winter Gear: The Annual Okemo Mountain Ski Swap starts today at the Round House at Jackson Gore-4-7 and continues Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-1. Okemo also opens this weekend.

Turkey Trot: Ludlow’s Annual Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27): 8:30 am registration for walkers, runners, strollers, dogs at Dorsey Park. Donations of cash, canned goods and new toys for Black River Good Neighbors. Prices for winners. FMI: 802-245-4944.

11/21/25

1.    Cavendish Related News

2.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The Vermont health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid concentrations in Ludlow waste water are very low as of Nov.15. As of Nov. 8, flu levels remain minimal in Vermont. Flu season has the potential to be bad this year. Check out Flu Season Could be Nasty

• CHS Fall Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s fall newsletter is now on-line.

• Joanne Ranney: Joanne M. Ranney, 88, of Cavendish, VT passed away on November 12, 2025. She was born in Cavendish on February 21, 1937, daughter of William and Dorothy (Blanchard) Pelkey. Joanne attended Duttonsville School and Chester High School where she graduated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on November 22, 2025, at the Cavendish Baptist Church. Reverend Abraham Gross will officiate.

• Okemo Valley Women’s Club Tree of Remembrance: The Okemo Valley Women’s Club (OVWC) will once again be sponsoring their annual Tree of Remembrance fundraiser this holiday season. This event provides the opportunity to remember loved ones through a donation to the OVWC. All donations go directly to charitable initiatives, primarily addressing important local community needs. A portion is also set aside for scholarships of local students pursuing post-high school academic programs. Following tradition, there will be two Trees of Remembrance this year: one in Ludlow, in Veterans Park, and one in Cavendish, on the Green. The tree lightings, along with some holiday singing, will be on Friday, Dec. 5, at 5:15 p.m. in Ludlow, and 6 p.m. in Cavendish. To participate in this fundraising effort, please mail your donation, payable to “Okemo Valley Women’s Club” to OVWC – Tree of Remembrance, P.O. Box 100, Ludlow, VT 05149. Please print the name of the person to be remembered on a separate piece of paper forwarded with the check, or note the name directly in the memo section of the check.Once received, the name(s) of your loved ones will be published in The Vermont Journal during the holiday season to honor their memory.

• North Star (Ludlow Health Center) Sliding Scale Fee: As a federally qualified health center (FQHC) North Star (Ludlow Health Center) is required to provide care to everyone, no matter their ability to pay. Many people are feeling a financial pinch right now, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Our sliding-scale discount program is here for exactly that reason and many patients qualify without realizing it. If you’re worried about medical bills or need help with an outstanding balance, please apply for financial assistance. Find the forms here. If you’d like help with the forms, Valley Health Connections can guide you: 802-885-1616. Visit https://valleyhealthvt.org/ to learn more. If you’ve signed up for a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, you might see that North Star Health providers aren't shown as in-network. We still accept Humana Medicare Advantage plans, but since we’re considered out of network, your copay could be higher. If this is a hardship for you, please contact Valley Health Connections to learn about your options which may include enrolling in a traditional Medicare plan or applying for our sliding scale financial assistance.

2. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 21 (FRIDAY): Turkey Bingo at CTES 6-8 pm

NOVEMBER 27 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 28 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

DECEMBER 8 (MONDAY): 2ND Public Hearing on Proposed Cavendish Sub Division Bylaws. 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

-       Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm at the Town Office

DECEMBER 20 (SATURDAY): Stuff a Fire Truck to benefit BRGNS food shelf Singleton’s in Proctorsville and Shaw’s Ludlow 9-5

DECEMBER 24 (WEDNESDAY): Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 25 (THURSDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 31 (WEDNESDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (THURSDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Cavendish Update 11/14/25: SB Mtg/Hearing/News/Events

    LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

11/14/25

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 11/10/25

2.    Public Hearing on Proposed Cavendish Sub division Bylaws

3.    Moose Tick Talk @ Cavendish Library

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 11/10/25: A video of Monday night’s Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website and the unapproved minutes are at the town website.

Approved

• Removal of the Green Monster at Greven Field: Those interested in obtaining a piece of the Green Monster, prior to its removal in the spring, should contact the town [802-226-7291].

• Town’s Purchasing and Conflict of Interest Policies

• Cemetery Lot sale

Discussed

• 250th Independence Day Celebration: The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence takes place in 2026. While the Cavendish Historical Society began activities relating to this event with a number of Revolutionary War era activities, in 2025, they will work with the town around activities for July 4th, which will be on a Saturday. While town manager Rick Chambers, would like to have a celebration that day at Greven Field, it’s not clear if the field will be in suitable condition to make that happen.

• Greven Field: Kelly Stettner of Black River Action Team (BRAT) discussed how they are looking into using goats to clear out knot weed and other invasives at Greven in order to plant trees, shrubs and plants that help to enhance its usefulness as a flood plain. The Planning Commission now has Greven Field as an agenda item at all of its meetings and will develop a plan for the SB to approve.

• Tarbell Hill Rising Water: SB member Shannon Devereux wanted to make sure that the town manager was aware of water rising along Tarbell Hill due to beaver activity. Chambers said that he was aware and the highway department hoped to address it the following day.

• Manager’s Report: Cavendish’s Winter Parking Ban is now in effect, which only pertains to town roads. Route 131 is a state road and therefore not subject to the ordinance. Several vehicles have been ticketed and Chambers is working with the sheriff to have one vehicle, which has already received several tickets, towed.

-       The next hearing on the Sub Division Regs will be held at the Dec. 9 before the SB meeting at 6 pm at the Town Office

-       Chambers has contacted the state to put up the school sign that was recently knocked down.

-       The Municipal Planning Grant application has been submitted and the budget is $27,210 with a 10% town match required.

2. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS PUBLIC HEARING 12.8.25: The Cavendish Selectboard will hold the second public hearing regarding the Proposed Draft Subdivision Regulations on December 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Cavendish Town Hall. Copies of the final draft are available at the Town Office or on the Town Website A zoom option is also available.  Meeting ID: 813 1239 1910 Passcode: Cavendish

3.MOOSE TICK TALK AT CAVENDISH FLETCHER LIBRARY:  A moose/winter tick presentation by Katy Gieder will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m., at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 573 Main Street, Proctorsville, Vt.

Gieder has worked as Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s biometrician and research manager since 2017, where she serves as the face for the department’s research projects. She holds a doctorate in wildlife sciences from Virginia Tech, and a master’s degree in biology from Trent University in Ontario. Her experience covers a wide range of different bird, fish, mammal, and plant species, but her focus that ties these species together is studying large, complex threats, and employing the latest tools and technology to help wildlife managers address those threats.

In this presentation, Katy will give an overview of research into winter tick effects on moose in Vermont, and how Vermont Fish and Wildlife is applying that research to ensure a healthy moose population in this state for years to come.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid concentrations in Ludlow waste water are low as of Nov.8. As of Nov. 1, flu levels remain minimal in Vermont.

• BRGNS Robbed: On Nov. 10, Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS) posted the following, “It is with considerable disappointment to share that our thrift store donation box has been stolen. Located in a locked box at our checkout area, money collected goes directly to purchase food for our food shelf. We recognize that folks can do desperate things in desperate times but please know that we are always willing to help those who ask for help.” There has been a significant demand for services from BRGNS given the federal shut down as well as increasing costs. Be aware that if they have a choice between donations of goods or money, the latter is more helpful as they can purchase food at a lower price than most shoppers. If you’d like to donate, you can send checks to BRGNS 37 B Main St., Ludlow VT 05149 or donate on-line.

• BRGNS Holiday Program: This is a community effort involving local businesses and individuals. With economic reverses brought on by the convergence of individualized problems and the general economic decline the need for a little holiday cheer is greater than ever. BRGNS uses an extensive network of local social service providers to gather names of those who may need assistance. BRGNS relies on volunteers to purchase or solicit gifts for children, and pack gifts in time for the holidays. They can always use more help. If you are interested in donating your time and effort please call (802) 228-3663.  Applications for holiday assistance are now available at BRGNS store, from CTES, as well as the BRGNS  website (scroll to the bottom of the page).  Applications need to be filed by Nov. 21.

• Discover Vermont forests that inspire craftsmen and outdoor enthusiasts: Clearlake Furniture carves heirlooms from local trees, while Proctor Piper Trail is stunning in the fall. Step outside and walk through the woods with the Cavendish Association of Trails and you'll be reminded that 75 percent of Vermont’s land is covered by forest. The Association of Trails works to maintain trails throughout Cavendish. The Proctor Piper Trail is an out-and-back trail that gives visitors more than just foliage and wildlife to observe. Dotting the trail are fireplaces from the 1930s that were build by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. WCVB

• Local consumers, retailers face sticker shock as beef prices surge: Singleton’s General Store, with its cattle statues out front, is a place where you can get just about anything from pet supplies to hunting gear. But it’s the Proctorsville market’s meat department that’s the big draw. Beef prices are up significantly from last year. Dan Singleton and his wife are the third-generation owners of the store. WCAX

• Vermont’s school redistricting task force proposes voluntary mergers instead of new district map: The majority of Vermont school redistricting task force members endorsed a proposal on Monday that would incentivize voluntary mergers of the state’s 119 school districts. Most of the committee also opposed a new school district map based around centers for career and technical education. The nearly 170-page proposal approved by the body is a more detailed plan than the rejected career and technical education map, developed by Sen. Scott Beck, R-Caledonia, and Dave Wolk, Gov. Phil Scott’s appointee to the task force. That plan adhered more closely to the guidelines around Act 73 — that is, to draw a map of borders for new school districts. VT Digger

• Governor Scott says school redistricting task force failed its primary directive WCAX

• United Church of Ludlow fundraising dinner for world hunger: The United Church of Ludlow is hosting Stuffed Shells to Stuff Hungry Bellies, a dinner to fight world hunger, on Saturday, Nov. 22, in cooperation with the Ludlow Rotary Club, the Okemo Valley Women’s Club, and Black River Good Neighbor Services. Participants will feast on stuffed shells (meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free), salad, bread, and dessert. From 5-5:30 p.m., those who have ordered takeout can pick up their meals in the church’s Fellowship Hall. At 5:30 p.m., a seated meal will be served to those who preordered. Open seating begins at 6 p.m. Takeout and preorder can be arranged by emailing Linda or George Thomson at Thomson131vt@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 802-558-9057. Diners should provide name and order, including the number of meat, vegetarian, or gluten-free dinners.

5. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 18 (TUESDAY ): Wreath and Tree sale begins at the Cavendish

Fire Dept from 9-4 daily while supplies last.

-       Moose Tick and Talk program at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm. Cavendish Library.

NOVEMBER 21 (FRIDAY): Turkey Bingo at CTES 6-8 pm

NOVEMBER 27 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 28 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

DECEMBER 8 (MONDAY): 2ND Public Hearing on Proposed Cavendish Sub Division Bylaws. 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

-       Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm at the Town Office

   IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 11/7/25: GMUSD/6th Grade/News/Events

    LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND ARE ALL FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. See Events Section below for more information

TONIGHT - Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Pufflin Patrol films being screened at the Cavendish Library at 6 pm.

SATURDAY: Natural Dye and Cyanotype Workshop 1-4 pm at Create Together at Fletcher Farm.

SUNDAY: The Annual Proctorsville Ghost Walk gets underway at 2 pm. Meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY RAIN THIS EVENT WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER 30TH.Check Facebook on Sunday.

11/7/25

1.    GMUSD Board meeting-$20M to Fix GMUHS/Moving 6th grade

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. GMUSD BOARD MEETING-$20M TO FIX GMUHS/MOVING 6TH GRADE:  At the October 30th Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting, a report was given on airborne PCB levels at GMUHS, indicating that they’ve been able to temporarily keep levels low enough to meet state standards. However, the long term fix would be more than $20 million. See the Chester Telegraph’s Estimates for PCB fix at GM High School Top $20 Million for more on the cost breakdowns.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine atoms domestically manufactured from 1929 until banned in 1979. PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including: Electrical, heat transfer and hydraulic equipment; Plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products; Pigments, dyes and carbonless copy paper. GMUHS was built in the late 1960s.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. They have been shown to cause cancer in animals as well as a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including: effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans support evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs. The different health effects of PCBs may be interrelated. Alterations in one system may have significant implications for the other systems of the body. 

More than just a follow up report on conditions at GMUHS, there is a push, coming from the Chester members of the GMUSD board to move the 6th grade students from Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) and Chester Andover Elementary School (CAES) to GMUHS starting in the fall of 2026. CAES desires this move to decrease crowding at their school, and it has been a possibility discussed since the creation of the GMUSD in 2017.

The Cavendish representatives to the GMUSD board are not in favor of this move, not only because it would  significantly increase the risk of closing CTES but also because of developmental concerns.

Dr. Lisa Sanders, a developmental cognitive neuroscientist and one of Cavendish reps to the board, wrote an  Op-ed: In defense of our sixth-graders for the Chester Telegraph. She writes, Why would sixth graders be sent to GMUHS despite the evidence? There are better alternatives. We haven’t been provided with a rationale for this change. However, I am concerned that administrators who fear losing their jobs under Act 73 are attempting to strengthen their position in reorganized districts, and are willing to do so on the backs of vulnerable 6th graders.

The research indicates that 6th graders who transition to middle school experience sharp drops in reading and math achievement and are 18% more likely to drop out of high school by the 10th grade. Where overall academic performance in a middle school is at least as strong as performance in elementary schools, those losses are typically recovered in two to three years. Where scores in the middle school are lower, recovery is not as complete and not as fast.

The transition to middle school for 6th graders is also marked by sharp increases in disciplinary problems, especially drug-related incidents. Those negative effects persist at least through the 9th grade. At GMUHS, there is the added risk of exposure to PCBs; continued monitoring will be required to determine if it is legal for 6th graders to be in the building.

There are better alternatives. Cavendish Town Elementary School was ranked as No. 2 of 139 Vermont elementary schools for performance “well above expectations.” CTES is currently at 60% of the listed building capacity. Moving some families from Chester-Andover Elementary School to Cavendish would relieve the space crunch and increase the performance of students who move and probably those who don’t. Note: The 2026 US News Reports ranks CTES at number 3 for VT elementary schools, and CAES at 92.

Can GMUHS be remediated in time to move the 6th grades in the fall of 2026? Where would funds come from to pay such costs? Is it even realistic to consider this in light of Act 73?

For a number of years, the closure of GMUHS has been an option that various people in Cavendish have asked to have discussed and considered. With an enrollment of less than 300 students in grades 7-12, would GMUHS be one of the schools closed as part of the Act 73 school district consolidations?

Saunders said, “I can understand Chester and nearby towns wanting to keep a high school through and after Act 73 redistricting. The way to do that is to strengthen the school to the point that fewer families seek other options. Despite multiple requests, I cannot access the data on the number of 12- to 18-year-olds who live in the district but are not educated at GMUHS. It is only my guess that those percentages are higher here than in other districts.

While we can’t answer that question for the district, we’ve attempted to try and understand what’s happening in Cavendish. At a minimum, seven 9-12th grade students from Cavendish are currently attending Woodstock High School and three attend Mt. St. Josephs in Rutland. For middle school, four Cavendish students attend Christ the King in Rutland. Springfield High School, Claremont Christian Academy and home schooling are other options being used by Cavendish families.

In May 2023, the CTES’s CPTG (Parent Teacher Group) held a forum on school restructuring. With approximately 40 people in attendance, one of the questions posed to the audience was how many wanted school choice for 7-12 grades. Nearly all in attendance raised their hands.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid concentrations in Ludlow waste water are low as of Nov.5. As of Oct. 25, flu levels remain minimal in Vermont.

• Cavendish Fire Dept. Trees and Wreaths Sale: Trees and wreaths go on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept station starting Nov. 18 from 9-4

• Chester Police Provide Finger Printing: Are you in need of civilian fingerprinting to work or volunteer at your local school, daycare, after school or mentorship program?  Chester Police Department performs employment required fingerprint services, by appointment, during our open lobby hours. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment: (802)875-2035. You must have a fingerprint authorization form, signed by the requesting agency, and a government issued form of ID (license, non-driver ID, etc.). There is a $35 fee which can be paid by check or exact cash. Everything is digital - no inky fingers!

• State-funded food aid will arrive to Vermonters Friday amid unclear timing of new federal funds VT Digger

• Great American Smoke Out: The Great American Smoke Out is November 20. If you’ve been thinking about quitting or reducing your tobacco and nicotine usage,  Vermont’s Health’s tobacco treatment specialist Dana has a few helpful tips to make your quitting journey a bit easier. Visit 802quits.org — you don’t have to do it alone!

3. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 7 (FRIDAY): The Cavendish Library and the Cavendish Community & Conservation Association are hosting two short films on migratory birds - Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Pufflin Patrol. Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville AT 6 pm. This  is a free event for all ages.

NOVEMBER 8 (SATURDAY): Free Natural Dye and Cyanotype Workshop 1-4 pm at Create Together at Fletcher Farm.

NOVEMBER 9 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Proctorsville Ghost Walk. Meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial at 2 pm. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This walk includes the Proctor Cemetery. We will be giving away free Cemetery Guides. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

NOVEMBER 18 (TUESDAY): Wreath and Tree sale begins at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4 daily while supplies last.

NOVEMBER 21 (FRIDAY): Turkey Bingo at CTES 6-8 pm

NOVEMBER 27 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 28 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

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