Cavendish Update 8/7/26: Survey/RFPs/Timber Sale/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SALSA DANCE/BLOCK PARTY: SATURDAY 5-9:30 pm at Super Roasted (73 Depot St.) in Proctorsville. Moon & Stars will be serving up Arepass & Empanadas. Come, Eat, Drink, Learn and Dance!

DAYTIME CLOSURE FOR MILL STREET AUG 10-14: Mill Street in Cavendish will be closed to through traffic from Monday August 10th to Friday August 14th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for structural work on the Railroad Trestle,

CAVENDISH LIBRARY CLOSED TODAY (8/7) DUE TO CARPET CLEANING. 

VOTE: PRIMARY VOTING IS TUESDAY AUGUST 11 10-7 @ the Proctorsville Fire Hall  

BLACK RIVER WATER SAMPLING:  Bacteria levels in the swimming spots sampled are safe for all locations. Keep in mind After heavy rains, stay out of any body of water for at least 48 hours to avoid the risk of getting sick from contaminated water. Swimming areas  regularly tested : Buttermilk Falls; Cavendish Gorge; Lakes Rescue & Pauline; Tolles Power Dam; Twenty Foot Hole;

 

8/7/26

1.    Town of Cavendish Community Survey

2.    Requests for Proposals

3.    Timber Sale on Knapp Pond Wildlife Management Area

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

 

1.TOWN OF CAVENDISH COMMUNITY SURVEY:: This survey gathers input from residents and property owners to guide the Town of Cavendish's long-term planning goals, priorities and investments. A central focus is to maintain the rural character of Cavendish, continue it's working landscape and preserve it's natural and cultural resources-including open spaces, farms, forests and scenic areas--while balancing thoughtful growth with community needs. Your feedback will help shape policies that protect what makes Cavendish unique while planning for it's future.

Input is welcomed from all members of the Cavendish community including residents of both Cavendish and the Village of Proctorsville, renters, business owners, and non-resident property owners.

One survey per community member is encouraged

Click on one of the links below take the survey via Survey Monkey.

Cavendish Town Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TS7W5JW

 

2. REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS: The Town of Cavendish is seeking bids from qualified contractors for energy improvements to the Town Office, Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Filtration Plant, and for ADA improvements to the Town Office. The Request for Bids and related plans and specifications can be found on the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission’s website under “Grants & RFPs.” A walk-through is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, starting at 9:00 AM at the Town Office (37 High Street in Cavendish). The deadline for bid submissions is Friday, September 4, at 4:00 PM.

 

3. TIMBER SALE ON KNAPP POND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will be conducting a timber sale on the Knapp Brook Wildlife Management Area beginning in the late summer of 2026 and lasting for approximately six to eight weeks. This timber sale is prescribed in a long range management plan developed for the propertyand is scheduled to occur in Units 2 and 3 of the “Evens Lot” accessed via Moriglioni Road in Cavendish.

The primary objective of this work is to protect and enhance important wildlife habitats including wetlands, deer wintering areas, hard mast stands (i.e., red oak), and young forest habitats. The secondary goal of this management activity is the maintenance of winter-time recreation activities on the VAST trail which serves as the primary access for the timber sale, the sustainable production of high quality timber, and the enhancement of low-impact recreational opportunities such as hunting and wildlife viewing.

These objectives will be met by the implementation of thinning and small patch cut practices focused on the removal of declining softwoods (i.e., red spruce and balsam fir) and at risk hardwoods (i.e., American beech, ash and other poorly formed hardwoods) and the retention of healthy eastern hemlock, white pine, red oak and sugar maple. Recent past similar forest management practices on the Evens Lot have yielded excellent results leaving the forest more diverse, healthy and productive for wildlife while maintaining and improving access for recreationists.

For additional details and questions, please contact the Springfield district stewardship forester from the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, Tim Morton at tim.morton@vermont.gov .

 

4..CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Congratulations to Abe Gross: The Ludlow Rotary Club honored several outstanding individuals for their dedicated service, leadership, and philanthropy. The 2026 Ludlow Rotary Community Service Awards, bestowed upon long-time community champions George Benson Jr. and Pastor Abraham Gross of Cavendish. Pastor Abraham "Abe" Gross was honored for his tireless advocacy, emergency response efforts, and deep-rooted volunteerism across the region. Serving as Pastor of his church and Assistant Chief of the Cavendish Fire Department, Pastor Gross wears many hats in service to his neighbors.

• CHS Summer Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society. (CHS) Summer 2026 newsletter is now available on-line. This issue includes an historical timeline of the Black River as well as calendar of events.

• Southern Vermont nonprofit for older volunteers shutters due to federal funding cuts: Green Mountain RSVP operated in Windsor, Windham and Bennington counties and was one of four programs in Vermont to manage the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Erica Walch, Green Mountain RSVP’s former director, said they oversaw nearly 300 volunteers working in local schools and hospitals, delivering meals and teaching fitness and strength training classes. Closing was the result of loosing federal funding. VT Public

 

5. EVENTS

AUGUST 8 (SATURDAY): A Midsummer Night’s Salsa Dance” 5-9:30 Beginner class 5:30-6:45. Open social to follow Dance casino, Bachata, merengue with Julia and Jano of Embodied Arts by Rix. 5-9:30 SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St. Proctorsville.

AUGUST 10-14 (MONDAY-FRIDAY): Day time closure of Mill Street. 9-5 pm

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): Primary voting at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 10-7.

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): HONEY FEST Proctorsville Green

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 7/31/26: Jobs/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website 

BLACK RIVER WATER SAMPLING:  The Cavendish Gorge swimming area came back with levels of 649 cfu (colony forming usints of bacteria), which is well above the EPA’s limit for safe swimming of 235 cfu.  All other areas, were under the 235 cfu. Keep in mind After heavy rains, stay out of any body of water for at least 48 hours to avoid the risk of getting sick from contaminated water. Swimming areas  regularly tested : Buttermilk Falls; Cavendish Gorge; Lakes Rescue & Pauline; Tolles Power Dam; Twenty Foot Hole;

CONCERT ON THE GREEN AUGUST 5  (WEDNESDAY) Note-This is the last concert of the season. Thank you CCCA for making this possible. Rick Redington & Tough Luv 6 pm Svec Park (Proctorsville Green.) In the event of storms, the alternate venue is the Proctorsville Fire Department, 513 Main St.

INTERESTED IN BEING A VENDOR AT THE HONEY FEST SEPT 5TH. There are no vendor fees. Register at Proctorsvillevt.com/honeyfest

7/31/26

1.    New from BRGNS: Strength & Balance Class/Back to School Program

2.    Local Job Opportunities

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

 

1.NEW FROM BRGNS: STRENGTH & BALANCE TRAINING BEGINNER CLASS/BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM: Starting September 15, Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRDNS) is offering a strength and balance workshop for beginners from 9:30-10”30 twice weekly.  The classes will be held at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St.  Ludlow.  Pre-registration is required. Call 802-228-3663.

Back to School Program: The deadline is Aug.13 to file an application for the Back to School program that provides school and other necessary supplies for the start of school. To fill out an application, stop by BRGNS, call 802-228-3663 or go to the website for an application form.

 

2. LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES: The following jobs are available in Cavendish:

CTES: Long term substitute for Kindergarten starting August 2025. FMI: angela.cartier@trsu.org

Singleton’s: We are looking for a reliable, experienced Meat Cutter to join our team! We’re looking for someone who is dependable, takes pride in their work, and has meat cutting experience. Competitive pay based on experience. Apply in person, send us a message, email store@singletonsvt.com your resume.

 

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• State school merger lead facilitator finalists announced: One educator, David Younce (Mill River High School principal during the Act 46 process) and a consulting firm, The Creative Discourse Group, will have final interviews next week The Vermont Learning Collaborativeannounced late Tuesday afternoon that it has selected two finalists for the job of lead facilitator for the school merger study group work mandated by Act 170. Chester Telegraph

• Vermont ends yet another healthcare reform experiment: The state has quit a federal healthcare experiment it had once hoped could draw significantly more funding into Vermont, saying new terms put forward by the Trump administration nullified any potential upside. Vermont’s withdrawal from the so-called AHEAD model means the state will need to find a new way to raise and distribute extra cash to struggling primary care providers. It is increasingly difficult for Vermonters to access primary care, and the state had hoped that participating in the effort could bring back federal dollars that once bolstered a system suffering from a shortage of clinicians and low reimbursement rates. VT Public

• 2026 Vermont Primary Election Guide from VT Digger

 A pharmacy chain in Vermont implemented AI for efficiency. It’s led to delays, incorrect information and privacy concerns. In voicemails, spam folders and text messages across Vermont, an artificial intelligence tool is filing through years of pharmaceutical records, incoherently listing drugs and requesting the wrong refills on sensitive medication. And customers often have no idea they agreed to it. Earlier this summer, amid a nationwide wave of AI technology enteringhealthcare systems, Kinney Drugs implemented a new AI assistant for prescription refill services, lauding the tool as a way to improve communication and efficiency. But customers say it’s doing the opposite.   VT Digger

 

4. EVENTS

AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm Rick Redington & Tough Luv. Last concert of the season.

AUGUST 8 (SATURDAY): “A Midsummer Night’s Salsa Dance” 5-9:30 on August 8 (Saturday). Beginner class 5:30-6:45. Open social to follow Dance casino, Bachata, merengue with Julia and Jano of Embodied Arts by Rix. 5-9:30 SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St. Proctorsville.

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): Primary voting at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 10-7.

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): HONEY FEST Proctorsville Green

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 7/24/26: Tag Sale/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

16TH ANNUAL CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE. IS TOMORROW FROM 9-2.  It’s going to be a beautiful day. Perfect time to check out treasurers galore all over town. To reserve a space on the Greens and/or have your site included in the on line directory, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com Once again the fire departments will be providing delicious food. Cavendish will have pulled pork with sides at the fire house. Proctorsville will be on the green with their BBQ. On the subject of food, Cam will once again be sharing her cookie skills on the Proc Green. Efficiency VT and the VT Health Department will be set up there as well with lots of freebies to help save water and aid in healing. The Cavendish Library will be holding their annual book/DVD sale and the Cavendish Historical Society will be by the gazebo with not only freebies, but plants, books etc. Both the Cavendish Baptist and St. James Methodist will be selling in front of their respective churches. Be sure to check the on-line directory for all the various places to shop.

STOP BY THE CAVENDISH CONNECTS BOOTH (PROCTORSVILLE PARK GAZEBO) AND DONATE TO SUPPORT THE UPDATE, WEBSITE & OTHER SERVICES  

CONCERT ON THE GREEN JULY 2 (WEDNESDAY) Deb Brisson & Friends 6 pm Svec Park (Proctorsville Green.) In the event of storms, the alternate venue is the Proctorsville Fire Department, 513 Main St. 

BLACK RIVER WATER SAMPLING:  Bacteria levels in the swimming spots sampled are gppd/ Keep in mind After heavy rains, stay out of any body of water for at least 48 hours to avoid the risk of getting sick from contaminated water. Swimming areas  regularly tested : Buttermilk Falls; Cavendish Gorge; Lakes Rescue & Pauline; Tolles Power Dam; Twenty Foot Hole;

 

7/24//26

1.    Recycling Items that didn’t sell

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

 

1. RECYCLING ITEMS THAT DIDN’T SELL:  If you are doing tomorrow’s tag sale and are looking to “rehome” items that didn’t sell, consider the following:

• Apparel Impact: Closest box is by Spaulding’s on route 106 by the Cavendish Chester line. They take all clothing, sheets, towels, all footwear and accessories, including hats, purses, bags, pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, belts, gloves, ties, scarves, and Jewelry.

• Cavendish Transfer Station: Check out the transfer station’s recycling list and keep in mind that electronic recycling includes batteries as well as things like Christmas lights.

• ReMake: A second hand store for art supplies, you can drop off donations Wednesday 2-6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10-2 at 72 Merchants Row in Rutland. Click here for their donation guidelines.

• Black River Good Neighbors Services:/Good Wil/Salvation Army:  While BRGNS does go through items and selects only what they want, there are other places to take items including Good Will in Rutland and Brattleboro and the Salvation Army in Rutland

A - Z Recycling and Waste Guide

• On-line Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and E-Bay are all options if you don’t need to get rid of items immediately. If it’s a craft item, consider Etsy.

 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Update on Brendan McNamara: The news is good. According to the posts from his family on the Go Fund Me page The surgery went very well, and the surgeon was able to remove the entire tumor…While we still have to wait 1–2 weeks for the final pathology report to determine the complete diagnosis, everything we’ve heard today is incredibly positive, reassuring, and truly the best news we could have hoped for. We are so grateful to his amazing surgical team and to everyone who has been praying, thinking of us, checking in, and supporting our family. Your love has carried us through this journey. Brendan is now home and in recovery mode.

• Cyclosporiasis in Vermont: The following information is from the Vermont Department of Health. While the national news may sound alarming, cyclosporiasis cases are rare in Vermont, and the small number reported each year is most often linked to international travel. The most common foodborne illnesses in Vermont are caused by Campylobacter, Salmonella and norovirus. You can lower your risk of foodborne illness by following these everyday food safety practices: Wash fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating, cutting or cooking them. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Cook foods to safe temperatures. Refrigerate perishable foods promptly. Learn more at HealthVermont.gov Note that Nine people have been sickened by cyclospora from eating lettuce at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. The lettuce was from Taylor Farms. Click here for more information.

•  Vermont officials concerned as White House announces 50% tariffs on some Canadian products VT Digger

 

3. EVENTS

JULY 25 (SATURDAY): 16TH ANNUAL CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE.

JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY): Play group  for 0-5 year olds with Cara Tyrell @ Cavendish Library 10:30 am

JULY 29 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Deb Brisson & Friends

AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm Rick Redington & Tough Luv

AUGUST 8 (SATURDAY): A Midsummer Night’s Salsa Dance” 5-9:30 on August 8 (Saturday). Beginner class 5:30-6:45. Open social to follow Dance casino, Bachata, merengue with Julia and Jano of Embodied Arts by Rix. 5-9:30 SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St. Proctorsville.

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): Primary voting at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 10-7.

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): HONEY FEST Proctorsville Green

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

RECYCLING ITEMS THAT DIDN’T SELL:

Looking to “rehome” items that didn’t sell at the tag sale, or your just trying to declutter, consider the following:

• Apparel Impact: Closest box is by Spaulding’s on route 106 by the Cavendish Chester line. They take all clothing, sheets, towels, all footwear and accessories, including hats, purses, bags, pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, belts, gloves, ties, scarves, and Jewelry.

• Cavendish Transfer Station: Check out the transfer station’s recycling list and keep in mind that electronic recycling includes batteries as well as things like Christmas lights.

• ReMake: A second hand store for art supplies, you can drop off donations Wednesday 2-6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10-2 at 72 Merchants Row in Rutland. Click here for their donation guidelines. You’ll be surprised by what they take.

• Black River Good Neighbors Services:/Good Wil/Salvation Army:  While BRGNS does go through items and selects only what they want, there are other places to take items including Good Will in Rutland and Brattleboro and the Salvation Army in Rutland

A - Z Recycling and Waste Guide