February 06, 2026

Events

February 06, 2026/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

Due to computer issues, which were resolved with a new computer, there was no Cavendish Update for Jan. 30.

SALT SHORTAGE: Cavendish is experiencing the same road salt shortage seen throughout New England. Nearing complete depletion, salting will be at a minimum. Please use caution and drive slowly.

PLEASE CONSERVE WATER: Due to the demand on our water system and our inability to produce enough water to meet that demand we are asking for all residents to conserve water. Things you can do to help: Take shorter showers. Only run the dishwasher when full. Laundry water should match the load. Turn off water when brushing your teeth. Make sure there is no leaking toilet or dripping faucet
With our extra water production recently our filter media will need to be changed. This change will result in a temporary stop in production. To avoid complete depletion of our water we ask that all users extremely limit water usage. Once the media has been changed and we regain our reserved supply we will be able to lift this order. Please see item 4 FMI 802-226-7291.

SATURDAY WORKSHOP: Make an 18th century valentine 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. (See Events section below for more information).

Ludlow Health Center Walk-In hours are only available 9-2 today.

Cold Weather Advisory in effect from Saturday 6 pm to Sunday 1 pm

2/6/26

1. Warnings for Town, GMUSD and RVTC

2. Slate of Candidates Running for Cavendish Elected Positions

3. VT routes 103 & 131 Intersection Railroad Projects

4. Town Water Update 1/30/26

5. Cavendish Related News

6. Events Calendar

1. WARNINGS FOR TOWN, GMUSD AND RVTC

Cavendish Town Meeting: The Warning for Town Meeting is available by clicking here. Town Meeting, which is an informational meeting, takes places on Saturday, February 28th at Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville at 10 am. Voting on all articles is by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 3, from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station.

Articles 1-3 are similar to previous years-election of town officers (article 1); collection of taxes (article 2) and voting of the FY 2025-2026 Town Budget of $2,724,654 (article3). Additional articles are as follows:

Article 4: Shall the Cavendish voters adopt Subdivision Regulations

Article 5: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 to Okemo Valley Technical Rescue to support their operations.

Article 6: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $500 to. Vermont Red Cross to support their operations.

Article 7: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $3,000 to the Black River Senior Center to support their operations

Article 8: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $100 to the Vermont Center for Independent Living to support their operations.

Article 9: To discuss any other business deemed appropriate when met

GMUSD: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Annual School District Meeting will be held on Feb. 26h at 6 pm at Green Mountain Union High School. The Warning is available by clicking here

The Warning for the GMUSD voting, which will be done by Australian Ballot on March 3 (Tuesday) from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station, is available by clicking here. Article 1: Approval of the School Board to expend $19,341,997.00 with an estimated per pupil cost of $16,060.66, which is 9,98% higher than per pupil education spending for the current year.

River Valley Technical Center: The warning for the annual meeting and informational meeting, taking place on Feb. 26 (Thursday) at the RVTC Café Rum. B106 at the Howard Dean Education Center, Springfield at 7 pm is available by clicking here.

Article I: Shall the voters of the River Valley Technical Center School District approve the sum of three million, five hundred thirty-seven thousand, two hundred thirty-eight dollars ($3,537,238) to defray current expenses for the ensuing fiscal year to pay outstanding orders and obligations?

To be voted by Australian on March 3 (Tuesday) 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station is the budget of $3,480,129.

2. SLATE OF CAVENDISH CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING DAY: The following candidates are running for elected town positions. Voting is March 3 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. Note that all candidates are running unopposed.

Moderator: Michael J Ripley

Select Board 1 year terms, select two Shannon Devereaux; David Norton

Select Board 3 year term, Robert Glidden

Grand Juror – Theresa McNamara

Town Clerk – One 3-year term – No candidate

Town Treasurer – One 3-year term – No candidate

Auditor – No candidate

Auditor One – No candidate

Trustee of Public Funds – No candidate

Trustee of Public Funds — No candidate

Library Trustee — One position 5 year term – No candidate

Green Mountain Unified School District Director – One position 3-year term – Michael J. Ripley

Green Mountain Unified School District Director – One position 2 -year of an unexpired 3-year term – Donovan Nichols

In the event a town clerk and town treasurer are not elected on town meeting by write in ballots, the Select Board can appoint someone to these positions.

3. VT ROUTES 103 & 131 INTERSECTION RAILROAD PROJECT: This active project is for the replacement of the center pier on Bridge #132 on the Green Mountain Railroad. Work began in mid-January and will continue through the summer. The contractual completion date is October 23, 2026.

The contractor, ECI, has the following tentative schedule (subject to change):

• From mid-January to mid-April, work will include building the causeway, driving production piles, installing the cofferdams, installing shoring towers, constructing the pier footings, and constructing the piers.

• From mid-April to early July, work will include shoring the superstructure, constructing the new pier cap, lowering the superstructure back down onto the existing bearings on new pedestals, and removing the shoring towers

• From July until August, the contractor plans to restore the site and mobilize out.

This work is expected to have little to no impact on Vermont Route 103. The majority of the access will be from Greven Road Extension via an easement. Rick Chambers, Town Manager Cavendish VT 802-226-7291

4. TOWN WATER UPDATE 1/30/26: The following is from Cavendish Town Manager Rick Chambers: I am reposting last week’s notice https://www.cavendishvt.com/news/town-water-update-1302026 as all the information still pertains to today. I know this is very frustrating and I do apologize and I wish there was some operational change that could have been made to resolve this quicker. We have an organization coming Monday to begin checking for subsurface leaks. This is something I feel is important to check for even though we have no indication a leak exists. It is possible, and it could be part of the demand we are seeing. If a leak is found, we will be able to replenish our reservoirs gradually while also meeting the daily usage. I have also begun contacting engineers to begin work on a long term solution.

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid as “low” and flu “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 1/25/26-1/31/26. Statewide Covid and flu are rated as “high,” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• Proctorsville woman dies in snowmobile crash in Brighton: WCAX

• CHS February Briefs: The Cavendish Historical list of upcoming events and other activities is now available on line.

• State Suspends Windsor County Sheriff’s law enforcement credentials: Vermont Public

• Peru Fair ends but warm memories will live on: Chester Telegraph

6. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7 (SATURDAY): CHS free workshop: Write an 18th Century Valentine. The workshop will include: writing with a “quill pen,” examples of letters written for Valentine’s Day, folding the letter and sealing it with wax (letter locking). 1-2:30 at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St., Proctorsville. Recommended for those 12 and up. FMI 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

FEBRUARY 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Hall. Agenda will be posted

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

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.

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

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.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

January 23, 2026

Cavendish Update 1/23/26: Town Water/News/Events

January 23, 2026/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON.. The dangerously cold wind chills of 20 to 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT: Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations 7 inches or more possible.

1/23/26

1. Cavendish Water: Notice from Town Manager

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

1. TOWN WATER UPDATE 1/16/: Cavendish’s Town Manager, Rick Chambers, issued the following statement, As the discolored water in town continues, I want to give a quick update. Even though we have seen a small decrease in daily usage, our demand continues to be the same. This demand is caused by daily usage and the need for us to replenish our water reserve in our tanks. Our goal is to balance the act of filling our tanks fast enough without making the problem worse. When we have enough water capacity, we will strategically flush some lines which should help speed up the clearing process. We have no indication of unsafe conditions. Although unsightly, the water is safe and we continue to monitor and test. As the system recovers you may see days of clear water only to have the discoloration return the next day. Letting us know when your water clears will allow us to concentrate on areas still experiencing an issue.

A few things to note:

1.Conserving water will allow us to replenish our reserves faster. [The following devices can reduce the amount of water you use: Faucet aerators; low-flow showerheads; toilet leak detection (dye tablets for checking toilet leaks); showerhead shut off valves and hose nozzles. If you are looking to purchase new appliances that use water, such as washers and dishwasher, check the Efficiency VT Rebate website. ]

2. Avoid using any oxidizing agent like bleach as this will make the problem worse

3. As we work towards a long-term solution, installing a house wide filtration system may be something you would want to consider. Talk with neighbors or local plumbers about systems installed in town already.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid as “moderate” and flu “very high” in concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 1/11/26-1/17/26. Statewide Covid is rated as “low” and flu “very high.” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• Matthew T. Birmingham 1948-2026: Known to many in Cavendish as their lawyer, or when he was working on his Cavendish farm, Matt died January 15, at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH following complications from a serious illness. A celebration of Matt's life will be held at Ascutney Outdoor Center on May 31st from 1-3pm.

• 18-year-old shot by Ludlow police chief pleads not guilty to attempted murder: VT Public

• Roz Klezos named practice director of Ludlow Health Center: Chester Telegraph

• Gov. Scott pushes for ‘disciplined’ spending with $9.4 billion state budget proposal: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott proposed a $9.4 billion budget to state lawmakers on Tuesday that he called a “disciplined” spending plan in the face of waning support — and more cuts likely to come — from the federal government. Scott’s proposal, which lays out spending for a one-year period starting in July, is about 3% larger than the state budget he and the Legislature enacted last year. But he said his latest plan calls for fewer new initiatives, largely because the state no longer has Covid-19 pandemic-era federal relief funding available for new uses. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

JANUARY 26 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Budget meeting, 6: 30pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda and Zoom information available at the Town Website

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

January 16, 2026

Cavendish Update 1/16/26: SB Mtg/Budget/Rec/Wkshop/Greven

January 16, 2026/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

A Proctorsville resident lost their home on Monday due to fire. The father and his young children were saved by a smoke detector that alerted them. Please check and make sure your detectors are in good working order. If you would like to donate to Go Fund Me to help this family, click here.

1/16/26

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 1/12/26

2. Greven Field: Planning Commission Meeting

3. 18th Century Valentine’s Workshop

4. Cavendish Related News

5. Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/12: The video of the monthly Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website. Unapproved minutes are available at the Town’s website

Note that Layne Millington, TRSU Superintendent, did not attend the meeting and therefore not available to discuss the school budget. However, a forum is being held on Jan. 20th (Tuesday) at 6 pm at CTES, with two goals-provide voters with information about school tax rates and to begin the discussion of current class sizes compared to Act 73’s requirement. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts and ideas on how toachieve these class size targets. Zoom Access: https://trsu.zoom.us/j/89934892830?jst=2

Items Approved

• To hold the Town’s Informational Meeting at 10 am on Feb. 28 at Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), pending approval by the school’s principal

• To say the Pledge of Allegiance at SB meetings after the meeting has been called to order

Discussed

Elimination of the Town Recreation Director Position: Until 2014, Cavendish did not have a paid recreation director. The schools sports program was coordinated by parents with the assistance of the school’s administrative assistant. Due to several factors-the flooding of Greven Field and its extensive rebuild following tropical storm Irene in 2011, a declining school enrollment (dropped from 130 in 1993 to 91 in 2014) and the school’s administrative asst. retiring, parents wanted a recreation director to run the school’s sports program and to offer programming for the entire community. In the ensuing years, it was not for lack of trying various programs like volley ball, ice skating etc., but adults didn’t attend. Further, Greven Field would periodically flood causing delays and cancellations of events.

Starting with the July 2023 floods, Greven Field flooded four times within a 12 month period, making it unusable as a ball field. In addition, the enrollment at CTES for students in K-6 has dropped to 62 students.

While those in attendance, as well as those who wrote letters, expressed frustration that they were not informed about the possibility of this position being eliminated, so planning or other avenues could be explored, Selectman Dave Norton stated that this has been up for discussion starting with last year’s Informational Meeting held prior to Town Meeting. It was discussed at the Budget meetings on Dec. 22 and Jan. 5.

The concerns of the SB board about a need for a rec director focused on the fact that the programming offered is “in-school programs.” As selectman Mike Ripley noted, he thought the recreation director does a lot for the school, which was fine when it was our own school district, but now the Town is paying for TRSU to have a recreation program.

While the current rec director thought Greven Field could be redone, town manager Rick Chambers said that wasn’t realistic. Greven would be an informal area for recreation but not a baseball and soccer field like before. [See item 2 below for discussion on Greven Field at the January 7 Planning Committee meeting].

During the discussion at the Jan. 5th meeting where the board voted on eliminating the rec director position, Mike asked where is the cut off point for the number of students in the school to do this. Dave said that he thought that someone at the school could coordinate sports. Shannon (Deverux) suggested that the TRSU should have one person to coordinate all schools sports. She also thought Cavendish kids could play on other school’s teams. Dave didn’t say there shouldn’t be school sports, he just thought someone else should do it.

Chambers pointed out that the current rec director’s position ends June 30th so there is time to make plans for the 2026/2027 school year and funds are being left in the recreation budget for equipment and/or payments to other towns so kids can play there.

Water: The recent holiday season saw a return of brown water to municipal water users, particularly in Proctorsville. Chambers explained this was due to high usage. Normally, the town uses about 65,000 gallons of water daily, but during the recent holidays, the town was averaging 135,000 gallons per day.

As water moves through the pipes, naturally occurring minerals fall out, creating sediment in the pipes. When the lines are flushed, the sediment is stirred up resulting in brown water.

Cavendish filters it’s water, due to high levels of naturally occurring iron and manganese, so that slows the process of how quickly the water supply can be replaced during high peak times. Further, at the levels of holiday demand, the water is moving through the pipes with the same type of force that occurs when the town does fall and spring flushing, when water users see brown and cloudy water. With bi annual flushing this water goes out through hydrants, where now it’s coming into peoples’ homes.

Christmas and New Year’s occurred at such a time to allow two steady weeks of high water usage due to visitors. Even though the water tanks in both Cavendish and Proctorsville were filled to overflowing before the holiday season began, it wasn’t possible to keep up with the demand.

It's clear that changes are needed. Chambers discussed having an engineering study that provides reasonable solutions, recognizing the high cost of adding a second filtration system as well as a new transmission line from the Cavendish water plant to Proctorsville. While there isn’t the kind of funding there once was for this type of infrastructure project, the engineering study would be able to identify possible funding sources, including low and no cost loans.

Chambers said that anyone with questions should call him at the town office 802-226-7291.

VTRANS Railroad Project: The railroad project at the intersection of Routes 103 and 131 will take place in the next few weeks. They will be staging for the project on Greven Rd. Extension.

Speed Limit Signage: Chambers has been told by the state that the speed limit signs by the school will be installed in the spring.

Elections: Petitions for town elected positions need to be picked up from the town office and requires signatures of 12 Cavendish registered voters. Petitions need to be returned to the Town Office by January 26th by 5 pm.

Next Budget Meeting: The meeting has been set for January 26 at 6:30 pm.

2. GREVEN FIELD:Planning Commission Meeting: Okemo Valley TV website has a video of the January 7 meeting and the Town Website includes unapproved minutes. Kelly Stettner of Black River Action Team (BRAT) joined the Planning Commission discussion on Greven Field Restoration and an action plan for spring/summer 2026. There was agreement that this needed to be a flood plain but that it could serve the community by offering walking/nature trails, wildlife tracking, bird watching, plant and flower education, painting classes and other low impact workshops. To prepare the field for such activities the following will be needed:

• Removal of the Green Monster, approved by the SB, and offered to anyone who might want a piece of it. The removal will be done by a contractor.

• Knotweed eradication is an important component of flood plain management. Stettner is waiting on an estimate from Amy Braxmier about using her goats at Greven, which can effectively remove invasive plants without using herbicides. Before goats can be brought to Greven, the field needs to be free of all debris. While a considerable amount of work has been done there, more is still needed. It was suggested that Green Up Day-the first Saturday in May-would be a good time for a community clean-up of Greven. Stettner thought the goats would arrive late May or early June.

• Stettner will also be looking into other measures of bank stabilization.

• Tim Calabresse has agreed to develop sketches about the proposed plan and put them out for public comment.

• There is about $6,500 to help with Greven Restoration, but it will go very quickly.

3. 18th CENTURY VALENTINE WORKSHOP: In keeping with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is running a series of events in 2026 to honor this occasion.

Letter writing in the Revolutionary War time period was not only a way to stay in touch with friends and family, write a valentine or conduct business, but it was critical to spying and winning the war. Using codes, ciphers and various “letter locking” techniques, messages were continually being sent by both patriots and loyalists.

On February 7 (Saturday) at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St., Proctorsville, CHS will be hosting a workshop where participants will learn about the role of letter writing in the 18th century and have a chance to: write a Valentine using a “quill pen,” try various types of letter locking and seal it with wax. This workshop is free and open to the public. It is recommended for those 12 and up.

In the event the workshop has to be changed due to weather, information will be posted to www.facebook.com/cavendishvt by 10 am on Feb. 7. For more information call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

4.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid as “high” and flu as “very high” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 1/4/26-1/10/26. Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

5. EVENTS

JANUARY 19 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King’s Day, Legal Holiday

JANUARY 26 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Budget meeting, 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

January 09, 2026

Cavendish Update 1/9/26: Budget/Elected Positions/News/Events

January 09, 2026/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

The Cavendish Fire Department air hose is once again working. Please note that flu and Covid levels are now high. January is when preparations are underway for Town Meeting in March. Today’s post includes articles on the budget as well as the list of positions up for election.

1/9/26

1. Open Positions for Cavendish Elected Officials 2026

2. Cavendish Budget Planning

3. Supporting River Work

4. Cavendish Related News

5. Events Calendar

1. OPEN POSITIONS FOR CAVENDISH ELECTED OFFICIALS 2026: Below is a list of the positions for the 2026 election. Petitions need to be picked up at the Town Office and are due back by 5 PM on January 26 (Monday).

Position Term Incumbent

Town Moderator 1 year Mike Ripley

Town Agent 1 year Vacant

Town Clerk 3 years Diane McNamara

Town Treasurer 3 years Diane McNamara

Auditor 1 year Andrew Amatutz

Auditor 2 years Vacant

Auditor 3 years Vacant

Select Board 1 year Shannon Devereux

Select Board 1 year David Norton

Select Board 3 year Robert Glidden

Town Grand Juror 1 year Teri McNamara

Library Trustee 5 years Christopher Saylor

Trustee of Public Funds 5 years Vacant

GMUSH Director 3 years Kate Lamphere

GMUSD Director 2 years Donovan Nichols

Diane McNamara and Kate Lamphere will not be running for their current positions in the upcoming election. Note that while Diane McNamara has been both town clerk and treasurer, these are two distinct positions and can be petitioned separately. If a person is interested in just being town clerk, or just treasurer, they can petition accordingly.

2. CAVENDISH BUDGET PLANNING: The Cavendish Select Board has met twice to prepare the budget for Town Meeting. Minutes from the Dec. 22 meeting are available on-line and a video of the meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website. The unapproved minutes from the January 5 th meeting are available at the Town Website

Approved

• To allocate $172,564.66 of ARPA funds to the Community Development and Infrastructure Fund. (12/22 Meeting)

• To change the garage loan to a fixed rate loan (12/22 Meeting)

• To eliminate the recreation director position starting July 1, 2026, leaving the money for recreation supplies, and put the director’s salary of $30,674 into Sheriff services. (1/5 meeting) This change should double coverage.

Town Budget: Town manager, Rick Chambers, said that the working budget as of Jan. 5, has an increase of 5,59% over last year’s budget.

- Increased wages by 5%

- Cemeteries: decreased wages based on last season’s expenses. Looking to replace the sexton and may have two people who are interested.

- Recreation: The current rec director primarily does in-school programs but since the school is part of the TRSU, this should be covered by the school budget. Greven Field, due to flooding, is no longer being used as a ball field.

- Town Office Cameras: $14,500 was added to the budget to cover the purchase and installation plus the first year’s contract for 4 cameras, one for each side of the building.

- Local appropriations: Two new items this year, money for town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and to help with the shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church, which opens whenever it’s needed.

- External Requests: Three requests were received after the November 30th deadline- American Red Cross, Okemo Valley Technical Rescue and Black River Senior Center. The late requests can be on the warning for the voters to decide.

3. SUPPORTING RIVER WORK: Kelly Stettner started Black River Action Team (BRAT) more than 20 years ago to help clean up and protect the Black River. Not only did RiverSweep celebrate it’s 20th anniversary this fall, but since the 2023 floods, and the dedication of BRAT’s Mud Puppies, a great deal of time and energy has gone into measures to protect riverbanks and property. It involves a lot of plantings and a lot of hard work on Kelly’s part and her dedicated team of volunteers.

Kelly is in dire need of a good reliable work truck to use with BRAT. She’s looking for a 2015 Toyota Tacoma but needs help. While you may wonder why she just doesn’t write a grant for one for the organization, BRAT doesn’t want to take on truck liability. Therefore, this is something she needs to do on her own.

You can help by doing the following:

• Donating on-line to her Buy Me a Coffeed truck fund

• Send a check to Kelly Stettner to 101 Perley Gordon Rd, Springfield, VT 05156 and no it’s not tax deductible.

• Know of a good truck? Email her blackrivercleanup@gmail.com

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid and flu concentrations in Ludlow waste water, as well as throughout the state, are “high” for the week of 12/28-1/3/26. Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• Municipal Water: On Jan. 2, the town issued the following statement, Due to extreme water demand currently on our water system you may be experiencing discolored water. The Water Department is producing double the amount of water we typically produce. With all this treated water flowing through the distribution system it will stir up sediment causing discoloration. I want to assure you this water is treated and safe. This high demand should subside soon and allow the water system to return to normal. If you are having water issues, report your concerns to the Town Office 802-226-7291.

• To save the state money, lawmaker commutes 90 miles every night: Rather than stay overnight in Montpelier during the week, Rep. V.L. Coffin drives 87 miles home to Cavendish most nights after a day’s work in the Legislature. VT Daily Chronicle

• Tech Time at Fletcher Memorial Library: Fletcher Memorial Library will host Tech Time with Matt Sydorowich, of Sydscompufix, on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sydorowich will offer one-on-one assistance with your device, phone, or computer. Please call the library at 802-228-8921 to register.

• Free tax-preparation assistance: Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) and the Black River Senior Center have partnered to provide free assistance with federal and state tax preparation, Vermont homestead and property tax credit claims, Vermont renter rebate claims, and more, for veterans, active duty military members, seniors, those with disabilities, and individuals or couples who make $69,000 per year or less. Tax preparation is in person, by appointment, at the senior center, 10 High Street in Ludlow, Vt., on Feb. 5, Feb. 25, and March 19, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. all days. For more information, or to make an appointment, call the senior center at 802-228-7421.

• Gov. Phil Scott insists on lawmakers 'keeping our word' on education reform in State of State speech: In his State of the State address Wednesday afternoon, Scott issued an ultimatum to the Democratically-controlled Legislature: force Vermont’s 119 school districts to consolidate into much larger entities, or he’ll block the more than $9 billion in funding needed to keep government running the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. “I want to be clear,” Scott told the Vermont lawmakers who gathered in the House chamber to hear his speech. “I will not sign a budget or an education bill or a tax bill that deviates from Act 73 or fails to fix what’s broken.” VT Public

• Vermont Health officials reaffirm existing childhood vaccine schedule in light of federal changes:The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scaled back federal guidelines for childhood vaccines Monday, moving six immunizations out of the “recommended” category. Following the federal action, Vermont officials and health experts are reaffirming the state’s commitment to its existing childhood immunization schedule, which recommends many of the vaccines that the CDC had removed. VT Digger

5. EVENTS

JANUARY 12 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

JANUARY 19 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King’s Day, Legal Holiday Town Office closed

FEBRUARY 7 (SATURDAY): CHS workshop: Write an 18th Century Valentine. The workshop will include: writing with a “quill pen,” examples of letters written for Valentine’s Day, folding the letter and sealing it with wax (letter locking). 1-2:30 at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up.

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Blog | Cavendish, Vermont | Cavendish Connects

The Dish

Cavendish Update 2/6/26: Warnings/Water/Candidates/News/Events

Cavendish Update 1/23/26: Town Water/News/Events

Cavendish Update 1/16/26: SB Mtg/Budget/Rec/Wkshop/Greven

Cavendish Update 1/9/26: Budget/Elected Positions/News/Events

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