Cavendish Update 3/29/19 Internet/News/CTES/Events

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3/29/19 Cavendish Update

1. Why Doesn’t Cavendish Have Town Wide Broadband?

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Friends of Cavendish Town Elementary School

4. Events

1. WHY DOESN’T CAVENDISH HAVE TOWN WIDE BROADBAND Three articles aired by Vermont Public Radio (VPR) this week once again call into question why doesn’t Cavendish have town wide broadband that meets or exceeds the federal government’s definition of 25 Mbps down and 3 up, or 25/3?

It’s not for lack of trying.

Unless you are on Comcast, the majority of Cavendish residents have Internet speeds well below the federal definition. A speed test survey showed that those on TDS had average speeds of 2.96/.44. Since that survey was done in late 2015, while TDS has made some improvements, people are complaining and a 2017 survey reported that their service had deteriorated since 2015.

Since June of 2014, when a Cavendish Telecommunications Committee (CTC) was established, all types of efforts have been tried including many meetings with state and Internet providers. It was thought that Cavendish was on its way to resolving issues in the most underserved area-Knapp Pond/Tarbell (Consolidated Communications territory) when they helped to secure a state grant for Comcast to wire this segment of Cavendish. With state delays, the final agreement was given to Comcast in 2018 for their signature. By the fall, it was learned that Comcast was walking away as they were in litigation with Vermont. CTC asked the state to use the funds for another project in Cavendish, but the money was reassigned.

CTC is now working with surrounding towns in trying to secure a Northern Border Regional Commission grant to support TDS wiring fiber as they go about implementing upgrades for our area. This grant will not be submitted until May.

CTC is favoring the approach of working with existing Internet providers to upgrade to fiber-optics, thereby eliminating the costs and time of “make ready work” (obtaining permits for use of poles and making certain they are appropriate for fiber) as well as to take advantage of the purchasing power of a large company like TDS to procure a lower rate for materials.

To read the full report, go to The Dish.

2.  CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

William “Jim” Jones: Jim” Jones Jr., 61, of Cavendish, Vt. died Friday, March 22, 2019 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, Vt. Owner of Ludlow Auto Body Shop in Cavendish, a Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Ludlow Auto Body, 96 Route 103, Cavendish, Vt. You are invited to share a memory of Jim with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.

GMUSD Board Replaces Mahusky As Chair: In a surprise move at the March 21 meeting of the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting, Marilyn Mahusky was replaced as board chair by a vote of 5-3 by Joe Fromberger (Andover). The change in leadership comes on the heels of differing understandings of the role of the board since it was created out of the Act 46 merger in 2017. Mahusky has maintained that the board tries to micromanage the school system. She has been generally supportive of Powden, while others have resisted a management model that puts the board’s interaction and oversight of the schools at arms length, with almost complete control of the schools in the hands of the superintendent. Chester Telegraph

Proctorsville’s Lisa Marks Celebrates 20 Years as a Boston Marathoner: In April, Lisa Marks will be stepping up to the starting line of her 20th Boston Marathon. To honor year 20 on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, Marks has brought her running experience to her fourth grade classroom at Ludlow Elementary School where she’s teaching a new generation of potential marathon runners. In the classroom, Marks teaches her students about the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team and their goal to “help reach the ultimate finish line – a world without cancer.” When Marks first started running for cancer research, it was in honor of her college friend who had been diagnosed with leukemia and had passed away. She’s shared her marathon jerseys with her students, noting that as each year passes, the list of names gets longer – over 500 names today. To learn more about Lisa Marks’s story or to donate, go to www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/Lisa_Marks. Vermont Journal

I-91 exit 6 north on-ramp to close for 2 weeks: On Monday, April 15, 2019 at 7 a.m. the construction company working on the I-91 bridge over the Williams River in Rockingham will close the Exit 6 northbound on-ramp. The ramp will be closed for two weeks while it is reconstructed to its original grade. In the meantime motorists will follow a signed detour north on Route 5 to the Exit 7 northbound on-ramp in Springfield. Chester Telegraph  

Springfield, Brattleboro hospitals announce collaboration for childbirth services: With Springfield Hospital closing its birthing center, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro OB/GYN will establish an office in Springfield, Vt. Expectant mothers will be able to see one of the BOG providers for their pre- and post-natal care and deliver at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Birthing Center in Brattleboro, Vt. The BOG office will be open in Springfield at least two days per week and will be staffed by an OB/GYN physician, a certified nurse midwife, and an R.N. care coordinator. Pre-natal services will be offered at the Springfield BOG office location, and lab work, ultrasound, and other testing will be provided at Springfield Hospital. Immediate R.N. care coordination services are available to current patients in their third trimester for immediate transfer and review of care in collaboration with Springfield Hospital clinicians. Additional services offered include Centering Pregnancy and childbirth education classes. BOG clinicians will also be available to provide gynecological surgical services at Springfield Hospital as needed. VT Journal

Springfield Hospital Asks for Rate Increase: Springfield’s Interim CEO, Michael Halstead, says the hospital's “cash position is tenuous at best,” and is asking the Green Mountain Care Board to OK a budget adjustment that could allow collection of nearly $500,000 in additional patient revenue over the remainder of the fiscal year. VT Digger

GMP Pushes Customers to Switch to Electronic Billing: Green Mountain Power is trying to eliminate paper billing and are urging people to sign up for online updates. To make the switch more appealing, crews are randomly selecting people to win an iPad and eventually one person will win an e-bike. The vice president says this is a simple way to cut the carbon footprint, since they mail out hundreds of thousands of statements every month.

Bentley’s is Closing: The long time Woodstock village restaurant, bar and entertainment venue, is closing at the end of April due to inability of the business and the new owner, an out of state New York investor, to come to terms on a new lease.

3. FRIENDS OF CAVENDISH TOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: On March 25, Cavendish Town Elementary School convened a meeting of community, parents and staff to launch a Friends of CTES. While this is still a working title, the group discussed fundraising and programming ideas.  

The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) has disassembled and a fundraising structure is needed to supplement/augment in school activities. Some of the past fundraisers –Turkey Bingo ($1,165.90) and Little Caesar’s Pizza (raised $1,400 for the 6th grade Keewaydin trip)-have done well while others did not-T shirts. Upcoming events include April 11 Ham Bingo; May 17 Spring Fling; May 30 Memorial Day activities and Parade; 3rd grade play and the annual trip to Plymouth State Park. Possible new ideas for this year include a Fun Run on June 8 and Mini Golf tournament at Okemo Mountain. Community partnerships, such as with Rotary and area businesses, were discussed.   

Future meeting dates of this committee are April 8, April 29, May 13, June 3 and June 17. Minutes from the meeting are available on line FMI: Call Deb Beaupre at 802-578-7758. 

4. EVENTS

MARCH 30 (SATURDAY): Town Garage Open House, 11-1. All invited.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

APRIL 1 (MONDAY): VTrans Public Information Meeting with Pike Industries. Representatives for VTrans and Pike Industries would like to explain what happened with the Route 103 project this past summer/fall with some time to answer public questions as well. The information meeting will be held from 6-8 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 37 Depot St.

APRIL 4-6 (THURSDAY-SATURDAY): GMUHS presents Beauty & the Beast, 7 PM in the auditorium each night. Matinee, 2pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 adults; $8 Students and Seniors.

MAY 14 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe, 6-8 pm at the Cavendish Town Library in Proctorsville. Bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

WHY DOESN’T CAVENDISH HAVE TOWN WIDE BROADBAND

VTel Tower in Cavendish, which already has trees growing above it.

Two articles aired by Vermont Public Radio (VPR) this week once again call into question why doesn’t Cavendish have town wide broadband that meets or exceeds the federal government’s definition of 25 Mbps down and 3 up, or 25/3?

It’s not for lack of trying.

In June 2014, Cavendish started a Telecommunications Committee (CTC) to address the critical need for broadband. With the surrounding towns of Chester, Springfield and Mt. Holly all having fiber wired to the home by VTel, Cavendish was trying to make do with TDS for the majority of the town, Comcast in the most populated areas and Fair Point (now Consolidated Communications) in the Knapp Pond area.

At the June 2014 Select Board meeting, Rich Svec, town manager at the time, explained to the board how the new TDS field services representative for Vermont, stated that TDS was very aware that the current system in Cavendish is maxed out, yet upgrades or changes are not planned until 2015.

Basically, a system constructed several years ago is no longer adequate to handle the same number of customers today, due to increased customer bandwidth usage. [More people are video streaming, sending pictures etc.] Building a new fiber cable from Cavendish to the world, becomes an extremely expensive operation due to the distances involved and the make ready work required in other operating companies.

In November 2014, Cavendish Connects posted Cavendish Telecommunications: Why there is such a problem. to explain the situation to that point in time.

Since then, the CTC has met with TDS, Comcast and the state’s Telecommunication Committee multiple times over the ensuing years. Several surveys have been conducted to fully demonstrate how bad speeds are. Many hours were spent pouring over maps determining where the unserved and under served areas were by addresses. Ultimately, the following areas were identified as most in need:

A (Twenty Mile Stream)

B (East Rd and Brook Rd areas) 

C (Knapp Pond/Tarbell areas)

The most unserved/under served area was determined to be c) Knapp Pond/Tarbell area, which was primarily Fair Point (Consolidated Communications) territory.

Early on it was discovered that the state did not consider Cavendish an un served or under served town since VTel was suppose to be providing those portions of town not covered by existing Internet service providers (ISPs) with their wireless system. Only by providing speed test data could it be proved to the state that VTel’s wireless system was not working in many parts of Cavendish and that with the company’s fiber wired to the home for their landline customers (Springfield, Chester and Mt. Holly) Cavendish was being adversely impacted –lower property values and not attractive to home buyers.  It should be noted that by then, the state was aware that the VTel system had serious flaws as trees, foliage, mountains, hills and rock ledge all block wireless signals.

In December 2016 it looked like things were moving forward when Comcast agreed to apply for state funds to wire the Knapp Pond/Tarbell Hill area. The state awarded Comcast a grant in 2017 for $362,250 for just that purpose. The state only had $500,000 to give out in funds and Cavendish was certainly getting the lion’s share of it.

The final award was announced the summer of 2017. The next step was the state’s drawing up an agreement between themselves and Comcast. Ultimately, Comcast, who by that point was in litigation with the state, walked away from the grant. CTC was not informed of Comcast’s decision until the fall 2018.

In spite of the CTC asking the state to allow the earmarked funds to be used for another Internet project in Cavendish, the money was reassigned elsewhere.

During the summer of 2018, CTC worked with Windsor South West Regional Planning Council in convening a meeting of Cavendish, Weathersfield and Ludlow to discuss other options.

This brings us to the two articles posted by VPR. In the first article, Built with Federal Funding VTel’s Broadband Wireless Service Failed to Fully Deliver, it’s recognized that the VTel story of receiving federal funds for its wireless system that did not deliver was old news. Critics for years have called out the company for failing to fully deliver with its Wireless Open World system. Yet VTel’s use of federal money to build its network has new relevance now as the state again works to build out broadband. That’s because the federal agency that funded the VTel project says the areas supposedly reached by the wireless network are no longer underserved, so no more money is available. Clay Purvis, the state's telecommunications director, said a huge part of Vermont is no longer eligible for the funding because VTel got the funds to serve those areas.

The second article Vermont Legislature Eyes ECFiber As Model For Community-Based Broadband Build-out discusses how law makers are looking to community based solutions, such as ECFiber. Yes Cavendish was invited to be part of this 24 town telecommunications district, but at the time of its formation, Cavendish had already agreed to support VTel’s efforts. At this juncture, ECFiber is limiting its service to its participating towns so it’s not an option.

 It should be noted that TDS has done some work since 2015 but not nearly enough to meet the continually growing demand for broadband. Many are complaining and frustrated by slow speeds. TDS did receive Connect America Funding (CAF) and supposedly some of those funds will be used to build a better system for Cavendish. There are promises from TDS for better speeds come the summer. However, CTC has been hearing that for years now and it’s feeling a bit like, “the checks in the mail.”

Through out Vermont, different towns are trying different things. However, one of the members of the CTC, who has considerable experience with building Internet systems noted the following, We do not  need additional providers to cherry pick profitable areas of Vermont. What we need is funds to help the existing providers expand decent  service into the non-profitable under-served areas of the state.
Our state representatives can help by canceling the misdirected laws  that will not allow Towns to fund planning of a fiber to the home  network where none exists today. As we have discussed before, We cannot  get any grant money until we have a plan, and there is no way to fund  the planning process short of "bake sales". That is a lot of cookies.
In short, we need "Big State Government" to get out of our way and stop  impeding the Internet's progress. If the state wants to fund the  Planning process, that would be fine. If not, then allow us to fund it  locally, and then if they want to fund construction programs that would also be fine. If not, at least we would be able to pursue Federal or  private grants.

Cavendish Update 3/22/19 News/Tag Sale/Grants/Events

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3/22/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish 9th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale

3. Cavendish Community Fund Accepting Grant Applications

4. CTES Community Committee

5. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Proctorsville Fire Dept. not against merger, look to lead under their command: During the Proctorsville Fire Department’s latest prudential committee meeting Tuesday, March 12, PFD clarified their position on merging Fire District 1 and 2, which would create one district serving the entire area of both Cavendish and Proctorsville. Talks of a merger have become a hot topic in the town of Cavendish of late with a town of approximately 1,500 residents supporting two fire departments that sit just a few miles apart with a combined budget of approximately $200,000. The Cavendish Fire Department (District 2) has a budget of over $81,000. Proctorsville Fire Department’s proposed budget (District 1), which will be presented in April, is $119,112. In a written statement, PFD outlined their willingness to merge; but citing the current strength of their personnel numbers, the experience level and effectiveness of leadership, their ability to cover calls, along with their financial strength, and the condition and breadth of their equipment, they would look to lead the resulting merged fire department. Meetings to discuss merger so far between the two fire departments have resulted in three main issues of disagreement that have arisen during talks: payments for firefighters, command structure, and where equipment would be housed. VT Journal

Cavendish Man Arrested for Stalking: On March 20, 2019 at approximately 7:14 P.M., Troopers with the Vermont State Police responded to a call of a suspicious male on Park Place in the Town of Cavendish, Windsor County. This male, identified as Edward J. Roy III, had been harassing and stalking the victim since January, 2019. Roy was arrested and transported to the Ludlow Police Department for processing and then released. He was ordered to appear at the Windsor County Criminal Court on 3/21/19 at 12:30 P.M. for arraignment. VSP

Cavendish Women You Should Know: Barbara Phillips/Cavendish Mills: The Cavendish Historical Society, as part of its Cavendish Women You Should Know series, honors Barbara Phillips this week, who has done a great deal to preserve Cavendish history through her writing. This post includes a history of the Mill and house, she and Harold restored.

 Meat the Singletons: Purveyors of Whiskey, guns, ammo and the best you’ve ever had: Every pocket of Vermont has its own royalty. The families everyone knows. The families who’ve been around a long, long time. The families who’ve made their mark. Some produce maple syrup. Some produce cheese. Some are loggers. Some are skiers. They are Vermonters who do Vermont things particularly well and, as a result, earn local stardom. Sweet, Green Mountain stardom. In Windsor County, the Singleton family epitomizes such downhome royalty. They’re proud owners and operators of Singleton’s General Store in Proctorsville.  The one-floor store extends 7,500 square feet in a rectangular fashion, with a covered walkway out front and a backward-sloping roof, almost like a Western saloon. But make no mistake, this place is 100%, no-doubt-about-it, Vermont. Nice story from Edible Green Mountains about a place many in Cavendish hold near and dear.

This Year’s Town Meeting Marked the 25th Anniversary of Solzhenitsyn’s Farewell Address: This year's town meeting, March 4, marked the 25th anniversary of Solzhenitsyn's farewell address. In Richard Reinsch’s review of Solzhenitsyn’s Two Millstones, he wrote, "From his adopted home in Cavendish he wrote prodigiously, and upcoming editions of the Notre Dame Press catalog will bear witness to it, including Book II of his exile memoirs. Upon returning to a fledgling post communist Russia in 1994, he thanked the people of Cavendish, at where else, their town assembly. There is genuine gratitude expressed by Solzhenitsyn in this short address for the freedoms and flourishing enjoyed in the Green Mountain State. His children had grown up strong. The Solzhenitsyn’s had found their measure in Vermont, in America. Perhaps the Russian patriot touched the best of our own country while here.” Watch Solzhenitsyn’s address. Town meeting begins at about 5:00. It's amazing to see so many young familiar faces, and how poignant to see Rich Svec among them.

 Springfield Hospital to Close Birthing Center by June: After 105 years of delivering babies, Springfield Hospital has confirmed it is closing its childbirth center.  The decision was made Tuesday night at a special board meeting. Hospital officials say the move was necessary to maintain financial stability as they address ongoing problems. The number of births at Springfield has been declining, and the hospital does not have the reserves on hand to operate a service that does not support itself. Last year, 152 babies were delivered, down from 172 in 2016. VT Digger

Shaw’s Delivery Now Available in Cavendish: Place your order on-line and you can have groceries delivered to your door at a pre arranged time. Check the website for more information.

Springfield Wellness Week March 24-30: Get ready for a week of free health and wellness related activities at various locations in Springfield, including the Edgar May Rec Center and the Springfield Town Library. The second annual Springfield Wellness Week takes place Sunday, March 24 through Saturday, March 30. Attend fun and engaging activities, classes, and presentations. Learn and experience more about what health and wellness means for you. All events are free! For a full schedule check the VT Journal.

2. CAVENDISH 9TH ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: Does the warmer temps and longer days put you in the mood to clean? Been watching the Netflix’s tidying series KonMari? Chances are you have items you want to get rid of. Make a special box for items to sell at the 9th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale. This will take place on Saturday July 27 from 9-2. Sponsored by Cavendish Connects, if you wish to register for space at either of the Village Greens, or have your site listed, send an e-mail to cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-7807. Please note that the more information on sale items you provide, the more shoppers you will attract.

3. CCF ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS: The Cavendish Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for spring 2019 grant awards. The deadline for applying is April 30th and applications that miss that date will be considered in the fall. Grants are available for projects, programs or events that directly benefit the Cavendish community in education or the arts. A panel of local citizens reviews the applications and recommends awards based on the quality and feasibility of each proposal. The number of grants and the amount of each depend on how many applications are received.

 Since 2007 the fund has given cash grants to individuals or organizations for educational, artistic or cultural projects, programs or events. For further information on the Community Fund or on any aspect of the grant program, or for help applying, please call Barbara Dickey at 226-7187 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.  Requests for grants should be mailed to P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Information is also available at Crow’s Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville and at the Cavendish town office on High Street in Cavendish, or by e-mailing cavendishfund@gmail.com.

4. CTES COMMUNITY COMMITTEE : Cavendish Town Elementary School’s (CTES) Principal Debra Beaupre would like the community’s involvement to help support the students, teachers, and parents of the school by developing and implementing activities that build community and enrich the learning environment. To that end, a group is being started for parents, grandparents, relatives, community members, teachers, paras, employees and anyone else who loves this school and wants to help. The first meeting will be March 25 from 6:30-7:30.at the school. The Agenda will include: Create norms for the group; Choose a name for ourselves; Discuss the programming for the remainder of the year, including new fundraising ideas; Create a list of topics people would like to address regarding school. FMI: 802-875-7758.

5. EVENTS

MARCH 24 (SUNDAY): Dinner & a Movie (A Star is Born) at the Cavendish Community Library, 1 pm, in Proctorsville. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciate to help defray costs. FMI: 226-7503

MARCH 25 (MONDAY): Cavendish CTES Community Committee meets for the first time-6:30-7:30 pm at CTES. FMI: 802-226-7758.

MARCH 27 (WEDNESDAY): Public Notice of Sale, Town of Cavendish. The property to be sold is 723 Main Street, Cavendish Vermont, formally owned by Melisa K. Rhoda, Trustee of the Nancy K. Horahan Revocable Trust. This will be sold at public auction on March 27, at 1:00 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Minimum reserve price is $45,000.

MARCH 30 (SATURDAY): Town Garage Open House, 11-1. All invited.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

APRIL 1 (MONDAY): VTrans Public Information Meeting with Pike Industries. Representatives for VTrans and Pike Industries would like to explain what happened with the Route 103 project this past summer/fall with some time to answer public questions as well. The information meeting will be held from 6-8 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 37 Depot St.

APRIL 4-6 (THURSDAY-SATURDAY): GMUHS presents Beauty & the Beast, 7 PM in the auditorium each night. Matinee, 2pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 adults; $8 Students and Seniors.

MAY 14 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe, 6-8 pm at the Cavendish Town Library in Proctorsville. Bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/15/19: SB Mtg/News/Events

CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

3/15/19 Cavendish Update

1. Town Meeting Correction

2. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/11/19

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Events

1. TOWN MEETING CORRECTION: In last week’s Update, it stated that All articles passed at the Cavendish Town Meeting. It should be noted that Article 2, adoption of the Town Plan as modified and approved by the Cavendish Select Board, (Page 8 of the Town Report) was postponed and will be voted on at a subsequent meeting.

2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/11/19 : Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by Okemo Valley TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television.  Written minutes are available at the town’s website.  Both the Vermont Journal and the Chester Telegraph contain write ups of this week’s meeting.

The following was discussed/action taken at Monday night’s meeting:

Annual SB members organizational meeting: Due to changes in board members, as well as the elimination of the Asst. Town Manager position, the following changes were adopted: Chair Robert Glidden, Vice Chair Mike Ripley, Clerk of SB Sandra Russo; SB representative to the Planning Commission Stuart Lindberg; 3 year terms to Planning Commission; Wendy Regier, John Saydek and Mark Huntley; Town Manager Brendan McNamara for 5 year term; Changed name of Emergency Management Coordinator to Emergency Management Director and appointed Bobby Glidden for a one year term. Objections have been raised and recommendations made that a person not affiliated with either fire department be appointed to the position of Emergency Management Director. Other positions remain as they appear on Page 7 of the Cavendish Annual Report.

Approved: Use of the town greens for the ninth annual Town Wide Tag Sale on Saturday, July 27 from 9-2

• To apply for a Vermont Roadside Historic Marker to recognize Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, anti Soviet Nobel Laureate and author of The Gulag Archipelago,who resided in Cavendish 18 of the 20 years he was in exile.

• Applications for liquor licenses to Brook Farm Vineyards, Oleo Corporation (Castle Hill); and Murdocks on the Green

• Purchase a new 20 ton equipment trailer to replace current trailer that is no longer operational and too expensive to repair

ª Stuart Lindberg’s resignation as Town Agent-according to VT law, it’s a conflict to be a selectmen and Town Agent

Other: Draft Municipal Wastewater Ordinance distributed. This will be discussed at subsequent meetings with the goal of approval by summer.

• Town Garage open house March 30 (Saturday) 11-1. All are invited.

• Work on Depot Street Bridge removal begins March 18 

• Auction of Horahan property at 723 Main St on March 27 (see Events section for more information)

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Burglary Grand Larceny: On 03/09/2019 at approximately 4:25 hours, Vermont State Police arrested John J. Fernandes on the charges of burglary and grand larceny. The charges were the result of an investigation of a residential burglary in Cavendish in November of 2018. Fernandes will answer to the charge in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division on 03/11/2019. VT State Police

VTrans Public Information Meeting with Pike Industries: On April 1 (Monday), from 6-8 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 37 Depot St., there will be a Public Information Meeting. Representatives from VTrans and Pike Industries would like to explain what happened with the Route 103 project this past summer/fall with some time to answer public questions as well.

First Ladies of Cavendish: The Cavendish Historical Society continues their series on Cavendish Women You Should Know with the first women in Cavendish who held political and other jobs in town.

Springfield Considers Closing Birthing Center: Springfield Hospital needs to trim about $6.5 million from the current year budget, and the administration announced recently that the childbirth center may be closed to save money. VPR

4. EVENTS

MARCH 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

MARCH 24 (SUNDAY): Dinner & a Movie (A Star is Born) at the Cavendish Community Library, 1 pm, in Proctorsville. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciate to help defray costs. FMI: 226-7503

MARCH 27 (WEDNESDAY): Public Notice of Sale, Town of Cavendish. The property to be sold is 723 Main Street, Cavendish Vermont, formally owned by Melisa K. Rhoda, Trustee of the Nancy K. Horahan Revocable Trust. This will be sold at public auction on March 27, at 1:00 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Minimum reserve price is $45,000.

MARCH 30 (SATURDAY): Town Garage Open House, 11-1. All invited.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 14 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe, 6-8 pm at the Cavendish Town Library in Proctorsville. Bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

APRIL 1 (MONDAY): VTrans Public Information Meeting with Pike Industries. Representatives for VTrans and Pike Industries would like to explain what happened with the Route 103 project this past summer/fall with some time to answer public questions as well. The information meeting will be held from 6-8 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 37 Depot St.

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

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