Cavendish Update 7/26/19: Tag Sale/GMUSD/News/Events

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7/19/19 Cavendish Update

1.Town Wide Tag Sale

2. GMUSD-More legal charges

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Wednesday Concert: Davis Brother Garage Band

5. Job Posting

6. Events

1. CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: The Town Wide Tag is tomorrow, Saturday July 27th, from 9-2. More vendors are being added to both the Cavendish Green and Svec Park (Proctorsvill Green) along with individual homes and businesses. Some vendors have provided lists of what they are offering. To target your shopping, check  the Tag Sale webpage . Lots of incredible buys this year, such as air fryer, kayak, fishing gear, boats, air conditioners, mini refrigerator, household items, toys, clothes, electronics, and even a pottery wheel.

Both of the town greens will have lemonade stands and there is food available at both ends of town. As the temps rise, be sure to stay hydrated.

The Cavendish Connects booth is in the Proctorsville Gazebo. Stop by if you have a question and to make donations to keep both the Town Wide Tag Sale and all the components of Cavendish Connects (Facebook page, blog, website and Update) operational.

2. GMUSD -MORE LEGAL CHARGES: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board is dealing with yet another legal issue. The Chester Telegraph reported three charges (a dog bite in Ludlow, discriminatory firing at the TRSU, and something involving the former GMUHS principal Tom Ference) before this was acknowledged by Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) Superintendent, Meg Powden. At the July 18th board meeting, a 4th charge was filed, this time against the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) for discriminatory firing.

Note this doesn't include the charges brought by the Chester Telegraph as a result of violations of the open meeting law. While GMUSD quickly resolved this issue, the TRSU and the Ludlow Mt Holly Unified School District have taken a different path. At the July meeting, the GMUSD unanimously voted that their TRSU representatives make a motion that the TRSU adopt the strategy of the GMUSD board to avoid even more litigation.

In his coverage of the July meeting, Shawn Cunningham of the Chester Telegraph noted While there are no details from the closed door session, it appears that the case involves Samantha Foster who alleged in a filing with the Attorney General’s office that she was fired in December of 2018 by CTES Principal Deb Beaupre soon after a meeting concerning a situation in which a student kicked and hit Foster and she was seeking accommodations for her disability. According to the complaint, Foster had become disabled when a special needs student with whom she was working struck her over the head with a metal water bottle resulting in an injury to her brain. That occurred in 2008. At the time, she was working as a student supervisor providing support for students with autism while pursuing a master’s degree and was unable to resume work for several years. According to the filing, violence and aggression exacerbates the symptoms of Foster’s disability.

 As part of her Superintendent’s report, Powden announced that they were posting a new position for Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) for a special educator position as the person holding that job may not have completed their licensure by the start of the school year.

 While not naming Justin Osier, Foster’s husband and a special educator at GMUHS, many are aware of his crowd funding efforts to raise $1,200 to pay for the peer review required for his license. While he met his goal within three days, Osier needed to use this strategy as the SU did not honor their original promise to pay these fees, which was made when he started at GMUHS in the fall of 2017.

 Cavendish representative Doug McBride noted that the spending on legal fees was 300% above the budgeted figure for this activity. Consequently, the board, at their June meeting, requested that a representative from VSBIT (Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust) come to the July meeting to discuss the type of coverage the TRSU has and if it’s sufficient to handle the various litigations currently in play. Tim Vincent of VSBIT indicated that the TRSU coverage was sufficient.

 It is interesting to note that while comments are often made about “the good of the children” and “what students need,” the majority of the GMUSD board meetings are not pertaining to curriculum and increasing educational opportunities for children. Instead, it’s about law suits, employee handbooks (once again this has been sent back for revisions and review), and insurance coverage.

 The one mention at the July meeting of students was in response to a US News Report on GMUHS’s low performance- only 23% of the students achieved math proficiency. Powden, Lauren Fierman, GMUHS principal and board member Fred Marin, all basically said the same thing-the students don’t have any skin in the game so don’t really care about performance on the Smarter Balance test. As Powden noted, it’s not like the SATS or other tests that effect the student’s future.

Fierman and Powden noted their concerns about the test scores and said that measures are being taken to try to improve them by hiring new math teachers and coaching existing ones.

Two of the GMUSD board members, Kate Lamphere (Cavendish) and Deb Brown (Chester), have resigned from the TRSU board. While both will continue on the GMUSD board, two new appointments were made to the TRSU board Fred Marin (Cavendish, who was the alternate to the TRSU board) and Wayne Wheelock (Baltimore).

This meeting was not taped, but both the Chester Telegraph and Vermont Journal have articles about the meeting.

 

3.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Water Tests for the Black River: Thanks to the steady rain for 24 hours on Monday into Tuesday morning, Wednesday’s water samples showed elevated bacteria levels at Little Ascutney Rd (again over 400 cfu) and at Greven Field (276 cfu) -- the EPA recommends 235 cfu as an upper limit for safe swimming. By now, with no rain predicted for the weekend, Greven should be just fine for dipping. It is always recommended to not swim if the water is cloudy or within 24 hours after a heavy/steady rain.

Tolles Power Dam in Perkinsville: 108 cfu (safe)
Cavendish Gorge: 105 cfu (safe)
Buttermilk Falls: 114 cfu (safe)

Thank you BRAT for your continued dedication to the Black River and the safety of those who use it.

Mack Molding asks court to dismiss wrongful termination suit, disqualify lawyer: The Arlington-based Mack Molding is asking a judge to dismiss a wrongful termination lawsuit, saying that a former employee’s husband secretly recorded private phone calls and that her attorney abused the discovery process. The company also asked for the lawyer to be disqualified. VT Digger

 Rotary’s Duck Race to Support Stepping Stones: The Ludlow Rotary Club has selected the Stepping Stone Preschool to be the beneficiary of its 20th annual Ralph D. Hogancamp Memorial Duck Race. This year’s race will be Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 p.m. and begin at Depot Street Bridge where the ducks will be released into the Black River; the ducks will cross the finish line at Walker Bridge. Prizes awarded to the first three ducklings across the finish line and the last little duck will also receive a cash prize. VT Journal

 Fletcher Farm announces August classes and events: There is still one more month of terrific classes at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts. Vt Journal

 Vail Buys Another VT Resort: Vail Resorts, owner of Okemo Mountain, announced Monday that it is buying 17 more ski areas, including Vermont’s Mt. Snow. When the transaction closes, the 2019-20 Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Military Epic Pass will include unlimited and unrestricted access to the 17 Peak Resorts ski areas. Yahoo Finance

 Burned Consumers Eligible for Part of $1.85 Million Equifax Settlement: The state of Vermont will receive $1.85 million, and affected Vermont consumers are eligible for compensation, as part of a national settlement with Equifax following the company’s 2017 data security breach. The $1.8 million Vermont will receive will go into the state’s general fund. Affected consumers can submit claims for time spent dealing with the breach, which is $25 per hour for up to 20 hours. “If Vermonters spent time making sure their money was safe, you are eligible for restitution up to 20 hours at $25 an hour.” Consumers can also be reimbursed for documented out-of-pocket expenses related to the breach, up to $20,000. Affected consumers are also eligible for three free credit monitoring reports. VT Digger

 

4. CAVENDISH CONCERT: DAVIS BROTHERS GARAGE BAND: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association and the town of Cavendish invite everyone to spend an evening having fun on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville Wednesday, July 31, starting at 6 p.m. when the annual summer music series continues with the Davis Brothers Garage Band.

 The band has been a staple of the Vermont ski scene, and before that in Colorado, since the 1970s. Brothers Rick and Jeff Davis of Brownsville formed the band with cousin Lane Gibson. The latest addition to the band is no stranger to Proctorsville – Mark Huntley will be on drums. The band is famous for covers of Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers, among others. This concert is sponsored by DG Bodyworks of Proctorsville.

 As always, the concerts are free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, please check the Cavendish Facebook page. For more information, please call Robin at 802-226-7736.

 

5. JOB OPENING: Good Earth Land Design of Proctorsville is looking to hire someone to assist with landscape operations (planting, stone tending & general landscape labor, equipment operation). We work on great projects in beautiful locations and a nice work environment. Call 802-226-7754.

 

6. EVENTS

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2

JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Davis Brothers Garage Band, sponsored by DG Bodyworks

AUGUST 1 (THURSDAY): TRSU board meeting at CTES, 6 pm.

AUGUST 7 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Chris Kleeman (Blues guitar) sponsored by Good Earth Landscaping

AUGUST 14 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco dance band) sponsored by Murdocks

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).

SEPTEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY): 2-6 Pm Hazardous Waste Collection at the Springfield Transfer Station. For a printable list of what to bring and what not to bring, click on the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District. The next collections will be in the spring of 2020. FMI: 802- 674-9235

 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 7/19/19: Tag Sale/103/SB Mtg/News/Events

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HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY UNTIL 8 PM TOMORROW NIGHT. Expect temps to be in the mid to upper 90s with high humidity. The high heat index values pose a significant risk for heat stress and heat-related illness for everyone, especially those vulnerable populations without air
conditioning and those spending significant time outdoors. Heat-related illnesses can occur very quickly. Pets are also susceptible to heat illness. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS 
7/19/19 Cavendish Update
1. Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
2. Work Schedule for 103
3. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 7/8/19
4. Cavendish Related News
5. Thanks from Cavendish Fire Department 
6. Cavendish Concert: Sensible Shoes
7. Events

1.CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: The town wide tag sale is on July 27 (Saturday) from 9-2. Facebook Albums of various vendors’ items are now being posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page. This is a community site so you don’t need to be a member to see this page. In addition, there is a special webpage, that’s updated daily, which provides information about where to shop, eat etc.  
Those who wish to register for space at the Greens, or have their site listed on the vendor list (on-line only) should send an e-mail to cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-7807. If you would like a Facebook Album of items you are selling, please e-mail no more than 10 photographs to the above e-mail address. Be sure to include your location. The more information you provide about what you are selling, the more shoppers you will attract.
will attract.
2. WORK SCHEDULE ON 103 FOR THE WEEK OF 7/22/19: Anticipated Weekly Work Schedule from Pike Industries. The contractor will continue working on bridge plug joints and railroad band joints the remainder of this week and early next week. These operations are weather dependent.  Hand painting of roadway markings will be completed late this week or early next week, weather and surface conditions permitting. The contractor will use the remainder of this month for job clean up.

3. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 7/8/19: Cavendish Select Board (SB) Meetings are videotaped by Okemo Valley TV and are available at their website. http://okemovalley.tv/cavendish-selectboard-78
 In addition, minutes are available at the Cavendish Municipal website. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5967f43a893fc01de256c378/t/5d278967f7002e00017b8319/1562872168135/SB+Minutes+7-8-19.pdf

The following actions were taken/discussed at the July 8th meeting:
• Approved the request to correct the errors of four property parcels, which were discovered after the grand list was lodged. 
• Appointed Linda Collins to the Cavendish Fire District 2 (Cavendish Village) Prudential board
• Approved the new 2019 Town Road and Bridge Standards
• Agreed to postpone the nomination and appointment for the vacant Select Board position, resulting from Michael Kell’s resignation due to relocation to New York. 
• Brendan McNamara, town manager, informed the board that the town’s Energy Committee’s grant for an Electrical Charging Station has been approved. The station will be located by Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) near Outer Limits Brewery. 
• McNamara reminded the Board that they had reviewed and approved a proposal from CLD Engineering for the replacement of a stone culvert that runs under Route131near Glimmerstone. This work needs to be done before 131 is repaved The Town is responsible for replacement of the sewer line that sits above this culvert. The cost of $75,000 will need to be added into the FY21 Sewer Budget next year. 
• Also discussed was the skim coating of 131. While there are still some bad spots, it is hoped that the improvements will hold until the repaving project begins next summer. It appears that no more work will be done this summer on 131. 
• Acting Cavendish Fire Department Chief, Abe Gross, was present to respond to Select Board member Mike Ripley’s comments from the June meeting regarding an incident with Ludlow Ambulance and CFD. Ripley was called out for an emergency and was unable to be at the meeting. Due to issues with his schedule, Gross did respond to comments made by Ripley. Please see the Chester Telegraph for more information on this item. https://www.chestertelegraph.org/2019/07/10/cavendish-sb/
• Once again postponed setting the tax rate since the education rate has not been calculated by the State. Note that the state information was provided later in the week and tax notices have been sent to property owners. 

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Water Tests for the Black River: The water tests were done on July 17. It is recommended to stay OUT of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain. Thank you BRAT for your continued dedication to the Black River and the safety of those who use it. Note that anything above 235 CFU is considered unsafe for recreational purposes.
Cavendish Gorge 29 CFU (safe)
Greven Field 80 CFU (safe
Buttermilk Falls 17 CFU (safe)
Little Ascutney Falls 461 CFU (unsafe)
Tolles Power Dam 88 (safe)

Drug Task Force Charges Cavendish Man with Multiple Heroin Sales: A 25-year-old Cavendish man has been cited for multiple sales of heroin following an investigation into drug distribution in the Cavendish area, the Vermont Drug Task Force announced Monday. Garrett Strong-Lawson is due in court in White River Junction later this month to answer the felony charges.    Daily UV

Junior firefighter Ahna Perry named Captain of cadet program: Proctorsville Fire Department junior firefighter Ahna Perry was honored by being named captain to lead 25 cadets during a weeklong Vermont State Firefighters Association Cadet Academy in Pittsford, Vt. during the last week of June. VT Journal

Zach McNaughton Receives Okemo Valley TV Award: Okemo Valley TV, the community access television station and media education center, has announced the winners of its four annual awards that recognize volunteers and community members who have made significant contributions through the creation of programming or providing a valuable service to the organization. Producer of the Year went to Proctorsville resident, Zachary McNaughton, for the production of his new fishing series, “Vermont Master Anglers”, as well as overseeing “Trailer Trash Talk”, produced by students in his Video Production class at River Valley Technical Center. Congratulations Zach.

Springfield Hospital Argues Against Additional Oversight In Bankruptcy Court: The federal government wants to appoint a patient care ombudsman to make sure healthcare services at Springfield Hospital and at the hospital’s 13 clinics are maintained while the organization works through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. But the hospital is asking the judge to allow the medical system to operate without the additional oversight. VPR

5. THANK YOU FROM CVFD: The members of the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) would like to extend a huge thanks to all the members of the community for the outpouring of generous donations in order for us to acquire a new air compressor. With your generosity, the department has enough funds to install, wire the new compressor and upgrade our air lines. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Imerys Talc of Ludlow, Vermont for their donation. The old compressor has served the community for 56 years. Hopefully the new on serves us just as well.

6. CAVENDISH CONCERT: SENSIBLE SHOES: The Town of Cavendish and the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association invite everyone to spend an evening listening to the sounds of Sensible Shoes at the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville on Wednesday, July 24th at 6:00 p.m. weather permitting. Sensible Shoes is a returning regular to the Green and is always warmly welcomed to the gazebo. The four members are drummer and singer Steve Drebber, lead guitarist and singer Tim Utt, bass guitar and vocalist Pooh Sprague, and Barbara Blaisdell on keyboard. This concert is sponsored by Neal’s Restaurant and by The Golden Stage Inn. As always, the concerts are free and open to all. For more information please call Robin at 226-7736. In the event of rain, cancellations and other information will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

7. EVENTS

JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Sensible Shoes, co-sponsored by Neal’s Restaurant and the Golden Stage Inn

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2

JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Davis Brothers Garage Band, sponsored by DG Bodyworks

AUGUST 7 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Chris Kleeman (Blues guitar) sponsored by Good Earth Landscaping

AUGUST 14 (WEDNESDAY): Concert at the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Free and open to the public. Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco dance band) sponsored by Murdocks

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).

SEPTEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY): 2-8 Pm Hazardous Waste Collection at the Springfield Transfer Station. For a printable list of what to bring and what not to bring, click on the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District.

The next collections will be in the spring of 2020. FMI: 802- 674-9235

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