Cavendish Update 3/10/23: Town Mtg Results/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

SPRING FORWARD! Turn clocks ahead one hour on Sunday as Day Light Savings Time returns. Check batteries in smoke alarms and other detectors.

3/310/23

1.    Town Meeting Results

2.    Cavendish Info:

3.    Covid/Flu update

4.    Events

1.TOWN MEETING RESULTS: At the informational hybrid meeting on Monday night, there were approximately 50 people attending in person, while 18 people at various times participated via Zoom. While there were a few questions about the town budget of $1,950,584.99, which was up 10.65% from last year, the majority of the meeting was on a presentation by the ARPA Committee on how the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds ( $421,631) can be used to benefit the town. According to the Treasury Rules, towns may use ARPA Funds: To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers; For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID–19; and  To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. To learn more about the ARPA program click here.

The Cavendish ARPA Committee is currently conducting a survey, which can be picked up at the library or town office or downloaded from the Town Website by clicking here. Please complete and return questionnaires to the Town Office by April 15, 2023. You may also scan and email it to jen.leak@cavendishvt.org  The ultimate decision on how these funds are to spent rests with the Select Board.

At the end of the meeting, Betty McEnaney gave a strong speech encouraging the town to support the school, whose enrollment has significantly dropped in recent years.

In Tuesdays elections, there were no contested races for town positions. The only changes in elected officials, as appears on page 2 of the Town Report, is Shannon Deveraux replaces Sandra Russo for the one year position on the Select Board and Kate Lamphere replaces Julia Gignoux as one of three GMUSD Board Directors. Voter turnout on Tuesday was low-170. The vote for Article 3, the town budget, was passed by 146 yes to 23 no votes with 1 blank. The River Valley Technical Center School District Budget was passed by 121 to 47 with 2 blank votes. The School budget vote is combined with the other towns that comprise the GMUSD, so it’s not possible to know how Cavendish voted. The vote was 425 to 302 for the budget.

Other coverage of town meeting: Watch the meeting at the Okemo Valley TV website Chester Telegraph

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Polly E Johnson 1934-2023: Polly E. Johnson of Cavendish, Vt. passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 26, 2023. Polly was affectionately known as PJ and was the loving wife of Foster (Bo). She loved sports and played basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey in school. An avid skier, PJ and Bo raised registered Holsteins on their farm in Cavendish. She is survived by her loving husband Foster M. Johnson; children Jere Johnson (Sandy) of Dallas, Texas, Deborah Plummer (John) of Grafton, Vt., Linda Watson (Bruce) of Vero Beach, Fla., her identical twin sister Pamela Cruickshank (James) of Ludlow, Vt., and Christopher Johnson (Ingrid) of Stratham, N.H.

• New recreational Oxygen Bar opens at Jasper Forest in Ludlow

• New instructors join Fletcher Farm School

3. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide, which does provide information on Long Covid.

Vaccination for Covid and Flu-  Doctor’s office or pharmacy.  

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum.

Schools: Only one case of Covid was reported for a TRSU school (Chester Andover Elementary)

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 2/26-3/4 report indicates low community levels state wide with the exception of Bennington (medium) and Rutland (high) counties. There have been 4 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 929, with 27 in February. One outbreak is reported for Windsor County.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 2/19-2/25 reports VT as continuing to have minimal levels of flu statewide.

4. EVENTS 

MARCH 12 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings Time Begins. Set clocks ahead one hour

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

MARCH 21 (TUESDAY): "Let's Draw Impossible Animals," with cartoonist Rick Stromoski, at 3:15 pm at the Cavendish Library. This will be a hybrid program. To register for this program, email cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com or call 802-226-7503.

APRIL 7 (FRIDAY): Good Friday. Town Office Closed

APRIL 8 (SATURDAY): Free Easter Dinner. The Ludlow & Proctorsville Fire Depts., in conjunction with Black River Good Neighbors are providing an Easter Dinner, which can be picked up curbside at the Ludlow Community Center from 12-2. The meal includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. To reserve your meal, call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1. Maximum 125 dinners provided

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/3/23: Town Mtg/Batteries/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

WINTER STORM WARNING FROM THIS EVENING 9 PM TO 7 PM SATURDAY-SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 7-14 INCHES WITH WINDS GUSTING AS HIGH AS 35 MPH.

3/3/23

1.    Rumor Control: How Batteries are recycled

2.    Town Meeting-In person or zoom

3.    Cavendish Info:

4.    Covid/Flu update

5.    Events

1. RUMOR CONTROL-HOW BATTERIES ARE RECYCLED: Contrary to rumors that all batteries must be wrapped before being recycled, Mary O’Brien, of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District, has provided factual information about how batteries are handled once they are dropped off at the Electronics Shed at the Cavendish Transfer Station. Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9volt) make up the vast majority of the battery market currently. Those can be shipped without any kind of fire-prevention measures. 

Lithium or any other type of rechargeable battery can retain a charge and, under the right conditions, spark a fire. This has happened numerous times. 

Responding to that risk, Call2Recycle, which manages the battery recycling program in Vermont, requires that we bag rechargeables individually before we place them into the shipping boxes (which also have a fire-prevention lining).

Summing up, the bulk of used batteries do NOT have to be bagged. But rechargeables do. That is done at the transfer station by employees.

Please continue to recycle batteries at the transfer station and check out more about the recycling program at https://www.call2recycle.org If you have concerns about other town related rumors, send them to cavendishconnects@gmail.com and we’ll check them out.

2. TOWN MEETING-IN PERSON OR ZOOM: Town Meeting is Monday night, March 6 starting at 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. You can participate in person or via Zoom. Below is the information you’ll need for Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89307575543

Meeting ID: 893 0757 5543

One tap mobile +13052241968,,89307575543# US +13092053325,,89307575543# US

Dial by your location +1 305 224 1968 US

Meeting ID: 893 0757 5543

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbsrI4Kmw3

While voting is by Australian Ballot is Tuesday, March 7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7, for both town and school budget,  there is an important agenda item on Monday night-how Cavendish will use the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds (over $400,000).

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Russel Blair: it is with sadness that we note the passing of Russell Blair, owner of Green Mountain Fire for nearly 28 years, who died Dec. 19, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. A celebration of life will take place this summer.

• Kate Lorenz: Formerly of Cavendish and Chester, Kate died unexpectedly at her home in Belchertown Mass on July 21, 2022 due to heart failure caused by an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. She was 42. Many know her as a member of the band Rusty Belle and singing with her brother Steve. Her obituary is available on-line.

• National Women's History Month-Cavendish Women Who Tell Stories. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women who Tell Our Stories." And what amazing stories the women of Cavendish have told and continue to tell. Our youngest was 14 and our first story comes from the 18th century. They have told and tell their stories and others through books, pamphlets, weaving, song, theater and a host of digital forms. Please let us know if we omitted someone by e-mailing margocaulfield@icloud.com or calling 802-226-7807 Enjoy.

• 2024 Cavendish Community Calendar Seeks Photos: For nearly twenty years the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association has produced a community calendar featuring photographs taken by Cavendish residents of Cavendish scenes. Planning for the 2024 calendar is now underway and the planners are looking for local photos. The theme for 2024 is “Cavendish Landscapes.” Photos of mountains, woodlands, gardens, meadows, rivers, buildings, and whatever landscape presents to you within Cavendish will be considered for publication. All photos will be displayed in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, and the public will be invited to vote on their favorites in June.  Whether you are a full-time or a part-time resident, take a picture of a view that inspires you and submit it for the 2024 calendar. Application procedures and rules are available at the CCCA website. FMI: CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com or call Robin at 802-259-2327 if you have questions.

• Kick the Winter Blues with Art: We’ve had mud then snow then mud again, so paint some color back into your world by creating a unique birdhouse. Are you inspired by a pirate ship, a saloon, a castle, a duplex, or something more traditional? Many styles are on display at the Village Clipper in Proctorsville, thanks to Hannah, so select one that tickles your fancy and create a sunnier vision. Your work will support the annual Birds & Blooms fundraiser June 24. Thank you from the Cavendish Streetscapes Committee.

• Smokin’ Bowls expands into new location on Route 103 in Proctorsville

• Ludlow Police: Mt. Holly man took his own life in parking lot

• HCRS and ICH conducting mental health and substance use assessment: Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont’s non-profit community mental health agency, has announced that they are collaborating with the Institute for Community Health (ICH) to conduct a community needs assessment. This confidential assessment survey seeks to understand people’s needs and experiences related to improving the system of care for mental health and substance use services in Windsor and Windham counties. This survey is focused on capturing the experiences and needs of individuals who receive services in Windham and Windsor counties, those seeking services, and those who have had services in the past. These individuals who complete the online survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. The first 500 individuals to complete the survey will also receive a $10 gift card. To complete the assessment survey or obtain further information, visit HCRS’ website.

3. COVID/FLU: On May 11, the Federal Government’s Covid Emergency Status  ends. Many programs are already starting to wind down, including VT reporting PCR testing results-ended Feb. 15. The brief weekly update below will end on May 5, at which time we will provide all information needed for any changes expected.

The VT Dept. of Health wants all Vermonters, particularly those who are most at risk, to make a plan should they develop Covid. People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. Use the Covid-19 Plan from the Centers for Disease Control to help guide you through the process.

For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide, which does provide information on Long Covid.

Vaccination for Covid and Flu-  Doctor’s office or pharmacy.  

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum.

Schools: Only 1 case in the TRSU system on March 1 at Ludlow Elementary

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 2/19-2/25 report indicates low community levels state wide with the exception of Bennington and Rutland counties, which are rated “medium”.  There have been 8 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 925, with 23 in February. No outbreaks are reported for Windsor County.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 2/12-2/18 reports VT as continuing to have minimal levels of flu statewide.

4. EVENTS 

MARCH 6 (MONDAY): Town Meeting (informational), 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. There is also a Zoom option-please see Item 2 above for connecting via Zoom. How Cavendish should use its ARPA funds will be discussed.

MARCH 7 (TUESDAY): Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

MARCH 12 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings Time Begins. Set clocks ahead one hour

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

MARCH 21 (TUESDAY): "Let's Draw Impossible Animals," with cartoonist Rick Stromoski, at 3:15 pm at the Cavendish Library. This will be a hybrid program. To register for this program, email cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com or call 802-226-7503.

APRIL 7 (FRIDAY): Good Friday. Town Office Closed

APRIL 8 (SATURDAY): Free Easter Dinner. The Ludlow & Proctorsville Fire Depts., in conjunction with Black River Good Neighbors are providing an Easter Dinner, which can be picked up curbside at the Ludlow Community Center from 12-2. The meal includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. To reserve your meal, call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1. Maximum 125 dinners provided

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/24/23: ARPA Funds/School/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

2/24/23

1.    How Should Cavendish Spend ARPA Funds?

2.    Cavendish Info:

3.    Covid/Flu update

4.    Events

1. HOW SHOULD CAVENDISH SPEND ARPA FUNDS?: The members of the Cavendish ARPA committee have announced that they will hold an informational session at the Cavendish Town Meeting to discuss use of the town’s ARPA funds. Town meeting will begin on March 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street in Proctorsville.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) distributed funds to all 50 states, providing resources needed to respond to the pandemic and its economic effects and to build a stronger, more equitable economy during the recovery. Vermont further distributed the money to all towns and cities and to many state departments and agencies to use for various purposes.

The Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established under ARPA comes with rules and regulations on how the money can be spent. The guidance that accompanies the money runs to well over 437 pages.  The Cavendish committee is working within these rules to establish a system for Cavendish to most effectively spend the $421,631 allocated to Cavendish.

The committee is interested in hearing from as many residents as possible to gather as many suggestions as possible for use of the money. The committee members will briefly explain restrictions on spending the funds as set forth by the US Treasury department and will explain how the committee will solicit and receive suggestions from the public. There will also be a timeline with deadlines for submissions. Final determination of spending will be made by the Cavendish Selectboard.

For more information on Town Meeting, please see the town website at www.cavendishvt.com or call the town office at 802-226-7291.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• GMUSD school board to address use of three school buildings due to declining enrollment: At the Feb. 16 Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Meeting, three main topics were discussed: the reinstatement of the name “Chieftains” as the name for Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS); the bullying of an African American junior high student that continues unchecked; and the beginning of discussions on shrinking enrollment of the schools that compromise the GMUSD (GMUHS, Chester Andover Elementary and Cavendish Town Elementary School-CTES). The Chieftains name was reinstated by the board. The bullied student read aloud a letter she wrote to Gov. Scott about how she was first exposed to major racism in the 7th grade and how it has continued. With declining enrollments and rising per pupil costs, various options are being discussed on how to use the schools of the GMUSD, including options such as splitting students by grade to create larger classrooms or converting CTES into school offices. Currently, CTES, which was renovated in 2004 to accommodate 140 students has an enrollment of 72 students, with 19 students graduating in June. Given that incoming kindergarten classes for the past three years have been around 7-9 students, CTES 2023/2024 enrollment is projected to be lower than 65 students. For more information on the meeting see VT Journal and the Chester Telegraph

• GMUSD Annual Report/Proposed Budget: In the GMUSD Annual Report of January 2023, CTES is listed as having 92 students, which is clearly not the case, as noted above. However, this number probably includes the number of students at Stepping Stones in the Essential Early Education program. How many of the EEE students would be enrolled in CTES in coming years isn’t known.  On January 19, 2023 the Board voted to submit to the voters a budget of $15,837,173.00 which represents an increase of 7.7% over the current budget and a cost of $20,743.00 per student. While the Vermont Tax Dept. has not yet published a District wide education tax rate, we estimate that with the budget number, the District tax rate would be about $1.34/100, which is less than the current rate of $1.41/100 Even though student enrollment continues to decline, the costs continue to increase.  Voting on the school budget takes place on March 7, by Australian Ballot at the Proctorsville Fire Hall from 10-7.

• ARPA Meeting Minutes Feb. 21: In addition to approving the press release, which appears in Item 1, the Committee discussed possible projects. Brendan said that the Town would like to use some funds for replacing the municipal water system meters and updating the billing system, which would make this system run much more efficiently. He said that purchasing the meters and hiring a company to install them would cost about $150,000. The Committee suggested it could be added to the water system budget or funded through state ARPA programs.  Town Manager, Brendan McNamara, said that other potential projects could be digitizing the land records and/or parcel maps. The Committee suggested a half-court could be added behind the playground or at the old Town Garage site so that the basketball hoop could be moved out of the Town Office parking lot.

• 2022 Annual Town Report: These have been mailed, but a digital copy is available at the Town Website and can be picked up at the Town Office and at Town Meeting on March 6th.

3. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Vaccination for Covid and Flu-  Doctor’s office or pharmacy.  

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum.

Schools: Schools are closed this week for winter break

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 2/12-2/18 report indicates low community levels state wide with the exception of Bennington, which is rated “medium”.  There have been 7 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 917. No outbreaks are reported for Windsor County.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 2/5-2/11 reports VT as continuing to have minimal levels of flu statewide.

4. EVENTS 

FEBRUARY 24 (FRIDAY): Draw Impossible Animals! Cartoonist Rick Stromoski will show us how to draw "Platypussycats, Bengalbunnies, Kangorillapigs," and much more! The hybrid program begins at 1:00 pm. To join in person, just come to the library. To join using Zoom, please email Amy McMullen at cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com to receive the link. This is a free program for kids in 2nd grade and above. Adults will have fun, too! For more information please call 802-226-7503 or email the library.

MARCH 2 (THURSDAY): The Annual School District Meeting will take place on March 2 at 6 pm at the Green Mountain Union High School. Click here for a copy of the warning.

-       Community Luncheon: Free Corned Beef & Cabbage, serving at Noon, Ludlow Community Center Cafeteria, 37 Main ST. Ludlow. Bingo follows the meal. Meal provided by Black River Good Neighbor Services. All are welcome.

MARCH 6 (MONDAY): Town Meeting (informational), 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. There is also a Zoom option. How Cavendish should use its ARPA funds will be discussed.

MARCH 7 (TUESDAY): Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

MARCH 12 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings Time Begins. Set clocks ahead one hour

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

APRIL 7 (FRIDAY): Good Friday. Town Office Closed

APRIL 8 (SATURDAY): Free Easter Dinner. The Ludlow & Proctorsville Fire Depts., in conjunction with Black River Good Neighbors are providing an Easter Dinner, which can be picked up curbside at the Ludlow Community Center from 12-2. The meal includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. To reserve your meal, call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1. Maximum 125 dinners provided

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/17/23: SB Mtg/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

2/17/23

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 2/13/23

2. Cavendish Info:

3.    Covid/Flu update

4.    Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 2/13/23: Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are videoed by Okemo Valley TV and posted to their website. In addition, unapproved minutes from Monday’s meeting will be posted at the Cavendish Municipal Website.

The following took place at Monday’s meeting:

Acted on the following:

• Accepted with regret the resignation of Etienne Ting (Chair) and Doug McBride from the Planning Commission.

 • Reappointed Doris Eddy for three year term as Town Health Officer

• Approved DLL License for Singletons VT, Inc.

Academy Building: Reese Brown, owner of the Academy Building, spoke to the board about his interest in selling the building, as he no longer lives in town and doesn’t have the resources to maintain the property. The Academy Building, located on 131 and High St., was built in 1792 and is the oldest standing building in town. There are two title defects that are blocking potential sales. Preservation Trust supposedly has an agreement with the Town, but the Trust has no record of it . They did conduct a site visit and found little historical significance downstairs but quite a bit upstairs. They would like the easement to be rewritten. However, Reese said he’d prefer that this be done with a prospective buyer and not him.  There is also a Warranty deed from 1986 signed by the Cavendish SB of that time, which stipulates that the building can not be used for residential purposes. Brown would like to see that paragraph amended to allow mixed use as several prospective buyers wanted to turn the building into a home and their business. Brown has been asked to put his request in writing, which will then be turned over to the Town’s attorney for review.

Planning Commission: With only three members of the seven member Planning Commission, and no chair, the Commission is in a state of limbo. They need at least 4 members for a quorum in order  to meet. If  unable to recruit additional members by the organizational/SB meeting on March 11, the SB will need to consider dropping  the number of members to 5.

 Former Town Garage Site Update/Plan: The tests that came back for contaminants were minimal and the state has waved a phase 2 analysis. By mid- summer will begin a small remediation project that will  be overseen by Regional Planning. Given the former usage of the site, there will be some restrictions on its usage.

Town Manager’s Report:

• Hydraulic study on the Twenty Mile Stream (TMS) Bridge next to Bates Mansion. Culvert is rusted at the bottom and needs to be replaced. It’s creating sink holes in the McBride property and it’s becoming a problem very quickly. To replace the entire culvert, which is huge, would cost about a million dollars, and would require a temporary bridge. Hoping to just pour the bottom of the culvert, which has been done in other parts of town. That would be potentially half the cost. Will require input from various state agencies, including VTrans and Fish & Wildlife.  Something will need to happen by summer of 2024 and state funds will be required. May want to consider Meadow Brook Camp Ground Bridge at the same time the TMS bridge is being done.

• Municipal Water: Continue to have brown water at some homes. Fixed a leak, which has help. Tests come back fine but some users are having discoloration in the water. No real explanation. When there is constant pressure on the water, such as peak usage times during tourist system, something may break off. If your water is discolored, or you wish to test your water, please call the town office.

• Pump Station: The quote for bringing up pump stations to current technology is estimated to be around  a million. Will need to be done in conjunction with state funding. It’s definitely not going to be something for ARPA funds.

• Mud Season is coming. If you have issues with the roads, please call the town office and they will be addressed as best as they can.

• Personnel policy needs to be completed, reviewed and approved by the SB by summer.

• Special thanks to Josh Temple for stepping up to be the town auditor. Thanks to Jen Leak for finishing the Town Report on schedule.

• Thank you to Sandra Russo who will not be running again for the SB.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Dog Licenses Renewal: By State statue all dogs residing in Vermont need to be licensed by April 1st each year. A current rabies certificate must be presented at time of licensing. Please stop by the Town Office and license your dogs!

• Love your Neighbor: Until Feb. 22, Black River Good Neighbor is seeking donations of 4 specific foods-Mayo, Ketchup, Ground Coffee and Cereal. Drop Boxes are located at Berkshire Bank, Ludlow Insurance, M&T Bank, Cota & Cota and Benson’s Cheverolet. Sponsored by Ludlow Rotary.

• CHS Winter News: February is Black History month. Learn more about Cavendish’s Revolutionary War Veteran who came from Africa and lived in Cavendish for 30 or more years and other aspects of February history by clicking here. The Winter Newsletter of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is now on-line and contains part 1 of the 1975 Bicentennial Jeep Tour of Cavendish. If there is interest in seeing the tour replicated this summer, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807.

• Okemo Valley region elementary and high school skiers benefit from fifty-year old program: In the early 1970s, Proctorsville resident, Phys Ed. teacher and athletic coach at the Black River Elementary School (BRES) in Ludlow, Jennifer Stowell, started a ski sports program as part of her P.E. curriculum. Stowell came to the school in 1962, and she’d already instituted girls’ basketball, field hockey, and softball teams during her first decade there. .. Fifty ski seasons later the school ski program that Stowell began continues and has grown to include elementary schools in Chester-Andover, Mount Holly, and Cavendish Town Elementary, as well as Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) in Chester. Vt Journal

• Noah Wass Appointed Mack Molding Plant Manager in Cavendish

• Free Program: Cartoonist Rick Stromoski: Join your friends either in person at the Cavendish library or virtually to learn how to draw Impossible Animals! Cartoonist Rick Stromoski will show us how to draw "Platypussycats, Bengalbunnies, Kangorillapigs," and much more! The hybrid program begins at 1:00 on Friday, February 24th. To join in person, just come to the library. To join using Zoom, please email Amy McMullen at cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com to receive the link. This is a free program for kids in 2nd grade and above. Adults will have fun, too! For more information please call 802-226-7503 or email the library.

• The latest solution to Vermont’s housing crisis? Paying landlords to rent to people.

• Fuel to the Fire: Recent reports on gas stoves fail rural Vermont: Propane and natural gas are not the same, but have been lumped together in news coverage. If you’ve read a major newspaper or watched the news on television or listened on the radio, you’ve likely heard that your gas stove is emitting toxic chemicals and other substances that can injure your health — even when the stove is not being used. But according to the main studies on the topic,  the authors are specifically talking about “natural gas,” which is generally found piped into buildings in metropolitan areas. Here in southern Vermont and in other rural areas, the gas that’s used to cook is propane and the white tanks standing outside most houses here attest to that.  Chester Telegraph

 3. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Vaccination for Covid and Flu-  Doctor’s office or pharmacy.  

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum.

Schools: Since 2/7, GMUHS has reported 14 cases of Covid, while Chester Andover Elementary had 3 cases.

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 2/5-2/11 report indicates low community levels state wide with the exception of Bennington and Rutland Counties, which are rated “medium”.  There have been 9 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 910. Five outbreaks are reported for Windsor County. Most of these are likely to be in school and childcare settings.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 1/29-2/4 reports VT as continuing to have minimal levels of flu statewide.

4. EVENTS 

FEBRUARY 20 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday, Town Office Closed. Winter break for schools begins.

FEBRUARY 21 (TUESDAY): Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 24 (FRIDAY): Draw Impossible Animals! Cartoonist Rick Stromoski will show us how to draw "Platypussycats, Bengalbunnies, Kangorillapigs," and much more! The hybrid program begins at 1:00 pm. To join in person, just come to the library. To join using Zoom, please email Amy McMullen at cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com to receive the link. This is a free program for kids in 2nd grade and above. Adults will have fun, too! For more information please call 802-226-7503 or email the library.

MARCH 2 (THURSDAY): The Annual School District Meeting will take place on March 2 at 6 pm at the Green Mountain Union High School. Click here for a copy of the warning.      Community Luncheon: Free Corned Beef & Cabbage, serving at Noon, Ludlow ommunity Center Cafeteria, 37 Main ST. Ludlow. Bingo follows the meal. Meal provided by Black River Good Neighbor Services. All are welcome.

MARCH 6 (MONDAY): Town Meeting (informational)

MARCH 7 (TUESDAY): Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

MARCH 12 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings Time Begins. Set clocks ahead one hour

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

APRIL 7 (FRIDAY): Good Friday. Town Office Closed

APRIL 8 (SATURDAY): Free Easter Dinner. The Ludlow & Proctorsville Fire Depts., in conjunction with Black River Good Neighbors are providing an Easter Dinner, which can be picked up curbside at the Ludlow Community Center from 12-2. The meal includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. To reserve your meal, call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1. Maximum 125 dinners provided

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

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