Cavendish Update 4/14/23: News/Events

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4/14/23

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    COVID

3.    Events

Even though it’ll be in the 80s today, don’t underestimate the water temp in rivers and lakes, which can be in the 30s and 40s. Cold water can quickly cause hypothermia. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high.

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Fire District #2 Warning: The Annual Meeting of Cavendish Fire District 2 will be held at Cavendish Fire Station, 2154 Main Street, Cavendish, VT 05142, on Tuesday May 16, 2023, at 6pm. Copies of the board’s annual report will be available beforehand from the Town Office. The Warning notice is available online.

• GM board hears complaints that Chieftain name violates policy: On Tuesday night, Chester resident Matt Gorsky told the Green Mountain Unified School Board that the harm in using the Chieftain name is “in the inescapable connection between it and 50 years of a racist mascot depicting people this country has conducted cultural genocide against….” He was just one of seven people and organizations lodging six complaints that by re-instating and continuing to use the Chieftain name at Green Mountain High, the district is violating its own policy, adopted in January of this year. Chester Telegraph

• Fierman to TRSU board: departures are for individual personal reasons: At the regular monthly meeting of the Two Rivers Supervisory Union Board last Thursday, Superintendent Lauren Fierman briefed that body on the recent spate of administrators departing the system. “I know from the outside it looks like as though there must be something awful happening that all of our principals are leaving and it’s simply not true,” said Fierman.”Everybody has a different story and reasons for why they are going.” Chester Telegraph

• Tenant trouble: A closer look at rental rules in Vermont and evictions: As fewer and fewer long term rentals are available in Cavendish, many blame AIRBnBs. However, Cavendish, according to local realtor Betty McEnaney, as well as a fall 2022 study, has shown that the short term rental market has been steady over the years. Instead, the  primary reason that many who once owned long term rental properties have given them up are the state regs that take between 7-12 months to remove tenants for nonpayment of rent, disruptive behavior etc. Landlords can’t afford the risk.

• Drug Take Back Day: Saturday, April 22 is Drug Take Back Day, across the nation and in our communities from 10-2. It’s important to dispose of unused drugs safely to keep kids and others safe. There are two locations in Ludlow where you can deposit drugs year round-Ludlow Pharmacy (Smilin’ Steve’s) and the Ludlow Police Department. You can also do this by mail by requesting a mailback envelope be sent to you by filling out this online form: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Mail-back-Envelope-Reorder-Form

• Seeking additional vendors and sponsors for Best of Vermont Summer Festival: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) celebrates the third annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival on Saturday, Aug. 26 from noon – 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Ludlow, Vt. This event will take place at Okemo Field on Route 103 in Ludlow. Lead sponsor Okemo Mountain/Vail Resorts generously donated use of the field again. The chamber’s festival committee is seeking additional sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. They are also seeking special event sponsors for other special festival activities. Sponsor and vendor forms are now available on the festival website page. To learn more, to go www.yourplaceinvermont.com/sponsorships for sponsorships, or www.yourplaceinvermont.com/vendors for vendors. FMI:  Carol Lighthall, executive director, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at clighthall@yourplaceinvermont.com, or 802-228-5830.

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

Vaccination for Covid-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: None

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 4/2-4/8 report indicates low community levels state wide, There have been 3 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 947, with 15 deaths in March and 2 in April.

4.    EVENTS

APRIL 17 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

APRIL 18 (TUESDAY): Cavendish ARPA Committee Meeting, Cavendish Town Hall 5:15 pm. 

APRIL 19 (WEDNESDAY): Select Board Executive Session 6 pm Cavendish Town Hall

APRIL 22 (SATURDAY): Drug Take Back Day

MAY 16 (TUESDAY): The Annual Meeting of Cavendish Fire District 2 will be held at Cavendish Fire Station, 2154 Main Street, Cavendish, VT 05142, at 6pm. Copies of the board’s annual report will be available beforehand from the Town Office. The Warning notice is available online.

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Cavendish Update 4/7/23: Crime Watch/Oil Spill/News/Events

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4/7/23

1.    Cavendish Fuel Oil Theft & Contamination

2.    Crime Watch

3.    Lake Monitors Needed

4.    Cavendish Info

5.    COVID

6.    Events

Cavendish’s fire warden, Chris Marks, has issued a bulletin that no fires in areas without snow until further notice. This time of year brush fires start very quickly due to high winds and excess dry materials on the ground.

                    Transfer Station closed Sunday in observance of Easter.

1. CAVENDISH FUEL OIL THEFT AND CONTAMINATION: Note that this is an evolving story and information can change overtime.

 On 04/02/2023 at approximately 18:25 [6.25 pm] hours, Vermont State Police received a report from the Cavendish Road Foreman Alphonso Chambers reporting a large diesel fuel spill at the town garage. The incident occurred at 22:40 [10.40 pm] hours on March 31st. The gas pump was left running until April 1st. Chambers stated that it appeared someone was siphoning fuel out of their tanks. It was reported that over 100 gallons of fuel had spilled into the ground/river. The hazmat team was called to handle the spill. VT State Police Report

According to Chambers, a major environmental hazard occurred when 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel from the town’s tank spilled behind the building, to the left of  the pole barn where it spilled over the bank into wetlands and into the old canal used for the woolen mill.  Mitigation efforts are underway. The contaminated dirt removed from the site is now covered in plastic and will be removed within the next couple of weeks. Fortunately the fuel has not reached the Black River. Absorbent matts have been placed in strategic areas and are being regularly changed in order to avoid further contamination. Though there is no reason to believe the Cavendish Municipal Water System has been impacted, the town well and water will be tested. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cavendish town Office 802-226-7291

Based on camera footage from March 31, Mitchell Horton has been arrested in this matter and on other charges. According to VSP, Horton was in possession of a stolen vehicle. Horton was taken into custody where it was discovered he was armed with a loaded handgun and in possession of what was suspected to be Fentanyl. Horton was transported to the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks for processing and held on $20,000 bail. 

While not specifically charged with siphoning gas, and causing the oil spill, Horton has eight previous felony convictions and nine pending court dockets in Windsor County. Among them include the stealing of an ATM, with more than $30,000, from the Downers Store, 4 Corners, in 2021. 

According to VT Digger Vermont State Police Trooper Eric Clemens wrote in an affidavit that officers responding on Monday to a report of a suspicious man in Cavendish discovered Horton in the back of a white Ford utility truck with “what appeared to be a pump to collect fuel” and “multiple fuel containers.” A similar vehicle had been seen attempting to steal fuel from the Cavendish town garage on Sunday, Clemens wrote.

On Tuesday, Windsor County Superior Court Judge John Treadwell ordered Horton held on $20,000 cash bond. This is the same judge who allowed Horton to leave prison on the condition that he immediately enter a drug rehabilitation program in July 2022. Horton has pleaded not guilty to his most recent charges.

Many in town have expressed frustration over the low bail and the risk Horton poses to the community. A comment made to the Cavendish VT Facebook page reflects the feelings of many people in town, It is beyond comprehension that our court system would allow him out for any reason. With all of the current, pending cases there should be no bail as he clearly lacks the ability to function in society, as has been shown by his repeated dangerous criminal behavior EVERY time he is released. He clearly lacks any respect for himself, his community or the property that the people in this town have worked hard for.

To the question of who will pay for the cleanup of the oil spill, that remains to be seen, though the town has filed a claim with their insurance company.

Special thank you to Brendan McNamara, who is spite of starting his new job as town manager in Ludlow on Monday, has been helping out in resolving this situation.

The State Agency of Natural Resources has a site where you can learn more about hazardous spills, including the one in Cavendish.

2. CRIME WATCH

Proctorsville Break In: Monday night, 4/3, in Proctorsville. House where construction is being completed-Heald Rd near Davis. Tools, compressors and a variety of other items taken. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks at (802)-722-4626. Anonymous tips may be left at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit or by texting the keyword, VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES).

High Speed Chase: On 04/06/23, at 1120 hours, Troopers were conducting case follow-up in Cavendish, Vermont for reported suspicious activity involving a black pickup truck. During this, Trooper's observed a vehicle matching that description and attempted to stop it for an observed violation. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, operating in a negligent manner.  Officers with the Chester Police Department later located the truck at a residence on Baltimore Road, in Springfield.  Bradley Elliot, 39, was located by Troopers, slumped over in the front seat of the vehicle.  Elliot was arrested for Attempting to Elude, Negligent Operation, Violation of Conditions of Release, and Criminal DLS. He was ordered to be held on $500 bail and is cited to appear in Windsor County Criminal Court on 4/7/23 at 1230 hours. VSP

3. LAKE MONITORS NEEDED: Do you enjoy being on the water?  If you own a small paddle-powered or motor-powered boat and can commit to getting out on your lake or pond once every 10 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, then being a lake monitor could be for you,

Volunteers from the Black River Action Team will be tackling lakes and ponds around Windsor County, but there are several still in need of a person to take on the role of lake monitor.  All training and equipment are provided. All that’s required is your enthusiasm for healthy water and an hour or so every 10 days. Water temperature and clarity data as well as visual observations will be collected during each visit, and samples will be collected and need to be delivered to a prearranged drop site in a timely manner.

The water bodies in need are Knapp Brook Pond Number One and Knapp Brook Pond Number Two in Ascutney, Stoughton Pond in Weathersfield, and Amherst Lake in Plymouth.

To learn more or to volunteer, please contact B.R.A.T. Director Kelly Stettner right away at blackrivercleanup@gmail.com,or by leaving your contact information at 802-738-0456.

4. CAVENDISH INFO

• Ann Sheldon (1946-2023): Services are being planned for a later date. Contributions can be made in her name to the Hospice of Vermont/New Hampshire and the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in Windsor, VT.

• Martin (Marty) Nikta: Ludlow Lawyer Marty Nitka died on Thursday March 30 at the age of 80. A full obituary will be filed at a later date.

• Cavendish SB Changes Monthly Meeting to April 17: Due to scheduling conflicts, April’s regularly scheduled Select Board Meeting is being rescheduled for April 17. The board is currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the Town Manager position.

• Municipal Utility Bills Direct Debit Payment: The Town of Cavendish Water/Wastewater bills can now be automatically paid by ACH Direct Debit. If you are interested in setting up direct debits please download the form from the town's website and return it to the Town of Cavendish, PO Box 126, Cavendish VT 05142. Call the Town Office at 802-226-7291 if you have any questions.

• GMUSD special hearing agenda for April 11: The board of the Green Mountain Unified School District will hold a special hearing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at the Green Mountain High School, 716 Rt. 103 south, and via Zoom. To join the meeting go to https://trsu.zoom.us/j/81803924162. The board will be discussing TRSU Policy E5 Nondiscriminatory Mascots and School Branding

• Principal Hill and Asst. Principal Donohue Resign from GMUHS: On Tuesday, the principal and Asst. Principal at Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) announced their resignations. Out of the five schools in the TRSU (Chester Andover, Cavendish, Ludlow and Mt. Holly Elementary Schools and, GMUHS), all will have new principals, with the exception of Mt Holly, by Fall 2023. Two of the positions, Chester Andover and Ludlow Elementary, are retirements. CTES’s principal announced her resignation last week. Amy Bohren is the third principal CTES has had in the last five years.

5. COVID: 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: One at Ludlow Elementary

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 3/26-4/25 report indicates low community levels state wide, with the exception of Windham county, which has medium levels.  There have been 3 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 944, with 14 occurring in March.

6. EVENTS

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

-       Easter Egg Hunt: Weathersfield @ Hoisington Field 10:30 am, bring your own basket. Special area for 3 and under. Occurs regardless of weather.

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 17 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/31/23: CTES/Job/Events

Cavendish in 1906

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3/31/23

1.    CTES Principal Resigns

2.    Job Opening

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CTES PRINCIPAL RESIGNS: On Wednesday, Principal of Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), Amy Bohren, sent an e-mail to the parents and community members stating that she would not be returning next year. I am not sure where my life journey will lead me but for now I am taking a pause to be with my family and reflect on where I think my strengths as a professional will lead me. Of course, I will be here until July to ensure a smooth transition with the new administrator.  I wanted to also thank you for embracing me as a newcomer and welcoming me into your community.  I will miss the students and the many wonderful parents I have been fortunate enough to work with this year.

Bohren is the third CTES principal in the last five years that has resigned.

2. JOB OPENING: The Town of Cavendish has an immediate opening for a full- time Highway Department crew member.  This position has a competitive wage and excellent benefits package. Applicants are required to have current CDL, good driving and work records and must be in good physical health. Solid experience in construction and heavy equipment operation, including dump truck operation, is essential. This is a permanent position with retirement. plan. A comprehensive job description is available to serious applicants.  Applications, resumes and inquiries should be directed to: Cavendish Select Board
Town of Cavendish Municipal Building
37 High Street, P.O. Box 126
Cavendish, Vermont 05142
(802) 226-7291
Cavendish is an Equal Opportunity Employer

3. COVID: 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: None this week

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 3/19-3/25 report indicates low community levels state wide There have been 2 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 941, with 11 occurring in March.

4. EVENTS

MARCH 31 (FRIDAY): Ham Bingo @ CTES. A family fun-filled evening of bingo, pizza and snacks starting at 6 pm on Friday, March 31 at Cavendish Town Elementary School. Play 10 rounds of bingo ($1 per card per round) and win a ham or one of the other terrific gift certificates. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the new playground equipment and the school’s new sign.

APRIL 6 (THURSDAY): Memory Café from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Ludlow Community Center Meeting Room, 37 Main St., Ludlow, Vt. This will be an ongoing event and will take place on the first Thursday of each month. This event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. For more information please contact Joan Frangiose at 802-228-4145.

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

-       Easter Egg Hunt: Weathersfield @ Hoisington Field 10:30 am, bring your own basket. Special area for 3 and under. Occurs regardless of weather.

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/24/23: Tag Sale/Grants/News/Events

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3/24/23

1.    Cavendish 13th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale

2.    CCF Accepting Applications

3.    Cavendish Info:

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CAVENDISH 13th ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: It’s hard to believe that this will be the 13th year of what started out as a special event for the town’s 250th anniversary. As you begin spring cleaning, put aside items for the Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, which will take place on July 29 (Saturday) from 9-2.  Space is available for free on both of the town greens for Cavendish residents, property owners and businesses, along with non profit groups that serve the community. To register for a space on the green, or if you have questions, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

2. CAVENDISH COMMUNITY FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2023 GRANTS: The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for spring 2023 awards. The Fund has given grants twice each year for the past sixteen years. Grants will be awarded for cultural, educational, or artistic programs, projects, or events that benefit the people of Cavendish in some fashion.

The Fund considers applications filed anytime, but will only award spring 2023 grants to those who file by May 1st. The next round of grants will be paid in the fall.

This year for the first time anyone can file their application on line. Instructions for applying, and on-line filing can be found at www.CavendishCommunityFund.com. Please click on the Application tab.

Application instructions can also be obtained and applications can be submitted by emailingCavendishCommunityFund@gmail.com or by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153.

Projects for which funds are sought must directly benefit the Cavendish community in some way. A panel of local citizens reviews all applications and recommends grant awards based on the quality and feasibility of each proposal. Grants are not expected to exceed $1,000 each and will depend primarily on the number of applications received and the amounts requested.

Past grants have been distributed to schools, churches, library, fire department and a variety of non-profits in Cavendish. If you have a project to benefit Cavendish and need financing, you can contact the Fund to discuss your idea.

For further information on applying, on eligibility, on any other aspect of the grant program, or for help completing an application, please call Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Special Select Board Meeting: Monday, March 27th, at 6:00 pm Town Office Meeting Room: 37, High Street Cavendish Vermont. The agenda will include: Executive Session (Personnel) and Town Manager Search Discussion.

• GMUSD adopts complaint process for mascot concerns

• Eleanor Roosevelt Video Performance: Tomorrow March 25th at 1PM, the Cavendish Library will be hosting  the video performance of @sherylfayepresents bringing Eleanor Roosevelt to life.

• Ham Bingo @ CTES: A family fun-filled evening of bingo, pizza and snacks starting at 6 pm on Friday, March 31 at Cavendish Town Elementary School. Play 10 rounds of bingo ($1 per card per round) and win a ham or one of the other terrific gift certificates. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the new playground equipment and the school’s new sign.

• VT Bears are out of their den: According to VT Fish and Wildlife, Vermont's bears have started coming out of their dens, and that means it is time for Vermonters to take some proactive steps to prevent conflicts and foster coexistence by taking down birdfeeders; make garbage inaccessible and dispose of frequently; compost bear country style ; use electric fencing to keep chickens and bees safe; clean grill after every use; make bears feel uncomfortable in your yard by yelling, banging pots and making noise from inside your house. Report bear encounters. FMI” 802-828-1000 or fwinformation@vermont.gov.

4.COVID: 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: None this week

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 3/12-3/18 report indicates low community levels state wide with the exception of Bennington and Rutland counties which are rated medium. There have been 7 new Covid deaths, bringing the state total to 939, with 9 occurring in March.

5. EVENTS

MARCH 25 (SATURDAY):  At 1PM, the Cavendish Library will be hosting  the video performance of @sherylfayepresents bringing Eleanor Roosevelt to life.

MARCH 27 (MONDAY): Special Select Board Meeting at 6:00 pm Town Office Meeting Room: 37, High Street Cavendish Vermont. The agenda will include: Executive Session (Personnel) and Town Manager Search Discussion.

MARCH 31 (FRIDAY): Ham Bingo @ CTES. A family fun-filled evening of bingo, pizza and snacks starting at 6 pm on Friday, March 31 at Cavendish Town Elementary School. Play 10 rounds of bingo ($1 per card per round) and win a ham or one of the other terrific gift certificates. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the new playground equipment and the school’s new sign.

APRIL 6 (THURSDAY): Memory Café from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Ludlow Community Center Meeting Room, 37 Main St., Ludlow, Vt. This will be an ongoing event and will take place on the first Thursday of each month. This event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. For more information please contact Joan Frangiose at 802-228-4145.

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

-       Easter Egg Hunt: Weathersfield @ Hoisington Field 10:30 am, bring your own basket. Special area for 3 and under. Occurs regardless of weather.

APRIL 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS