Cavendish Update 7/12/23: Flood Emergency

Depot Street

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST 7/12/23

We’re into major recovery mode today and while the shelter is in full swing, we will have crews out on Depot St. and other locations with water, food, cleaning supplies and lending a hand where needed. We have sump pumps. If you need us to drop off water and meals, call the shelter 802-226-7131 or the town office 802-226-7291. The Shelter Store is well stocked with cleaning supplies and other items. Drop in and get what you need.

The fire stations are now stocking water so if you can’t make it to the shelter, stop there.

For those of us who went through Irene, we find ourselves making a lot of comparisons. While some have been hit hard, and we once again find ourselves with a nasty road situation on route 131, the fact that the town has full power, water and sewer makes this a lot easier to recover from. As Rick Chambers, town manager, pointed out, “We know it gets better.”  

TOWN WATER IS FINE!! There is a rumor that by asking for bottled water that implies something is wrong with the town’s water. Couldn’t be further from the truth. We need the water for first responders, for meals at the shelter and for those who haven’t turned their water back on.  If you have questions about the water, call town manager Rick Chambers 802-226-7291.

STAY SAFE WHEN CLEANING UP AFTER A FLOOD: Don’t wait for FEMA. Just take a lot of pictures/videos that will be helpful for insurance claims and FEMA. Keep records of all expenses. Be sure to check with your insurance company for other requirements needed to make your claim.

Start cleaning now so you can avoid mold. What to do

1.    Shut off gas and electricity.

2.    Wear protective gear.

3.    Remove standing water and all soaked materials. Shovel out mud. Remove wall interior surfaces and insulation.

4.    Scrub walls and floors and then disinfect with bleach solution.

5.    Dry thoroughly before rebuilding.

Cleaning supplies to help you are at the “Shelter Store.” Take what you need.

For more tips see Cleaning Up After a Flood

TRANSFER STATION: The transfer station will be open today. It’s already pretty close to capacity. The goal is to have more dumpsters in place for the weekend. Hours are Wed and Sat. 8-5 and 10-5 on Sunday.

CURRENT SITUATION

• The Cavendish Shelter-located at the Cavendish Baptist Church- is open 24/7 and serving three meals and snacks. Free WiFi and places to charge electronic devices (bring your own chargers). Please go there for information. Breakfast is at 8 and we have a French Toast Casserole with maple syrup and blueberries.

• Power has been restored town wide.

• 103 to Ludlow is now open. Brook Rd to Downers is closed.

• Please check the Cavendish Facebook page regularly for updates

HOW TO HELP

• Immediate needs for the shelter, include: brooms, fans, spray bottles, mops and buckets

• Gift certificates for places like Home Depot, local eateries and gas for those most impacted by the flood.

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

IF YOU NEED HELP: If you are having an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergencies, call the town office. They open at 9. 802-226-7291. You can also call the Shelter at 802-226-7131.

LONG TERM SHELTER SUPPORT: Since December, this is the 4th time we’ve opened the shelter. Our weather is changing and we’re having to prepare for it. The shelter needs the following: twin size air mattresses (we fine these are more comfortable then cots and take up the same amount of space); vacuum storage bags (we need to save space by storing bedding in as small a space as possible); storage bins. These items can be dropped off at the Shelter.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

Cavendish Update: Emergency Post 7/11/23

Cyrus Gross helping to keep the shelter from flooding.

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST 7/11/23

 The combination of saturated ground and very heavy rain has created a similar situation to Irene. At the moment, many of our roads are damaged and closed and it’s not easy getting in or out of town. Depot St and Mill St. bridges are closed at the moment. For the record, we beat Irene as far as rainfall-8 inches versus 7. Guess not the record we’d necessarily want to break.

 While this morning will be spent in assessing our situation, we have to start this post by wishing Gloria Leven a very happy 100th birthday today. She’s missing out on her party today unfortunately.

CURRENT SITUATION

• The Cavendish Shelter-located at the Cavendish Baptist Church- is open 24/7 and serving three meals and snacks. Breakfast starts at 8 am; lunch 11:30 and dinner at 5:30. Showers are available. Free WiFi and places to charge electronic devices (bring your own chargers). Please go there for information.

• We have a number of people that have been evacuated that are staying with neighbors and some are at the shelter.

• 341 GMP customers in town are without power. Most of the outage is from the Power Plant Rd box. It’s going to take time to get to this area as the water needs to recede.

• Our first responders will be out on ATVs this morning delivering water, food and supplies as needed.

• Please check the Cavendish Facebook page regularly for updates

HOW TO HELP

• Immediate needs, which can be dropped off at the shelter, include: bottled water (for those without power); fresh fruit; cleaning supplies (buckets, brooms, clothes etc.; toothbrushes (brand new only) and toothpaste.

• We will be needing food for the shelter but will post a list later this morning on Facebook

• Cleaning crews will be needed. Will be posting what’s needed and where later this morning.

• We will be setting up a way to make donations to help those most impacted by the flood.

IF YOU NEED HELP: If you are having an emergency, please call 911. For non emergencies, call the town office. They open at 9. 802-226-7291

THANK YOU: So many people have stepped to the plate and are helping in the most unbelievable ways. Our first responders-Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments-are doing an incredible job at rescue and keeping people safe. The shelter crew is keeping people fed and housed. The town office is answering calls and helping to guide help where it’s needed. Most of all thank you to the people of Cavendish for keeping it together and doing what we always do-take care of one another. If you have to have this kind of emergency, there is no better place to be then Cavendish.

If you’re feeling a bit dazed, confused, anxious this morning, it’s okay. You’re having a perfectly normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

Cavendish Update 7/7/23: Hike/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS 

ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE IS THREE WEEKS AWAY.

7/7/23

1.    Proctorsville Quarry Hike

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Events

1. PROCTORSVILLE QUARRY HIKE: If you’ve ever walked through the rotunda of the National Art Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C, were you aware you were walking on Cavendish? The Verde Antique marble in the Gallery’s floor is from the Proctorsville Quarry, off Twenty Mile Stream Rd.  It was chosen because it was a match of the columns of the rotunda, which are made of Italian Verde.

 On Sunday, July 16, the Cavendish Historical Society will be sponsoring a hike out to the quarry, that will be guided by Tim Calabrese. The walk is about 2 miles round trip and it’s recommended that hikers wear appropriate shoes and clothing. This event is not recommended for dogs and young children since there are now deep ponds of water left from the extraction of the stone.

Meet at the Museum at 2 pm, where a brief overview will be given and we’ll arrange to car pool to the trail head. In the event of rain, a notice will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page. The Museum will be open that afternoon from 2-4 and we will reschedule the hike for the early fall.

For questions and other information, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com To learn more about the quarry, click here.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Concerts continue with Bill Brink: The second concert of the 2023 season will be held on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville on July 12, at 6 p.m., with the sounds of singer-songwriter Bill Brink. New to the Proctorsville annual summer concerts, Brink has been playing music for over 20 years. He enjoys playing many different styles of music using six and 12 string acoustic guitars, as well as bass and electric guitar, banjo, harmonica, kazoo, mandolin, and washboard. In addition to having an extensive collection of cover songs, he also has many of his own songs that he has written and produced. Based in Springfield, Brink’s music has been heard across the globe. In addition to writing and performing, Brink, along with his wife June, produce music and videos, organize local music events, and host live social media performances.

• Stepping Stones is Seeking a Preschool Teacher: If you are working towards your degree and/or license this is a great opportunity to work alongside their director. FMI jillian.rapanotti@gmail.com

• Expeditionary School at Black River in Ludlow to receive public tuition money. VT Digger

• Wild Turkeys: VT Fish & Wildlife needs your help monitoring wild turkeys! If you see a flock of turkeys in Vermont during July and August, they’re asking you to go to the turkey brood survey on their website and report your observations, including where and when you observed the turkeys with the number of adult and young turkeys you observed. Information gathered from this survey helps them monitor the long-term trends in the productivity of Vermont’s wild turkey population.

• A Vermonter’s guide to wildfire smoke and air quality VT Public

3. EVENTS

JUNE 5-JULY 11: The Most Costly Journal-Physical & Mental Health Needs Display Panels at the Cavendish Library

JULY 10 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

JULY 11 (TUESDAY): 6 PM Movie Night at the Cavendish Library. Under the Cloak of Darkness

JULY 12 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Bill Brink will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 15 (SATURDAY): HeartSaver CPR at the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept. 1-4 pm. FMI and to register

• 100th birthday party for Gloria Leven, 1 pm at the Cavendish Library.

JULY 19 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Gully Boys will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 26 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Mark Huntley and Friends will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

AUGUST 2 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Sammy Blanchette will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

AUGUST 4 (FRIDAY): Cartoonist Marek Bennett at the Cavendish Library, registration is required for this event. FMI and to Register 802-226-7503 or e-mail cavendishlibrary@gmail.com

AUGUST 9 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Yankee Chank will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

AUGUST 16 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. The Silverbacks will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 6/30/23: July 4/River Testing/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEW 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND.  The Cavendish Town Office is closed on Monday the 3rd but open on the 4th.

The Air Quality Alert due to fine particle pollution from Canadian wildfire smoke remains in effect until midnight tonight. Free KN95 masks are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps and from 9-4 today at the Cavendish Fire Dept.

6/30/23

1.    Black River Water Testing Results

2.    Area 4th of July Activities

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Events

1. BLACK RIVER WATER TESTING: The Black River Action Team’s (BRAT) local swimming hole tests for E.coli levels  on Wednesdays (6/28) are at higher levels than last week. The West Hill Road Rec Pond in Ludlow is very high and unsafe for recreational use. According to BRAT, this is likely from a combination of heavy rain and all the disturbance on the beach as the Town begins to recreate the public access. The EPAs limit for safe swimming is 245 CFUs. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain. Site results were as follows: Cavendish Gorge: 126 CFU; Greven Field: 142; Buttermilk Falls: 184 CFU; Tolles Power Dam: 186 CFU; Twenty Foot Hole: 63 CFU; West Hill Road Rec Pond (Ludlow):749 CFU (unsafe)

Note, starting Sunday, rain is predicted through the entire week, where there will be likely periods of heavy rain.

2. AREA 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES: Ludlow’s Fireworks are Sunday, July 2. Begins 6pm at the Okemo Base area. Park in the Main Lot of the Clock Tower Base Area. Fireworks start at dusk. Other places with 4th of July activities include:

- Claremont: Monadnock Park, 190 Broad St. 6-10 pm

- Springfield: Patriotic Concert, 7:30 pm at the Hartness House, 109 Front St.

- Saxton’s River 4th of July Activities

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• ARPA Applications now being accepted: The Town of Cavendish ARPA Advisory Committee is now accepting proposals for review. Applications are due by September 30, 2023. You may pick up hard copies in the Cavendish Town Office or download a copy by clicking here.  Completed applications may be returned to the Town Office or emailed to jen.leak@cavendishvt.org

• Beware of Bears: Residents have seen them while walking, in their yards, in trees and found evidence of their recent activity. A cub has been reported using a pet door. Please remove all bird feeders, secure garbage cans and compost bins. You, can compost for free at the Cavendish Transfer Station. FMI: VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Living with Black Bears

• Cavendish Concerts begin with Gypsy Reel: Wed, July 5, at 6pm begins the summer concert series in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green). This week features Gypsy Reel. For over 20 years, Gypsy Reel has played high energy, stirring music rooted in the Celtic tradition but garnered from the whole world. They rock their audiences with an exciting synthesis of world rhythms, and influences from three continents. Based in Ludlow, Vt., the band is no stranger to the Cavendish music series, and many fans find this concert to be a highlight. This concert is sponsored by M&M Excavating. All concerts are free and open to the public.

• GM board hears of PCB contamination, splits on Reilly replacement:  Weighing in at three hours, the June 15 meeting of the Green Mountain Unified School District's board was long, but as recent meetings go it was one of the calmest and most cooperative, even when the board could not agree on a candidate to appoint as a replacement for Cavendish board member Dennis Reilly, who resigned over a vote on the use of the name Chieftain. Chester Telegraph

• PCBs at Green Mountain High School – What you need to know:  After high levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls — PCBs — found in the Burlington High School led to moving that school’s students to an empty department store while a new school is being built, the Vermont legislature mandated testing every publicly funded school built before 1980. Through that testing, the Green Mountain Unified School District recently learned that samples of the air taken in its high school — Green Mountain Union, which opened in 1971 — also show elevated levels of PCBs. And while those levels are not nearly as high as those  found in Burlington, they do require action to remove the materials that are emitting them. Chester Telegraph.

• New laws in Vermont that start July 1: Gun purchases, adoption records, distracted driving and more VT Public  

4. EVENTS

JUNE 5-JULY 11: The Most Costly Journal-Physical & Mental Health Needs Display Panels at the Cavendish Library

JULY 1 (SATURDAY): Arts and Crafts Festival at Fletcher Farm, 10-4 Free Admission, live music.

JULY 2 (SUNDAY): CHS Museum is open from 2-4 pm.

-       Ludlow Fireworks, Food, Music and Fun. Begins 6pm at the Okemo Base area. Park in the Main Lot of the Clock Tower Base Area. Fireworks start at dusk.

JULY 3 (MONDAY): Town Office is closed for the 4th of July

JULY 4 (TUESDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Town Office Open

JULY 5 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts kick off at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Gypsy Reel will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 11 (TUESDAY): 6 PM Movie Night at the Cavendish Library. Under the Cloak of Darkness

JULY 12 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Bill Brink will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 15 (SATURDAY): HeartSaver CPR at the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept. 1-4 pm. FMI and to register

• 100th birthday party for Gloria Leven, 1 pm at the Cavendish Library.

JULY 19 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Gully Boys will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 26 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. The Willistones will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

AUGUST 2 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Sammy Blanchette will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

AUGUST 4 (FRIDAY): Cartoonist Marek Bennett at the Cavendish Library, registration is required for this event. FMI and to Register 802-226-7503 or e-mail cavendishlibrary@gmail.com

AUGUST 9 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. Yankee Chank will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

AUGUST 16 (WEDNESDAY): Summer Concerts at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 6 pm. The Silverbacks will perform. Concerts are free and open to the public.

     IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS