Cavendish Update 7/19/23: Flood Recover Day 9

Another wonderful design. this one is by Kelly Gadouas

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST DAY 9: 7/19/23

Last evening’s flash flood gave us another opportunity to show how advances in digital technology have made things easier over Irene. A home that should have been fully protected from basement flooding, was taking on water. Brand new residents of Cavendish, a text turned into a Facebook post of where help was needed and what to bring.  Within minutes a crew was on the scene, and we could monitor via text, having the potential to post for more if needed. Welcome to Cavendish Kevin and Becca.

Last day of meal deliveries but the return of the concert series. The location is most likely going to shift to the outside of Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES). Joy of joys, Murdock’s will be open and happy to serve you.

The Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief, sponsored by the Proctorsville Calvary Church, will be setting up at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) in Proctorsville on Thursday afternoon and Friday. Lots of supplies. You drive up, they load up your vehicle with cleaning supplies, waters, Gatorade etc. and you are on your way. Thursday 2-6 pm and Friday 12-6 (or until supplies last). Call 802-345-9919 if you can assist in this effort.

As the shelter moves into a “stop and shop,” if you have questions and concerns e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Dehumidifiers are the most requested item at the moment and we’ve been distributing them as we get them. If your house is dry, please return as many homes are in need. We’ve heard some are in Ludlow and it appears that some items we requested are ending up in Ludlow and not in Cavendish.

It’s going to be a hot one so if you are working outside, stay hydrated.

Unless there is an immediate need, no update tomorrow so I have to prepare some of the handouts we need for the rebuilding phase. Follow the Cavendish VT Facebook page as we post round the clock if there is need.

SHELTER INFO: The shelter is at the Cavendish Baptist Church. This will be the last day for breakfast/lunch deliveries.  The store will continue to operate a little while longer. We should be getting more dehumidifiers today.

ROADS: Densmore took another bad hit last night. While it should be open later today, please give the crews time to get their work done before venturing that way.

DUMPSTERS/TRANSFER STATION: Dumpsters are on Depot St and the transfer station is open today. Please follow transfer station guidelines. We will be having a household hazardous waste day. In the meantime, please follow the rules.

USING DEHUMIDIFIERS & ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS: Running your dehumidifiers with the windows and doors open is counterproductive. Enclosing your space will help reduce humid air from entering your home, so your dehumidifier work more efficiently. For other tips read How to Use a Dehumidifier: Tips for Best Results

WIndow AC units do remove humidity from the air. Empty the drip pan regularly. This will help prevent water build-up and potential overflow. Keep doors and windows closed while the unit is running. This will help trap moist air inside so that it can be properly filtered by the AC unit. For more tips read How Do Window AC Units Remove Humidity?

REBATES FROM EFFICIENCY VERMONT: Whether you need a water heater, appliances or even heating systems, Efficiency Vermont has a variety of rebates on products and technologies.

HOW TO HELP

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

• Checks for shelter and community support can be sent to Cavendish Baptist Church PO Box 425 Cavendish VT 05142. Checks should be payable to Cavendish Baptist Church, with Emergency Shelter noted on the check. This will be used to help those most impacted by the flood and to buy needed items for the shelter.

• The Cavendish Family Fund is also accepting donations to help families impacted by the flood. Send checks to PO Box 126.

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

Cavendish Update 7/18/23: Day 8 Flood Recovery

people are creating logo designs. thanks sami.

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST DAY 8: 7/18/23

It may have been hot, but yesterday’s sun is great for wet basements. Unfortunately, the rain has decided to grace us with its presence today, thus another flood watch (not a warning) and our neighbors to the north are still battling wildfires so air quality is unhealthy for those in the “sensitive” groups.

The good news is that humidifiers arrived last night and more are due today and Wednesday. Lots more fans are now in the Shelter Store. Further, a sunny Wednesday and Thursday are in the forecast and can go a long way to help with the damp.

Rodney is making sure his “regulars” are well taken care of. He will be delivering breakfast and lunch today along with those great smiles. We hear his daughter will be helping with the lunch run. No in-service meals at the Shelter, but snacks, water, Gatorade are available.

The Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief, sponsored by the Proctorsville Calvary Church, will be setting up at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) in Proctorsville on Thursday afternoon and Friday. Anyone from any town, whether you've picked up supplies or not, can drive up and have their vehicle loaded with cleaning supplies, paper products, water, Gatorade and other goodies. Twenty volunteers are needed to help. Call 802-345-9919 if you can assist in this effort. As soon as we know the exact time on Thursday we’ll post to Facebook.

Life goes on and the highlights of last night’s Select Board Meeting includes:

• The new tax rate approved by the board. Fire District # 1 (Proctorsville): Homestead 2.4572 per $100 of property value; Non-Homestead 2.5154. For Fire District #2 (Cavendish) 2.3814 for Homestead and 2.435 for Non-Homestead

• The board unamiously nominated Lisa Sanders to replace Dennis Riley on the Green Mountain Unified School District Board.

• New hire for the Cavendish Garage, Alex Turco, starts work today.

We’re getting a lot of questions about whether the 13th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale will take place on July 29. We’re checking roads and discussing. Hope to have a final verdict by Thursday. It may be a bit different, but remember, we had a parade down Depot St. after Irene to celebrate Cavendish’s 250th Anniversary.

Wednesday is sounding like perfect weather for the weekly concert and fingers crossed Murdock’s will be open and ready to serve.

As the shelter moves into a “stop and shop,” if you have questions and concerns e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com There is a youth group working out of the church today so we may not be as responsive to phone calls, but we’re trying.

SHELTER INFO: The shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church is offering breakfast and lunch plus snacks today. Delivery only  Also available, all of which is free, store; shower, WIFI, electronics charging and emergency housing.

DUMPSTERS: The dumpsters on Depot Street are being regularly changed. Transfer station will be opened on Wednesday.

VT FLOOD RESOURCES WEBSITE: Lots of good resources to check out.

NEED HELP WITH IMMEDIATE FUNDS: The Cavendish Baptist Church’s Deacon’s fund can help with immediate needs. Call 802-226-7131. Note this is a different fund than the one for those with flood damage. More on that fund will be available in the next few weeks.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS: They can appear in many different ways and forms. FEMA representatives and inspectors will always have an official ID badge. They never charge a fee or ask for payment. While your social security number is required for FEMA, do not offer any personal information unless you can verify it’s a FEMA rep. Keep in mind that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t it.

LOVING OUR ARTISTS: We’re getting wonderful logo art for a Cavendish slogan. We’ll be posting them as part of the Updates.

HOW TO HELP

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

• Checks for shelter and community support can be sent to Cavendish Baptist Church PO Box 425 Cavendish VT 05142. Checks should be payable to Cavendish Baptist Church, with Emergency Shelter noted on the check. This will be used to help those most impacted by the flood and to buy needed items for the shelter.

• The Cavendish Family Fund is also accepting donations to help families impacted by the flood. Send checks to PO Box 126. FMI: Call Diane at the town office 802-226-7291

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

Cavendish Update 7/17/23: Day 7 Flood Recovery

since the baptist church contained the shelter store, abe preached at the cavendish stone church for sunday service. He’s definitely a pulpet preacher.

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST DAY 7: 7/17/23

Just amazing how much work was done, even with the rain, this weekend.

Today we begin the process of closing the shelter. We will be serving breakfast and lunch only. The Shelter store is still open. Please come early to get supplies and what you need as we’ll be relocating the store. Tuesday’s update will provide more information.

In the meantime, the sign is up for Wednesday’s concert on the Proctorsville Green (Gully Boys) and Murdock’s hopes to be open that evening. Things are moving in a great direction.

Again and again people are in awe of Cavendish’s response to take care of one another.  While it’s not our first rodeo, thanks to Irene and other weather events, it’s the willingness of so many to do what they can to help one another. Denise, Lori, Cupcake (DG BodyWorks) and their buddies providing free massages, yoga classes and more throughout the town, setting up on the green, in the fire houses, at the shelter, and who knows where else, has made a big difference in sore muscles. Depot Street has felt like a block party more often than not as everyone is helping out, sharing stories, and laughing.  Goodman’s and their portable pizza oven was icing on the cake to that party.

So many people have come to the shelter and now come back to help. If you get behind Rodney’s truck-Mr. Meals on Wheels-his hand is out with a cool drink, snack etc. for flaggers and road crews (don’t try to pass him). Pang Ting, whose been up to her eyeballs cleaning Murdock’s, came to the shelter yesterday morning and did so many chores we hadn’t been able to get to. She left to continue working on Murdock’s and then stops by on her way to see if there is anything more she could do. And what can I say about the work crews, who are truly miracle workers.

A very special thank you to the McNamara family. Kelly has been cooking the most incredible meals-those breakfast burritos yesterday-that was Kelly. Her Dad-Mr. Clean (Mike) brings the cleaning products and the brawn. Diane is town clerk and she’s my constant text buddy.

 If you want to see resiliency in action, come to Cavendish.

SHELTER INFO: The shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church is offering breakfast and lunch plus snacks today. You can dine in, take out or have delivered. Also available, all of which is free, store; shower, WIFI, electronics charging and emergency housing.

IF YOU ARE A RENTER IMPACTED BY THE FLOOD: Please take the following steps

·      Report the damage and unmet needs to the Vermont 2-1-1 website vermont211.org or call 866-652-4636 or 802-652-4636. who you are to help

·      If you have renters insurance file a claim immediately. Note that FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

·      If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.  The fastest and easiest way to apply is to visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), wherever you access your mobile applications. If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week, with language translation services available.

·      If you need emergency housing call 800-775-0506

·      File for unemployment if you’ve lost your job, file for unemployment by going to the Department of Labor website https://labor.vermont.gov/StepsForUnemployment

When you apply for assistance, have the following information available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted

• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

• Your Social Security number, if available

• A general list of damage and losses

• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Disaster Resource Center: The various state and federal agencies, along with the Red Cross, have set up a Disaster Resource Center in Ludlow at the Community Center (37 Main St), which will be open today (Monday) from 9-5. The sooner you do this the better. If you need a ride to the Disaster Resource Center, please call 802-226-7131. We do have people who are helping with filling out applications.

DUMPSTERS: The dumpsters on Depot Street will be there. Not sure if the transfer station will open today. Check Facebook periodically

WHAT’S OPEN IN LUDLOW: Will have a better list in the next few days:

• Ludlow Health Center: The North Star Health Mobile Services Unit will be at Ludlow Health Center, 1 Elm Street in Ludlow, VT, Monday, 7/17 - Friday 7/21/2023, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, to provide walk-in care for acute health needs. You do not need to be a North Star Health patient or a Ludlow resident.

• Grocery:  Shaw’s Temporarily Closed

• Pharmacies: Ludlow Pharmacy (Smiling Steve) is open; Rite Aid Temporarily closed

• Banks:  Berkshire  open; M&T Temporarily Closed

• Post Office: Temporarily closed, mail is going to Proctorsville

HOW TO HELP

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

• Graphic for our slogan Vermont Strong, Cavendish Safe. Call or e-mail 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Checks for shelter and community support can be sent to Cavendish Baptist Church PO Box 425 Cavendish VT 05142. Checks should be payable to Cavendish Baptist Church, with Emergency Shelter noted on the check. This will be used to help those most impacted by the flood and to buy needed items for the shelter.

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

Cavendish Update 7/16/23: Day

Rodney, with the beard, has been the best delivery guy. He and Cyrus are walking Depot St. to see where they can be of most help.

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

                    EMERGENCY FLOOD POST DAY 6: 7/16/23

Quick post this morning as I’m on breakfast duty.

A big shout out to Rodney who has been delivering the meals. A former resident of Cavendish, he travels every day from Tinmouth to make sure everyone is fed. I asked the flagger today if she needed anything and she said, “I’ve got Rodney taking care of me.” She also said she was just in awe of how the community has pulled together and has never seen anything like it.

Thanks to your generosity, we don’t need a thing today. We’ve got a well-stocked Shelter Store. Please come and shop and get what you need.

 Since the Cavendish Baptist Church is now the Shelter Store, they will be holding Sunday Service at the Stone Church, just across the street at 10 am. All are welcome.

The Cavendish Historical Society Museum will not be open today and the hike to the Proctorsville Quarry will be rescheduled for the fall.

SHELTER INFO: The shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church is open 24/7 offering three meals and snacks. You can dine in, take out or have delivered. Also available, all of which is free, store; shower, WIFI, electronics charging and emergency housing.

IF YOU HAVE PROPERTY DAMAGE: Please take the following steps

·      Report the damage and unmet needs to the Vermont 2-1-1 website or call 866-652-4636 or 802-652-4636. This helps to determine residents for direct individual assistance aid. Windsor has already been approved for this type of assistance but they need to know who you are to help

·      If you have insurance call the company

·      Register with FEMA

·      Residents and business owners can call 1-800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov in the next 30 days to apply assistance for housing repair, rental assistance and personal property loss.

·      If you need emergency housing call 800-775-0506

·      File for unemployment if you’ve lost your job by going to the Department of Labor website

The various state and federal agencies, along with the Red Cross, have set up a Disaster Resource Center in Ludlow at the Community Center (37 Main St, which will be open today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday). The sooner you do this the better.

Beginning tomorrow, we will be focusing more of our attention on helping those who are most in need.

CAVENDISH TRANSFER STATION/DUMPSTERS: The transfer station is open Sunday 10-5. The dumpster at the old town garage in Cavendish is being moved to Depot Street, where the need is greatest. In short, two dumpsters on Depot and the Transfer Station.

HOW TO HELP

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

• Checks for shelter and community support can be sent to Cavendish Baptist Church PO Box 425 Cavendish VT 05142. Checks should be payable to Cavendish Baptist Church, with Emergency Shelter noted on the check. This will be used to help those most impacted by the flood and to buy needed items for the shelter. For some reason, the pay pal account isn’t working.

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.