Cavendish Update 7/28/23: Flood recovery/News/Tag Sale

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                   

ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE IS LOOKING IFFY AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THE DATE WILL NEED TO CHANGE. INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED TODAY BY 5 PM ON FACEBOOK. Some people have indicated they will set up regardless of weather and we’ll provide that information as well .

 

7/28/23

1.Flood Information

2. Cavendish information

3. Events

 

1. FLOOD INFORMATION: The Cavendish Shelter-Cavendish Baptist Church- closed after two weeks of operation on Sunday, July 23. However, the Store, with cleaning supplies and water, remains open 24/7. If you have questions and concerns, you can e-mail them to cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Mold: The big issue we’re dealing with at the moment is mold. The current weather conditions are not conducive to drying out, and mold can start growing within 48 hours of standing water. Properties that thought they had no damage from the flood and flash floor are finding mold in their basements. Homes that pumped out and cleaned sufficiently immediately after flooding are seeing mold. If you have mold, there are cleaning supplies at the shelter store, and we are working on a new approach to address the issue. In the meantime, please use the hazmat materials, including masks, gloves and Tyvek suits, available at the shelter store if you are still cleaning in basements and/or are undertaking mold remediation.

Could you use a Work Crew?: If you are interested in having a work crew on Sunday, please register on-line or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Dumpsters/Transfer Station: Dumpsters are being removed from Depot St. today. On Saturday the transfer station returns to normal hours with tipping fees. Pease follow the rules about what to dispose of and where.

File 211: If you’ve had any flood damage, whether you plan to file with FEMA or not, please file 211 as it helps Cavendish receive more funds. You can do this by going to vermont211.org

FEMA: While you can file for FEMA online, a Disaster Recovery Center is now available in Rutland. This can make the process of filing a lot easier. Open all week from 8 am to 7 pm, it’s located at the ASA Bloomer Building at 88 Merchants Row in Rutland. You can get a lot more of your questions answered by going there and you will be less likely to have your application denied if you missed something.

VEM Hazard Mitigation Program - Property Buyout: Grant funding is available through Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) to cover 100% of the project cost for the voluntary purchase of properties (residential, commercial, or vacant parcels) that are at risk from flooding.

• If a property was damaged during the July 2023 flooding event, VEM may be able to fund the purchase of the property at the appraised value the day before the storm.

• If any federal funding was received following damages from this event (e.g., flood insurance payments or Individual Assistance), property owners need to showing that funding was used for repairs.

• If a property was not damaged during this event but is at risk from flooding, VEM may still be able to fund the purchase of the property.

• If a property owner is considering pursuing a voluntary buyout, or if a municipality has property owners who may be interested, please complete the Vermont Buyout Interest Intake From. VEM will then direct you to the appropriate application materials in the next few weeks.

• Once property buyouts are complete, any structures will be demolished, and the property will be maintained as green open space in perpetuity.

• If you have questions or would like to request a site visit, please reach out to dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov

Openings: Many places have reopened in Ludlow though with some modifications. Shaw’s is tent city again, but you need to use their app as it’s all drive thru. M&T Bank is open but with no drive thru. Smiling Steve’s, Ludlow Pharmacy is open but Rite Aid is closed. Many restaurants, including Murdock’s in Proctorsville,  have reopened with the exception of Sam’s, Mr. Darcy’s, Smokin’ Bowls, Harry’s, Homestyle, Café at de light, Subway, 802 and Outer Limits.

Local Resources for Flood Relief: The following places can provide immediate help from-please share with friends and neighbors:

Black River Good Neighbors: They have recently received funding to help with flood relief. They offer a wide array of services including: assistance with finances, food, heating, housing, and utilities. They do not provide assistance for telephone, (cell or landline), cable or satellite TV bills, or past due bill payments. (Assistance will only be paid for current bills.) Call 802-228-3663

• Deacon’s Fund @ the Cavendish Baptist Church: This is for immediate needs and is generally small sums. This is different than the Cavendish Flood Relief Funds (CFRF), which will be issuing guidelines shortly. Call 802-226-7131

Senior Solutions: Offering funds for food lost during the flood along with a variety of other information and resources. Call 802-885-2669

Okemo Valley Business Recovery Center: This is being organized and run by the Okemo Valley Chamber and its primary purpose is to assist businesses. They are working with Ludlow Rotary Club to create the Okemo Valley Disaster Relief Fund. Call 802-228-5830

• Ludlow Community Center: Hours very but from July 24-28 they will be 10-2 and on July 29 (Saturday) 10-noon, closed Sunday. This will be updated week to week. Call 802-228-2655

If you have questions and concerns about flood recovery in Cavendish, call the Cavendish Town Office 802-226-7291 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

 

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Select Board Minutes from 7/17 Meeting: Unapproved minutes are available at the Town’s website and a report is available from the VT Journal. The video of the meeting is available at Okemo Valley TV.

• Select Board Meeting 7/27/23: At last night’s SB meeting, the board approved opening a $2 million line of credit for flood related costs. They updated emergency management plan and moved to establish a local hazard mitigation plan. These actions will add 10% to the state share of funding for reimbursement. There will be a public input meeting on Monday, July 31, at 6 pm on the hazard mitigation plan. The agenda for this meeting will be posted when received.

• Cavendish Climate Impact Survey: For all Cavendish Residents and Business Owners, The Town would greatly appreciate your participation in this brief survey to get your perspective on how the changing climate has impacted our community and your primary concerns about natural hazards such as flooding, erosion, and extreme temperatures. Your responses will also provide the needed input for a mitigation plan that will improve the Town's resiliency to these hazards and maximize state reimbursement funding for this and future disasters. Please respond by August 4th.

• Sammy Blanchette Concert on August 2:  Sammy Blanchette will return to the gazebo on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville for the Cavendish summer concert series on Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. Sammy is a New England based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, who has been playing the Okemo Valley area for several years. His style forms a broad mix of rock, blues, reggae, jazz, and jam band. Also known as Sammy B, he uses acoustic and electric instruments.

 

3. EVENTS

JULY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale: Please check the Cavendish VT Facebook for postponement if needed.

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 7/24/24: Rebuilding after the flood

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                  

                     7/24/23: Cavendish Rebuilding Stronger & Safer

What an incredible weekend! We had terrific work crews out and about cleaning, doing transfer runs, hauling out debris, and so much more. Many many thanks to our wonderful volunteers and to our incredible Shelter team.

A very special thank you to Kelly McNamara who provided the most amazing food all weekend, as she has done throughout the last two weeks, with a variety of special treats from Mary Ormrod (those ginger cookies were a major hit).  

Rodney did his last runs on Sunday, we’re going to miss him, while Doris Eddy, assisted by Ephrom, provided the Saturday shift. A special thank you to Doris for arranging a donation of a brand new dryer for the Shelter when it was most desperately needed.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of so many in our communities who made sure we had Gatorade and all the supplies we needed, including the muck boots that were a major benefit as people continued to clean basements. The Church of Christ in Springfield has kept us well stocked in clean up supplies. The Convoy of Hope, organized by Calvary Church in Proctorsville, distributed all of their supplies to Cavendish and surrounding towns. Late yesterday afternoon, the Red Cross came by with their disaster totes. All the right stuff including tarps and flashlights. While we hope we don’t need these anytime soon, we are placing them around town, along with water and other supplies, to be at the ready when needed.  Thank you Store Manager Steve (SMS) for keeping things stocked and helping shoppers.

One of our amazing supporters has been the Vermont 100 Endurance Race. For years they have passed through our town but this year, they came to help. They provided food, incredible work crews and more. Sherry, a volunteer with VT 100, has been a daily volunteer who managed to secure us well water testing kits when none were to be had it seemed.  Next year we’ll be team Cavendish supporting them as they race through our town.

With the Town Shelter (Cavendish Baptist Church) now closed, we’re moving into the next phase-rebuilding. Today is clean-up day at the Shelter, but if you need water, cleaning supplies-including rakes, shovels and mops, please stop by. If you have questions, or we can help in other ways, e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Today’s post includes resources to help those impacted by the floods. Please note that many are so focused on cleaning and rebuilding, they aren’t reading the Updates, or following Facebook. Talk to your neighbors and share information.

 

VERMONT 211-The Importance of Registering: Whether you had a little or a lot of damage, it’s important to register for 211 as funding for the towns will be based on the number of people who have filed. You can do this on-line.

MARC (Multi-Agency Resource Center): Will be at the Ludlow Community Center from Monday, July 24 - Wednesday, July 26 from 9 am to 5 pm. This includes, FEMA, Red Cross, Economic Services, SBA as well as other agencies.

LOCAL HELP: Below are following places to seek immediate help from

• Black River Good Neighbors: They have recently received funding to help with flood relief. They offer a wide array of services including: assistance with finances, food, heating, housing, and utilities. They do not provide assistance for telephone, (cell or landline), cable or satellite TV bills, or past due bill payments. (Assistance will only be paid for current bills.)  802-228-3663.

• Deacon’s Fund @ the Cavendish Baptist Church: This is for immediate needs and is generally small sums. This is different than the Cavendish Flood Relief Funds (CFRF), which will be issuing guidelines shortly. Call 802-226-7131

 Senior Solutions: Offering funds for food lost during the flood.

• Okemo Valley Business Recovery Center: This is being organized and run by  the Okemo Valley Chamber and its primary purpose is to assist businesses. They are working with Ludlow Rotary Club to create the Okemo Valley Disaster Relief Fund.

• Ludlow Community Center: July 24-28 they will be open 10-2 and on July 29 (Saturday) 10-13, closed Sunday. This will be updated week to week.  

 

VERMONT RESOURCES: This website provides flood resources, assistance and referrals.

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. If you have already received FEMA funds, but are finding needs not addressed in their original assessment, please consider an appeal.

An appeal should be submitted to FEMA within 60 days of the date on the determination letter. In your dated and signed appeal letter, explain why you disagree with the decision. How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

 Please note that FEMA numbers will often be required when seeking help in the weeks and months ahead, so be sure to file.

EFFICIENCY VERMONT:  Many people whose basements flooded are learning that their water heaters and other devices need to be replaced. Some have had to remove all forms of insulation and are in need of weatherization. Efficiency Vermont can offer sizeable rebates on items like tankless hot water. We recently contacted Efficiency VT about programs being offered as well as rebates. They responded with the following information: There are internal discussions about setting up educational workshops for building and insulating post flood damage. In the meantime, for folks trying to build back and recover from the flooding, we encourage them to reach out to our network of Efficiency Excellence Network contractors, who are trained in energy efficiency best practices, and can advise on the best next steps. You can find a list of contractors at www.EfficiencyVermont.com/Pro.

Here are existing incentives that can help offset the cost of the systems and equipment that may have been damaged by the flood:

Up to $40 off Dehumidifiers

Up to $800 off Heat Pump Water Heaters

Up to $850 off Ductless Heat Pump systems

75% off Weatherization project costs, up to $5,000 for moderate and low-income households

The Home Energy Loan may also be a great resource for some, as many impacted systems can be rolled into that one Low/No interest loan, up to $20,000

Neighborworks of Western Vermont Energy Loan – can be used statewide for numerous things including health and safety measures as well as heating systems.

 

IF YOU ARE A RENTER: Maybe your landlord has taken care of the flooding or maybe not. If by this time they have not cleared out the basement and/or have not applied a remediation method that works, please consider the following:

• Call 211 and report your situation-it supports the town in getting more funding.

• Go to the Disaster Relief Center at the Ludlow Community Center 9-5 Monday (July 24) - Wednesday (July26) and file with FEMA. They can provide renters assistance, including lost property.

• If you need some place else to live until your property is restored, please go to Black River Good Neighbors, which is just across from the Ludlow Community Center to request assistance with housing, food etc.

 

 SHAW’S: By Wednesday or Thursday, Shaw's will have a tent outside for pick-up of orders. They will only be accepting orders via their app. Hopefully, 3-4 weeks after that, they will have a "store within a store" open for people to start shopping locally again. This store will be smaller, temporarily, so they can continue to work on the building. They will still carry the bulk of items that you need such as canned food, meats, produce and dairy products.

 

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, Cavendish VT 05142

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          Rebuilding a Stronger & Safer Cavendish

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 7/21/23: Flood Recovery/Tag Sale/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                   

ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE IS HAPPENING!

 

7/21/23

1. Flood Information

2. Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

3. Events

 

1. FLOOD INFORMATION: The flash flood definitely mixed things up a bit, so Rodney is still pulling his cart and dropping off meals, drinks, snacks etc. for breakfast and lunch. He’ll be delivering through Sunday.

We’re often asked how this event compares to Irene. On the one hand, we’ve been fortunate that we’ve had power and water throughout. There’s no Cavendish Canyon, but the river giants enjoyed munching on 131 and it looks like it will be a while before the road is repaired between Brook and Downers Four corners (Route 106). The back roads are still being repaired but many are passable. The big difference is in damage to property and homes.

We’re learning every day about basements that flooded to such a degree they will need to replace hot water heaters, fuel tanks, heating systems etc. It appears that more homes have been damaged in the 2023 storm versus Irene and some have been hit twice, first with the July 9 storm and again with the flash flood.

 The process of filing for FEMA, the amount that’s generally been awarded so far ($6,100) and other information is outlined in an excellent article from VT Digger, A guide to the FEMA aid process for flooded Vermont homes.

Many people do not have flood insurance and the cost to replace some of the major appliances in a basement can be significant. While a great deal of work is being done by volunteers to muck out basements, regrade property etc., the costs to rebuild will be significant. The shelter teams focus is now shifting to how to help with long term costs and ways to meet them.

Route 131 by Glimmerstone is now two lanes. Our favorite flagger is still around just in a different location. She’s thrilled to have been featured in two newspaper articles.

The Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief, sponsored by the Proctorsville Calvary Church, is set up at Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) in Proctorsville. They will be loading up your vehicle with cleaning supplies, snacks and water,today,  Friday, from 12-6 (or until supplies last). Rain or shine, they’ll be there and you don’t have to get out of your car.  

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 them as many homes in need. Fingers cross on more coming in today. Call 802-226-7131 to get on the list. We also understand that both Home Depot in Claremont and Ollie's in Springfield have them. 

Shelter Info: The shelter is at the Cavendish Baptist Church. Breakfast and lunch will be delivered through Sunday.  The store will continue to operate a little while longer.

Dumpsters/Transfer Station: Dumpsters are on Depot St and the transfer station this weekend normal hours. Please follow transfer station guidelines. We will be having a household hazardous waste day so do not toss such items into the dumpsters. Pease follow the rules about what to dispose of and where.

Could you use a work crew?  We have work crews heading to Cavendish for the weekend. Please let us know if you could use help. Please be specific about your needs. You must be present when the crew is at your house. You can arrange for a crew by calling 802-226-7131 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Update to Ludlow Openings and Closings: M & T Bank will be closed for several more weeks. Use branches in Springfield, Chester or Rutland. The Ludlow Laundromat should be opening today. Village Pizza has reopened. The Farmers Market will be open today from 4-7.

TO REGISTER FOR FEMA AID, EVEN IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE OR ARE IN AN UNDECLARED COUNTY, VISIT: DisasterAssistance.Gov OR CALL 800-621-3362

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 Shelter is in need of restaurant grade refrigeration, as well as washer/dryer. If you would like to help with these purchases, please use the information above for check writing, but note on the check Emergency Shelter Appliances.

• The Cavendish Family Fund is also accepting donations to help families impacted by the flood. Send checks to PO Box 126, Cavendish VT 05142

• Check on your neighbor and help where you can.

                          We’re Vermont Strong and Cavendish Safe.

 

2. CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: By popular demand, Cavendish will be holding it’s 13th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale on July 29th (Saturday) from 9-2. We can all use a break, find items we might have lost through the flood, enjoy some good food and have a sense of normalcy in what is a very abnormal time.  Vendors are urged  to set up on one of the town greens or along Main St. in order to keep people off the back roads.

The Cavendish Connects Booth, located at the Proctorsville Green Gazebo, will have information for those who have been impacted by the flood, including resource information from Efficiency Vermont.

In the event that the Town deems it unsafe to hold this event, we will post information on the Cavendish VT Facebook page and reschedule

If you have questions, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

 

3. EVENTS

JULY 22 (SATURDAY): A one-woman show about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be held at the Cavendish Library at 1 pm. RBG is one of many incredible woman that writer/performer Sheryl Faye portrays in her Historical Women series.

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 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.