CAVENDISH GUIDE FOR FLOOD RECOVERY

   Updated 10/12/23

DEADLINE FOR FILING WITH FEMA & SBA HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCT. 31.

Disaster Recovery Center in Ludlow: Hours are 8-6 Monday-through Friday; Saturday 9-2 and closed Sunday. Located at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., It is like a recovery mall, with all kinds of information-federal and state agencies, and sometimes local. Besides FEMA, we have Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives that can help those affected through the process, and help with the loan paperwork. Also, the Department of Labor is there to provide information for those that lost their employment due to the disaster.

Affected individuals can register, or ask questions about their cases, including appeals, as well as turn in paperwork to FEMA. Also, there will be an expert in mitigation who can provide information about how to rebuild, repair, what materials to use, how to elevate, how to clean mold, and more.

If you are finding new problems that are flood related and have already filed with FEMA, file for an appeal. You can also file a letter to extend your appeal if you can’t get all the information needed within the required timeframe.

Black River Valley Resource Guide: A new guide is now available with local resources available to this living in the towns of Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly. Download a copy from the Cavendish Municipal Website.

Heating Assistance: Governor Scott in his press conference on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, announced plans for the state to contact Vermonters with heating systems damaged due to flooding and still needing repairs or replacement. Those who reported this damage to FEMA or 211 should get a survey from a Vermont.gov email address. The Governor is requesting response to the surveys so people can be connected to technicians to complete this work. (Those receiving the survey should double check it is from Vermont.gov). Those needing assistance completing the survey can call 802-828-3333. 

Efficiency VT-How to take advantage of new funds:  $36 million for new flood recovery programs is now available through Efficiency Vermont for homeowners, renters, rental property owners, and businesses affected by the summer floods. The offers can help replace critical home heating systems, hot water systems, and essential appliances that were damaged or destroyed in the floods. The webinar, now available on-line and discusses how you can take advantage of these offers, plus, new weatherization and financing options that can help you rebuild.

THIS IS A MUCH WATCH VIDEO FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY THE FLOOD. On Aug. 10, Efficiency VT held a Zoom webinar that provided answers to many of the questions being asked since the July 10 flooding, from weatherization, dealing with basements in a flood plain, how to handle mechanicals etc. This presentation is now on-line and very well done.

Call Efficiency VT (EVT) at 1-888-921-5990 today! The $36M program for those impacted by the flood is now operational. This applies to property owners, renters (don't need approval from landlord) and businesses. Note that even if you are not income eligible for this program, you can still purchase items with the rebates from EVT and they will work with you on Weatherization.

 Income-eligible Vermont homeowners and renters can get additional assistance from EVT to replace home heating systems, water heating systems, and other appliances damaged or destroyed by the floods. EVT has a flood relief program to help replace home heating systems, water heating systems, and other appliances damaged or destroyed by the floods. The new programs can also be used to upgrade home electric panels to accommodate electrification efforts now or in the future. EVT can help with financing options for qualifying efficiency projects, including low-interest Home Energy Loans. Note there is 0% interest for low and moderate income Vermonters and can finance 100% of your project up to $20,000, which can be processed in as little as two business days.

EVT can help advise on energy-efficient options while you navigate this process. They offer rebates that can help you save energy and make your home safer. EVT’s website provides a variety of resources to help with repairs and rebuilding.

If you find yourself with a shortfall is spite of funds from FEMA, homeowners and the EVT program, there is help for you locally.

• Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS): They have received specific funds to assist with flood recovery. They can help you with housing, food, financial assistance, heating, utilities and more. They operate a thrift store and food shelf at 37B Main St. in Ludlow. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-4. Food shelf operates Mon-Fri 10-3. Call 802-228-3663.

• Cavendish groups that have received donations to help with flood recovery: Cavendish Family Fund 802-226-7291; Cavendish Baptist Church 802-226-7131. 

Before you Rebuild Make sure it’s dry: It takes about a month for wood to dry out after flooding. If you looking to rebuild and want to check moisture levels, the Ludlow Library is now loaning a Tavool Moisture Meter for up to four days. A reading at or below 17% is considered suitable dry enough for rebuilding.

I. WHERE TO FILE FOR HELP

Homeowners Insurance: Whether you have flood insurance or not, file as you may find that you have a rider of supplemental plan that can be helpful.

FEMA: Note that many organizations that can provide help with flood recovery will require proof that you filed with FEMA. Renters as well as property owners can and should apply for FEMA.

You must file your claim by Oct. 12.

You can file on-line but it’s recommended to file in person to ensure that you aren’t denied for incorrect filing. You can also call 1-800-621-3362. There is currently a Disaster Recovery Center in Ludlow starting Sept. 20. See above for more information.

-       Clean and Sanitize Program: FEMA can provide up to $300 to homeowners and renters whose residences were damaged but not destroyed by the flooding — and still safe to live in. Applicants for the relief money are subject to a FEMA inspection. The damage cannot otherwise be covered by insurance. FEMA may reimburse residents who have already cleaned their homes, provided they have receipts of supplies, materials or paid help. Apply for assistance online or by phone, at 1-800-621-3362

• Online at your www.disasterassistance.gov account.

• By fax to 1-800-827-8112.

• By mail to: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program. National Processing Service Center. P.O. Box 10055.

                                    FEMA HELPLINE 800-621-3362

US Department for Disaster Assistance for Veterans: If you are a veteran be sure to check out this resource. They can help you apply for FEMA, as well as provide assistance.

 Do you need help navigating FEMA applications and insurance claims? Free legal services are now available from volunteers at the Vermont Bar Association and the Vermont Law and Graduate School. The organizations are also offering services to small business owners who have questions about leases on unusable properties, and other flood-related issues. Flood survivors in need of legal services can sign up for the program by visiting the Vermont Bar Association’s website or by calling 1-800-639-7036.

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. Note that this is also available to 2nd homeowners. If you are considering a voluntary buyout, complete the Vermont Buyout Interest Intake From

NAR's Realtors® Relief Foundation to Aid Vermonters Impacted by Floods: Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options:

 1) Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Flooding Disaster or

2) Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster or

3) Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster. Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per household.

Deadline for application submission is October 31, 2023. Please note this assistance is for housing relief only; other expenses including second mortgages(home equity lines or loans), clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair and or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program. Apply by clicking here.

Weatherization/Mechanicals: A lot of basements are now down to the studs and have lost the mechanicals (heat, hot water heater etc.) for their home. To help with costs,  the best way to weatherize and more efficient mechanicals contact the following:

-       Efficiency Vermont: Efficiency Vermont has received the state’s approval to redirect $10 million in public funds to help individuals impacted by this month’s catastrophic flooding replace damaged appliances and equipment. In addition they have $25 million to provide weatherization to renters and homeowners impacted by flooding. Grants will max out at $10,000 per individual, and priority will be given to Vermonters with incomes at or below 120% of the area median income. Homeowners, renters, and landlords can apply. Grants will not be available for items already reimbursed through insurance payouts or FEMA awards. Applicants will be required to verify income and provide proof of damage.

-       SEVCA’s Weatherization Assistance Program: Download the application from the SEVCA website www.sevca.org or contact Tawny Staskunas, Intake Specialist 802 721 0042 and they will mail you an application packet. These are the eligibility guidelines:

Household Size           Income Guideline

1                                 $56,896.00

2                                  $65,024.00

3                                  $73,152.00

4                                  $81,280.00

5                                  $87,782.00

6                                  $94,284.00

7                                  $100,787.00

8                                  $107,289.00

II. FOR IMMEDIATE HELP

• Black River Good Neighbors Services: Offer a wide array of services including: assistance with finances, food, heating, housing, and utilities.) 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). 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: Operated by the Okemo Valley Chamber,  its primary purpose is to assist businesses. Call 802-228-5830

III. TOWN RESOURCES

• Call 911 for emergencies.

• Cavendish’s Emergency Management Coordinator: Bobby Glidden

• Cavendish’s Emergency Shelter: The basement of the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main Street, has emergency shelter capability, and will be used for assistance during times of extended power outage so community can take showers and have a hot meal. Depending on the season, it can serve as a “warming station” in the winter and a “cooling station” in the summer. Ph. 226-7131 Depending on need, both fire departments can also serve as shelters.

• Call the town office, during normal working hours, for non-emergencies | Ph. 226-7292

• Cavendish Fire Department | Ph. 226-7790

• Proctorsville Fire Department | Ph. 226-7281

• Town Garage | Ph. 226-7294

• Transfer Station | Ph. 226-7743 Located at 354 Route 131, the transfer station is open Wednesday and Saturday from 8-5 an on Sundays from 10-5. Recycling and trash disposal at the transfer station is by permit only

• Water Treatment Plant | Ph. 226-7743

• Cavendish Fletcher Community Library | Ph. 226-7503

• Emergency Preparedness Information

IV. VERMONT FLOOD RESOURCES

                                    VERMONT STRONG, CAVENDISH SAFE

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