Cavendish Update 11/10/23: Clinic/Flood/News/Events

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VT -106 in Weathersfield closed due to a crash near Upper Falls Rd. Seek alternate routes & expect delays. Major power outage in Weathersfield. 11/10 @ 7:30 am 

Rescue Inc will be providing Covid (Moderna Spikevax) and flu shots today Friday, 11/10 from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Ludlow Community Center. This is for those 19 to 64 years of age with limited doses for those 6 months to 18 years. THOSE 65+ ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CLINIC.

Town office is closed today for Veteran’s Day, while the Post Office will observe the holiday tomorrow, Saturday, and will be closed.

Deer season begins tomorrow (Nov. 11) and runs until Nov. 26.

11/10/23

1.    Cavendish Related News

2.    Flood Recovery

3.    Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Ludlow Health Center Reopens Monday: The Ludlow Health Center is scheduled to open this coming Monday, November 13. The Ludlow Mobile Services Unit will be CLOSED today Friday, November 10.

• TRSU Board begin budget work:  The board of Two Rivers Supervisory Union got a first look at its proposed budget. But unlike the school districts where budgets must be approved by voters in their constituent towns, supervisory union budgets are approved by their boards, which are made up of board members from the SU’s districts. Superintendent Lauren Fierman proposed a supervisory union budget of $11,080,939,  an increase of 15.57% over the current year’s budget. Fierman said the two main drivers for the increase are the growth in the amount and cost of providing special education services and a 16.4 percent increase in the cost of health-care benefits with TRSU. She noted that the majority of the expense of the SU is personnel (including Central Office and all of the Special Education staff.) Overall, more than three-quarters of the SU’s expenditures are for special education. Chester Telegraph

• Depot St. Celebrates Community: It’s been almost four months since the July flooding that ravaged areas of Vermont including our local area.  The last weekend of October, residents of Proctorsville and Cavendish decided it was time for a celebration. With tongue in cheek signs reading “the forgotten street is closed to thru traffic” and “welcome to our own little apocalypse,” the street was blocked off by Red Vault Productions’ large white work van, Pastor Abe Gross’ tractor, and the red truck everyone knows so well belonging to Jeremiah Tyrrell.  The Proctorsville Fire Department even showed their support for the street by dedicating a fire truck and crew to also block each end of the street, complete with flashing lights. And with that, the first post-flood Depot Street Block Party celebration was underway and open to all members of the community. VT Journal

• The Queen is coming to Cavendish:  On Dec. 16 (Saturday) at 1 pm, Sheryl Faye, who presents historical woman, will provide a one woman show about the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth II. This is a free and open to the public event at the Cavendish Library. Refreshments will be provided.

• Stuff a Fire Truck: Once again the fire departments of Ludlow and Proctorsville will sponsor a Food Drive. This event will take place on Dec. 9 (Saturday) from 9-5 at Singleton’s in Proctorsville. Non perishable food items and monetary donations will be excepted. All donations benefit the Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf.

• Community Luncheon: On Thursday Nov. 16, BRGNS will be sponsoring a free homestyle full-course, Turkey Dinner with Bingo following the meal. The event takes place at noon at the Ludlow Community Center Cafeteria, 37 Main St., Ludlow. All are welcome free of charge.

• Ludlow Selectboard denies two FEMA buyouts: While two properties in Ludlow, Sam’s Steakhouse and Subway, have been approved for buyouts, Mr. Darcy’s and the former site of Mojo’s have been denied. “I am a little apprehensive about approving FEMA buyouts for multiple properties,” Acting Chair Justin Hyjek told the board. “No permanent structures can ever be placed on that [property], it comes out of the grand list, and it is undevelopable in perpetuity.” Speaking about Shaw’s, Ludlow’s only supermarket, McNamara said he has been trying to get an official press release from the Shaw’s public relations department. While McNamara said the executives he has spoken with told him that Shaw’s is “100% committed” to reopening, the Ludlow location, no exact date has been given. VT Journal 

2. FLOOD RECOVERY: Please use the Cavendish Guide for Flood Recovery for up to date resources and information.

• Speak with an Efficiency VT specialist on Nov. 15 (Wednesday) about programming for those impacted by the July Floods at the Fletcher Library in Ludlow. One on one support is available from 12-5 pm for renters, homeowners, property owners and businesses. This will be followed by a presentation at 5:30 pm. FMI: www.efficiencyvermont.com/events or call 802-540-7766 

• Vermont Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) Program: Vermont residents whose primary homes have been rendered uninhabitable by the floods in July of this year and who are in need of a safe, warm place to stay during the coming winter months may be eligible for this new program that offers sheltering while impacted homes are being repaired.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be in one of the following nine counties declared for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA): Windsor qualifies

• Be currently registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

• Have not requested to withdraw IA registration.

• Be able to document pre-disaster status as an owner or renter of the primary residence.

• Have their primary residence determined not to be habitable (household’s habitability status can be determined using IA information, Home Assessment information, or a habitability assessment process developed by the State).

Approved applicants will be provided with shelter in a participating hotel room for the duration of the program, dependent upon reverification reviews conducted every 30 days to determine continued need and eligibility. FMI: VermontNCS@iem.com.

3. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY): Veteran’s Day observed Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 11 (SATURDAY): Post Office closed for Veteran’s Day

NOVEMBER 13 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The Agenda has been posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

NOVEMBER 15 (WEDNESDAY): Speak with an Efficiency VT specialist about programming set up for those impacted by the July Floods at the Fletcher Library in Ludlow. One on one support is available from 12-5 pm for renters, homeowners, property owners and businesses. This will be followed by a presentation at 5:30 pm. FMI: www.efficiencyvermont.com/events or call 802-540-7766

NOVEMBER 16 (THURSDAY): ‘Community Luncheon Black River Good Neighbors Services will be sponsoring a free homestyle full-course, Turkey Dinner with Bingo following the meal. The event takes place at noon at the Ludlow Community Center Cafeteria, 37 Main St., Ludlow. All are welcome free of charge.

NOVEMBER 17-19 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Okemo Mountain School Ski & Swap, Round House at Jackson Gore. Friday 4-7; Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 9-1. To sell used equipment, it must be dropped off at the Round House at Jackson Gore 10-3 on Sat. Nov. 11, Sun Nov. 12, Wed. Nov. 15. All sales Benefit OMS. FMI: https://www.okemomountainschool.org/events-calendar/ski-and-snowboard-swap2023

NOVEMBER 23 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 24 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed

DECEMBER 9 (SATURDAY):  Stuff a Fire Truck- Food drive from 9-5 at Singleton’s in Proctorsville. Non perishable food items and monetary donations will be excepted. All donations benefit the Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf.

DECEMBER 16 (SATURDAY): 1 PM. Sheryl Faye, who presents historical woman, will provide a one woman show about the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth II. This is a free and open to the public event at the Cavendish Library. Refreshments will be provided.

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Cavendish Update 11/3/23: Fall Back/SB Vacancy/News/Events

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FALL BACK! DAY LIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS SUNDAY AT 2 AM

1.    Select Board Vacancy

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events

1. SELECT BOARD VACANCY: Town of Cavendish Notice of Vacancy

November 1st, 2023: In accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 961(a), the Selectboard of the Town of Cavendish hereby gives notice of a vacancy on the Selectboard effective November 1st, 2023

 The Selectboard, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 963, will consider an appointment to fill the vacancy at the regular Selectboard Meeting November 13th, 2023. Interested persons should send a letter or email to the Selectboard by November 10, 2023 (see address information below). The person appointed will serve until a town election is had at the next Town Meeting March 5th 2024.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Flood Recovery Support from Efficiency VT: On Wednesday, Nov. 15, speak with an Efficiency VT specialist about programming set up for those impacted by the July Floods at the Fletcher Library in Ludlow. One on one support is available from 12-5 pm for renters, homeowners, property owners and businesses. This will be followed by a presentation at 5:30 pm. FMI: www.efficiencyvermont.com/events or call 802-540-7766

VT Fish & Wildlife Working in Cavendish: VT Fish and wildlife continues improving public and management access to the Moriglioni rd approach in Cavendish on Knapp Brook WMA. The recent floods stripped away the surface layer of the access road and caused other minor damage. Minor because we had the road properly water barred. However, in an effort to further protect the road and improve the  surface for hunters, walkers and snowmobilers, we have spread and shaped 800 cubic yards of crushed stone. The intent is to have the road open in fall to a small parking area for improved hunting access and to smooth out the deep water bars that have been difficult for snowmachines. This project will also continue to improve stream ecology by reducing road runoff to zero.

Proctorsville Fire Dept Becomes a Licensed VT State Medical Non-Transport Agency:  PVFD now has 13 Firefighters that have recently completed the VT Emergency First Responder Course. The next goal is to achieve an EMT level of service in the future. Firefighter Jaycob Palmer is now EMS Captain. Jaycob’s roll is to make sure medical SOGs are current and often reviewed and updated. He is also in charge of the EMS equipment checks and training. Jaycob plans to attend an EMT class in the future after completing the States Firefighter One class over the next couple of months.

3. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 4 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Tree Walk 10 am at Proctors Piper Forest parking area, end of Pratt Hill off Depot St. in Proctorsville. Local writer and naturalist Michael Metivier will focus on tree identification on tree bark as the primary means of learning how to identify native trees, as well as teach some basics of central New England forest composition and history. Perfect walk for beginners. Sponsored by CCCA’s Walk and Talk series. RSVP and for more information sarah@ripleydesignco.com

NOVEMBER 4-5 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Final playground build for CTES 8am-4pm ~ or any amount of hours that work for you. Bring wheelbarrows, shovel, steel garden rake, gloves. Sign up by at  https://bit.ly/46D8Xp1Reach out to Jenn Harper with any questions 802-548-7419 Community Service Hours can be earned towards graduation requirements No skills required!!!

NOVEMBER 5 (SUNDAY): Fall back, return to standard time. Use this as a reminder to check batteries in smoke and radon detectors.

NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 15 (WEDNESDAY): Speak with an Efficiency VT specialist about programming set up for those impacted by the July Floods at the Fletcher Library in Ludlow. One on one support is available from 12-5 pm for renters, homeowners, property owners and businesses. This will be followed by a presentation at 5:30 pm. FMI: www.efficiencyvermont.com/events or call 802-540-7766

NOVEMBER 17-19 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Okemo Mountain School Ski & Swap, Round House at Jackson Gore. Friday 4-7; Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 9-1. To sell used equipment, it must be dropped off at the Round House at Jackson Gore 10-3 on Sat. Nov. 11, Sun Nov. 12, Wed. Nov. 15. All sales Benefit OMS. FMI: https://www.okemomountainschool.org/events-calendar/ski-and-snowboard-swap2023

NOVEMBER 23 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 24 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed.

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Cavendish Update 10/27/23: Plunkard/Winterized/Public Notice/News/Events

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DEPOT STREET BLOCK PARTY TOMORROW, 10/28, STARTING AT 3 PM.  

10/27/23

1.    Remembering Stephen Plunkard

2.    Are you winterized?

3.    Public Hearing Notice

4.    CCF Fall Grant Applications

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events

1. REMEMBERING STEPHEN PLUNKARD: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Selectman Stephen Plunkard on Oct.22. Originally from London, England, Stephen relocated to the USA when he was 13. A graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU) in landscape architecture, he worked all over the world, including a project for the Shah of Iran. He formed the architecture firm, The Cavendish Partnership, which was located in the Academy Building on Main Street. He went on to become senior vice president at Dufresne-Henry and served as a senior principal for Stantec Consulting Services and WSP Global.

Having practiced planning, urban design and landscape architecture for more than 35 years, he won awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects, American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

While Stephen loved being a landscape architect, and would draw out rough drafts of ideas on whatever was handy, his first love was teaching. He has been a lecturer and critic at more than a dozen universities and colleges, served on the Board of Trustees of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Editorial Advisory Board of Landscape Architecture magazine and was the former President of the Vermont Society of Landscape Architects.  In addition to being a Cavendish Selectman, on the board of the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce, and a fellow of ASLA, he was an adjunct professor at Norwich University at the time of his death.

Stephen was proud to display his British heritage, in the car he drove (an MG), his dog (English Bulldogs, including one named Sid for Sid Vicious), the Union Jack that flew on special occasions and even the cap he wore in winter.  When the Queen died, Stephen posted about how his “Mum” would dress him in the latest Prince Charles attire when he was a kid.

Our condolences to his wife Becky, who he was married to for over 50 years, his sons Chris and Mike, their spouses, and four grandchildren. Information about services will be announced at a later date.

2. ARE YOU WINTERIZED? It’s been a very easy fall so far, with warm temps and little if any freezing at night. That’s about to change, with snow forecast for next Wednesday. It’s important to understand that warmer atmosphere, due to El Nino and climate change, can hold more moisture increasing chances for heavier snowfalls. Therefore before the snow flies, prepare by doing the following:

• Sign up for VT Alert so you’ll know about hazardous conditions. For warned is for armed.

• Monitor local weather and news. Use the National Weather Service website.

• Have a sufficient supply of whatever you use to heat your home. If you need fuel assistance, contact  Black River Good Neighbors Services NOW 802-228-3663.

• If you use a generator for backup power, have ample fuel supply on hand and check that your generator is in good working order.

• Have a backup plan for power outages, particularly if it impacts how you heat your house.

• Black River Action Team is reminding people about culverts to reducing chances of flooding this fall and during spring melt. Take a look at the storm drains that you can SAFELY access on your road and in your neighborhood! Grab a rake or two and some BRIGHTLY-colored shirt or jacket, stay on the sidewalk, and keep those drains clear of leaves, litter, branches, sticks, and any other debris. Rake the obstructing material up onto the nearby lawn, collect it in a garbage bag if you can. Leaves and sticks can be brought to the Cavendish Transfer Station free of charge.

• In the event you can’t leave your house for awhile have flashlight(s), batteries, battery powered radio, water, non-perishable foods.

• Be aware that Cavendish’s warming shelter is the Cavendish Baptist Church on Main St. in Cavendish Village. The Cavendish VT Facebook page provides up to the minute info on warming shelters and other relief information. Use and share with neighbors that may not be on line.

• Check on neighbors.

 • For more information, check out the Red Cross Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist

3.NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION: A public hearing before the Planning Commission for the town of Cavendish will be held at the Cavendish Town Hall On November 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM. to consider an appeal of a flood area regulations violation.  A site visit to the property will be on November 15 at 256 Depot St., Proctorsville VT at 4:00 PM.

Appellant: Charles & Cheryl James 256 Depot St Proctorsville, VT

Property Location: 256 Depot St Proctorsville, VT 05153

Reason For Hearing: Appeal of a Flood Hazard Violation Letter issued 9/19/2023

The above violation letter is available for inspection at the Cavendish Municipal Offices. Persons wishing to participate may do so in person, be represented by an agent or an attorney, by Zoom, or by writing the Board. Written communications about the application should be filed with the Planning Commission either prior to, or during, the hearing. Hybrid meeting information will be available on the agenda.

Tim Calabrese Chair, Cavendish Planning Commission

4. CAVENDISH COMMUNITY FUND ACCEPTING FALL 2023 GRANTS: The Cavendish Community Fund (CCF) has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for fall 2023 awards. Grants will be awarded for cultural, educational, or artistic programs, projects, or events that benefit the people of Cavendish in some fashion. The Fund considers applications filed anytime, but will only award fall 2023 grants to those who file by November 30th. The next round of grants will be paid next year. Instructions for applying, and on-line filing can be found at www.CavendishCommunityFund.com. Please click on the Application tab. Application instructions can also be obtained and applications can be submitted by emailing CavendishCommunityFund@gmail.comor by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153.

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

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

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• GMUSD board actions on mascot appeal lacking in transparency:  The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) continues to spend time, on the non-educational issue of the Chieftains name for GMUHS. However, with Lisa Sanders replacing Dennis Riley, who resigned in May, Cavendish now has its full membership on the board, which has changed the voting balance. Andover Board member Scott Kendall has asked for an analysis of whether it would be advantageous for Cavendish to “redistrict” to the Ludlow-Mount Holly District and if this would help or hurt the Ludlow Mt Holly district or GMUSD. Kendall’s request was passed with an amendment that other scenarios be explored, not just Cavendish changing districts. VT Digger

• Proctorsville Fire Dept. Toy Drive: Help kids have an amazing holiday. From now through December, the Proctorsville Fire Dept. is sponsoring a toy drive. Drop off location is DG Bodyworks, on the corner of the Proctorsville Green and 131. Dropoff times are Mondays 6:30- 7:30 am, 4:30-5:30 pm; Tuesdays 6:30-10-15 am, 6-7 pm; Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 am, 5-6 pm; and Thursdays 9:15-10:15 am, 4;30-5:30 pm. Toys of any type for all ages are needed.

 • Cavendish Tree Walk: Nov. 4 @ 10 am at Proctors Piper Forest parking area, end of Pratt Hill off Depot St. in Proctorsville. Local writer and naturalist Michael Metivier will focus on tree identification on tree bark as the primary means of learning how to identify native trees, as well as teach some basics of central New England forest composition and history. Perfect walk for beginners. Sponsored by CCCA’s Walk and Talk series. RSVP and for more information sarah@ripleydesignco.com

• Smokin’ Bowls Will Not Reopen in Proctorsville: Smokin’ Bowls will not be returning to their location on the corner of 103 and 131 due to heavy damage from the July floods. They are also in the process of moving from their Rockingham location to 35 Sylvan Road Chester, just north of their current location.

• Vermont ski town says it's 'waiting with open arms' for the winter season after severe flooding

• All Vermont DMV offices closing for a week in November: All Vermont Dept. of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed to the public Nov. 8-14 for a computer system upgrade.  There will be no online vehicle registration or replacements from Nov. 5 to Nov. 12, but all other online services will be available. However, credit card payment processing may be delayed. You can still use the online scheduling system.

• Woolly Bear Caterpillars and Weather Prediction

6. EVENTS

OCTOBER 27 (FRIDAY): Trunk or Treat at CTES 5-8 pm.

-       Gill Home hosting a haunted cemetery walk from 6-8 pm

OCTOBER 28 (SATURDAY): DEPOT ST BLOCK PARTY 3 PM

-       Prescription Drug Take Back Day

OCTOBER 31 (TUESDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

• Trunk or Treat at Benson’s Chevrolet from 5-7 pm

• Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Haunted house display

NOVEMBER 4 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Tree Walk 10 am at Proctors Piper Forest parking area, end of Pratt Hill off Depot St. in Proctorsville. Local writer and naturalist Michael Metivier will focus on tree identification on tree bark as the primary means of learning how to identify native trees, as well as teach some basics of central New England forest composition and history. Perfect walk for beginners. Sponsored by CCCA’s Walk and Talk series. RSVP and for more information sarah@ripleydesignco.com

NOVEMBER 4-5 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Final playground build for CTES 8am-4pm ~ or any amount of hours that work for you. Bring wheelbarrows, shovel, steel garden rake, gloves. Sign up by at  https://bit.ly/46D8Xp1Reach out to Jenn Harper with any questions 802-548-7419 Community Service Hours can be earned towards graduation requirements No skills required!!!

NOVEMBER 5 (SUNDAY): Fall back, return to standard time. Use this as a reminder to check batteries in smoke and radon detectors.

NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 17-19 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Okemo Mountain School Ski & Swap, Round House at Jackson Gore. Friday 4-7; Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 9-1. To sell used equipment, it must be dropped off at the Round House at Jackson Gore 10-3 on Sat. Nov. 11, Sun Nov. 12, Wed. Nov. 15. All sales Benefit OMS. FMI: https://www.okemomountainschool.org/events-calendar/ski-and-snowboard-swap2023

NOVEMBER 23 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 24 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed.

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Cavendish Update 10/20/23: SB Mtg/Party/News/Events

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10/20/23

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/16/23

2.    Depot St. Block Party

3.    Vaccine. Clinics

4.    Mentors needed

5.    Flood Recovery

6.    Cavendish Related New

7.    Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/16/23: Watch the Select Board (SB) meeting at Okemo Valley TV. Unapproved minutes are available at the Cavendish Town website.

Actions/Discussions included:

Approved

• Road Closure for Block Party on Depot St. for Saturday Oct. 21 Please note that this event has been postponed, due to weather, to Oct. 28. See Item 2 below for more details

• Grafton Cheese-Letter of Support for a grant application to open a store at the former Black River Produce Building. Town Manager, Rick Chambers, noted that in the letter he will remind them that the building is in a flood zone.

Cavendish Labs: Members of Cavendish Labs attended Monday night’s meeting to dispel rumors and answer questions resulting from a Facebook post and a rather unusual party invitation. Mirroring Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge in England, they are young scientists who’ve set up an independent, non-profit. Their research focuses on AI (artificial intelligence) and its impact on people and the use of ultra violet light to stop the spread of viruses. Completely computational, they are using computer modeling for their research, hence no chance of a virus “escaping from a petri dish” as this is a computer lab.

Funding itself via grants and donations, Cavendish Labs currently rents two properties in Cavendish village.

When questioned about why they are not published in peer-reviewed journals, Andrew Gritsevskiy noted that not only do they have an article in the October 16 issue of Nature, the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal, but their field of work changes so rapidly it’s better to post at sites like https://arxiv.org where articles can be reviewed by peers. Gritsevskiy noted it’s taken a year for the Nature article to be published and for AI, that’s just too slow.

For those wondering why they received a can of tomato sauce or pasta as an invite, it’s simple math. It’s much cheaper to send a bag of pasta or tomato sauce via Amazon Prime than purchasing stamps for a letter.

Cavendish Labs can be reached at hello@cavendishlabs.org

Cavendish Community Conservation Association- Flood Hazard Preparation: Robin Timko spoke to the board about CCCA’s interest in hosting a forum on flood hazard mitigation preparation on Nov. 20.

Town Plan Energy Chapter: Approved by the Planning Commission, it now requires the town to have a hearing on this chapter. This will be warned for the December SB meeting.

Old Garage Update: Chambers said the town has filed for an extension on the work plan for the clean up on this past spring’s diesel oil spill.  Weston & Sampson is preparing the cleanup plan, but will need to test to determine the extent of the spill and its potential for future use. The site evaluation will be starting in November, with a report due the beginning of the year. An insurance claim as been filed. In the event it’s denied, the town will file for the state’s  Petroleum Clean Up Fund.

Manager’s Report

• Estuary 30,000 cubic yards of gravel is being pulled out of the Estuary (off Mill Street by the Water Plant). That should keep the town well supplied with gravel for the next 5-7 years. The work should be completed by the end of this week or the beginning of next week. They are not digging below the armored stream bed. A combination factors resulted in the large amount of gravel coming down the Black River-access to a large floodplain, and the dam downstream. Since this situation is  unlikely to correct itself the town was able to get a permit for gravel removal. Chambers said he is hopeful FEMA will reimburse costs for this operation.

• All roads are open. However, paving is needed but not all areas will be paved immediately, with some having to wait until the spring season

• Greven Field: Crown Point Excavating is currently removing the large flood debris and rough grading the fields. It will be possible for playing fields to be re-established but that is not the task of the contractors. That phase of the project will be turned over to the Recreation Director.

• New Hire: Gladys Seville is the new part time office worker. She began work on Monday.

2. DEPOT STREET BLOCK PARTY: Due to rain predicted for this coming weekend, the Depot St. Block party scheduled for tomorrow has been changed to the following Saturday, Oct. 28 starting at 3 pm. Join in for some fun and games-even a relay race-on the forgotten street of the 23 Flood. If you are so inclined, please bring a finger food dish to share (coolers/fridge space available). Plates, napkins, utensils, cups, BBQ, and soft drinks provided. The aim is for a plastic free celebration. Music will be provided by Jill Sachs. FMI: Text Wendy or Stefan 631-334-3510

3. VACCINE CLINICS: On Saturday, October 21,  two vaccine clinics will be held in Ludlow as follows: Shaw’s vaccination clinic for Flu and RSV from 10-2. No appointment necessary. Ludlow Health Center: Flu only from 9-1. Call for an appointment 802-228-8867. Walk-ins welcome as long as supplies last. Currently Covid vaccines are available only at pharmacies.

4. MENTORS NEEDED: Windsor County Mentors has just received seven referrals for children in Cavendish who want to have a mentor!  This is a large number and it's a good problem to have, but we are eagerly seeking out potential mentors in the Cavendish area. If you are interested in learning more about mentoring or becoming one, please contact Matthew Garcia Executive Director, Windsor County Mentors 802/674-5101 or e-mail info@wcmentors.org

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

ARPA Meeting Minutes: At the Oct. 17 meeting, the committee reviewed the first round of applications: Ludlow Area Sports Trails requests $1,000 for a trail sign for their trail project behind Fletcher Farm; Stepping Stones Preschool requests $20,600 for a new playground; Town of Cavendish requests $160-220,00 for new water meters; Town of Cavendish requests $10,000 for an engineering study of the sewer pump stations; Town of Cavendish requests $3,750 for equipment to host virtual meetings and Barbara Dickey requests an unspecified amount for a community center on Depot St. It was agreed to wait until the second round of grant applications are received before approving any applications. The next meeting will be Nov. 21.

CCCA Cavendish Calendar On Sale: The Cavendish Community and Conservation 2024 Cavendish Community Calendar is now on sale at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, the Golden Stage Inn on Depot Street, or at the Village Clipper on Main Street in Proctorsville, or you can order them. The cost is $20 per calendar plus $3 shipping for mailed calendars.  Send to CCCA,  P.O. Box 605, Cavendish, VT 05142. The theme of this year’s calendar is “Cavendish Landscapes” and it celebrates the variety of landscapes in Cavendish. FMI: Robin at 802-259-2327or e-mail cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

CTES Needs Trunks for Trunk or Treat: CTES's parent-teacher group is organizing a trunk or treat at CTES 5-8pm on Oct 27th. Trunk set up starts at 4pm. If you can provide a “trunk” please register on-line  or e-mail CTESCPG@gmail.com

Playground Build New Date: Due to the forecast, the final playground build for CTES has been moved to Saturday Nov. 4 and Sunday Nov. 5 8am-4pm ~ or any amount of hours that work for you. Bring wheelbarrows, shovel, steel garden rake, gloves. Sign up by at  https://bit.ly/46D8Xp1 Reach out to Jenn Harper with any questions 802-548-7419 Community Service Hours can be earned towards graduation requirements No skills required!!!

Ludlow Farmer’s Market is Closed and Will Not Reopen Next year: For the market to continue at its current location the following would be required: insurance, and a board of directors registered with the state as an LLC. While currently in place, the current board and insurance ends in the next few months.

SEVCA Good Buy Stores in Springfield and Bellows Falls Closing: The Board of Directors and Staff of Southeastern Vermont Community Action, (SEVCA) is announcing the closure of our Good Buy Thrift Stores in Springfield and Bellows Falls effective December 16, 2023.  The SEVCA Good Buy stores in Springfield and Bellows Falls will remain open until December 16, with all items marked down 20% starting October 17, 2023. Donations are no longer being accepted. FMI: SEVCA website.

Harry’s Reopens Nov. 3: Harry’s Café, which was heavily damaged in the July floods reopens Nov. 3.

6. FLOOD RECOVERY Cavendish Guide for Flood Recovery for up to date resources and information.

Crown Point Board of Realtors Applications: Recipients of previous recovery funds (Round #1 & #2) who still have a high burden of debt due to flood repairs, whose homes are uninhabitable or unhealthy or who still have issues with heat, plumbing and electricity may be considered in this Round #3!  ONE FOCUS OF ROUND THREE IS TO SEEK OUT AND FIND THOSE IN NEED WHO MAY HAVE BEEN MISSED IN THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS. The Crown Point Board of REALTORS has been tasked by the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce to dispense funds that were raised by them in the aftermath of the recent flooding.

7. EVENTS

OCTOBER 21 (SATURDAY): Vaccine Clinics in Ludlow. See Item 3 above.

OCTOBER 27 (FRIDAY): Trunk or Treat at CTES 5-8 pm.

OCTOBER 28 (SATURDAY): DEPOT ST BLOCK PARTY 3 PM See Item 2 above.

OCTOBER 31 (TUESDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

• Trunk or Treat at Benson’s Chevrolet from 5-7 pm

• Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Haunted house display

NOVEMBER 4-5 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Final playground build for CTES 8am-4pm ~ or any amount of hours that work for you. Bring wheelbarrows, shovel, steel garden rake, gloves. Sign up by at  https://bit.ly/46D8Xp1Reach out to Jenn Harper with any questions 802-548-7419 Community Service Hours can be earned towards graduation requirements No skills required!!!

NOVEMBER 5 (SUNDAY): Fall back, return to standard time. Use this as a reminder to check batteries in smoke and radon detectors.

NOVEMBER 10 (MONDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 17-19 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Okemo Mountain School Ski & Swap, Round House at Jackson Gore. Friday 4-7; Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 9-1. To sell used equipment, it must be dropped off at the Round House at Jackson Gore 10-3 on Sat. Nov. 11, Sun Nov. 12, Wed. Nov. 15. All sales Benefit OMS. FMI: OMS website

NOVEMBER 23 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 24 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed.

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