Cavendish Update 9/6/25: News/Prepare/Events

    LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

HONEY FEST 2025: The Honey Fest for 2025 will be held the second Saturday in September (the 13th) on the Proctorsville Green from 10-4. The tradition started by the Golden Stage Inn and Goodman’s American Pie continues. This year there will be a Honey-Cake Competition. Check out the Honey Fest website for more information on the contest and other activities that day.

CCCA Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Walk with Ari Dockland-Miller www.themushroomforager.com takes place on Saturday, 9:30 to 11:30 along the Hardy Hill Trail in Cavendish. See the Event Section for more information.

9/6/25

1.    National Preparedness Month

2.    Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk

3.    BRGNS Food Pantry Needs Help

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH: September is National Preparedness Month. During the month, there will be ongoing tips and strategies for being prepared posted to the Cavendish Facebook page as well as to the Update. We’ll be providing lots of information on the following:

• Assessing  your needs: First, know your risk. Then, understand your needs during emergencies.

• Making a plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan and emergency preparedness kit tailored to your unique needs, including pets. If you don’t have a Go Kit, Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) will be distributing free of charge for those living in Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly at the BRGNS Rummage Sale Sept. 19 (Friday) and Sept. 20 (Saturday) as well as at the CTES Open House on Sept. 24 (Wednesday).

• Engaging support networks: Build a strong support network and include them in your emergency planning.

2. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK AND TALK: There are probably few readers in our area that aren’t aware of Phineas Gage, the railroad foreman, who on September 13, 1848, had a tamping rod pass through his head as a result of a blasting accident, and lived for 12 more years. Thanks to Dr. John Harlow, his treating physician, his story is remembered today.  

Each year on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the accident, the Cavendish Historical Society hosts a Gage Walk & Talk. This year’s Walk  & Talk takes place on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury. We even have an exact replica of Gage's skull. The site of the accident is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BRGNS FOOD SHELF: Food shelves are closing throughout Vermont. Fortunately, Black River Good Neighbor Services continues to provide this valuable service to Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly. In fact, this August, the need for this service doubled. They are in need of the following: baked beans; mayo (huge need); creamy peanut butter; spaghetti sauce, cereal, saltines, bars of soap and toilet paper. Food pantry items can be dropped off at the store, or at the Cavendish Baptist Church (rear entry). If you'd like to organize a food drive, or designate a food drop off place in your community, call BRGNS at 802-228-3663.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Draft Subdivision Regulations 9/8/25: The Cavendish Selectboard will hold a public hearing regarding the Proposed Draft Subdivision Regulations on September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Cavendish Town Hall. Copies of the final draft are available at the Town Office or on the Town Website. Zoom meeting option Meeting ID: 813 1239 1910 Passcode: Cavendish

• Former Cavendish resident, Mark Curran Co-founder of Black River Produce Inducted into VT’s Ag Hall of Fame: Chester Telegraph

• Need Finger Printing: Are you in need of civilian fingerprinting to work or volunteer at your local school, daycare, after school or mentorship program? Chester Police Department performs employment required fingerprint services, by appointment, during our open lobby hours. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment: (802)875-2035. You must have a fingerprint authorization form, signed by the requesting agency, and a government issued form of ID (license, non-driver ID, etc.). There is a $35 fee which can be paid by check or exact cash. Everything is digital - no inky fingers!

• 2025 Honeyfest in Proctorsville: VT Journal

• Guide to the Chester Festival: Chester Telegraph

• CHS September Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s list of upcoming events is included in their September edition of CHS Briefs.

• Congratulations to PVFD! Once again the race crew from the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Dept. brought home the trophy for the Ludlow 5K Firefighters Challenge. Congratulations to Captain/VEFR Chris Marks, Firefighter/AEMT David Norton and Firefighter/VEFR Lisa Marks for each having a top 3 time in their respective age groups.

5. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6 (SATURDAY): CCCA Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Walk with Ari Dockland-Miller www.themushroomforager.com. Sept 6 9:30 to 11:30 along the Hardy Hill Trail. Join Ari on a guided tour of late summer's wild mushrooms. During the foray we will learn foraging safety, strategy, sustainability and ethics. This event is limited to 20 people. You can sign up at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library (be sure to leave contact info) or by emailing Robin at cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com. The foray will be along the Hardy Hill Trail. 

SEPTEMBER 14 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk. Meet at the CHS Museum, 2 PM. Wear comfortable walking shoes. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

SEPTEMBER 19-20 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY):  BRGNS Gigantic Fall Rummage Sale, 10-3 at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South. Proceeds food, rent, heat, utility and disaster assistance to our neighbors in need. BRGNS serves Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth. You can pick up a free “Go Kit” at this event

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Cavendish Update 8/22/25: News and Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

PROCTORSVILLE MARKET ON THE GREEN 4-7 The Cavendish Historical Society taste of history (Colonial era) is pumpkin bread and CCCA has their 2026 calendar for sale.  Note that this is the second to last Farmer’s Market this season, so be sure to stop by.

SUMMER FESTIVAL: Saturday & Sunday is the Best of Vermont Summer Festival in Ludlow, 11-5 each day (Rt 103, across from Bixby Field). There will be a number of vendors from Cavendish, along with Black River Action Team (BRAT)

BLACK RIVER WATER TESTING:  According to Black River Action Team, A couple of our volunteers were away this week and I was not able to secure a replacement to collect the sample, but numbers have been excellent and rainfall has been minimal (as evidenced by our very low stream and river levels in the area).Stop by the BRAT booth at the Summer Festival and let them know you appreciate all they are doing for our town.

8/22/25

1.    Cavendish Related News

2.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Evelyn Turco (1945-2025): Whether she was doing taxes, playing at the Cavendish Baptist Church or elsewhere, Evelyn Turco was a stalwart of our community. Our condolences to Evelyn's family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cavendish Baptist Church, P.O. Box 425, Cavendish, VT 05142, or the St. James Methodist Church, P.O. Box 113, Proctorsville, VT 05153. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St., at 1:00 p.m., with light refreshments and a time of fellowship to follow.

• Apply Now to Fix Your Failed Well or Septic System! : The State of Vermont is providing $3.5 million in funding to support low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners in repairing or replacing their failed or inadequate on-site drinking water or wastewater systems (also known as wells, springs, septic systems or tanks, leach fields, drywells, or cesspools). This fourth round of funding will ensure Vermonters have access to safe drinking water and adequate wastewater disposal.  Learn more about the funding and find out if you’re eligible: https://bit.ly/VT-On-Site Apply by September 3, 2025:

• Is Vermont seeing more wildfire smoke because of climate change? VT Public

• A Nine-Year-Old from Ludlow Bought the First Share in a New Ski Area 70 Years Ago—It Was Named Okemo Compass VT

• Vermont State Police investigates after police fatally shoot man in Springfield: The Vermont State Police is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night, Aug. 21, 2025, in Springfield. Officers with the Springfield Police Department and members of the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department were on scene when the shooting occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Valley Street between Common Street and Elm Terrace. No members of law enforcement were injured. The man who was shot was pronounced dead on scene. VSP News

2. EVENTS

AUGUST 22 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 23 (SATURDAY): CCCA Walk and Talk series - Tree Identification Walk 9:30-11:30 on the Hardy Trail, Susannah Johnson Lane at East Rd. Join Hannah Dallas, for a casual walk in the woods to discuss all things trees and forestry. 2 hour walk in the woods with many stops to talk about what we are observing along the way. FMI Bonnie at bdaygemig@gmail.com
AUGUST 27 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

AUGUST 29 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm last of the season

AUGUST 30 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wildlife Around a Pond - Walk with Tim O'Donoghue 9:30 to 11:30 to identify the different species that live from and around a pond. Location to be announced.
SEPTEMBER 1 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Legal Holiday Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 6 (SATURDAY): CCCA Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Walk with Ari Dockland-Miller www.themushroomforager.com. Sept 6 9:30 to 11:30 along the Hardy Hill Trail. Join Ari on a guided tour of late summer's wild mushrooms. During the foray we will learn foraging safety, strategy, sustainability and ethics. This event is limited to 20 people. You can sign up at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library (be sure to leave contact info) or by emailing Robin at cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com. The foray will be along the Hardy Hill Trail. 

SEPTEMBER 19-20 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY):  BRGNS Gigantic Fall Rummage Sale, 10-3 at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South. Proceeds food, rent, heat, utility and disaster assistance to our neighbors in need. BRGNS serves Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/15/25: News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

PROCTORSVILLE MARKET ON THE GREEN 4-7 pm. Produce is arriving at the Market. Shop early for the best picks. Frontier Tunes will be performing. It is a Pistacchio Friday at the Market on the Green. Pistacchio Biscotti, Pistacchio Butter! Amazing! The Cavendish Historical Society taste of history is pickles and CCCA has their 2026 calendar for sale.   

BLACK RIVER WATER TESTING:  According to Black River Action Team, Amherst Lake was not sampled, but all the other sites are looking great.  No reason to think Amherst is doing anything other than continuing its 'excellent' streak!

8/15/25

1.    Upcoming activities from CCCA

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM CCCA: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association is offering the following activities below. For more information, unless otherwise specified, contact Robin (802) 417-5324 or at cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

August 16 (Saturday): Trail Clean Up Party Hardy Hill lower tract. Meet at parking area on Susannah Johnson Lane at East Rd. The CCCA Trail Committee will be doing a general clean up and improvements to the Hardy Hill Trail in Cavendish. FMI: Ron at ronaldemig@gmail.com or (802)272-4077 
• August 23 (Saturday): CCCA Walk and Talk series - Tree Identification Walk 9:30-11:30 on the Hardy Trail, Susannah Johnson Lane at East Rd. Join Hannah Dallas, for a casual walk in the woods to discuss all things trees and forestry. 2 hour walk in the woods with many stops to talk about what we are observing along the way. FMI Bonnie at bdaygemig@gmail.com
• August 30 (Saturday): CCCA Wildlife Around a Pond - Walk with Tim O'Donoghue 9:30 to 11:30 to identify the different species that live from and around a pond. Location to be announced.
• September 6 (Saturday): CCCA Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Walk with Ari Dockland-Miller www.themushroomforager.com. from 9:30 to 11:30 along the Hardy Hill Trail. Join Ari on a guided tour of late summer's wild mushrooms. During the foray we will learn foraging safety, strategy, sustainability and ethics. This event is limited to 20 people. You can sign up at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library (be sure to leave contact info) or by emailing Robin at cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Former GM teacher and Proctorsville resident Jonathan Rice, named to Nebraska U. alumni board, given Distinguished Alumni Award: Chester Telegraph

• The Farmers' Almanac Forecasts "Wild Ride" for Winter 25/26: August is in full swing, which means one thing for fans of long-range weather forecasts—The Farmers' Almanac's Winter 25/26 forecast is here. We're still a few months away from consistent snowfall and cold temperatures, but fear not. The Farmers' Almanac has over 200 years of practice and research to make its predictions. The Farmers' Almanac summarizes Winter 25/26 with the following words: "Chill, Snow, Repeat" and describes the upcoming weather pattern as a "wild ride" from coast to coast. New England will experience "frequent snowstorms" that should "keep snow lovers happy".  Powder

2. EVENTS

AUGUST 15 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 16 (SATURDAY): Trail Clean Up Party Hardy Hill lower tract. Meet at parking area on Susannah Johnson Lane at East Rd. The CCCA Trail Committee will be doing a general clean up and improvements to the Hardy Hill Trail in Cavendish. FMI: Ron at ronaldemig@gmail.com or (802)272-4077 
AUGUST 19 (TUESDAY): Simon Brooks Storyteller, Cavendish Library, 6 pm, suitable for all ages.

AUGUST 22 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 23 (SATURDAY): CCCA Walk and Talk series - Tree Identification Walk 9:30-11:30 on the Hardy Trail, Susannah Johnson Lane at East Rd. Join Hannah Dallas, for a casual walk in the woods to discuss all things trees and forestry. 2 hour walk in the woods with many stops to talk about what we are observing along the way. FMI Bonnie at bdaygemig@gmail.com

AUGUST 27 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

AUGUST 29 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 30 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wildlife Around a Pond - Walk with Tim O'Donoghue 9:30 to 11:30 to identify the different species that live from and around a pond. Location to be announced.

SEPTEMBER 1 (MONDAY): Memorial Day. Legal Holiday Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 6 (SATURDAY): CCCA Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Walk with Ari Dockland-Miller from 9:30 to 11:30 along the Hardy Hill Trail. Join Ari on a guided tour of late summer's wild mushrooms. During the foray we will learn foraging safety, strategy, sustainability and ethics. This event is limited to 20 people. You can sign up at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library (be sure to leave contact info) or by emailing Robin at cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 19-20 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY):  BRGNS Gigantic Fall Rummage Sale, 10-3 at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South. Proceeds food, rent, heat, utility and disaster assistance to our neighbors in need. BRGNS serves Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/8/25: Recipes/News/Events

      LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

PROCTORSVILLE MARKET ON THE GREEN 4-7 pm. The Cavendish Historical Society will once again be set up for a “taste of history.” Today’s taste is molasses cookies. We’ve been asked for recipes, so CHS has started a Tasting History on-line file. Click here for the recipes for Switchel, Blueberry Jam and No knead bread. Maren is back with some very delicious treats, including lemon tarts

MEDICINAL PLANT WALK: On Sunday, August 10, Dr. Charis Boke, a research scientist at Dartmouth, with a speciality in  Medical and /Environmental anthropology, and a focus on herbalism and alternative medicine, will be leading a plant walk in Greven Field.  Meet at the CHS Museum on Route 131 in Cavendish to car pool to the site. Given limited parking in this area, we ask that people come to the Museum.  Participants should wear walking shoes and bring a water bottle and bug spray. This walk is free, open to the public but not suitable for young children. Donations are welcomed and appreciated. For more information call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

BLACK RIVER WATER TESTING:  According to Black River Action Team, While it's recommended to stay out of the water for 24-48 hours after a heavy sustained rain, and anytime the water is cloudy, it's wise to take a look at the long-term trends for your favorite swimming hole before you jump in. The EPA sets a 'safe swimming' limit of 235 cfu (colony-forming units) of bacteria per 100 mL sample. As of WEDNESDAY, Aug 6th: Amherst Lake: 1 cfu; Buttermilk Falls: 137 cfu; Cavendish Gorge: 11; Lake Pauline: 6; Lake Rescue: 2; Tolles Dam (end of Maple St in Perkinsville): 60; and Twenty-foot Hole (on the Tyson Rd in Reading): 8

8/8/25

1.    New Programs from Black River Good Neighbors Services

2.    Events Calendar

1. NEW PROGRAMS FROM BRGNS: Black River Good Neighbors Services is sponsoring a number of new programs that are free. For more information call 802-228-3663

• Ukulele Classes: Learn to play the uke with Cavendish’s John Dean. This is a beginner class. No experience necessary. September 10 (Wednesday) 11-noon at the Ludlow Community Center

• Grief Support Group: A safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find comfort and learn coping strategies after the loss of a loved one. Will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 1-2 at the Fletcher Memorial Library, 88 Main St., Ludlow. The first meeting is September 8. Pre-Registration required, call 802-226-3663

• Memory Café: Providing support for caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, this is a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize, listen to music, play games and enjoy other appropriate activities.  There are now two meetings per month-2nd Thursday of each month and 4th Monday of the month. Meetings take place from 11-1 at the Ludlow United Church, 48 Pleasant St. Ludlow. Snacks included

2. EVENTS

AUGUST 8 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

• Rock painting at the Cavendish Library, 10-5, suitable for all ages.

AUGUST 9 (SATURDAY): The Cavendish Fire Department is hosting the American Red Cross Heart Saver Community CPR training from 9-2 at the fire station (2153 Main St.) This course is free to Cavendish residents. To sign up contact Chief Nareau 802-226-7790 or puba0111@gmail.com or stop by the station.

AUGUST 11 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 PM

• Last day to file an application for Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS) Back to School Program, which provides school supplies and more. FMI: 802-228-3663.

AUGUST 13 (WEDNESDAY): Paint a poster workshop at the Cavendish Library, 10-5, suitable for all ages.

AUGUST 15 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 19 (TUESDAY): Simon Brooks Storyteller, Cavendish Library, 6 pm, suitable for all ages.

AUGUST 22 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

AUGUST 27 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

AUGUST 29 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

SEPTEMBER 1 (MONDAY): Memorial Day. Legal Holiday Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 19-20 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY):  BRGNS Gigantic Fall Rummage Sale, 10-3 at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South. Proceeds food, rent, heat, utility and disaster assistance to our neighbors in need. BRGNS serves Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth.  

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECT