October 03, 2025

Events

October 03, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

The Cavendish Historical Society is the beneficiary of Shaw’s October Give Back Where it Counts Reusable Bag Program. CHS receives a $1 donation for every $3 Give Back Where it Counts Reusable bag sold. Money raised will be used to help with the Young Historians program and for the 250thAnniversary programs honoring the start of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

10/3/25

1. Shaw’s Selects CHS as October’s “Give Back” Nonprofit

2. Magnificent Migration

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Events Calendar

1. SHAWS SELECTS CHS AS OCTOBER’S GIVE BACK NONPROFIT: The Cavendish Historical Society has been honoring the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War this year with a “taste of history.” It’s therefore both fitting and a priviledge to be the recipient of the Ludlow Shaw’s Give Back Where it Counts Reusable Bag Program for the month of October.

During the Revolutionary era, frugal, thrift, and repurposing were key to the war effort. These activities are just as important today as they were back then. The Shaw’s Give Back Program is an easy way for the community to support CHS’s efforts to recognize this time period as they regularly shop at Shaw’s. For every bag purchased, a portion is donated to CHS, who will use the funds to offer workshops in the coming months as we begin celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We hope you’ll support us in October by purchasing one – or two! – Give Back Where It Counts bags at the Ludlow Shaw’s!”

CHS is a 501 © 3 non-profit, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this fall. For more information about the Shaw’s “Give Back Where It Counts” Reusable Bag Program, please visit www.shaws.bags4mycause.com.

2. MAGNIFICENT MIGRATION: Cavendish Fletcher Community Library (CFCL) and the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will host “Magnificent Migration,” an all-ages, free bird demonstration event.

We all know why birds fly south for the winter—or think we do. Why do some leave and some stay? How far do they go? Why do they even come back in the spring?

Join VINS in wondering at the amazing behavioral adaptation that is migration! We’ll meet some migrant raptors as well as some residents, and learn about the benefits and challenges of making a thousand-mile journey every single year of your life. Observe 3 birds of prey!

We are pleased to offer this event as part of the nationwide Flight Path, which brings science-backed solutions to communities to build a safer world for birds. Flight Path is the first campaign under Spark of Science @ My Library, a joint initiative between HHMI tangled Bank Studios and the Star Library Education Network. Spark of Science @My Library delivers high-quality, fun, and engaging resources through targeted outreach campaigns to public libraries. Campaign themes will showcase the process of science, and focus on life science topics, including health, biology, and ecology. Themed resources will be available to libraries for free and give them flexibility to customize programs and activities for their communities and patrons.

The CFCL and CCCA will continue to support our local and migratory birds now through Spring 2026 with fun activities for the whole family, including: film screenings, bird walks, and a bioblitz. To find out more about the additional upcoming bird-focused events, please visit www.cavendishlibrary.org, call the library at 802-226-7503, or follow us here on Facebook!

3.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Ernie Shand, Jr: It is with sadness that we post the passing of Ernie Shand, who for 10 years was Cavendish’s state rep in Montpelier. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 17, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, NH. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the Ascutney Union Church, followed by a reception at Martin Memorial Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ascutney Union Church, PO Box 345, Ascutney, VT 05030; Weathersfield Proctor Library, PO Box 519, Ascutney, VT 05030 or Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 91, Ascutney, VT 05030.

• Register for the 20 Mile Stream MOG: First Annual gravel ride (race if you want to be timed?) that includes coffee, beer, food, swag and a beautiful morning ride/climb in the hills of Proctorsville and Cavendish VT on Oct. 18. Click here for registration

• CHS Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s October Briefs are now on-line.

• VTSU student from Cavendish competes in golf tourney fund-raiser Chester Telegraph

• Create Together receives $12K grant for free monthly community programs: Create Together at Fletcher Farm recently received a $12,000 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation to launch “Creating in Community,” a series of free monthly programs designed to bring neighbors together through collaborative art projects. The first program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 at its campus located at 611 Route 103S in Ludlow. The initiative will continue on the third Sunday of each month, offering residents of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to learn new artistic techniques while working together on community-focused projects. Chester Telegraph

• Tens of thousands Vermonters are set to lose Medicare Advantage option in 2026: The majority of the 51,600 people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in the state are served by two insurers, UnitedHealthcare and Vermont Blue Advantage. Both are leaving the market for individual purchasers next year. Humana will continue to offer its Medicare Advantage plans in Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Windham and Windsor counties. CMS’s data for the coming year did not show any 2026 Medicare Advantage plans available for individuals living in the state’s other counties to enroll in. VT Digger

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 11 (SATURDAY): Tea Blending workshop with Dr. Charis Boke. This will be held at 2 pm at Togather (Super Roasted Coffee) 73 Depot Street, Proctorsville. Please register by calling 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

OCTOBER 12 (SUNDAY): Last day the CHS Museum is open for the season

OCTOBER 13 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day, Town Office Closed

OCTOBER 15 (WEDNESDAY): Magnificent Migration, 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St., Proctorsville.

OCTOBER 18 (SATURDAY) The 20 Mile MOG (Mid October Gravel) Ride, starts at the Big Red Barn on the corner of Chapman and Twenty Mile Stream. Register and learn more about this event at https://www.bikereg.com/73020

OCTOBER 31 (FRIDAY): Happy Halloween

- Ludlow Health Center Trick or Treat 5 pm

NOVEMBER 1 (SATURDAY): Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop 3-5 at ToGather (home of SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St, Proctorsville. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society. Free and open to the public.

NOVEMBER 9 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Proctorsville Ghost Walk. Meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial at 2 pm. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This walk includes the Proctor Cemetery. We will be giving away free Cemetery Guides. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

September 26, 2025

Cavendish Update 9/28/25: Give Back Bags/PVFD/Events

September 26, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SUNDAY PROGRAM: 2 PM at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Dr. Charis Boke will be speaking about the history of air pollution, miasma and herbal support for lungs. Dr. Boke, is a research scientist at Dartmouth, with a specialty in Medical and /Environmental anthropology, and a focus on herbalism and alternative medicine.

9/26/25

1. Tea Blending Workshop

2. Proctorsville Fire Department Awarded FEMA Grant

3. Events Calendar

1. TEA BLENDING WORKSHOP: As we continue to honor the historic 250th anniversaries of the start of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Cavendish. Historical Society (CHS) has been looking at colonial life. Tea was the beverage of choice until the Boston Tea Party. According to the US. Census, Although tea was a popular beverage in the United States, Americans began drinking more coffee than tea as a direct result of the Tea Act of 1773, the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution … Boston-area merchants like John Hancock were so enraged by the 3-cents-per-pound tax on tea arriving in colonial ports that he declared that anyone who drank the ‘baneful weed’ and paid the tea tax was an ‘Enemy of America’."

Vermonters, like other patriotic colonists, started brewing “liberty teas,” using herbal infusions from local plants. They would have used ingredients like chamomile, red clover, and winter green. Herbal teas played an important role in medicinal care.

CHS is hosting a tea blending workshop with Dr. Charis Boke, a research scientist at Dartmouth, with a specialty in Medical and /Environmental anthropology, and a focus on herbalism and alternative medicine. This is a hands-on class where you will learn about teas, herbs, and spices, their history and how to blend them for maximum taste and effect. Participants will take home a tea they’ve blended for their personal use.

The workshop takes place at 2 pm on Saturday, October 11 at ToGather (home of SuperRoasted), 73 Depot Street, Proctorsville. While this is a free workshop, registration is required, which can be done by e-mailing margocaulfield@icloud.com or calling 802-226-7807.

2. PROCTORSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDED FEMA GRANT: Proctorsville Fire Department has been awarded a $64,542.85 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant . The funds will be used to offer two separate courses in our immediate area next spring -- Swiftwater Rescue Technician and Ropes Rescue Technician.

In February of 2024, Chiefs and officers from Proctorsville Fire, Ludlow Fire, Ludlow Ambulance, Mt. Holly Fire, Plymouth Fire, and later, Chester Fire worked together to found Okemo Valley Technical Rescue (OVTR) -- a nonprofit that would work to secure funding and provide steering for member departments to train and equip a technical rescue team. This grant is a direct outcome of the OVTR team effort.

Additional efforts include a pending donation of over $50,000 from an undisclosed local nonprofit and a $5,000 budget contribution from each member town.

The swiftwater and ropes courses will be offered to experienced firefighters from the member departments. It costs roughly $10,000 to train and equip a single rescue technician, so the collaborative effort was necessary; it simply would not have been feasible for each respective department to go it alone. By summer of 2026, the Okemo Valley and surrounding area will have a team of 12-15 certified and equipped rescue technicians capable of responding to swiftwater and high angle rescue emergencies. (Currently, Chester Fire has these capabilities.)

OVTR would like to thank the member towns for their support as well as local businesses such as Knight Tubs, Cookster, and M&T bank for their donations that helped to get the organization off of the ground.

3. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 28 (SUNDAY): 2PM at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Dr. Charis Boke will be speaking about the history of air pollution, miasma and herbal support for lungs. Dr. Boke, is a research scientist at Dartmouth, with a specialty in Medical and /Environmental anthropology, and a focus on herbalism and alternative medicine. FMI 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

OCTOBER 12 (SUNDAY): Last day the CHS Museum is open for the season

OCTOBER 13 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day, Town Office Closed

OCTOBER 18 (SATURDAY) The 20 Mile MOG (Mid October Gravel) Ride, starts at the Big Red Barn on the corner of Chapman and Twenty Mile Stream

OCTOBER 31 (FRIDAY): Happy Halloween

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

September 19, 2025

Cavendish Update 9/19/25: Drought/Workshop/News/Events

September 19, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

DROUGHT! Cavendish is listed as being in severe drought conditions. There is Burn Ban in effect for all of Cavendish for open burning. Campfires are allowed if contained in a ring.

Keep in mind that some changes in town water may be noticed due to hydrant flushing this week. Anyone experiencing changes in water pressure, discoloration or dried-up wells is encouraged to report it to the Agency of Natural Resources. They also want to hear from farmers experiencing crop loss or other drought-related damage. Report by clicking here.

GRAB A FREE GO BAG: People in Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly can pick up a free Go Bag today, Friday, Sept.18 at the BRBNS Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm from 10-4

Please avoid the river bank area of Fletcher Farm Field on Friday 9/19/25, at least for a 2-3 hour window after the treatment of invasive Japanese knotweed. Signage will be up. This will likely be an annual activity for the next few years. The goal is management, not eradication.

9/19/25

1. Air Pollution/Self Care Workshop

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

1. HISTORY OF AIR POLLUTION & HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WORKSHOP: Air pollution has been an issue ever since the first fire occurred, whether started by a lightning strike or early humans. Wood or coal smoke, industrial or chemical pollution, volcanic ash or other sources has led to regulations trying to control it. For the last several summers, many people in Vermont have been bothered by the wild fire smoke from Canada, which caused a number of air quality alert days.

On September 28 (Sunday) Dr. Charis Boke will be speaking about the history of air pollution, miasma and herbal support for lungs at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum (1958 Main St. Cavendish) at 2 pm. Dr. Boke, is a research scientist at Dartmouth, with a specialty in Medical and /Environmental anthropology, and a focus on herbalism and alternative medicine.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Minutes from Public Hearing on Proposed Draft Subdivision Regulations:

• Cavendish Bone Builders: Green Mountain RSVP, An Americicorps Seniors program, has a free, in-person Bone Builders class with spots available for new participants in Cavendish. These strength-trainings classes are for people aged 55 and older, and are taught be trained voluneers. Attendees can expect increases in balance and muscle strength and may experience increased bone density. The Cavendish class meets at the Cavendish Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am. FMI: 802-772-7876 or www.rsvpvt.org

• Vermont health officials recommend COVID shots for everyone 6 months or older: State officials are recommending anyone 6 months or older receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and on Wednesday issued a standing order authorizing pharmacies to administer the shots to most Vermonters. Vermont’s announcement follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to significantly narrow eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, and is the latest example of a state breaking with the federal government as the Trump administration increasingly retreats from the medical establishment on the subject of immunization. VP

3. EVENTS

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 on Friday

OCTOBER 12 (SUNDAY): Last day the CHS Museum is open for the season

OCTOBER 13 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day, Town Office Closed

OCTOBER 18 (SATURDAY) The 20 Mile MOG (Mid October Gravel) Ride, starts at the Big Red Barn on the corner of Chapman and Twenty Mile Stream

OCTOBER 31 (FRIDAY): Happy Halloween

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

September 12, 2025

Cavendish Update 9/12/25: SB Mtg/News/Events

September 12, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

HONEY FEST 2025: Tomorrow 10-4 on the Proctorsville Green. ToGather (SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.) will be starting things off from 7-noonish with coffee, breakfast burritos and more. From 3-7ish they’ll be serving the Honey Apple Pizza so many people have enjoyed over the years at Honey Fest. The Cavendish Historical Society will have one last “taste of history” this season, a honey sponge candy. About 30 or so vendors will be on the Proctorsville Green including Wildflour Bakery, Russ Hurlburt Photography, Brave Little Bees LLC, Cuppity Kakes, Mason House Pottery (Cavendish resident) and Riverside Woodsmiths. We’ve had a sneak taste of Maren’s amazing macaroons. Hope to see you there.

ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK & TALK: Sunday, 2pm starting with the talk at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Free and open to the public and takes place rain or shine.

NOTICE OF HYDRANT FLUSHING: SEPT 15TH-17TH 8 am-5 pm System users are reminded that: Flushing hydrants may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water. We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, however this very important system maintenance procedure must be conducted each spring and fall. The flushing program allows the pipes to be purged and the hydrants checked for proper operation. Users are advised to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence. Following hydrant flushing in your area, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use. It is also a good idea to flush residential water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. FMI: 802-226-7291

VERMONT JOURNAL PRINT EDITION NO LONGER DELIVERED TO PO BOXES: Print copies are available at Singleton’s and some may be at the post office.

9/12/25

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 9/8/25

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/8/25: A video of Monday night’s Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website and the unapproved minutes are at the town website.

APPROVED

• Resident Tax exemption for a new Cavendish resident

• Changes to the Grand List for three Green Mountain Corp parcels and one for Vermont Transco LLC

• Use of the Proctorsville Green for Honey Festival

• Landowners adjacent to the Proctorsville Canal can move forward in protecting their land from beavers, recognizing that they will need state permitting as this is a protected wet land.

• Changed date for the Oct. SB meeting to Oct. 20. Prior to the 6:30 pm meeting, there will be a 6 pm a public hearing on the Town of Cavendish Capital Budget and Program FY 2027-2032. A copy of the plan is available at the town website.

• Increase the amount of funds for the purchase of hydraulic equipment from the budgeted $10,000 to $14,437.

Discussion/Findings

• Chubb Hill Work: Next week work on Chubb Hill Rd will cause a road closure during the day. The road will be open in the evenings and at night. We will be posting information on the Cavendish Facebook page with specifics as they become available.

• Act 181 Update: Jason Rasmussen of Mt Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) explained that this act creates temporary exemptions from certain Act 250 requirements and provides funding to support development in targeted communities, helping to address Vermont's housing challenges. Because Cavendish does not have zoning, the town is not eligible for the exemptions. The town’s Regional Plan needs to be updated, which includes maps of village areas and surrounding neighborhoods. In the next month or so, MARC will be looking for public input on the maps being developed for Cavendish.

• Signage back roads: A number of posts and signs have started appearing on Cavendish backroads. Rick Chambers, town manager, explained that this was a state project under High Risk Rural Roads. He and members of the audience had concerns about the signs being a hazard and being knocked down by snowplows and the road grader. The Town had no input on this project and received minimal information.

• Upcoming Events: Trevor Barlow and others spoke to the board about upcoming events in Cavendish as follows: Sept. 13: Honey Fest (Proctorsville Green, 10-4); Oct. 18 (Saturday) The 20 Mile MOG (Mid October Gravel) Ride, starts at the Big Red Barn on the corner of Chapman and Twenty Mile Stream; Nov 1 (Saturday) Dia de los Muertos at ToGather (home of SuperRoasted); Dec. 12-13 (Friday-Saturday) Ullr Fest

• Purchasing Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy: In order to receive funds from FEMA, Chambers said some amendments needed to be made to the town’s existing policies. These changes need to be formally adopted, which will require a public hearing.

• FEMA: Cavendish has received full funding from FEMA stemming from the July 2023 flood, plus some funds for mitigation. The town is responsible for the interest accrued from borrowing funds to repair the roads after the flooding.

• Vacant Tree Warden Position: Tim Calabrese has resigned from this position. Anyone interested in being the Tree Warden should contact the town office 802-226-7291.

• Hydrant Flushing: Annual fall flushing will take place Sept. 15-17th. (See notice above)

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Knapp Pond Cyanobacteria Alert: On Sept. 2, a “low alert” was issued by the VT Department of Health for Knapp Pond 2 Access Area for Cyanobacteria. The current map as of Sept. 11 lists the pond as “Generally Safe.”

• Honeyfest 2025: VT Journal

• Child of the Wild: Join the Cavendish Library in welcoming back Vermont artist and author, Jonathon Otto for another evening of poetry and fun! Jonathon will be sharing his new book, “Child of the Wild 2,” and engaging with us around poetry and his art on Sept. 30 (Tuesday) 6 pm at the Library, 573 Main Street, Proctorsville. Perhaps another community written poem could be in store? This program is free and open to all members of the public.

• Hackers are after your water. How this town defends against them. Features how Cavendish is protecting its water system. NPR

• First case of mosquito-borne virus found in Windsor County resident: On
Monday, Sept. 8, Vermont health officials have confirmed the first case of Jamestown Canyon virus in a person in Vermont. Through laboratory testing and reporting by their health care provider, that person has been identified as a resident of Windsor County. Chester Telegraph

• Scam Alert: According to the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page, We are learning of a sophisticated scam where dirt bags are calling posing as WCSD personnel . Please don’t give any money over the phone.

• As feds tighten Covid vaccine rules, Vermont works to maintain access: Pharmacies can provide boosters to individuals who qualify, but the state is awaiting a looming CDC recommendation to better understand what government insurance can cover. VT Digger

• Backed by Phish frontman, new recovery scholarship fund aims to help women: The Vermont-formed band’s Trey Anastasio and his Divided Sky Foundation are raising money to support women dealing with substance use disorder at his nonprofit retreat center in Ludlow. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 13 (SATURDAY): HONEYFEST 10-4 Proctorsville Green

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

SEPTEMBER 15 (MONDAY)-SEPTEMBER 17 (WEDNESDAY): 8 am-5 pm. Cavendish Hydrant flushing.

OCTOBER 12 (SUNDAY): Last day the CHS Museum is open for the season

OCTOBER 13 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day, Town Office Closed

OCTOBER 18 (SATURDAY) The 20 Mile MOG (Mid October Gravel) Ride, starts at the Big Red Barn on the corner of Chapman and Twenty Mile Stream

OCTOBER 31 (FRIDAY): Happy Halloween

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Blog | Cavendish, Vermont | Cavendish Connects

The Dish

Cavendish Update 10/3/25: News/Events

Cavendish Update 9/28/25: Give Back Bags/PVFD/Events

Cavendish Update 9/19/25: Drought/Workshop/News/Events

Cavendish Update 9/12/25: SB Mtg/News/Events

Cavendish Connects | Cavendish, Vermont

Events Calendar

Recent Posts

Cavendish Connects