Cavendish Update 3/13/26: SB Mtg/Greven Field/News/Events
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LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website
SNOW this evening and possibly tomorrow may impact change of dates for both this evening and tomorrow afternoon’s programs. Please check Cavendish Facebook for cancellations.
FRIDAY EVENING: Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the Ken Burns American Revolution. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.
OPEN HOUSE FOR DIANE MCNAMARA: Open House to wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement Friday, March 20 (Friday) 2:00-4:00 pm
3/13/26
1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/9/26
2. Our Rivers and Streams Presentation
3. Cavendish Related News
4. Events Calendar
1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/9/26: The video of the March Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website. Unapproved minutes will soon be available at the Town’s website.
Approved/Action Taken
• Annual Organization: All positions remain the same as they appear on page 10 of the 2025 Annual Town Report with the following exceptions: Betty McEnaney will be the 2026 Green Up Committee Chair and Tim Calabrese has resigned as tree warden. The 2026/2027 list of positions is available at the Town Website. Please note there are vacancies for a number of positions. If you are interested in learning more about any of them please, contact the Town Manager, Rick Chambers, at 802.226.7291 Animal Control Officer, Tree Warden, Town Planning Commissioner, Energy Coordinator, Budget Committee Member (2 positions), Alternate Representative to Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, Water Commissioner, Town Representative to Council on Aging Board, Town Representative to Black River Valley Senior Center Board
• Plan for Greven Field prepared by the Planning Commission: was adopted. Activity will begin after mud season. A picture of the plan has been posted to the Cavendish Facebook page. See Item 2 below for more information about Greven Field.
• Truck Purchase: Town manager Rick Chambers will proceed to work on the financials for the possible purchase of a 2025 10 wheel semi, the twin of one recently purchased by the town.
• Subdivision Administrator and fees: As subdivision regulations were passed on Town Meeting Day, with new regs going into effect on March 24, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) will serve as the administrator and a fee schedule has been adopted, though these may need to be modified based on actual costs incurred.
• Signed perpetual care funds
Discussed
• Police Contract: As a follow up of the joint SB meeting of Cavendish, Reading and Weathersfield to discuss the formation of a regional police force based in Weathersfield, the SB discussed the possibility of contracting with Weathersfield for FY26/27. Board members thought it was too short a time frame for Weathersfield to restart their police force (Weathersfield used the Windsor Sheriff’s Dept. (WSD) in 2025) and while the first year would be within the Cavendish budget, who knows what costs would be in subsequent years. Further, the town has been pleased by the service with the WSD and have no issues with current policing. One area of concern is emergency calls as it’s become increasingly more difficult for the state police to respond. Cavendish has more than doubled their police coverage (8 hours currently) in the FY26/27 budget. No motion was made about contracting for police coverage for the coming year.
• Mud Season: Now underway, the town is prepared. Note that the highway dept can’t grade roads until they freeze up a bit. Work has already begun and roads are becoming soft very quickly.
• Retirement Party: Diane McNamara’s retirement party/open house is open to the community and takes place on March 20 (Friday) 2-4 pm at the Town Office.
• Billing for Water Used: One property in Proctorsville is responsible for a water leak that drained, excessive water -possibly as high as 1 million gallons- creating major problems for the water department as well as anyone on town water. SB board member Mike Ripley said the property owner needs to be billed for the water usage. Chambers will be working on a bill to that effect.
2. OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS/GREVEN FIELD: On March 25 (Wednesday), at 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville, Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with the VT Fish and Wildlife Dept, will be discussing what VT streams and rivers looked like before European settlement and what can be done to restore them to a more natural and ecologically productive state. His talk will include the science behind strategic wood addition. This event is free and sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com or Bonnie Daya Emig 610-724-6026.
As noted in Item 1, the Planning Commission’s plan for Greven Field has been adopted by the Select Board. In response to the plan being posted at the Cavendish Facebook page, people are questioning whether It would be better to dig out the river. Kelly Stettner of Black River Action Team (BRAT has provided the following information The overall design here does incorporate a 3" high mowed area in the middle for public recreation without any infrastructure. BYO chairs, etc. Keeping the grass that tall helps the roots grow strong and deep, letting the soil grow healthier and more absorbent to better capture and hold water. … Dredging/removing large quantities of gravel does not actually address flooding. Flooding isn't something to 'fix,' it's a condition to be managed, a dynamic balance to be considered when we develop. Dredging can be a 'tool in the toolbox,' but digging the river deeper only speeds up and concentrates the flow, bringing in even more gravel through greater erosion both upstream and downstream.
Giving the river small areas to spread out, slow down, and soak in naturally where it is feasible (with consideration for homes, businesses, roads, etc.) is our most pragmatic way to manage high water.
It's a matter of physics...a river is always moving a balance of water and sediment, constantly. When we change one element of the equation, the river adjusts. Remove sediment, speed up the water. Faster water erodes.
The program on March 25 will include what Stettner references. This is a good program to attend if you have questions.
3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid has increased to “high” while flu A remains “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/1/26-3/7/26. Statewide Covid has dropped to “very low” while flu A remains “low.” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.
• GMUSD Board Meeting March 19 Agenda: The Green Mountain Unified School District Board will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday March 17 at the Green Mountain High School Library, 716 Rt. 103 South and remotely via Zoom.
• 68th annual Ludlow Rotary Penny Sale announced: The Ludlow Rotary Club is announcing its 68th annual penny sale on Saturday, April 25, at 6 p.m., in the Ludlow Elementary School’s gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
• Adopt A Swimming Hole: Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests swimming and recreational areas along the Black River all summer, is looking for businesses that would like to adopt a swimming area. The tax-deductible "adoption fee" of $500 covers all the lab fees, volunteer mileage, chart generation and posting. Your company or organization will be listed on the back of our annual tee shirts, featured in social media posts and press releases, and you'll even receive an "adoption certificate" thanking you for your support. FMI: email blackrivercleanup@gmail.com!
4. EVENTS
MARCH 13 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.
MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.
MARCH 20 (FRIDAY): Open House to Wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement 2:00-4:00 pm
MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Rivers and Streams talk by Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with VT Fish and Wildlife. Sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library.
APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due
- Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.
APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday
APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.
- Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.
APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER