Cavendish Update 5/29/26: Ross/Trails/News/Events
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LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website
CAVENDISH’S MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES: Saturday, May 30th Activities begin at the War Memorial in front of the CHS Museum at 9 am and will proceed from there to Mill Street for the wreath toss and then to the Cavendish Cemetery for the traditional Color Guard and salute.
BRGNS SPRING RUMMAGE SALE: Today and tomorrow 10-3, Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103
OTHER ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY: BRAT needs volunteers to help plant 100 native silver maples on the floodplain at the Fletcher Farm Field on Route 103, at the Ludlow/Cavendish Town Line. 9 am until done (come when you can, stay as long as you're able!) 3645 VT Rte 103, Ludlow VT (the EMPTY field across from Stepping Stones Preschool)
• Free workshop-Garden Markers and Flower Frogs- at Create Together at Fletcher Farm. 1 pm.
Black River Water Sampling: This week’s testing once again had stellar numbers. Swimming areas tested : Buttermilk Falls; Cavendish Gorge; Lakes Rescue & Pauline; Tolles Power Dam; Twenty Foot Hole; All areas tested below the EPA's safe limit of 235 cfu (colony forming units of bacteria per 100 mL of water). Thank you BRAT and those conducting the tests.
5/29/26
1. The Real Betsy Ross
2. Yes Solzhenitsyn bid goodbye and his message still resonates
3. Okemo Valley Trails
4. Cavendish Related News
5. Events Calendar
1.THE REAL BETSY ROSS: Since there is no evidence of any “first” flag, the claim that Betsy Ross made the first American flag is a moot point. However, was her contribution to the flag the five pointed star? Whether she did or didn’t contribute to the American flag, Ross deserves to be known in her own right, not only as a flag maker but also for her role in the Free Quaker movement; as a “wise woman” (healer); a successful business woman; and a Revolutionary Patriot.
In celebration of Flag Day, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be holding a talk on Betsy Ross June 14th, 2 pm at the Cavendish Stone Church, 2295 Main Street. This is a good opportunity to see inside the church built in 1844, learn about the amazing life of Ross, and have an opportunity to make a five pointed star in one snip.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807.
2. YES SOLZHENITSYN BID THE TOWN GOODBYE AND HIS MESSAGE STILL RESONATES: On May 25th, WCAX noted that on this date in 1994, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn departed Cavendish for Russia without saying goodbye. Not true. He gave a very heartfelt tribute to the town and among the things he said was, "I have observed here in Cavendish, and in the surrounding towns the sensible and sure process of grassroots democracy where the local population decides most of its problems on its own, not waiting for the decision of higher authorities. " Read the full speech by clicking here and/or watch the video.
On May 26, a video made by Denise Gebroe, whose Proctorsville studio had been subject to a hate crime, was posted to Facebook. Not only did Brent Beers come forward to own up to what he had done, but together they made a video, which can be seen by clicking here. It reflects Solzhenitsyn's thoughts on the best of Cavendish and how we can solve our differences. Thank you Denise and Brent for showing us the way.
3. OKEMO VALLEY TRAILS (OVT): Formerly Ludlow Area Sports Trails We are officially rebranding to bring even more inclusive, year-round outdoor adventures throughout Okemo Valley! Here is the juicy scoop on what we are building for you:
• Fresh Dirt is Coming! Phase 1 of our brand-new, multi-use trail network at Fletcher Farm is opening by the end of this summer. Whether you bike, hike, trail run, walk your pup, snowshoe, or cross-country ski—this space is for YOU.
• The Ultimate Connector: Love our "Back 40" trails behind the Community Center? We are working on plans to connect them straight to the new Fletcher Farm trails!
• Village to Village: We are officially reviving the dream of a safe, scenic recreation path connecting Ludlow and Proctorsville. Thanks to new state resources, we are making it happen! We need YOUR help to build this dream!
We are looking for volunteers for trail work, carpentry, fundraising, marketing, and planning. Let’s build something amazing together! Get involved: www.okemovalleytrails.org; info@okemovalleytrails.org; join vmba.org
4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
• Cavendish, GM Middle school principals resign: Kate Leathe, the principal of the Green Mountain Middle School, who took that newly created position in August of 2025. resigned on May 12, the same day CTES Emma Vastola, principal of CTES resigned. Neither principal has offered reasons publicly on their decisions to leave. And neither could be reached for comment. Chester Telegraph
• Cavendish Wastewater Facility Receives Award: On behalf of Cavendish Water Department, Assistant Operator, Chris Hughes received the Wastewater Facility Excellence Award from Green Mountain Water Environmental Association.
• Greven Field Update: The Big Green Monster was taken down making way for more improvements in Greven Field to better serve the town as a flood plain.
• Hillcrest Cemetery Water is Up and Running: Town Sexton Abe Gross reports the water in Hillcrest Cemetery, Proctorsville, is now working.
• Retirement party for CTES Faculty Ann Thompson: Ann has been teaching at CTES for over 30 years. She is retiring in June. Her retirement party is scheduled for June 11 (Thursday), 4 pm at Off the Rails in Ludlow.
• GMUSD board hears of bullying, threats to inclusion at high school: Chester Telegraph
• Embattled Windsor County Sheriff not seeking reelection: Ryan Palmer told WCAX by phone Thursday that he will not campaign again for sheriff. He was first elected in 2022, but has taken a step back from day-to-day duties at the Sheriff’s Department since the allegations of sexual misconduct first came to light. Acting Sheriff Claude Weyant has filed paperwork with the intention of running for sheriff. WCAX
• Gov. Scott files for sixth term as House speaker, Senate president bow out: WCAX
5. EVENTS
MAY 29-30 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY): BRGNS Spring Rummage Sale 10-3, Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103
MAY 30 (SATURDAY): 9 am Cavendish Memorial Day program, starting at the Cavendish Village War Memorial in front of the CHS Museum.
- Tree planting in the flood plain at Fletcher Field 9 am until done
- Free workshop, 1 pm at Create Together at Fletcher Farm
JUNE 5 (FRIDAY): Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm on the Proctorsville Green. Booth space is free and organizations, young entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, and makers can just show up and set up. FMI: ToGatherVT@gmail.com or stop by SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.
JUNE 7 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Museum opens for the season 2-4 pm.
JUNE 11 (THURSDAY): Retirement party for CTES faculty Ann Thompson, 4pm at Off the Rails in Ludlow.
JUNE 12 (FRIDAY): Age Successfully: A Health & Benefits Fair at the Ludlow Community Center (37 Main St) at 10 am. Sponsored by Black River Good Neighbors.
JUNE 13 (SATURDAY): CCCA Walk and Talk Series: Tracking and the Art of Seeing; Hardy Hill Trail head on Susannah Johnson Road at 10 am. Cavendish. Join naturalist and wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a walk into the landscape of the tracker. Registration/FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com
JUNE 14 (SUNDAY): 2 pm Flag Day. Program on Betsy Ross at the Cavendish Stone Church. Free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807
JUNE 19 (FRIDAY): Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm on the Proctorsville Green. Booth space is free and organizations, young entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, and makers can just show up and set up. FMI: ToGatherVT@gmail.com or stop by SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.
JUNE 27 (SATURDAY): American Heart Association HeartSaver CPR and First Aid at the Cavendish Fire Station. Free to Cavendish residents. To register call 802-226-7790, e-mail puba0111@mail.com or stop by the station.
JUNE 30 (TUESDAY): Chief Bob Glidden’s last day as chief of Proctorsville Fire Dept. Stop by the fire house from 4:30-6:30 to share stories and thank Bob for 56 years of service. Bob will be ridden home at 6:30 on Engine 2.
JULY 3 (FRIDAY): Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm on the Proctorsville Green. Booth space is free and organizations, young entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, and makers can just show up and set up. FMI: ToGatherVT@gmail.com or stop by SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.
JULY 4 (SATURDAY): 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
JULY 8 (WEDNESDAY); Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm- Gypsy Reel
JULY 15 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. East Bay Jazz
JULY 17 (FRIDAY): Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm on the Proctorsville Green. Booth space is free and organizations, young entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, and makers can just show up and set up. FMI: ToGatherVT@gmail.com or stop by SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.
JULY 22 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm-Bow Thayer & Krishna Guthrie
JULY 25 (SATURDAY): 16TH ANNUAL CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE.
JULY 29 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm. Deb Brisson & Friends
JULY 31 (FRIDAY): Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm on the Proctorsville Green. Booth space is free and organizations, young entrepreneurs, crafters, growers, and makers can just show up and set up. FMI: ToGatherVT@gmail.com or stop by SuperRoasted, 73 Depot St.
AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Concerts on the Proctorsville Green, 6 pm Rick Redington & Tough Luv