Cavendish Update 9/19/14 Special Notice/News/Events/Internet

NOTICE TO USERS OF THE TOWN OF CAVENDISH’S GREENBUSH ROAD

Cavendish’s Greenbush Rd, as it crosses the municipal boundary to the east, continues into the Town of Weathersfield and becomes their “Tarbell Hill Rd.” It continues to intersect with Vermont Route106. Weathersfield’s Tarbell Hill Rd is not to be confused with Cavendish’s Tarbell Hill Road, which is not affected by this notice.

The Town of Weathersfield will be repairing the stream bank along that road at a location about a quarter mile west of Route 106 in Weathersfield. In order to accomplish the bank stabilization, the Town of Weathersfield will be closing their part of the road to through traffic on weekdays from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm during the period from Monday, Sept. 22 through Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. The road closure will occur only at the work zone, which, again is approximately one-quarter mile west of Route 106. This work is part of Weathersfield’s effort to lessen damage from flooding.

Although the road will be closed at the work site, homes on Weathersfield’s Tarbell Hill Rd., which ware situated on either side of the work zone will still be accessible either from the Route 106 end from the east or from the Town of Cavendish from the west.

The 9/19/14 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1.Cavendish Related News

2. Blessing of the Animals in Proctorsville

3. Book Club

4. Walking with Gloria on Friday Morning

5. Events

 1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish’s Oldest Resident Luella Butler Has Died: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Luella Butler, who was 105 years old.  She lived in the Cavendish community for over 90 years. As we celebrated her birthday earlier this year, we wondered if she wasn’t the state’s oldest resident. While we weren’t able to confirm that, we know she was certainly Cavendish’s longest living resident. Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.  As information becomes available about services, we will post to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

 Cavendish Meeting Minutes Available On-Line

Select Board Meeting Sept. 8 

Cavendish Library 

 Cavendish Solar Array Construction Bid Awarded to Prudent Living: On Friday, September 12, the Cavendish Select board reviewed the three applications submitted for the 150 Kw solar array and awarded the contract to Prudent Living. The Dish 

 Cavendish Slowed by Internet Service: Rutland Herald article on Cavendish’s slow Internet service from TDS. Please contact the Vermont Telecommunications Authority as the town’s letter to TDS has already been sent. 

 Former Proctorsville Resident Arraigned for Identity Theft and other Charges:  Until recently Zachary McNeill 22 lived in Proctorsville and has been convicted in the past for petty larceny, burglary, violating probation, and selling cocaine. Currently in Springfield, he was arrested on Sept. 6 on identity charges. He opened four credit card accounts under the names of two different individuals, one a close relative, after acquiring their personal information. Police say McNeill also falsified signatures on documents submitted to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. McNeill was charged with three felony counts of identity theft at his court hearing this past week. McNeill pleaded innocent to charges and has been released on conditions. Rutland Herald 

 Vermont’s Largest Fresh Foods Network is Flavored with Principles: They started in Proctorsville with a VW van bearing the slogan “Give Peas a Chance.” Today Black River Produce, now relocated to Springfield, employees 180-190 people, “and they all have good jobs and benefits and are able to support their families.” Congratulations to Mark Curran and Steve Birge. VT Digger 

 15th Annual River Sweep a Smashing Success: The annual September RiverSweep, sponsored by the Black River Action Team (BRAT) hauled a great deal of trash from along the Black River in Proctorsville and Cavendish. Thank you to American Pie for the fabulous pizza. Next year’s RiverSweep is Sept. 12. VT Journal 

 Enterovirus-68 Heading to Vermont: The virus, which can cause severe respiratory problems, began popping up in the Midwest earlier this summer. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that patients in 10 states, including New York, have contracted it. Patients in Rhode Island and Connecticut are also experiencing symptoms as the virus spreads east. Symptoms of EV-68 vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, and headaches-- similar to a common cold. More severe symptoms include wheezing, rapid breathing, or labored breathing. Doctors say babies and kids with asthma are most at risk. There is no vaccine for it. And while no one has died from the virus, doctors can only treat its symptoms. Doctors say stopping the virus from spreading is all about good hygiene. Learn how to prevent the flu and E-68.

Area Health Center to Receive Grant Funds: The Springfield Medical Care System will receive grant funding of $225,100 for its Federally Qualified Community Health Centers, one of which is Ludlow Health Center. The purpose of the funding is to expand service and reach out to new patients. Rutland Herald

 Health Dept. Cautions Vermonters About Hantavirus: The State Health Department is reporting that someone contracted Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome while visiting Vermont last month. The out-of-state resident who became ill was most likely exposed to mice droppings while cleaning up a seasonal home. The person has recovered. Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease that causes fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, coughing and shortness of breath. Roughly one third of people who get the virus die from it. Vermont’s last reported case was in 2000. Most people are infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings. For those who plan to sweep out a garage or tool shed, or open up a hunting camp or trailer that’s been closed for a while,  airing the area out for half an hour before entering is recommended. VT Digger 

Got Drugs-Turn in unused or expired mediation: Sept 27 (Saturday) is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Unused meds and over the counter drugs can be dropped off at the Ludlow Police Dept. From 9-4, 7 days a week. A drop box is available 24/7  at the Springfield Police Dept.. Liquids & needles can be taken to the Springfield Hospital’s emergency room.

Governor Lays Out School Priorities for 2015: Gov. Peter Shumlin said he will oppose any education legislation during the next year that will cost school districts money. Shumlin would like for this to be an “implementation year” and allow the Agency of Education to work with school districts and supervisory unions to put into place the initiatives already passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor. Rutland Herald

Long Term Broadband Goal for Vermont: The legislature this year set new broadband goals for the state, including an ambitious 10-year objective that would essentially require fiber optic broadband to every Vermont address by the end of 2024. The Public Service Department now says reaching the goal would cost nearly $1 billion. Vermont Telecommunications Director Jim Porter says the cost calculation is in response to public comments about the state’s draft 10-year Telecommunications Plan. VPR 

 2. BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals, is the inspiration for the annual Blessing of the Animals hosted by Gethsemane Episcopal Church on the Proctorsville Green.  Bring your pet on Saturday October 4 to this gentle event that surrounds animals with love and protection.  Reverend Todd McKee and other participating clergy will respectfully bless each and every furry, feathered and finned critter in attendance, whether four-footed or swimming in a fishbowl.  Come ye cats and dogs, ye bunnies and lizards, ye birds and lambs to the Proctorsville Green at 1:00, rain or shine.  Pet owners should be sure to have their dogs leashed and cats in carriers.

 3. BOOK CLUB: What season is your soul in right now? Join our book club in reading “Spiritual Rhythm” by Mark Buchanan and learn more about your current season and helpful activities for each season of your soul. Thursdays at 7:00pm, starting September 25 at the Cavendish Baptist Church 2258 Main Street. FMI call (802) 226-7131

 4. WALKING WITH GLORIA ON FRIDAY MORNINGS: On Fridays, starting today, Sept. 19, at 10:00 a.m., meet at the Greven Field Nature Trail. Intrepid walker Gloria Leven has volunteered to lead a group of walkers. We will start with loops of the trail, and expand as wanted or needed. Come join her for a beautiful scenic walk on the gentle river/woods trail. One loop is about a quarter of a mile.

 Greven Field is located off of Route 103, heading west, between the intersection of 103 and Dept Street in Proctorsville and before the old Black River Produce building. If you reach the intersection of 103 and 131 you've missed it. 

5. EVENTS: Black River Good Neighbors Annual Fall Rummage Sale starts on Friday and runs through Sunday. For more information about these events and other activities, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For other events in the Okemo Valley. 

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E-68 Heading to VT-Flu Prevention

The virus, which can cause severe respiratory problems, began popping up in the Midwest earlier this summer. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that patients in 10 states, including New York, have contracted it. Patients in Rhode Island and Connecticut are also experiencing symptoms as the virus spreads east. Symptoms of Enterovirus-68  vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, and headaches-- similar to a common cold. More severe symptoms include wheezing, rapid breathing, or labored breathing. Doctors say babies and kids with asthma are most at risk. There is no vaccine for it. And while no one has died from the virus, doctors can only treat its symptoms. 

To prevent the flu and E-68 Cover & Wash. Please note there is no E-68 vaccine at this time. 

To prevent the flu and E-68 Cover & Wash. Please note there is no E-68 vaccine at this time. 

• Cover your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Use your arm (not your hand).

• Observe regular cleaning habits if someone at home has the flu. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, and phones.

 • Vaccinate. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot. Flu vaccines are available in a number of locations, pharmacy, senior center as well as your provider’s office. To find the closest place for a flu shot, go to the VT Health Dept’s Flu Website.  Note: there is no vaccine for E-68

• Every time you use a tissue, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands.

Remember not to share anything that goes into the mouth.

                                                  &

Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water for at least 15 seconds.

 • Avoid contact with sick people.

• Stay home when you are sick.

Have alcohol hand sanitizer on hand if you don’t have access to soap and water. 

Cavendish Solar Array Construction Awarded to Prudent Living

On Friday, September 12, the Cavendish Select board reviewed the three applications submitted for the 150 Kw solar array and awarded the contract to Prudent Living.

 The award criteria for the project was based on: cost; completeness of submitted proposal; and qualifications of the contractor including references as well as history of success and experience with similar projects. The board compared the three proposals on all aspects of the project-Monitoring System, layout, warranties, panels, inverters, design work etc.

 Of the three proposals by Aegis Renewable Energy, Prudent Living and the partnership of Soveren/USA Solar Store, Prudent Living had the lowest bid of $399,512. Aegis was the highest at $448,777 while the Partnership was in the middle with $428,688.

 Aegis and Prudent Living received excellent recommendations from projects similar to Cavendish’s 150 Kw system. Aegis is responsible for the town of Warren’s array and Prudent Living has completed three projects of verifying sizes and configurations for Black River Produce. Because this is a new partnership between Soveren Solar and USA Solar Store, they do not have a track record at this time, though each has been involved in various activities throughout the state.

 It should be noted that Cavendish awarded Soveren Solar a contract last fall to install an array using a business partnership model. This effort fell through, which prompted the Energy Committee to look at other options resulting in the town realizing it would be in their best interest to pass a bond and under take the construction and ownership themselves.

 In order to maximize incentive benefits from the state, this project has to be completed and producing power by Dec. 27. Selectmen Wendy Regier asked the Energy Committee who they felt most comfortable working with. There was complete agreement with the Select Board’s choice of Prudent Living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cavendish Update 9/12/14 SB/Internet/News/Events

Important Notice: Christine Balch posted the following to the Cavendish VT Facebook page I would like to please ask that folks be mindful that school is in session and of local speed limits. I've had two people pass me, while I was doing the speed limit, in the last week, one on 20 mile stream road and one on Depot Street on a school morning while kids were walking to school. There are several families with and without children on 20 mile stream road that enjoy walking and bike riding. Thank you.

 The 9/12/14 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Select Board Meeting

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events

 1. SELECT BOARD MEETING: Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television.  Discussion and voting at Monday, Sept. 8’s SB meeting included:

• Continuing discussion about the poor quality of Internet service by TDS-the new Field Service representative has stated that the TDS system is maxed out and there are no immediate plans to upgrade. A follow up report on this issue is available at The Dish.

• The Solar Project is moving forward rapidly, with a vendor being selected on Sept. 12. Three vendors responded to the RFP for installing the 150 Kw solar array on Sept 10: Aegis Renewable, Waitsfield, VT; Prudent Living, Windsor VT; and a joint venture of Sovern Solar, Putney VT  and the USA Solar Store, Perkinsville,VT.

•  An update from recreation director was provided along with a discussion about the Cavendish Village Green playground construction, taking place on Sat. Sept. 13

•  Replacement of all Cavendish Village street lights (Green Mountain Power only) should be completed by the end of this week

• The Davis Rd Bridge project continues to remain on hold.

For more information about this SB meeting, go to The Dish.

 2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Internet Problems Continue: While there has been some relief for those who can take advantage of the newly emerging wireless system from VTel, complaints are still very high about Internet connectivity, particularly for TDS. With cell service and other local Internet providers coming into the area, TDS’s customer base-including land line and Internet- has been significantly reduced. High costs of replacing the antiquated copper system, combined with loss of market share is not much of an incentive for TDS to spend the millions needed to meet today’s standards, let alone where the Internet will be five years from now. Therefore, the information given at Monday night’s SB meeting is not surprising-TDS knows the system is maxed out but has no plans to improve it. Internet is an unregulated service, which means that Internet providers can do what they want. That said, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) is willing to call TDS on our behalf recognizing there is no requirement for TDS to act. It’s important for people to call them as the more information they have, the better the case they can make. The number to call is 1-800-622-4496. The full report, as well as other steps TDS subscribers can take, is available on-line at The Dish

 Home Depot Confirms Data Breach: Millions of Home Depot customers could be at risk because of a data breach. The home improvement giant is investigating issues with its payment systems. The company says the hacking could go back as far as April. Last week Home Depot said it was looking into a potential hack, but hadn't confirmed it. Now, it says there is evidence the system was compromised. They aren't saying how many credit cards could be affected.

CARE Program Seek info on Residents Who Need Special Help in Disasters: The CARE Program (Community Assistance Registry for Emergencies), administered by the United Ways of Vermont, E-911 and VT 211, works to identify Vermont residents who would require special assistance in an emergency.  If you, or someone you know, would need special help in an emergency, please complete the form located on the E 911 website. VT Digger 

 Do You Phone While Driving? In just a few weeks, holding your cell phone while driving will be illegal in Vermont. The new law goes into effect on Oct. 1. Drivers can still use portable phones — but only if they do not hold them in their hands to make and receive calls. “So the law is now totally hands free.” "You have to have your phone in some type of cradle or have some type of Bluetooth device within your vehicle where you can communicate basically with a one-touch to activate and de-activate." VPR 

3. EVENTS

Saturday, Sept. 13, events include:

•  The Vermont Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn (10-4)

• Hazardous Waste Collection (9-noon)

• Cavendish Green Play Ground Park Build (Volunteers needed starting at 8 am)

On Sunday, Sept. 13, the Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk program at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum starts at 2 pm.   For more information about these events and other activities, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

 For other events in the Okemo Valley 

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