Cavendish Update 12/19/14 Crime Alert/Services/News/Events

GIVE THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK with news and information that you use throughout the year. Support Cavendish Connects by mailing a check to Cavendish Connects, PO Box 3, Cavendish VT 05142 or clicking the Support Button and donating on-line. 

Other ways to support Cavendish Connects:

• Make a donation for an issue of the Cavendish Update in someone’s name

• Organize a fundraiser. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DAVIS RD BRIDGE CONTINUES TO BE CLOSED

THE 12/19/14 EDITION OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE

1. Cavendish Related News

2. ISO Solzhenitsyn Cavendish Photographs

3. Zero Waste Holiday Tips

4. Christmas Services at Area Churches

5. Cavendish Community Luncheon Returns

6. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Accident on Depot Street and Rt 103: State Police in Rockingham investigated a two-vehicle crash on VT 103 in Cavendish at the junction of Depot Street on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:36 am. Jason Rounds of Cavendish was attempting to enter VT 103 from Depot Street when he drove into the path of Renee Audet, of Chester, who was travelling northwest. Rounds struck the passenger side of Audet's vehicle causing minor damage to her vehicle and moderate damage to the front right of his vehicle. No one was injured. Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department assisted state Police. VT State Police Press Release

Breaking and Entering in Cavendish: On Tuesday, December 16, Tuesday, at 1100 Block Densmore Rd, there was a burglary, breaking and entering with force, reported at 10:42 am. Crime Reports Note: This is the 6th burglary in Cavendish in less than a month.  

Assault, Disorderly Conduct: On Wednesday 12/17/14 at approx. 3:22 Vermont State Police began a road rage investigation that occurred on RT 103 in Cavendish. Travis Allen of Chester was driving north when Nathan Lambert of Cavendish allegedly began to tailgate him. Both vehicles had stopped in a line of traffic while a school bus was dropping off children. Lambert got out of his vehicle and approached Allen who was sitting in his vehicle. Allen and two independent witnesses allege that Lambert reached into the driver side window and began punching Allen. Allen got out to get Lambert's license plate number and Lambert allegedly began punching him again. Witnesses say they intervened and Lambert then drove away. Lambert reported that Allen had allegedly thrown an object at his vehicle when he drove by and then allegedly kicked his headlight, which was what precipitated the punches. On 12/18/14 at approx. 09:40 Lambert was taken into custody and transported to the Rockingham Barracks. He was issued a citation to answer to the charges of Disorderly conduct, Simple Assault, and False information to a police officer. He was released to appear in court on January 27, 2015. VT State Police Press Release

New Ludlow Laundromat: There is now a new Laundromat at the Okemo Market Place, opposite the Okemo Access Rd and next to Darkside. Open seven days a week from 7 am-9pm. 

Let’s Keep Our Volunteer Fire Fighters Home This Holiday Season: The Proctorsville Fire Dept. was called out on Wednesday for a chimney fire, which helped to make this the busiest year ever in its 181 year history. Learn how to Put a Freeze on Winter Fires so the many volunteers of CFD and PFD can enjoy an uninterrupted holiday season.

Both Fire Departments Sell Out Trees: Proctorsville Fire Department 100 trees and 45 wreaths, proceeds of which will help to purchase new equipment. The Cavendish Fire Dept., who also sold all of their trees, is using the funds to help purchase a generator for the Cavendish Shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church. Thanks to those who made purchases.

One Year After Target Date, State Still Striving for Broadband “Last Mile:” Nearly a year after the original target date for bringing broadband service to every Vermont address, the state says 2,183 locations still remain to be served. The state calculates broadband coverage based on reports from providers. Jim Porter, Dept. Of Public Service Telecommunications, says plans are in place to serve all the remaining addresses, but they are part of two projects scheduled for completion next year. “The addresses that are still awaiting the projects to be completed are divided evenly among FairPoint’s project and VTel’s project,” he says. Both projects are supported with federal dollars. FairPoint receives funding for DSL under the initial phase of Federal Communications Connect America Fund, known as CAF Phase 1. Springfield-based VTel is using about $115 million dollars in federal grants and loans to build an extensive wireless system. Currently, the system is available to only a small number of subscribers, but VTel president Michel Guite says the company is on schedule to serve more than 60,000 Vermonters from 121 towers and sites by mid-2015. VPR 

 VT Comcast Customers Can Now Turn Devices in Their Homes into a TV: Starting Dec. 16, Comcast X1 customers in Vermont will be able to access their TV lineup on any connected screen in their home. Additionally, they will be able to download programs they have recorded on their digital video recorder (DVR) to watch on IP-enabled devices or stream them using an Internet connection, anytime and anywhere. The in-home streaming feature provides access to virtually the entire channel line-up and Xfinity On Demand programming on mobile devices and computers. The content is presented to customers via the familiar X1 user experience. Press Release 

2. ISO SOLZHENITSYN CAVENDISH PHOTOGRAPHS : Do you have pictures of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn speaking at the 1977 or 1994 town meeting? What about the famous "No Directions Sign" that use to hang on Joe's store?

The Cavendish Historical Society is finishing a children's biography of Solzhenitsyn and would like to include photographs of his time in Cavendish. If you have photographs, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807. They can also be sent to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142.

 3. ZERO WASTE HOLIDAY SEASON TIPS: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the average American household’s waste increases by 25%. Whether it’s shopping locally, re gifting, wrapping presents in reusable shopping bags, or using greens from your backyard for a centerpiece, check out almost 30 ways you can create some merry and bright memories without contributing unnecessarily to the “over abundance” at the Transfer Station.  

4. CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT AREA CHURCHES

• Calvary Church: Christmas Celebration on Dec. 21st (Sunday) at 11am preceded by our monthly Kids' Program including puppets, music, crafts, stories, etc. at 10 am. FMI: 226-7607 or www.calvarychurchvt.com

• Catholic

Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, Wednesday)

- Holy Name of Mary, Proctorsville - 7:00 P.M. Christmas Concert begins at 6:30 P.M.

- Annunciation, Ludlow - 5:00 P.M. Christmas Concert begins at 4:30 P.M.

- Annunciation, Ludlow - 9:00 P.M. Christmas Concert begins at 8:30 P.M.

Christmas Day (Dec. 25, Thursday) - Annunciation Church, Ludlow at 9:00 A.M.

• Cavendish Baptist Church: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 pm. FMI: 226-7131 

• Gethsemane Episcopal Church: Christmas Eve service at 4:00pm with candlelight, traditional carols, and communion.  All are welcome.  

 5. CAVENDISH COMMUNITY LUNCHEON RETURNS : For many years, St. James Methodist Church offered a monthly community luncheon. Discontinued over a year ago, many people in the community talked about how much they enjoyed these gatherings. In January, Gethsemane Episcopal Church will once again host these luncheons on the first Wednesday of every month, at noon, in their new Parish Hall. Gethsemane Church is located off of Depot Street with the handicap accessible Hall in the rear of the building.

 On Wednesday January 7, the menu will include pot roast, assorted vegetables, bread, and fruit parfait with coffee, tea and water for beverage. A suggested donation of $3.00 will help defray the cost of the luncheons. FMI: 226-7187 or 484-7431

 6. EVENTS: Upcoming Christmas related events:

• Saturday, Dec. 20: Fletcher Farm Annual Holiday Cookie Sale

• Sunday, Dec. 21:  Winter Solstice, or the first day of summer. Cavendish Caroling starts at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church.

• Monday, Dec. 22: Russian Christmas at the Cavendish Elementary School-day long workshops provided by the Cavendish Historical Society. 

• Wednesday, Dec. 24: Various churches will be holding Christmas Eve services, see item 4 above.

• Thursday, Dec. 25: Merry Christmas

• Friday, Dec. 26: The town office is closed

For more information on these and other upcoming events, go to

• Cavendish Connects Calendar 

•  Okemo Valley Calendar 

SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS  

ISO Solzhenitsyn in Cavendish Photographs

Does anyone have pictures of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn speaking at the 1977 or 1994 town meeting? What about the famous "No Directions Sign" that use to hang on Joe's store?

The Cavendish Historical Society is finishing a children's biography of Solzhenitsyn and would like to include photographs of his time in Cavendish. If you have photographs, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807. They can also be sent to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142. 

ZERO WASTE HOLIDAY SEASON TIPS

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the average American household’s waste increases by 25%. Below are ways to help reduce that:

GIFTS

• Shop local (saves on gas and keeps money in the community)

• Make Memories, not garbage: Give something to do, which they’ll long remember such as gym membership, dinner for two, classes at Fletcher Farm or Six Loose Ladies, music lessons, pass to the state parks, a membership in Cavendish’s only CSA Little Village Farm to name just a few ideas.

•  Area Business Services Gift Certificate. Check out the Cavendish Business Directory to arrange unique and one of a kind gifts.

• Buy handmade: There are a number of wonderful local artists whose work is available in area stores-check out Fletcher Farms Gift Shop, Six Loose Ladies as well as the Cavendish Business Directory under Artists.

• Make a donation in someone’s name and support one of the local non-profits. Hint hint, give the gift that gives back year round by supporting Cavendish Connects, and we’ll send a very special card announcing your gift.

• Give homemade gifts in reusable containers such as glass jars, tins, boxes, baskets etc.

• Re gift: Black River Good Neighbor (BRGN) Thrift Store is an excellent place to shop. Craigslist  and Freecycle Springfield  are all good places to check out.

• Reusable Gifts: Encourage family and friends to eliminate disposable items by giving them water bottles, lunch kits, LED lights etc.

• Upcycle: Turn trash into gifts they’ll love. Check out DIY Upcycled Handmade Gift Ideas. 

• Spend time not money: Instead of buying something for someone, do something with them or for them, such as a hike where you provide the lunch; or babysitting so they can go out for an evening where you’ve arranged the activities. If you have the skills, massage, haircut, landscaping, gardening, car repair are all great gifts.

 GREEN GIFT WRAP

• Put the gift in a reusable shopping bag thereby giving two gifts in one.

• Decorate scrap paper, newspaper, grocery bags, or leftover tissue paper with ink or poster paint using cookie-cutters or rubber stamps.

• Use fabric (check out the fabric bins at BRGN) and wrap using Furoshiki techniques (Japanese art of wrapping with fabric) or make some bags/sacks.

• Baskets, tins, or boxes that can be reused year after year.

HOLIDAY PARTIES

• E-mail invitations, or make a few phone calls.

• Avoid disposable and use your own dishes and silver ware. Borrow from friends and family if you don’t have enough. Want a few festive touches, try BRGN and the Dollar Store for inexpensive glassware that can be used year after year. If you end up with items you don’t want to store, donate them to BRGN or save for the July Town wide tag sale.

• If you must have matching dishes or absolutely refuse to deal with them altogether, compostable food ware  is now available at local grocery stores. 

• Make cloth napkins by cutting up holiday fabric with pinking shears or check out what BRGN might have. They generally have their holiday items in one section for easier shopping.

• Save glass jars and other reusable containers and encourage guests to take leftovers.

CARDS

• E-mail electronic greeting cards. Spend time on the greeting cards, include on-line photo albums etc.

• Buy recyclable and ones that support a local charity. CCCA has a variety of beautiful photography cards by local artists. These are available at Crow’s Bakery in Proctorsville.

• Repurpose greeting cards by cutting them up to make new cards or “to/from” gift tags.

• Recycle by sending them to: St. Jude's Ranch Card Recycling, 100 St. Jude Street, Boulder City, NV 89005. 

HOLIDAY DECOR 

·  Trees: According to Post Consumers, real trees support farms and natural eco systems. Buying a real tree isn’t just a “more” eco-friendly decision than using a fake tree, it’s actually a way to actively help the environment and enjoy the aroma/feeling of nature in your home. You’re also helping local farmers, which is always a good thing.

·  Decorations: Most people have tree ornaments that they use year after year. To keep them safe pack them with newspaper, reused packing peanuts, or old clothes.

·  Centerpieces: Use potted plants or evergreen cuttings from your yard, instead of buying cut flowers to make centerpieces. Compost/mulch the greenery after using.

·  Lights: Use LED Christmas Lights, which are up to 90 percent more efficient than their incandescent counterpart. Use a timer so they don’t burn all night and recycle old lights. Remember that both incandescent and LED holiday lights are recyclable. 

Cavendish Update 12/12/14 Bridge/SB Mtg/News/Events

GIVE THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK with news and information that you use throughout the year. Support Cavendish Connects by mailing a check to Cavendish Connects, PO Box 3, Cavendish VT 05142 or clicking the Support Button and donating on-line. 

 Other ways to support Cavendish Connects:

• Make a donation for an issue of the Cavendish Update in someone’s name

• Organize a fundraiser.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DAVIS RD BRIDGE IS CLOSED, DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, FOR THE NEXT WEEK.

THE 12/12/14 EDITION OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 12/8/14: Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website  and on Comcast Television.  Written minutes are available at the town’s website. 

Items covered in the meeting included:

• Telecommunications: SB members were e-mailed the preliminary findings of the Cavendish Telecommunications Survey. Rich Svec, town manager, said that representatives from TDS, but not Comcast, would attend the January Select Board meeting.

• New England Clean Power Link: A representative spoke to the board about the proposed 1,000 MW High Voltage Direct Current transmission line that would deliver clean, affordable hydropower to Vermont and the New England marketplace. The privately financed line would be submerged in Lake Champlain and buried in existing rights of way and would run from the Canadian boarder to a converter station to be built on Nelson Rd in Ludlow, just over the Cavendish line, and be connected to the Coolidge substation located in Cavendish.

• Request for Funds: Various non-profits requested funds for FY 2016 Town Budget

• Solar Project: Panels are up and will be partially on-line by Dec. 31 as several parts wont be delivered until January.

• Skate Park at Greven Field: Members of the Recreation Department provided drawings of a proposed skate ramps etc. for Greven Field.

• Bridge Projects: The East/Brook Rd Bridge is now open. An approach guardrail will be installed in the spring. Weather dependent, work has been taking place on the Davis Rd Bridge, which is now closed for approximately a week. Completion and first use will not be until spring 2015.

For a full report on the SB meeting, go to The Dish. 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Congratulations to Lily Calabrese: Lily, a Proctorsville resident and currently a student at the University of Vermont, took 2nd place at the Killington Rails to Riches Snowboard competition.

Congratulations to Justin Stearns: Congratulations to PFD Jr Firefighter Justin Stearns on being named PFD Jr Firefighter of the year for 2014. Justin has been a Jr Firefighter for 4 years now, and has made great improvements over that time. Justin continues to train very hard and work towards the status of Firefighter in 2 years when he turns 18. Special note of thanks to Bob Glidden who is responsible for the Junior’s program.

 Public Has Say in $1.2 Billon Power Line Project: One longtime resident wonders if a proposed $1.2 billion underground hydropower transmission line would carry the electrical dangers of trolleys a century ago. Another worries it could interfere with ham radio signals today. But so far, most Vermonters are taking a wait-and-see approach. Transmission Developers Inc. used a sparsely attended Cavendish Select Board meeting in this town of 1,367 Monday night to announce it is seeking state approval for a New England Clean Power Link to run 150 miles from the Canadian border to a planned $200 million converter plant in Ludlow. Times Argus 

More GMP Crews Responding to Outages Than During Irene: After more than a foot of snow fell on parts of Vermont Tuesday and Wednesday, road crews and utilities are working around the clock to restore service across the state. Officials say the heavy, wet snow caused outages and road closures across much of the state. While several hundred households were affected for more than 10 hours, by Thursday, all of Cavendish had power restored. VPR 

 115th Annual Christmas Bird Count: The longest running citizen science program in the world, the count originally began on Christmas Day in 1900 when ornithologist and legendary birder Frank Chapman posed an alternative to an earlier traditional holiday “side hunt.” Chapman proposed “hunting” birds to record their numbers. The 115th Christmas Bird Count will take place from December 14, 2014 through January 5, 2015. This is perhaps the longest running citizen science project in Vermont! Each count occurs in a designated circle, 15 miles in diameter, and is led by an experienced birder, or designated “compiler”. Read more to learn where Vermont CBCs are located, date of counts and compiler contact information. Vermont e-Bird 

VT Ranked 2nd Healthiest State: According to the annual America's Health Rankings report from the United Health Foundation, Vermont trails only Hawaii. Vermont scores well for its best-in-the nation high school graduation rate, second lowest percent of children living in poverty and second lowest rate of violent crime. Vermont also had the fourth lowest rate for low birth weight babies, fourth lowest for physical inactivity and seventh lowest for obesity rate. WCAX

 3. EVENTS: Last weekend for the tree and green sales at both fire departments.  Juniors of the PFD will also be conducting a bottle drive, so please drop your cans and bottles that are worth a .5¢ deposit. Santa will be on hand at both the Stepping Stones Breakfast Buffett as well as the Proctorsville Fire Department

For more information on these and other upcoming events, go to

• Cavendish Connects Calendar 

•  Okemo Valley Calendar 

SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS