Cavendish Select Board Agenda 5/11/15

The Cavendish Select Board will meet on Monday, May 11, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The agenda will be as follows:

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Act upon minutes of the meetings of April 13th and May 4th, 2015

3. Sign Orders

4. Review Correspondence

5. Adjust agenda

6. Representatives of the Vtrans Accelerated Bridge Program will be in attendance for an Alternatives Presentation regarding Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street in Proctorsville. This bridge was the subject of a scoping study as it is in serious need of replacement. The Scoping Report examined various alternatives including bridge rehabilitation and replacement along with a number of traffic maintenance options such as short term bridge closure, phased construction and a temporary bridge. The Report recommends replacing the entire bridge structure with traffic being maintained on an off-site detour. The public, affected property owners, emergency service providers and other stakeholders are invited to attend this presentation.

7. Hear Citizens

8. Steve Birge of the Fletcher Farm Foundation and George Timko of Black River Health Center will be present to briefly describe current activities of their organizations and take questions by request of the Board of Selectmen. These two organizations are presently exempt from town property taxes by approval of the Cavendish voters.

9. Updates on Energy Committee activities including the Solarize Program (in partnership with Reading, Windsor, Weathersfield and Brownsville) and an update on Cavendish Solar Array production and a discussion on finance planning.

10. Update on Davis Road bridge project progress.

11. Update on various town activities including spring roads, cemetery, forthcoming project activities, ERP program, recreation, transfer station, etc.

12. Town Manager to update the Board on his progress in filling the assistant position.

13. Other business

14. Adjourn

Celebrating Mother's Day in Cavendish

So you’re down to less than 48 hours until Mother’s Day. What to do? There are lots of places to purchase a special gift or gift certificate from a local business or organization. Use the Cavendish Connects Business and Organization Directories  to help you out.

If purchasing something isn’t in your budget this year, here are a variety of ways to celebrate Mom that won’t cost you anything more than your time.

• Share your Amazon Prime, Netflix or HBO Go password. Be sure to give her a  tutorial on how to use it.

• Give her your copy of your favorite book.

• Take a break outdoors together: a walk at Greven Field or around town.; fly a kite at Fletcher Field; go for a bike ride; visit Knapp Pond.

• Do the laundry, wash and vacuum her car, clean the house, till the soil for her garden, yard work and/or do another chore she needs to have done but has been putting off.  Top it off with her favorite home cooked meal.

• For a computer savvy Momma, consider: a photo collage that she can post to her Facebook page; create a Spotify playlist of tunes she’ll like; “friend” her on Facebook so she knows what’s happening in your world

• Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase a gift certificate at the Aveda Spa at the Castle (definitely a lovely treat though), try doing the following: 

-       Hand Massage 

-       Foot massage 

-       Back Rub  

-       Home Facial

• Make her a pair of “Mom” glasses. Just download the templates- at the end of the article – print them out, cut, score, and glue. 

 • Make her a card, send her a special e-mail, spend time with and in general, let her know how important she is to you.

Cavendish Update 5/8/15 News/Facebook/Job/Events

5/8/15 EDITION OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Facebook Pages You May Not Know About
3. Proctorsville Play Group
4. Cavendish Classifieds: Job Opening
5. Tiemann’s Cavendish Memoirs Chapter 10/Kitchen
6. BRGNS To Hold Spring Rummage Sale
7. Medicare Boot Camp: 5/13
8. Events
 
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Ludlow to End Curbside Trash Pickup on July 1: With the passing of Act 148 (the Solid Waste / Universal Recycling Law), the cost of curbside pickup was called into question. After evaluating options, the Trustees found that the increased costs of pickup would lead to too much of an increase in the Village tax rate. LPCTV
 
BRAT to Help Homeowners with Storm Water Runoff: The Black River Action Team (BRAT) recently received $2,500 through the Vermont Community Foundation's Small and Inspiring grant program. The grant will help the BRAT achieve their mission of fostering stewardship of the Black River by funding storm water runoff education and project implementation. Eagle Times 
 
Spring Hiking Safety: The Vermont State Police, in cooperation with the Green Mountain Club and their agency partners, would like to remind those heading out onto Vermont's hiking trails of the ever changing conditions a hiker may encounter this time of year, especially at higher elevations. As you follow trails into the mountains you can find yourself hiking in snow again despite green grass at the trailhead. Spring showers at lower elevations can turn into an all-too-familiar wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain in the hills. The long-lasting snowpack at higher elevation keeps the air temperatures cool, soaks your boots, and can make the trails very difficult to follow. For more information 
 
GMP to Sell New Tesla Batteries to Save Money for Solar Homes: Green Mountain Power will be a distributor for  Powerwall Batteries, despite the fact the technology could mean selling less power to its customers. For customers with home solar arrays, the  battery will provide electricity when the sun isn’t shining, and during peak demand periods when electricity costs are higher. The batteries also have the potential to reduce demand from fossil fuel sources during peak periods and help utilities better manage fluctuations in available power.  VPR 
 
VT State Police Increasing Patrols on VT Highways: As part of "New England Drive to Save Lives". Troopers will have concentrated patrols. In Vermont Interstate Highways such as I-89, I-91, I-189, I-93, along with Route 4 in Rutland County will be target areas. In Bennington County, Route 7 will be a target area for enforcement. State Police point to a recent survey as a reason for the effort. They say the public believes there is too much speeding and aggressive driving. 
 
2. CAVENDISH FACEBOOK PAGES YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT 
• Cavendish Canine Camp 
• Cavendish Cub Scouts Pack 211 
• Clover Acres Livestock Veterinarian Horses 
• Crows Bakery and Opera House Cafe 
• Little Village Farm 
• Proctorsville Playgroup 
• Solarize Makes Sense 
• Village Clipper 
 
3. PROCTORSVILLE PLAY GROUP 
Join us Thursday mornings from 11AM- 1PM for a toddler infant play group at the Episcopal church on Depot St. We currently have children ages 5 months to 2 years. There is a shared responsibility of snack. This is for all parents and/or caregivers and their children. We would love to have some more faces joining us. Like us on Facebook and keep up with what we are doing.
 
4. CAVENDISH CLASSIFIEDS: JOB OPENING
Building and Grounds Maintenance Position for Cavendish Town Elementary School. This is a full time/year round position.  Responsible for all custodial tasks include cleaning and maintaining facilities and seasonal outdoor grounds maintenance. Supervision of two part time custodians.  Must have basic mechanical and grounds-keeping abilities; be self-motivated and able to work independently. Must be able to abide by safety regulations and medical precautions. Some tasks will be performed outdoors in extreme cold or heat. High School Diploma or Equivalent. Criminal Record Check will be required. To apply send resume or complete a Two Rivers Supervisory Union Job Application and forward to: George Thomson, Principal , Cavendish Town Elementary School 802-226-7758 , 802-226-7312 Fax  or george.thomson@trsu.org
 
5. CAVENDISH MEMOIRS CHAPTER 10/KITCHEN 
As the Tiemanns head into what will be the coldest winter recorded in Vermont, they celebrate Thanksgiving. However, Tiemann couldn’t help but note, “....For a long time we lacked all the equipment of an old-time kitchen, having not even a crane. Some kind soul gave us a pair of modern andirons, which were quite unsuitable but useful for the time being.” 

Following Chapter 10,  the Cavendish Historical Society provides a description of what a rural Cavendish 1933 kitchen might have been like. Minus electricity, cooking would be done on a wood stove and cold foods would either be in an “ice box” or “cold room.” Many of the items we take for granted today-paper towels, plastic wrap and containers, refrigerators, microwaves and stoves were not available for Mrs. Tiemann to use. However, Mason jars were a staple in the 1930s kitchen much as they are in many a Cavendish kitchen today. Chapter 10 
 
To read the prelude and other chapters of Tiemann’s Memoirs go to Coming to Vermont (Cavendish): Memoirs of Philip Tiemann.
 
6. BRGNS TO HOLD SPRING RUMMAGE SALE  
Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farms, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday, May 15th and 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday May 17th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The sale will feature clothing, housewares, books, linens, furniture and all manner of goods. Proceeds from the sale are used to purchase food for the food shelf or used for financial assistance programs in the community. BRGNS also runs a thrift store at 37B Main Street in Ludlow – behind the Ludlow Community Center. Its programs serve Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly and Plymouth. “We can always use more merchandise,” said Bridge, “but right now we can also use volunteers to help set up and staff the sale, and lots of people to donate baked goods.” For more information or to volunteer, please call Audrey at 802-228-3663.
 
7. MEDICARE BOOT CAMP IN SPRINGFIELD MAY 13
 On Wednesday May 13, Senior Solutions staff will offer a free class to provide unbiased information about the Medicare system. Medicare Boot Camp will be held from 1-3 P.M at the Meeting House at Springfield Hospital. Reservations are required.
 
This is appropriate for anyone who is currently enrolled in Medicare or is planning to sign up in the near future. Family members who help elders may also find this class useful. Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and this session will help participants make timely decisions about drug plans and supplemental plans as well as many other issues.
 
Space is limited, so please call ahead to register. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated. To register or get more information, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.
 
A separate class for human services professionals will be held later in the year. See www.seniorsolutionsvt.org for more information.
 
8. EVENTS
You can tell the good weather has finally arrived by the number of things on the Calendar:
May 9 (Saturday): Hazardous Waste Day
May 10 (Sunday): Happy Mother’s Day
May 11 (Monday): Depot Bridge Hearing and monthly Select Board meeting
May 14 (Thursday) Proctorsville Play group; Free composting workshop
May 15 (Friday) BRGN Rummage Sale begins
 
To learn more about these and other events go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For regional events, check out the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Calendar.

Spring Hiking Safety

The Vermont State Police, in cooperation with the Green Mountain Club and their agency partners, would like to remind those heading out onto Vermont's hiking trails of the ever changing conditions a hiker may encounter this time of year, especially at higher elevations. As you follow trails into the mountains you can find yourself hiking in snow again despite green grass at the trailhead. Spring showers at lower elevations can turn into an all-too-familiar wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain in the hills. The long-lasting snowpack at higher elevation keeps the air temperatures cool, soaks your boots, and can make the trails very difficult to follow.

 If hiking at higher elevations, it's important that spring hikers continue to be prepared for winter conditions. Waterproof boots (not sneakers), extra layers of warm clothes, a headlamp, map and compass may become necessary for a safe and successful hike. Consider turning around when you hit snowpack if you are not properly equipped or if travel and route finding becomes more difficult.

 Neil Van Dyke, Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety reports that there were several search and rescue incidents last spring involving hikers who were not properly prepared for the conditions they found at higher elevations. These situations could have been avoided by simply turning around when snowy, icy conditions were encountered.

 A recent rescue on the Long Trail in Peru, Vermont, highlighted these concerns when hikers called 911 reporting that they had become stuck in waist-deep snow, and were unable to keep hiking. Fortunately, the hikers were able to provide first responders with GPS coordinates, and seven rescuers were able to reach the hikers, provide them with snowshoes, and guide them down the mountain without incident.

 Officials from the Vermont State Police, Green Mountain Club, Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Green Mountain National Forest encourage you to stay safe while enjoying the beginning of hiking season, by being careful as you climb higher into the mountains where spring may not have arrived yet. Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation reminds hikers that trails on State land above 2500' in elevation remain closed until Memorial Day.

 For more information on this topic, please contact Vermont Dept. of Public Safety: Neil VanDyke - 802-241-5656 / Scott Waterman 802-241-5277