Select Board Meeting Agenda 9/14/15

The agenda for Monday, Sept 14's, 6:30 pm Cavendish Select Board Meeting at the Cavendish Town Office is as follows:

1. Call the meeting to order

2. Act upon minutes of the meetings of August 10th, 27th and 31st, 2015

3. Sign Orders

4. Review Correspondence

5. Adjust Agenda

6. Hear Citizens

7. Discuss and consider project changes proposed by Vtrans for the Green Mountain Railroad trestle project on Cavendish Gulf Road. Specifically Aaron Guyette of VHB will be present to give information about shotcrete options. This is a follow-up to previous discussions including item #13 on the August 10th

8. Town Manager to give brief overview of a developing large solar project in Ludlow which will have a transmission line to the Coolidge Substation in Cavendish.

9. Update on FEMA closeouts and two project extension requests.

10. Manager to advise the Board as to the site visit and review of the skateboard area at Greven Field by the Flood Plain Manager for this region.

11. Manager to update and advise Board as to Bridge #58 progress and a question posed by the Accelerated Bridge Program.

12. Assistant Bruce McEnaney to give summary of cemetery activities and expenditures so far this year as well as some discussion on cemetery policy development.

13. Discussion/.review of transfer station fees.

14. Updates on various town activities.

15. Other business

16. Adjourn

Cavendish Update 9/11/15 News/Memoirs/Swap/Events

9/11/15 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Memoirs: Chapter 27/Cavendish in WWII
3. 2nd Annual Abundance Swap: December 5
4. Events
 
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Road Closure: The Town of Chester will be replacing a culvert on Cavendish Rd in the vicinity of 1049 Cavendish Rd during the month of September. This culvert replacement will cause a road closure and detour. Individuals located south of this location traveling to Cavendish will need to use Vermont Route 103. Individuals located north of this location traveling to Chester will need to travel through Cavendish and join with Vermont Route 103. The town of Chester apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact the Chester town office 802-875-2173 with any questions or concerns. 
 
Car Accident Sept 8: Around 1 pm, the Vermont State Police, Ludlow Ambulance, and Proctorsville Fire Department were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on VT103 at the bottom of the Proctorsville Gulf in the town of Cavendish. Investigation revealed that V1 (Lyndon Lewis, Brattleboro) had been traveling south on VT103 at the bottom of the Gulf when it crossed the centerline on a slight right hand curve and struck the driver's side doors of V2 (Wendy Aiken, Ludlow), which had been northbound. The impact caused V2 to spin out in a counterclockwise manner, strike the guardrails, and come to rest facing in a southerly direction approximately 200 feet north of the area of impact. V1 continued in a southeasterly direction, struck the guard rail end, left the east side of the roadway, went down an embankment and struck a small tree in a swampy area, coming to rest facing in a southeasterly direction. OP#2 denied any injury. OP#1 and his passenger, Lisa Laplante, age 43 of Brattleboro, were transported to the Springfield Hospital by Ludlow Ambulance for treatment of what were believed to be minor injuries. OP#1 was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was issued a civil ticket for possession of marijuana and a criminal citation to appear in Windsor Superior Court-Criminal Division on 10/27/15 to face the charge of Negligent Operation. OP#2 was found to be operating under suspension in the State of Vermont; she will be issued a civil traffic ticket for that violation. The Proctorsville FD provided valuable assistance with traffic control. Benny's Towing responded and removed V1 and V2 from the scene. VT State Police Press Release
 
The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is Becoming a Tradition: Autumn is on its way. The weather’s getting cooler, and a local craft fair presents an opportunity to celebrate the season. The third annual Vermont Golden Honey Festival is Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville, rain or shine. Admission is free.  Vermont Journal
 
Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk: Learn more about Dr. Harlow at the Cavendish Historical Society’s annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk, which takes place on Sept. 13 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, Vt. The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Museum. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury.  This event will take place rain or shine. Vermont Journal  
 
Got Drugs? Collection Day Sept. 26: The following locations will be collecting unused or expired medication for safe disposal from 10-2 on Sept. 26: Police Departments-Ludlow, Springfield, Chester and Windsor (Note that all of these departments, with the exception of Chester, have permanent year round medicine drop boxes); Transfer Station-Weathersfield.  Needles are not accepted. FMI 802-457-5211
 
Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter Prediction: The forecast for this coming winter according to this year's "Old Farmer's Almanac," is for below average temps and above average snowfall. The book uses sunspots, planetary positions and tidal patterns to gage weather patterns.. While the Old Almanac rates their prediction success at about 80%, meteorologists says forecasts shouldn’t be taken seriously as it’s hard enough to predict five days out, let alone a year away.  As one meteorologist noted, "The Old Farmer's Almanac is to meteorology what astrology is to astronomy."
 
2. CAVENDISH MEMOIRS: CHAPTER 27/CAVENDISH WWII
In Chapter 27, after working so hard to establish a farm at Windy Hill, Phillip Tiemann and his family must now prepare to leave it as WWII begins and he receives his orders to report to Fort Ethan Allen. The bonus feature this week pertains to Cavendish during WWII, which many from that era consider the heyday of the town. Please note that next week the serialization of Coming to Vermont will conclude with Chapter 28. 
 
For the prelude and links to all of the chapters go to Coming to Vermont (Cavendish): Memoirs of Philip Tiemann
 
3. 2ND ANNUAL ABUNDANCE SWAP: DECEMBER 5
It may seem like months away, but many begin their holiday shopping after Labor Day so keep in mind the Abundance Swap, sponsored by Cavendish Connects, which takes place the first Saturday in December. A big hit last year, in spite of snow, sleet and some very nasty weather, this is a way to share and receive the bounty of the season without spending a dime.
 
Pick 3-5 items in your home, shop or office that someone would enjoy as a gift. These should be in really good shape and of quality, meaning it’s well made and likely to be valued by someone. Children are encouraged to bring gently used toys they may have outgrown or no longer use. Bring them to the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Saturday morning, December 5,  starting at 9:30 am. Drop off your items, enjoy a visit with your neighbors and the Cavendish Connects team, as well as share the stories of what you are bringing to the swap. From 10-11:30, select presents for someone on your holiday giving list (it can be you).  FMI: 226-7807 or cavendishconnect@gmail.com
 
4. EVENTS
Upcoming Events This week
Sept. 11 (Friday): Cavendish Survivor Challenge begins, 6 pm at the Cavendish Museum
Sept. 12 (Saturday): Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day 9-1; Annual Golden Honey Festival (Golden Stage Inn, Depot Street, Proctorsville); Cavendish Survivor Challenge Continues.
Sept 13 (Sunday): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk (2 pm Cavendish Historical Society Museum) and conclusion of Cavendish Survivor Challenge
Sept 14 (Monday): Select Board Meeting
 
 For more information on these and other events, go to the Cavendish Connects September Calendar. For regional events, check out the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Calendar.
 

Road Closure

The Town of Chester will be replacing a culver on Cavendish Rd in the vicinity of 1049 Cavendish Rd during the month of September. This culvert replacement will cause a road closure and detour. Individuals located south of this location traveling to Cavendish will need to use Vermont Route 103. Individuals located north of this location traveling to Chester will need to travel through Cavendish and join with Vermont Route 103. The town of Chester apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact the Chester town office 802-875-2173 with any questions or concerns. 

Cavendish Update 9/4/15 News/Recall/Events

9/4/15 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk: Dr. Harlow
3. Cavendish Memoirs: Chapter 26 / Photograph
4. River Sweep: Volunteers Needed
5. 3rd Annual Vermont Golden Honey Festival: Proctorsville
6. Cavendish Sole Survivor Challenge
7. Events
 
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Service for Jim Glidden: A volunteer for the Proctorsville Fire Dept for 42 years, Jim Glidden died on Friday, Aug. 28. His service will be held at the Proctorsville Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 am, which is open to all family, friends, firefighters and anyone else wishing to pay their respect. A reception will follow immediately at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department. Legacy.com
 
Motorcycle Accident 131 and 103: On 09/02/15 at approximately 7 am the Vermont State Police, Ludlow Police, Ludlow Ambulance, and Proctorsville Fire Department were dispatched to a motorcycle versus car crash at the intersection of Route 103 and Route 131 in the town of Cavendish. Motorcyclist David Neenan of Cavendish was diagnosed as having sustained multiple torso fractures and a dislocation fracture of his right ankle. Due to the nature of his injuries he was transferred to Dartmouth. VT State Press Release
 
Frozen Corn Recalled in Area: A recall for frozen corn includes our region. The Food and Drug Administration recall involves frozen corn from the company Bonduelle USA because of possible listeria contamination. Brand names include: Wylwood, Market Basket, Bountiful Harvest and West Creek. FDA Press Release
 
2. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK & TALK: DR. HARLOW
There are probably few readers in our area that aren’t aware of Phineas Gage, the railroad foreman, who on September 13, 1848, had a tamping rod pass through his head as a result of a blasting accident, and lived for 12 more years. What people may know less about is Dr. John Martyn Harlow, the Cavendish, VT physician who treated him and followed his recovery, thereby documenting the first case of traumatic brain injury in the medical literature.
 
Harlow’s training in antiphlogistic therapy (preventing or relieving inflammation) was important to Gage’s survival. But what happened to him when he left Cavendish in 1857?   Was he really the “obscure country doctor,” as he referred to himself?
 
Learn more about Dr. Harlow at the Cavendish Historical Society’s annual Phineas Gage Walk& Talk, which takes place on Sept. 13 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm at the Museum. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury.
 
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
 
3. CAVENDISH MEMOIRS: CHAPTER 26/TIEMANN PHOTOGRAPH
In Chapter 26, Tiemann describes how he trained in the reserves preparing for WWII. He was responsible for organizing a Cavendish Citizen’s Committee, which he describes as“A struggle against inertia, as some of the members were inclined to pooh-pooh the prospect of becoming involved in the war. At best it laid the groundwork for active participation by the town when war came” An opportunity to speak at a Memorial Day event resulted in his being taken seriously. “ Following this I had no difficulty in getting the other selectmen to join in publishing a proclamation calling for support of preparedness and urging qualified young men to enlist in the United States Army.”
 
Following Chapter 26 is a photograph of the Tiemanns as they appeared in 1954. For the prelude and links to all of the chapters go to Coming to Vermont (Cavendish): Memoirs of Philip Tiemann.
 
4. RIVER SWEEP: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Black River Action Team is at it again: cleaning trash from the bed and banks of the river in an annual event known as RiverSweep. Since 2000, the BRAT has rolled up their sleeves and tackled this perpetual issue, each year adding volunteers to the ranks and miles to the cleanup area.
 
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to come to either or both of this year's RiverSweeps: Saturday, September 12th in Springfield, sign in at the HQ table in the Citizens Bank drive-up near the footbridge in the Springfield Shopping Plaza at 2 Chester Road in Springfield; the second Sweep will be held Saturday, September 19th at the gazebo in the town green in Veterans Park by the library on Main Street in Ludlow, VT. Both HQ tables will begin taking sign-ins at 8am; pick up trash bags and work-gloves, select a place to collect trash, and set out on your mission. Return with junk to HQ by 11am so the trash can be tallied and photographed; RiverSweepers in Springfield will be treated to hot dogs grilled to perfection by Young’s Furniture & Appliance, while Ludlow volunteers will enjoy a slice of delicious cheese pizza of Goodman's American Pie, on the house. Chips will also be on hand from Deep River Snacks. Event tee shirts will be provided to each volunteer as the BRAT's way of saying "thank you" for the hard work!
 
FMI: Website. Director Kelly Stettner can be reached at blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com or (802) 738-0456.
 
5. 3RD ANNUAL GOLDEN HONEY FESTIVAL: PROCTORSVILLE 
The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is not just for honeybee enthusiasts! Join us at the Golden Stage Inn (Depot Street, Proctorsville) for this one-day festival, Saturday September 12th from 10-4 and browse a variety of local vendors and artists offering raw honey, beeswax candles, salves, crafts, art, pottery, food, books, and educational workshops, Live music. FMI
 
6. CAVENDISH SOLE SURVIVOR CHALLENGE SEPT 11-13
Minibeez General Store and the Cavendish Recreation Department are sponsoring a Cavendish Sole Survivor Challenge starting at 6 pm on Friday, Sept 11 and ending around 3 pm on Sunday Sept. 13.  Outwit and outplay your opponents and be the Cavendish champ. Friday night’s meeting location is the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Locations for events will be revealed as the games unfold.
 
So the basics:
• Open to those 16 and up
• Entry fee is $30 a person – Starting on Monday Sept.7 enter you name in the raffle bucket at Minibeez. They’ll be drawing one name daily for a free entry fee.
• Prize-beyond bragging rights-is cash based on entry fees
• There will be physical, mental and assorted other challenges. Open to all skill levels as there are some substitutions.
 
FMI: 802-226-7751 or survivorcavendish@gmail.com
 
7. EVENTS
Upcoming Events This week
Sept. 7 (Monday): Labor Day. Legal holiday, banks, town office, schools and other businesses are closed.
Sept. 11 (Friday): Cavendish Survivor Challenge begins, 6 pm at the Cavendish Museum
Sept. 12 (Saturday): Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day 9-1; Annual Golden Honey Festival (Golden Stage Inn, Depot Street, Proctorsville); Cavendish Survivor Challenge Continues.
 
For more information on these and other events, go to the Cavendish Connects September Calendar. For regional events, check out the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Calendar.