Cavendish Life Hacks to Simplify and Save

To make your life in Cavendish a bit easier, simpler and save money in the process, consider the following “life hacks:”

1   Free/Low Cost Entertainment

•    Libraries are a great source of free books (print and audio), movies, special activities (movie nights, book discussions, children’s programs) as well as offering free passes to local attractions etc. Residents and property owners can become patrons at the Cavendish Library  or the Fletcher Library in Ludlow for free. Through the Fletcher Library you can register to streamline free videos and magazines for your own personal use. Check that out at Movies-N-Mags. For other free streaming go to Top 25 Sites for Free Movies & TV Streaming Without Downloading. 

•    Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) and Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA)  offer a lot of free programs through out the year. CHS’s Museum is open on Sundays 2-4 pm from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. There’s always something new to see and they have special activities for kids. CCCA sponsors the free Wednesday night concert series on the Proctorsville Green for seven weeks during July and August.

•    National Parks Service Senior Pass Card: For a one time $10 fee, those 62 and up can register for a “senior pass”  that allows them and three guests to enter National Parks and Historic sites run by the National Park Service for free. The Senior Pass Card is available at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park in Woodstock and St. Gaudens in Cornish, NH. It’s also available on-line, but that costs $20. However, it makes a good present for someone 62 and up.

•    Green Mountain Passport: Lifetime day entry passes are available to Vermont residents who are 62 or older and/or a veteran who has been honorably discharged from active duty. The fee is $2 and it’s available from your local town office clerk. 

•    Be an Usher and See Plays for Free: Being an usher at the Weston Playhouse and other theaters allows you to see plays for free. 

•    Enjoy the outdoors: There are plenty of places to hike, bike, boat, fish and hunt in and around Cavendish.  There is a half-mile trail at Greven Field (just off of 103 near the intersection of Dept Street and 103 in Proctorsville) that is easy for kids and parents. Knapp Pond offers boating and fishing, while the Black River is stocked and ready for fishermen. 

•    Check the Cavendish Connects Calendar for upcoming events, the Cavendish Connects Pinterest Board for nearby attractions. Cavendish VT Facebook page for daily activities, as well as the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce website. 

2   Skiing & Snowboarding on the Cheap

•    Work/Volunteer at Okemo in Exchange for Season Passes: There are any number of jobs at Okemo during the winter, some of which are volunteer, that have a free season’s pass as a perk. The more years you work, the more people in your family become eligible for a season’s pass. Depending on the job, there are lots of other perks including discounts on winter apparel, dinning and much more. Keep a look out for Okemo’s Job Fair or to their website for job opportunities.

•    Volunteer for the CTES Snow Sports Program: Held on Tuesday afternoons January through March, you get a lift ticket each time you volunteer, plus you have that afternoon for skiing and riding. Call 802-226-7758 for more information

•    Annual Ski Swap: Okemo Mountain School hosts a Ski Swap in November the weekend before Thanksgiving. Great prices on used equipment or last year’s products. Sale runs from Friday to Sunday. Check Okemo calendar for dates and times. 

•    Use VAST Trails for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing. These trails are kept groomed by the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. Check their website for trail map. 

• Marsh Billings Rockefeller: Lots of un groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 

3.     Education/Life Long Learning

• Paying for college: Check out the post from Cavendish Connects, which is updated several times a year Paying for College: Never too Soon or Too Late

• Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts has classes/workshops year round that are half price for Cavendish residents. You’ll need to get a voucher from the Town Office to show at the time of registration for classes.

• Vermont Adult Learning offers programs to help those 16 and over with necessary skills to obtain High school and employment. The closest office is in Springfield 802-546-0879

• Osher at Dartmouth: Life Long Learning. Prices vary based on number of sessions-4 or less ($40); 5-6 sessions ($60) and a full length course of 7-8 sessions ($80)  

4   Make your own Cleaning Products, which not only saves money, but also reduces indoor pollution, harsh chemicals, fragrances, colors and additives.

•    Dishwashing detergent: Put a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap in the detergent container cup and sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher or try  Homemade Dishwasher Detergent is a Real Thing

•    Clothes detergent: Which recipe you use depends on whether you want a liquid or powder detergent and what type of washing machine you have. Do a Google search “DIY clothes detergent” and you’ll be amazed at the number of recipes.

•    Cleaning products: You really only need a few ingredients-white vinegar, baking soda and a liquid soap. There are many recipes on different websites to try. To start, check out Non Toxic Home Cleaning. 

5   Recycling/Composting saves a bundle:

•    Cavendish Transfer Station has a variety of free ways to recycle, including zero sort recycling for bottles, cans, paper, certain plastics; metal bin; electronics; and clothing barn. 

•    Gently used clothes can go to Black River Good Neighbors in Ludlow.  The Fiber Barn at the Transfer Station will take clean and dry clothing regardless of their condition, shoes, clean and dry linens (including blankets sheets towels, curtains etc.), stuffed animals, belts, purses, hats, mittens, gloves, coats, socks. These items can be stained, ripped or torn must be clean and dry. Need help sorting? Try the KonMari approach. 

•    Home Composting: Lawn trimmings and food scraps can easily be composted, reducing what you take to the transfer station. Learn more about how to compost and low cost composters from the SWWCSWMD, which Cavendish is part of.

While you are recycling at the transfer station, check out what’s being tossed out. Might find something that will work perfectly for you. The more you appropriately recycle and compost the less you will have to pay in tipping fees at the transfer station.

6   Pay with cash instead of plastic. All of our stores take it and studies show you spend less when you purchase with cash.

7   Energy Savers

•    Switch light bulbs to LEDs

•    Air conditioning isn’t a necessity in VT but if you have it, raise the “default” summer temperature by five degrees. Reverse it in the winter, lower the temp five degrees.

•    Air dry clothes using a clothes line and/or drying racks. Not only does it save energy and money, clothes last longer.

•    If you do use a dryer, make your own wool balls to help clothes dry faster and keep garments soft. 

•    Insulate Your Outlets and Check your Refrigerator Seals

•    Grow Food, Not Lawns and save the headache of mowing while enjoying the benefits of veggies.

For more ways to save energy, rebates, products etc. check out Efficiency Vermont’s website. 

8   Winter Tips

•    Buy Darn Tough Socks. They’re made in Vermont and they really make good on their Lifetime Guarantee. Singleton’s carries them.

•    O’Keeffe’s Working Hands is ideal for dry hands and feet that crack and split. Better than Bag Balm as it’s not so greasy. Can use on your feet as well.

•    Use a Fuel Club  for significant savings on oil and propane. Note you will need good credit to be eligible for the club and you generally will need to pay at the time of delivery.

•    Check out Avoid “Winter Skin” 

•    More ideas at 56 Life Hacks to Help You Win at Winter 

9. Shopping

•    Twice a year Cavendish Connects offers its residents a great way to save money via the annual town wide tag sale that takes place on the last Saturday in July and the Abundance Swap the first Saturday in December. The Abundance Swap is a great way to clean out your house and get holiday gifts without spending a dime. Check out the KonMari approach to help prepare for both of these events.

•    Thrifting In and Around Cavendish

10. Practice Yankee Thrift-Use it up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without!

Crime Alert: Burglary

On 9/19/16 the State Police responded to the report of a burglary on Power Plant RD in the town of Cavendish. Investigation revealed that between the days 09/12/2016 and 09/19/2016 someone entered one of the Green Mountain Power buildingsand stole an assortment of hand tools (multiple socket sets, screw drivers, etc.) and 6 heavy duty extension cords. If anyone observed any suspicious activity in the area please contact Trooper Soule at (802) 722-4600.

Cavendish Update: 9/16/16 SB Mtg/Energy/Swap/News

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 9/16/16 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting

2. Cavendish Related News

3. When you Don’t Want to Drive: Bus Plane Train Service Near Cavendish

4. Town Energy Fair-Oct. 1

  5. Swap Instead of Shop: Winter Clothing Swap-October 1

  6. GM School Board Member Needed/Change in CTES School Board Mtg

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/12/16: 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.  Among items discussed/voted on at Monday night’s meeting were:

• Telecommunications-TDS new system should be in place by November

• Hazardous Flood Regulations still being reviewed and will continue at next meeting-Concern about impact of regs on those owning property in the flood plain. Not passing regs will result in a 5% reduction of state funding in the event of another flood.

• Denied 4 Event Liquor Permits for Glimmerstone due to inaccuracies in two applications and the owner’s unwillingness to comply with state regulations regarding fireworks and ignoring neighbors concerns about noise. The SB met with the owner at a special two-hour meeting on Sept. 14. By a vote of 3 to 1, the owner was givenpermits for the next 3 events. Based on how these events go, they will decide at a later date whether to approve the 4th.

• Accepted Dan Churchill’s resignation as Town Agent, which is due to a conflict with his position on the Board of Civil Authority.

• Town Projects-Gulf Rd repair, selling of property on Heald Rd and Depot St, and Transfer Station changes are going according to schedule. In six weeks, anyone showing up at the Transfer Station without the appropriate vehicle sticker will be denied access.

• Adjustment for Municipal Cavendish Wastewater base fee schedule has reduced the quarterly fee from $87.46 to $86.46.

• Town manager search has been expanded along with an extended filing date of Sept. 26.

• Proposed policy regarding “Objects Placed in the Town Highway Right-of-Way. Discussion will continue at Oct. meeting

• First draft of Noise Ordinances for the town was distributed and will be discussed at Oct. Meeting.

For a more in-depth report on the Select Board Meeting go to The Dish. 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Joan Carlisle: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Joan M. Carlisle, 82, who died Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at the Church of the Annunciation in Ludlow. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at Adams Funeral Home, 12 Meadow St., Ludlow. A complete obituary will be published in a future edition of the Rutland Herald. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.  Our condolences to Joan’s husband, family and friends.

Shower for Belle McKnight: Belle’s birthday is Saturday Sept. 17 and her family is planning a "card shower" for her. Please send your cards to Belle McKnight, 253 Meadowbrook Farm Road, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Happy Birthday Belle!!

Jill’s Place is Now on Facebook: Wondering what’s for breakfast or the hot specials for the day, to say nothing of what’s being canned? Just bookmark Jill’s Place on Facebook and enjoy.

Cavendish Baptist Newsletter: The Cavendish Baptist Church now has a newsletter about upcoming activities, which is available at their website. 

Do you Struggle with Utilities?: For an upcoming episode of Brave Little State, VPR is trying to answer a question about utility bills in Vermont. (Electricity and natural gas.) Brave Little State is a podcast that’s all about Vermonters, so VPR wants to hear your stories: How do you manage if you have a hard time paying a bill? What do you do to keep your bills low, and what else should be done? Please email Alex Keefe, the reporter on this story, at akeefe@vpr.net, and put “utility bills” in the subject line.

GMP& SunCommon Launch 1st VT Solar Storage Partnership: Green Mountain Power and SunCommon have announced a partnership that will allow customers to store their solar power for security during a power outage.  The first of its kind program in Vermont partners a utility with a solar company to offer home storage that both strengthens the grid and allows homes to power from solar during outages. Through the program, Vermonters can add a SunCommon solar system and the Tesla Powerwall to their homes with no upfront cost and a fixed monthly payment.  Press Release 

Arrest for Sale and Distribution of Heroin in Ludlow: Beginning in February of 2016 the Ludlow Police Department began to conduct formal surveillance of 32 Soapstone in response to information developed from multiple sources. During the investigation detectives observed, amongst other things, a significant amount of vehicular traffic and foot traffic indicative of drug dealing. In the spring of 2016 Ludlow Police and the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force conducted a joint investigation, which resulted in the issuance of a search warrant for the residence. On September 14, 2016 Ludlow Police and members of the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force executed the search warrant and recovered the following items: Over 100 bags of Heroin; Over 2 ounces of processed marijuana; Possession of Narcotics without a prescription; 2 long rifles; 1 small caliber handgun; Over 500 rounds of ammunition. Richard Taylor was incarcerated at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Lieu of $25,000 bail. Kimberly Ashley was incarcerated in lieu of $5,000 bail. Both will be arraigned in Windsor County Superior Court, Criminal division on September 15, 2016 at 12:30PM. Ludlow Police Dept.

3. WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO DRIVE: BUS/PLANE/TRAIN NEAR TOWN : In response to the question,  “How can I get to Boston or New York City with out driving?” below are options to consider

Air: Cape Air flies out of Lebanon and Rutland Airports.  Rutland only flies to Logan while Lebanon offers trips to Boston ($49 one way) or NYC ($99 one way). 

Train: Amtrak has trains that travel once a day from Bellows Falls  ($63 one way or $93 for a flexible seat to NYC) and from Rutland ($79 for reserved seat one way to NYC) No direct service to Boston though you can take trains to Springfield, MA or New Haven, CT and transfer to another train.

Dartmouth Coach Price varies based on whether you are going from Hanover, Lebanon or New London. Round Trip day to Boson depending on departure point and whether your going to South Station or Logan is going to generally be less than flying one way. Same is true for trips to NYC. 

Bus: Mega Bus  has departure points from Brattleboro, Montpelier and Burlington. This bus does not go directly to Boston but will take you to NYC for $39 one way. By far the cheapest way to get to NYC.

4. TOWN ENERGY FAIR-OCT 1: The Cavendish Town Energy Committee will hold an Energy Fair on October 1, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street (Route 131) in Cavendish. Get all of your questions answered on weatherization, solar energy, energy efficient homes, heat pumps, composting and other money saving ways to help the planet.

Many people don’t realize that the biggest home money saving is not in new technologies to produce energy, but in simple weatherization such as stopping air leaks. By increasing insulation, adding weather stripping to doors and windows, sealing around foundations and attics, and similar measures, you can save money and be much more comfortable in summer and in winter. Come to the energy fair and talk to the experts. You can learn about the latest energy saving technologies from professionals, and you can learn about the simple ways to make living cheaper and more comfortable.

The fair is free and open to the public. Exhibitors from many companies and organizations will have representatives on hand. Whether you own or rent, there are many ways for you to save money.

5. SWAP INSTEAD OF SHOP: WINTER CLOTHING SWAP-OCT. 1 : Get ready for colder weather!  Inspired by the December Abundance Swap, (Dec. 3 this year), and targeting kids, who seem to outgrow clothes overnight, this event is open to the public.  Bring winter items (coats, snow pants, boots, mittens, hats, sweaters, tops, pants etc.) in good condition to share with others and take the items your family will need for the coming months. 

Do not bring skies or snowboarding equipment. If you have such equipment and/or are looking for it, check out the Okemo Mountain School’s annual Ski Swap, which takes place Nov. 18-20 this year. 

The Winter Clothes Swap, sponsored by the Cavendish Baptist Church, will be open from 10am to noon in the Arts Room at the Cavendish Town Elementary School.  Any items left will be donated to either the school or Black River Good Neighbor Services. 

This is a good excuse to clean out the closets and dressers. If you need help in this area, check out Using the KonMari Approach for Abundance Swap Preparation. 

6. GM BOARD MEMBER NEEDED/CHANGE IN CTES BOARD MEETING: There is an opening for a representative from Cavendish on the Green Mountain School Board.  The term is available immediately and will expire with Town Meeting day at which point a new board member will be elected.  This is a wonderful opportunity for an interested citizen to serve the community for a short term and then decide if they wish to run for a full term at Town Meeting, March 7, 2017.  Anyone interested should submit a letter to Meg Powden, the Superintendent of Schools, 609 Vt Route 103, Ludlow, VT 05149. FMI:  Superintendent's Office at 875-3365

Please note that the CTES School Board meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 pm at the school.

7. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 17 (Saturday): Household Hazardous Waste Day

SEPTEMBER 21 (Wednesday): September School Board Meeting 5:30 pm at the school

SEPTEMBER 23 (Friday): Black River Good Neighbor Rummage Sale begins at 10 am at Fletcher Farm

 For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar.  For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar. 

Select Board Meeting 9/12/16

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.  Among items discussed/voted on at Monday night’s meeting were:

1. Cavendish Flood Hazard Area Regulations: After a lengthy and page-by-page discussion of the proposed Flood Hazard Regulations (FHR), Selectmen Mike Ripley said that even though he understands why a third of his property is in the flood plain, he doesn’t want people telling him what to do with it. Further, he believes that the adoption of FHR, will cause property values in the flood plain area to decrease, thereby increasing taxes. Therefore he was not in favor of voting for FHR. George Timko thought the regulations were too stringent and did not seem to favor the proposed regs.

If the Town issues a building variance in a flood hazard area, chances are insurance costs would significantly increase for those in these areas.

According to Etienne Ting, the Chairman of the Cavendish Planning Commission, the state wants new FHR to protect towns from the type of flooding experienced following Irene. The Flood Management Division determined that rivers need a wider corridor in which to meander over time. The new flood hazard area regulations discourage new development and rebuilding after flood events in these corridors. All activities within the river corridors and stream setback areas would be limited, including adding fill, new construction, and stream bank stabilization to prevent erosion damage to existing structures.

Towns that do not choose to adopt the FHR will be penalized. In the event of another flood disaster, available funding would be reduced by 5%. In terms of Irene, that would have resulted in a net loss of $210,000 in state funding, which the town would have to pay for through taxes. It’s important to note that careful planning by the town manager, Rich Svec, and his staff repaired the town with FEMA and State funds resulting in the town accruing no debt.

Following Irene, FEMA was very clear that if flood plain property owners rebuilt in the same spot, they would not provide any funding if the property is again damaged by floods.

The SB will continue the discussion at the October meeting, which be held Oct 17. To read more on the Flood Hazard Regulations, check out SB Minutes 5/23/16.  For a copy of the proposed regulations, call the town office 802-226-7292

2. Telecommunications: The Telecommunications Communication Committee (TCC) has been meeting with Comcast to discuss the feasibility of their expanding services in under served parts of town and is putting together data to help highlight areas for expansion.

In Oct 2015, TDS meet with the TCC and explained that they would be installing with in the next 30 days a 10G “ring” for those being served from the Proctorsville Central Office (PCO)-Main Street in Proctorsville (about 350 customers). This is a Calix E7 fiber system,  similar to the one being used in NH, where 1G service is now available to homes.

 TDS’ 10G network is the “backbone network” that connects TDS markets to each other, to data centers, and to the Internet.  The infrastructure was installed in order to facilitate fiber to the home down the road, as well as to increase current connectivity to those being served by the PCO.

Over the last year, date after date has been given when the system would be operational and each time there has been a glitch. According to the TDS representative for VT, the latest problem has been faulty Calix cards. In a phone conversation with them on 9/12/16, they said the appropriate cards have been received and will be installed by Sept. 23. TDS in Wisconsin will need to prepare “cut sheets” which will be used to connect the junction boxes to the system (estimated 15 business days.) These will then be shipped to Vermont where it will take another two weeks for installation. In short, the anticipated date for significantly improved Internet service from TDS is November.

There will be five junction boxes: Perkinsville, Proctorsville, Cavendish Pointe Hotel,  Twenty Mile Stream, and Tarbell Hill. Those within 18,000 feet  (3.4 miles) of the junction will have 25 Mbps service, those further should have 5 Mbps. Those farthest from the areas should still see improved service due to improvements in the “back haul.”

If things significantly improve for TDS customers, the one remaining area that is either un served or under served will be those on Fair Point, the Northeast corner of town (Knapp Pond).

The Committee is working with all current and potential customers in order to see that high speed Internet is available throughout the town.

3. Event Liquor License/Issues with Glimmerstone: At the August SB  meeting there was considerable discussion with the owner of Glimmerstone, Mary Jane Abbate, about the noise coming from events, including fireworks, at the Mansion late into the night. Three suggestions were given to her: put up some type of fencing; send a letter to neighbors letting them know of upcoming events; and closing the door of the barn. Abbate’s response was basically “I’d rather pay the fine than impact my business.”

There was considerable concern about the discharging of fireworks. After the August SB meeting, Abbate held another event where fireworks were discharged, ignoring Cavendish Fire Chief Shane Turco’s written letter denying her a permit for multiple reasons, most importantly  the current drought.

Bruce McEnaney, Asst. Town Manager, provided information from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, which states “..it shall be unlawful for any person, firm corporation to ..use, possess or explode any fireworks unless the person has been issued a permit to display fireworks....Applications for permits shall be made to the chief of the fire department, or in municipalities with no fire department, the select board, in writing, at least 15 days in advance of the date of the display.”

On 9/12, Abbate submitted four more applications for events where liquor would be served. The SB unanimously voted to deny all of the permits not only because two of the applications didn’t make sense (no date on one and another had an event date of Sept.7) but more importantly, she was perceived as unwilling to cooperate with the town or her neighbors. The board did say that if she would like to further discuss this, they would meet with her on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 pm. Note: This meeting has been scheduled and will take place at the Town Office.

4. Municipal Wastewater System Rates: There was an error on the calculations for the base Waste Water System Rate. The new rate will be a dollar less $86.46 quarterly versus $87.46.

5. Recruitment of New Town Manager: This activity is being done with the Vermont City of Leagues and Towns (VCLT). To date 15 applications have been received but the VCLT staff doesn’t think that these are strong applicants and the search should be widened. The new filing date has been extended to Sept. 26. The advertisement for the position is available on-line. 

6. Proposed Policy on Objects Placed in the Town Right-of-way: This pertains to mail boxes and other items on the side of the road. The SB discussed various aspects of the draft and will take the matter up at the Oct meeting.

7. Noise Ordinance: A first draft of a proposed noise ordinance, based on a model from VCLT, was given to the SB for their review. It will be discussed at the next meeting.

8. Town Projects

• Cavendish Gulf Rd: Work is proceeding according to plan with the road closed from 7 am to 7 pm.

• Transfer Station: The news fees are in effect and all cars are being checked for transfer station stickers. This cuts down on illegal dumping and makes things easier for the attendants. For the next six weeks, those who show up without a sticker are given a warning. After that they will be denied entry. If you need a sticker, stop by the town office-they’re open until 6 pm on Wednesday night-or you can arrange to receive one by mail by calling 226-7292. The cost is $5 per sticker.

• Real Estate: The town has two properties that they are selling for back taxes. The property on Heald Rd is almost at the end of its “warning period,” where anyone with a legal claim to the property needs to come forward. The SB voted to approve the “warning” process for a second property, a condo on Depot Street. Once it has been determined that there is no legal claim, the town will then sell the properties.

8. October SB Meeting: Due to Columbus Day, the monthly meeting, will take place on the third Monday Oct. 17.