Helping the Pollard Family

One of the children's bedrooms post fire. 

Updated 3/26/17

At 2 am on Feb. 15, fire broke out at the Pollard’s home on Main Street in Proctorsville, next to Singleton’s. Thanks to the incredible response from Proctorsville and Cavendish Fire Departments, assisted by 8 other towns, their home, that’s been in the family since the 1800s, was saved along with pets and family.  Unfortunately, the barn was lost and there is significant damage to the house. The fire started in the attic of a breezeway that connected the house to the barn.

Because the family does not have insurance, the community is mounting a response to help them as follows:

• Join the Lotsa Helping Hands website that has been set up to help address various needs, such as participating on a work crew, cleaning dishes, doing laundry, providing meal etc. 

• Donate money directly to Pollard LaValley’s account set up in their name. You can do this by credit card and phone (802-228-4665). Ask for Becky. 

• Donate to the collection jar at the Cavendish Library.

• Join the work crew or help with food:April 29-Saturday (cleaning the yard) 10-4.

There are many cleaning, painting and other tasks that need to be done. If you can spare an hour, it can make a difference in helping them get home sooner. 

FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

Cavendish SB Meeting Agenda 2/13/17

Select Board Meeting, Monday, February 13 in the Cavendish Town Office Meeting Room at 6:30 pm

................................................................ AGENDA ................................................................

1. Call the meeting to order

2. Act upon minutes of the meetings of January 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th, 18th and February 1st, 2017

3. Sign Orders

4. Review Correspondence

5. Adjust agenda

6. Hear Citizens

7. Mary O’Brien from the Solid Waste Management District to speak on Act 148.( Universal Recycling)

8. Consider Lister’s request for approval of contractual agreement regarding Town Wide Reappraisal with New England Municipal Resource Center. (NEMRC)

9. Consider liquor licence applications for Singletons Store and Jill’s Place.

10. Town Manager to update Board on Wastewater Plant Aeration System Replacement.

11. Select Board to consider adoption of a Necessity Resolution for the replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Aeration System.

12. Select Board to consider adoption of a Declaration of Official Intent so that the Town can use proceeds of its tax exempt bonds and notes to reimburse itself for project advances in the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements.

13. Continued discussion regarding the tax sale of Apt. 4 of North Country Condos Phase 2. (Former Giglo Property)

14. Town Manager to update Board on Wastewater Plant Aeration System Replacement.

15. Asst. Town Manager to update Board on research regarding preservation of town rural roads.

16. Other business

17. Adjourn 

Cavendish Update 2/10/17: Tag Sale/News/Valentine's/Events

Valentine Treats at Crows Bakery. Shop locally for your Valentine this year. 

IF YOU COUNT ON CAVENDISH CONNECTS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOU.

                                          SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

2/10/17 Cavendish Update

1. Town Wide Tag Sale

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Make Valentine’s a Local Affair

4. Lions and Tigers? No, Bears!

5. Events

1.. TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: It’ hard to believe that seven years ago, the town’s 25oth Anniversary Planning Committee thought it would be fun to have a town wide tag sale the last weekend in July. It was a big hit and so Cavendish Connects has been keeping the tradition going. Many families, as well as organizations rely on the annual event as a way to make money or raise much needed funds.

Some help is needed this year as the signs are definitely showing their age. Since we are keeping with the last Saturday in July –this year it will be July 30th-is there someone (or a group of people) that would like to paint signs that can be used year after year?

Note: The one change we’ve been asked to make is reducing the hours from 9-3 to 9-2.

If you can help with the sign painting, or have suggestion on how the sale could be improved, please send an e-mail to cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-7807.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

CHS Winter Newsletter Now On-line: The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) winter newsletter, Scribbler II, is now available at the CHS blog. If you missed the Podcast on Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: The Writer Who Changed History, you can link to it from the CHS blog, which also includes ordering information for the book-the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the Cavendish history fan.

 Four TRSU Schools Move Forward on RED: The Twin River Supervisory Union consists of the towns of Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mt. Holly, Andover and Baltimore. The16-month-old study committee for Act 46, the state mandated program on school consolidation, has become bogged down regarding the Black River High School (BRHS). Keeping it open would dramatically raise tax rates for other towns in TRSU, while closing BRHS is not acceptable to residents of Ludlow. The Regional Education District (RED) was seen as a way for four of the towns to make the state-imposed deadlines and allowing Ludlow and Mt. Holly to consider other options. At a recent meeting, Study Committee member Bruce Schmidt of Ludlow said it was not certain that Ludlow and Mt. Holly would get anywhere with the other scenarios they were pursuing and needed an option in case they didn’t. A number of options were discussed at this meeting, including one proposed by GMUHS students whereby Mt. Holly students would go to Mill River and BRHS would become an “International Business and Humanity Academy: with 50 classes not currently offered. Members of the sub-committee noted that they had met for many months and reached a point where they had to move forward, that their charge was to work on a RED and that the place to talk about other ideas is before the full study committee. “If we don’t make these decisions as a community, the state is going to come and do it with a hatchet,” said Shayna Kalnitsky, who told the group she has been an educator all her life. “Black River is a sinking ship financially. The cost of keeping the physical plant open for so few students affects the opportunities you can give them.” The next RED sub-committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 at the Baltimore Town Office, 1902 Baltimore Road. The next Mount Holly/Ludlow sub-committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 7 at the Mount Holly School, 150 School St Chester Telegraph

Training for Ice Rescue in Proctorsville: Recently, firefighters from Proctorsville, Chester and Ludlow took a rigorous two-day course in ice rescue. Capital Technical Rescue, a fire and rescue consulting firm based in Albany, N.Y., conducted the training. The Message

 Ludlow Rotary Scholarship Opportunity: For 2017, the Ludlow Rotary has increased its scholarships. To be eligible, the student must be a graduating high school senior who lives in Ludlow, Cavendish, Plymouth or Mt. Holly. Ludlow Rotary will determine who receives these scholarships based on a 25 point scale. To donate to the scholarship fund. checks made payable to the Ludlow Area Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc. Mail tax-deductible checks to PO Box 216, Ludlow, Vt. 05149. FMI: David Almond, Ludlow Rotary Scholarship Chair, at bethalmond@tds.net VT Journal

Scholarships Available for Women in Need: The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Vermont announces the availability of scholarships for Vermont women who have lost their main source of income due to separation, divorce, death or long-term unemployment or disability of their partner. Eligible women are in need of training or education to enter or to continue in the workforce. Applicants must submit a specific plan for their education or training. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500. Applications for the scholarship are available locally from jmood@vermontel.net 802-885-4690 or Darlene Remy, 20 South Hill, Ludlow, VT 05149. Applications are also available at other locations.  Eagle Times

Dental Laser Now in Ludlow: Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) is pleased to announce that it has received a $3,495 grant from the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation and a $2,500 grant from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust to purchase a dental laser for use in the Ludlow Dental Center in Ludlow, Vermont.  Services provided by the center include routine hygiene and basic and major restorative care, including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, extractions and emergency dental services.  Eagle Times 

 Black River Good Neighbor President’s Sale: BRGN’s furniture store, 105 Main Street Ludlow, has been building up an inventory that cannot wait until the spring so a special President’s day sale will take place from February 17 (Friday) – 20 (Monday), from 10 to 4 each day. Prices are being cut by as much as 60%. This is a “cash and carry sale.” FMI 802-228-3663

Springfield Animal Hospital Has New Location: According to the Springfield Animal Hospital Facebook page, We have a new location to announce. We will be relocating to 365 River St next to Bibens. Starting tomorrow, if you have called for medications or food , please pick it up at our new location. We are not officially moved in, but we will have a staff member available from 8:30 am-4:30pm for clients to pick up pre-ordered food and medications. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

AARP Offers Free Tax Assistance and Preparation: AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers across Vermont with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. Trained counselors are ready to help Vermonters file electronically and get the refunds they deserve where appropriate. To find a site near you and times simply go to aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669. When you go, be sure to bring photo ID, a Social Security card or statement, health insurance information and last year’s tax return. Press Release

3. MAKE VALENTINE’S A LOCAL AFFAIR: Looking for that last minute Valentine’s gift or want to do something special for that sweet someone? Look no further than Cavendish.

• Crows Bakery and Cafe has an incredibly delicious and beautifully decorated assortment of cookies, cakes and other delectable treats.

• Brook Farm Vineyards new tasting room in Ludlow, Circa 1810, 116 Main Street,  is offering a Valentine’s Day Wine and Artisanal Chocolate Pairing that will be available from February 14th - February 19th.  It will include a full tasting of their red wines alongside a sampling of house-made artisanal chocolates.

• Table 19 is offering a Couples T19 Takeover on Feb. 13. Kiss & Tell by posting a ‘selfie’ of yourself and significant other, post it to Facebook and tag Table19. In return, they’ll give you 10% off one of your dinner entrees.

• Jill’s Place will be sure to have some special treats on hand as will Singleton’s.

Looking for a special gift? Check out the Cavendish Business Directory for a variety of gift ideas, including a massage at dgBodyworks or The Castle’s Aveda Spa . Maybe a class or two at Fletcher Farm Craft School? 

4. LIONS AND TIGERS! NO BEARS! Sue Morse of Keeping Track led a fascinating talk at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville last year on cougars returning to Vermont. If you heard that presentation you know that she is an incredibly knowledgeable speaker and naturalist. She will return to the elementary school in Proctorsville on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. to present a talk entitled, “Animals of The North – What Will Global Climate Change Mean for Them?” The program is co-sponsored by the Grafton Nature Museum and the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association.

Her program is designed to educate audiences about ways in which northern wildlife species are already being affected by climate change, with more serious challenges ahead. Canada lynx, moose, American marten, caribou, polar bear, arctic fox and arctic marine mammals and waterfowl are some of the species covered in this stunningly beautiful show. Sue promises not to overwhelm the audience with bad news. Instead, her program will devote equal time sharing remarkable images and stories about plants and animals in their northern habitats - - all in the spirit of Jane Goodall’s “reason for hope.” The intent is to inspire attendees, young and old alike, to join in the vital crusade to change our fossil fuel-burning ways, conserve natural resources and share a healthy planet with all that lives.

The program will be appealing for all ages, children and adults. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Sue Morse is a nationally recognized naturalist and habitat specialist with forty years of experience tracking and monitoring wildlife uses of habitat throughout North America.

Ms. Morse founded a non-profit organization called Keeping Track® in 1994, out of her concern that development in all its forms often unwittingly harms, isolates and even eliminates habitat critical to local biodiversity and broad-scale ecological health. More than 40,000 acres of land in 12 states and Quebec have been conserved on the basis of evidence gathered by Keeping Track teams. FMI: Claire Walker at (802) 226-7259.

5. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 11 (Saturday): Weatherization (Weatherize Upper Valley) informational meeting, 10 am at the Cavendish Town Office.

• Join Cavendish Recreation for a skating party at 6:00 at the Greven Skate Rink! Goodman’s Pizza Truck will be on hand, as well as a bonfire, hot chocolate, s'mores, music, and more! Puck shooting contest, 50/50 and Red Sox ticket raffle. All proceeds go to the ongoing fundraising efforts for the Greven Skate Ramp, but there is no admission to attend! Plenty of loaner skates on hand!For more info: Terry O'Brien at 802-738-3215, dthuskies@hotmail.com, or Cavendish Recreation Facebook page.

FEBRUARY 13 (Monday): Select Board Meeting

FEBRUARY 14 (Tuesday): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

• Fire District 2 (Cavendish) Annual Meeting, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Office

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

Cavendish Upate 2/3/17 Candidates/Impact from cuts/CHS/News

IF YOU COUNT ON CAVENDISH CONNECTS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOU.

                                                   SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

2/3/17 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Candidates for Ballot Positions

3. We are One Town: Could Governmental Cuts Impact Cavendish?

4. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting-March 5

5. Get Help with Your Weatherization Needs

6. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Request for Proposals- Cavendish Water and Sewer Main Utility Crossings: The Town of Cavendish is inviting firms to submit proposals to provide engineering services, including project management, for the water and sewer elements of the Bridge #58 Replacement Project. The “Depot Street Bridge” in Proctorsville, which spans the Black River, is enrolled in the Vermont Town Highway Bridge Program and the Vermont Accelerated Bridge Program. The bridge is scheduled for replacement with construction anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2019. The Town of Cavendish is seeking an engineering firm to help coordinate with VTrans, create designs for the related work for both temporary service and permanent replacement water and sewer mains, and will manage the water and sewer main project through construction. Qualified applicants will have documented successful experience on similar projects. Proposals are due on Feb. 21 at 3 pm. FMI and RFP: Town of Cavendish 802-226-7291

• Why Is Sam’s Closed? To the many inquiries about why Sam’s Restaurant in Ludlow is closed, the simple answer is there was an issue between the owner and the staff. According to Sam’s website I have tried with all my might to fill the voids with some of our very talented and dedicated team members. However, after ten days of diligently trying to get everything back up to speed, I realize it will take more time and a different plan. Thus, we’ve made the decision to temporarily close, rather than lowering our standards and disappointing our valued guests. We will reopen once we bring additional talent, expertise and training to our staff. Their Facebook page  states the following NOW HIRING! Sam's Steakhouse is now hiring Chef and Sous Chef positions for our high volume restaurant in Ludlow, VT. Applicants must be proven culinary team leaders experienced in providing the finest quality dining experiences for our guests, while ensuring excellent employee experiences and advancement opportunities. Send resume directly to Paul@HSolson.com

 • Temporary Location Planned for Springfield Animal Hospital:  The staff at Springfield Animal Hospital (SAH) will soon be moving into a temporary location as repairs to the hospital’s interior continue following a fire on Jan. 19 that damaged the building. Repairs are expected to take several months and the temporary location will likely be near the existing facility. “We are continuing to offer house calls for vaccinations and minor visits. Until we are a little further along, sick patients are best served by going to one of the local hospitals that have offered to see our patients. Give us a call and we can help steer you in the right direction,” SAH staff wrote in a public Facebook update on Tuesday. Eagle Times 

• Ascutney Convenience Store Fire Under Investigation: Firefighters were called to the Circle-K Irving Gas Station in Ascutney at around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. It wasn't open when the fire started. Arson investigators and firefighters were on scene Wednesday. The fire caused substantial damage. Still no word on what sparked the blaze. Police say the utility lines to the building had been cut and the convenience store was burglarized. A second gas station across the street also had its utility lines damaged but it was not broken into. Anyone with information is asked to call the state police. WCAX 

• Ludlow Sunoco Robbed: On Jan 1, at approximately 11:06 pm, the Sunoco in Ludlow, 224 Main St., was robbed. The suspect is reported to be a white male, wearing jeans, a jean type hooded sweatshirt with a grey hood, rainbow colored striped gloves (which appeared small, like children's gloves) and a black neoprene mask. This male is approximately 5'10" tall, average weight, with blue eyes. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and ran from the store. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Officer Warner at 802-228-4411

• Cost of Car Inspections to Increase: The cost of vehicle inspections could go up in Vermont as inspection stations start using a new electronic system. The safety requirements for vehicles will remain the same, but it’s thought some mechanics will raise their fees to offset the costs of the new equipment, $1,600, including a tablet computer that uploads vehicle data. The system is intended to flag questionable inspection patterns. It’s hoped it will cut down on Vermont’s black market for inspection stickers.

2. CAVENDISH CANDIDATES FOR BALLOTED POSITIONS: Petitions for town office positions to be voted on as part of Town Meeting, were due Jan. 31. With the exception of the one year slot for Select Board member, all positions are unopposed. Vacancies still remain for Town Agent 1 year and Auditors for 2 year and 3 year terms. The slate of candidates will be as follows:

• Town and School Moderator positions (1 year): Michael Ripley

• Select Board (3 year) Robert W. Glidden

• Select Board (1 year, 2 openings): Jillian Flinn, Mark Huntley, Larry Wilfong

• Town Clerk (3 years) & Town Treasurer (3 year): Diane McNamara

• Lister (1 year): Claire Walker

• Auditor (1 year): Peter LaBelle

• Library Trustee (5 years): Gloria Leven

• Library Trustee (4 years): John White

• Trustee of Public Funds (2 years): Dan Churchill

• Trustee of Public Fund (3 years) Cheryl Leiner

• Town Grand Juror (1 year): Theresa McNamara

• Constable (1 year): Seth Perry

• School Director (1 year, 2 positions): Barbara Dickey, Doug McBride

• School Director (3 years): Katie Hamlin

• GMUHS Director (2 years): Bruce Pollard

3. WE ARE ONE TOWN-COULD GOVERNMENTAL CUTS IMPACT CAVENDISH? As we enter the time of year where town, state and federal budgets are being prepared, it’s important to note that Cavendish is in a unique situation as in addition to a new President, we have a new state governor and town manager.

It is hard to escape the barrage of news media about the President’s proposed cuts and the speculation of what it might mean. There are a lot of questions and trying to answer them has rapidly become a significant source of frustration for many.

Cavendish Connects recognizes that there are differing viewpoints on the current state of affairs and we ask that users of the Cavendish VT Facebook page be mindful of the comments they leave. This is a public forum and not a private Facebook page. It is a monitored site and we do remove comments deemed inappropriate.

There are residents working on various aspects of the proposed changes, such as the impact of the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, environment etc. If you are interested in participating in this process, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the appropriate individuals.

Cavendish Connects works to provide factual information in as timely a way as possible. We recognize that people have different viewpoints, yet, we are one town and we must work together as significant change is coming. To that end, there is a special post at The Dish, which addresses how dependent the state of Vermont is on federal funds and how cuts will affect all Vermonters including Cavendish residents. The Dish

4. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING-MARCH 5: The Cavendish Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on March 5 (Sunday) from 3-5 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Parish Hall. A short business meeting will be followed by a special program called “Cavendish Believe it or Not,” where the stranger side of Cavendish will be discussed.

Learn more about CHS’s activities in the past month at the CHS briefs  In keeping with February being Black History Month, CHS has compiled new information on Peter Tumber, available at the CHS blog, who became a free man of color, owned property in Cavendish starting in 1806 and died here in 1832 at the age of 106. CHS would like to have a grave marker placed where it is believed he may be buried. Finally, Margo Caulfield is featured in a podcast discussing CHS’s most recent publication Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: The Writer Who Changed History. 

5. GET HELP WITH YOUR WEATHERIZATION NEEDS: A pilot program encouraging homeowners in Cavendish and Proctorsville to invest in energy efficiency projects kicked off this January and an informational session will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the meeting room of the Cavendish Town Office.

“Weatherize Upper Valley” connects homeowners with community volunteers and certified weatherization contractors to provide free, professional home energy assessments, proposals, and quotes with a goal to double the number of home energy projects completed in the Upper Valley each year.

One of the cheapest ways to save energy and money is an energy efficiency project, focused on air sealing and insulation.  It is the best-kept secret in home improvement. The average cost for these projects in our region is $7,800, resulting in average energy savings of 26 percent annually. With generous rebates from Efficiency Vermont, plus the benefit of increased comfort, it’s an easy decision for many homeowners to make.

At the February 11th session, interested residents can learn more about the Weatherize process and about home energy efficiency and can talk to certified weatherization contractors.

For more information, go to VitalCommunities.org/Weatherize, or call Peter LaBelle of the Cavendish Energy Committee at 802-226-7250.

6. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7 (Tuesday): Community lunch at Gethsemane Church off Depot Street in Proctorsville. The menu will include Baked Ziti, Caesar Salad, French Bread, and Cheese cake for dessert.

FEBRUARY 11 (Saturday): Weatherization (Weatherize Upper Valley) meeting at 10 am at the Cavendish Town Office.

• Join Cavendish Recreation for a skating party at 6:00 at the Greven Skate Rink! Goodman’s Pizza Truck will be on hand, as well as a bonfire, hot chocolate, s'mores, music, and more! Puck shooting contest, 50/50 and Red Sox ticket raffle. All proceeds go to the ongoing fundraising efforts for the Greven Skate Ramp, but there is no admission to attend! Plenty of loaner skates on hand!For more info: Terry O'Brien at 802-738-3215, dthuskies@hotmail.com, or Cavendish Recreation Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Cavendish-Recreation-Department-409245675837466/

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