Cavendish Update 3/3/17 Town Meeting/Telecommunications/News

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 3/3/17 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Town Meeting

2. Cavendish Aeration System Replacement

3. Cavendish Related News

4. TDS Expanding Their Vermont Broadband

5. Lenten Program at Gethsemane and St. Mark’s Churches

6. Events

1. CAVENDISH TOWN MEETING: MARCH 6 & 7: Cavendish’s Town Meeting takes place on Monday evening, March 6, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) in Proctorsville. Agenda items to be voted on include: town budget; authorization of an expenditure not to exceed $20,000 for construction of a new building at the transfer station for storage and processing of electronic and universal waste. Note that the school portion is information only. Annual Town Meeting Warning

Australian Balloting takes place on March 7 from 10-7 at CTES. The slate of elected positions to be voted on appears on the last page of the Annual Report. Other items to be voted on include school budgets and whether to purchase a bond for replacing the town’s wastewater treatment plant’s aeration system (see article 2).

The Cavendish Vermont Town and School District 2016 Annual Report is available in PDF format on-line or in print from the Town Office.

2. CAVENDISH AERATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT: Article 2 of the Town Meeting Warning states: Shall the legal voters of the Town of Cavendish approve the issuance of a municipal bond in the amount not to exceed $790,000 for the purpose of complete replacement of the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System. This will be voted on by Australian ballot on March 7 (Tuesday) and there will be an informational meeting regarding it on Feb. 28,

The short overview is that the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) aeration system (how the wastewater is cleaned so it can be returned to the Black River with out contamination) needs to be overhauled. Not only is it long over due for replacement, but the state has found to be non compliant for the last 10 years. In fact, in their most recent report they asked the town for a replacement plan/schedule by Oct. 2016.

A combination of a USDA grant and a Clean Water SRF Loan could significantly lower the actual cost from the $790,000 noted in the warning.

While those on town sewer will be responsible for paying off the loan, because of town “indebtedness” of a municipal bond, a town vote is required. For those on town sewer, your bill may not see much of a change as the current bond for previous repairs to the WWTP is just about to expire.  Read a more in-depth report at The Dish. 

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Sleep Led to Crash: On Tuesday, Carol Morton, 74 of Wallingford, was driving her 2017 Subaru Forester east on 131 near Tarbell Hill, when she likely fell asleep. She went straight through a slight right hand curve, drove off the road and hit the guardrails on the north side, rebounded and hit the guard rails again before coming to a rest facing east.  The Cavendish Fire Department assisted with extrication and traffic control at the scene, police said, and Ludlow Ambulance took Morton to the hospital. Rutland Herald

Cavendish Library Dinner and Quarter Auction to benefit the Library and Pollard Family: On March 24th, the Cavendish Library will be holding a spaghetti supper with a "quarter auction" in the multi purpose room of the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Adult tickets are $7:50, children $5:00 with a family cap of $20. The "quarter auction" is probably going to be new to most people. If you'd like to participate, you purchase a bidder's paddle for $5. When an item comes up that you are interested in, you put a $1 in the bowl in front of you and hold up your paddle. The "auctioneer" then draws from a bowl with all the paddle numbers included and continues until one of the numbers corresponds to a paddle being held up. Lots of wonderful prizes. Check out the LPC-TV video.

Murdock’s Facebook Page: The Facebook page for Murdock’s on the Green in Proctorsville, Cavendish's newest restaurant and pub, is now up and includes daily specials.

 GMP Scam Alert: Green Mountain Power is warning customers about an ongoing bill payment phone scam. In a new wave of calls, customers have been receiving calls threatening disconnection if payment is not made immediately. These calls have been targeting primarily restaurants, but other customers have received similar calls. These calls are not from Green Mountain Power, and customers should hang up if they receive a call with such demands. If customers have any questions about their account status, they should call the authorized phone number for GMP, 888.TEL.GMPC (888.835.4672). Press Release

TRSU 46 Merger Committee Approves Four Town RED Proposal: The Two Rivers Supervisory Union Act 46 Study Committee voted Feb. 23 to approve the subcommittee report that recommends the creation of a Regional Education District (RED) from Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish and Chester.  If approved by the Vermont Board of Education at its March 21 meeting, the proposal would be voted on by the four towns either on May 2 or May 9. The new district would operate Cavendish Elementary, Chester-Andover Elementary and Green Mountain High School with one school board. Currently there are six elected boards that have a hand governing the education systems for the four towns. All three of the “necessary” towns – Chester, Andover and Cavendish – have to vote for in favor of the RED for the proposal to go into effect. Baltimore is “advisable,” which means that a no vote in that town will not sink the plan but a yes vote would make that town part of the RED. Chester Telegraph

New Rotary Scholarship: The Ludlow Rotary Club is pleased to announce the initial offering of a new district-wide scholarship in memory of Janice H. McElroy, who served as Rotary District 7870 governor in 2011-2012.  A “non traditional” student scholarship, will be awarded to a person who is 21 years of age or older and has completed high school or earned a G.E.D.  There must be at least a three-year gap between graduating from high school and full-time college attendance or a record of part-time college attendance for three years after graduating from high school. The scholarship can be used for expenses at a four-year or two-year college, or for another type of accredited institution, such as a technical or vocational program. The first scholarship award will be for a minimum of $1,000. Applications may be obtained from David Almond at bethalmond@tds.net, scholarship chair of the Ludlow Rotary Club. Completed applications need to be received no later than March 31, 2017. VT Journal

 • Vendor Applications for the 2017 Ludlow Farmer’s Market: This year’s Ludlow Farmers Market will run every Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. starting May 26 through October 6 on the front lawn of the Okemo Mountain School. We welcome full season, half season, daily vendors, as well as vendors choosing to share a space. The vendor application and our market rules are available on our website. If you were a vendor last year and would like to return this season, please remember to submit an application as well. Applications are due April 1.

4. TDS: EXPANDING VERMONT BROADBAND: The VT Journal recently posted what appears to be a TDS Telecom press release, which describes how the company will be expanding broadband to more than 1,000 locations in Vermont thanks to funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). An average of $263,655 a year is allocated for the next 10 years to reach residents in some of the hardest to serve areas in Vermont. The funding will also be used to maintain a voice and broadband network as well as building out to these locations.

The Cavendish Telecommunications Committee has been working with TDS since 2015 to try and improve service in Cavendish. Recently, TDS representatives stated that the company’s focus of CAF (Connect America Funds)  this year will be Northfield, VT. The earliest our area will benefit will be 2018. Note that starting in the fall of 2015, TDS explained how they were installing a 10 G ring to improve services in our area. It took well over a year before improvements were seen. 

You can determine if your home/property will eventually qualify for the upgrade by going to https://tdstelecom.com/networkupgrades.html

In 2016, TDS provided new service to the Tarbell Hill area and upgraded service in other parts of town, most recently being Twenty Mile Stream. Unfortunately, the expansion in this latter area has not been sufficient to meet demand and some customers have been reporting worse service since the upgrade. TDS has also recently installed high speed Internet to the condos being built on Southface at Okemo.

5. LENTEN PROGRAM AT GETHSEMANE & ST. MARKS CHURCHES: Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville and St. Mark’s Church in Springfield, are collaborating for worship, breakfast/brunch and conversation around a lesson from Isaiah 58: 5-7 for the four Sundays in March. Each week, they will look at one phrase of the words from Isaiah, with possible speakers discussing what is being done and/or planned in the region.  They’ll look at a housing project in Springfield, Restorative Justice efforts, efforts to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, deal with injustice, recognizing that all of humanity is our kin.

As a special project for these four weeks, the loose offerings at our worship services will go toward the fund that is helping the Pollards, part of the Gethsemane family, who were burned out of their house recently.  Designated offerings and pledges will go to their respective churches, though collected together at our joint services. For those wanting to know how to help the Pollards recover from their recent house fire, please check The Dish for regular updates.

Potluck meals will be provided by the host church for each Sunday.  Services begin at 9:30 am and will be at Gethsemane on March 12 and 26 and at St. Marks March 5 and 19.

6. EVENTS

MARCH 5 (SUNDAY): CHS Annual Meeting, 3-5 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church, includes special program Cavendish Believe It or Not! Free and open to the public.

• Wanda Houston Concert at Gethsemane Church, 4 pm. Cost $10

MARCH 6 (MONDAY) :Town Meeting, 7 pm CTES multi purpose room

MARCH 7 (TUESDAY): Vote. Polls are open from 10-4 at CTES

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

CAVENDISH AERATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

Article 2 of the Town Meeting Warning states: Shall the legal voters of the Town of Cavendish approve the issuance of a municipal bond in the amount not to exceed $790,000 for the purpose of complete replacement of the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System. This will be voted on by Australian ballot on March 7 (Tuesday) and there will be an informational meeting regarding it on Feb. 28,

The short overview is that the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) aeration system (how the wastewater is cleaned so it can be returned to the Black River with out contamination) needs to overhauled. Not only is it long over due for replacement, but the state has found it in violation for the last 10 years. In fact, in their most recent report they asked the town for a replacement plan/schedule by Oct. 2016.

A combination of a USDA grant and a Clean Water SRF Loan could significantly lower the actual cost from the $790,000 noted in the warning.

While those on town sewer will be responsible for paying off the loan, because of town “indebtedness” of a municipal bond, a town vote is required. For those who on town sewage, your bill may not see much of a change as the current bond for previous repairs to the WWTP is just about to expire.

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR REPLACEMENT:

• Current wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was constructed in 1975 and upgraded in 1990. It consists of three aerated facultative lagoons, which provides a biological treatment process.

•  For the last three inspections of the WWTP, the Waste Water Division of the VT Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has found inadequate aeration within the lagoons due to the aging equipment and recommending that the Town undertake an aeration system replacement project. The last report, indicated that the Town needed to supply the ANR with a schedule for the refurbishment of the aeration system by the end of October 2016.

• While the WWTP is still producing permit-compliant effluent (discharge), the existing aeration system is not functioning efficiently. Failure of this system can result in contamination of the Black River. Since ANR has noted failures in the system for the last 10 years, if contaminated discharge was to occur, it’s likely ANR will fine the town.

• To address the ANR requirement, the Town has hired Weston & Sampson Engineers to work with ANR in establishing a schedule for replacement as well as securing Clean Water SRF Loan funding for the Town.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Weston & Sampson Engineers are recommending that that town undertake construction this year, applying for a Clean Water SRF Loan through VT ANR for a cost not to exceed $790,000. The following projects would be included

- Removal and disposal of lagoon sludge (last done in 2004-13 years ago)

- Demolition of the existing Laissere lead-keeled aeration system

- Installation of a new fine bubble membrane-type

- Replacement of three 25 HP blowers with three smaller blowers and variable frequency drives (variable speed)

- Installation of in-lagoon low-energy mechanical mixers

- Installation of D.O. pacing system for aeration system (blower speed) control

FUNDING

• The Clean Water SRF Loan will have a 20-year term and a low interest rate of 2%.

• Because the median household income for the residents of Cavendish is lower then the State median, Cavendish is eligible for “principal forgiveness” via a USDA grant.  This would offset the cost for up to 50% of the cost of planning and final design, and for 50% of the construction cost, up to a maximum amount of $500,000.

WHO PAYS : Only those who use town’s waste water system. However, because the loan payment for previous WWTP upgrades is about to expire, the changes to bills shouldn’t be that much.

For more information: Town Of Cavendish Aeration System Replacement Informational Letter.

Cavendish Update 2/24/17 Murdocks/Annual Mtg/New

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 2/24/17 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Murdock Returns to Proctorsville

3. CHS Annual Meeting-March 5

4. Jazz, Blues & Soul, Wanda Houston-Raise the Roof Concert Series

5. Events

1 CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Town Garage Update: As a result of the fire on Feb. 15, "Big Red" is dead. The other two trucks are undergoing assessment and refurbishing. The town was to take purchase on a replacement for “Big Red” by Friday, Feb. 24. Surrounding towns are loaning trucks, so in short, the Highway Department is in good shape to deal with the storms and mud that lay ahead. As far as the garage itself, they're still waiting on the final word from the insurance adjustor but it's clear that significant work will be needed. It's hard to see a silver lining in the middle of debris, smoke and soot, but the upcoming clean up and repair will make room for some much-needed improvements.

Pollard Family Assistance: For those wanting to know how to help the Pollards recover from their recent house fire, please check The Dish for Regular Updates.

Community Luncheon Date Change: Due to Town Meeting Day Elections (March 7), the Community Luncheon at Gethsemane Church has been rescheduled for March 14 at noon.

Free Community Meal:  Black River Good Neighbor (BRGN) and the United Church of Ludlow are offering a Free Community Meal at the United Church of Ludlow, 46 Pleasant Street on Sunday, March 5 at 5 PM. Everyone is invited to this delicious home cooked meal.  The event is an outreach program of the BRGN services “Our Community Cares,” established for individuals and families to receive a nutritious meal within a warm welcoming community setting.

LPCTV Survey: The Board of Directors is evaluating the LPCTV brand and seeking community input. Your feedback is important. If you have not done so already, please take a moment to complete the brief survey on-line.  

2. MURDOCK RETURNS TO PROCTORSVILLE: In 1886, Herbert T Murdock bought into the firm of Hayward, Taft, and Burbank and took over the management, which owned the Proctorsville Mill. By 1890, Murdock had complete control over the Mill and added a large brick addition of four stories. By 1916, the Proctorsville’s Mill, locally known as Murdock’s was specializing in cassimere and doeskins. H.T., as he was known, was an influential member of the community. His wife Cora promoted culture and social advancements and even purchased what today is Crows Bakery and Cafe to be used as a library and social gathering spot for employees and community.

With his death, in 1916, the Mill underwent a series of owners and for different uses, until it burned in 1982, when it was being leased by Acousta Phase. With many of the buildings gone, a new age was ushered into Proctorsville under the leadership of the town manager at that time, Rich Svec, resulting in the green, gazebo and the revitalization of Proctorsville Village.

Murdock has returned to Cavendish in the form of a pub in one of the remaining mill buildings. Opened on February 17, 2017, to the cheers of many in Cavendish, it’s designed to be a local’s place where you can relax for a few hours, grab a quick bite and catch up with friends. In the summer, you’ll be able to sit on the porch and enjoy the concerts. Currently open from 4-10 pm, Murdock’s on the Green is offering craft beers, fine wines and the all-important comfort food (burgers, bangers and mash, pasta and fish of the day etc.).

The owner is Etienne Ting, who with his wife Pang, owns Moonlite Meadows Farms in Cavendish. So yes, this is a farm to table pub. For the full story, go to the CHS article Murdock Returns to Proctorsville.

3. CHS ANNUAL MEETING-March 5: The Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Historical Society will be March 5 (Sunday) from 3-5 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church Parish Hall, 2258 Main St., Cavendish.

In addition to the business agenda, there will be a special program “Cavendish Believe It or Not!” There are many Cavendish stories that people don’t know about. Yes, Phineas Gage’s and his famous accident ushered in the age of brain research. However, another medical curiosity lived here for at least 10 years. Alexis St. Martin revolutionized the understanding of gastroenterology with his permanent hole in his gut. A bit gory, and definitely strange, but oh so fascinating.

With the snows of February, its fun to remember that at one time Cavendish had both a topnotch bobsled run and its very own ski hill. As part of February’s Black History Month, we have once again revisited the amazing story how an African slave, Peter Tumber (Tumbo) became free, moved to Cavendish and died here in 1832 at the age of 106. Then there is Clarence Adams. Just who is buried in his grave? Turns out he visited with a friend in Montreal after his supposed death and burial. He was also spotted in Nova Scotia and still later in Florida. We’ve recently learned that a “zombie” movie was filmed in Proctorsville. Called Incantation, and lasting less than 10 minutes, it featured some of our local residents. If you have other tales you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them.

In addition to the review of CHS’s finances, the business agenda will include:

• How to honor Carmine Guica-Suggestions to date have included: restoration project; renaming Young Historians to the Carmine Guica Young Historians Program; scholarship fund; fund to help local kids research aspects of Cavendish history

• The 100th Birthday of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and how we would like to recognize that

• The renovation of the Stone Church

The meeting and program are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

4. JAZZ, BLUES & SOUL WANDA HOUSTON-RAISE THE ROOF CONCERT: On Sunday March 5, Proctorsville’s Raise the Roof winter concert series will resume with a stellar performance by the beautiful Wanda Houston, known for her soulful singing of blues, funk, jazz and dusky romantic standards. Houston will be joined on stage by the renowned Eugene Uman on keyboard and Dave Picchi on acoustic bass. 

The concert is at 4:00 at Gethsemane Church on Depot St.  Admission is $10 at the door.

5. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 28 (Wednesday): The legal voters of Cavendish are warned that there will be an informational meeting on Article 2 of the Annual Town Meeting Warning, which reads, Shall the legal voters of the Town of Cavendish approve the issuance of a municipal bond in the amount not to exceed $790,000 for the purpose of complete replacement of the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System. The meeting will take place at the Cavendish Town Office, 6 pm on Tuesday Feb. 28th. Voting on this article will be by Australian Ballot on March 7 between the hours of 10-7 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School.

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

Cavendish Update 2/17/17: Fires/News/Updates

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

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2/10717 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Fires

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Jazz, Blues & Soul Raise the Roof Concert

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH FIRES: On February 15, two fires struck Cavendish. Please note there isn’t an arsonist at work, rather both fires were electrical in nature and were not deemed suspicious.

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.

• Contribute to a Go Fund Me site that has been set up in their name.

• 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.

The second fire occurred just as the fire fighters were sitting down to dinner, around 6:15 pm. This time it was the Town Garage. The town’s oldest truck had an electrical fire in the cab, which spread to the building. While this truck is no longer operational, the other trucks are being used. There is considerable fire, smoke and water damage to the building and a full assessment will not be available until after the insurance adjustors have completed their inspection. Please note that all valuables from the Town Garage have been removed to a secure location.

Our fire fighters have been working incredibly hard this week as not only did they respond to these two fires, there have been medical emergencies as well as alarms going off as well. Keep our fire fighters home or out on the slopes enjoying the fresh powder by doing the following:

• Keep doors closed, particular bedrooms doors as it can keep the fire out. Check out the door in the Pollard House that played an important role in keeping the fire contained until the fire fighters could get things under control.

• If you live near a fire hydrant, please keep it clear by removing any snow and ice; clear a 3-foot perimeter around the hydrant for easy access and clear a path from hydrant to street.

• Check all outside vents and make sure they are clear of snow. Keeping the vents clear so they can function properly is important at any time, but easily over looked when we have mounds of snow as we do this winter.

As difficult as this situation has been, the response from so many has made all the difference. Our fire fighters have done an incredible job under very difficult conditions. Jill Flinn and the staff at Jill’s Place have made their jobs a little easier by providing food-they started cooking at 5 am for the first fire and just as they were about to close up shop, they turned around and stayed open, providing more food and drinks for the “night shift.” Jill was even on traffic detail. When it was suggested she might want to head home, her reply was, “after I make sure my town is okay.” Special thanks to the Golden Stage Inn for housing the Pollard family and to so many who have contributed in helping this family recover from such a devastating loss. What an incredible community we are part of.

Please support the Proctorsville Fire Department firefighters as they take on the Chester Fire Department in two hockey games on Sunday, Feb. 19th. Game 1 is at 10 am at the Chester Ice Rink on Lovers Lane in Chester. Game #2 is at Geven Field Ice Rink in Proctorsville on RTE 103 projected to start around 4 pm. There will be burgers and hotdogs, drinks and baked goods for sale at both rinks. There is no charge to come and enjoy the game and the great community atmosphere. All proceeds from each game will be split between the two fire depts. The hockey tournament is being hosted by the Cavendish and Chester Rec Departments as a way to promote the rinks and to thank the departments for their efforts in supplying water for the ice. Come out and support the home team.

Finally, please note that in times of emergency, the Cavendish VT Facebook page will be providing updates. This site can be viewed by anyone, but you cannot post comments unless you are a Facebook subscriber and “like” the site.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Fire Dept. Annual Meeting: At Fire District 2’s Annual meeting on Tuesday Feb. 14, a budget of $67,985 (CDL Licensing was eliminated since it is not a state requirement at this time) was approved along with a one time expense of $4,000 for a carport for the utility vehicle. Officers were elected as follows Abe Gross (Moderator); Dave Burgess (Clerk); Stu Lindberg (Prudential Committee Member); Town Manager (Tax Collector); Bob Evens (Treasurer). The position of auditor continues to remain vacant.

Cavendish Warning of Public Informational Meeting: The legal voters of Cavendish are warned that there will be an informational meeting on Article 2 of the Annual Town Meeting Warning, which reads, Shall the legal voters of the Town of Cavendish approve the issuance of a municipal bond in the amount not to exceed $790,000 for the purpose of complete replacement of the Town Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System. The meeting will take place at the Cavendish Town Office, 6 pm on Tuesday Feb. 28th. Voting on this article will be by Australian Ballot on March 7 between the hours of 10-7 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Legal Notices

 Five Bridges in Ludlow to be Repaired in 2017: Scheduled projects will begin in February and some will continue through July.

• Gate House and Red Bridge Dam on Red Bridge Road will begin in February.

• Pleasant Street Ext. bridge April 3 to May 5. The bridge will be completely closed for approximately 30 days. Suggested alternate route is Pleasant Street.

• Branch Brook bridge at the Junction of routes 103 and 100 North  May 15 to May 25. Alternate route includes Buttermilk Falls Road and Rod & Gun Club Road.

• Walker Bridge on Main Street in Ludlow will be closed for 30 days for complete replacement, starting June 9, and will reopen in July. The main detour for local traffic will be High, Depot, and Pleasant streets. Trucks will be diverted using routes 11, 100, 155, and 103.

• Culvert at the intersection of Hemingway Hill on Andover Street will be replaced in July. Andover St. Will remain open during construction.

Animal Hospital Fire Started in Crematorium: The fire that gutted the Springfield Animal Hospital in late January started in the vent of the facility’s crematorium, according to Springfield Fire Chief Russ Thompson. Eagle Times

New Security System at BRGNS: The Black River Good Neighbor Services thrift store and food shelf has installed new electronic surveillance equipment due to shoplifting and items being left outside after hours. VT Journal

ACT 46-Green Mountain RED Moves Forward; Ludlow Mt. Holly Reject Plan: On Monday night, school merger study committee representatives from Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish and Chester who are working to form a Regional Education District heard from Mount Holly and Ludlow reps that those towns will not participate in the RED – even as a fallback position in their Act 46 deliberations. The RED group then moved forward on articles of agreement on a tight schedule that would put the plan before the voters of the four towns in April. The main source of contention is around the Black River High School. The committee recommended its closure as to keep it operational would add a significant tax burden-as much as 20% increase-for the towns that do not use the high school. Cavendish representative Doug McBride noted that it would be “poisonous” for a committee to close another town’s school and hoped that Ludlow could “fix the problem” and continue to have a high school in its community. It was decided at the Jan. 31 meeting that the new entity would be called the Green Mountain Unified School District. There will be a full meeting of the TRSU Act 46 Study Committee at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Chester-Andover Elementary School, 72 Main St. in Chester. It will be preceded by a RED sub-committee meeting at 6 p.m. Chester Telegraph

I-91 Bridge in Brattleboro Opening in March: According to a schedule submitted to state legislators, two northbound lanes on the new I-91 bridge in Brattleboro are expected to open March 13. One southbound lane will be available in late April, the state Agency of Transportation says. And all four lanes finally will be open in mid-June. VT Digger

3. JAZZ, BLUES & SOUL RAISE THE ROOF: On Sunday March 5, Proctorsville’s Raise the Roof winter concert series will resume with astellar performance by the beautiful Wanda Houston, known for her soulful singing of blues, funk, jazz and dusky romantic standards.   Performing since third grade and trained in opera,  Houston has sung and acted her way across theater stages, on film, in cabarets, recording studios and large concert halls.  She can belt out the blues, move your spirit with gospel and stir your soul with timeless romantic standards.  A critic for Time Out magazine in New York wrote, “The mega voiced Wanda Houston blows the roof off!” 

Houston will be joined on stage by the renowned Eugene Uman on keyboard and Dave Picchi on acoustic bass.  Uman is the musical director of Brattleboro’s Vermont Jazz Center and Picchi teaches and performs his blend of pop, soul, jazz and rock in northern Massachusetts.  The convergence of talent that Houston, Uman and Picchi bring to the stage will create a remarkable afternoon of music in a tiny church with big acoustics.   Because of their huge success last year, this will be the trio's second performance in the series.

The concert is at 4:00 at Gethsemane Church on Depot St.  Admission is $10 at the door, a small price to pay for a memorable performance of terrific live music in an intimate venue.  Put it on your calendar!

4. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 17 (FRIDAY)-20 (MONDAY): Black River Good Neighbor’s furniture store (105 Main Street, Ludlow) will be a special President’s Day Sale with prices cut by as much as 60%. This is a “cash and carry” sale. Store hours are 10-4. FMI 802-228-3663.

 FEBRUARY 19 (SUNDAY): Fire Department "Friendly" Hockey Match between Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Dept. and Chester Fire Dept. Cavendish and Chester Rec departments are sponsoring a home and home away hockey match for bragging rights on the ice! The first game will be held at Chester's Lover's Lane Rink at 10:00 a.m., followed by the second game late afternoon (game time is a “soft” 4:00) at Greven Rink. Come on down to both venues to cheer on our hometown heroes and support your Firefighters! All proceeds from concessions, puck shooting contest, raffles and donations go directly to the two Departments. If you would like to sponsor your team, please contact Terry O'Brien at 802-738-3215, dthuskies@hotmail.com, or at Cavendish Rec Facebook page.

FEBRUARY 20 (MONDAY): President's Day, schools,Town Office closed. Schools closed for the week for winter break. 

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