Cavendish Update 10/27/17 News/Job/Events

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10//27/17 /Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. CTES has an immediate need for a bus driver

3. Got Drugs? Recycle them properly

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Bill Buswell 1930-1917: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Bill Buswell. A former Selectmen, Bill (William) Buswell was a much-loved member of the Cavendish community, as was reflected in comments left by many on the Cavendish VT Facebook page. “He is with his Nancy now. Such a nice human being.” “A lovely man and a wonderful neighbor.” “A kind, thoughtful family. Bill and Nancy gave so much to the community. They were part of a rare breed.” “A Great Guy!” “He was a very good man.” Vermont Journal

Crash at Neal’s on 103: On 10/26/17 at approximately 7:49 pm, Daniel Vieu of Cavendish was operating a 2010 Dodge Avenger traveling north on Vermont Route 103, in the Town of Cavendish, VT.  Vieu’s vehicle left the roadway and traveled a large distance across the open lawn in front of Neil’s Restaurant.  Vieu’s vehicle collided with Neil’s Restaurant causing serious damage to the building and the vehicle.  Vieu sustained serious non-life threatening injures and was transported to Springfield Hospital and later to Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital.  Vieu was processed for suspected DUI.  Charges are pending the receipt of blood test results.  No employees or patrons at Neil’s restaurant were injured as a result of the crash. VSP Report

Cavendish Homeworkers Club II to Disband: The Cavendish Homeworkers Club II voted at their September 20th, 2017 meeting to disband.  This club has been a part of the Cavendish/Proctorsville community for close to 100 years.  It started in 1920 as a sewing circle.  In 1921 they joined the Farm Bureau and became one of the earliest Home Demonstration Clubs.  In 1990 it was voted to withdraw from membership in the Windsor County Council.  The club still met as a local club.  This club has donated to many projects in our community.  President, Paula Parker

Congratulations to GM Girls Soccer: Finishing with an undefeated regular season, Green Mountain Girls soccer team, the top seed, has already won the first game of the Division III playoffs. Their next game is Saturday, 1 pm at GMUHS.

Congratulations to Bob Evens and Ann Firkey: Eleven senior citizens from southern Vermont were recognized on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Senior Solutions Annual Meeting and 2017 Successful Aging Awards in Springfield. Among them were Cavendish’s Bob Evens and Ann Firkey. Robert “Bob” Evens of Cavendish was nominated by Audrey Bridges. Evens has been an RSVP volunteer for 20 years, and volunteers for Black River Good Neighbor Services, the Cavendish Library, fire department, Fletcher Foundation, and anyone in need. Bridges said Evans is diligent, dedicated, and creative, and the definition of a good neighbor. Ann Firkey was nominated by Cheryl Gurdak, who was her student in the third and fourth grade in the 1950s. Firkey taught elementary school for 34 years, and after retirement she continued to substitute for four years. Firkey is devoted to her family, church and education. She is an active member of the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church for more than 50 years, and the Ladies Altar Society. She has coordinated the Ludlow Antique Show church fundraiser for 25 years, and is an active planner with the town of Cavendish for events, and coordinates funeral receptions. She winters in San Jose, California with her family and granddaughter. Eagle Times

Watch Video on Artist Jane Hart: Artist Jane Hart, Proctorsville, is interviewed at the Depot Street Gallery, home of The Silver Spoon, where her work is shown. Jane discusses her portrait paintings of humans and pets, as well as her evolution as an artist and her desire to give back to the community. Okemo Valley TV

State Oks Mt Holly-Ludlow Merger: Having been approved by the State Board of Education on Oct. 18, the latest proposal that would merge the Mt. Holly and Ludlow school districts moves forward to a Nov. 28 vote. If passed, the merger would create the Ludlow-Mt. Holly Unified Union School District combining the three districts that operate the schools in those towns now. And while each town would continue to operate its elementary school, Black River High School would have to close by July 2020. After that date, the new district would pay tuition for students in Grades 7 to 12 to attend other schools including Mill River in Clarendon and Green Mountain Union in Chester. The 18-month reprieve for Black River provides time for a community group to apply to the state of Vermont to become an independent school which would be able to accept tuition students. The Chester Telegraph

VT Health Connect Prices Will Not Change in 2018: The state’s top health care regulator says insurance prices on Vermont Health Connect will remain steady for calendar year 2018, despite recent actions at the federal level. Kevin Mullin the chair of the Green Mountain Care Board, said Monday that the board would not allow insurance companies to raise premiums for plans effective in calendar year 2018 even though the federal government is holding back subsidies for the health exchange that will likely increase costs for insurance companies. VT Digger

2. PLEASE CTES HAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR A BUS DRIVER: CTES will lose their school bus driver effective Monday, Nov. 6.  This creates a serious problem as there is such a shortage of school bus drivers not only in Vermont but in the country. Unfortunately, if a driver isn’t found, parents will have to figure out alternative ways to get children to and from CTES.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in working 4-6 hours per day, with the possibility of more hours for school trips, plus getting your CDL license paid for, along with bus license certification, please contact George O Thomson, Principal 802-226-7758 or Email: george.thomson@trsu.org ASAP! George O Thomson, Principal Cavendish Town Elementary School P.O. Box 236 Proctorsville, VT 05153

3. GOT DRUGS? RECYCLE THEM PROPERLY: With the ongoing opioid crisis, it is important to recognize that the path of addiction can start for a teen  who finds a partially used bottle of prescription medications and “just tries” it. Unfortunately, addiction can occur just that quickly. In addition, unused medications that are tossed down the drain get into the water supply.

If you have unused or expired medication, these can be safely disposed of at the Ludlow or Springfield Police stations year round. However, this coming Saturday, Oct. 28 is National Take Back Day. While neither of these sites take needles, the Claremont locations will be taking needles this coming Saturday. Learn more from the video “Drug Take Back.”

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 28 (SATURDAY): National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

• CTES Halloween Party 6-8 pm at the school

OCTOBER 31 (TUESDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

• Trunk or Treat at Cavendish Town Elementary School 5-7

• Halloween BBQ/Bonfire at Greven Field 7-9 pm

NOVEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY):  Public Hearing on Proposed Cavendish Town Plan

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

PLEASE CTES HAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR A BUS DRIVER

CTES will lose their school bus driver effective Monday, Nov. 6.  This creates a serious problem as there is such a shortage of school bus drivers not only in Vermont but in the country. Unfortunately, if a driver isn’t found, parents will have to figure out alternative ways to get children to and from CTES.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in working 4-6 hours per day, with the possibility of more hours for school trips, plus getting your CDL license paid for, along with bus license certification, please contact George O Thomson, Principal 802-226-7758 or Email: george.thomson@trsu.org ASAP!

George O Thomson, Principal
Cavendish Town Elementary School
P.O. Box 236
Proctorsville, VT 05153

Phone 802-226-7758
Email: george.thomson@trsu.org

Cavendish Update 10/20/17 News/Events/SB Mtg

           LPC TV is now officially Okemo Valley TV, complete with a new logo.

Breezy Winds and dry weather increase fire weather concerns. Fire officials advise against any open burning...including campfires on Friday across northern New York and Vermont. The lack of precipitation this month has led to fine fuels such as leaves...grass...and small brush to become very dry. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with localized gusts 20 to 25 mph are expected on Friday with minimum relative humidity values in the 28 to 38 percent range. All of these factors will increase the potential for any fires that do start to spread quickly and become more difficult to contain.

 CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

10//20/17 /Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/16/17

2. Cavendish Related News

3. BRGNS To Hold Annual Stick Season Social Fundraiser

4. Halloween BBQ at Greven Field

 5. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/16/17: 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. The following action was discussed/taken at Monday night’s meeting:

• Telecommunications Update was given-letter of agreement between the state and Comcast has yet to be issued by the state. Comcast is waiting for this before starting to expand service from Tarbell Hill through the Knapp Pond area. TDS service appears to be considerably worse than normal.

• Unanimously approved the addition of a new utility pole at 37 High St. (next to the town office) for TDS.

• Town received a check for $14,786 for past tipping fees, which will be used to help offset the cost for the new electronics shed that was approved by the voters.

• The Planning Commission was given approval by the board to move forward with an application for a matching funds grant to establish a hiking trail in the Proctor/Piper state forest.

• Bids were open from six vendors for the replacement of Bridge 21 (Greenbush) and Bridge 22 (East Rd). Awards will be done at the November SB meeting.

• The SB signed the Declaration of Official intent regarding the anticipated for the town garage.

• Tests are underway to determine location of new town garage. The town will rent space from M&M Construction for the winter season.

• There is now a new municipal website at www.cavendishvt.com

• The town has received a grant of $4,000 towards the installation of blinking lights by the school

• A potential leak in the pipe of the municipal water system was discussed. As of Thursday the problem was resolved.

For a more in-depth report see The Dish.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Accident on Cavendish Gulf  (103) Involving a bear: According to the VT State Police Report, On 10/12/2017 at approximately 5:30 pm, a member of the Vermont State Police, Westminster Station responded to VT RT 103 in the Town of Cavendish for a car versus bear crash. Investigation revealed that a vehicle being driven by Mr. Thomas Hannigan, 32 of Bellows Falls, VT was traveling north at approximately 50 MPH when he struck a black bear which entered in to his travel lane. No injuries were sustained in this crash and Mr. Hannigan’s vehicle was towed from the scene by H&K towing. The bear was killed on impact. From the various responses to the posting on the Cavendish VT Facebook page, bear appear to be very active at the moment and have been seen on 131 near Glimmerstone and in S. Reading. Cavendish is prime black bear habitat so use caution when driving. 

 New Cavendish Municipal Website: The Cavendish municipal website has a new look and offers new features. Scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for e-mail alerts about SB meeting agendas and minutes. The web designer for the new site was Katie Hamlin. She is looking for your feedback, so please complete the on-line survey that you can link to from the top of the homepage.

2 Sentenced for Numerous Local VT Burglaries: Two Vermont men pleaded guilty in Windsor County Superior Court to burglary charges following a string of burglaries in September 2016. Mitchell Horton, 30, of Cavendish, pleaded guilty on June 6 to two counts of burglary, receiving a sentence of five years. Horton and Bradley Elliott were alleged to have burglarized Kwik Stop, Wellwood Orchards in Weathersfield, Sam’s Steakhouse in Ludlow, Okemo Valley Golf Course and P&M Auto. Eagle Times

Solar Generators to Be Used in Puerto Rico Made in Cavendish: As part of the relief effort in Puerto Rico, following hurricane Maria, solar generators are being constructed to bring power to individual communities, and water pumps will help resolve problems related to "the collapse of water systems and possible contamination with sewer, floodwater, chemicals, etc." The generators will be sent down in shipping docks with the pumps and purifiers after they are built in the Cavendish Solar Store, the headquarters for the USA Solar Store and the Sunnyside Solar Store's distributor. Brattleboro Reformer

LPCTV Changing Name to Okemo Valley TV: On Fri. the 20th, LPC-TV name officially becomes Okemo Valley TV. The website URL will also be changing along with a new name and logo. Of 42 entries from 17 different people for the logo contest, the winner is Cameron Purington of River Valley Technical Center. As of Oct. 20th, the new web address will be OkemoValley.TV. Not to worry, though as you will still be able to get there from the current address, LPCTV.org

CTES 5th Graders New Video: The 5th graders at Cavendish Town Elementary School, informally known as the “Blue Moon” explorers, have recently released a video answering the question “does the sun really rise & set.

VT Health Dept. Concerned about Spike in Tick Born Disease: Vermont health officials are warning about a seasonal spike in ticks that is expected to come with a record in the serious tick-borne disease anaplasmosis.  The Department of Health says the number of cases of the illness has dramatically increased -- from three cases in 2010 to 201 last year. Officials say they are concerned that even though traditional peak tick activity comes later in November, they have already exceeded last year's case count. They say activity in the southern part of the state is of particular concern. Anaplasmosis bacteria is carried by the same tick that spreads Lyme disease. But where Lyme disease often comes with a rash, the CDC says anaplasmosis rarely does. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, malaise, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, cough and confusion. The CDC says anaplasmosis can be fatal if not treated correctly. Vermont officials say more than one-third of the reported cases here were sick enough to be hospitalized.

LIHEAP Benefits Increase for 20,000 Families: Low-income Vermonters who get state subsidies to pay for heat will see an increase in benefits this winter. The average benefit to the roughly 20,000 households that use the program will be $879 for winter 2017 to 2018, an increase from $831 in winter 2016 to 2017, according to the Agency of Human Services. VT Digger

Storm Damaged Amsden Store May Be Torn Down: Located just after the intersection of 106 and 131, the old Amsden store on 131 was heavily damaged by Irene. Weathersfield Town Manager Ed Morris is seeking the town selectboard’s approval to apply for a $75,000 FEMA Pre-Mitigation Grant to tear down the building.

3. BRGNS TO HOLD ANNUAL STICK SEASON SOCIAL: Black River Good Neighbor Services is holding its eighth annual Stick Season Social this year on Sunday, November 5th in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore. The silent auction and the bar will open at noon and a buffet lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. “Stick Season is that time between fall leaves and winter snow with no free concerts and not as much to do, so it’s a great time to party,” said Peter LaBelle, President of BRGNS. “This is our major fund raiser of the year. It will help the BRGNS’ Food Shelf with program costs so it can continue to help local people in need of food, rent, utilities and heat assistance.”

This year BRGNS welcomes Berkshire Bank and William Raveis Real Estate / the Vermont Properties Team as major sponsors of the event. In addition to lunch, the afternoon will include a cash bar, a terrific silent auction, and lots of raffle items and door prizes donated by the community. The Roundhouse staff has planned a delicious hot buffet with several entrées.

Tickets are $50 per person, and can be purchased at the BRGNS Thrift Store, Peoples United Bank, the Book Nook, and The Wine & Cheese Depot, all located in Ludlow. Or, and this is the really easy way to buy, you may purchase tickets online at www.brgn.org. Please call 802-228-3663 with any questions. Tickets must be purchased in advance. BRGNS is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

4. HALLOWEEN BBQ AT GREVEN FIELD: 10/28/17: Halloween Bonfire and Barbecue hosted by Cavendish Recreation!  Saturday, Oct 28 from 7-9:00 p.m. at Greven Field.  Grillin', hot cider and s'mores will be on hand.  Just bring your little ghosts and ghost stories. Any extra firewood(no lumber with nails please!) would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at Greven at your convenience.

5. EVENTS

OCTOBER 22 (SUNDAY): Jenni Johnson Concert, 4 pm at Gethsemane Church, off Depot Street in Proctorsville. Admission is $10.

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/16/17

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. The following action was discussed/taken at Monday night’s meeting:

• Telecommunications: While Comcast has been awarded a grant by the state to provide service from Tarbell Hill up and around Knapp Pond, the state has yet to send them the agreement letter. Once that is received they can begin work and will have a year to complete the project. In conversations with Comcast about expansion into other parts of town, representatives have stated that without contribution or aid, they only expand into areas where there are 13 houses per mile, regardless of how many accounts that may exist.

Over the weekend, a resident posted a problem with TDS Internet. Consequently, a question was posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page about TDS’s subscribers recent experience with their Internet service. The response was swift and immediate, 22 people either posted or e-mailed with major complaints about TDS-slow speeds, buffering, needing to continually reboot etc. TDS does have Connect America Funding, but it is unclear when and if Cavendish will benefit from this service.

• TDS Utility Pole: Unanimously approved the addition of a new utility pole at 37 High St. (next to the town office) for TDS. This might help to reduce some of the TDS issues in that area.

• Check/Recycling/Transfer Station: Tom Kennedy, on behalf of the Southern Windsor/Windham County Solid Waste Management District, who voted to return tipping fees held since 2008 when the VT/NH Solid Waste District was dissolved, presented a check for $14,786 to the town.  This money will be used to help offset the cost for the new electronics shed that was approved by the voters.

Kennedy also alerted the board that China’s proposed prohibition on recovered plastic and fiber imports could have drastic impacts on recycling costs. Currently, China has taken a large share of these recyclables. With the proposed ban, costs could significantly increase for zero sort recycling and the town should build that in for next year’s budget.

• Trails in Proctor Piper State Forest: The Planning Commission was given approval by the board to move forward with an application for a matching funds grant from the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Agency of Natural Resources. The purpose of the grant would be to create a hiking trail that would connect Proctorsville and Cavendish villages starting at Pratt Hill (near the fire pits) and over to White’s Hill near the old Cavendish Train Depot station or the Water Tower.

• Bridge Replacement Bids: Bids were open from six vendors for the replacement of Bridge 21 (Greenbush) and Bridge 22 (East Rd). For Bridge 21, bids ranged from $160,000 to$$254,000. For Bridge 22, the range was from $158,000 to $245,725. The town manager, Brendan McNamara, will prepare a matrix by Wednesday for the SB to review. A decision on award will be made at the Nov. SB meeting.

• Bond for the Town Garage: The SB signed the Declaration of Official intent regarding the anticipated for the town garage.

• Town Garage Replacement: Borings will take place in the next two weeks to see if the alternative site by the sand pit is suitable for the new garage. If the town decides to use this location there are a series of hoops the town will need to jump through, and McNamara is already talking to the state about Act 250 permits and other necessary steps. Since the garage will not be built before “snow flies,” an agreement is being worked out for rental space from M & M construction, new owners of the old Black River Produce building, for space. The rent will be $1,500 plus heat. Changes are also being made to make it easier to take sand from the lower pit this winter.

• Website: There is now a new municipal website at www.cavendishvt.com Jen Leak is the contact person at the Town Office for website related questions.

• Signage by the School: The town has received a grant of $4,000 towards the installation of blinking lights by the school. Bruce McEnaney, asst. Town manager, will be meeting with the CTES board to secure the additional $4,600 for the installation. These will be solar powered flashing lights.

• Municipal Water: Following the recent flushing there are reports of issues with water discoloration. It is believed that there is a leak in the pipe, which has been narrowed down to the island across from Glimmerstone. This will be checked out this week. In the mean time, water quality continues to test fine.