Cavendish Update 11/24/17: Black Friday/News/Events

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 11/24/17 /Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Black Friday Specials

3. Kick off to Winter Fest & Ski film

4. Events

 1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

A Brief History of Cavendish: The Cavendish Historical Society has written a brief history of Cavendish, which is available at their blog.

Crisis Fuel Assistance available starting 11/27: For low-income households SEVCA’s Crisis Fuel program will be available starting Monday, Nov. 27. SEVCA may also be able to arrange an emergency furnace repair or replacement for qualified homeowners whose furnaces stop working or become unsafe to operate. To be eligible for Crisis Fuel assistance, households must have had extenuating circumstances that led to the heating emergency (defined as being very close to being out of fuel or out of fuel without money to buy more), and income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is based on household size; e.g., $4,100/month (gross) for a family of four. For Crisis Fuel Assistance on weekends and holidays ONLY, call 1-866-331-7741, and for furnace repair or replacement assistance on weekends, holidays, or for after-hours emergencies, call 1-877-295-7998. Eagle Times

 How VT Plans to Get You to Pay Up on Use Tax: How much does the state of Vermont know about your online purchases? Right now-- not much. Up until now, the tax department had no way of knowing how much you spent online. Now, they will. Lawmakers passed a measure that requires online retailers with more than $100,000 in sales to Vermonters each year to report to you and the tax department how much you've spent with them. This applies to anyone who's spent more than $500 with an online retailer. The state hopes you'll use that information to calculate how much tax you should have paid. "It is focused on folks with a lot of online activity with larger vendors. WCAX

 Why Property Taxes May Go Up in Vermont Next Year: Vermont officials are bracing for a large increase in property taxes next year. "It's kind of unprecedented," Vermont Tax Commissioner Kaj Samsom said. "It's the biggest forecasted jump that we could find, at least in recent history." The Legislature's nonpartisan Joint Fiscal Office has estimated tax rates could rise 9-10 cents in fiscal year 2019. The Scott administration generally agrees. Resident homeowners would see a jump from about $1.50 per $100 of home value to nearly $1.60. For nonresidential properties, the rate would increase from about $1.53 to about $1.63. Half of the projected increase is the result of decisions made by lawmakers and the governor earlier this year. They used $36 million from two different sources to lower the residential property rate and keep the nonresidential rate flat-- $9 million taken from reserves plus $27 million the result of a surplus. Half of the projected increase is the result of decisions made by lawmakers and the governor earlier this year. They used $36 million from two different sources to lower the residential property rate and keep the nonresidential rate flat-- $9 million taken from reserves plus $27 million the result of a surplus. WCAX

 2. CAVENDISH BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS: It’s that time of year where people are frantically trying to find gifts. It’s important to think about shopping locally since doing so helps to keep money locally and supports the growth of other businesses as well as the region’s tax base. Interestingly, there is growing economic research that shows entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Bottom line- Think small, avoid the mall and shop Cavendish who’s got it all! Check out the holiday specials from the Cavendish Historical Society; dG Body Works, the Golden Stage Inn and Old Cavendish Products along with other local shopping tips at The Dish.

 3, KICK OFF TO WINTER FEST & SKI FILM: The Big Barn Farm and Matchstick Productions presents Kickoff to Winter Fest & Ski Film-Drop Everything by MSP at the BBF Outdoor theater, Friday, Nov. 24 from 5-9 pm. BBF Outdoor Theater is located on the corner of Twenty Mile Stream and Chapman Rd in Proctorsville. FMI: FB@thebigbarnfarm or www.k2wf.rocks

4. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 23 (FRIDAY): Kickoff to Winter Fest & Ski Film-Drop Everything at the BBF (Chapman & Twenty Mile Stream Rd in Proctorsville) Outdoor theater from 5-9. FMI: FB@thebigbarnfarm or www.k2wf.rocks

 NOVEMBER 25 (SATURDAY):  Holidaypalooza at Black River Good Neighbors in Ludlow. 10:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m. a special Holiday Décor and more sale featuring all things holiday including treasures galore to put you in a spirit of celebration. FMI: 802-228-3663.

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 BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS

It’s that time of year where people are frantically trying to find gifts. It’s important to think about shopping locally since doing so helps keep money locally and supports the growth of other businesses as well as the region’s tax base. Interestingly, there is growing economic research that shows entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Bottom line-Think small, avoid the mall and shop Cavendish whose got it all!

Local Holiday Specials:

• Cavendish Historical Society: Order one of their books Nov. 22-28 and they’ll gift wrap and wave the shipping and handling fee. Books that have considerable appeal to anyone who loves Cavendish include: Barbara Kingsbury’s History of Cavendish; Sandra Stearn’s (Cavendish’s own Laura Ingalls Wilder) Cavendish Hillside Farms 1939 to 1957; Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: The Writer Who Changed History; Carmine Guica’s Autobiography and Linda Welch’s Families of Cavendish series. FMI: 802-226-7807, margocaulfield@icloud.com

• dG Body Works: Bootcamp punch cards normally $80/10 Holiday special: $70/10 ($7 per class) who couldn't use that special!?! Their one year anniversary will be on Dec. 9 at 1 pm. All are invited.

• Golden Stage Inn: Purchase your tickets for the Dec. 2-3 Inndulgence Tour "Passports" are $15 per person and gain you entrance into ten inns from noon til 5 to taste their INNdulgent treats and enjoy their holiday decor.  Visit Golden Stage Inn to purchase your tickets or call for more information. Makes a great gift for a group of friends. FMI: 802-226-7744.

• Old Cavendish Products Fabulous fruitcakes and other delicious treats. 10% off for locals, if you call them at 226-7783.  

Local Non Profits: In addition to getting your Christmas tree from the local fire departments, shop the Holiday Fair on Dec. 2 from 9-2 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. The 6th graders are making lunch and there are all sorts of special gifts and treats available.

• CCCA is selling their 2018 Cavendish Calendar at Crow’s Bakery, the Village Clipper and at Singleton’s Market.

• Fletcher Farms School for the Arts and Crafts has a gift shop, which many local artists contribute to, as well as offering an array of classes-perfect for the arts/crafts person in your life. Remember Cavendish residents/property owners get discounts on classes

Food is a popular gift so consider gift certificates to places like Crows Bakery, Murdock’s, Neals, Singleton’s and American Pie. Order on-line for Old Cavendish Products-fruitcakes, chews or Cavendish Gamebirds and consider gift certificates to other local food producers. Check out the Cavendish Pinterest site for local food & drink options.

Massages, hair cuts, work out classes, and even spa retreats are all available from local businesses such as dG Body Works, the Village Clipper and the Aveda Spa & Resort at Castle Hill.

Finally, check out the Cavendish Business Directory for a wide array of services that would make for terrific gift certificates.

Cavendish Update: 11/17/17 SB Mtg/News/Events

The train runs along side of the trail at Greven Field. The Cavendish VT Facebook is currently featuring "Scenes from a Trail." Good place to walk during hunting season.

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

 11/17/17 /Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 11/13/17

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Supporting Black River Good Neighbor for the holidays

4. Cavendish Calendars are Now on Sale

5. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 11/13/17: Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by Okemo Valley 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:

• Approved snowmobile trails, which were the same as last year, for the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. Logging is going on in the Proctor Piper Forest, which currently doesn’t impact the trails. If that changes the town manager will be notified.

• Awarded Gurney Brothers the contracts for replacing Bridge 21 (East Rd) and Bridge 22 (Greenbush Rd). The board will need to appropriate $31,1800 in the town’s upcoming budget. Ninety percent of the funds for the project come from the state. The work will begin in June after schools are closed and it will be 3-4 weeks for each bridge, which will be done right after each other.

• The site for the town garage will be selected at the December SB meeting. Test borings indicate no red flags for the sand pit site and it appears the board is leaning in this direction. The town garage has moved into its temporary home at M & M Construction on 103 in Proctorsville. Initial information is that the town will not be subject to Act 250 for relocating the garage to the sand pit. However an access permit is needed.

• Have various roads that are not in compliance with the state requirements for ditching/erosion. A plan is being put in place to meet the new state standards, particularly for  Newton and Greenbush Roads. Will be looking at stone line ditching, similar to what was put in for Wiley Hill Rd, this summer.

• Insertion valves for municipal water are being put in place on Route 131 and Maple St. in Proctorsville.

• December meeting begins external appropriations requests for budgeting purposes.

• E-waste building at the transfer station will be constructed on Nov. 21.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

CTES Board Minutes and Agenda: The unapproved minutes from the Oct. 21, CTES board meeting, along with the agenda for the Nov. 21 board meeting are now available at The Dish. Action Taken

• Approved expenditure of $4,572 to add to the $4,000 Bruce McEnaney, asst town manager, obtained from a grant in order to install a crosswalk flashing beacon.

• Accepted resignation of Melissa Moore as food service manager. She held the position for 21 years.

Heating with Wood: If you missed the Energy Committee’s workshop on heating with wood, The Dish has a summary of this event, including information on types of stoves and where to get rebates. It includes the short video Five Simple Ways to Burn Right.

Okemo Valley TV Awarded Building Communities Grant: Okemo Valley TV, the community television station and media education center formerly known as LPCTV, has been awarded a $25,000 Building Communities grant from the State of Vermont. Administered through the Department of Buildings and General Services, the grant will help complete the third and final phase of renovations in Okemo Valley TV’s facility. The annual Building Communities grants are awarded to “help preserve important historic buildings and enhance community facilities.” The program is funded by the state legislature. Press Release

3. SUPPORTING BLACK RIVER GOOD NEIGHBOR FOR  THE HOLIDAYS: Be a Sponsor: Sponsor a meal for a family and a gift for a child this holiday. You can sponsor a nutritious holiday meal, a gift for a child, or both. BRGNS will attach a card with good wishes from you in honor of your family, or in memory of a loved one or a member of your organization. Sponsorships are available at just $20 towards a complete holiday dinner with all the trimmings, or to purchase each child a gift. Please help ensure that nobody in our area goes without a nutritious holiday meal or a present this season. You can bring or send your donation to BRGNS, 37B Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149, or go to www.BRGN.org to donate on line. Be sure to include your name, and the name or names that you want to appear on the card.

One-Day Holiday Fundraiser: On Saturday, November 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Holidaypalooza comes to Ludlow in conjunction with the 38th annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Ludlow Community Center. BRGNS will hold a special Holiday Décor and More sale featuring all things holiday including treasures galore to put you in a spirit of celebration. They will have a wide variety of decorations and items for your home or giving. Prices will be thrift store great, so don’t be late. This is a sale not to be missed. There will be ample free parking, great food, and lots of other vendors.

Stuff-A-Bus: BRGN will hold its annual “Stuff-A-Bus” food drive on Saturday, December 2nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Shaw’s Market parking lot in Ludlow. Food shelf volunteers will hand out holiday dinner menus and will ask shoppers to help with the foods most needed: canned fruit, cranberry sauce, pickles, olives, mac & cheese, hot chocolate, cookies, tea, cereal, candy, canned carrots, peas, green beans and corn, gravy, stuffing, soup and coffee.

Black River Good Neighbor Services is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information please call Krey at 802-228-3663.

4. CAVENDISH CALENDARS ARE NOW ON SALE: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s 2018 Cavendish calendar is now on sale, just in time for the holidays. Each year CCCA solicits photos in the spring for the following year’s calendar. The winners and their winning photos that grace each month in 2018 are: January, Sunrise by Winston Churchill; February, Dinner by Tim O’Donoghue; March, Fox and Hound by Richard Manders; April, New Beginnings by Pete Ramsdell; May, Vacancy by Jim Fisher; June, Butterfly Concerto by Hans Schrag; July, Twenty Mile Encampment by Belle McKnight; August, The Old Barn by Kristen Durkin; September, Vineyard at Brook Farm by Dan Sullivan; October, Angel Hair by Svetlana Phillips; November, Fading Light in Birch Trees, by Ellen Beatty; and December, Iron and Ice by Pat Moore.

Calendars are on sale now at Crow’s Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville, at the Village Clipper on Main Street in Proctorsville, and at Singleton’s Market in Proctorsville. For additional information on the contest or any other aspect of the Cavendish calendars, please call Cheryl Leiner at (802) 226-7820.

5. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 17-19 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY): OMS Ski Swap at Okemo Mountain Base Lodge.

NOVEMBER 17 (FRIDAY): CTES Annual Pie Sale, 3-7 pm Singleton’s in Proctorsville and Brewfest in Ludlow.

NOVEMBER 18 (SATURDAY): 9-3-The Holy Name of Mary Altar Society’s "Winter Berries and Food Sale .” This will take place at the church hall at  803 Main Street in Proctorsville, VT.  Christmas and hand crafts, pies, jam, fudge, and a "Cookie Walk", along with many other items will be available. FMI:, Carol Baranowski 226-7842

• Winter Clothing Sale at Cavendish Town Elementary School’s arts room and sign up for the Snow Sports program from 9-1. Great prices on excellent equipment. If you are in need of snow gear, you can’t beat these prices.

• Book Fair at the Cavendish Library, Saddle Up and Read ends today with special activities from 1-3. FMI: Kata 226-7503

NOVEMBER 21 (TUESDAY): CTES Board Meeting.

NOVEMBER 23 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Thanksgiving dinner 12 Noon- 2 PM, at the Cavendish Elementary School. Hosted by St. James United Methodist Church, everyone is welcome to attend the dinner. It’s a great time to sit down, relax and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked holiday meal, free-of-charge. The event is an outreach program of Black River Good Neighbor Services entitled “Our Community Cares”, established for individuals and families to receive a free, nutritious meal within a warm, welcoming community setting. FMI: 802-228-3663

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

HEATING WITH WOOD IN VERMONT

On Tuesday evening a workshop was hosted by the Cavendish Energy Committee on heating with wood. Emma Hanson, a specialist in wood heat from Vermont’s Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation, gave an overview of the latest clean burning systems, from wood boilers and high efficiency furnaces to pellet stoves and efficient fireplaces. Brian Hernon from HB Energy Solutions in Springfield gave his perspective on installation and system design of various wood fired systems.

Heating with wood reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, sustains healthy forest and creates jobs in our community. It offers an affordable, local and renewable source of fuel with lower carbon emissions than fossils. When we heat with fossil fuels, .80¢ of every dollar leaves VT, versus having all that money stay in our community when we heat with wood.

Advances since the mid-2000s have led to more efficient and clean wood heating appliances, including pellet stoves and boilers that achieve efficiency ratings over 80%. There are various ways to heat with wood:

• Cordwood-Burned in wood stove but does require six months of outdoor seasoning before burning

• Wood Pellets: These are small, evenly sized granules of compressed sawdust and need to be burned in pellet stoves and pellet boilers. They burn very hot and clean. Pellets can be purchased in bulk or in bags.

• Wood Chips: Chipped wood is a very affordable fuel, which is burned in large scale wood chip boilers. They are appropriate for schools and institutions. They do require large storage bins.

Generally speaking the upfront cost of automatic wood heating systems are higher than their fossil fuel counterparts, but the cost of the wood fuel is lower over the life of the appliance, saving you money overall. There are rebates and financing to help with upfront costs from Efficiency Vermont and the Clean Energy Development Fund.

Learn more:

• VTHeatsLocal Movement Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram

• VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s Wood Energy site.

• Burn Right Vermont’s Five Simple Ways to Burn Right.