Cavendish Update 2/22/19 Fire Districts/Tech Cafe/News

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2/22/19 Cavendish Update

1. Fire District #2 & Merger

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Save the Date for Tech Cafe

4. Events

1. FIRE DISTRICT #2 & MERGER:On Tuesday, Feb. 19, approximately 30 people met for the Cavendish Fire District #2 annual meeting. While election of members to the Prudential Board (the governing body of the fire district) and adopting a budget for the coming year ($81,995) was achieved, the biggest topic of conversation was the creation of one fire district for the town.

In March, Stuart Lindberg of the Fire District 2 Prudential Board talked to the Cavendish Select Board about closing due to lack of volunteers, an issue country wide. What has been learned since that SB meeting is that Vermont statue doesn’t provide for fire departments “dissolving” but instead they can merge with another fire district.

As part of the discussion, selectman Mark Huntley, brought up several key points including: the current structure of two fire districts is costing all Cavendish tax payers at least double that of surrounding towns; Fire District #1 (Proctorsville) has a higher tax rate than Fire District #2 (Cavendish); the combined districts have more fire equipment than Rutland City; and the industry standard is one fire district per 10,000 residents. Given the rural nature of Cavendish, the latter standard may not be as relevant as it would be in a more urban area.

The moderator, Abraham Gross, went through the legal process for creating one fire district. This would require that the prudential boards of both fire districts develop a plan of merger that includes, among other things, provisions relating to structure, organization, functions, operation, finance, and property of the fire district. (per 24 V.S.A. § 1483). Once the plan is complete, voters of both fire districts would need to approve the plan by Australian ballot, after being dully warned and holding public hearings. With approval of the voters, it is then sent to the Secretary of State for legislative approval.

The fire fighters of Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department (CFVD) are in favor of a merger. To read the full report, please go to The Dish.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Resident Charged with Domestic Assault Held Without Bail: According to the VT State Police, Michael Mills, who lives on Rogers Drive in Cavendish, has once again been charged with a crime. This time it is for first-degree aggravated domestic assault and violating his conditions of release on another charge. He allegedly menaced his wife with a hatchet and choked her repeatedly despite court orders that have been in place since last fall saying he could not come within a hundred feet of her. In October, Mills was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant issued by New York State and was arraigned in Windsor County Superior Court on felony charges of making “terroristic threats.” Mills was alleged to have called the Saratoga County Correctional Facility threatening to “..shoot up everybody, truth, justice and the American way, I guess that doesn’t apply anymore.” Mills is being held without bail. VT State Police and DailyUV

GMUSD: Annual Report and Warnings: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) annual report and warnings are now available on-line at the TRSU website. Overall the proposed budget of $12,937,250.00 represents a 3.23% increase in expenses, $405,107.00 over last year’s budget. The cost per pupil is $15,938.07, slightly higher than last year’s cost per pupil of $15,637.00, and lower than the statewide average of $18,361.50. Printed copies of the report can be also obtained from the Twin Rivers Supervisory Union, Cavendish Town Office, and CTES. The GMUSD informational hearing is Tuesday, Feb. 26 at GMUHS at 7 pm.

Cavendish Annual Town Report-2018: The 2018 Annual Town Report is now available at the Town Office and can be viewed at the Town’s website in PDF format. It is being mailed to voters and is also available in print form from the town office. Please note that there are now separate reports for the Town of Cavendish and the Green Mountain Unified School District.

CHS News letter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Winter newsletter is now available on-line at the CHS Blog.

Raffle to Support Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department:  Though the coin drops have been successful fundraisers for PVFD for the last 23 years, the increasing traffic has made it more difficult to insure the safety of fire fighters standing in the road. Thus, a raffle is replacing the coin drop. This is a 5 Gun Raffle (Taures Circuit Judge 45/410, Ruger 10-22, Marlin 30-30 Stainless, Ruger Mini 14 and Mossberg 20 gauge-all guns are wood stock). Raffle tickets are now available from members of PVFD and at Seiples Gun Shop-388 Teer Rd., Belmont VT 05730 802-236-8104. The cost is $20 a ticket.

Imery Supplier Files for Bankruptcy Amid Lawsuits: Imerys Talc Vermont — a key supplier for Johnson & Johnson baby powder and located in Ludlow — filed for bankruptcy Wednesday amidst multi-billion dollar lawsuits against the corporation over allegations that its products cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The talc supplier maintained the safety of its product, saying it was in the best interest of the company to not spend the millions it would take to defend these cases. Imerys Talc’s operations will remain unchanged despite the bankruptcy filing, with no anticipated interruptions for their employees or other clients. VT Digger

Skier Dies After Hitting Tree at Okemo: On Feb. 10, Christian Hanlon, 39 of Connecticut, was killed when he hit a tree while skiing at Okemo. WCAX

3. DATE FOR TECH CAFE: As a result of two surveys, a date has been set for Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe. Sponsored by Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Town Library, the date is Tuesday, May 14 from 6-8 pm at the library in Proctorsville. You will be able to bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

4. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY):  Please note only 6 tickets are left so order today. Paint and Munch fundraiser to benefit Cavendish Library. Tickets are $40 per person and include a painting lesson and delicious meal. The event will be from 1-4 at the library. FMI & Reservation: Kata at 802-226-7503

FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY): GMUSD Board Meeting, 6-8 pm at the Chester Andover Elementary School in Chester. Information relating to the minutes of previous meetings, agenda and financials are available at the TRSU website.

FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY): Annual School District Meeting and Informational Meeting will take place at Green Mountain Union High School Auditorium on Wed. Feb. 27, at 7 pm. 

MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town Meeting

MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): VOTING! Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 14 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe, 6-8 pm at the Cavendish Town Library in Proctorsvile. Bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

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

FIRE DISTRICTS & MERGER

On Tuesday, February 19, Fire District # 2 (Cavendish) had its annual meeting, which included election of members to the Prudential Board (the governing body of the fire district) and adopting a budget for the coming year.Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

 At the March 12, 2018 Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting, Stuart Lindberg of Fire District #2 (Cavendish) Prudential Board informed the SB that due to low numbers of volunteers, the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) was considering closing.

 He explained that finding volunteers for fire departments is a problem all over the country and at this point, CVFD was unable to secure the volunteers to run a service. They had five active volunteers at that time, with volunteers from previous years having aged out, moved away or find they have other demands on their time.

Lindberg had been researching this and talking to various people at the state and in the legislature, learning it was a multi step process including voters, fire departments, the town’s lawyer and even the legislature. Lindberg said finances, equipment and the building are in good order and are the property of Fire District # 2. He also noted that he was just one person and he couldn’t shoulder this alone.

At this year’s Annual Meeting, the voters of Fire District 2 picked up on Lindberg’s SB meeting comments and spent considerable time discussing a merger to create one fire district for the town.

Among those offering information and comments was Selectmen Mark Huntley who explained several facts that many were unaware of:

• Cavendish property taxes-town wide- are at least double of similar size towns in the area. Mt Holly/Belmont provides fire, rescue and emergency response (they have their own ambulance) for $100,000. It should be noted that it wasn’t clear if the Mt. Holly Rescue Squad (Ambulance) was covered in the $100,000 as this squad covers Mt. Holly, Belmont and East Wallingford. In comparison: Fire District #2 (Cavendish) adopted a budget of $81,995 at their meeting Tuesday night. Ludlow Ambulance is requesting $37,500 (part of the town budget to be voted on at Town Meeting) and Fire District #1 (Proctorsville) , while still finalizing its budget, probably has a budget over $100,000.

• Property owners in Fire District #1 (Proctorsville) pay more in fire taxes than those in Fire District # 2 (Cavendish).

• Between both fire districts, the town of Cavendish has more fire fighting equipment than the city of Rutland.

The issue of one fire department has been discussed for many years, with an informal  vote in favor of one fire District being taken at Town Meeting in 2005. This was followed by a petition, where again the voters requested one department. This petition was to the Select Board. However, because fire districts are their own unique municipality, the Select Board could not take any action on the petition, as they have no jurisdiction over them.

Learn more about Cavendish Fire District History and the events leading up to discussion at a Fire District #2 meeting in November 2015 about mergers at Town of Cavendish Fire Districts History.

In years past, concerns of losing rank, name of the fire department and other issues seemed to block merger discussions. However, this time various people commented that they weren’t concerned about these issues but rather wanted to do what was in the best interest of the town.

The moderator for the meeting, Abraham Gross, read aloud the comments and procedure recommendations from Sarah Jarvis, the staff attorney for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) about how to proceed.

There is no state law that specifically addresses “dissolving” a district.   The only statutory provision is via merger between two extant districts. In short, Fire District #2 (Cavendish) can’t “just dissolve” but rather needs to merge with Fire District #1 (Proctorsville).

 Atty. Jarvis cited the VLCT Handbook for Vermont Selectboards, which lays out the steps of the process as follows:

a) The legislative bodies of each party to the merger must prepare a plan of merger, which must be approved by a majority of each body. 24 V.S.A. § 1482. A plan of merger includes, among other things, provisions relating to structure, organization, functions, operation, finance, and property of the fire district. (per 24 V.S.A. § 1483)

 b.) The plan of merger must be approved by a majority vote by Australian ballot of each municipality concerned at a meeting duly warned for that purpose and held in each such municipality. 24 V.S.A. § 1485(a). Not fewer than 30 days prior to the meeting, copies of the plan of merger must be posted in three or more places in each of the areas involved.

In addition, two public hearings in each of the areas involved must be held, at intervals of two weeks, the last of which shall be held not less than five days before the meeting at which the vote will be held. Notice of the hearings must be advertised in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 1484.

c.) Within ten days after the municipalities have voted to adopt a plan of merger, the clerk or equivalent officer of the municipality into which merger has taken place must notify the Secretary of State of the merger. 24 V.S.A. § 1486.

Gross made it clear that CVFD volunteers are very much in favor of a merger. The issue “doesn’t reside with this end of town,” he said.

Cavendish and Proctorsville operate with “automatic response,” which means they are both “toned out” for incidents in either district. According to information provided by each fire district, Fire District #1 (Proctorsville) has 23 volunteer fire fighters and 12 junior fire fighters and in 2018 responded to 128 calls, with medical assistance (44 calls) being the leading reason for calls. Fire District #2 (Cavendish) reports having 8 fire fighter volunteers and responded to 107 calls, with medical assistance (61) being the leading reason for calls.

While questions exist about the best way to move forward, one of the steps is hiring an attorney to work with the town and prudential boards to insure the legality of further proceedings.

Cavendish Update 2/15/19: News/Events

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2/15/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Construction Begins March 1 on Depot St. Bridge: The Cavendish Town Manager Brendan McNamara, in Monday, Feb. 11 Selectboard meeting, officially announced the start of the Depot Bridge Project was slated to begin March 1, 2019 with dismantling of the current bridge. Cold River Bridges LLC from Walpole, N.H. was awarded the project and have already rented office space in town in anticipation of the project start date. The March 1 date is dependent on state permitting going through on time, but there was no indication that there were any issues pending. The anticipated completion of the project is by Oct. 15, 2019, which is a state deadline for working in a riverbed, but “hopefully sooner,” McNamara said. The Depot Street Bridge has been closed to traffic since Dec. 23, 2015. Local residents have complained about speeders and many would have preferred not to see the bridge replaced. However, the town is considering various options including solar powered digital speed signs. VT Journal

Cavendish Fire District 2 Annual Meeting Rescheduled: Due to the snowstorm, those present at the Annual Meeting of Fire District 2 (Cavendish Village), Tuesday, Feb. 12, voted to adjourn and reconvene on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

Arrest Made in GMUHS Threat: Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate threats made at Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) last week. The initial threat was received Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, when a student at the high school learned of a message online in which an individual made threats of violence toward the student at school. The threat was traced to an individual in Michigan, and late Thursday, Feb. 7, authorities there took into custody Jason Graham, 23, of Three Rivers, on a parole violation related to possession of firearms, drugs and alcohol. According to Michigan law enforcement, Mr. Graham was on parole for escape from a work crew, with underlying charges of retail theft and carrying a concealed weapon. Mr. Graham's computer was seized, and investigators are in the process of searching it in connection with the GMUHS threat. No charges related to that incident have been filed. At about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, the school received a call from an individual who made a threat of violence toward the school, including a bomb threat. The school was placed in lockdown, and police responded. Law enforcement evacuated the school. The Vermont State Police Bomb Squad and explosives detection K-9s also were utilized, and no explosive devices were found. The investigation into the source of this second threat remains active and ongoing. Friday morning, Feb. 8, police were on hand at the beginning of the school day and met with students to explain the situation. A normal class schedule has resumed. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Chester police at 802-875-2233. VT State Police Press Release

Downers 4 Corners: On Thursday evening, Feb. 14, those on their drive home to Cavendish noticed a number of VT State Police at Downers Four Corners. Preliminary information received indicates an armed robbery took place in Ludlow earlier in the day and the police were able to make an arrest at Downer’s. Please note this is subject to change and new information will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page.

BRACC Hires New Program Coordinator: The Black River Area Community Coalition proudly announces the hiring of Brooke Willard as program coordinator. Brooke prides herself in the role she plays in the prevention of substance abuse and misuse. Brooke’s new position will include collaborating with school officials and prevention specialists in order to plan events and activities pertaining to wellness and prevention. VT Journal

Springfield Hospital CEO seeks community support, cuts move forward: As Springfield Hospital and Springfield Medical Care Systems continue to look for ways to cut $6.5 million in annualized expenses, the way back to viability will largely depend on the support from the community. Interim CEO Michael Halstead said that a key factor in saving the hospital will be “if the community continues to support this organization by coming here for their healthcare, and we can keep the activity levels up to where they’ve been or ideally increase them.” Halstead has had to make some tough decisions in recent weeks, cutting 27 staff positions and instituting across the board salary reductions of 10 percent for salaried workers and 4 percent for hourly workers, which goes into effect Feb. 24. Cuts in staffing focused primarily on non-patient care areas in administration, managers, and supervisors in order to ensure that excellent patient care remained a top priority. VT Journal

Mapping Shows VTel Mobile Broadband Coverage Falls Far Short of Claims: Vermont Telephone Co. received a $35.2 million loan from the federal government in 2010 to build a wireless broadband network that was supposed to blanket the state and reach 33,165 homes — representing 18 percent of the state’s population — that did not yet have access to the internet. Yet after conducting extensive on-the-ground mapping of mobile phone coverage in Vermont, the state’s Department of Public Service, or DPS, has found what critics have said is the reality: VTel’s wireless network is either not available or performs poorly in many areas it purports to serve. “I don’t think there are any surprises here,” said Clay Purvis, director of telecommunications for DPS. “The drive test validates what most Vermonters already know, which is there are wide gaps in wireless coverage all over the state.” Among the six wireless providers in Vermont — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, U.S. Cellular and VTel Wireless — VTel had the second-worst measurement when it came to no signal detected: 42 percent of the area tested. T-Mobile was worst with 44 percent, and the average of all six carriers was 10 percent, according to the DPS analysis. VT Digger

Vermont’s C Grade for infrastructure shows little progress in 5 years: A 2019 report from the VT Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state a D+  on storm water and wastewater. These were the lowest grades received in the nine categories that were rated. The report’s best marks were B- scores for energy and solid waste. Vermont has the lowest energy production in the country, and has committed to a goal of 90 percent renewable energy by 2050, but high electricity costs brought down the score. Roads saw the biggest improvement over time, going from a C- in 2014 to a C+ for 2019. The report noted prioritization of road maintenance by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and low congestion as some of the roads’ biggest assets. VT Digger

Hobby Lobby in Rutland to Close in March: While the company would immediately confirm it, follow with corporate headquarters led to an e-mail which briefly stated that Rutland store “will be exiting the market in March.” Rutland Herald

VT New Driver License Redesign: The Department of Motor Vehicles is preparing to roll out a major redesign of all state driver's licenses and ID cards, starting July 1. It's the first change in 15 years. The updated licenses are packed with 23 separate security features, some which are not visible. There will be no increase in costs and Vermonters can wait until their current license is up for renewal to order one. New licenses will be mailed from a central facility -- and no longer will be printed while you wait at local DMV counter. That change is projected to save the department $100,000 annually. NBC5

2. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 18 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office Closed. Schools closed this week.

FEBRUARY 19 (TUESDAY) : Cavendish Fire District #2 Annual Meeting; 7:30 Pm Cavendish Town Office. Warning information is available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY):  Paint and Munch fundraiser to benefit Cavendish Library. Tickets are $40 per person and include a painting lesson and delicious meal. The event will be from 1-4 at the library. FMI & Reservation: Kata at 802-226-7503

FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY): Annual School District Meeting and Informational Meeting will take place at Green Mountain Union High School Auditorium on Wed. Feb. 27, at 7 pm.   

MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town Meeting

MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): VOTING! Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

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 Update 2/8/19: GMUHS Threats/Tech Cafe/News

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2/8/19 Cavendish Update

1. GMUHS Threats-Twice in One Week

2. Cavendish Related News

3. What date for the Tech Cafe?

4. Events

1. GMUHS THREATS-TWICE IN ONE WEEK: Please be advised that this story continues to evolve and as information becomes available, it will be posted immediately to the Cavendish VT Facebook. Both Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) and Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) are posting press releases/tweets related to the incidents. Information will change as more is learned so it is important not to jump to hasty conclusions

On Monday, February 4th, press/news releases came from various principals as well as Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) This afternoon, February 4th, Chief Cloud of the Chester Police informed the Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) administration of a threat that is directed at the school. Chief Cloud is working with the State Police to investigate this situation. The GMUHS administration and staff are collaborating with the Chester police to maintain the safety of the school. The school will be in session tomorrow with a police presence. Meg Alison Powden, Superintendent of Schools, Two Rivers Supervisory Union

As the story would unfold, a student at GMUHS received a threat of gun violence that extended to the school via a social media site.  The Chester police were immediately engaged and ultimately were able to identify the person making the threat as someone in the Midwest.

 With no credible threat to the school, GMUHS opened as normal on Feb. 5 (Tuesday) with parents being made aware that if they preferred they could keep their students home. Those students who did go to school (close to 50% of the student body stayed home) were met by Associate Principal Mike Ripley and the police.

 Three days later, on Thursday, February 7, another press/news release came from Meg Powden. Dear Green Mountain Families, We have received another threat at Green Mountain. An individual claiming to be the brother of the person who threatened our school earlier this week, told our administration late this morning that he had a bomb in one of our bathrooms at Green Mountain. Also, he said if the school was evacuated, people would be shot.

 The police made sure there were no bombs in our school and then the school was evacuated to the Legion Hall under police protection. Students are being dismissed at this time, you can pick up your child at the Legion Hall and we will provide transportation home for the students who are not picked up.

 We will keep you updated with any new developments.

 Last evening, the GMUHS Administration posted the following, Good Evening Everyone, First we would like to take this chance to thank everyone (teachers, staff, students) for their cooperation today in what was, at best, a trying situation. Students did as we have practiced doing, and the process ran well.

 The local and state police have finished the sweep of the building and given the okay to have school open tomorrow. We are confident it is safe for everyone to return to the building. You should be aware that there will be both local and State police on campus tomorrow. They will have their dogs with them. The State police have let us know that this is routine procedure for them on the day after an incident. We are glad to have them here to help the school day go smoothly.

This type of incident can be upsetting, and we want everyone to feel supported. The GM Counseling office will be available all day for students and staff. If you would like someone to specifically check in with your child, please let the guidance staff know at 875-4155. state police have finished the sweep of the building and given the okay to have school open tomorrow. We are confident it is safe for everyone to return to the building. You should be aware that there will be both local and State police on campus

Sincerely, Lauren Fierman, GMUHS Principal, Michael Ripley, GMUHS Associate Principal and Pam O’Neil, GMUHS Guidance Director

On Thursday evening Chester Police Chief Rick Cloud confirmed that the bomb threat is related to the incident earlier in the week, with one correction, the caller did not claim to be the brother of the person who threatened the school earlier in the week. While no arrests have been made, the police are interviewing “persons of interest,” some of whom are from the area. Cloud said neither threat originated locally. The Chester Telegraph has been providing good coverage of the events as they are unfolding. Check their website for past articles.

 According to the National School Boards Association,  “Although nearly all bomb threats are a false alarm, such incidents exact a price.” Not only is there the lost of instructional time, the cost of police protection and intervention but also the general level of community panic. These threats have become so commonplace, many of the Vermont news outlets are barely covering this story. Yet they are far from our everyday norm.

Our thanks to GMUHS, TRSU and law enforcement for their speedy actions in protecting our students and community.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

No Mr. Hickernell is Not Buried in the Basement: The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) has put to rest the rumor that Mr. Hickernell is buried in the basement of the Gothic stone (entrance is on High Street but faces 131 with a sweeping lawn) where he and his wife lived for many years. The “haunted house” story emerged after Mrs. Hickernell had a concrete floor poured in the basement shortly after Mr. Hickernell went “missing.” As it turns out, Theresa Hickernell was quite a fascinating character but since his death was attended by Dr. Gene Bont, we are assured he is properly buried in Pennsylvania. Learn more about Theresa Ruth Swetitch Hickernell-Smith at the CHS Blog.

CHS Annual Meeting will Screen Alone in the Wilderness: This year’s Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual meeting will be on March 31 (Sunday) starting at 4 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church Parish Hall. To help gain insight into what life was like for the “pioneering families” of Cavendish, CHS will be screening “Alone in the Wilderness.” Dick Proenneke, in the late 1960s, built his own cabin in the wilderness at the base of the Aleutian Peninsula, in what is now Lake Clark National Park. Filming himself, Proenneke traces how he came to this remote area, selected a homestead site and built his log cabin completely by himself. The documentary covers his first year in-country, showing his day-to-day activities and the passing of the seasons as he sought to scratch out a living alone in the wilderness. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

Cavendish Student Named Candidate in US Presidential Scholarship Program: Dmitri Solzhenitsyn, a graduating student at St. Paul’s School, has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholarship Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2019. Dmitri is the son of Carolyn and Ignat Solzhenitsyn of Cavendish. He will be attending Harvard in the fall. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in the community and school activities. VT Journal

VT Journal & Springfield Shopper-New Partnership: Without any heirs to take over the Vermont Journal, publisher and owner, Bill Miller at 73 is looking to retire. In recent months, Miller has joined forces with the Rutland Herald, outlining a partnership that will protect The Vermont Journal & The Shopper and allow it to continue publishing, essentially untouched, once he completes the process of turning over day-to-day management to newly named Assistant Publisher, Shawntae Stillwell. Stillwell has been working at the paper as the graphic designer for close to four years, and according to Miller was responsible for the paper’s redesign, resurgence in readership, and successfully revamping of the website and Facebook page. Now, naming her as assistant publisher, Miller’s heir apparent is set and will continue to take on more responsibilities over the next two years, with Miller’s departure date set for January of 2021. At that point, she will officially be named the publisher. According to Stillwell, she’s excited to have the opportunity to take on more responsibility and eventually lead The Vermont Journal & The Shopper team. “I already have a good working relationship with many of our clients, and am looking forward to growing in my role, helping to make Bob’s retirement a smooth transition.” One thing that will be changing for The Vermont Journal & The Shopper immediately, however, is the size of the paper. The recent postage increases, as well as printing increases, have brought about the size change. “Dropping from 26 inches to 24 inches in width, the savings of postage and printing will offset those costs,” said Miller. VT Journal

Springfield Fires Longtime Police Chief But Decline to Cite a Reason: Springfield has fired its longtime police chief — but won’t say why. Meanwhile, the attorney for the terminated chief says a lawsuit is coming to hold “the town financially accountable for his wrongful termination.”Douglas Johnston has served as the Springfield police chief for nearly two decades before his firing Monday, and has been a member of the department for about 40 years. VT Digger

VTel in Dispute Over Concerns About Chinese Firm Huawei: FirstLight, the Albany telecommunications company that acquired Vermont’s Sovernet in 2017, is seeking to connect with the network of Vermont Telephone Co. Inc., or VTel, the private Springfield-based company that provides landline service to 14 Vermont villages and 4G LTE wireless internet to many areas of the state. Under the federal Telecommunications Act, carriers like VTel are required to let competitors interconnect in order to share traffic. FirstLight is seeking portability for phone numbers that it requires in order to serve customers in VTel’s territory. But VTel is refusing, saying it needs assurance first that FirstLight isn’t using any equipment made by Huawei, one of two Chinese companies that have come under scrutiny lately by national security agencies as possible security threats. VT Digger

3. WHAT DATE FOR THE TECH CAFE?: Due to the over whelming interest in a Cavendish Connections Tech Cafe, Cavendish Connects is co-sponsoring the first cafe with the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in Proctorsville. You will be able to bring your smart phone, laptop, tablet (iPad) to learn how to use them as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. This will be free and open to the Cavendish community.

The Cafe will be held at the Cavendish Library so we can take full advantage of their computers and Internet access.

We need to hear from you about what dates would work best for you:

Tuesdays May 7, 14, 21 or 28 from 6-8 pm

Saturdays May 4, 11, or 18 from 2-4 pm

Please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with the dates that work best for you to attend or to volunteer to help with the “tech desk.”

4. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 11 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 12 (TUESDAY):  Cavendish Fire District #2 Annual Meeting; 7:30 Pm Cavendish Town Office. Warning information is available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

FEBRUARY 18 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office Closed. Note schools will be open.

FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY):  Paint and Munch fundraiser to benefit Cavendish Library. Tickets are $40 per person and include a painting lesson and delicious meal. The event will be from 1-4 at the library. FMI & Reservation: Kata at 802-226-7503

FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY): Annual School District Meeting and Informational Meeting will take place at Green Mountain Union High School Auditorium on Wed. Feb. 27, at 7 pm. 

MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town Meeting

MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): VOTING! Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7.

MARCH 31 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 4pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church. As part of the this event, the film “Alone in the Wilderness” will be shown. This is free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

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

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