Cavendish Update 10/11/19: News & Events

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10/11/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related news

2. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Button Up Workshop Cancelled: The Button Up Workshop, originally scheduled in Cavendish on Nov. 14 has been cancelled for this year.

Black River Independent School Committee: Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Lighthall is joined by members of the Black River Independent School Committee, who discuss the group's progress as it prepares to open a new private school in Ludlow Vermont after Black River High School & Middle School closes in June 2020.

Congratulation to The Chester Telegraph: The Chester Telegraph is one of four finalists for a national journalism award in the Investigative Journalism category for its series on Vermont Open Meeting Law violations within the Two Rivers Supervisory Union. Chester Telegraph

Rutland Holiday Inn to Reopen: The Board of Health Commissioners voted Thursday to allow the Holiday Inn at 476 Holiday Drive to reopen, 10 days after a fire in one of the boiler rooms led the commission to order its closure.

VT’s Minimum Wage to Increase by 18¢ to $10.96: Vermont’s minimum wage is rising by 18 cents at the end of the year, after lawmakers this past legislative session failed to pass a bill that would have set Vermont on a course for a more aggressive increase. Vermont’s Department of Labor announced Monday that the state’s minimum wage, which is currently set at $10.78, will rise 18 cents to $10.96. The increase will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.  VT Digger

Will colleges understand Vermont's new school grading system?: It's the very first year Vermont high schools must grade all 9-though-12 students through proficiency-based learning instead of A's and B's. And the new system has the class of 2020 concerned that colleges won't understand it, jeopardizing their chances of getting accepted. WCAX

GMP CEO Mary Powell To Get $2.1 Million Retirement Package: When Green Mountain Power CEO Mary Powell steps down at the end of the year, she’ll qualify for a $2.1 million dollar special retirement benefit. Six months after she leaves GMP, Powell will get about $700,000 of this supplemental retirement plan; the rest will be paid out over six years, according to the company. That’s in addition to an annual $89,000 GMP pension, and her 401k retirement plan which the company contributed $14,800 to last year. "Most of her compensation isn't guaranteed; it's considered to be at risk. It's tied to specific results that she has to deliver for customers. And if those results don't come in, she doesn't get that pay." VPR

2. EVENTS

OCTOBER 11 (FRIDAY): 6th Grade selling November Calendar Raffle tickets in front of Singleton’s from 4-7 pm. Tickets are $10 a piece and there are 31 chances to win a wide variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates for goods and services.

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day workshop at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. Cavendish, at 2 pm. Presented in two parts, it will begin with a history of the first peoples in the Okemo Valley and will be followed by a “hands on activity” - make your own “Talking Stick.” This is free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal holiday schools and town office closed.

OCTOBER 17 (THURSDAY): GMUSD Board Meeting, 6 pm Green Mountain Union High School

 DECEMBER 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. Taste your way through Okemo Valley of Vermont. A dozen country inns inn-vite you inn-side to enjoy their holiday decorations and their inn-dulgent treats from noon til 5 each day. Savory pies, homemade soups, decadent chocolate cake, and more! $15 per person in advance (until Nov 27), then $20 per person. FMI: Julie at Golden Stage Inn 802-226-7744

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

Job Opening: Cavendish Asst Sewer & Water Plant Operator

ASSISTANT SEWER & WATER PLANT OPERATOR

Nature and Variety of Work: Within the Town of Cavendish assists in the operation of both sewer and water plants as well as performing duties relative to the proper installation, operation and maintenance of these public utility systems. In the course of normal duties, operates equipment in:

• Water Pumping Facility
• Water Filtration Plant

• Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Wastewater System Lift Stations

Facility operations for both water and wastewater systems involve computer data entry and laboratory work. May have occasion to operate a variety of construction equipment including but not limited to: light trucks, mower, chain saw, cut-off saw, trash pumps, miscellaneous small equipment and hand tools in the performance of gegeneral public works duties for the Town. Exercises considerable knowledge of sewer and water plant operations and equipment, its uses, functions, maintenance, safety considerations and construction work processes. Helps to prepare routine and special reports related to the operation of these utility systems. Performs in-plant laboratory testing and prepares test samples to be sent to State and private laboratories for analysis and testing. May be assigned other tasks from time to time related to other Town activities including assistance to the Highway Department and Town Manager.

Normal work activities will include: on-site, in-trench, repair and construction work on water and sewer lines, service connects and other appurtenances; repair work at the water and sewer treatment facilities and water meter readings.

Employees in this classification, in the normal course of duties, will occasionally be required to work at unusual hours when water or sewer lines or equipment fail or require emergency attention or when other circumstances may warrant it. Employees in this classification may, from time to time, be placed on call-in alert status when emergency conditions or the threat of severe weather may warrant it.

Responsibility and Supervisory Relationships : Reports directly to the Chief Water and Sewer Plant Operator. Also reports to the Town Manager working under his/her general supervision as the Chief Operator is not always on site. The Town Manager provides instructions typically in terms of results (prepare reports, repair valving, etc.) The Chief Operator provides more detailed instruction on the various aspects of system operations and duties. The Assistant Operator follows through with assigned tasks and takes the initiative in performing routine duties. Is responsible for the proper and safe operation and efficient use of equipment and tools in attaining the specified task results and for overall quality of work. May occasionally be required to supervise temporary helpers in specific operations. May occasionally be required to work with and assist contractors hired by the Town to perform services upon the Town’s utility systems.

Skills Required : Position requires a good general knowledge of skill and work practices, methods, tools and equipment appropriate to water and wastewater systems operations and of public works construction and maintenance. Should have a good working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the operation of utility equipment, power tools and working with potentially hazardous chemicals and substances. Must be able to comprehend and exercise work safety procedures as are required by the Town and the law.

Must have good communication skills and be able to effectively communicate and interact with other town staff, the customer base and the general public.

Must have the ability to keep accurate and detailed records regarding many aspects of system operation as well as work and time records. Must be able to communicate effectively including voice communications on a two-way radio and legible handwriting.

Must have good skill level in mathematics and must be capable of preparing statistical reports appropriate to plant operations. Passage of a mathematics skills test may be a pre-employment requirement.

Must have good mechanical skills and be able to safely use hand and power tools.

Health and Hygiene: Must be in good physical and mental health having good physical strength, dexterity and vision. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. May be required to have a pre-employment physical and may be required to have periodic physical examination to determine fitness for the job and physical ability to perform required tasks.

Must have health protective inoculations appropriate to the type of occupational health hazards associated with water and wastewater system duties.

Must maintain good personal hygiene and appearance.
Must wear supplied uniforms when on duty and, when appropriate, safety gear.

Education : Minimum of high school education with at least one course in basic chemistry. Specialized education related to sewer plant and water plant operation and maintenance is desirable although not an absolute pre-employment requirement. The successful candidate for this position will be required to take courses related to water and sewer system operations as may be specified by the Town and which may be necessary to meet the requirements of regulatory agency rules.

Certifications Required : The successful candidate for this position will be required to possess and maintain valid State of Vermont certifications as may be required for sewer and water plant operations appropriate to the grade required for the Town of Cavendish utility systems. These certifications are considered desirable in employment hiring considerations, however a person without such certifications may be hired with a condition of the employment being that the Assistant Water and Sewer Plant Operator must successfully obtain certain certifications within a time schedule specified by the Town Manager and Chief Water and Sewer Plant Operator.

Application Information: Please contact Town Manager Brendan McNamara at 802-226-8044 or brendan.mcnamara@cavendishvt.org for application details.

Ability to use personal computers is required. Experience and skill in using word processing and spreadsheet applications is desirable as a pre-employment skill.

Cavendish Update: 10/4/19 News/Events

Freeze Warning for midnight tonight until 8 am tomorrow.

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

10/4/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related news

2. Indigenous Peoples Day at the CHS Museum

3. CTES Calendar Prizes-6th grade fundraiser

4. Events

1.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

TDS Update: New information has recently been received from TDS about when upgrades will be completed in Cavendish. Upgraded and operational service should be available in Proctorsville and Twenty Mile Stream locations by the end of October. It is hoped that the remainder of the town will have the full upgraded service by Dec. 31, 2019.

GMUSD Finance Committee Meeting: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board decided to meet 50 days in advance of last year to allow more time to develop the budget, which is due mid-January. The entire board is acting as the Finance Committee. This action was taken due to overspending by the district and by the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRUS) combined with a short budget process. At the Sept. 25 meeting, they decided to table the executive season on pending law suits until their regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 17. It was decided that members would work on the board/administration relationship, data and outcomes and fiscal responsibility, while they would direct the administration to put a budgetary emphasis on basic skills (including early literacy), elementary world language and a STEAM ( science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program.  For more information on this meeting, see The Chester Telegraph and the Vermont Journal

CHS October Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) October Briefs is now available at their website. This post contains upcoming events as well as ongoing activities.

Rutland Holiday Inn Closed: Due to a fire, which damaged the hotel’s boiler, Rutland has ordered the Holiday Inn to close. NBC 5

2. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AT THE CHS MUSEUM: In May 2019, Vermont became the third state in the country to officially change the second Tuesday of October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Per the law, the establishment of this holiday “will aid in the cultural development of Vermont’s recognized tribes, while enabling all indigenous peoples in Vermont and elsewhere to move forward and formulate positive outcomes from the history of colonization.” 

Cavendish’s history began more than 11,000 years ago with the first people who utilized the land for fishing, hunting and traveling the Black River.

On Oct. 13 (Sunday), at 2 pm at the Museum, 1958 Main St. Cavendish, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will offer an Indigenous Peoples Day workshop. Presented in two parts, it will begin with a history of the first peoples in the Okemo Valley and will be followed by a “hands on activity” - make your own “Talking Stick.”

The “Talking Stick” is an ancient tradition known in many cultures including Native American, Aboriginal Australian and African. Used to facilitate communication and listening, the person holding the Stick has the right to speak, while those in attendance must listen quietly and respectfully. It should be noted that some cultures prefer other objects (e.g. eagle feather or sacred shell) in place of a stick, but the purpose is the same.

Over the years, schools, businesses, families and even couples have adopted the Talking Stick concept. It is a way to stop the practice of “talking over” and actively listening to a speaker. Ultimately, this makes a more mindful speaker and listener, and leads to the understanding that a conversation is not just talking, it’s also thinking and listening.

Columbus Day has been a day or mourning for Native Americans. Indigenous Peoples Day offers an opportunity to begin a new conversation, one where the spirit of the Talking Stick guides us to listen as well as speak, so that healing and building together can take place.

The Indigenous Day workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. CTES CALENDAR PRIZES - 6TH GRADE FUNDRAISER: Each year, Cavendish Town Elementary School’s (CTES) 6th grade goes to Keewaydin Camp for a week. For many, this will be remembered as the highlight of their time at CTES. Each year, the students fundraise to make this experience possible for all of the students as well to help with expenses for other 6th grade activities.

This year, the 6th grade is holding a unique calendar fundraiser. For every day in November, there will be a drawing for a prize. Thanks to the Boxer family, there is an October 31st prize for Halloween. Fridays are “fifty dollar day,” where you can receive a minimum of $50 cash (donors Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department; Fitzgerald, Property Services; Cavendish Roofing and Carpentry; Teaselwood; and Huntly Financial Services). Gift certificates for goods, services and cash have been donated by Au Jus, duJour VT, LaValley, Singletons, Lisai’s, Shaw’s, Neal’s, Calm Moments Massage, Castle Pointe Hotel, Salon 2000, Ludlow Pizza, Aubuchon’s, Murdock’s, Applebees, DJ’s, BJs, Proctorsville Fire Dept, Endless Creations Pottery, and Reading Greenhouse. Other donations include two opportunities for a lottery bundle from the Marks Family and the Harper Family. Snow Fleas have donated a sweatshirt and two gift certificates from Chef Mei.

 The cost of a ticket is $10. Students will be selling tickets outside of Singletons on Friday, Oct. 11 from 4-7. You can purchase them from a 6th grader, or you can send a check, payable to CTES-6th grade-via a student or mail it to CTES-6TH Grade, PO Box 236, Proctorsville VT 05153

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 6 (SUNDAY): Paint & Munch benefit at the Cavendish Library. $35 per person. Menu includes: Sweet potato guacamole bites; Apple, Cheese and Cracker Board; Pumpkin Pie cupcakes; Chocolate/peanut butter snack mix; Goat Cheese pesto tartlets; Cranberry Meatballs; Roasted Veggie Platter, cider, soda, tea, coffee and water. FMI: 226-7503

OCTOBER 11 (FRIDAY): 6th Grade selling November Calendar Raffle tickets in front of Singleton’s from 4-7 pm. Tickets are $10 a piece and there are 31 chances to win a wide variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates for goods and services.

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day workshop at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. Cavendish, at 2 pm. Presented in two parts, it will begin with a history of the first peoples in the Okemo Valley and will be followed by a “hands on activity” - make your own “Talking Stick.” This is free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal holiday schools and town office closed.

NOVEMBER 14 (THURSDAY): Cavendish Button Up Workshop, 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Ready to stop burning money? Weatherizing your home is often one of the best financial investments you can make. This workshop will help get you started. Whether you’re new to weatherization or have detailed questions about your next project, energy experts from Efficiency Vermont will provide guidance and answer your questions and talk through the new incentive to cover half of your project costs (up to $4000). You’ll also be able to set up a free home energy visit to discuss your best opportunities to make your home healthier and more comfortable. FMI: carlcherylleiner@gmail.com or 802-226-7820

DECEMBER 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. Taste your way through Okemo Valley of Vermont. A dozen country inns inn-vite you inn-side to enjoy their holiday decorations and their inn-dulgent treats from noon til 5 each day. Savory pies, homemade soups, decadent chocolate cake, and more! $15 per person in advance (until Nov 27), then $20 per person. FMI: Julie at Golden Stage Inn 802-226-7744

 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 9/27/19: Save Energy & Money/News/Events

THIS WEEK’S POST HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY A DONATION FROM CAVENDISH GREEN MT. SNOW FLEAS. Thank you for supporting Cavendish Connects and the importance of local news.

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9/27/19 Cavendish Update

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gases Locally Saves Money

2. Cavendish Related news

3. Events 

1. REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASES LOCALLY: Leaders from 200 countries attended the United Nations special summit on climate change Monday to work on reducing global greenhouse gas emission and global warming. In accordance with “climate week,” we have been posting to the Cavendish VT Facebook page various ways you can locally reduce greenhouse gases and save money in the process.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. The Cavendish Transfer Station offers free zero sort recycling and composting, Black River Good Neighbors offers both a thrift store as well as a used furniture store in Ludlow as well as twice yearly rummage sales.

Replace your Light Bulbs & Buy Energy Efficient Products: Efficiency Vermont helps all Vermonters live better while spending less. They provide a variety of rebates for lighting, heating, cooling, insulating, ventilation; renewable energy; appliances; electronics and more.

Calculate Your Home’s Energy Efficiency/Audit: Once you have calculated your efficiency, using the Efficiency Estimator, Efficiency Vermont can provide  recommendations that can help you save money. Cavendish’s Energy Committee will soon be offering a “Button Up” workshop that can help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, all while saving money.

Drive Wise: Less driving means fewer emissions. Walk or bike when possible. Carpool or us The Current. If you are traveling to Boston (particularly Logan) or New York, consider the Dartmouth Coach.  Amtrak now has more commuting opportunities including from Greenfield, Mass, Bellows Falls or Rutland. Check out Wanderu for bus service. When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget; it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Is it better to shop on-line or in-person? The worst option is driving to a store, checking out the product, then ordering it on-line with fast shipping. Check out the Sierra Club’s response to that question

2.  CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

GMUSD Board Tables Handbook, Reviews Budget Overages: Just prior to the Sept 19 Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting, a dedication of a magnolia tree to long time school board member, Dr. Eugene Bont took place in the park next to CTES. The board received training on Vermont’s Open Meeting Law and voted in, for a trial of four months, expanding the public’s ability to comment at both the beginning and end of the meeting. Once again the Employee Handbook was tabled and not approved. TRSU Finance Director Cheryl Hammond went over several documents with the board. Special education actual budget was over by $644,174.30, resulting in the TRSU assessment being over by $212,503. There were also issues with food services as well as unbudgeted items. Board member Michael Studin discussed a survey he is writing to assess the climate of the school district as well as determine what’s important to stakeholders. The survey will be made available in multiple formats. For more reporting on the board meeting see reports from The Chester Telegraph and the Vermont Journal

TRSU dedicates magnolia tree to Dr. Gene Bont’s memory: Family and friends of Dr. Gene Bont, along with Two Rivers Supervisory Union administrators and School Board members, gathered at the Cavendish Town Elementary School Thursday, Sept. 19 for the TRSU dedication of a newly planted magnolia tree to honor Dr. Bont who passed away earlier this year. The tree has been placed next to a bench that was previously dedicated by CTES school board to honor Dr. Bont after he retired from the board in 2018 after almost five decades of service. VT Journal

Unclaimed Property: Each year, in conjunction with the Champlain Fair, the state reminds Vermonters they may have unclaimed cash. A search of the state's website shows that a number of Cavendish residents have unclaimed property. The average return is about $200.

Vermont Timber Works destroyed in massive blaze: A n early fire that destroyed the Vermont Timber Works factory in North Springfield  Saturday was caused by spontaneous combustion of waste materials in a dumpster, fire investigators said. Chester Telegraph

Consolidated improved repair times for service outages. But officials still aren’t satisfied: Since the state opened an investigation into Consolidated Communications last year, after receiving reports that the internet and phone provider was taking days to restore downed service, the company’s performance has improved dramatically. But state officials say they’re still not satisfied with Consolidated, and that the company — the largest landline provider in the state — is still failing to repair outages and other issues in a timely fashion. VT Digger

Volunteer for SEVCA’s free tax assistance program: Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) and Granite United Way of NH are partnering to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in upper Windham County and Windsor County, VT. VITA helps low- to moderate- income households by providing free federal and state income tax return preparation services. SEVCA is now recruiting volunteers for the upcoming 2019 tax filing season. To learn how you can make a difference in your community by becoming a VITA volunteer please contact Leslie Wood at (802) 722-4575, ext. 199 or lwood@sevca.org. Please put VITA VOLUNTEER in the subject line of your email.

VT’s Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies (CARE) Program: CARE was created to help seniors, those with disabilities or with other issues in times of prolonged emergencies (e.g. ice storms, floods, fires etc.) or who need an emergency evacuation. CARE’s key partners are the United Ways of Vermont, Vermont 211, Vermont 911, and Vermont Emergency Management. These agencies have worked together to provide a means for emergency responders to identify and aid CARE registrants in the event of a wide-scale emergency. You can register on line or by mail. Download the registration form and mail to Vermont 211, PO Box 111, Essex Junction, VT 05453

3. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Living with Lyme Disease talk, 6:30 pm at Gethsemane Church, 89 Depot St. Rebecca Zellis, the founder of www.vtlyme.org, will lead a roundtable discussion on living with Lyme disease. FMI: Robin 226-7736

OCTOBER 6 (SUNDAY): Paint & Munch benefit at the Cavendish Library. $35 per person. Only 20 seats available so register early. Menu includes: Sweet potato guacamole bites; Apple, Cheese and Cracker Board; Pumpkin Pie cupcakes; Chocolate/peanut butter snack mix; Goat Cheese pesto tartlets; Cranberry Meatballs; Roasted Veggie Platter cider, soda, tea, coffee and water. FMI: 226-7503

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