BEFORE YOU SHOP-Think Green this Holiday Season

UPDATED NOV. 2022

With Halloween behind us, holiday preparations are underway, particularly in Vermont, where anything that breaks up the gray and chill of “stick season” is a welcome relief. Many put trees up Thanksgiving weekend, for others it’s the last family gathering before people head south. In short, while this may seem like an unusual post for the beginning of November, it provides ample time for you to consider implementing some of the suggestions listed below.

As you plan your holiday, consider what can be recycled and repurposed post-holiday, as well as giving gifts that are meaningful, sustainable and affordable.  As always, when possible, shop locally.

To the question of 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.

GIFTS: Now’s the time to think about simplifying the “Gift-Go-Round:” Among family members, or friends, draw names so you only purchase for one adult. While some gifts must be purchased brand new, others can be gently used, obtained from thrifts stores, such as Black River Good Neighbor, Chester-Andover Family Center, and SVECA’s Good Buy Store . Focus on sustainable giving.

• Before purchasing an item, ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford this? Will they use it and how often? Is it something that it is reflective of them and their tastes and interests? Are their allergies or health concerns to consider? Is it something they need or want?

• Consider ways to do sustainable giving.

-       For children, donating to a college fund, and picking up a gently used toy for “something under the tree.”

-       Gift certificates for experiences such as a massage (The Castle’s Aveda Spa or DG Body Works ); a class at Fletcher Farm School; a class at DG BodyWorks; a haircut at the Village Clipper; choice food items from Singletons or dinner at an area eatery (Murdock’s or Outer Limits Brewery).

-       Give your time such as teaching grandad how to use the Internet or Smart Food; lawn care; cooking; a booklet with redeemable coupons for services, such as child care, window washing

-       Antiques and collectibles: These don’t have to be new. It could be something you already have or something you find at a flea market or thrift store

-       Gifts from nature: Be it a selection of beach class, or a piece of Chaga from a birch tree, there

-       Gifts from the kitchen, particularly savory items during this very “sweet time” are often welcomed. Check out “How to Pickle Anything (No Canning Necessary)” for a wide variety of pickled veggies.

-       Forced bulbs (paper whites narcissus, amaryllis and hyacinth) can be blooming or  set up to bloom in January. It’s the perfect gift for the flower lover. Learn more at How to Force Bulbs Indoors.

-       Look for gifts made of recycled materials and that are battery free.

-       Re gifting is fine. Think of it as finding it’s rightful home. 

-       Donations to local charities

THINK RECYCLABLE

• Real Christmas trees. A live potted tree can be used for years and planted outside when it becomes too large. They are also recyclable at the Cavendish Transfer Station

• Plain wrapping paper (a little tape is okay) along with plain cards and cardboard boxes can be recycled at the Transfer Station. Consider alternative wrapping methods such as newspapers, cloth gift bags etc. More and more sheets and pillow cases are packaged in fabric bags that are perfect for gift giving. Check out Gift Wrapping Alternatives.

• AVOID Anything with metallic, glitter or velvety flocking, Styrofoam, as well as bows, ribbons and anything stringy is a single use item. Make more sustainable choices and avoid these type of items.

• Food scraps and leftovers can be composted at the Transfer Station.

• Make “To/From” tags from previous year’s holiday cards.

LOWER THE IMPACT OF HOLIDAY LIGHTING

• Reduce the size of outdoor lighting displays and use mini lights. There are now solar LED strings

• Use LED Lights for house and tree as they use up to 95% less energy than larger traditional holiday bulbs. They also last much longer and if a light burns out, the rest remain on.

• Use a timer so lights are turned off when no one is around

If you find broken lights, they go to the electronics shed along with dead batteries and other electronic devices. Learn more about what can be recycled and what goes where at Recycling Christmas Cavendish Style.

11/1/19: Powden Speech/News/Events

This weekend clocks turn back to standard time. As you set your clocks back one hour Saturday night, check the batteries in your smoke alarm.

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

10/25/19 Cavendish Update

1.My Way or the Highway-Powden’s Speech Released

2. Cavendish Related news

3. Events

1. MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY/POWDEN SPEECH RELEASED: Below is an excerpt from a special. Cavendish Connects blog post that is available at The Dish.

 At the recent Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting, a concern was raised when the Superintendent of the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU), Meg Powden, was unwilling to provide the board with a copy of  her “welcoming” speech. Her rationale was, “We have an issue – the administration and the board. … I don’t trust some of the board members because of some of their actions.”

The Chester Telegraph has obtained a copy of the speech via state law, which is available online.

 Reading the speech, it becomes clear why some educators would be offended by her comments. She talks about “proficiency-based education,” praising those who are on board with it and chastising those who aren’t.  Her message to the “resistors,” as she called them, was clear. I don’t know why you’re being resistant. We’ve never had a conversation about it and we never will. Personalized and proficiency-based education is our work. If this is work you will not do because you cannot wholeheartedly embrace it, you don’t believe all students can and will learn, you don’t value working with our administration and your colleagues to create and build great schools then I am asking you to leave our supervisory union and find a public school that will be a better match. I don’t think you’ll find one in Vermont, because this is state work, this is local work.”

While many have been posting comments to social media, comments should be addressed to the GMUSD board and/or TRSU in person or via e-mail. Cavendish reps to the GMUSD board are Kate Lamphere (Kate.Lamphere@trsu.org); Fred Marin (Fred.Marin@trsu.org) and Doug McBride (Doug.McBride@trsu.org). Marin also serves on the TRSU board.

2.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Woman arrested for bringing a gun into Cavendish Library: According to the VT State Police press release, on 10/26/2019 the Vermont State Police Westminster barracks received a report that on the evening on 10/25/2019 [Friday] a female was seen carrying a firearm on her person in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library. The female was identified as Christine Thomas of Cavendish, VT. Troopers from the Westminster barracks were able to locate Thomas and she admitted to having the firearm on her person in the library on school property. The firearm was seized as evidence and Thomas was cited to appear in Windsor County Superior Court Criminal Division on December 10th, 2019. Note-Vermont prohibits any person from knowingly possessing a firearm within a school building or on a school bus. The state also prohibits any person from knowingly possessing a firearm on any school property with the intent to injure another person. The library is attached to one end of the school building.

Congrats to GM Boys Soccer Team!: GMUHS boys soccer team is going to the D3 State Championship against Mill River after defeating Winnoski. The game takes place on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 pm. And will be held at the Mayfield Sports Complex, 120 Leslie Drive, WRJ. Go GM!!

Sandy Burgess retires but Chrisandra’s Interiors will live on: Forty years can go by in the blink of an eye when you are doing what you love. At least that how it seems according to Sandy (Chrisandra) Burgess of Chrisandra’s Interiors. Although the time has come for Sandy to retire and for her part in the business to end, the name of Chrisandra’s, as well as the Pond Street location, will continue on with a new owner and designer in the coming weeks. Chrisandra’s Interiors Liquidation sale is happening through Nov. 9. For more information, stop by the store at 72A Pond St, in Ludlow Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VT Journal

Rutland Mall to be completely replaced with 'mixed use' shopping center: Rutland officials say the owners the Diamond Run Mall plan to tear it down and start a new shopping center from scratch. The mayor says the owners' plans may include an outdoor design. WCAX

3. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 3 (SUNDAY): FALL BACK. Clocks return to standard time by setting clocks back an hour.

NOVEMBER 11 (MONDAY): Veteran’s Day. Legal Holiday town office and schools closed.

NOVEMBER 12 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting. This meeting will start at 5:30 pm with a public hearing regarding adoption of the Town Plan.

NOVEMBER 15 (FRIDAY): Property taxes due.

NOVEMBER 27-29 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Schools closed for Thanksgiving break.

NOVEMBER 28 (THURSDAY): Happy Thanksgiving

NOVEMBER 28-29 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

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

"My Way or the Highway" Powden's Speech Released/Voicing Concern

At the recent Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting, there was concern raised by the Superintendent of the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU), Meg Powden’s, unwillingness to provide the board with a copy of  her “welcoming” speech. Her rationale was, “We have an issue – the administration and the board. … I don’t trust some of the board members because of some of their actions.”

The Chester Telegraph has obtained a copy of the speech via state law, which is available online.

Reading the speech, it becomes clear why some educators would be offended by her comments. Towards the end of it, she talks about “proficiency-based education,” praising those who are on board with it and chastising those who aren’t.  

Her message to the “resistors,” as she called them, is clear. Get on board today, commit to doing this work today because you have harmed us. By not fully engaging in this work you have held us back. After four years of professional development in proficiency-based education our middle and high schools should be much further along. Our teachers who have committed to doing this work have been held back by your resistance. Your refusal to collaborate and engage in this work has rendered unnecessary challenges and difficulties amongst your colleagues and some of them just haven’t had the energy to battle with you or have been reluctant to speak up. The harm you have caused has impacted our students; we haven’t given them our best because we aren’t where we should be…I don’t know why you’re being resistant. We’ve never had a conversation about it and we never will. Personalized and proficiency-based education is our work. If this is work you will not do because you cannot wholeheartedly embrace it, you don’t believe all students can and will learn, you don’t value working with our administration and your colleagues to create and build great schools then I am asking you to leave our supervisory union and find a public school that will be a better match. I don’t think you’ll find one in Vermont, because this is state work, this is local work.”

Closing comments to speeches are what most people remember, so Powden’s message of, “it’s my way or the highway,” was disturbing to some in attendance.  

Does proficiency based learning have the track record and research to merit this type of speech? While competency based educations (CBE) has been around since the 60s, the current approach has only been in place for about five years. Some states, like Maine, that were big supporters of it initially, are already moving away from it. Further there a variety of approaches to proficiency based learning.  The best that can be said is that this approach to CBE is transitional.

Taking it one step further, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a federally-mandated test that’s referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, has just been released. Testing 4th and 8th grade students, Vermont students scored above the national average on all tests except for fourth grade math. However, results  largely mirrored national trends. VT  performance has declined between 2017 and 2019-the time period where proficiency based learning has been pushed- in both subjects and both grades. Is this a reflection on proficiency based education?

 The release of this speech continues to add logs to the fire of community frustration. A number of those who live in the TRSU (Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow and Mt. Holly) have been voicing their displeasure with Powden  on social media for quite some time.

 With the creation of the TRSU, and the end of local school boards, it’s easy to understand why people are choosing social media over attending meetings. Not only is it easier, but some don’t understand who to talk too. To that end, the following information is being provided to help people direct their comments to those who are in a position to make change.

Cavendish is part of the GMUSD with town reps being Kate Lamphere (Kate.Lamphere@trsu.org); Fred Marin (Fred.Marin@trsu.org) and Doug McBride (Doug.McBride@trsu.org).

Note that in The Chester Telegraph’s article Powden releases text of speech to board, Telegraph Marin is on record as having said, “I thought it was a great speech. She’s trying to address a problem and, while I can understand teachers being upset by her suggestions, it’s time to fish or cut bait. The only way to find out if something works is to implement it and she’s being a strong leader.”

McBride was not available for comment and Lamphere’s comments were not included in the article.

 The GMUSD plus the Ludlow Mt. Holly Unified School District comprise the TRSU. Fred Marin serves on the TRSU board, which recently made the decision to continue Powden’s contract.

A list of members and contact information for all of the boards is available on-line at the TRSU website. If you can’t make meetings, you can e-mail them with your concerns and recommendations.

Cavendish Update 10/25/19: GMUSD/Rx/News/Events

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

10/25/19 Cavendish Update

1.Cavendish Related news

2. Powden Doesn’t Trust GMUSD Members

4. Take Back Day: Getting Rid of Medications

4. Events 

1.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Congratulations to Mark Huntley for His Hole in One: Mark Huntley, a resident of Cavendish and owner of Huntley Wealth Management of Ludlow, landed a hole-in-one during the 19th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge at the Okemo Valley Golf Club on Sept. 19, winning a $10,000 cash prize. This was the first time in the history of the Golf Challenge and also the first time during a tournament at OVGC that a player hit a hole-in-one on a big prize-winning holes. Chester Telegraph

New Poll From VPR And Vermont PBS Explores Challenges And Opportunities Of Rural Life: Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS have released the full results of a joint statewide poll that explores Vermonters’ assessment of life in rural Vermont today and prospects for the future. The survey found that most Vermonters rate the quality of life in their local community as good or excellent, while 21 percent of the respondents said life was only fair or poor. Vermonters say that community itself, taxes, and infrastructure are at the top of the list for ways to improve life in the state.

2. POWDEN DOESN’T TRUST SCHOOL BOARD (GMUSD) MEMBERS: In Shawn Cunningham’s Oct. 23  Chester Telegraph article he describes how Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) superintendent, Meg Powden, refused to share with the Green Mountain Unified School (GMUSD) board the text of a speech she gave to a “welcoming meeting” held for teachers across the supervisory union on Oct. 15. Her reason for not sharing was, “We have an issue – the administration and the board. … I don’t trust some of the board members because of some of their actions.” Indicators are those who attended the meeting on the 15th were stunned by the speech and spoke not only to board members but also to Cunningham.  Note, the Telegraph, who has been championing the legal responsibility of transparency, is requesting the text of the speech under Vermont’s Public Records Act.

The fact that Powden is unwilling to discuss matters with her board, is old news. One such issue, also discussed at the board meeting,  was the signage on the buses. Even though the GMUSD budget paid for them, Powden had the buses painted as TRSU. However, she has kept the board in the dark on far more serious matters, with the worse being the number of lawsuits against the TRSU, GMUSD and herself, which continue to pile up.

 In Sharon Huntley’s article in the Vermont Journal she notes that the Oct. GMUSD board meeting was book-ended with two executive seasons. The first was dealing with the lawsuit, filed in early September, on behalf of five sisters who claimed that those in charge did little to stop the harassment and bullying they experienced at Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS). The board waited over a month and a half to meet on a lawsuit where they, the TRSU, Powden and members of GMUHS are being sued. This is questionable at best, but coupled with the clear distrust between the board and Powden, it gives pause to wonder how well the GMUSD board can fulfill its charge of over-seeing the school and the superintendent.

It’s no secret that community members of the various towns in the TRSU (Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow and Mt. Holly) have taken to social media to voice their concern and frustration over the current situation. While many are calling for the firing/resignation of Powden, they also note that board members are trying to do their job but are being shackled in the process.  Thank you to the school board members who keep asking the questions that should be answered by Meg but are not.  Keep asking till we get our answer’s! Why must we the taxpayers not be entitled to hear our questions answered from her? It is time for change and long overdue. It is time to replace our superintendent and time to repair the damage done.

One of the most poignant comments on social media may sum it up the best.  It appears there is no trust on anyone’s part. Things seem to get just worse and worse. When did the students cease being the primary interest?

3. HOW TO GET RID OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS: Oct. 26, Saturday, is National Take Back Drug Day. This twice-yearly event provides a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, while educating about the potential for medication misuse, accidental ingestion and overdose. More than half of people who misuse prescription medication get it from a friend or relative, often straight out of the medicine cabinet.  Medications that are not properly stored in your home can be a risk to kids and pets who might accidentally ingest them. And flushing medications or tossing them in the trash is a danger to our waterways and wildlife.

There are convenient year round locations to dispose of your prescriptions properly, which are listed below. Vermont also offers the opportunity to “mail back” using free envelopes at available community resources as well as on-line. Learn more about this service, as well as the proper storage of medications,  at the Health Dept. website.

Year Round Locations: Ludlow Pharmacy: 57 Pond St. Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-5 and Sun 9-3. Will take pills, patches & Liquids

• Ludlow Police Department: 19 West Hill Open 7 days a week from 8-5. Will take any dry prescription drugs are accepted, including unused patches. No liquids, needles, sharps, inhalers, or aerosols are accepted.

Springfield Pharmacy 262 River St: Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-1 Will take pills, patches & liquids

• Springfield Police Department: 201 Clinton St.  Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Similar restrictions as Ludlow Police Dept

 Only on Oct. 26: Weathersfield Transfer Station 10-2

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Fletcher Community Library and the Book Nook will co-host author Thomas Farmen for an afternoon author’s talk about “Bessie’s Story: Watching the Lights Go Out,” an inspiring book about Bessie, a chocolate lab slowly losing her sight, who unwittingly becomes a mentor and teacher for her owner on the high-wire act of growing older with grace and optimism. This event will take place in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, located at 573 Main Street in Proctorsville, Vt at 4 PM. FMI: 802-228-3238.

• Take Back Drug Day:

 OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN Trunk or Treat. CTES in Proctorsville Set up is at 4:30 with trick or treating from 5-6:30. Adults can be Trunk or treaters by bringing their cars, decorating the trunk with a theme and handing out treats. No scary decorations please. Sponsored by Cavendish Baptist Church.

 NOVEMBER 3 (SUNDAY): FALL BACK. Clocks return to standard time by setting clocks back an hour.

 NOVEMBER 11 (MONDAY): Veteran’s Day. Legal Holiday town office and schools closed.

 NOVEMBER 12 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting. This meeting will start at 5:30 pm with a public hearing regarding adoption of the Town Plan.

 NOVEMBER 15 (FRIDAY): Property taxes due.

 NOVEMBER 27-29 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Schools closed for Thanksgiving break.

 NOVEMBER 28 (THURSDAY): Happy Thanksgiving

 NOVEMBER 28-29 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

 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