July 03, 2025

25: 4th of July Edition

July 03, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

We’re posting a day earlier so you can plan your 4th of July activities. Check the Cavendish VT Facebook page for the Black River water testing results for this week, which are released on Thursday night.

Friday 7/4: SPECIAL 4TH OF JULY Proctorsville Market on the Green 9:30-11:30 pm. The Cavendish Historical Society’s craft project includes: making a five pointed star in one snip to adorn a tricorn hat and playing games from the Revolutionary War era. FMI: Website

See item 1 below for 4th of July activities in the area.

NOTE: Paving work began on July 1st on Depot St. from 103 to Greven Rd and on Quent Phelan Rd. Both roads will remain open but expect delays and seek alternative routes.

7/4/25

1.Area July 4th Activities

2.Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

1. AREA 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES: Note that Ludlow’s fireworks and activities will be on July 5 (Saturday).

• Proctorsville Market on the Green 9:30-11:30 am

• Saxton’s River 4th

• Brownsville Independence Day

• Calvin Coolidge

• Claremont, NH

• Springfield VT

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6/30/25: At a special meeting of the SB, the following action was taken: Approved the Delinquent tax note of $225,000 for 1 year at 5.75% from Mascoma Bank. Approved and signed the Tax Anticipation Note of $300,000 for 6 months at 5.5% interest from Mascoma Bank. Town Treasurer, Diane McNamara said that she had just received the State education tax rate and they will need to have another board meeting to approve the tax rate calculations.

• Cavendish Municipal Water System Report: The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report for the Cavendish Municipal Water System is now available at the town’s website. If you have questions, contact Rick Chambers at 802-226-7291 or e-mail cavtm@cavendishvt.org

• Town Office Closed July 10: he Town Office will be closed on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 9 am to 4:30 pm in order to print tax bills. We will be open regular hours the other days that week and apologize for any inconvenience.

• History of Cavendish by Lois Wheeler is now on-line. This history was written in 1952 and includes very interesting maps and photographs. Note that when you open the site, it appears blank. Just scroll down for the book.

• Gypsy Reels Kicks off CCCA Summer Concert Series in Proctorsville on Wednesday July 9.

• Trail Party: The CCCA Trail Committee will be doing a general clean up and improvements of the Hardy Trail in Cavendish on July 12 (Saturday), 9 am. FMI: 802-272-4077

• Governor Scott Signs Education Bill: The transformation is far from guaranteed. Lawmakers first need to agree on a new school district map before proceeding with other facets of the law. VT Digger

• US Department of Education withholds millions in funding for Vermont school districts: The $26 million in federal grant funding supported after-school and summer programs, professional development for teachers and staff, as well as English language instruction for students. Funds for these programs were supposed to be distributed on July 1. But the U.S. Department of Education alerted the state Agency of Education they were holding the funds back “on the evening of June 30,” according to a press release by the Agency of Education. VT Digger

• Eagle Times Suspends Operations: The Eagle Times announced it is suspending operations, saying it is “not able to achieve business results sufficient to make the paper financially viable,” according to an email sent out Monday. The announcement comes three weeks after the newspaper ceased printing its three-days-per week print edition, which Eagle Times owner Jay Lucas attributed to the sudden departure of key employees last month. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

JULY 4 (FRIDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY Special market 9:30-11:30 am

JULY 5 (SATURDAY): Ludlow 4th of July fireworks Okemo Base area

JULY 9 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Gypsy Reel, Irish band.

JULY 10 (THURSDAY): Town Office Closed

JULY 11 (Friday): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

JULY 12 (SATURDAY): The CCCA Trail Committee will be doing a general clean up and improvements of the Hardy Trail in Cavendish 9 am. FMI: 802-272-4077

JULY 16 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, East Bay Jazz Ensemble

JULY 18 (Friday): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

JULY 23 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Wayne Canney & Friends

JULY 25 (Friday): Proctorsville Market 4-7 pm

JULY 26 (SATURDAY): CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAGE SALE 9-2 pm. Website.

JULY 30 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bow Thayer & Krishna Guthrie

AUGUST 6 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bear Mountain Boys.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

June 27, 2025

Cavendish Update 6/27/25: Tag Sale/News/Events

June 27, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS: Facebook Blue Sky or Website

Friday 6/27: Proctorsville Market on the Green 4-7 pm. The Cavendish Historical Society’s craft project today continues with the 4th of July theme-making patriotic fans and bracelets. FMI: Website

Check Murdock’s Facebook page for Friday night specials and call ahead 802-554-0126 for reservations.

Water Testing According to Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests the water, Another week of excellent bacteria numbers at our swimming holes! Amherst Lake: 1; Buttermilk Falls: 4; Cavendish Gorge: 49; Lake Pauline: 7; Lake Rescue: 5; Tolles Dam: 30; and Twenty-foot Hole: 9.The EPA has set an upper limit for safe contact of 235 cfu (colony-forming units) of coliform bacteria per 100 mL of sample water. It is recommended to stay out of the water for 24-48 hours after a heavy rain, and anytime the water is unusually cloudy or murky. Many thanks to all who volunteer as "Water Watchers" to collect weekly samples and post charts, and to every sponsor of a sampling site through our Adopt-A-Swimming Hole program! Betty McEnaney of Diamond Realty; Vermont Co-Pack; Greater Upper Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited; Okemo Mtn Resort

Tygart Mountain Sports; Green Mountain Fireplace Specialties; and Green Mountain Power

We’re updating the Cavendish Business Directory. Please take a look and e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with additions, suggestions or other changes. This directory is for Cavendish/Proctorsville business owners and/or those operating in our town/villages.

6/27/25

1.Town Wide Tag

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH 15TH ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: A month away, we’re gearing up for another successful town wide tag sale. If you would like a space on one of the greens and/or would like to be included in the on-line directory, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-7807. We’re quickly approaching the time when we’ll be posting pictures of who has what for sale. FMI: Website

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Sandra Stearns (1939-2025): It is with sadness that we post the passing of Sandy Stearns, one of the early members of the Cavendish Historical Society. She was Cavendish's own Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her "Little House" book was called "Cavendish Hillside Farm 1939 to 1957” and she made time to read it to the students at CTES. As can be seen in her obituary, Sandy was very involved in her community be it church, school or town governance (she was a select board member). Her children invite everyone to join them at a short graveside service at the Center Cemetery in Cavendish at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 28th which will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Proctorsville Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Proctorsville Fire Department, PO Box 81, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Please note that the Cavendish Historical Society will have copies of Sandy’s book at their booth at the Friday Market in Proctorsville, at the Museum on Sundays 2-4 pm and at the Town Wide tag Sale day, July 26th. They will be located at the Gazeboo on the Proctorsville Green.

• Kimberly A. Henry (1964-2025): Kim was that reassuring presence when we took our ailing pets to Springfield Animal Hospital. For many, she was the one who helped them through some difficult choices they had to make for four legged family members. At Kim’s request no public service will be held.

• Free Summer Meal Kits for Kids: Available for any household with children 18 & under, the TRSU Summer Farm to School Café provides free summer meal kits for kids. Pick up is at GMUHS on Thursdays from July 3-August 7, 1:30-4:00 pm. Each kit will include a combination of bulk and ready-to-eat items equivalent to 7 days worth of breakfast and lunch per child. Please specify number of children, pick up site and any allergies or dietary restrictions when you register. Sign up must be received by noon on Saturday in order to collect the following Thursday. FMI: Andrew Levesque, GMUSD Food Service Director Andrew.levesque@TRSU.org or 802-875-4249.

• GMUSD board gets PCB update, continues internal wrangling Chester Telegraph

• Summer Reading Program at Cavendish Library: Summer Reading is here and this year's theme is, "Color our World." Starting July 1st, join us for fun and colorful activities that can be done on any day or time the library is open! Stop by any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9am-6pm to see what arts, crafts,or games we have in store. We even have some activities running all summer long (rock painting, community mosaic posters, coloring sheets, etc.). Then join us August 19th at 6PM for an evening of folk and fairytales, myths and legends, with Simon Brooks, which is sure to be fun for all ages!

• Gov. Phil Scott signs $13.5 million tax credit package benefiting low-income workers, families, retirees and veteran: Gov. Phil Scott signed a tax credit package on Wednesday that is projected to provide $13.5 million in breaks for low-income workers, families, veterans and retirees. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

JUNE 27 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market, village green 4-7 pm. Website

JULY 4 (FRIDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY No market today.

JULY 5 (SATURDAY): Ludlow 4th of July fireworks Okemo Base area

JULY 9 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Gypsy Reel, Irish band.

JULY 16 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, East Bay Jazz Ensemble

JULY 23 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Wayne Canney & Friends

JULY 26 (SATURDAY): CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAGE SALE 9-2 pm. Website.

JULY 30 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bow Thayer & Krishna Guthrie

AUGUST 6 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bear Mountain Boys.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

June 20, 2025

Cavendish Update 6/20/25: News/Events

June 20, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS: CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE! Looks like good weather for Friday and Saturday. GMFS will be holding their open house today and tomorrow. More info below.

Friday 6/20: Proctorsville Market on the Green 4-7 pm. The Cavendish Historical Society will be offering a free workshop making friendship bracelets along with red, white and blue garlands for the 4th. FMI

Check Murdock’s Facebook page for Friday night specials and call ahead 802-554-0126 for reservations. Yes, they have take out.

Saturday 6/21: Birds N Blooms Proctorsville Green 10-2. Check Cavendish Streetscapes Facebook page.7 for all the amazing things they’ll have for sale that day.

Annual Cavendish Village Ghost Walk: 8 pm. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 8pm. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. This event is free and open to the public.

Water Testing According to Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests the Black River for recreation usage, “ALL our swimming holes tested at well below the safe limit for bacteria yesterday...wooo! Keep an eye on the weather, though; it is recommended to stay out of the water for 24-48 hours after heavy rain, and any time the water is murky/unclear.”

6/20/25

1.Cavendish Related News

2. Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Barbara Dickey 1934-2025): It is with sadness that we report the passing of Barbara Dickey on Monday. She was an integral part of our community, serving on the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) board, as well as working with various town groups including the Cavendish Community Fund, Cavendish Community and Conservation Association, Streetscapes, and Gethsemane Church. Through her gardening, grant writing, activism, organizing both a film and music series, she touched everyone in the Cavendish community. In addition, Dr. Barbara Dickey was also an Associate Professor Psychology, Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston with numerous articles and contributions in health care. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20th 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Mission Farm Church (316 Mission Farm Rd, Killington, VT 05751). A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 20th 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Twentymile Stream Cemetery.

• Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library: From July 3 (Thursday)- July 8 (Tuesday) try out an E-bike, choosing from 4 different ones, at the Cavendish Library. Learn more and sign up at the Vital Communities website.

• Made in America: Goodman’s American Pie: Nice article about Proctorsville residents Craig and Jessica Goodman. They are now making their delicious pizzas for the freezer for 91 stores all over Vermont. WCAX

• GMFS to hold grand opening of Proctorsville store: Green Mountain Fireside Specialties (GMFS), formerly Green Mountain Fireplace Specialties, has expanded its operations to Proctorsville with the opening of their new Stoves, Patio & Vermont Living Store, at 2568 Route 103 South. Joining other Black River Park tenants Grafton Village Cheese and Bambino University. A two-day grand opening celebration is planned for Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, featuring food, music, giveaways, a raffle, and sales up to 50% off select items. Goodman’s American Pie will be on site on Friday, from 1-4 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, at 2 p.m., after which local music legend Sammy B will perform until 3:45 p.m. Saturday’s event includes a charcuterie board from Grafton Village Cheese and a “celebration cake” at 1 p.m. VT Journal

• Caps off to the 48 GMUHS Students. VT Digger

• Vermont Legislature passes landmark education reform, despite fierce dissent: The 155-page bill is expansive in scope, but it primarily aims to do two things. It transitions Vermont to a foundation formula, through which the state — not local voters — controls the bulk of school spending using a per-pupil grant, and it paves the way for wide-scale consolidation. The legislation’s champions say it will stabilize property taxes, redirect spending where it is most needed, and create a more coherent governance system. But its critics are deeply anxious about the implications for local control and rural schools. The bill seeks to establish school districts with at least 4,000 students, and establishes class-size minimums that could close schools. VT Public

• Vermont lawmakers ban phones in school VT Public

• Vermont DMV can now renew driver’s licenses years before they expire: The DMV says recent legislation means that starting Tuesday, driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs can be renewed well before they are set to expire. To be eligible for early renewal, the existing license or credential must have fewer than four full years remaining. Renewal can be done by mail or in person.

2.EVENTS

JUNE 20 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market, village green 4-7 pm. Website

JUNE 21 (SATURDAY): Birds N Blooms, Proctorsville Green 10-2

• Cavendish Village Annual Ghost Walk: Meet at the CHS Museum at 8 pm. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.

JUNE 23 (MONDAY): Bishop McDermott will be coming to Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Proctorsville to celebrate a final mass in anticipation of the Canonical Closure of the Mission Church. The Mass will be 11 am, followed by a luncheon.

JUNE 27 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market, village green 4-7 pm. Website

JULY 4 (FRIDAY): 4TH OF JULY

JULY 5 (SATURDAY): Ludlow 4th of July fireworks Okemo Base area

JULY 9 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Gypsy Reel, Irish band.

JULY 16 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, East Bay Jazz Ensemble

JULY 23 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Wayne Canney & Friends

JULY 30 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bow Thayer & Krishna Guthrie

JULY 26 (SATURDAY): CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAGE SALE 9-2 pm.

AUGUST 6 (WEDNESDAY): Concert on Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) 6pm, Bear Mountain Boys.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

June 13, 2025

Cavendish Update 6/13/25: SB Mtg/Market Day/ News/Events

June 13, 2025/ Cavendish Connects

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS: CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

Congratulations to the class of 2025 who are graduating tonight from Green Mountain Union High School.

FRIDAY (6/13): The 4TH annual Age Successfully: A Health & Benefits Fair-Ludlow Community Center 10-2. Free and open to the public. Free BBQ. Pick up your “Go Kit,” from theBlack River Valley Resources (BRVR) table

• Proctorsville Market on the Green 4-7 pm. The Cavendish Historical Society will be offering a free workshop making patriotic bubble wans. There is also a mystery to solve: The Case of the Missing Bell, as well as door prizes and goodies. Vendors include: Laurie Marechaux; Bracelets by Eowyn; Oak Lane Soap Works; Vivid Vines; Deaine Taigen; Baked by a Tree; Sweet Slopes Maple; Sandra Lombardi Pottery; Riverside Woodsmith; Wildflour Bakery; Create Together at Fletcher Farm; Debbies Creations and local vendor with eggs, dairy and quiche. FMI: Website

Check Murdock’s Facebook page for Friday night specials and call ahead 802-554-0126 for reservations.

• CTES End of School/Start of Summer Carnival 5-8 at the school

SATURDAY (6/14): General trail clean up and improvements to the Proctor Piper Trail. Meet at 9am - Proctor Piper trail head, Pratt Hill Road in Proctorsville.

SUNDAY (6/15): Happy Father’s Day. Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) Talk and Tour Revolutionary War Cemetery begins with the talk at 2 pm at the Museum.

Water Testing According to Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests the water, “all our swimming holes came back with sexy numbers for bacteria counts - all are either double or SINGLE digits! The EPA cautions folks to avoid contact with water where there is a level of 235 cfu/100 mL - that's 235 colony-forming units of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water.”

6/13/25

1.Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6/9/25

2. Be Storm Savvy: Check ditches, culverts & drains

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 6/9/25: The video of Monday night’s select board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website. Unapproved minutes are at the Town Website and the Chester Telegraph has an article.

Approved

• Use of the Proctorsville Green for Wednesday night concerts which will be as follows: July 9 Gypsy Reel; July 16 East Bay Jazz Ensemble; July 23 Wayne Canney & Friends; July 30 Bow Thayer and Krishna Guthrie; and Aug. 6 Bear Mountain Boys. Concerts start at 6 pm

• Adoption of Yearly Local Emergency Management Plan, with the change that Chris Marks is the new Emergency Management Director.

• Reversing the May 12 decision on beaver trapping on the town’s Main Street property. The landowner will be working with Black River Action Team (BRAT) and other groups to mitigate beaver issues in other ways, such as a “beaver deceiver.”

• Liquor licenses for Cavendish Pointe and Castle.

• Sewer budget and increased rate by 7.5%: Revenue has to increase to cover costs.

Discussed:

Ludlow Policing of Cavendish: Ludlow Police Chief Jeffrey Warfle provided cost estimates to the board for first year service-$283,592-recommending that the town apply for a Law Enforcement Grant to help cover costs, which would need to be filed by July 1. It was agreed that this should be discussed between now and before next year’s budget and it may need to be brought before the voters.

GMP Summer Projects: As part of Zero Outage Initiative, Green Mountain Power is identifying areas with worst performing circuits. Route 106/Tarbell Hill area circuit is number 4 on the worst case list. This summer work will be ongoing to try and correct the program. GMP would like to bury the lines but before doing so will come to the town once they have an implementation plan.

Greven Field: Much to the town’s surprise, Cavendish will not be getting the grant for Greven Field. The silver lining is that the town can do what they want within the flood regs. Rick Chambers, town manager, is putting together a committee. If interested in participating call the town office 802-226-7291.

Road Discussion 413 Brook Road: The property owner would like to see the road put back to the way it was prior to Irene, by lowering it 3 feet. This issue has been going on for 13 years and the homeowner is very frustrated. The town will talk with the state about what they’d recommend and at the July SB meeting will figure out next steps.

Planning Commission: Provided an update on Subdivision Regulations. Either the SB has to approve the regs or it needs to be voted on by the town in March 2026.

2. BE STORM SAVVY & CHECK YOUR DITCHES/DRAINS AND CULVERTS: While the town fared well from last Friday’s heavy rains, there are ditches, drains and culverts that may be blocked by debris. If you haven’t checked the ones in and around your property, take the time this weekend to do so. The handout “Be Storm Savvy” can help you know what to look for and how to handle it. Download a copy by clicking here or stop by the Town Office or the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries for a printed copy. If you are having a problem with a town or state culvert, ditch, or drain, call the town office 802-226-7291. If you need assistance in clearing, contact culvert.crawlers@gmail.com

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Proctor Trail Clean Up: The CCCA Trail Committee will be doing a general trail clean up and improvements to the Proctor Piper Trail in Cavendish on Saturday June 14. This includes cutting and removing fallen trees from the trails; trimming back new growth along trail edges. Trail improvements in wet areas may require placement of stepping stones. If you can bring tools that would be greatly appreciated. Some tools will be available. Don't forget your work gloves and water! The trail head is a .5 miles up Pratt Hill Road off Depot Street. Pratt Hill Road is across the river from the train tracks. FMI: Ron at ronaldemig@gmail.com or call 802-272-4077.

• Cavendish Planning Commission 6/4 Hearing on Proposed Draft Subdivision Regulations”

• Scott recognizes We the Veterans' Military 250 campaign: The Veterans and Military Families announced that Governor Phil Scott has joined leaders across the nation in recognizing Military 250, a year-long national initiative celebrating the founding anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. This movement seeks to elevate the voices of veterans and military families, promote civic participation, and foster a renewed commitment to service and community. VB Biz

4. EVENTS

JUNE 13 (FRIDAY): Proctorsville Market, village green 4-7 pm. Website

- Fourth Annual Age Successfully Health & Benefits Fair from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Ludlow Community Center. This event is free and open to the public, and there will be a free barbecue. FMI: Susan Peters at 802-885-2655, ext. 2112, or outreach@seniorsolutionsvt.org.

- CTES Carnival 5-8 pm at the school

- GMUHS Graduation in Chester

JUNE 14 (SATURDAY): Flag Day. 250th Anniversary of the US Army. Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys are formally recognized as the Green Mountain Regiment as part of the Continental Army with George Washington as Commander. Learn more about Ethan Allen by clicking here.

- Proctor Piper Trail Head Cleaning, 9 am (See Item 3 above)

- Red Cross Babysitting Training 9-1 at the Cavendish Fire Station. This course is free to Cavendish residents 11 and up.

- Organizing & Decluttering 101 @ the Ludlow Library, 11am with Kris Harmelink. FMI: 802-228-8921

JUNE 15 (SUNDAY): Happy Father’s Day.

- Cavendish Historical Society Walk and Talk on Cavendish Revolutionary Soldiers. The walk portion includes a trip to the Revolutionary War Cemetery. Program begins at 2 pm at the Museum. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807.

JUNE 16 (MONDAY): CTES 6th grade graduation, Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) at 6 pm