This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Municipal Water Update
2. Solar Motion Security Light
3. Elijab Zimmer Artist of the Month
4. Classifieds: ISO
1. Cavendish Municipal Water Update
On Monday, December 15, the Cavendish Water Board met. Rich Svec, Town Manager, introduced the newly hired Clerk of the Works, Randy Shimp, who will be the construction manager for the completion of the filtration project. Shimp has extensive experience in this capacity, including overseeing the construction projects at The Castle Hill Resort and Spa.
While an electrical contractor has been hired, the bid process is currently underway for a construction contractor. The Town is purchasing a number of items including waste tanks, chemical storage facility and a number of the necessary lines have been laid.
The filtration equipment is due to be shipped on January 7. It is hoped by this time the construction company will be on board and the building, which will house the filtration unit, will be finished sufficiently so the equipment will only need to be moved once.
Shimp indicated that by the next Water Board meeting, they should be able to provide a time line by and when to anticipate clean water from the tap.
The Town has sent out a “Water Filtration Update-December 2008” to homeowners on Cavendish Municipal water. If you have not received a copy, contact the Town Office 802-226-7292.
2. Solar Motion Security Light
In view of the most recent theft of catalytic converters on Depot Street in Proctorsville, (see Cavendish Update 1217/08) it has been suggested that having a motion sensitive light, where you park your car, may help to deter criminals. The Solar Store in Cavendish has a selection you can choose from:
Solar Motion Security Light: black Dual-head- 10 LED $79.95
Solar Motion Security Light: black -10W Halogen $89.95
Solar Motion Security Light: gray -24 LED $99.95
FMI: Call.226.7093 or e-mail cavendish@usasolarstore.com.
3. Elijab Zimmer Artist of the Month
Cavendish artist Elijah Zimmer is December’s artist of the month at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library. Elijah, a 17 year old, is a self-trained folk artist working primarily in acrylics. His works harkens back to the American Primitive painters of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, such as Ami Philips and Rufus Porter, and to
such contemporary artists as Warren Kimble.
“I find my inspiration in the beautiful Vermont landscapes, which have preserved more of its early American spirit than other parts of America.” says Elijah. “Vermont’s hills and brooks, barns and old farmhouses, its picturesque villages and back roads with meandering stone walls, provide the perfect materials for folk art.”
Over the past year, Elijah’s paintings have been shown at the Miller Art Center in Springfield and the Maple Sugaring Festival in Gaysville.
“I also enjoy expanding my art into the physical realm by building dry laid stone walls and gardens as pictured in my paintings.”
A collection of eleven paintings is on display at the Redfield Proctor Room, of the Cavendish Library until Mid-January. An assortment of note cards and prints will also be available for sale.
4. Classifieds: In Search Of
• A dog crate, 36x24x28 (for 30 lb dog) . Please call Barbara, 226-7187
Part of Cavendish Connects, the Cavendish, VT Blog archives the weekly e-mails, "Cavendish Update" and provides on-going information about current activities.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
CAVENDISH BREAK IN ALERT 12/17/08
The following information was received from a resident of Depot Street in Proctorsville this afternoon:
Thought I might use your contacts to send out an alert for the town. We had Catalytic converters stolen from two cars parked in front of our house last night. So I guess our converter thieves are back and in our town right now. Please let everyone know to keep an eye out.
We have contacted the Vermont State Police and learned that this is an isolated event. Until recently, the metal from the converters was worth quite a bit of money, and so it was worth the risk for some criminals to steal and sell them. Since the price of metal has dropped recently, there has been a significant reduction in this type of crime.
When asked how to prevent this type of crime, the State Police said the only safe measure is to keep your car in a locked garage. Using a battery operated Sawzall; the criminal can cut through the metal and be on their way in short order. There is one product being marketed called Cat Clamp http://catclamp.com/how.php
Thought I might use your contacts to send out an alert for the town. We had Catalytic converters stolen from two cars parked in front of our house last night. So I guess our converter thieves are back and in our town right now. Please let everyone know to keep an eye out.
We have contacted the Vermont State Police and learned that this is an isolated event. Until recently, the metal from the converters was worth quite a bit of money, and so it was worth the risk for some criminals to steal and sell them. Since the price of metal has dropped recently, there has been a significant reduction in this type of crime.
When asked how to prevent this type of crime, the State Police said the only safe measure is to keep your car in a locked garage. Using a battery operated Sawzall; the criminal can cut through the metal and be on their way in short order. There is one product being marketed called Cat Clamp http://catclamp.com/how.php
Friday, December 12, 2008
Cavendish Update 12/12/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Flood Photograph for Sale
2. Cavendish Library News
3. Eco Friendly Ways to Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
1. Cavendish Flood Photograph for Sale
The Cavendish Historical Society is pleased to announce that copies of the panoramic photograph of the 1927 flood are now available for sale, thanks to the help of Stantec and Stephen Plunkard. The photograph is from 1927 and was taken by H.A. Boss. Measuring approximately 37 1/2 “ X 6”, the cost is $30 plus $5 shipping and handling. If you prefer, you can make arrangements to pick up the photograph in Cavendish. This is a limited edition, so it is suggested that you order now. To order a photograph, send a check payable to CHS and mail to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142. FMI: margoc@tds.net or margoc@tds.net
2. Cavendish Library News
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library has exceeded its goal of $2000 for the fall Scholastic Book Fair. This means that Cavendish Town Elementary School principal George Thomson will be dressing up as “George of The Jungle” sometime in January.
The Library is seeking donations of DVDs, CDs and VHS tapes to expand their collection. FMI: 226-7503
3. Eco Friendly Ways to Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
There are numerous problems with the use of salt as a means of keeping walkways clear. If you have a dog, you probably already know how it can hurt their paws. In fact, pets are routinely poisoned or injured from deicers. Be sure to use a damp towel to wipe your pet's paws and underside after being outside. Children can also be injured by salts, so it is important to supervise them while they are outside and check them carefully when they come in.
The heavy use of road salts can lead to damage to vegetation, to organisms in soil, to birds, and to other wildlife. Almost all chloride ions from road salts eventually find their way into waterways, whether by direct run-off into surface water or by moving through the soil and groundwater. In surface water, road salts can harm freshwater plants, fish, and other organisms that are not adapted to living in saline waters.
The following tips from Envirocast http://www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/2003-01-01/envirocast-article4.php can help you choose the best deicing product for your home and the environment:
1. Buy Early ~ Make sure to buy your deicing product well before the big storm hits; otherwise, you could be looking at empty shelves and have few, if any, environmental choices to make at the store.
2. Check the Label ~. Check the package label closely to see what you are buying. Experts recommend using calcium chloride over sodium chloride (rock salt).
3. Avoid Kitty Litter and Ashes ~ Although these products are environmentally friendly, they aren't very effective. While they provide some traction, they do not melt snow and ice. Also, they tend to get real gooey and messy when it warms up, which often tracks in onto the floors of your home. If traction is what you want, then stick with sand, which is much cheaper and easier to sweep up.
4. Shovel Early and Often ~ When it comes to snow removal, there is no substitute for muscle and elbow grease. Deicers work best when there is only a thin layer of snow or ice that must be melted. Get out the snow shovel and move as much snow as you can during the storm. A flat hoe can also help to scrape ice off the surface before any deicers are applied. Be careful when chopping the ice build-up that you don't damage your sidewalk. Also, be careful when shoveling snow. Snow is heavy and overexertion can lead to heart attacks.
5. Know Your Salt Risk Zone ~ You wouldn't want to kill your favorite tree, shrub or grass, so check out the plants that grow within five or ten feet of your driveway and sidewalk (and the road, for that matter). The table below summarizes some of the salt sensitive plants that might be at risk. If you have salt-sensitive trees, shrubs or grasses in this zone, you should avoid any deicing product that contains chlorides (rock salt and calcium-, potassium-, or magnesium- chloride), or use very small doses. You may want to use CMA as a safer alternative, or stick with sand for traction.
6. Avoid Products that Contain Urea ~ Some folks recommend the use of urea as a safer alternative to more common deicing products, arguing that it does not contain chlorides and, as a form of nitrogen, will help fertilize your yard when it washes off. In reality, urea-based deicing products are a poor choice. To begin with, urea is fairly expensive and performs poorly when temperatures drop below -6°C. More importantly, the application rate for urea during a single deicing is ten times greater than that needed to fertilize the same area of your yard. Of course, very little of the urea will actually get to your lawn, but will end up washing into the street and storm drain. Given that nitrogen is a major problem in our waterways, it doesn't make sense to use nitrogen-based products, such as those containing urea, for deicing.
7. If You Must Use Salt: Apply it Early, but Sparingly ~ Remember what your Mom may have told you at the dinner table: "A little salt goes a long way." The recommended application rate for rock salt is about a handful per square meter treated (after you have scraped as much ice and snow as possible). Using more salt than this won't speed up the melting process. Even less salt is needed if you are using calcium chloride (about a handful for every three square meters treated - or about the area of a single bed). If you have a choice, pick calcium chloride over sodium chloride. Calcium chloride works at much lower temperatures and is applied at a much lower rate.
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Flood Photograph for Sale
2. Cavendish Library News
3. Eco Friendly Ways to Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
1. Cavendish Flood Photograph for Sale
The Cavendish Historical Society is pleased to announce that copies of the panoramic photograph of the 1927 flood are now available for sale, thanks to the help of Stantec and Stephen Plunkard. The photograph is from 1927 and was taken by H.A. Boss. Measuring approximately 37 1/2 “ X 6”, the cost is $30 plus $5 shipping and handling. If you prefer, you can make arrangements to pick up the photograph in Cavendish. This is a limited edition, so it is suggested that you order now. To order a photograph, send a check payable to CHS and mail to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142. FMI: margoc@tds.net or margoc@tds.net
2. Cavendish Library News
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library has exceeded its goal of $2000 for the fall Scholastic Book Fair. This means that Cavendish Town Elementary School principal George Thomson will be dressing up as “George of The Jungle” sometime in January.
The Library is seeking donations of DVDs, CDs and VHS tapes to expand their collection. FMI: 226-7503
3. Eco Friendly Ways to Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
There are numerous problems with the use of salt as a means of keeping walkways clear. If you have a dog, you probably already know how it can hurt their paws. In fact, pets are routinely poisoned or injured from deicers. Be sure to use a damp towel to wipe your pet's paws and underside after being outside. Children can also be injured by salts, so it is important to supervise them while they are outside and check them carefully when they come in.
The heavy use of road salts can lead to damage to vegetation, to organisms in soil, to birds, and to other wildlife. Almost all chloride ions from road salts eventually find their way into waterways, whether by direct run-off into surface water or by moving through the soil and groundwater. In surface water, road salts can harm freshwater plants, fish, and other organisms that are not adapted to living in saline waters.
The following tips from Envirocast http://www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/2003-01-01/envirocast-article4.php can help you choose the best deicing product for your home and the environment:
1. Buy Early ~ Make sure to buy your deicing product well before the big storm hits; otherwise, you could be looking at empty shelves and have few, if any, environmental choices to make at the store.
2. Check the Label ~. Check the package label closely to see what you are buying. Experts recommend using calcium chloride over sodium chloride (rock salt).
3. Avoid Kitty Litter and Ashes ~ Although these products are environmentally friendly, they aren't very effective. While they provide some traction, they do not melt snow and ice. Also, they tend to get real gooey and messy when it warms up, which often tracks in onto the floors of your home. If traction is what you want, then stick with sand, which is much cheaper and easier to sweep up.
4. Shovel Early and Often ~ When it comes to snow removal, there is no substitute for muscle and elbow grease. Deicers work best when there is only a thin layer of snow or ice that must be melted. Get out the snow shovel and move as much snow as you can during the storm. A flat hoe can also help to scrape ice off the surface before any deicers are applied. Be careful when chopping the ice build-up that you don't damage your sidewalk. Also, be careful when shoveling snow. Snow is heavy and overexertion can lead to heart attacks.
5. Know Your Salt Risk Zone ~ You wouldn't want to kill your favorite tree, shrub or grass, so check out the plants that grow within five or ten feet of your driveway and sidewalk (and the road, for that matter). The table below summarizes some of the salt sensitive plants that might be at risk. If you have salt-sensitive trees, shrubs or grasses in this zone, you should avoid any deicing product that contains chlorides (rock salt and calcium-, potassium-, or magnesium- chloride), or use very small doses. You may want to use CMA as a safer alternative, or stick with sand for traction.
6. Avoid Products that Contain Urea ~ Some folks recommend the use of urea as a safer alternative to more common deicing products, arguing that it does not contain chlorides and, as a form of nitrogen, will help fertilize your yard when it washes off. In reality, urea-based deicing products are a poor choice. To begin with, urea is fairly expensive and performs poorly when temperatures drop below -6°C. More importantly, the application rate for urea during a single deicing is ten times greater than that needed to fertilize the same area of your yard. Of course, very little of the urea will actually get to your lawn, but will end up washing into the street and storm drain. Given that nitrogen is a major problem in our waterways, it doesn't make sense to use nitrogen-based products, such as those containing urea, for deicing.
7. If You Must Use Salt: Apply it Early, but Sparingly ~ Remember what your Mom may have told you at the dinner table: "A little salt goes a long way." The recommended application rate for rock salt is about a handful per square meter treated (after you have scraped as much ice and snow as possible). Using more salt than this won't speed up the melting process. Even less salt is needed if you are using calcium chloride (about a handful for every three square meters treated - or about the area of a single bed). If you have a choice, pick calcium chloride over sodium chloride. Calcium chloride works at much lower temperatures and is applied at a much lower rate.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Cavendish Update 12/6/08 Okemo Sold
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The 12/6/08 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Okemo sells for $132 M
2. Select Board Agenda 12/8/08
3. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing on Sunday 12/7
4. Other Events
1. Okemo sells for $132M
Rutland Herald 12/6/08 By Bruce Edwards
Okemo Mountain Resort, one of Vermont's oldest and largest ski resorts, was sold Friday to CNL Lifestyle Properties of Orlando, Fla.
Triple Peaks owners Tim and Diane Mueller sold the Ludlow resort along with Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado and Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire for $132 million.
The sale was first reported in Friday's Wall Street Journal.
The Muellers will continue to manage the three resorts under a 40-year lease-back arrangement with CNL Lifestyle Properties, with Triple Peaks LLC making lease payments to CNL.
"Although we're selling the assets, we're maintaining obviously all the operations and control of the resort and signed a long-term lease," Tim Mueller said Friday in a phone interview from Florida, where he and his wife closed on the sale. "As I say, we look at it as more of a financing arrangement as much as anything since we'll still be in control of the operations."
He also said Triple Peaks retains ownership of much of the developable land around Okemo.
Mueller said the deal with CNL was the best financing option available.
"We could have continued going on the way we were going but we just thought bringing in long-term, stable capital was a better option for us," Mueller said, "particularly in this economic environment where bank financing is relatively short term, the short-term rates and the instability of the market …"
The acquisition gives the Muellers additional capital to build the Red Lady Lodge at Crested Butte and to move forward with the Okemo conference center. CNL is also expected to fund improvements at Mount Sunapee.
CNL Lifestyle spokeswoman Carolyn Gosselin said the Muellers' successful management style caught the attention of the company, making the resorts an attractive acquisition. Gosselin also said Okemo in particular is ideally located near major metropolitan areas.
"The second interest is these are affordable drive-to ski resorts that are very popular," she said. "In particular in this economy many skiers are not flying out west … but they're not going to give up their passion for snow skiing."
In the long-term, Gosselin said CNL's capital infusion will enhance Okemo and make it more of a four-season destination.
She said no changes in personnel or employment at the three resorts are anticipated.
At Ludlow's municipal offices, Town Manager Frank Heald, himself an experienced veteran of the Vermont ski industry, said the news of Okemo's sale and lease-back to the Muellers was a good sign of the area's future health.
"I think we will see very little change as I understand it," said Heald, adding that Okemo executives started calling key people in the Ludlow community Thursday afternoon to tell them of the pending sale.
"When all is said and done, this is a refinancing transaction," said Heald. "Tim and Diane have a total and firm hand on the tiller. Their tenure here in this town, when you add everything up, has been a great thing for Ludlow."
Over at the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, executive director Marji Graf sent an e-mail saying that despite the sale, the Muellers were committed to Okemo.
"Tim and Diane are here to stay," she said.
Parker Riehle of the Vermont Ski Areas Association also views Friday's sale as a positive development.
"It gives Okemo the financial infusion that they need to move ahead with a lot of their strategic on-mountain projects and also other developments such as their conference center which would be a dynamic addition to their resort," said Riehle, the VSAA executive director.
Commissioner Bruce Hyde of the state Department of Tourism and Marketing said the added benefit of the deal is that the Muellers retain management control.
"The Muellers have done a great job of bringing Okemo from really a small skier-day, obscure operation to one of our leading resorts," Hyde said.
Okemo opened in January 1956. The Muellers purchased the ski area in 1982 when it had eight or nine lifts (only three double chair lifts) and 26 trails. Over the last 26 years, the couple has turned the once sleepy ski area into a major ski industry player with 19 lifts and 119 trails and glades. The resort also owns Okemo Valley Golf Club.
"We just had a philosophy of continued but steady, relatively constant growth of building up the product," Mueller said.
He also said CNL has a sound track record in owning ski resorts and golf courses. "They are very good people and we have a lot of confidence in them as well," he said.
The three Triple Peaks resorts had a combined 1.1 million skier visits during the 2007-08 ski season.
CNL Lifestyle Properties is part of CNL Financial Group, one of the nation's largest, privately held real estate investment and development companies. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., CNL has formed or acquired companies with more than $23 billion in assets, including hotel, retail, restaurant, senior citizen housing and lifestyle properties.
CNL Lifestyle is a real estate investment trust that owns 115 properties in the United States and Canada, including 13 ski areas and eight village-centered retail developments. The portfolio includes Bretton Woods Mountain Resort and Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in California.
2. Select Board Agenda 12/8/08
The SB will meet on Monday, Dec. 12 at 6: 30 pm in the Town Office. The Agenda will include:
• Update on water filtration project progress and activities since the previous month’s Selectmen’s meeting of November 10th, 2008.
• Continue discussion regarding the status of the Cavendish First Responders, Cavendish Ambulance and disposition of the ambulance vehicle.
• Discuss schedule for budget meetings and Town Manager goals for the FY09-10 Budget. Begin FY09-10 Budget Process: Select Board to hear requests from various organizations for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 appropriations
• Review and consider draft of a Town of Cavendish Purchasing Policy which was distributed to the Selectmen at the 11/10/08 meeting.
• Updates on various Town projects and activities including: Heald Road Greven Road Extension reclamation work ,winter highway maintenance, highway personnel, follow-up n FD #2 dry hydrant installations
• Review Winter Parking Regulations
3. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing on Sunday 12/7
The Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing will take place on December 7 (Sunday). Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. The tree, which stands directly in front of the school, is in memory of Riley Bourgois, who died from cancer while a student at CTES. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
4. Other Events
December 6 (Saturday): Peace Rally, 3 p.m. in front of the Fletcher Library in Ludlow
December 18 (Thursday): Community Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville. The menu will consist of turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, butternut squash, peas, a tossed salad and hot rolls, with pumpkin and apple pies for dessert. Beverages will include coffee, hot tea or cider.
A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of this meal.
The 12/6/08 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Okemo sells for $132 M
2. Select Board Agenda 12/8/08
3. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing on Sunday 12/7
4. Other Events
1. Okemo sells for $132M
Rutland Herald 12/6/08 By Bruce Edwards
Okemo Mountain Resort, one of Vermont's oldest and largest ski resorts, was sold Friday to CNL Lifestyle Properties of Orlando, Fla.
Triple Peaks owners Tim and Diane Mueller sold the Ludlow resort along with Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado and Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire for $132 million.
The sale was first reported in Friday's Wall Street Journal.
The Muellers will continue to manage the three resorts under a 40-year lease-back arrangement with CNL Lifestyle Properties, with Triple Peaks LLC making lease payments to CNL.
"Although we're selling the assets, we're maintaining obviously all the operations and control of the resort and signed a long-term lease," Tim Mueller said Friday in a phone interview from Florida, where he and his wife closed on the sale. "As I say, we look at it as more of a financing arrangement as much as anything since we'll still be in control of the operations."
He also said Triple Peaks retains ownership of much of the developable land around Okemo.
Mueller said the deal with CNL was the best financing option available.
"We could have continued going on the way we were going but we just thought bringing in long-term, stable capital was a better option for us," Mueller said, "particularly in this economic environment where bank financing is relatively short term, the short-term rates and the instability of the market …"
The acquisition gives the Muellers additional capital to build the Red Lady Lodge at Crested Butte and to move forward with the Okemo conference center. CNL is also expected to fund improvements at Mount Sunapee.
CNL Lifestyle spokeswoman Carolyn Gosselin said the Muellers' successful management style caught the attention of the company, making the resorts an attractive acquisition. Gosselin also said Okemo in particular is ideally located near major metropolitan areas.
"The second interest is these are affordable drive-to ski resorts that are very popular," she said. "In particular in this economy many skiers are not flying out west … but they're not going to give up their passion for snow skiing."
In the long-term, Gosselin said CNL's capital infusion will enhance Okemo and make it more of a four-season destination.
She said no changes in personnel or employment at the three resorts are anticipated.
At Ludlow's municipal offices, Town Manager Frank Heald, himself an experienced veteran of the Vermont ski industry, said the news of Okemo's sale and lease-back to the Muellers was a good sign of the area's future health.
"I think we will see very little change as I understand it," said Heald, adding that Okemo executives started calling key people in the Ludlow community Thursday afternoon to tell them of the pending sale.
"When all is said and done, this is a refinancing transaction," said Heald. "Tim and Diane have a total and firm hand on the tiller. Their tenure here in this town, when you add everything up, has been a great thing for Ludlow."
Over at the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, executive director Marji Graf sent an e-mail saying that despite the sale, the Muellers were committed to Okemo.
"Tim and Diane are here to stay," she said.
Parker Riehle of the Vermont Ski Areas Association also views Friday's sale as a positive development.
"It gives Okemo the financial infusion that they need to move ahead with a lot of their strategic on-mountain projects and also other developments such as their conference center which would be a dynamic addition to their resort," said Riehle, the VSAA executive director.
Commissioner Bruce Hyde of the state Department of Tourism and Marketing said the added benefit of the deal is that the Muellers retain management control.
"The Muellers have done a great job of bringing Okemo from really a small skier-day, obscure operation to one of our leading resorts," Hyde said.
Okemo opened in January 1956. The Muellers purchased the ski area in 1982 when it had eight or nine lifts (only three double chair lifts) and 26 trails. Over the last 26 years, the couple has turned the once sleepy ski area into a major ski industry player with 19 lifts and 119 trails and glades. The resort also owns Okemo Valley Golf Club.
"We just had a philosophy of continued but steady, relatively constant growth of building up the product," Mueller said.
He also said CNL has a sound track record in owning ski resorts and golf courses. "They are very good people and we have a lot of confidence in them as well," he said.
The three Triple Peaks resorts had a combined 1.1 million skier visits during the 2007-08 ski season.
CNL Lifestyle Properties is part of CNL Financial Group, one of the nation's largest, privately held real estate investment and development companies. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., CNL has formed or acquired companies with more than $23 billion in assets, including hotel, retail, restaurant, senior citizen housing and lifestyle properties.
CNL Lifestyle is a real estate investment trust that owns 115 properties in the United States and Canada, including 13 ski areas and eight village-centered retail developments. The portfolio includes Bretton Woods Mountain Resort and Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in California.
2. Select Board Agenda 12/8/08
The SB will meet on Monday, Dec. 12 at 6: 30 pm in the Town Office. The Agenda will include:
• Update on water filtration project progress and activities since the previous month’s Selectmen’s meeting of November 10th, 2008.
• Continue discussion regarding the status of the Cavendish First Responders, Cavendish Ambulance and disposition of the ambulance vehicle.
• Discuss schedule for budget meetings and Town Manager goals for the FY09-10 Budget. Begin FY09-10 Budget Process: Select Board to hear requests from various organizations for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 appropriations
• Review and consider draft of a Town of Cavendish Purchasing Policy which was distributed to the Selectmen at the 11/10/08 meeting.
• Updates on various Town projects and activities including: Heald Road Greven Road Extension reclamation work ,winter highway maintenance, highway personnel, follow-up n FD #2 dry hydrant installations
• Review Winter Parking Regulations
3. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing on Sunday 12/7
The Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing will take place on December 7 (Sunday). Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. The tree, which stands directly in front of the school, is in memory of Riley Bourgois, who died from cancer while a student at CTES. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
4. Other Events
December 6 (Saturday): Peace Rally, 3 p.m. in front of the Fletcher Library in Ludlow
December 18 (Thursday): Community Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville. The menu will consist of turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, butternut squash, peas, a tossed salad and hot rolls, with pumpkin and apple pies for dessert. Beverages will include coffee, hot tea or cider.
A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of this meal.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Cavendish December 2008 Calendar
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society www.cavendishhistory.org
The 12/1/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Newsletter on-line
2. December Cavendish Calendar
1. CCCA NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR
The Fall 2008 CCCA Newsletter is now on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The 2009 Cavendish Calendar is now on sale for $10 at Crow’s Corner Bakery.
2. DECEMBER CAVENDISH CALENDAR
December 2 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 3 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting, Cavendish Town Office 6:30 pm. FMI: 226-7292
December 4 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 6 (Saturday): Stuff a Bus to benefit Black River Good Neighbor Services. The bus will be parked in the Shaw’s Parking lot. All items donated will be used to provide holiday baskets to over 125 area families. Items needed include: canned fruit, cranberry sauce, pickles, olives, mac & cheese, hot chocolate, cookies, frozen turkeys, carrots, peas, corn, green beans, yams, gravy, soup, stuffing mix, tea, cereal (oatmeal), coffee, candy and margarine. Donations of money are always welcome. FMI: 228-3663
• The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Glad Tidings of Joy, Songs of Christmas directed by Proctorsville’s Candace Montesi, and featuring other Cavendish residents who are part of the Springfield Community Chorus. 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, Chester VT.
December 7 (Sunday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing: Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
• Glad Tidings of Joy, Songs of Christmas directed by Proctorsville’s Candace Montesi, and featuring other Cavendish residents who are part of the Springfield Community Chorus. 3:00 pm at the First Congregational Church, Springfield, VT.
• Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department Drill 2pm, and Business Meeting 6:30 pm at the Fire House in Cavendish
December 8 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. This is telecast on LPC-TV. FMI:226-7292
December 9 (Tuesday): Cavendish School Board Meeting, 5 pm Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. FMI: 226-7758
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 11 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 13 (Saturday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Santa arrives at 10 and stays until noon. Hot chocolate, coffee and donuts will also be on sale. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Summit Soapworks Gift Shop Fundraiser and Holiday Party for Stepping Stones Preschool. Twenty percent of all store sales will be donated to the Pre School. The Store is located at 106 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI 228-4900, sales@summitsoapworks.com or www.summitsoapworks.com
December 14 (Sunday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
December 16 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 18 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 23 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 25 (Thursday): Merry Christmas
December 30 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 31 (Wednesday): New Year’s Eve
The 12/1/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Newsletter on-line
2. December Cavendish Calendar
1. CCCA NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR
The Fall 2008 CCCA Newsletter is now on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The 2009 Cavendish Calendar is now on sale for $10 at Crow’s Corner Bakery.
2. DECEMBER CAVENDISH CALENDAR
December 2 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 3 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting, Cavendish Town Office 6:30 pm. FMI: 226-7292
December 4 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 6 (Saturday): Stuff a Bus to benefit Black River Good Neighbor Services. The bus will be parked in the Shaw’s Parking lot. All items donated will be used to provide holiday baskets to over 125 area families. Items needed include: canned fruit, cranberry sauce, pickles, olives, mac & cheese, hot chocolate, cookies, frozen turkeys, carrots, peas, corn, green beans, yams, gravy, soup, stuffing mix, tea, cereal (oatmeal), coffee, candy and margarine. Donations of money are always welcome. FMI: 228-3663
• The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Glad Tidings of Joy, Songs of Christmas directed by Proctorsville’s Candace Montesi, and featuring other Cavendish residents who are part of the Springfield Community Chorus. 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, Chester VT.
December 7 (Sunday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing: Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
• Glad Tidings of Joy, Songs of Christmas directed by Proctorsville’s Candace Montesi, and featuring other Cavendish residents who are part of the Springfield Community Chorus. 3:00 pm at the First Congregational Church, Springfield, VT.
• Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department Drill 2pm, and Business Meeting 6:30 pm at the Fire House in Cavendish
December 8 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. This is telecast on LPC-TV. FMI:226-7292
December 9 (Tuesday): Cavendish School Board Meeting, 5 pm Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. FMI: 226-7758
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 11 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 13 (Saturday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Santa arrives at 10 and stays until noon. Hot chocolate, coffee and donuts will also be on sale. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
• Summit Soapworks Gift Shop Fundraiser and Holiday Party for Stepping Stones Preschool. Twenty percent of all store sales will be donated to the Pre School. The Store is located at 106 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI 228-4900, sales@summitsoapworks.com or www.summitsoapworks.com
December 14 (Sunday): The Christmas Tree and Wreath sale to benefit the Proctorsville Vol. Fire Department, 9-4 at the Fire Hall in Proctorsville. Trees start at $25 and up based on size.
December 16 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 18 (Thursday): Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
December 23 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 25 (Thursday): Merry Christmas
December 30 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
December 31 (Wednesday): New Year’s Eve
CCCA Newsletter Fall 2008
Our Vision: CCCA is committed to a vibrant Cavendish/Proctorsville community that supports its human and natural resources, building a legacy of health, integrity and vitality for future generations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Fall 2008 Newsletter
Volume No. 5, Issue No. 4
A Message from Robin
Winter is almost here again and we hope that everyone is adjusting to the fast-coming cold. This is a time of accelerated change, and while it may be a time of hardship it is also a time of opportunity. This Newsletter covers many of the ventures to which we have given our energies during the year 2008. It was a year of deepening commitment to many of the projects that we started in 2007 – Historic Barns Preservation and the Cavendish Community Fund, as well as new projects such as the Community Garden.
My favorite project has always been the Community Calendar. From the beginning I felt that the calendar supported a growing awareness of our environment, which is the very foundation of conservation. The act of taking photographs of our historic and natural environment engenders appreciation. If we delight in the view of an open field and look out across the same field at dawn to see deer grazing in the rising mist – if we hunt and see the young buck in the woods that our father, and perhaps our grandfather once walked in – if we love the changing leaves and the starry sky, unpolluted by external lighting – if we can still look out over a field of native corn or squash, or see the harvesting of a forest for its trees – if we marvel at the old stone walls; all these things and more are part of the foundations of conservation. We value our environment. This does not mean that we are against development; it means that we are in favor of wise development. There are many new, exciting “green” models for development that are springing up all over the country. Many models are for building in such a way that safeguards our heritage and quality of life, keeping historic sites, woodland and agricultural or wildlife habitat intact.
This year was the first year of the Cavendish Community Calendar Contest! And it was a great success with over 25 entries. The judge’s choice photos are currently hanging on display in the Cavendish Town Offices. The photos in the calendar were selected by community vote. Twenty Mile Stream Road in summer, Knapp Pond, a quarry wall, a sunflower or snow on an old apple tree, community members took out their cameras and captured what they loved and chose to share with us all. If you have not already seen the 2009 calendar, check it out! It is for sale at the Town Offices and at Crow’s Bakery. And if you have a camera, please take pictures for next year’s contest. Remember, the best quality photos give the best result. All photos must be in horizontal outlay. Digital photos should be copied to their own disc or keep a copy of your negative. And don’t hesitate to call or see me with your questions.
Robin Timko, Chair
How Our Garden Grows
A Future CCCA Garden
The first season of the Cavendish Town Community Garden has been deemed a success. The garden had approximately six full time volunteers that helped plant, weed and gather produce, including potatoes, beans, tomatoes, broccoli, squash and basil. Beneficiaries of the bountiful produce included members of the Gethsemane Episcopal Church and the Cavendish Town Elementary School lunch program, which received over one hundred fresh tomatoes. At the end of the season the gardeners gathered for a Harvest Pot Luck Picnic by the garden, which turned out to be a fitting culmination of the all the hard work contributed to the cause.
Next year the organizers would like to attract more volunteers. They plan to provide seeds and space and advice for "Grow a Row", which will benefit CTES. Also, they plan to dedicate a portion of the garden as a pumpkin patch for local children to help plant and harvest.
The organizers particularly want to thank the Gethsemane Episcopal Church for the use of their land and their support for this community project.
.
The Event of the Summer!
The Playbill
The 2008 Cavendish Community Theater season was an abbreviated two night affair; but what a fabulous two nights it was! The Cavendish Inn barn was packed – SRO – and people were turned away on both nights. The truly original play, based wholly on the history of Cavendish, was acted by a company of local residents who made up for their lack of experience with a barn full of enthusiasm. And the audience appreciated their efforts lustily.
Tim and Peter Jefferson, ever the elegant hosts, provided a light dinner for those wanting a dinner theater experience, and presented their old barn in its best light. The Cavendish Community Fund, now in its second year of funding local events, proudly provided the necessary financing for the play.
Entitled “The Cavendish Chronicles of Town and the River”, the play was written by the cast, guided by Director Lauryn Axelrod, Director of Education and Resident Dramaturgist at the Weston Playhouse in Weston. It was produced by Bridget Leicester and the musical score was composed and directed by Diane McNamara.
Narrated by Lu Choiniere, Act I told of the early settlers, legends of the valley, and the first towns of Duttonsville and Proctorsville. The local mills took center stage since they formed such a huge part of Cavendish history, and the 1927 flood loomed large as a pivotal point in so many lives. Act II took us through the depression, the war, and the end of the mills as an economic base. With a nod to famous resident Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the play took us to the present.
Since this was the second summer session for Community Theater in Cavendish, there is every hope that we will see a third event in the future.
Button-Up Vermont Holds Energy Saving Workshop
On October 6th, Cavendish citizens were treated to one of the first workshops in a series of over a hundred planned for Vermont. “Button-Up Vermont” was produced by Central Vermont Community Action Council with funding from the Vermont Agency of Human Services in partnership with Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network. The session was really an information-filled presentation on conserving energy through better weatherization and improving home efficiency. The workshop goal was to convey information on how a home losses heat; on some of the more cost-effective solutions for saving energy; on energy saving do-it-yourself projects; on health and safety issues with improving efficiency; and on available technical and financial resources.
The discussion focused on debunking four myths and providing facts and solutions to related problems. First was the myth that you should not turn down the thermostat because it takes more energy to bring it up. This is a false conclusion since heat loss increases with temperature difference and bringing the home back to temperature takes less energy that maintaining a higher temperature.
The second myth was that the “off” button turns products “off”. Modern appliances and products consume energy even after being turned off. If it has a transformer it uses energy all the time. Unplug it to turn it off.
Another myth debunked was that adding attic insulation is the most cost effective method to stop heat loss. The problem is that loose or fiberglass insulation doesn’t stop air flow either through or around it. The most cost effective way to stop heat loss is to seal the house – stop the air flow.
Finally, it is also a myth that replacing windows is a good investment for saving energy. Most windows can be effectively sealed for much less cost than buying new. Added energy savings from improved glass is much less than most people assume.
For more information on energy savings and related matters, and for a list of workshops that you can attend, go to www.efficiencyvermont.com and click on “Button-Up Vermont”.
CCCA Holds Legislative Candidates Night
Continuing a tradition begun in 2006, the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association held a Candidates’ Night at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on October 28. Both candidates for State Representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield (incumbent Democrat Ernie Shand and Republican challenger Ed Williams) attended, as did three of the seven candidates for State Senate from Windsor County (incumbent Democrats Alice Nitka and Dick McCormack and Independent challenger Mark Blanchard). Former Sen. Will Hunter served as moderator.
Topics of discussion included criminal justice, particularly the legislative changes proposed in the aftermath of the sexual assault and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Randolph this summer. While some candidates said they were in favor of a law imposing a mandatory minimum sentence, all spoke of the need to legislate carefully in this area. Sen. Nitka, who as a member of the Judiciary Committee participated in hearings around the state this summer on the topic, spoke of the difficulty that many child witnesses have in describing what may have been done to them. Long mandatory sentences will result in more cases going to trial, rather than being resolved by plea agreement. If children are not able to testify effectively, the result may be more acquittals, she pointed out.
The Entergy nuclear power plant in Vermont and Vermont's energy future was also discussed at length. Challenger Williams favored relicensing the plant, but perhaps for a period of less than the 20 years that has been proposed. Rep. Shand said he was awaiting the report of a special committee established by the Legislature, and would not favor continuing the plant in operation after the current license expires in 2012 if the plant cannot be shown to be reliable. He also noted that Entergy has not put aside sufficient money to pay for the decommissioning of the plant. All speakers favored having the State do more to harness the power of the sun and wind in meeting future energy needs.
The discussion was filmed by LPCTV and shown several times before the election. CCCA plans to sponsor future discussions of current political issues, and will hold a review of budgets and candidates prior to the March 2009 Town Meeting.
Cavendish Community Fund News
The Cavendish Community Fund is off to a running start in this, its second year. Applications for fall 2008 grants were received by the Fund before the November 1st deadline and were under consideration by the selection board as of the time this Newsletter was being written and compiled. The selection board consists of three prestigious local residents, Dr. Eugene Bont, Gloria Leven, and Rolf van Schaik. The CCF is sponsored by and is operated as a committee of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association. It is chaired by Barbara Dickey.
For more information about CCF please call Peter J. LaBelle at 226-7250, or Barbara Dickey at 226-7187.
Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Board of Directors
Robin Timko
Deborah Harrison O’Brien
Will Hunter
Tim Jefferson
Barbara Dickey
Peter LaBelle
Jennifer Stowell
Sandra Russo
CCCA Historic Barn Preservation Committee Joins with Vermont Dept. of Historic Preservation
Regier Barn on Quarry Road
The State of Vermont has asked all towns to conduct a survey of their agricultural barns. To encourage volunteers to help, the state has held several workshops about the history and architectural features of our barns. Peter LaBelle attended one in Tunbridge this summer and Barbara Dickey attended one in Cornwall early this fall. Both Peter and Barbara have been active the past year photographing and documenting all the barns in Cavendish so we knew that most of our survey work was already done. The State asked for more information about the condition and history of the barns than we had, so we are now revisiting each barn to collect more information. If anyone would like to help us, we welcome volunteers. The work is not difficult and participation brings its own rewards: better understanding of the history of Cavendish, and expert knowledge of the back highways and byways of our town.
In addition to expanding our census information for our own use and for the State, we have also worked with historic barn owners, Alan and Wendy Regier, who submitted a proposal to the Vermont Department of Historic Preservation for funds to aid in the restoration of their 200 year old English three-bay barn. Please call 226-7187 for more information or to volunteer!
The CCCA Mission Statement
The CCCA is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. Its commitment is to promote understanding and learning that engages and benefits all members of the Cavendish/ Proctorsville community, now and in the future.
Follow-up on Our Internet Survey: Are You Still Stuck With Dial-Up Technology?
We have been talking with TDS and Comcast about the potential for expanding internet access in the less served areas of Cavendish. TDS has told us that they expect to provide DSL to all of Cavendish within the next two years. (Please note that they told us this last spring.) Comcast is currently analyzing the town to determine where they might expand cable service, which would, of course carry high speed internet service as well.
So far we have gathered the names and addresses of approximately 35 people who would like to have DSL or cable internet service, but who are still stuck with dial up technology. If you are one of those unfortunate few, and you have not yet responded, please e-mail Sandra Russo (sandra.russo@yahoo.com) with your name and Vermont house address. Comcast is using the list of names we provide them to determine their next move, so it is important that we have an accurate list.
The 2009 Cavendish Community Calendar is for Sale
CCCA has the new 2009 Cavendish Community Calendars for sale. These are the pictures taken by your friends and neighbors and include the community’s selection of the best photos submitted to the first Annual Calendar Photo Contest. The scenes are a wonderful collection of Cavendish views and the calendars will make great gifts for family and friends, near and far. Give everyone a reminder this holiday season of what they are missing by not living in Cavendish. Or remind them of why they enjoy living here if they do! Calendars are for sale at the Cavendish Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, or at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville. For further information on the calendars, or on next year’s calendar photo contest call Robin Timko at 802-226-7736.
CCCA Membership Report and Joining CCCA
By Deb O’Brien, Membership Chair
Over the last couple of months, the CCCA Membership committee has been putting much energy into increasing our members’ involvement in our activities and events. From fundraisers to educational forums, members are becoming more active and more involved in the meat and potatoes of our work. It is always a great experience for us to meet members who were previously only a name on our rolls, and we appreciate any and all help that people can give. If you are a member, or even if you are not, and you have an hour, a day or a weekend to help out, contact any member of the Board, or contact me at info@cavendishcca.org, and we will find a task for you!
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association is a membership organization open to all individuals who are concerned with the welfare of the Cavendish community. Dues are a nominal $35 per year for full membership.
In order to join CCCA, please fill out the information below and send with a check payable to Cavendish Community and Conservation Association to:
Deborah Harrison O’Brien
c/o: P.O. Box 605
Cavendish, VT 05142
Name_________________________
Address_______________________
______________________________
Telephone______________________
E-mail_________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Fall 2008 Newsletter
Volume No. 5, Issue No. 4
A Message from Robin
Winter is almost here again and we hope that everyone is adjusting to the fast-coming cold. This is a time of accelerated change, and while it may be a time of hardship it is also a time of opportunity. This Newsletter covers many of the ventures to which we have given our energies during the year 2008. It was a year of deepening commitment to many of the projects that we started in 2007 – Historic Barns Preservation and the Cavendish Community Fund, as well as new projects such as the Community Garden.
My favorite project has always been the Community Calendar. From the beginning I felt that the calendar supported a growing awareness of our environment, which is the very foundation of conservation. The act of taking photographs of our historic and natural environment engenders appreciation. If we delight in the view of an open field and look out across the same field at dawn to see deer grazing in the rising mist – if we hunt and see the young buck in the woods that our father, and perhaps our grandfather once walked in – if we love the changing leaves and the starry sky, unpolluted by external lighting – if we can still look out over a field of native corn or squash, or see the harvesting of a forest for its trees – if we marvel at the old stone walls; all these things and more are part of the foundations of conservation. We value our environment. This does not mean that we are against development; it means that we are in favor of wise development. There are many new, exciting “green” models for development that are springing up all over the country. Many models are for building in such a way that safeguards our heritage and quality of life, keeping historic sites, woodland and agricultural or wildlife habitat intact.
This year was the first year of the Cavendish Community Calendar Contest! And it was a great success with over 25 entries. The judge’s choice photos are currently hanging on display in the Cavendish Town Offices. The photos in the calendar were selected by community vote. Twenty Mile Stream Road in summer, Knapp Pond, a quarry wall, a sunflower or snow on an old apple tree, community members took out their cameras and captured what they loved and chose to share with us all. If you have not already seen the 2009 calendar, check it out! It is for sale at the Town Offices and at Crow’s Bakery. And if you have a camera, please take pictures for next year’s contest. Remember, the best quality photos give the best result. All photos must be in horizontal outlay. Digital photos should be copied to their own disc or keep a copy of your negative. And don’t hesitate to call or see me with your questions.
Robin Timko, Chair
How Our Garden Grows
A Future CCCA Garden
The first season of the Cavendish Town Community Garden has been deemed a success. The garden had approximately six full time volunteers that helped plant, weed and gather produce, including potatoes, beans, tomatoes, broccoli, squash and basil. Beneficiaries of the bountiful produce included members of the Gethsemane Episcopal Church and the Cavendish Town Elementary School lunch program, which received over one hundred fresh tomatoes. At the end of the season the gardeners gathered for a Harvest Pot Luck Picnic by the garden, which turned out to be a fitting culmination of the all the hard work contributed to the cause.
Next year the organizers would like to attract more volunteers. They plan to provide seeds and space and advice for "Grow a Row", which will benefit CTES. Also, they plan to dedicate a portion of the garden as a pumpkin patch for local children to help plant and harvest.
The organizers particularly want to thank the Gethsemane Episcopal Church for the use of their land and their support for this community project.
.
The Event of the Summer!
The Playbill
The 2008 Cavendish Community Theater season was an abbreviated two night affair; but what a fabulous two nights it was! The Cavendish Inn barn was packed – SRO – and people were turned away on both nights. The truly original play, based wholly on the history of Cavendish, was acted by a company of local residents who made up for their lack of experience with a barn full of enthusiasm. And the audience appreciated their efforts lustily.
Tim and Peter Jefferson, ever the elegant hosts, provided a light dinner for those wanting a dinner theater experience, and presented their old barn in its best light. The Cavendish Community Fund, now in its second year of funding local events, proudly provided the necessary financing for the play.
Entitled “The Cavendish Chronicles of Town and the River”, the play was written by the cast, guided by Director Lauryn Axelrod, Director of Education and Resident Dramaturgist at the Weston Playhouse in Weston. It was produced by Bridget Leicester and the musical score was composed and directed by Diane McNamara.
Narrated by Lu Choiniere, Act I told of the early settlers, legends of the valley, and the first towns of Duttonsville and Proctorsville. The local mills took center stage since they formed such a huge part of Cavendish history, and the 1927 flood loomed large as a pivotal point in so many lives. Act II took us through the depression, the war, and the end of the mills as an economic base. With a nod to famous resident Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the play took us to the present.
Since this was the second summer session for Community Theater in Cavendish, there is every hope that we will see a third event in the future.
Button-Up Vermont Holds Energy Saving Workshop
On October 6th, Cavendish citizens were treated to one of the first workshops in a series of over a hundred planned for Vermont. “Button-Up Vermont” was produced by Central Vermont Community Action Council with funding from the Vermont Agency of Human Services in partnership with Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network. The session was really an information-filled presentation on conserving energy through better weatherization and improving home efficiency. The workshop goal was to convey information on how a home losses heat; on some of the more cost-effective solutions for saving energy; on energy saving do-it-yourself projects; on health and safety issues with improving efficiency; and on available technical and financial resources.
The discussion focused on debunking four myths and providing facts and solutions to related problems. First was the myth that you should not turn down the thermostat because it takes more energy to bring it up. This is a false conclusion since heat loss increases with temperature difference and bringing the home back to temperature takes less energy that maintaining a higher temperature.
The second myth was that the “off” button turns products “off”. Modern appliances and products consume energy even after being turned off. If it has a transformer it uses energy all the time. Unplug it to turn it off.
Another myth debunked was that adding attic insulation is the most cost effective method to stop heat loss. The problem is that loose or fiberglass insulation doesn’t stop air flow either through or around it. The most cost effective way to stop heat loss is to seal the house – stop the air flow.
Finally, it is also a myth that replacing windows is a good investment for saving energy. Most windows can be effectively sealed for much less cost than buying new. Added energy savings from improved glass is much less than most people assume.
For more information on energy savings and related matters, and for a list of workshops that you can attend, go to www.efficiencyvermont.com and click on “Button-Up Vermont”.
CCCA Holds Legislative Candidates Night
Continuing a tradition begun in 2006, the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association held a Candidates’ Night at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on October 28. Both candidates for State Representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield (incumbent Democrat Ernie Shand and Republican challenger Ed Williams) attended, as did three of the seven candidates for State Senate from Windsor County (incumbent Democrats Alice Nitka and Dick McCormack and Independent challenger Mark Blanchard). Former Sen. Will Hunter served as moderator.
Topics of discussion included criminal justice, particularly the legislative changes proposed in the aftermath of the sexual assault and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Randolph this summer. While some candidates said they were in favor of a law imposing a mandatory minimum sentence, all spoke of the need to legislate carefully in this area. Sen. Nitka, who as a member of the Judiciary Committee participated in hearings around the state this summer on the topic, spoke of the difficulty that many child witnesses have in describing what may have been done to them. Long mandatory sentences will result in more cases going to trial, rather than being resolved by plea agreement. If children are not able to testify effectively, the result may be more acquittals, she pointed out.
The Entergy nuclear power plant in Vermont and Vermont's energy future was also discussed at length. Challenger Williams favored relicensing the plant, but perhaps for a period of less than the 20 years that has been proposed. Rep. Shand said he was awaiting the report of a special committee established by the Legislature, and would not favor continuing the plant in operation after the current license expires in 2012 if the plant cannot be shown to be reliable. He also noted that Entergy has not put aside sufficient money to pay for the decommissioning of the plant. All speakers favored having the State do more to harness the power of the sun and wind in meeting future energy needs.
The discussion was filmed by LPCTV and shown several times before the election. CCCA plans to sponsor future discussions of current political issues, and will hold a review of budgets and candidates prior to the March 2009 Town Meeting.
Cavendish Community Fund News
The Cavendish Community Fund is off to a running start in this, its second year. Applications for fall 2008 grants were received by the Fund before the November 1st deadline and were under consideration by the selection board as of the time this Newsletter was being written and compiled. The selection board consists of three prestigious local residents, Dr. Eugene Bont, Gloria Leven, and Rolf van Schaik. The CCF is sponsored by and is operated as a committee of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association. It is chaired by Barbara Dickey.
For more information about CCF please call Peter J. LaBelle at 226-7250, or Barbara Dickey at 226-7187.
Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Board of Directors
Robin Timko
Deborah Harrison O’Brien
Will Hunter
Tim Jefferson
Barbara Dickey
Peter LaBelle
Jennifer Stowell
Sandra Russo
CCCA Historic Barn Preservation Committee Joins with Vermont Dept. of Historic Preservation
Regier Barn on Quarry Road
The State of Vermont has asked all towns to conduct a survey of their agricultural barns. To encourage volunteers to help, the state has held several workshops about the history and architectural features of our barns. Peter LaBelle attended one in Tunbridge this summer and Barbara Dickey attended one in Cornwall early this fall. Both Peter and Barbara have been active the past year photographing and documenting all the barns in Cavendish so we knew that most of our survey work was already done. The State asked for more information about the condition and history of the barns than we had, so we are now revisiting each barn to collect more information. If anyone would like to help us, we welcome volunteers. The work is not difficult and participation brings its own rewards: better understanding of the history of Cavendish, and expert knowledge of the back highways and byways of our town.
In addition to expanding our census information for our own use and for the State, we have also worked with historic barn owners, Alan and Wendy Regier, who submitted a proposal to the Vermont Department of Historic Preservation for funds to aid in the restoration of their 200 year old English three-bay barn. Please call 226-7187 for more information or to volunteer!
The CCCA Mission Statement
The CCCA is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. Its commitment is to promote understanding and learning that engages and benefits all members of the Cavendish/ Proctorsville community, now and in the future.
Follow-up on Our Internet Survey: Are You Still Stuck With Dial-Up Technology?
We have been talking with TDS and Comcast about the potential for expanding internet access in the less served areas of Cavendish. TDS has told us that they expect to provide DSL to all of Cavendish within the next two years. (Please note that they told us this last spring.) Comcast is currently analyzing the town to determine where they might expand cable service, which would, of course carry high speed internet service as well.
So far we have gathered the names and addresses of approximately 35 people who would like to have DSL or cable internet service, but who are still stuck with dial up technology. If you are one of those unfortunate few, and you have not yet responded, please e-mail Sandra Russo (sandra.russo@yahoo.com) with your name and Vermont house address. Comcast is using the list of names we provide them to determine their next move, so it is important that we have an accurate list.
The 2009 Cavendish Community Calendar is for Sale
CCCA has the new 2009 Cavendish Community Calendars for sale. These are the pictures taken by your friends and neighbors and include the community’s selection of the best photos submitted to the first Annual Calendar Photo Contest. The scenes are a wonderful collection of Cavendish views and the calendars will make great gifts for family and friends, near and far. Give everyone a reminder this holiday season of what they are missing by not living in Cavendish. Or remind them of why they enjoy living here if they do! Calendars are for sale at the Cavendish Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, or at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville. For further information on the calendars, or on next year’s calendar photo contest call Robin Timko at 802-226-7736.
CCCA Membership Report and Joining CCCA
By Deb O’Brien, Membership Chair
Over the last couple of months, the CCCA Membership committee has been putting much energy into increasing our members’ involvement in our activities and events. From fundraisers to educational forums, members are becoming more active and more involved in the meat and potatoes of our work. It is always a great experience for us to meet members who were previously only a name on our rolls, and we appreciate any and all help that people can give. If you are a member, or even if you are not, and you have an hour, a day or a weekend to help out, contact any member of the Board, or contact me at info@cavendishcca.org, and we will find a task for you!
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association is a membership organization open to all individuals who are concerned with the welfare of the Cavendish community. Dues are a nominal $35 per year for full membership.
In order to join CCCA, please fill out the information below and send with a check payable to Cavendish Community and Conservation Association to:
Deborah Harrison O’Brien
c/o: P.O. Box 605
Cavendish, VT 05142
Name_________________________
Address_______________________
______________________________
Telephone______________________
E-mail_________________________
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Cavendish Update 11/25/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Water Board Meeting
2. Turkey Trot-5 K Fun Run/Walk
3. Need Plowing this Winter?
4. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing
5. Holiday Fair
6. December Calendar
7. Local holiday movie to air Saturday
1. Water Board Meeting
At the November 24 Water Board meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the progress of the water filtration project. Since the state has given approval for the town to oversee the project in house, a construction manager has been identified, who will be hired as a consultant, not as a town employee, and will be insured. Svec was planning to work out a contract with this individual this week, with the Water Board’s approval, and he would begin work the week of Dec. 7.
Daniels Construction, the company that defaulted during the October construction bid process, has sent the town a check to cover the cost of the default. Even though this company has been working on various aspects of the water project, the state will not permit them to be involved in the final phase.
The state is allowing the use of town employees for some of the work and will not require the various projects to go through the formal bid process as these are small bids and the town has already gone through the formal bid process. Some of the companies, such as Wright Construction and the electrical sub contractors, who were part of two of the four bid applications, can be hired for various aspects of the project.
Infilico Degremont, Inc http://www.infilcodegremont.com/, the company responsible for the water filtration system, initially said the delivery date of the filtration equipment would be Dec. 12. However, they are now saying the filter will not be ready for shipping until December 19, meaning that the delivery date would be Christmas week.
Given the state of the economy, and the fact that clean water from the tap will not occur until spring/early summer 2009, the question was raised if the Water Board would consider ways to help residents who found themselves now unable to afford bottled water. Svec and the board basically said they were sympathetic to the issue, but were not in a position to help, as they needed all of their funds to pay for the filtration project.
When it was suggested that people with wells were willing to provide their water, and could the town provide them with containers, Svec said that the town, because it was municipal water, could not help in this regard. Other suggestions raised, such as involving fire departments and area churches, were not met with favor by the board. However, by the end of the meeting, the board agreed that if people wanted to donate sealed bottled water, the town would see that those residents on town water, who would be receiving Christmas baskets through the Cavendish Family Fund, would receive the water.
The school, which has been using bottled water since 2006, when the health advisory on the water was issued, has received some limited help from a special Select Board fund. However, the school is now paying for the water, which means they are going into deficit spending.
At the upcoming Holiday Fair, the money raised from the Children’s Table will be used to help offset bottled water costs at the school. Persons wishing to donate bottled water should contact the town office at 226-7292.
2. Turkey Trot-5 K Fun Run/Walk
Once again there will be a 5K Fun Walk/Run to benefit Toys for Tots. The Turkey Trot begins at 9 am, Thanksgiving Morning, at Dorsey Park in Ludlow. Please bring a donation of a gift, suitable for a child, and/or money.
3. Need Plowing this Winter?
Plowing, snow shoveling, salting and sanding. Early clean up so you can get out of your driveway. Affordable prices. Call Lance at 802-226-7824 or 802-353-5280
4. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing
The Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing will take place on December 7 (Sunday). Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. The tree, which stands directly in front of the school, is in memory of Riley Bourgois, who died from cancer while a student at CTES. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
5. Holiday Fair Saturday at CTES
The Annual Holiday Fair, featuring the local churches and community groups, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9-3 at the Cavendish School. Lots of local treasurers to be had including home made jams, cookies and candies; The 2009 Cavendish Calendar; publications and photographs of Cavendish; and a special kids area. The Proctorsville Fire Department will be selling wreaths and the junior fire fighters will be helping with face painting and selling their T-shirts.
6. December Cavendish Calendar
If you have an item you would like included on the December Cavendish Calendar, please send it by Nov. 29 to margoc@tds.net
7. Local holiday movie to air Saturday
Rutland Herald November 26, 2008 By Josh O'Gorman Herald staff
Note: People from Cavendish were extras for the film
CHESTER — With the early season snowfall, Vermonters are feeling the Christmas spirit, and a locally filmed holiday movie will reinforce that feeling when it makes its world television premiere this weekend.
The Hallmark Channel's "Moonlight & Mistletoe" will air at 9 p.m. Saturday. The film was shot during several weeks in May and June in Chester, with a casting call that drew hundreds of locals who, despite the heat, bundled up in winter wear for large crowd shots on the Chester town green.
Filmmakers used white blankets and sprayed the trees with foam to simulate a holiday atmosphere.
The film tells the story of a man named Nick — played by actor Tom Arnold — who operates a Christmas theme park that is threatened by a real estate developer.
His daughter, Holly, played by Candace Cameron Bure, who starred in the 1980s sitcom "Full House," returns to help her father keep the park and in doing so rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.
"The filmmakers went out of their way to capture the spirit of a close-knit Vermont community. The film showcases many locations in Chester from quaint inns to the historic town center, which gives viewers a sense of the town's wonderful character," Joe Bookchin, executive director of the Vermont Film Commission, said in a statement. "Green Mountain Railroad supplied the vintage locomotive along with the historic train depot to give the movie a timeless quality. All of these elements came together to create a Hallmark holiday classic that is uniquely Vermont."
The film is one of many Christmas-themed movies offered by the Hallmark Channel, with others including "A Grandpa for Christmas" starring Ernest Borgnine and "Our First Christmas" starring John Ratzenberger.
"Moonlight & Mistletoe" made its theatrical world premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland Sept. 20, the first film screened there in 27 years. More than 600 people turned out to watch the film, and the event was a fundraiser to buy projection equipment to allow the theater to screen films on a regular basis.
Those who still want to see the film on a big screen will have two opportunities in December, with the first at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at American Legion Post 67 in Chester. The second will be 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bellows Falls Opera House.
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Water Board Meeting
2. Turkey Trot-5 K Fun Run/Walk
3. Need Plowing this Winter?
4. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing
5. Holiday Fair
6. December Calendar
7. Local holiday movie to air Saturday
1. Water Board Meeting
At the November 24 Water Board meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the progress of the water filtration project. Since the state has given approval for the town to oversee the project in house, a construction manager has been identified, who will be hired as a consultant, not as a town employee, and will be insured. Svec was planning to work out a contract with this individual this week, with the Water Board’s approval, and he would begin work the week of Dec. 7.
Daniels Construction, the company that defaulted during the October construction bid process, has sent the town a check to cover the cost of the default. Even though this company has been working on various aspects of the water project, the state will not permit them to be involved in the final phase.
The state is allowing the use of town employees for some of the work and will not require the various projects to go through the formal bid process as these are small bids and the town has already gone through the formal bid process. Some of the companies, such as Wright Construction and the electrical sub contractors, who were part of two of the four bid applications, can be hired for various aspects of the project.
Infilico Degremont, Inc http://www.infilcodegremont.com/, the company responsible for the water filtration system, initially said the delivery date of the filtration equipment would be Dec. 12. However, they are now saying the filter will not be ready for shipping until December 19, meaning that the delivery date would be Christmas week.
Given the state of the economy, and the fact that clean water from the tap will not occur until spring/early summer 2009, the question was raised if the Water Board would consider ways to help residents who found themselves now unable to afford bottled water. Svec and the board basically said they were sympathetic to the issue, but were not in a position to help, as they needed all of their funds to pay for the filtration project.
When it was suggested that people with wells were willing to provide their water, and could the town provide them with containers, Svec said that the town, because it was municipal water, could not help in this regard. Other suggestions raised, such as involving fire departments and area churches, were not met with favor by the board. However, by the end of the meeting, the board agreed that if people wanted to donate sealed bottled water, the town would see that those residents on town water, who would be receiving Christmas baskets through the Cavendish Family Fund, would receive the water.
The school, which has been using bottled water since 2006, when the health advisory on the water was issued, has received some limited help from a special Select Board fund. However, the school is now paying for the water, which means they are going into deficit spending.
At the upcoming Holiday Fair, the money raised from the Children’s Table will be used to help offset bottled water costs at the school. Persons wishing to donate bottled water should contact the town office at 226-7292.
2. Turkey Trot-5 K Fun Run/Walk
Once again there will be a 5K Fun Walk/Run to benefit Toys for Tots. The Turkey Trot begins at 9 am, Thanksgiving Morning, at Dorsey Park in Ludlow. Please bring a donation of a gift, suitable for a child, and/or money.
3. Need Plowing this Winter?
Plowing, snow shoveling, salting and sanding. Early clean up so you can get out of your driveway. Affordable prices. Call Lance at 802-226-7824 or 802-353-5280
4. Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing
The Cavendish Tree Lighting and Carol Sing will take place on December 7 (Sunday). Starting at 6 pm, the tree and gazebo on the Proctorsville Village Green will be lit. From there, the group will walk the short distance to the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), to continue the carol sing and to light Riley’s Tree. The tree, which stands directly in front of the school, is in memory of Riley Bourgois, who died from cancer while a student at CTES. Immediately following will be hot chocolate and cookies at the School. The Cavendish Respect Club, the Cavendish Historical Society, CTES and the town of Cavendish are joint sponsors of this event. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
5. Holiday Fair Saturday at CTES
The Annual Holiday Fair, featuring the local churches and community groups, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9-3 at the Cavendish School. Lots of local treasurers to be had including home made jams, cookies and candies; The 2009 Cavendish Calendar; publications and photographs of Cavendish; and a special kids area. The Proctorsville Fire Department will be selling wreaths and the junior fire fighters will be helping with face painting and selling their T-shirts.
6. December Cavendish Calendar
If you have an item you would like included on the December Cavendish Calendar, please send it by Nov. 29 to margoc@tds.net
7. Local holiday movie to air Saturday
Rutland Herald November 26, 2008 By Josh O'Gorman Herald staff
Note: People from Cavendish were extras for the film
CHESTER — With the early season snowfall, Vermonters are feeling the Christmas spirit, and a locally filmed holiday movie will reinforce that feeling when it makes its world television premiere this weekend.
The Hallmark Channel's "Moonlight & Mistletoe" will air at 9 p.m. Saturday. The film was shot during several weeks in May and June in Chester, with a casting call that drew hundreds of locals who, despite the heat, bundled up in winter wear for large crowd shots on the Chester town green.
Filmmakers used white blankets and sprayed the trees with foam to simulate a holiday atmosphere.
The film tells the story of a man named Nick — played by actor Tom Arnold — who operates a Christmas theme park that is threatened by a real estate developer.
His daughter, Holly, played by Candace Cameron Bure, who starred in the 1980s sitcom "Full House," returns to help her father keep the park and in doing so rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.
"The filmmakers went out of their way to capture the spirit of a close-knit Vermont community. The film showcases many locations in Chester from quaint inns to the historic town center, which gives viewers a sense of the town's wonderful character," Joe Bookchin, executive director of the Vermont Film Commission, said in a statement. "Green Mountain Railroad supplied the vintage locomotive along with the historic train depot to give the movie a timeless quality. All of these elements came together to create a Hallmark holiday classic that is uniquely Vermont."
The film is one of many Christmas-themed movies offered by the Hallmark Channel, with others including "A Grandpa for Christmas" starring Ernest Borgnine and "Our First Christmas" starring John Ratzenberger.
"Moonlight & Mistletoe" made its theatrical world premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland Sept. 20, the first film screened there in 27 years. More than 600 people turned out to watch the film, and the event was a fundraiser to buy projection equipment to allow the theater to screen films on a regular basis.
Those who still want to see the film on a big screen will have two opportunities in December, with the first at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at American Legion Post 67 in Chester. The second will be 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bellows Falls Opera House.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Cavendish Update 11/21/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The 11/21/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Make Black Friday Green
2. Upcoming Events
3. Bascome Artist of the Month at the Cavendish Library
1. MAKE BLACK FRIDAY GREEN
The day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28 this year) is called Black Friday in the retail industry, as it ushers in the frantic shopping associated with the Holiday season. Many stores will be offering great deals and savings, some starting as early as midnight. No need to leave your nice warm bed for the chill of a big box parking lot, or spending money that few people have. Below are some tips for promoting our favorite Christmas color “green.”
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse: Every week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Americans produce an additional 2 billion pounds of garbage. So when doing your shopping, feasting and wrapping this year, think about what you can do to decrease the load on the transfer station.
Wrapping paper is expensive and often ends in the trash. Consider fabric (cut it with pinking sheers so it wont unravel), newspaper, previously used gift paper, or even the cloth shopping bags available from the grocery stores for a $1 or less. Recycle the ribbon. Don’t tie knots in it. Gently untie the bow and tuck it away until next year. It’s okay to “re-gift,” in fact it’s encouraged as it’s really a form of recycling.
Best of all consider presents that don’t require wrapping: seasons tickets to the theater; gift certificates to an area restaurant or business, or your time; donation to a favorite organization or charity; a service such as a massage or a day at the salon; or a magazine subscription.
Make your own holiday gifts. For a great selection of diverse eco friendly ideas go to http://ecobites.com/green-celebrations/green-christmas-new-year/1239-christmas-a-time-for-green-giving Here you will find suggestions and directions from aprons to zesty herbs.
Buy Local: There are many businesses in Proctorsville and Cavendish that offer all sorts of items that would make great presents. Attend the Holiday Fair at the Cavendish Elementary School on November 29 (Saturday) and be amazed at the wonderful items your friends and neighbors have made. There is the added bonus of the children’s room, which allows kids to do their own shopping, plus be entertained with a variety of activities.
Below is a list of businesses owned by Cavendish residents, and/or located in Cavendish that may have the perfect gift of gift certificate you are looking for:
• Cavendish Game Birds: 885-5339 http://www.vermontquail.com/
• Crow’s Corner Bakery: 226-7007
• Giggs Antiques and Flowers 226-7492
• Goodman’s American Pie 228-5618 (located on Main St. Ludlow)
• Green Acres Market 226-7484
• Old Cavendish Products (makers of fruitcake, mustards and more): http://www.cavendishfruitcake.com/
• Ludlow Cooking Co: 228-3080 (located on Main St. Ludlow)
• Moonlite Meadows (beef and lamb from the farm) 226-8077
• Morning Star Bakery 226-7827
• Singleton’s Store 226-7666
• Six Loose Ladies (fiber arts store) 226-7373 FiberArtsinVermont.org
• Solar Store 226-7093 www.cetsolarstore.com
• Summit Soapworks (located in Ludlow next to American Pie): summitsoapworks.com
• The Castle Hill Spa and Resort: 226-7419 or www.thecastle-vt.com
• The Village Clipper 226-7233
• Teruko Design (Flowers & dried arrangements): 226-7889
• Vermont Apple Pie & Cheese Cake 226-7822 www.vtapple.com
For a list of Cavendish businesses and business owners, download a copy of the 2008 Cavendish Business Directory at www.cavendishhistory.org
Donate time or money to an organization: If you like being able to catch up on Cavendish news from the comfort of your computer, consider making a donation to the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) or the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) who make this possible. Both organizations have a variety of items for sale this holiday season, and will be at the Nov. 29 Holiday Fair at the Cavendish School. CHS is featuring all of their publications along with a number of items made by members of CHS. Gloria Leven has turned her quilting talents to Christmas stockings this year. CCCA will be selling their 2009 Cavendish Calendar, featuring the artistic talents of our Cavendish community.
Donating information
Cavendish Historical Society
PO Box 472
Cavendish, VT 05142
www.cavendishvt.org
802-226-7807
Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA)
PO Box 605
Cavendish VT 05142
802-226-7736
Real versus Fake: When it comes to the real vs. artificial debate, real Christmas trees are proving to be the more sustainable choice. Most Christmas trees are grown on tree farms and are about 10 to 15 years old when cut, depending on the species. It’s estimated that one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people daily. In the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are approximately 500,000 acres of Christmas trees supplying nine million people a day with oxygen. Don’t want to kill a tree? Buy a potted one from one of the local nurseries and plant it after the holidays. Buy locally-both of the fire departments in town sell trees and Christmas greens.
2. UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 21 (Friday): The Junior class of GMUHS will be hosting a three course dinner at Rowell’s Inn, Andover. The menu includes Appetizers - Caesar salad or Thai Noodles - Main Course - Enchilada - beef, chicken or vegetable, Sesame Chicken or Beef Bourguignon and dessert is brownie ala mode. Dinner is $25.00 per person. There will be two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. with reservations required. Pre-ordering dinner selections would be appreciated. FMI: 875-3658 or Theresa Buskey at 875-2146
Nov. 21-23 (Friday-Sunday): Ski Swap at Okemo Mountain to benefit Okemo Mountain School (OMS) Friday 3-7; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-1
Nov. 23 (Sunday): Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 7:00 PM. Donations of non perishable food will be collected for Black River Good Neighbor.
November 24 (Monday): Green Mountain Parents Group Meeting, 5pm at GMUHS Conference Room. Agenda: Recruitment for group; technology in math; science fair; auditorium renovations; foreign language website; student survey
Nov. 29 (Saturday): Annual Holiday Fair, Cavendish Elementary School 9-3
• Ullr Fest to benefit the McCostis Scholarship Fund, Killarney’s in Ludlow starting at 6 pm. MSF provides local scholarships to Okemo valley youth interested in snow sports training. Rainie Hill and Addison Provance from Proctorsville were among the scholarship recipients for winter 2009.
3. BASCOME ARTIST OF THE MONTH AT THE CAVENDISH LIBRARY
Willow Bascombe has been named Cavendish Fletcher Community Library’s Artist of the Month. Raised in Saudi Arabia and Panama, Bascombe currently lives in Plymouth, VT. Her pen and ink drawings will be on display in the Redfield Proctor Room of the Cavendish Library until mid December. In addition to her art work, Bascome is a mother of three, a facilitator for “Living Well with Chronic Illness” and is involved with Hope Day School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to which a portion of the proceeds from all of her work goes for scholarships. FMI: 226-7503
The 11/21/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Make Black Friday Green
2. Upcoming Events
3. Bascome Artist of the Month at the Cavendish Library
1. MAKE BLACK FRIDAY GREEN
The day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28 this year) is called Black Friday in the retail industry, as it ushers in the frantic shopping associated with the Holiday season. Many stores will be offering great deals and savings, some starting as early as midnight. No need to leave your nice warm bed for the chill of a big box parking lot, or spending money that few people have. Below are some tips for promoting our favorite Christmas color “green.”
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse: Every week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Americans produce an additional 2 billion pounds of garbage. So when doing your shopping, feasting and wrapping this year, think about what you can do to decrease the load on the transfer station.
Wrapping paper is expensive and often ends in the trash. Consider fabric (cut it with pinking sheers so it wont unravel), newspaper, previously used gift paper, or even the cloth shopping bags available from the grocery stores for a $1 or less. Recycle the ribbon. Don’t tie knots in it. Gently untie the bow and tuck it away until next year. It’s okay to “re-gift,” in fact it’s encouraged as it’s really a form of recycling.
Best of all consider presents that don’t require wrapping: seasons tickets to the theater; gift certificates to an area restaurant or business, or your time; donation to a favorite organization or charity; a service such as a massage or a day at the salon; or a magazine subscription.
Make your own holiday gifts. For a great selection of diverse eco friendly ideas go to http://ecobites.com/green-celebrations/green-christmas-new-year/1239-christmas-a-time-for-green-giving Here you will find suggestions and directions from aprons to zesty herbs.
Buy Local: There are many businesses in Proctorsville and Cavendish that offer all sorts of items that would make great presents. Attend the Holiday Fair at the Cavendish Elementary School on November 29 (Saturday) and be amazed at the wonderful items your friends and neighbors have made. There is the added bonus of the children’s room, which allows kids to do their own shopping, plus be entertained with a variety of activities.
Below is a list of businesses owned by Cavendish residents, and/or located in Cavendish that may have the perfect gift of gift certificate you are looking for:
• Cavendish Game Birds: 885-5339 http://www.vermontquail.com/
• Crow’s Corner Bakery: 226-7007
• Giggs Antiques and Flowers 226-7492
• Goodman’s American Pie 228-5618 (located on Main St. Ludlow)
• Green Acres Market 226-7484
• Old Cavendish Products (makers of fruitcake, mustards and more): http://www.cavendishfruitcake.com/
• Ludlow Cooking Co: 228-3080 (located on Main St. Ludlow)
• Moonlite Meadows (beef and lamb from the farm) 226-8077
• Morning Star Bakery 226-7827
• Singleton’s Store 226-7666
• Six Loose Ladies (fiber arts store) 226-7373 FiberArtsinVermont.org
• Solar Store 226-7093 www.cetsolarstore.com
• Summit Soapworks (located in Ludlow next to American Pie): summitsoapworks.com
• The Castle Hill Spa and Resort: 226-7419 or www.thecastle-vt.com
• The Village Clipper 226-7233
• Teruko Design (Flowers & dried arrangements): 226-7889
• Vermont Apple Pie & Cheese Cake 226-7822 www.vtapple.com
For a list of Cavendish businesses and business owners, download a copy of the 2008 Cavendish Business Directory at www.cavendishhistory.org
Donate time or money to an organization: If you like being able to catch up on Cavendish news from the comfort of your computer, consider making a donation to the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) or the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) who make this possible. Both organizations have a variety of items for sale this holiday season, and will be at the Nov. 29 Holiday Fair at the Cavendish School. CHS is featuring all of their publications along with a number of items made by members of CHS. Gloria Leven has turned her quilting talents to Christmas stockings this year. CCCA will be selling their 2009 Cavendish Calendar, featuring the artistic talents of our Cavendish community.
Donating information
Cavendish Historical Society
PO Box 472
Cavendish, VT 05142
www.cavendishvt.org
802-226-7807
Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA)
PO Box 605
Cavendish VT 05142
802-226-7736
Real versus Fake: When it comes to the real vs. artificial debate, real Christmas trees are proving to be the more sustainable choice. Most Christmas trees are grown on tree farms and are about 10 to 15 years old when cut, depending on the species. It’s estimated that one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people daily. In the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are approximately 500,000 acres of Christmas trees supplying nine million people a day with oxygen. Don’t want to kill a tree? Buy a potted one from one of the local nurseries and plant it after the holidays. Buy locally-both of the fire departments in town sell trees and Christmas greens.
2. UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 21 (Friday): The Junior class of GMUHS will be hosting a three course dinner at Rowell’s Inn, Andover. The menu includes Appetizers - Caesar salad or Thai Noodles - Main Course - Enchilada - beef, chicken or vegetable, Sesame Chicken or Beef Bourguignon and dessert is brownie ala mode. Dinner is $25.00 per person. There will be two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. with reservations required. Pre-ordering dinner selections would be appreciated. FMI: 875-3658 or Theresa Buskey at 875-2146
Nov. 21-23 (Friday-Sunday): Ski Swap at Okemo Mountain to benefit Okemo Mountain School (OMS) Friday 3-7; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-1
Nov. 23 (Sunday): Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 7:00 PM. Donations of non perishable food will be collected for Black River Good Neighbor.
November 24 (Monday): Green Mountain Parents Group Meeting, 5pm at GMUHS Conference Room. Agenda: Recruitment for group; technology in math; science fair; auditorium renovations; foreign language website; student survey
Nov. 29 (Saturday): Annual Holiday Fair, Cavendish Elementary School 9-3
• Ullr Fest to benefit the McCostis Scholarship Fund, Killarney’s in Ludlow starting at 6 pm. MSF provides local scholarships to Okemo valley youth interested in snow sports training. Rainie Hill and Addison Provance from Proctorsville were among the scholarship recipients for winter 2009.
3. BASCOME ARTIST OF THE MONTH AT THE CAVENDISH LIBRARY
Willow Bascombe has been named Cavendish Fletcher Community Library’s Artist of the Month. Raised in Saudi Arabia and Panama, Bascombe currently lives in Plymouth, VT. Her pen and ink drawings will be on display in the Redfield Proctor Room of the Cavendish Library until mid December. In addition to her art work, Bascome is a mother of three, a facilitator for “Living Well with Chronic Illness” and is involved with Hope Day School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to which a portion of the proceeds from all of her work goes for scholarships. FMI: 226-7503
Friday, November 14, 2008
Cavendish Update 11/14/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The 11/14/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Water Project
2. Events
3. Ullr Fest: Insure a Winter Fit for a Ski God & Help Local Youth
4. Hill and Provance receive Scholarships for Snow Sports
5. East-west bus service kicks off
1. Water Project
At the Monday Nov. 10 Select Board meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the Cavendish water filtration project. Please note that LPC TV did not video this portion of the Meeting.
At the Oct. 27 Water Board Meeting, Svec explained that the lowest bidder for the installation of the filter system had defaulted on their bid. In addition, the next closest bid was $302,623, well above the $246,500 available to the town from the water bond passed in March 2007. Svec suggested that to save money, the project be overseen by the town, using a construction manager and to have the town crew do some of the work. This suggestion was met by concern from those in attendance. Among the issues raised were liability and taking town crew away from other necessary town projects, potentially creating problems elsewhere. More than one community member present thought the approach would be “penny wise and pound foolish,” meaning that it might save some money initially, but there was a real possibility that it could ultimately cost the town more.
Since the water board meeting, Svec has met with the state and the decision was made to have the project done “in-house,” using a construction manager and to use town personal to save money where possible. The money for the project will be as follows: $246,500 from the original bond, $11,000 from the default on the bid by Daniel’s Construction and $70,00 in discretionary funds. The total $327,500 should be sufficient to complete the water project, including the connection to the second well. In fact, it is anticipated that the project will cost less.
Approval of the second well connection has been given by the state, pending testing for water quality. Some testing has already been done, with good results.
The time frame for the project, because of the delay in the October bid process, is expected to be only 2-4 weeks, with clean water from the taps slated for spring 2009. It is important to note that even though the filtration equipment will be installed, getting it fully operational, plus cleaning of existing pipes, tanks etc. will take time. Further, the change in water quality will be gradual. Users should not expect to turn on the water and find that it is fine, rather they will start noticing changes over time.
It is important for water users to remember that the Vermont Health Department’s Health Advisory has been in place since 2006 and states “The Cavendish Public Water System has concentrations of manganese which exceed the Environmental Protection Agency and Vermont Department of Health lifetime Health Advisories of 0.3 mg/L. In 2005 and 2006, the levels of manganese in the Cavendish system were 2.5 mg/L and 2.1 mg/L, respectively. Manganese is an essential element. However, most of the manganese needed on a daily basis comes from the food we eat. Long-term consumption of high concentrations of manganese in drinking water may cause adverse neurological health effects. Children and people with liver disease are more susceptible to the health effects of manganese. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.”
If you are in need of a source for clean drinking water, including water for pets, please contact margoc@tds.net. Since the water can have a negative impact on pets, be sure to provide them clean water and keep bathroom doors and toilet seats closed.
2. Events
Week of Nov. 17: Book Fair at the Cavendish Library. FMI: 226-7503
Nov. 18 (Tuesday): GMUHS Parents Group, 5 pm at the GM Conference Room Topics
for discussion include: Recruitment for group; technology in math; science fair; auditorium
renovations; foreign language website; student survey
Nov. 29 (Saturday): Holiday Fair at the Cavendish Elementary School
• Ullr Fest to benefit McCostis Scholarship Fund (see article 3 below)
3. Ullr Fest: Insure a Winter Fit for a Ski God & Help Local Youth
The Norse God Ullr (Ooh-ler) was the god of the hunt, winter, archery, the shield & skis. In fact, Ullr’s command of the powder was so great that he would streak across the sky leaving the brilliant stars as his trails. He also had a fondness for the goddess as well as an enjoyment of good times. He was married to Skadi the giant goddess of winter, who left her former husband Njord, the god of the winds, sea and fire for Ullr. A bit on the fickle side, he seemed to abandon Skadi for the goddess Hel during the summer months.
Living in his castle Ydal (Yew Dales) Ullr hunted with his long bow made from yew, traveled using his shield that could become a boat, or wooden slats that would someday evolve into skis, dispensed justice and was the god to call on when in a dual.
In order to insure a winter fit for Ullr (lots of snow and great conditions) Killarney’s in Ludlow is sponsoring the first annual Ullr Festival on November 29, Saturday, starting at 6pm. The idea is that if we show Ullr, and his lovely goddess Skadi, a good time, they will grace us with a winter fit for a god and goddess.
The Fest is a benefit for the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a non-profit organization, whose purpose is to assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training. MSF provides scholarships to area youth for snow academies and weekend training programs. The Fund also includes the Peter Noyes Ski Scholarship and the Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship.
Lots of fun activities are in store for Ullr Fest, including a prize for the best dressed Ullr and Skadi.
4. Hill and Provance receive Scholarships for Snow Sports
Rainie Hill, of Proctorsville is the 2009 Peter Noyes Ski Scholarship recipient. She is a freshman at GMUHS and attends the Okemo Mountain School for the winter months to pursue alpine skiing. Her younger brother Addison Provance is a McCostis Scholarship recipient and a member of the Okemo Mountain Council Team for alpine racing. Addison is in the 6th grade at Cavendish Town Elementary School
5. East-west bus service kicks off
Rutland Herald November 10, 2008 By Josh O'Gorman Herald Staff
LUDLOW — For travelers looking to cross the state, the trip just got a whole lot easier. Today, the Marble Valley Regional Transit District and Connecticut River Transit began their partnership to transport riders along Route 103 between Rutland and Bellows Falls, the first east-west public transportation route in the southern part of the state since Vermont Transit eliminated service between Rutland and White River Junction.
The partnership is possible thanks to a $220,000 grant from the state's Agency of Transportation, said CRT Executive Director Gary Fox.
CRT and MVRTD received the bulk of $350,000 available through the Agency of Transportation for regional public transportation enhancements, with transit services in Randolph and the Northeast Kingdom also receiving grant awards this year, said MVRTD Community Outreach Coordinator Ellen Atkinson.
"We had a lot of support from both communities, which is why we were successful in our first application," Atkinson said, referring to support from Rutland and the Springfield-Bellows Falls area. "Usually, you have to apply two or three times before you're approved."
Fox said CRT and MVRTD sent out surveys to employers along the route — such as the Vermont Country Store in North Clarendon, Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow and Sonnax in Bellows Falls — to learn employee schedules. They then sent out surveys to those employees to learn if they would want to ride the bus, when they would like to ride and how often. That feedback was used to create the bus schedule, Fox said.
"For employers, it's going to help them recruit employees from further distances, and for employees it's going to allow them to work further from home without having to worry about filling their gas tanks every few days," Fox said.
Early-bird riders can catch a 5 a.m. bus out of Bellows Falls and arrive in Rutland at 6:54 a.m. Rutland riders can catch a 5:10 a.m. bus and arrive in Bellows Falls at 7:05 a.m. MVRTD and CRT buses meet at Okemo's base area and riders transfer from one bus to the other.
In the evening, the last bus leaves Rutland at 6:15 p.m., with the last scheduled stop at Springfield Hospital 7:50 p.m.; however riders can request to go all the way to Bellows Falls. The last bus departs Bellows Falls from T-Bird Mini Mart at 6:10 p.m., with riders arriving in Rutland at 8:09 p.m.
Service is available Monday through Friday.
While there are 23 scheduled stops along the Route 103 corridor, Fox said riders can stand by the side of the road and flag down a bus, which will stop as long as it is safe to do so.
CRT and MVRTD are starting service with midsize buses that accommodate 20 to 25 riders, but anticipate running 40-passenger buses by winter, Atkinson said.
Riders are asked to pay a suggested donation of $3 each way, or $2.50 a ride for passengers who purchase four-weeks' worth of tokens. Fox emphasized that the fare is a suggested donation, and no rider will be turned away for lack of money.
For a complete bus schedule, visit MVRTD's Web site www.thebus.com or CRT's Web site www.crtransit.org.
The 11/14/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Water Project
2. Events
3. Ullr Fest: Insure a Winter Fit for a Ski God & Help Local Youth
4. Hill and Provance receive Scholarships for Snow Sports
5. East-west bus service kicks off
1. Water Project
At the Monday Nov. 10 Select Board meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the Cavendish water filtration project. Please note that LPC TV did not video this portion of the Meeting.
At the Oct. 27 Water Board Meeting, Svec explained that the lowest bidder for the installation of the filter system had defaulted on their bid. In addition, the next closest bid was $302,623, well above the $246,500 available to the town from the water bond passed in March 2007. Svec suggested that to save money, the project be overseen by the town, using a construction manager and to have the town crew do some of the work. This suggestion was met by concern from those in attendance. Among the issues raised were liability and taking town crew away from other necessary town projects, potentially creating problems elsewhere. More than one community member present thought the approach would be “penny wise and pound foolish,” meaning that it might save some money initially, but there was a real possibility that it could ultimately cost the town more.
Since the water board meeting, Svec has met with the state and the decision was made to have the project done “in-house,” using a construction manager and to use town personal to save money where possible. The money for the project will be as follows: $246,500 from the original bond, $11,000 from the default on the bid by Daniel’s Construction and $70,00 in discretionary funds. The total $327,500 should be sufficient to complete the water project, including the connection to the second well. In fact, it is anticipated that the project will cost less.
Approval of the second well connection has been given by the state, pending testing for water quality. Some testing has already been done, with good results.
The time frame for the project, because of the delay in the October bid process, is expected to be only 2-4 weeks, with clean water from the taps slated for spring 2009. It is important to note that even though the filtration equipment will be installed, getting it fully operational, plus cleaning of existing pipes, tanks etc. will take time. Further, the change in water quality will be gradual. Users should not expect to turn on the water and find that it is fine, rather they will start noticing changes over time.
It is important for water users to remember that the Vermont Health Department’s Health Advisory has been in place since 2006 and states “The Cavendish Public Water System has concentrations of manganese which exceed the Environmental Protection Agency and Vermont Department of Health lifetime Health Advisories of 0.3 mg/L. In 2005 and 2006, the levels of manganese in the Cavendish system were 2.5 mg/L and 2.1 mg/L, respectively. Manganese is an essential element. However, most of the manganese needed on a daily basis comes from the food we eat. Long-term consumption of high concentrations of manganese in drinking water may cause adverse neurological health effects. Children and people with liver disease are more susceptible to the health effects of manganese. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.”
If you are in need of a source for clean drinking water, including water for pets, please contact margoc@tds.net. Since the water can have a negative impact on pets, be sure to provide them clean water and keep bathroom doors and toilet seats closed.
2. Events
Week of Nov. 17: Book Fair at the Cavendish Library. FMI: 226-7503
Nov. 18 (Tuesday): GMUHS Parents Group, 5 pm at the GM Conference Room Topics
for discussion include: Recruitment for group; technology in math; science fair; auditorium
renovations; foreign language website; student survey
Nov. 29 (Saturday): Holiday Fair at the Cavendish Elementary School
• Ullr Fest to benefit McCostis Scholarship Fund (see article 3 below)
3. Ullr Fest: Insure a Winter Fit for a Ski God & Help Local Youth
The Norse God Ullr (Ooh-ler) was the god of the hunt, winter, archery, the shield & skis. In fact, Ullr’s command of the powder was so great that he would streak across the sky leaving the brilliant stars as his trails. He also had a fondness for the goddess as well as an enjoyment of good times. He was married to Skadi the giant goddess of winter, who left her former husband Njord, the god of the winds, sea and fire for Ullr. A bit on the fickle side, he seemed to abandon Skadi for the goddess Hel during the summer months.
Living in his castle Ydal (Yew Dales) Ullr hunted with his long bow made from yew, traveled using his shield that could become a boat, or wooden slats that would someday evolve into skis, dispensed justice and was the god to call on when in a dual.
In order to insure a winter fit for Ullr (lots of snow and great conditions) Killarney’s in Ludlow is sponsoring the first annual Ullr Festival on November 29, Saturday, starting at 6pm. The idea is that if we show Ullr, and his lovely goddess Skadi, a good time, they will grace us with a winter fit for a god and goddess.
The Fest is a benefit for the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a non-profit organization, whose purpose is to assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training. MSF provides scholarships to area youth for snow academies and weekend training programs. The Fund also includes the Peter Noyes Ski Scholarship and the Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship.
Lots of fun activities are in store for Ullr Fest, including a prize for the best dressed Ullr and Skadi.
4. Hill and Provance receive Scholarships for Snow Sports
Rainie Hill, of Proctorsville is the 2009 Peter Noyes Ski Scholarship recipient. She is a freshman at GMUHS and attends the Okemo Mountain School for the winter months to pursue alpine skiing. Her younger brother Addison Provance is a McCostis Scholarship recipient and a member of the Okemo Mountain Council Team for alpine racing. Addison is in the 6th grade at Cavendish Town Elementary School
5. East-west bus service kicks off
Rutland Herald November 10, 2008 By Josh O'Gorman Herald Staff
LUDLOW — For travelers looking to cross the state, the trip just got a whole lot easier. Today, the Marble Valley Regional Transit District and Connecticut River Transit began their partnership to transport riders along Route 103 between Rutland and Bellows Falls, the first east-west public transportation route in the southern part of the state since Vermont Transit eliminated service between Rutland and White River Junction.
The partnership is possible thanks to a $220,000 grant from the state's Agency of Transportation, said CRT Executive Director Gary Fox.
CRT and MVRTD received the bulk of $350,000 available through the Agency of Transportation for regional public transportation enhancements, with transit services in Randolph and the Northeast Kingdom also receiving grant awards this year, said MVRTD Community Outreach Coordinator Ellen Atkinson.
"We had a lot of support from both communities, which is why we were successful in our first application," Atkinson said, referring to support from Rutland and the Springfield-Bellows Falls area. "Usually, you have to apply two or three times before you're approved."
Fox said CRT and MVRTD sent out surveys to employers along the route — such as the Vermont Country Store in North Clarendon, Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow and Sonnax in Bellows Falls — to learn employee schedules. They then sent out surveys to those employees to learn if they would want to ride the bus, when they would like to ride and how often. That feedback was used to create the bus schedule, Fox said.
"For employers, it's going to help them recruit employees from further distances, and for employees it's going to allow them to work further from home without having to worry about filling their gas tanks every few days," Fox said.
Early-bird riders can catch a 5 a.m. bus out of Bellows Falls and arrive in Rutland at 6:54 a.m. Rutland riders can catch a 5:10 a.m. bus and arrive in Bellows Falls at 7:05 a.m. MVRTD and CRT buses meet at Okemo's base area and riders transfer from one bus to the other.
In the evening, the last bus leaves Rutland at 6:15 p.m., with the last scheduled stop at Springfield Hospital 7:50 p.m.; however riders can request to go all the way to Bellows Falls. The last bus departs Bellows Falls from T-Bird Mini Mart at 6:10 p.m., with riders arriving in Rutland at 8:09 p.m.
Service is available Monday through Friday.
While there are 23 scheduled stops along the Route 103 corridor, Fox said riders can stand by the side of the road and flag down a bus, which will stop as long as it is safe to do so.
CRT and MVRTD are starting service with midsize buses that accommodate 20 to 25 riders, but anticipate running 40-passenger buses by winter, Atkinson said.
Riders are asked to pay a suggested donation of $3 each way, or $2.50 a ride for passengers who purchase four-weeks' worth of tokens. Fox emphasized that the fare is a suggested donation, and no rider will be turned away for lack of money.
For a complete bus schedule, visit MVRTD's Web site www.thebus.com or CRT's Web site www.crtransit.org.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
MORE CAVENDISH BREAK INS
Special Notice: More Cavendish Break Ins
The following article appears in the 11/8/08 Rutland Herald
Police investigating two nearby burglaries
November 8, 2008
CAVENDISH — Police are investigating a pair of burglaries that left a convenience store short on stock and a church short on fuel oil.
State police responded to Williams General Store on Route 131 Thursday to investigate a burglary complaint. Police said sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, a burglar or burglars broke into the store and stole beer, cigarettes and food.
While in town, state police also investigated a report of theft at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville. Police said someone siphoned several hundred gallons of kerosene and fuel oil from the church's tanks.
Police are uncertain if the two crimes are related and are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Robert McCarthy at the State Police Rockingham Barracks at 875-2112.
The following article appears in the 11/8/08 Rutland Herald
Police investigating two nearby burglaries
November 8, 2008
CAVENDISH — Police are investigating a pair of burglaries that left a convenience store short on stock and a church short on fuel oil.
State police responded to Williams General Store on Route 131 Thursday to investigate a burglary complaint. Police said sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, a burglar or burglars broke into the store and stole beer, cigarettes and food.
While in town, state police also investigated a report of theft at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville. Police said someone siphoned several hundred gallons of kerosene and fuel oil from the church's tanks.
Police are uncertain if the two crimes are related and are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Robert McCarthy at the State Police Rockingham Barracks at 875-2112.
Cavendish Update 11/7/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Select Board Meeting Agenda
2. Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar
1. Select Board Meeting Agenda
The Select Board Meeting is Monday, November 10th, 2008 beginning at 4:00 pm at Hoey Road for a site visit. A Town Highway Acceptance and Discontinuance Hearing on realignment of Hoey Road. The regular monthly meeting will immediately follow in the meeting room of the Town Office. The Agenda will be as follows:
• Conduct a hearing on the realignment of Hoey Road, which will include an acceptance of the new portion of road and a discontinuance of the old section, which has been bypassed. The Town’s Attorney has prepared the necessary paperwork to support this action. The affected lands are owned by James Kingery.
• Update on water filtration project progress and activities relating to the modified construction strategy in light of the low-bid contractor’s default/withdrawal. A recent meeting with DEC in Waterbury will be discussed.
• Consider Grand List Errors and Omissions re: Karkowski property as requested by Board of Listers
• Discuss the Cavendish Ambulance Service and disposition of the ambulance vehicle. A letter of resignation received from First Responder Coordinator, James Payne will be considered.
• Pieter van Schaik present to update Selectmen on Black River footpath progress
• Leon Woods present to discuss snowmobile trails and town highway road crossings for the 2008-2009 season
• Discuss the Cavendish Planning Commission proposal for town website and budget funds.
• Review and consider draft of a Town of Cavendish Purchasing Policy.
• Updates on various Town projects and activities including: Town Highway Access (Road Cut), Paving/Resurfacing work, Review Luzenac America Site Visit 11/05/08
2. Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar
November 8 (Saturday): Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar , 10 am to 2 pm at the Church. Will include a Bake Sale, Crafts & Gifts, Lunch and a Bargain Table -- also, Rada Cutlery, Cookbooks and more.
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Select Board Meeting Agenda
2. Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar
1. Select Board Meeting Agenda
The Select Board Meeting is Monday, November 10th, 2008 beginning at 4:00 pm at Hoey Road for a site visit. A Town Highway Acceptance and Discontinuance Hearing on realignment of Hoey Road. The regular monthly meeting will immediately follow in the meeting room of the Town Office. The Agenda will be as follows:
• Conduct a hearing on the realignment of Hoey Road, which will include an acceptance of the new portion of road and a discontinuance of the old section, which has been bypassed. The Town’s Attorney has prepared the necessary paperwork to support this action. The affected lands are owned by James Kingery.
• Update on water filtration project progress and activities relating to the modified construction strategy in light of the low-bid contractor’s default/withdrawal. A recent meeting with DEC in Waterbury will be discussed.
• Consider Grand List Errors and Omissions re: Karkowski property as requested by Board of Listers
• Discuss the Cavendish Ambulance Service and disposition of the ambulance vehicle. A letter of resignation received from First Responder Coordinator, James Payne will be considered.
• Pieter van Schaik present to update Selectmen on Black River footpath progress
• Leon Woods present to discuss snowmobile trails and town highway road crossings for the 2008-2009 season
• Discuss the Cavendish Planning Commission proposal for town website and budget funds.
• Review and consider draft of a Town of Cavendish Purchasing Policy.
• Updates on various Town projects and activities including: Town Highway Access (Road Cut), Paving/Resurfacing work, Review Luzenac America Site Visit 11/05/08
2. Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar
November 8 (Saturday): Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar , 10 am to 2 pm at the Church. Will include a Bake Sale, Crafts & Gifts, Lunch and a Bargain Table -- also, Rada Cutlery, Cookbooks and more.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Cavendish Update 11/1/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society www.cavendishhistory.org
The Cavendish Update is now available on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The 11/1/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. November Calendar
2. Paula Parker Work Displayed at the Cavendish Library
3. Classified-Rental
1. November Cavendish Calendar
November 2 (Sunday): Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department Drill 2pm, and Business Meeting 6:30 pm at the Fire House in Cavendish
November 3 (Monday): GMUHS Booster Club meets 7 pm in the Conference Room
• Cavendish Library Board Meeting, 5 pm at the Library
November 4 (Tuesday):VOTE! Election Day. Polling is at Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. After voting, stop by the Library for cookies and other treats.
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 5 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting, Cavendish Town Office 6:30 pm. FMI: 226-7292
November 6 (Thursday): Paying for College Night, GMUHS 6:30 pm in the Library.
• Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 8 (Saturday): Stepping Stones Preschool in Proctorsville Fall Open House and Nature Trail Grand Opening from 9-11am. The nature trail was build by parent volunteer, John Mitchell, with mornings of clearing, cutting and building. Come play with your children and see what nature has in store for the fall. FMI: Betsey Caldwell, Director 226-7760.
November 10 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. This is telecast on LPC-TV. FMI:226-7292
• Seminar on Domestic & Sexual Violence Sponsored by: Okemo Valley Women’s Club, 7PM, Black River Valley Senior Center, 10 High Street, Ludlow. FMI: 226-7417
November 11 (Tuesday): Cavendish School Board Meeting, 5 pm Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. FMI: 226-7758
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
• Community Playground Committee will be meeting at 6:00 at the school. FMI: 226-7758
November 12 (Wednesday): The Cavendish Community Library Book Club will meet at 6:00 pm to discuss “The Secret Life of Bees,” by Sue Monk. The book is available at no cost at the circulation desk at the library. FMI: 226-7503
November 13 (Thursday): Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 18 (Tuesday): GMUHS Parent’s Meeting, 5:30-6:30 GMUHS Conference Room. FMI: 875-1126 or 875-3967 or geralyn@vermontel.net
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 20 (Thursday): Community Luncheon will be held at 11:30 am at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville. This month's menu includes a delicious baked ham with scalloped potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, hot rolls and home baked pumpkin or apple pies will be offered, along with coffee, hot tea or apple cider. A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of this wonderful holiday meal. All are welcome to attend and bring a friend or a stranger!
• Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 21 (Friday): 3rd Annual Cavendish Boy Scout Pie Sale, 1-6pm in front of Shaws in Ludlow. All pies are $10. Donated pies can be dropped off any time during the week of Nov. 21 at Sheila Roby’s home in Cavendish. Pies can also be ordered a head of time. FMI: 226-782
November 22 (Saturday): 3rd Annual Cavendish Pie Sale in front of Singelton’s and Shaws from 8 am until all the pies are gone. All pies are $10. Donated pies can be dropped off any time during the week of Nov. 21 at Sheila Roby’s home in Cavendish. Pies can also be ordered a head of time. FMI: 226-782
November 25 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 26 (Wednesday): Schools close for Thanksgiving Holiday
November 27 (Thursday): HAPPY THANKSGIVING
November 29 (Saturday): Holiday Fair at Cavendish Town Elementary School
2. Paula Parker Work Displayed at the Cavendish Library
Originally from Pawlet, Vermont, Paula has been a resident of Proctorsville and Cavendish since 1964. Coming to the decision that she would like to paint some of the beauty that she can see, she signed up for a series of six art classes offered at Green Mountain Union High School in 2005 at the age of 64. These classes, taught by Robert Sydorowich of Andover were so enjoyable that Paula decided that she wanted to continue painting. She continued to take classes since then from such artists as Patricia Darling Dean, Robert O’Brien and Steve Rogers. Previously, Paula’s work has been shown at the “open wall” display at the VAULT in Springfield and the Chester Art Guild.
Paula’s work, which includes six water colors, will be on display at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in the Redfield Proctor Room from October 13- November 11 and may be viewed during operating hours. Prints and cards containing prints are on sale at the circulation desk.
3. Classified-Rental
Proctorsville - Small, 2nd floor two bedroom furnished apartment with fold out couch in living room. Washer and dryer. One off street parking place. Walking distance to bakery/café with WiFi, post office, grocery store, and shuttle bus. $800 utilities included. 1st month, security and references required. Contact: 226-7439 or
The Cavendish Update is now available on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The 11/1/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. November Calendar
2. Paula Parker Work Displayed at the Cavendish Library
3. Classified-Rental
1. November Cavendish Calendar
November 2 (Sunday): Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department Drill 2pm, and Business Meeting 6:30 pm at the Fire House in Cavendish
November 3 (Monday): GMUHS Booster Club meets 7 pm in the Conference Room
• Cavendish Library Board Meeting, 5 pm at the Library
November 4 (Tuesday):VOTE! Election Day. Polling is at Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. After voting, stop by the Library for cookies and other treats.
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 5 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting, Cavendish Town Office 6:30 pm. FMI: 226-7292
November 6 (Thursday): Paying for College Night, GMUHS 6:30 pm in the Library.
• Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 8 (Saturday): Stepping Stones Preschool in Proctorsville Fall Open House and Nature Trail Grand Opening from 9-11am. The nature trail was build by parent volunteer, John Mitchell, with mornings of clearing, cutting and building. Come play with your children and see what nature has in store for the fall. FMI: Betsey Caldwell, Director 226-7760.
November 10 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. This is telecast on LPC-TV. FMI:226-7292
• Seminar on Domestic & Sexual Violence Sponsored by: Okemo Valley Women’s Club, 7PM, Black River Valley Senior Center, 10 High Street, Ludlow. FMI: 226-7417
November 11 (Tuesday): Cavendish School Board Meeting, 5 pm Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. FMI: 226-7758
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
• Community Playground Committee will be meeting at 6:00 at the school. FMI: 226-7758
November 12 (Wednesday): The Cavendish Community Library Book Club will meet at 6:00 pm to discuss “The Secret Life of Bees,” by Sue Monk. The book is available at no cost at the circulation desk at the library. FMI: 226-7503
November 13 (Thursday): Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 18 (Tuesday): GMUHS Parent’s Meeting, 5:30-6:30 GMUHS Conference Room. FMI: 875-1126 or 875-3967 or geralyn@vermontel.net
• Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 20 (Thursday): Community Luncheon will be held at 11:30 am at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville. This month's menu includes a delicious baked ham with scalloped potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, hot rolls and home baked pumpkin or apple pies will be offered, along with coffee, hot tea or apple cider. A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of this wonderful holiday meal. All are welcome to attend and bring a friend or a stranger!
• Pre-School Story Time, Cavendish Library, 9:30 AM. Story time consists of a snack, a book and a related craft. FMI: 226-7502
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• Feldenkrais workshop, 6:00 pm in Ludlow. Discounts for Cavendish/Proctorsville residents. FMI: 226-7783
November 21 (Friday): 3rd Annual Cavendish Boy Scout Pie Sale, 1-6pm in front of Shaws in Ludlow. All pies are $10. Donated pies can be dropped off any time during the week of Nov. 21 at Sheila Roby’s home in Cavendish. Pies can also be ordered a head of time. FMI: 226-782
November 22 (Saturday): 3rd Annual Cavendish Pie Sale in front of Singelton’s and Shaws from 8 am until all the pies are gone. All pies are $10. Donated pies can be dropped off any time during the week of Nov. 21 at Sheila Roby’s home in Cavendish. Pies can also be ordered a head of time. FMI: 226-782
November 25 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm
November 26 (Wednesday): Schools close for Thanksgiving Holiday
November 27 (Thursday): HAPPY THANKSGIVING
November 29 (Saturday): Holiday Fair at Cavendish Town Elementary School
2. Paula Parker Work Displayed at the Cavendish Library
Originally from Pawlet, Vermont, Paula has been a resident of Proctorsville and Cavendish since 1964. Coming to the decision that she would like to paint some of the beauty that she can see, she signed up for a series of six art classes offered at Green Mountain Union High School in 2005 at the age of 64. These classes, taught by Robert Sydorowich of Andover were so enjoyable that Paula decided that she wanted to continue painting. She continued to take classes since then from such artists as Patricia Darling Dean, Robert O’Brien and Steve Rogers. Previously, Paula’s work has been shown at the “open wall” display at the VAULT in Springfield and the Chester Art Guild.
Paula’s work, which includes six water colors, will be on display at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in the Redfield Proctor Room from October 13- November 11 and may be viewed during operating hours. Prints and cards containing prints are on sale at the circulation desk.
3. Classified-Rental
Proctorsville - Small, 2nd floor two bedroom furnished apartment with fold out couch in living room. Washer and dryer. One off street parking place. Walking distance to bakery/café with WiFi, post office, grocery store, and shuttle bus. $800 utilities included. 1st month, security and references required. Contact: 226-7439 or
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Cavendish Update 10/28/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update is now available on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Board of Water Commissioners Meeting: Low Bidder Defaults
2. Medieval Castle at the Golden Stage Inn Haunted House: All invited
3. November Cavendish Calendar
1. Cavendish Board of Water Commissioners Meeting: Low Bidder Defaults
At the Oct. 27 Water Commissioners meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the construction phase of the water filtration project. On October 8, four companies submitted bids to complete the final phase of the construction of the water filtration project. The companies were as follows:
• Daniels Construction $221,400
• Wright Construction $302,623
• Penta Corp $317,800
• Infrastructure Construction $353,000
Daniels Construction not only had the lowest bid, but also has been doing work on the water filtration project, making them the first choice. However, after submitting the bid, Daniels withdrew it due to omissions in cost projections. When asked to provide a revised budget, costs increased to $281,000, and were not provided in the timely manner requested by Svec. Unfortunately, Daniels is considered to have defaulted on their bid and will not be eligible for this project.
The town can call in the bid bond, five percent of the cost of the project, posted by Daniels when they submitted their proposal. This would provide the town approximately $11,000. The Board voted unanimously to seek the bid bond funds as the default by the company has created a number of costly problems for the town.
The town has $246,500 budgeted for the construction phase, which is well below all of the bids submitted, including the revised projections by Daniels Construction. Further, the connection of the second well, which produces significantly less water than the town’s primary well, but has very clean water, is considered an important component of the new filtration system. The connection cost, approximately $30,000, was not part of the $246,500 budget. This means that the actual shortfall is closer to $75,000.
Svec suggested that the town do the project “in-house,” hiring a construction manager. Using a local bid process to hire different companies to do the various aspects of the project, the town would also use some of its own crew for digging trenches for piping etc. A number of those in attendance voiced concern over this approach. Among the issues raised were liability and taking town crew away from other necessary town projects, potentially creating problems elsewhere. More than one community member present thought the approach would be “penny wise and pound foolish,” meaning that it might save some money initially, but there was a real possibility that it could end up costing the town even more money than going with one of the current bidders.
A discussion followed about how the shortfall could be met. Suggestions were made about the town borrowing money from itself-using funds set aside for the renovations and expansion of the town office-to seeking grant support.
The Water Board has decided to have a special meeting with the state to see what direction they would recommend.
2. Medieval Castle at the Golden Stage Inn Haunted House: All invited
Once again, the Golden Stage Inn is hosting their annual haunted house on Oct. 31, Halloween night; from 5-8 pm. Innkeepers Peter and Sandy Gregg have been hard at work on some special projects including taming the Proctorsville Dragon.
The Golden Stage Inn is listed as “one of 74 best places to sleep with a ghost.” Whether or not “George” will make an appearance in his traveling cloak and large brim, some other interesting characters will. This is a free community event and should not be missed. Lots of treats and goodies are for all those who venture into the Inn. FMI: 226-7744
3. November Cavendish Calendar
If you have an item you would like posted on the November Cavendish Calendar, please submit to margoc@tds.net by Oct. 30. Please note that the Calendar will be posted on Nov. 1 and there will be no posting of the Cavendish Update on Friday, Oct. 31.
The Cavendish Update is now available on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Board of Water Commissioners Meeting: Low Bidder Defaults
2. Medieval Castle at the Golden Stage Inn Haunted House: All invited
3. November Cavendish Calendar
1. Cavendish Board of Water Commissioners Meeting: Low Bidder Defaults
At the Oct. 27 Water Commissioners meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, provided an update on the construction phase of the water filtration project. On October 8, four companies submitted bids to complete the final phase of the construction of the water filtration project. The companies were as follows:
• Daniels Construction $221,400
• Wright Construction $302,623
• Penta Corp $317,800
• Infrastructure Construction $353,000
Daniels Construction not only had the lowest bid, but also has been doing work on the water filtration project, making them the first choice. However, after submitting the bid, Daniels withdrew it due to omissions in cost projections. When asked to provide a revised budget, costs increased to $281,000, and were not provided in the timely manner requested by Svec. Unfortunately, Daniels is considered to have defaulted on their bid and will not be eligible for this project.
The town can call in the bid bond, five percent of the cost of the project, posted by Daniels when they submitted their proposal. This would provide the town approximately $11,000. The Board voted unanimously to seek the bid bond funds as the default by the company has created a number of costly problems for the town.
The town has $246,500 budgeted for the construction phase, which is well below all of the bids submitted, including the revised projections by Daniels Construction. Further, the connection of the second well, which produces significantly less water than the town’s primary well, but has very clean water, is considered an important component of the new filtration system. The connection cost, approximately $30,000, was not part of the $246,500 budget. This means that the actual shortfall is closer to $75,000.
Svec suggested that the town do the project “in-house,” hiring a construction manager. Using a local bid process to hire different companies to do the various aspects of the project, the town would also use some of its own crew for digging trenches for piping etc. A number of those in attendance voiced concern over this approach. Among the issues raised were liability and taking town crew away from other necessary town projects, potentially creating problems elsewhere. More than one community member present thought the approach would be “penny wise and pound foolish,” meaning that it might save some money initially, but there was a real possibility that it could end up costing the town even more money than going with one of the current bidders.
A discussion followed about how the shortfall could be met. Suggestions were made about the town borrowing money from itself-using funds set aside for the renovations and expansion of the town office-to seeking grant support.
The Water Board has decided to have a special meeting with the state to see what direction they would recommend.
2. Medieval Castle at the Golden Stage Inn Haunted House: All invited
Once again, the Golden Stage Inn is hosting their annual haunted house on Oct. 31, Halloween night; from 5-8 pm. Innkeepers Peter and Sandy Gregg have been hard at work on some special projects including taming the Proctorsville Dragon.
The Golden Stage Inn is listed as “one of 74 best places to sleep with a ghost.” Whether or not “George” will make an appearance in his traveling cloak and large brim, some other interesting characters will. This is a free community event and should not be missed. Lots of treats and goodies are for all those who venture into the Inn. FMI: 226-7744
3. November Cavendish Calendar
If you have an item you would like posted on the November Cavendish Calendar, please submit to margoc@tds.net by Oct. 30. Please note that the Calendar will be posted on Nov. 1 and there will be no posting of the Cavendish Update on Friday, Oct. 31.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Cavendish Update 10/24/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Update on-line
2. CHS Speaker’s Bureau: We Need Your Help
3. Proctorville Townhouses Are More Affordable
4. Meet the Candidates Night 10/28/08 in Cavendish
1. Cavendish Update On-line & Other Information
To make the Cavendish Update as user friendly as possible, it is now being posted on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/ The site will contain archived issues, starting with Oct. 17 (last week’s post).
Unless there is a special notice or information needs to get out sooner, posts are sent on Friday of each week. If you have something you want posted, please send it by Thursday noon. If it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 226-7807.
The Update is supported by the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) and CCCA. You can support the continuation of the Cavendish Update by sending tax-free contributions to both organizations as follows. Be sure to indicate that your donation is to be used to support the Cavendish Update.
CCCA
PO Box 605
Cavendish, VT 05142
CHS
PO Box 472
Cavendish, VT 05142
If you would like to be a sponsor of the Cavendish Update, please contact margoc@tds.net or call (8020 226-7807.
2. CHS Speaker’s Bureau: We Need Your Help
The Cavendish Historical Society is putting together a Speakers Bureau so that we can provide speakers, demonstrations and workshops to organizations and groups that are interested in some aspect of Cavendish history. We are covering a broad change of topics-from archeology to storytelling. If you can take pictures, weave, churn butter, tell stories about what Cavendish was once like, play an instrument, tell tall tales or have an expertise in business, art, music or another field, please take a minute and fill out the survey form below and e-mail it to margoc@tds.net.
Name:
Areas of expertise:
Availability (time of day and what days are best for you):
Do you require a fee? If yes,
Best time and way to contact you:
3. Proctorsville Townhouses Are More Affordable
Rockingham Area Community Land Trust (RACLT) announces new financing available for the Proctorsville Townhouses. In addition the purchase price is now $135,000. The town homes are located on the beautiful Proctorsville Green. Construction was completed in February, 2008.
No down-payment is needed to buy these homes as the State of Vermont is providing down-payment grants to qualified buyers. Also Vermont Housing Financing Agency (VHFA) is offering a 4.75%, 30 year fixed with 0% soft-second mortgage until December 2008. $1500 towards closing costs is all that a buyer needs to invest. This will provide a very affordable monthly payment so that working Vermonters can afford to buy a home.
The homes meet the highest energy-efficiency standards set by the federal government and have been awarded 5 Star Plus ENERGY STAR Home Energy Rating Certificates. Homeowners will experience approximately 43% lower heating and electricity costs compared to the average home. As energy costs rise, it’s increasingly important to have a home that is as energy-efficient as possible. These ENERGY STAR–qualified homes provide consistent temperatures between rooms and improved indoor air quality and thus are more comfortable and healthier than typical homes.
A low mortgage payment in combination with low energy costs make these newly constructed homes less expensive to own then typical, older, lower-priced homes.
Four two-bedroom townhouses are available now for purchase. The first floor offers a spacious living room, dining room and conveniently designed kitchen, with two bedrooms upstairs. In addition, a patio and exterior storage are included. These townhouses provide homeowners access to local amenities which include shopping, public transportation and recreational activities.
The homes will be kept “perpetually affordable” under the Trust’s Homeland program sponsored by Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
FMI: Cindy Gagnier at (802) 885-1856
4. Meet the Candidates Night 10/28/08 in Cavendish
Meet the Candidates Night at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m.. Each of the candidates for the Vermont House and Senate seats that represent Cavendish have been invited to give his or her positions on a variety of issues and will answer questions from the floor. Running for State Senate are Mark A. Blanchard, Kent Butterfield, John Campbell, Ethan Foster, Richard ‘Dick’ McCormack, Alice W. Nitka, and Kirk Sparkman. Running for the State House of Representatives is Ernest Shand and Edward J. Williams. All citizens are invited to meet the candidates. For those who cannot attend the session, it will be televised on LPCTV. This event is sponsored by CCCA. FMI: Will Hunter at 226-7852.
The Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Update on-line
2. CHS Speaker’s Bureau: We Need Your Help
3. Proctorville Townhouses Are More Affordable
4. Meet the Candidates Night 10/28/08 in Cavendish
1. Cavendish Update On-line & Other Information
To make the Cavendish Update as user friendly as possible, it is now being posted on-line at http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/ The site will contain archived issues, starting with Oct. 17 (last week’s post).
Unless there is a special notice or information needs to get out sooner, posts are sent on Friday of each week. If you have something you want posted, please send it by Thursday noon. If it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 226-7807.
The Update is supported by the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) and CCCA. You can support the continuation of the Cavendish Update by sending tax-free contributions to both organizations as follows. Be sure to indicate that your donation is to be used to support the Cavendish Update.
CCCA
PO Box 605
Cavendish, VT 05142
CHS
PO Box 472
Cavendish, VT 05142
If you would like to be a sponsor of the Cavendish Update, please contact margoc@tds.net or call (8020 226-7807.
2. CHS Speaker’s Bureau: We Need Your Help
The Cavendish Historical Society is putting together a Speakers Bureau so that we can provide speakers, demonstrations and workshops to organizations and groups that are interested in some aspect of Cavendish history. We are covering a broad change of topics-from archeology to storytelling. If you can take pictures, weave, churn butter, tell stories about what Cavendish was once like, play an instrument, tell tall tales or have an expertise in business, art, music or another field, please take a minute and fill out the survey form below and e-mail it to margoc@tds.net.
Name:
Areas of expertise:
Availability (time of day and what days are best for you):
Do you require a fee? If yes,
Best time and way to contact you:
3. Proctorsville Townhouses Are More Affordable
Rockingham Area Community Land Trust (RACLT) announces new financing available for the Proctorsville Townhouses. In addition the purchase price is now $135,000. The town homes are located on the beautiful Proctorsville Green. Construction was completed in February, 2008.
No down-payment is needed to buy these homes as the State of Vermont is providing down-payment grants to qualified buyers. Also Vermont Housing Financing Agency (VHFA) is offering a 4.75%, 30 year fixed with 0% soft-second mortgage until December 2008. $1500 towards closing costs is all that a buyer needs to invest. This will provide a very affordable monthly payment so that working Vermonters can afford to buy a home.
The homes meet the highest energy-efficiency standards set by the federal government and have been awarded 5 Star Plus ENERGY STAR Home Energy Rating Certificates. Homeowners will experience approximately 43% lower heating and electricity costs compared to the average home. As energy costs rise, it’s increasingly important to have a home that is as energy-efficient as possible. These ENERGY STAR–qualified homes provide consistent temperatures between rooms and improved indoor air quality and thus are more comfortable and healthier than typical homes.
A low mortgage payment in combination with low energy costs make these newly constructed homes less expensive to own then typical, older, lower-priced homes.
Four two-bedroom townhouses are available now for purchase. The first floor offers a spacious living room, dining room and conveniently designed kitchen, with two bedrooms upstairs. In addition, a patio and exterior storage are included. These townhouses provide homeowners access to local amenities which include shopping, public transportation and recreational activities.
The homes will be kept “perpetually affordable” under the Trust’s Homeland program sponsored by Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
FMI: Cindy Gagnier at (802) 885-1856
4. Meet the Candidates Night 10/28/08 in Cavendish
Meet the Candidates Night at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m.. Each of the candidates for the Vermont House and Senate seats that represent Cavendish have been invited to give his or her positions on a variety of issues and will answer questions from the floor. Running for State Senate are Mark A. Blanchard, Kent Butterfield, John Campbell, Ethan Foster, Richard ‘Dick’ McCormack, Alice W. Nitka, and Kirk Sparkman. Running for the State House of Representatives is Ernest Shand and Edward J. Williams. All citizens are invited to meet the candidates. For those who cannot attend the session, it will be televised on LPCTV. This event is sponsored by CCCA. FMI: Will Hunter at 226-7852.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Cavendish Update 10/17/08
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The 10/17/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Public Notice: Restricting Traffic on Depot Street
2. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting
3. For A Green Cavendish: 10 for Less then 10
4. “The Secret Life of Bees”: Reading Group
5. Green Mountain Parents Group
6. Cavendish Calendar On-Sale
1. Public Notice: Restricting Traffic on Depot Street
The Town of Cavendish has issued a public notice of the ordinance restricting through truck traffic on Depot Street in Proctorsville. In addition, the legal load for the bridge will now be up to 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Necessary truck traffic to provide delivery and service to local residents and business may legally travel on Depot Street. This is being done because of the population density on the road, including children, the need for repairs on the bridge, and the frequency of accidents on the road. Many trucks use Depot Street to connect to 103 or 131 respectively. The ordinance will become effective on December 6, 60 days after its date of adoption by the Select Board, unless a petition is filed with the Selectmen by Nov. 20. Copies of the Ordinance are available from the Town Office. FMI: 226-7291.
2. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting
The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) Annual Meeting will be held this Sunday, Oct. 19, starting with a pot luck at 5 pm at the Cavendish Inn (formerly Glimmerstone) on Main Street in Cavendish. This year, CHS will be honoring Linda Welch, author of the “Families of Cavendish” series with the Society’s Life Time Achievement Award. Also being recognized are Carmine Guica and Paul Kingsbury for their efforts in organizing CHS’s new farm exhibit. All are welcome to this free event.
3. For A Green Cavendish: 10 for Less then 10
The September 19 issue of the Cavendish Update provided a number of “no cost” ways to reduce energy and help keep Cavendish “green.” This post contains ten things you can purchase for less than $10.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). To learn more about them, go to www.newbulbintown.com CFLs are widely available, so look for coupons to make it even cheaper. CFLs can be recycled at the transfer station in Cavendish. Use lighting control devices like dimmers and motion detectors to provide light only when you need it.
• Shopping bags come in a variety of styles and fabrics. They can be purchased for as little as a $1 from Shaws and other grocery stores. Hot and cold bags sell for $2. Canvas bags will last longer than the less expensive ones. Instead of holiday wrap, give your presents this year in reusable shopping bags. Crochet or knit your own “French market bag.” the string tote that can be easily folded and stored in a purse. Stop by Six Loose Ladies, on the green in Proctorsville, for patterns, string and help.
• Install faucet aerators on all faucets.
• Buy reusable not disposable. Some replacements to consider:
• Kitchen towels and clothes made of cotton instead of paper towels
• Microfiber clothes instead of paper towels, dusting wands, and even Swiffer pads. Depending on the quality of the cloth, it can be used to clean windows and other surfaces using only water.
• Safety razors instead of disposable
• Dryer balls instead of sheets
• Stainless steel coffee filters instead of paper
• Stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic bottled water. HSN is currently offering two for $19.95 and EcoCanteen is offering a 26 oz one for $9.99 www.ecocanteen.org With the most recent studies on the dangers of plastics; expect to see more affordable stainless steel water bottles.
• Cloth napkins instead of paper. Purchase napkins when they are on sale and/or make your own. Don’t sew? Cut out napkins with pinking sheers.
• For disposable items like copy paper, household tissues (toilet paper, napkins, facial tissue and paper towels) purchase ones that contain recycled post consumer content. The National Resources Defense Council provides a list of tissue product contents at http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp
• Purchase eco friendly dish and laundry detergents, shampoo, body wash and cleaning products. Consider Castile soap (available at Crow’s Corner Bakery), as it is environmentally friendly and can be used to clean everything from dishes to skin. Buy in bulk when possible and buy concentrates and refills.
• Make your own cleaning products with baking soda, vinegar and other common household products. A combination of baking soda with liquid soap (e.g. Castile soap) mixed together in a paste makes a “soft scrub,” suitable for cleaning bathtubs, sinks etc. Combine 4 spoonfuls of baking soda and a quart of water in a spray bottle, and you can use it to clean almost anything. Make your own cleaning kit by going to http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html
• Buy a clothes line and pins and hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer
• Use foam soap dispensers. Foam soap is already activated, goes on easier, rinses off quicker and is environmentally friendlier than other alternatives. Make your own refills for your foam dispenser by mixing one part liquid hand soap (can use Castile soap) to four parts water.
• Add some plants to your daytime environment to boost the oxygenation. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other toxins during the daylight hours.
• Make sure all your major electronics are on power strips. Even when they are “off”, stereo equipment and computers continue to draw electricity. Turning off a power strip at night or when you leave the house reduces energy use and saves money. Cost can be: as little as $10.
4. “The Secret Life of Bees”
The Cavendish Library’s Book Club will be reading “The Secret Life of Bees,” which is now available from the library. The tentative date for the Book Club is November 12 (Wednesday) at 6 pm.
5. Green Mountain Parents Group
GM Parents Group meets on Oct. 20 at 6 pm at the Stone Hearth Inn. The Agenda will include: Review of student survey; school website; science fair; auditorium renovations; Rowland Foundation; and PBIS. FMI: SCOTTVIN@VERMONTEL.NET
6. Cavendish Calendar On-Sale
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s (CCCA) First Annual Cavendish Calendar Contest has arrived and is now on sale at the Cavendish Town Office on High Street in Cavendish, at the Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville, and at other locations in Cavendish. The calendar pictures this year celebrate the beauty of Cavendish and contain a mix of landscapes, wildlife and buildings, all in photographs taken by Cavendish residents. Three categories of photographers, based on their ages, won contest prizes, but all pictures were eligible for inclusion in the calendar, whether the picture won a prize or not.
The CCCA has already announced that they will run the contest again for the 2010 calendar. Since there were so many entries in such a short time frame this year, the CCCA hopes to get a wider selection of places and seasons in the next contest. Therefore all Cavendish citizens are encouraged to take pictures now so that the best shots might grace the 2010 calendar.
Meanwhile, the 2009 calendars make great holiday gifts and are a great reminder of how beautiful the Black River Valley can be at any time of the year. FMI: 226-7736
The 10/17/08 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Public Notice: Restricting Traffic on Depot Street
2. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting
3. For A Green Cavendish: 10 for Less then 10
4. “The Secret Life of Bees”: Reading Group
5. Green Mountain Parents Group
6. Cavendish Calendar On-Sale
1. Public Notice: Restricting Traffic on Depot Street
The Town of Cavendish has issued a public notice of the ordinance restricting through truck traffic on Depot Street in Proctorsville. In addition, the legal load for the bridge will now be up to 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Necessary truck traffic to provide delivery and service to local residents and business may legally travel on Depot Street. This is being done because of the population density on the road, including children, the need for repairs on the bridge, and the frequency of accidents on the road. Many trucks use Depot Street to connect to 103 or 131 respectively. The ordinance will become effective on December 6, 60 days after its date of adoption by the Select Board, unless a petition is filed with the Selectmen by Nov. 20. Copies of the Ordinance are available from the Town Office. FMI: 226-7291.
2. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting
The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) Annual Meeting will be held this Sunday, Oct. 19, starting with a pot luck at 5 pm at the Cavendish Inn (formerly Glimmerstone) on Main Street in Cavendish. This year, CHS will be honoring Linda Welch, author of the “Families of Cavendish” series with the Society’s Life Time Achievement Award. Also being recognized are Carmine Guica and Paul Kingsbury for their efforts in organizing CHS’s new farm exhibit. All are welcome to this free event.
3. For A Green Cavendish: 10 for Less then 10
The September 19 issue of the Cavendish Update provided a number of “no cost” ways to reduce energy and help keep Cavendish “green.” This post contains ten things you can purchase for less than $10.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). To learn more about them, go to www.newbulbintown.com CFLs are widely available, so look for coupons to make it even cheaper. CFLs can be recycled at the transfer station in Cavendish. Use lighting control devices like dimmers and motion detectors to provide light only when you need it.
• Shopping bags come in a variety of styles and fabrics. They can be purchased for as little as a $1 from Shaws and other grocery stores. Hot and cold bags sell for $2. Canvas bags will last longer than the less expensive ones. Instead of holiday wrap, give your presents this year in reusable shopping bags. Crochet or knit your own “French market bag.” the string tote that can be easily folded and stored in a purse. Stop by Six Loose Ladies, on the green in Proctorsville, for patterns, string and help.
• Install faucet aerators on all faucets.
• Buy reusable not disposable. Some replacements to consider:
• Kitchen towels and clothes made of cotton instead of paper towels
• Microfiber clothes instead of paper towels, dusting wands, and even Swiffer pads. Depending on the quality of the cloth, it can be used to clean windows and other surfaces using only water.
• Safety razors instead of disposable
• Dryer balls instead of sheets
• Stainless steel coffee filters instead of paper
• Stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic bottled water. HSN is currently offering two for $19.95 and EcoCanteen is offering a 26 oz one for $9.99 www.ecocanteen.org With the most recent studies on the dangers of plastics; expect to see more affordable stainless steel water bottles.
• Cloth napkins instead of paper. Purchase napkins when they are on sale and/or make your own. Don’t sew? Cut out napkins with pinking sheers.
• For disposable items like copy paper, household tissues (toilet paper, napkins, facial tissue and paper towels) purchase ones that contain recycled post consumer content. The National Resources Defense Council provides a list of tissue product contents at http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp
• Purchase eco friendly dish and laundry detergents, shampoo, body wash and cleaning products. Consider Castile soap (available at Crow’s Corner Bakery), as it is environmentally friendly and can be used to clean everything from dishes to skin. Buy in bulk when possible and buy concentrates and refills.
• Make your own cleaning products with baking soda, vinegar and other common household products. A combination of baking soda with liquid soap (e.g. Castile soap) mixed together in a paste makes a “soft scrub,” suitable for cleaning bathtubs, sinks etc. Combine 4 spoonfuls of baking soda and a quart of water in a spray bottle, and you can use it to clean almost anything. Make your own cleaning kit by going to http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html
• Buy a clothes line and pins and hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer
• Use foam soap dispensers. Foam soap is already activated, goes on easier, rinses off quicker and is environmentally friendlier than other alternatives. Make your own refills for your foam dispenser by mixing one part liquid hand soap (can use Castile soap) to four parts water.
• Add some plants to your daytime environment to boost the oxygenation. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other toxins during the daylight hours.
• Make sure all your major electronics are on power strips. Even when they are “off”, stereo equipment and computers continue to draw electricity. Turning off a power strip at night or when you leave the house reduces energy use and saves money. Cost can be: as little as $10.
4. “The Secret Life of Bees”
The Cavendish Library’s Book Club will be reading “The Secret Life of Bees,” which is now available from the library. The tentative date for the Book Club is November 12 (Wednesday) at 6 pm.
5. Green Mountain Parents Group
GM Parents Group meets on Oct. 20 at 6 pm at the Stone Hearth Inn. The Agenda will include: Review of student survey; school website; science fair; auditorium renovations; Rowland Foundation; and PBIS. FMI: SCOTTVIN@VERMONTEL.NET
6. Cavendish Calendar On-Sale
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s (CCCA) First Annual Cavendish Calendar Contest has arrived and is now on sale at the Cavendish Town Office on High Street in Cavendish, at the Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville, and at other locations in Cavendish. The calendar pictures this year celebrate the beauty of Cavendish and contain a mix of landscapes, wildlife and buildings, all in photographs taken by Cavendish residents. Three categories of photographers, based on their ages, won contest prizes, but all pictures were eligible for inclusion in the calendar, whether the picture won a prize or not.
The CCCA has already announced that they will run the contest again for the 2010 calendar. Since there were so many entries in such a short time frame this year, the CCCA hopes to get a wider selection of places and seasons in the next contest. Therefore all Cavendish citizens are encouraged to take pictures now so that the best shots might grace the 2010 calendar.
Meanwhile, the 2009 calendars make great holiday gifts and are a great reminder of how beautiful the Black River Valley can be at any time of the year. FMI: 226-7736
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