Friday, January 30, 2009

Cavendish Update 1/30/09 News/BRGN/Mercury

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 1/30/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Black River Good Neighbor February Needs
2. Cavendish in the News
3. What do CFL Light bulbs; Tuna Fish and Corn Syrup have in common?

1. Black River Good Neighbor February Needs
The following items are needed at the Food Shelf this coming month:
• Tooth Paste
• Toilet Paper
• Diapers for children a year old and bigger
• Detergent for both clothing and hand dish washing

Also needed are volunteers to do trash duty. If you have a truck or SUV that can hold bags of trash to be taken to Ludlow’s Transfer Station and are willing to volunteer please call Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663. This requires a once a month commitment and takes about one hour. The Food Shelf and Thrift Shop are located at 105 Main Street in Ludlow.

2. Cavendish in the News
No through trucking on Depot Street: Vermont Journal
http://www.vermontjournal.com/Articles-c-2009-01-27-50630.113122_No_through_trucking_on_Depot_Street.html

Cavendish Library’s Dinner and a Movie Series: http://www.vermontjournal.com/Articles-c-2009-01-27-50642.113122_Movie_night_in_Cavendish.html

Cavendish Black and White Movie Series Returns
http://www.vermontjournal.com/Articles-c-2009-01-27-50640.113122_Black_and_white_films_series_return.html

3. What do CFL Light bulbs; Tuna Fish and Corn Syrup have in common?
They all contain mercury, as do other fish and plants.

The following information is provided as a follow up to the article in last week’s Cavendish Update on CFL (compact fluorescent light bulbs) for those subscribers who are concerned about mercury. As it happens, a study was released this week in the journal Environmental Health, which documents that mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Further, a separate study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brand name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first or second highest labeled ingredient-including products by Quaker, Hershey's, Kraft and Smucker's. HFCS use has skyrocketed in recent decades as the sweetener has replaced sugar in many processed foods. HFCS is found in sweetened beverages, breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunchmeats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS. Consumption by teenagers and other high consumers can be up to 80 percent above average levels.

Mercury is a naturally occurring metallic substance. Minute quantities of mercury are in air, water, soil, and all living matter. Mercury vaporizes into the air from natural soil deposits. Rain washes mercury out of the air and returns it to rivers, lakes, oceans, and the soil. This cycle of vaporization and washing-out has probably taken place since the earth formed. Because plants and animals evolved in the earth's environment, all contain trace quantities of mercury.

Mercury also enters the atmosphere via fuel combustion, incineration and industrial processes. In order to generate power for the grid, mercury is released into the atmosphere.

So is the amount of mercury in a CFL worth the risk? Consider the facts:
• Mercury is used in many household items: thermostats, fluorescent lights, batteries and switches for appliances, lights and automobiles. Exposure to large quantities of mercury in our air, water and fish we eat is a documented risk to human health. An extremely small amount of mercury—an average of four milligrams—is sealed within the glass tubing of a CFL. This is said to be about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. It is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs, and it’s what allows the bulb to be such an efficient light source. The mercury in a CFL is no threat to the environment unless the glass is broken.

• Ironically, a regular incandescent light bulb actually releases much more mercury into the environment than a CFL. CFLs reduce energy demand at the power plant and thus prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal. A CFL uses up to 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts up to 10 times longer. A power plant will emit 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time.

• CFLs can be recycled at the Cavendish Transfer Station. How the mercury is disposed of can be controlled versus having it emitted into the air from the power plant.

• Incandescent bulbs waste 90 percent of their energy generating heat. The "fuel" efficiency of a CFL is like replacing a car that gets 20 miles per gallon with one that gets 100 miles per gallon.

• Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs lowers the electrical bill for lighting up to 75%. If you replaced 20 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 23-watt CFLs, you would save 1,040 watts for every hour that the lamps burned. At five hours per day, this means saving over 2,000 kWh or about $208 back in your pocket every year. (Replace them with a 20-watt CFL and save more – but slightly less light.)

• Vermont-based Mercury Policy Project advocates say that while sensitive populations should take extra precautions to reduce risks associated with breakage, CFLs can and should still be used in everyone's homes until a nontoxic light bulb becomes available.

Some people complain about the lighting itself-doesn’t turn on quick enough, don’t like the color, what about dimmers etc. CFL technology has come along way. If you want to understand more about CFLs, and find some that will work well in your environment, call 802/226-226-7093 or drop by the Cavendish Solar Store on RT 131. They carry a broader array of lighting options than Wal Mart, where the prices may be cheaper but so are the choices.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Cavendish Update 1/23/09

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 1/23/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish in the News
2. Is there a Cavendish Champ, Memphre or Bigfoot?
3. Cavendish Library Book Club
4. CTES School Budget for 2009-2010
5. GMUHS Annual Meeting
6. Cavendish Earth Week April 20-26
7. Upcoming Events
8. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Why Use Them/What happens if they break
9. Events for February Cavendish Calendar

1. Cavendish in the News
• Cavendish First Responders Join Ludlow Ambulance Squad http://www.vermontjournal.com/Articles-c-2009-01-13-50395.113122_Cavendish_first_responders_join_Ludlow_Ambulance_Squad.html

Cavendish Fire Department Receives Grant http://www.vermontjournal.com/Articles-c-2009-01-13-50394.113122_Cavendish_Volunteer_Fire_Dept_receives_grant.html

Robber Hits Ludlow Rite Aid http://www.RutlandHerald.com/article/20090122/NEWS/901220277

Cavendish Solar Store: Alternative Energy Leader
http://www.MessageForTheWeek.com/MSG/story/090121-jem-SOLAR

2. Is there a Cavendish Champ, Memphre or Bigfoot?
The following request has been sent by Joe Citro, Native Vermonter, novelist, and public radio commentator, http://www.josephacitro.com“I'm hoping you can help me with some research I'm doing for a new book to be published by the University Press of New England. I'm trying to collect tales about Vermont Monsters. I'm looking for critters more obscure than Champ, Memphre, or Bigfoot. These might be the sorts of tales you heard when you were a kid sitting around the campfire. For example, I have the story of a 300-pound leech supposedly living in a pond in Sharon. And a "swamp monster" said to hang out in St. George. And of course there's Old Slipperyskin up in the Northeast Kingdom, who may have bear a bear. . . but maybe not!

I'm not asking you to take the time write the story, just alert me to what might be hiding in your local woods, sky, and lakes. Or possibly suggest folklorist or yarn spinner I might talk to. Questions? Comments? Information? Please drop me an email or give me a call. Thank you in advance for helping me to keep Vermont's legendary monsters alive. With all best wishes --Joe Citro”

If you have a story, you can contact Citro as follows:Joseph A. Citro, 217 St. Paul St.Burlington VT 05401, 802-863-8751

3. Cavendish Library Book Club

The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library Book Club is currently reading "Tirra Lirra by the River" by Jessica Anderson. The club will meet on Wednesday, February 18 at 3:30 to discuss the book. Copies are available at the circulation desk. FMI 226-7503

4. CTES School Budget for 2009-2010

The January 21-27 edition of “The Message” contains a warning of a public information meeting for the Cavendish Town Elementary School District on March 2 at 7 pm, immediately following adjournment of the Annual Meeting. Voting on the school budget will take place on March 3 by Australian Ballot. Polling times are 10 am- 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School. This year, four positions for the School Board will be voted on.

The CTES Principal George Thomson has provided the following information about the budget. “The administration is pleased to propose a lower budget than last year. The proposed budget for 2009-10 is $1,754,014 down $48,288 from the current year's budget of $1,802,302. As a reminder, the Cavendish Town School District budget is made up of the Cavendish Town Elementary School, EEE (Early Essential Education) and the Collaborative Preschool. The proposed Elementary School budget is lower than last year by 1.53%. The EEE budget is up slightly but it is reimbursed in its entirety as noted on the revenue page. The Cooperative Preschool budget is down by 30%. Through careful administration and oversight of the budget, the fund balance for the FY '08 is $73,658 less than the previous year. As a result of all of the above, the estimated amount of money to be raised by taxes is down by 4.92% or an estimated reduction of 13.8 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The estimated education spending per equalized pupil is projected to be $13,951 down $1,344 from the current year.”

5. GMUHS Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Green Mountain Union High School District meeting will be held on Feb. 24 at 7:00 pm at the High School in Chester.

6. Cavendish Earth Week April 20-26
In keeping with National Earth Day, April 22, a group of businesses and organizations are planning the first ever Cavendish Earth Week. The activities of the week will include a series of workshops, culminated by a daylong workshop on Saturday April 25 and a Cavendish sustainable house tour on April 26. Five key areas will be discussed during this week: Sustainable Eating/Sustainable Gardening; Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Building, Sustainable Living and Sustainable Life: Global Warming and Cavendish. Organizations already involved are the Cavendish Solar Store; Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA); Cavendish Historical Society and Calabrese Architects. If you are interested in volunteering to help plan and implement this week of activities, and/or are interested in being a sponsor, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802/226-7807. The planning committee meets on Mondays, 1 pm at the Solar Store in Cavendish.

7. Upcoming Events
January 26 (Monday): Water Board Meeting, 5 pm at the Cavendish Town Office
• Select Board Meeting-Continuation of budget planning
January 30 (Friday): ONE MORE TIME---TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE! The Black & White Nights film series is back in Cavendish with a line-up of six great classic films, beginning Friday January 30. First in the series will be the American western, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, with Humphrey Bogart. Film series founders have tried in vain for two winters to showcase this film but were forced by snow and ice storms to cancel each time it was scheduled. Tempting Mother Nature one more time, this gem is scheduled to be the first film in this winter's program. Made in 1948 and directed by John Huston, Treasure of the Sierra Madre won three Academy Awards. In this tale of greed and corruption three friends head for the hills in search of gold, only to find madness and destruction. A vintage poster for the film advertises, "The nearer they get to their treasure the farther they get from the law! Films are shown at Cavendish Town Elementary School on Rte. 131 in Proctorsville and begin at 7:00. FMI: 226-7187 or 226-7503.

January 30-Feb 1 (Friday-Sunday)
: Winter Carnival in Ludlow FMI: 802-228-8811 and ask for Joe "The Viking King" Karl or http://www.okemovalleyvt.org/event-planning/event-details.aspx?id=48
• Summit Soapworks' at 106 Main Street 10% of all sales will benefit the Ludlow Teen Center’s Big Buddy’s Program. FMI: 228-4900

January 31 (Saturday): Create a small, seamless felted wool purse, cell phone case or treasure pouch without knitting or sewing! Learn basic wet-felting techniques, which can also be used for making hats, slippers and larger purses. suitable for ages 12 and up. No prior experience necessary. Costs: $15 materials fee, $40 member /$45 nonmember tuition. Class will run from 11-3 at Six Loose Ladies in Proctorsville FMI: 226-7373

8. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Why Use Them/What happens if they break
There is a very interesting article in the New York Times Green Blog on using CFLs. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/light-bulbs-which-do-you-use/ Yes, CFLs save money but some people don’t like how they look and are overly concerned about mercury.

CFLs use approximately 66-75% less energy than an incandescent bulb and they last up to 6-10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. As far as mercury, it is less than 5 mg, or roughly 1/5 the amount in a watch battery. No mercury is released when CFLs are in use. The risk of exposure to mercury from the occasional broken CFL bulb is also very small.. Using CFLs reduces the amount of mercury in the environment by reducing the amount of electricity that power companies need to produce.

In the event a CFL light bulb should break, the following information for clean up is proved by Efficiency Vermont www

How to best use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):
• For maximum savings, CFLs should be installed in high use areas. For
maximum life, CFLs work best in locations where the light is left on for
least 15 minutes at a time.
• In dimmable fixtures, you must use CFLs labeled for use with dimmers.
• In the cold or outdoors, use CFLs that are rated for low temperatures.

What precautions should I take when using CFLs in my home?
Always screw and unscrew the CFL by its base (not the glass) and never forcefully
twist the CFL into a light socket. CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled.

What to do if your bulb breaks:
By following the directions below, you can safely clean up a broken CFL. It is not necessary to hire a professional for the cleanup.

For breakage on a hard surface
:
1. Ventilate the room by closing all interior doors and vents, opening windows and any exterior doors in the room and leaving the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.

2. Remove all materials you can and don’t use a vacuum cleaner.
a. wear disposable gloves, if available.
b. carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder with a stiff paper or cardboard (such as playing cards or index cards).
c. pick up any remaining small pieces of glass and powder using sticky tape (such as masking or duct tape).
d. wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.

3. Place all cleanup materials (cardboard, gloves, tape, etc.) into a glass or rigid container with a lid. If a glass or rigid container is not available, place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag (and double bag) and seal it. Store the container or bag outside of the house in an area inaccessible to children.

4. Wash your hands.

5. Contact your local solid waste district, alliance, or municipality for proper disposal; or call 1-800-974-9559 (dial one) or (802) 241-3888 (for a list of districts see mercvt.org "proper disposal").

6. Leave windows in the affected room open as long as practical (weather permitting).

For breakage on carpet:
1. Complete steps 1 through 6 above.
2. If rug is removable, take it outside, shake, and air out as long as practical.
3. (After cleanup and the room has been ventilated) The first time you vacuum the area where the CFL was broken, shut the door to the room or close off the area from as much of the rest of the house as possible and ventilate the room when vacuuming. Remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area, wipe vacuum with wet wipe and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, including cleaning materials, into a plastic bag and double bag and store the bag outside the house in an area inaccessible to children. Contact your local solid waste district, alliance or municipality as instructed in #5 above.
4. After vacuuming, keep window open, door closed and children/pets out of room.
5. Consider removal of carpeting section where the breakage has occurred as a precaution when there are infants, small children and pregnant women present. For questions, call the Vermont Department of Health at 1-800- 439-8550 (toll-free in VT) or (802) 863-7220 (dial zero). During non-work hours, call the Northern New England Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

9. February Cavendish Calendar
If you have an item you would like included in the February Cavendish Calendar, please send it by January 29 to margoc@tds.net or call 802/226-7807

Friday, January 16, 2009

Cavendish Update 1/16/09

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 1/16/09 Cavendish Update Contains

1. Petitions for Select Board and School Board Due by 1/26/09
2. Select Board Meeting January 12
3. No Thru Trucking on Depot Street
4. Green Mountain Union High School Parents Meeting
5. Vermont View: Everyone wants what we have

1. Petitions for Select Board and School Board Due by 1/26/09
Anyone interested in running for the Select Board or School Board needs to file a petition with the Town Office by 5 pm on January 26. Each petition must contain 1% of the legal voters of Cavendish. A voter can only sign only one petition for each office that is open for nomination. FMI: 226-7292

2. Select Board Meeting January 12

At Monday’s January 12 Select Board meeting, the following was discussed:

Water Filtration Project: While progress is “going pretty well,” according to Rich Svec, town manager, a projected completion date will not be available until the Water Board meeting on January 26. The filtration equipment has been delivered and is being installed.

Proctorsville Curb and Sidewalk Project: This project is slated to begin this spring, with the bid process starting in late winter. Svec is recommending a schedule, which will work around the school vacation schedule (June 18 or 19-August 26).

3. No Thru Trucking on Depot Street
The signs are now up restricting truck traffic on Depot Street in Proctorsville. Trucks are no longer allowed to use Depot Street as a quick way to go from 103 to 131 or vice versa. This change was instituted for several reasons including reducing the load on the Depot Street Bridge. Local deliveries are allowed, as well as the use of the bridge by fire and rescue and school buses. FMI: 226-7292

4. Green Mountain Union High School Parents Meeting
The next GM parents meeting will be January 20 (Tuesday) from 5-6 in the GMUHS Conference Room. The agenda will include the music program and website development. FMI: SCOTTVIN@VERMONTEL.NET

5. Vermont View: Everyone wants what we have
In view of this summer’s change in voting the school budget from Town Meeting to Australian Ballot, the Cavendish Update has been asked to link to the opinion piece “Vermont View, Everyone wants what we have,” by Susan Clark that appeared in January 11, 2009 Rutland Herald. The link is http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090111/FEATURES15/901110308

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Select Board Meeting Agenda 1/12/09

Selectmen’s Meeting, Monday, January 12th, 2009 beginning at 6:30 pm in the meeting room of the Town Office
........................................................ AGENDA ................................................................
Call the meeting to order

Act upon minutes of the meeting of December 8th, 2009. Note: Minutes to the budget meetings of January 5th and 7th will be reviewed for approval at the budget meeting on January 14th.

Sign Orders

Review Correspondence

Adjust agenda

Hear Citizens

Update on water filtration project construction progress.

Discuss the Proctorsville Curb and Sidewalk Project and a rough schedule for procurement of services. Town manager to suggest a construction schedule goal of maximizing use of the period when the elementary school is out of session for the summer.

Consider adoption of the Town of Cavendish Purchasing Policy as reviewed at the December meeting.

Follow-up to the discussion regarding Winter Parking Regulations which took place at the December 8th meeting. Revised text for Article 6, Section 3 will be presented for the Board_s consideration.

Discuss the dissolution of the Cavendish First Responder Service and the disposition of Ambulance Service assets.

Updates on various Town activities including winter highway maintenance

Continuation of work on Selectmen’s Budget for FY10

Other business

Adjourn

Friday, January 9, 2009

Cavendish Update 1/9/09 Events/News

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 1/9/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Notice
2. Local Foods: Beef for sale
3. Black and White Film Series Returns
4. 21 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle
5. Catalytic converter thefts on the rise
6. Homeowners can save by cutting state firewood

1. Notice
The Cavendish Update is e-mailed and posted to the website on Friday. Items, such as agendas for Select Board Meeting and Water Board Meetings, received after the posting, will appear on www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com

2. Local Foods: Beef for Sale
Moonlite Meadows in Cavendish has locally grown, grass fed beef for sale: ground, stew meat and 1/4 share. FMI: 226-8077

3. Black and White Film Series Returns
After two seasons of trying to show “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” only to be “snowed out,” the much anticipated Cavendish Black and White Film Series is back, with the first film starring Humphrey Bogart. All films begin at 7:00 pm on Friday from January 30 to March 6. The films are free and will be shown at the Cavendish Elementary School in Cavendish. The 2009 schedule will be as follows:
January 30: Treasure of the Sierra Madre
February 6: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
February 13: The Hustler
February 20: The Grapes of Wrath
February 27: On The Waterfront
March 6: King Kong (the original)

4. 21 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle
1. Appliances: www.recycle-steel.org
2. Batteries: www.batteryrecycling.com
3. Cardboard Boxes: www.usedcardboardboxes.com
4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: www.auraltech.com or greendisk.com
5. Clothes: www.dressforsuccess.org
6. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: www.ikea.com or at the Transfer Station
7. Compostable Bio-Plastics: www.findacomposter.com
8. Computers and Electronics: www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html
9. Exercise Videos: www.videofitness.com
10. Eyeglasses: Local Lion's Club or eye care chain
11. Foam Packing: www.epspackaging.org/info.html
12. Ink/Toner Cartridges: www.recycleplace.com or 6th grade class at Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 226-7758
13. Miscellaneous: _www.freecycle.org
www.craigslist.org_
www.throwplace.com_
www.ireuse.com
14. Oil: www.recycleoil.org
15. Phones: _www.collectivegood.com _www.donateaphone.com _www.reclamere.com
16. Sports Equipment: www.playitagainsports.com
17. "Technotrash": www.greendisk.com
18. Tennis Shoes: _www.nikereuseashoe.com _www.oneworldrunning.com
19. Toothbrushes and Razors: www.recycline.com
20. Tyvek Envelopes: _For quantities less than 25, send them to: _Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist _5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy. _Spot 197, Room 231 _Richmond, VA 2324 For quantities larger than 25, call 866-33-TYVEK
21. Stuff You Just Can't Recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.

5. Catalytic converter thefts on the rise
Rutland Herald, 1/3/09 by Josh O’Gorman
SPRINGFIELD — Police are investigating the theft of auto parts in the Connecticut River Valley.

Springfield Police Chief Douglas Johnston said between eight and 10 catalytic converters have been stolen from parked vehicles during the past few months.

Johnston said the thefts were not confined to Springfield. Residents in other towns have also been struck by the thefts, he said.

"I guess there's materials that can be sold for salvage," Johnston said.

A catalytic converter limits the toxicity of automobile emissions. While the parts are typically made of stainless steel, they also contain a small amount of the precious metal platinum, which closed at $911 an ounce Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The value of platinum has dropped this year, from a high of $2,254 an ounce earlier this year.

Johnston said it does not appear vehicles have been targeted by where they are located, nor by the vehicles' make or model. Johnston did not have an estimate for how much money the thefts have cost the auto owners, but replacement parts retail between $63 for a late-model Toyota to $263 for a Dodge Stratus.

It appears the thief or thieves are well-equipped to steal the catalytic converters, which are located beneath the body of the vehicle, Johnston said.

"My understanding is they have a tool that will cut the part out pretty quickly," he said.

Catalytic converter thefts in the state are not confined to the Connecticut River Valley, said State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Tara Thomas.

"It's actually a statewide problem," Thomas said. "It goes in spurts, where it's quiet for a while and then there will be a bunch all at once."

Like Johnston, Thomas said it does not appear vehicles are targeted by either location or make and model.

"The parts are worth a lot and I don't know if this has to do with the drug rings taking the parts and selling them to get money to buy drugs or not," Thomas said.

There have been numerous reports this year surrounding theft of catalytic converters. Earlier this month, two catalytic converters were stolen from parked vehicles on Depot Street in Proctorsville. In August, several of the parts were stolen from R. Brown & Sins Inc. in Pittsford. Between March and April, nine catalytic converters were stolen from White River Toyota in White River Junction.

Chief Johnston asked anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity to call Springfield Police at 885-2112.

6. Homeowners can save by cutting state firewood
Rutland Herald 1/6/09 by Josh O'Gorman
WATERBURY — Homeowners looking to save money on their fuel bills are invited to sign up to cut their own wood on state forest land in the Rutland and Springfield areas.

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has given residents until Feb. 6 to sign up for one of 80 wood lots in the area. Each lot contains about 3 cords of wood, and for $30 residents can come and cut it and take it home.

The program has been in place since the 1970s, and Gov. James Douglas highlighted the program during the Food and Fuel Partnership, a taskforce dedicating to dealing with rising fuel costs.

"While the price of gasoline and heating fuel may have temporarily declined, other costs of living continue to climb," Douglas said in a statement. "We know that there is no one cause of this economic downturn and there is no one solution. Programs like Wood Warms are great steps to help Vermonters control their heating costs and break their dependence on foreign oil."

Officials have seen an increased demand for the program and expect that increase to continue.

"We've been doing this since the '70s, but there was never a lot of interest until the cost of fuel oil ballooned last summer," said Paul Frederick, wood utilization forester for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

Under the program, forest officials mark trees with paint to designate them for cutting. The trees are chosen for removal to encourage the overall health of the forest.

"It's like weeding a garden," Frederick said. "You want to pull out all the junk, all the trees that are malformed so the healthy trees can thrive."

Tree species marked for removal include ash, beech, birch and sugar maple because "we try to maintain a diverse forest and don't want to pick on a specific species," Frederick said.

After signing up, residents are assigned a lot containing approximately 3 cords of wood. The lot will be no further than 100-200 yards from the road, which is convenient because vehicles such as skidders, all-terrain vehicles and tractors are not allowed.

Another condition dictates the wood is for personal use only and cannot be sold commercially.

"We haven't been too worried about that in the past," Frederick said. "These are guys with pickups and chainsaws. It's not a big operation."

Forest officials are urging people to brush up on their chainsaw safety. Safety tips are available at www.vtfpr.org.

There are 45 lots scattered throughout the Springfield District, in Bridgewater, Cavendish, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Rockingham, Sharon, Weathersfield and Weston. The Rutland District contains 35 lots in Castleton and Shrewsbury. In the event demand exceeds supply, officials will hold a lottery, Frederick said.

With most of the lots located on roads that are not plowed during winter, Frederick expects people will not be able to cut wood until June.

To sign up for a lot, call the Springfield District office at 885-8845, or the Rutland District office at 786-0060.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Cavendish Update 1/1/09

This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society www.cavendishhistory.org

The 1/1/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. January Cavendish Calendar
2. New Year’s Resolution: Just Do One Thing
3. Vikings Wanted for Ludlow Winter Carnival

1. January Cavendish Calendar
January 1 (Thursday): Happy New Year

January 6 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm

January 7 (Wednesday): FAFSA Forms Night at GMUHS. This is an opportunity for parents and students to complete the FAFSA using school computers. A brief introduction, along with assistance in completing the form will be provided. Bring your 2007 tax return or 2008-estimated tax information with you. FMI: 875-2146
• Planning Commission Meeting, Cavendish Town Office 6:30 pm. FMI: 226-7292

January 8 (Thursday): GMUHS School Board Meeting, 5 pm FMI: 875-2146
• 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

January 12 (Monday): Cavendish Historical Society’s Board Meeting, 3 pm at the Cavendish Library
• Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. This is telecast on LPC-TV. FMI: 226-7292

January 13 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm

January 15 (Thursday): Community Luncheon in Proctorsville, 11:30 am at St James
United Methodist Church, Main Street. This month consists of Calico Baked Beans with cole slaw, baby carrots, hot rolls, and ice cream and cookies. Coffee, hot tea or cider will round out the meal. Everyone is welcome to attend this monthly event. A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years helps to cover the cost of the luncheon.
• 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

January 19 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. No School. Town Office closed

January 20 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm

January 22 (Thursday): GMUHS School Board Meeting, 5 pm FMI: 875-2146
• 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

January 24 (Saturday): Green Mountain Series at GMUHS: Taiko Drummers.
• SAT testing at GMUHS FMI: 875-2146

January 27 (Tuesday): Cavendish Fire Department Work Detail at the Fire House 6:30 pm

January 29 (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

2. New Year’s Resolution: Just Do One Thing
In our continuing efforts to promote a greener and sustainable Cavendish, consider doing “just one thing,” that you are currently not doing, which will help the environment. For a number of suggestions visit the Just Do One website at http://www.justdoone.org/

Are you familiar with all aspects of waste management in Southern Windsor County? If not check out the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District, vtsolidwastedistrict.org/ that serves many of the towns in the Okemo Valley, including Cavendish. The link for the Cavendish Transfer Station is vtsolidwastedistrict.org/portalx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=37 The website also provides a lot of other useful information on recycling composting etc.

3. Vikings Wanted for Ludlow Winter Carnival
Organizers are looking for snow sculptors and parade participants for the town's annual winter carnival, Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. This year's theme is "Village Vikings — Conquerors of the Snow," and participants are encouraged to dress in Viking attire and sculpt Viking-themed snow sculptures. Snow sculpture competitors should e-mail digital photos of their sculptures to info.ovrcc@tds.net, no later than noon Jan. 31.

There will also be a parade through town, and interested participants must register their floats. The registration fee is $10 in advance or $20 the night of the parade. Parade participants should meet at Black River Union High School at 6 p.m. Jan. 31.

FMI: Event organizer Joe Karl at 228-8811 or the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 228-5830.