Friday, December 18, 2009

CU: 12/18/09 Select Board/Cavendish Inn Closing/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 12/18/09 Cavendish Update Contains

1. Cavendish Related News
2. Dec. 14 Select Board Meeting: Final Water Report
3. Cavendish Inn Closing
4. Give Mardi Gras for the Holidays

1. Cavendish Related News
Carob Snacks Recalled in Vermont

Commission Report: Consolidate School Districts

Poverty Line Drop Could Hurt Vermonters

Opportunities in Learning Gives Back to Communities

CTES’s Talented Youth

Ludlow Rotary Seeks Student Host Families

Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts Seeks Members


2. Select Board Meeting
LPC-TV tapes the select board meetings and can be seen on cable TV or on-line at the LPC-TV website www.lpctv.org. The following items were discussed at the Dec. 14 Select Board Meeting:

• Water Filtration Project Final Report: The system is running well. The manganese is now down to 0.02 mg/L, which is well below the standard of 0.05 mg/L. As such, Rich Svec, town manager, recommends that the school can stop using bottled water. Work is still being done on the volume of air in the lines. Some changes are being made to improve this condition, but it appears that some aspect of it will continue. Several weeks ago, because of power outages in the area due to high winds, the power was reset six times at the water filtration site. This caused considerably more air in the lines. New water bills are being mailed, which will reflect increases in costs. Svec hoped that the improved water quality would help ease the increased bills. Questions about the new pricing should be made to the town manager 226-7291.

• Budget: A number of organizations were present to discuss their request for funds. The board plans to try to maintain the $10,000 given to local organizations serving the town. The hope is to continue level funding. The following groups were present to discuss their programs: CT River Transit; Visiting Nurses and Hospice, LPC-TV, Council on Aging, Black River Senior Center, RSVP, and Black River Good Neighbor. A series of meetings have been set for January to deal with the town budget.

• Proctorsville Curb and Sidewalk Project Final Report: The project is complete. Several people noted concerns about the configuration in front of Six Loose Ladies.

• Loans for Home Energy Improvements: David Russell of Perkinsville talked to the board about becoming part of a three town project (Cavendish, Weathersfield and Ludlow) to provide low cost loans to homeowners interested in home energy improvements. The availability of funding to towns for this effort is part of legislation enacted this past spring. The town would be required to provide their share of administrative support for the program, as well as deal with anyone who wouldn’t pay back the loan. The issue for discussion is whether the March town meeting ballot should include the question whether the town should participate in this program. The Select Board voted to have the town’s Energy Committee review this issue and report back. A decision will need to be made by the end of January

For more information about existing Vermont low cost energy/weatherization loans for homeowners and businesses go to the following websites:
Energy Co-op of Vermont

Neighborhood Works Alliance of Vermont

Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)

• Proctorsville Depot Street Bridge (# 58): Svec is in the process of obtaining Jersey Barriers for the bridge. Traffic will be one way across the bridge, going from Route 103 (Golden Stage Inn) to Route 131 (Six Loose Ladies). This measure is needed because in August, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAT) sent a warning to the Town about the condition of the bridge. This letter stated that within 60 days of the posting of the letter, the Select Board needed to respond about which recommendation they would follow, properly barricade, control, and close the upstream half of the bridge to traffic based on the state’s recommendation; will properly repair and/or replace deteriorated t-beams and associated supporting seating area; will properly repair hole in deck near the pier. More information about the letter from VAT is available at www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com 9/18/09 post.

3. Cavendish Inn Closing
Tim Jefferson, owner of the Cavendish Inn, has announced that his Inn will be closing and auctioned off in January. Known to many as Glimmerstone, the Inn is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places.

In his remarks, at a farewell dinner Jefferson said, “ I want to thank all those who have supported our efforts over the years. I have enjoyed opening up the Inn to the community, and am hopeful that the Historic Glimmerstone will remain an important part of Cavendish.”

Because of the historic nature of the property, as well as the important role it has played within the community, there is an effort underway for local investors to purchase the building at the upcoming auction. Those who are interested in learning about this initiative should contact Will Hunter at ah@sover.net.

Built in 1845 by the manager of the Black River Manufacturing and Canal Company, the house was constructed of local quarried stone. While there have been many different owners, including Leon Gay, of the Gay Brothers Woolen Mills, Glimmerstone was converted into an Inn when Tim and his brother Peter Jefferson took it over in 2004.

After purchasing the Inn, the Jefferson brothers quickly became involved in the community. Tim has served on the board of a number of local organizations, and has offered the barn and Inn to the use of the community. The barn has been the home of the Cavendish Community Theater, while the Cavendish Historical Society and the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), have used the Inn and surrounding property for various events and dinners.

Those in attendance at the dinner recognized the significant contribution Jefferson and the Inn have made to the community. Dan Churchill, president of the Historical Society said, “We are certainly going to miss Tim. He has been a valuable member of this community, and has been most generous in sharing the Cavendish Inn. The Cavendish Historical Society will greatly miss Tim’s service as treasurer. We wish Tim good luck, and share his hope that the on-going Glimmerstone effort will be successful.”

As Robin Timko chair of the CCCA, noted, “Losing the Cavendish Inn, a welcoming center for so many neighbors, friends and community groups, is a great loss. But more than that, is my sadness at losing such a wonderful community member, who stepped forward to work with us shortly after moving here. In spite of difficulties, Tim has always shown a positive and cheerful face.”

4. Give Mardi Gras for the Holidays
On Sunday January 24, Yankee Chank, a Cajun and zydeco dance band, will be heating up the night in a Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) celebration at the dance hall on the second floor of Crows’ Corner bakery. This is a benefit for CCCA.

Yankee Chank features Cavendish’s own Bob Naess on fiddle. Naess has spent a lot of time in the bayous of Louisiana playing with various Cajun and Creole musicians. If you can get him to put his fiddle down, ask him to tell you what it’s like to play on the back of a flat bed truck as part of the traditional “Mardi Gras run” in Cajun Country. The run starts early on “fat Tuesday” as men and boys on horseback, masked decorated in traditional garb dating back to medieval times, ride through the countryside collecting items for a large community meal prepared by the women.

The dance is from 5:30-9 pm. Ticket pricing is as follows:
- $8 for adults and $5 for kids under 16, which includes a dance workshop (so no excuse not to dance).
- $30 per person for dinner and dance. Seating, which is limited, starts at 5 pm and is by ticket only.
- $12 per family interested in the family hour from 4:30 –5:30. This will feature a healthy snack, King Cake, drink and special activities.

Stop by Crows Corner Bakery in Proctorsville today and give someone, as well as yourself, a very special holiday gift of tickets to this event. Can’t get there today? Call 802-226-7007 or 226-7736 and reserve your tickets.

Yes, you can get your Mardi Gras beads-thrown by the band-but you have to show up for the dance. So stay warm this winter by dancing up a storm. Les Bone Temps Roulette! Let the good times roll.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Cavendish Update 12/11/09 Almanac/Support/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 12/11/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Support the Cavendish Update this Holiday Season
2. Cavendish Almanac
3. Give the Gift of Cavendish
4. Cavendish Related News
5. CHS: Follow the Young Historians on-line
6. The Cavendish Town Elementary School Snow Sports Program needs your help.
7. Cavendish Events 12/11-12/17

1. Support the Cavendish Update this Holiday Season
The Cavendish Update is supported by the CCCA and the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS). Let these organizations know how much you appreciate the Update by sending a tax-deductible contribution this holiday season to:

• CCCA, PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142

• Cavendish Historical Society PO Box 472, Cavendish VT 05142

You can specify that your contribution be used to help with the expenses associated with the Cavendish Update.

2. Cavendish Almanac
The Orton Family Foundation and The Open Planning Project have developed the Community Almanac (www.communityalmanac.org) which allows anyone-businesses, organizations, residents, visitors etc. to post information about a town. The Cavendish site is http://www.communityalmanac.org/Cavendish-VT more information about this initiative is posted below. Both the Cavendish Historical Society and CCCA have pages on the Cavendish site and we hope more will join.

The Community Almanac offers parents and children, entrepreneurs and artists, elected officials and teachers—who need a vehicle for expressing and sharing what they love about their towns. Community Almanac makes it possible to gather multimedia stories (photos, videos, audio clips and written text) on one accessible, easy-to-use platform.

“With this tool, residents can weave a textured digital fabric of community stories, sharing what they value and learning what others care about as well,” said Foundation President Bill Roper. “It’s a place where people can come together and celebrate their town’s heart and soul…and because it’s online and open source, it’s available for all to enjoy.”

Community Almanac was designed to be accessible to people of all ages and technical abilities, from students in the classroom to officials on the local planning board. For those without easy access to a computer, there is even a simple way for one person to post another’s content. This makes for a broad body of material that is reflective of a town’s true character.

The site also lends itself to exploration and exchange; you can swap stories with your neighbors and, through their eyes, discover a new world right in your own backyard. In this way, the platform encourages connections between people about places that matter. As more residents contribute their stories, ideas, comments and reflections, a town’s almanac becomes a natural hub for proactive decision-making about the future.

In many places today, people don’t spend much time interacting with their neighbors due to busy schedules, long commutes and poorly designed neighborhoods. As people become increasingly isolated in their own affairs, the sense of community dwindles, stories are forgotten, and the heart and soul of a town begins to fade. Community Almanac reverses this trend by engaging citizens from Victor, Idaho to Herculaneum, Missouri to Damariscotta, Maine in a grassroots movement to get reacquainted with our local communities.

3. Give the Gift of Cavendish
There are many shops, businesses and organizations in Cavendish and Proctorsville offering a wide variety of items that would make wonderful presents. Below is just a sample of what’s available this holiday season:

• Cavendish Calendar: If you haven’t picked up your 2010 Cavendish Calendar, featuring the winners of the 2009 Cavendish photography contests, you can do so at Crows’ Corner Bakery, Singleton’s Store or The Village Clipper. Calendars can also be purchased by sending a check, payable to CCCA, to PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142. Calendars are $12 a piece, $3.50 for shipping and handling. If you are interested in purchasing 5 or more calendars, contact Robin at 802-226-7736 or e-mail robintimko@tds.net for bulk purchasing rates. In addition to the Calendar, CCCA is offering a wonderful selection of cards, featuring nature scenes of Cavendish, along with framed copies of the barn poster. Stop by Crows Corner Bakery to see what’s available.

• 1927 Flood Photograph: The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) has a limited edition of the panoramic view of the flood. Take home a piece of history. These can be purchased at the Town Office, or ordered from CHS. Checks, payable to CHS, should be sent to PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142. The cost is $30 a piece plus $5 for shipping and handling. You can also contact CHS 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net to purchase photographs. CHS also offers a number of different books about Cavendish. These are available at the Town office, or by contacting CHS directly.

• Crows Corner Bakery: Stocking stuffers - Pretty and delicious, dipped and decorated butter cookies in a variety of styles or perhaps a bag of our delicate Palmiers. House gifts for visiting special friends - A 1lb tray of Robin's special butter cookies, almond, coconut, chocolate and more, or a 12oz tin of fresh baked Palmiers tied with ribbon. For the wheat intolerant friend why not order a box of raspberry squares or an apple-cranberry crisp? The Great Snowman or Winter Cottage butter cookies, adorned with candies and the very best quality chocolates, a great gift for children of all ages. For your Holiday Feasts order their famous Yule Log, a delicate chiffon cake rolled with rich chocolate butter cream and covered in a dark ganache bark, meringue mushrooms and decorative touches. Crows Bakery and Opera House Cafe - located on Depot St. in Proctorsville - serves breakfast and lunch and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30 am to 6pm (except Sunday when we close at 5). You can place orders for the holidays by calling 802-226-7007.

• Fletcher Farm: The shop in the Meadowview Building at the back of the campus (Route 103) is open from 10-3 seven days as week. Choose from a wide selection of note cards, photographs, hand painted maple sap buckets, lamp-work glass beads, 18” doll clothes, marbled scarves, candles, bags etc.

• Six Loose Ladies: Buy a knitted item, pick out a piece of jewelry or give a gift of an upcoming class. Located on the Proctorsville Green the Store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10-6.

4. Cavendish Related News
Attorney General Warns of Charitable Fundraisers

Vermont Wood Warms Program Taking Applications

Okemo Valley Woman’s Club Tree of Remembrance

5. CHS: Follow the Young Historians on-line
The Young Historians Program, a joint project of the Cavendish Historical Society and the Cavendish Elementary School, now is posting the handouts from their various meetings. You can follow along at www.cavendishhistoricalsocietynews.blogspot.com

6. The Cavendish Town Elementary School Snow Sports Program needs your help. This program is made possible by members of our community, family, and friends donating their time to teach our children to ski and snowboard. The C.T.E.S. Snow Sports Program is seeking monetary donations from individuals or businesses to assist in covering some of the program expenses. With the current economic situation we have seen a severe decline in our usual donations. The donations that the Snow Sports Program receives are put toward scholarships for those children that need them-we like to make it possible for every child in our Cavendish/Proctorsville Community (school age K-6) to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Also, monetary donations are used to pay for Okemo instructors to assist in teaching our beginner ski and snowboard groups. Having the Okemo instructors work with our beginners has been extremely beneficial in giving the children a solid start on the fundamental skills needed to be safe and confident skiers and riders. We hope that we can continue to offer this solid start to our beginners. The donations also help us to provide helmets, waterproof gloves, ski socks and neck gators/face masks to those children that may need them. Please consider a donation to this wonderful program. Your help is greatly appreciated.

To make a donation to the C.T.E.S. Snow Sports Program- contact Lisa Ewald at (802)484-5323 or e-mail thecoswalds@aol.com

7. Cavendish Events 12/11-12/17
December 12 (Saturday): Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm. Santa will be stopping by for a special visit at 10 am, coffee and donuts provided.

December 13 (Sunday): Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm.
• Okemo Mountain Resort Cares and Shares Food Drive, Lift tickers are $25 plus at least three non-perishable food items, a new child’s toy or new clothing item. Black River Good Neighbor Services Christmas Basket Program will help distribute the donated items to local families. FMI 228-1600.

December 14 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

December 16 (Wednesday): The Men of the Okemo Valley 2010 Calendar will be hosted at the Cool Moose Café in Ludlow from 6-8 pm. Proceeds from the calendars will benefit Black River Good Neighbor Services. The calendar is available for sale from Pleasant Valley Foods on Route 103.

December 17 (Thursday): Community Luncheon, 11:30 pm at St. James United Methodist Church, Main Street Proctorsville. Lunch will be roast pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, mixed vegetables, tossed salad, rolls and fluffy ambrosia for dessert. CTES will be sending a group of carolers. There will be other surprises as well. Suggested donation is $3 - $4.50
• Holiday Program at Cavendish Elementary School 7-8 pm FMI: 226-7758

Friday, December 4, 2009

Cavendish Update 12/4/09 Events/News/Funds Awarded

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 12/4/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Community Fund Awards Fall Grants
3. Upcoming Cavendish Events for 12/5-12/7
4. Special Community Luncheon

1. Cavendish Related News
John Brown Visited Cavendish in 1857

John Brown’s Abolitionist Legacy Vermont Public Radio’s interview with local historian Howard Coffin, includes discussion of Brown’s visit to Proctorsville.

Opportunities in Learning (OIL) Students Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner

Jean Pierre Visits CTES 4th Grade

Coat Drive

Ski Magazine Equipment Testing at Okemo

2. Cavendish Community Fund Awards Fall Grants
The Cavendish Community Fund has announced the award of four educational and cultural grants for projects in Cavendish.

CCF will again help support the Cavendish Community Theater’s summer production. The theater has produced several plays over the past few years, all of which played to packed houses, and CCF is proud to be a major sponsor again in 2010.

Two projects were funded to benefit children who attend Cavendish Town Elementary School. A trio of teachers has developed curriculum for fourth, fifth and six graders that takes advantage of interactive learning using advanced technology at the school. CCF funded additional technology to advance these learning opportunities. In the other project, a local citizen will create a class this year to teach photography to Cavendish school children. This is a new venture that will train students in a variety of digital photographic skills.

Finally, CCF has funded materials specific to a multicultural educational program at Stepping Stones Preschool.

CCF has distributed funds to sixteen projects since 2007. By granting modest sums, it seeks to help local organizations concerned with the needs and quality of life in Cavendish. The Fund assists projects, programs or events that advance the educational or cultural life of Cavendish citizens. The Fund will announce the deadline for the next round of grant applications sometime early next year.

3. Upcoming Cavendish Events for 12/5-12/7
December 5 (Saturday): Re-Make It for the Holidays-Craft Workshop from 10-2 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School to benefit the Young Historian’s Program. Crafts include: Iris folding; boxes from greeting cards and paper beads. Cost is $5 and includes all materials. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807
• Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm
• Summit Soapworks, 106 Main Street, Ludlow, will donate 25% of store sales to Stepping Stones Preschool. Store hours are 10-5.

December 6 (Sunday): Annual Lighting of Riley’s Tree and carol sing, 6:30 pm in front of the Cavendish Elementary School. Cookies and hot chocolate follow courtesy of the School’s Respect Club.
• Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm

December 7 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office. These meetings are televised on LPCTV. To check for airing times, or to watch the meetings on-line, go to www.lpctv.org.

4. Special Community Luncheon
This month's Community Luncheon in Proctorsville will be a fun-filled holiday event! As usual, the luncheon will be held the 3rd Thursday of the month, December 17, at 11:30 am at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville, but that's where the similarity ends!

Lunch will consist of roast pork loin with applesauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, mixed vegetables, a tossed salad, hot rolls, and fluffy holiday ambrosia for dessert. Hot coffee or tea or a cold beverage will be offered as well. We're expecting a group of kids from CTES to help us with carols and music, and we'll have lots of other nice surprises as well.

Come join us for an hour of fun and fellowship - and bring a neighbor with you! We wish you Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year, and we thank you for your continued support of this community outreach.

A suggested donation of $3.00 or $4.50 will help defray the cost of the meal.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Cavendish Update 12/1/09 Calendar/Missing/URLS

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

The 12/1/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Missing from Holiday Fair
2. December Cavendish Calendar
3. Cavendish Organizations Web Directory

1. Missing from Holiday Fair
During clean up from Saturday’s Holiday Fair, several bags of items from the Cavendish Historical Society were accidentally put into the wrong car. They include books as well as the hats and stuffed animals CHS was selling that day. If any one has any information about the missing material, please contact Margo at 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net

Also missing is a handmade cotton change purse. If you have any information please contact Pat O'Brien’s at 203-394-7722 or e-mail pobrien02@snet.net.

2. December Cavendish Calendar
December 2 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

December 3 (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

December 5 (Saturday): Re-Make It for the Holidays-Craft Workshop from 10-2 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School to benefit the Young Historian’s Program. Crafts include: Iris folding; boxes from greeting cards and paper beads. Cost is $5 and includes all materials. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807
• Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm
• Summit Soapworks, 106 Main Street, Ludlow, will donate 25% of store sales to Stepping Stones Preschool. Store hours are 10-5.

December 6 (Sunday): Annual Lighting of Riley’s Tree and carol sing, 6:30 pm in front of the Cavendish Elementary School. Cookies and hot chocolate follow courtesy of the School’s Respect Club.
• Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm

December 7 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office. These meetings are televised on LPCTV. To check for airing times, or to watch the meetings on-line, go to www.lpctv.org.

December 10 (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

December 12 (Saturday): Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm. Santa will be stopping by for a special visit at 10 am, coffee and donuts provided.

December 13 (Sunday): Christmas Tree Sales at the Cavendish Fire Department 9-5 and at the Proctorsville Fire Station from 9-4 pm

December 16 (Wednesday): The Men of the Okemo Valley 2010 Calendar will be hosted at the Cool Moose Café in Ludlow from 6-8 pm. Proceeds from the calendars will benefit Black River Good Neighbor Services. The calendar is available for sale from Pleasant Valley Foods on Route 103.

December 17 (Thursday): Holiday Program at Cavendish Elementary School 7-8 pm
• 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

December 24 (Thursday): Schools closed for holiday recess. Reopen January 4.

December 25 (Friday) Merry Christmas

December 31 (Thursday): New Year’s Eve

3. Cavendish Organizations Web Directory
If you would like your community organization included on this list, please e-mail the URL to margoc@tds.net

Many of area businesses have websites. For an updated list, download it from the Cavendish Historical Society website

Cavendish Baptist Church
Cavendish Community and Conservation Association
Cavendish Historical Society
Cavendish Historical Society Blog
Cavendish Library
Cavendish Snow Fleas
Cavendish Transfer Station
Cavendish Town Elementary School
Cavendish Update:
Fiber Arts in Vermont
Green Mountain Union High School
Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce
Proctorsville Fire Dept