Cavendish Update 1/15/10 SB/News/Events/Films/Haiti

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 1/15/10 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Select Board Meeting 1/11/10
2. Petitions for Town Positions
3. Cavendish Related News
4. Vermont Response to Haitian Relief
5. Black and White Classic Film Series Returns
6. Upcoming Cavendish Related Events 1/17-1/24

1. Select Board Meeting 1/11/10
LPC-TV tapes the select board meetings and can be seen on cable TV or on-line at the LPC-TV website . The following items were discussed at the January 11 Select Board Meeting:

• Scheduling: Richard Svec, town manager, went through dates of events pertaining to budget preparation and town meeting
Jan. 21: Last day to file petitions (articles) to be included in town meeting warnings. Need to have signatures from 5% of registered voters. The first day warning can take place for town meeting.

Jan 25: Last day to file petitions with the town clerk to run for town office that will be voted on by Australian ballot. Item 2 includes the names of those who have already filed petitions.

March 1: Town Meeting

March 2: Voting

• PACE Energy Efficiency Loan Program: At the Dec. Select Board meeting, 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 issue for discussion was if the March town meeting ballot should include the question whether the town should participate in this program. Since that meeting, Richard Svec, town manager, has spoken to the town manager of Ludlow, who is in agreement that the towns should not be in the loan business. Svec’s recommendation to the Board was not to pursue this for several additional reasons: between the school and water project Cavendish is already close to its ceiling for bonds; and there are a number of loss cost loan programs that people can apply for. The Board voted against included Russell’s request for including the proposal on the March 1 ballot.

• Energy Grant Program Application: The Town’s grant application has made it through the first cut. The grant would provide funds to increase energy efficiency for the Town Office, Garage and Library

• Library Budget: The Board voted to level fund the Cavendish Library. The librarian, Kata Welch, explained that they had a shortfall because their investments were hit by the declines in the market. However, due to the dip in the economy, patronage by the community is up considerably. They are hoping that through donations they can continue to purchase books and other materials.

• Proctorsville Depot Street Bridge (# 58): Svec is in the process of purchasing Jersey Barriers for the bridge, as he has been unable to borrow them. Because of the weight issue, the barriers will be placed on opposites sides before the bridge and barrels will block the one side, creating a one-way bridge. Traffic will go 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.

2. Petitions for Town Positions
The following individuals have filed petitions for various positions:
Select Board
Ed Garrow 1 year
Peter Gregg 1 year
George Timko 3 years

School Board
Jim Ballentine 3 years
Peter Gregg 1 year
John McLean 1 year

Lister
Virgina Garrow 1 year
Diane McNamara 2 years
Jane Pixley 3 years

Other
James Ballentine Town Agent
Norma Randall Cemetery Commissioner 5 years
Peter LaBelle Auditor
Virgina Garrow Trustee for Public Funds for 2 years
Brian Benoit Library Trustee

3. Cavendish Related News
Sandra Wright Dies at 61

Cavendish Select Board Works on Town Budget and Report

Free Healthy Living Workshops

4. Vermont Response to Haitian Relief
Various Vermont groups are providing information about ways people can help with the recent earthquake in Haiti.
• The Vermont Community Foundation

• Senator Senders recommends the following
CharityWatch.org

The White House

5. Black and White Classic Film Series Returns
The Black And White Classic Film Series begins its third season on Friday January 29 with “Inherit the Wind.” The films will be shown at the Cavendish Town Elementary School at 7 pm. The schedule for the 2010 season is as follows:

January 29: Inherit the Wind
February 5: Hud
February 12: Lost Horizon
February 19: Witness for the Prosecution
February 26: 42nd Street

The first film show, “Inherit the Wind,” was nominated for four Academy Awards,. The film stars two Hollywood greats, Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, who play opposing lawyers from the famous real life “Scopes Monkey Trial” of 1925. Two sides boldly take a stand in this taut legal battle over the case of Tennessee teacher John Scopes, put on trial for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. In what many consider his best role, Spencer Tracy plays the lawyer who defended Scopes and his right to teach a theory that was denied by state law. This film is now fifty years old, but its depiction of a trial that held America in suspense still stirs debate.

6. Upcoming Cavendish Related Events 1/17-1/24
January 17 (Sunday): Ludlow Okemo Valley Women’s Club is hosting a lasagna Dinner from 6-8 pm at the Black River Senior Center on High Street in Ludlow. Tickets are being sold in advance at The Book Nook or at Knight Tubs. FMI 226-7417 or e-mail mbjfpick@sover.net or remyslp@comcast.net

January 18 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. No school. Town Office closed

January 19 (Tuesday): In Service Day no school for GMUHS and CTES

January 21 (Thursday): Community Luncheon, 11:30 at St. James Church in Proctorsville. Donations of $3 per seniors and $4.50 for those under 60 are appreciated. It’s all about choices this month... two choices of Soup - corn chowder or beef stew; two choices of sandwiches - spiced ham salad or tuna salad; two choices of desserts - carrot cake or a black-and-white layer cake. Even choices of pickles, and choices of beverages - coffee, hot tea or a fruit punch.
- 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

January 24 (Sunday): 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. 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.
Tickets are available from Crows Corner Bakery in Bakery. FMI: 226-7007 or 226-7736