The 2/25/11 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1. Annual Town Meeting Feb. 28 and March 1
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: First Settlers
4. Cavendish Events 2/25/11-3/1/11
1. Annual Town Meeting Feb. 28 and March 1
Town meeting will take place on Monday, March 28, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) in Proctorsville. The Town School Meeting will be conducted first, followed by Town Meeting.
Voting for the school budget will take place on March 1 at CTES. The polls open at 10 am and close at 7 pm. The proposed School budget for FY 2011-2012 is $1,749,085. This reflects a decrease of approximately $30,000 from the FY 10-11 budget, which was $1,779,020.
The Town budget will be voted on at the meeting Monday night. The budget for FY 2011-2012, as proposed by the selectmen, is $1,172,775, which is an increase of close to $20,000 over the 10-11 budget.
On Tuesday, March 1, in addition to the school budget, voting will also include officials to fill town, school and library positions. Nearly all candidates are running unopposed, with the exception of the one-year term for selectmen. Dan Churchill, Edward (Ed) Garrow Jr, Peter Gregg and Scott Ranney are running for two available positions. The following positions have no one registered: Town Agent; Trustee of Public Funds (3 years); Auditor (2 years); Auditor (3 years); and Library Trustee (5 years). A sample ballot is on the last page of this year’s Town Report.
2. Cavendish Related News
Census Estimates 1 in 4 US Counties are Dying: Roughly 760 of the nation's 3,142 counties are fading away, stretching from industrial areas near Pittsburgh and Cleveland to the vineyards outside San Francisco to the rural areas of east Texas and the Great Plains. Once-booming housing areas, such as retirement communities in Florida, have not been immune. West Virginia was the first to experience natural decrease statewide over the last decade, with Maine, Pennsylvania and Vermont close to following suit, according to the latest census figures. As a nation, the U.S. population grew by just 9.7 percent since 2000, the lowest decennial rate since the Great Depression. Common threads among the dying counties are older whites who are no longer having children, and an exodus of young adults who find little promise in the region and seek jobs elsewhere.
Amtrak Slams Vermont Rail Service: The Vermont Agency of Transportation has launched an investigation into Vermont Rail Systems. Vermont Rail Systems maintains the tracks between Rutland and Whitehall, N.Y., which are used by Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express. Amtrak just ranked Vermont Rail Systems as the worst host railroad in the nation for Amtrak passenger service, arguing the on-time arrival of the Ethan Allen Express train is often below 30 percent because of problems with that stretch of track. WCAX
3. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: First Settlers
Below are two accounts of the first settlers in Cavendish:
The first actual settlement in Cavendish was made in June, 1769, when Captain John Coffin located and built a dwelling in the northern part of the town. His hospitable residence during the Revolution afforded thousands of American soldiers shelter and refreshment while passing from Charlestown, NH, to the military posts on Lake Champlain. IN the northwestern part of the town was another stopping place, known as the Twenty-Mile Encampment. Captain Coffin gained his title during the Revolutionary war, being connected with the militia.
The first settlers of Cavendish were mostly from Massachusetts, and in 1771 Noadiah Russell and Thomas Gilbert joined Captain Coffin, sharing with him the hardships and privations attendant on frontier life. The grinding of a grist of corn involved a journey of sixty miles in those days.
The first deed, recorded March 21, 1781, was from Jesse Reed of Lunenburg, Mass, one of the original patentees, to John Coffin. Ebenezer and John Stone and John Russell settled in the town in 1781. …. As seen by the following in the town in early years grew rapidly in population, but has fallen off in this respect in later years 1791 (491 people); 1800 (921); 1830 (1,498); 1850 (1,576) 1870 (1,823), 1880 (1,276). Note that the 2010 Census has a census of 1,367 people. History of Windsor County, Vermont edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich, Frank R. Holmes 1891
On the 10th day of June, 1770 (although some authorities say it was 1769) John Coffeen, with his family, consisting of his wife, eight children, two hired men, )help was plentier than than now), two oxen, two horses and a cow, together with some household effects, arrived in Cavendish and located on what is now E. I. Heald’s farm, on the lot still called the “Coffeen pasture.” The old cellar-hole is still in existence where his first domicile is supposed to have stood. It was some time later that he moved up higher on the hill, nearer the “Ticonderoga Road” to substantially the place where Chas. S. Parker’s house now stands on what is known as the “Gilsonfarm.”
We are told that, owing to high water in the Connecticut river when he arrived at Charlestown, he was compelled to wait some three weeks for the water to subside, but I can not believe that there was a drouth there even then, and I have been much perplexed as to how Coffeen got that wife and eight children across the river. …
For something more than a year Coffeen had no neighbors in town, his nearest neighbors, I think were a family named “Spofford” living near “Greenbush” in Weathersfield, some eight miles distant. It is said that Coffeen, in later years, when joking his wife, who by the way was of very plain features, used to say that “although she was not handsome, still she was once the handsomest woman in town.”
The following year after Coffeen’s coming, Noahdiah Russell settled on what is now known as the “Richard Russell farm” and Thomas Gilbert located on the “Elwin Taylor farm” near Weathersfield line. This brought neighbors within about four and six miles from Coffeen towards Charlestown and life began to be quite social.” “The 150th Anniversary Celebration of Cavendish,” by Chas. R. Cummings; “The Vermonter August-September 1912.
4. Cavendish Events 2/25-3/1/11
February 25 (Friday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Black and White Film Series, All About Eve, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. In view of the weather, please call 226-7497 to see if this event will take place
February 26 (Saturday): Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Group Ride 10-4 . FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 28 (Monday): Town Meeting Day. See Article 1
March 1 (Tuesday): Voting for School Budget and Elected Officials. 10-7 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. See Article 1.
Part of Cavendish Connects, the Cavendish, VT Blog archives the weekly e-mails, "Cavendish Update" and provides on-going information about current activities.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Select Board Agenda for 2/22/11
The meeting will be held at the Cavendish Town Elementary School at 6:45 PM.
AGENDA
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign paperwork for Special Posting of Town Highways, especially Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street.
3. Sign Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage as discussed at the February 14 meeting.
4. Sign paperwork on second amendment to Local Transportation Facilities Program grant agreement for the Proctorsville Curb and Sidewalk Project so that final payment processing can begin.
5. Town Manager to introduce the Board to a proposed modification to Article #6 of the Annual Town Meeting warning. This item would be officially proposed to and considered by the voters at the Annual Meeting.
6. Selectmen and Town Manager to participate in a “pre-town meeting” discussion regarding the proposed town budget, the town meeting warning, etc. in a forum which begins at 7:00 pm.
AGENDA
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign paperwork for Special Posting of Town Highways, especially Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street.
3. Sign Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage as discussed at the February 14 meeting.
4. Sign paperwork on second amendment to Local Transportation Facilities Program grant agreement for the Proctorsville Curb and Sidewalk Project so that final payment processing can begin.
5. Town Manager to introduce the Board to a proposed modification to Article #6 of the Annual Town Meeting warning. This item would be officially proposed to and considered by the voters at the Annual Meeting.
6. Selectmen and Town Manager to participate in a “pre-town meeting” discussion regarding the proposed town budget, the town meeting warning, etc. in a forum which begins at 7:00 pm.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Cavendish Update 2/18/11 Census Data/SB Meeting/News/Events
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 2/18/11 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish, Ludlow and Windsor County Census Drops
2. Select Board Meeting 2/14/11
3. Cavendish Related News
4. CCCA Hosts MARDI GRAS 2011
5. Art wanted for display in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
6. Bette Davis Classic Caps Cavendish Film Series
7. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: 100 Year Old Postcard from C.F.Q.
8. Cavendish Events 2/18-2/28
1. Cavendish, Ludlow and Windsor County Census Drops
Initial data from the 2010 Census shows that Windsor County’s population dropped by 748 people (1.3%) from 57,418 in 2000 to 56,670 in 2010. Contributing to this decline is Cavendish, which went from 1,470 people in 2000 to 1,367 in 2010 (-103 people, 7.0 %). Ludlow’s decline was more significant, 486 (19.8%), going from 2,449 people in 2000 to 1,963 in 2010. Chester had a gain of 3.6% (110 people) increasing from 3,044 in 2000 to 3,154 in 2010.
The Feb. 16 edition of “The Valley News” contains an editorial “Down for This Count: VT Census Points to Stagnation,” which discusses community implications of the census for towns on the Vermont side of the Upper Valley.
2. Select Board Meeting 2/14/11
Select Board meetings are videotaped by LPC-TV and will be shown on Comcast Channels 8 and 10. They are also available at the LPC website.
At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the following items were discussed:
A. Chapman Street and Swift Road: The state, as part of its Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage, has rejected the Town’s submission of Chapman Street (also known as Stone Church Way) as a Class IV road. This is because the Select Board (SB), of March 13, 1972, requested the declassification of the street, as it was no longer maintained by the town and was considered a private road. There has been considerable discussion about this street, with three Select board members voting in favor of a Class IV designation and two opposed. The Board was informed by the Town manager, Rich Svec, that the state will probably require a re designation process to get the road classified and he wondered if it would be worth it. This will have to be an issue taken up with the new board, which will be voted in on March 1.
The Board agreed that Swift Rd, which is in the Proctor Piper Forrest, should be classified as a “un identified corridor,” a new term allowed by the state. Svec will submit the information to the State, including a letter explaining the SB stance on Chapman St.
B. Carlton Road Development Project: Svec distributed copies of materials recently submitted by Holden Engineering, on behalf of USA Properties, regarding the proposed Carlton Rd development. Carlton Rd is opposite William’s Store in Cavendish. Located on 75 acres, it will be in the area where Donnie Davis’s Saw Mill was located, just below the old Atherton Mill. While there will be a formal presentation to the SB at the March meeting, the materials distributed indicate that the project, targeting vacationers, will include the following:
• 50 individual homes-4 bedrooms per home
• 7 multi dwelling structures, which will be 4 stories in height and contain 30 units per building for a total of 210 units. Each unit will have three bedrooms. These buildings would be as high as the Jackson Gore condominiums.
• Recreation area
• Building will take place over the next two decades
Those in attendance were a bit perplexed about who would purchase the properties, since there is so much for sale in the area. In addition, it was noted that the bridge is in the flood plane and there were also wetlands.
C. Snow and Sidewalk Ordinance: With the school eliminating some of its bus service next year, more children will be walking to and from school in Proctorsville. After it snows, and the town cleans the sidewalks, many people are digging out their driveways, leaving mounds on the sidewalk and forcing walkers into the streets. It was suggested that maybe the town could clean several times after a snowfall. According to Svec, there have been considerable malfunctions with the equipment, which is breaking down after each cleaning. He indicated that this is a problem for other towns as well.
The problem with ordinances is the enforcement aspect-who is going to do it? For now, the SB recognizes the issues, it will need to be taken up with the incoming board. In the interim, village residents should be mindful of walkers and make sure sidewalks are clear.
D. Depot Street Bridge: The engineer’s report has been completed and the findings indicate that the bridge posting of a 10 ton limit (20,000 pounds) is correct. The bridge replacement, which is a top priority for the region, will be built to accommodate a load up to 85,000 pounds.
E. Town Meeting and Report: Town Meeting this year will be Feb. 28, with voting taking place on March 1. Town Reports should be in the mail by the weekend.
3. Cavendish Related News
Donate Life Vermont: VT has the lowest rate of donor registration in the nation. With only 955 registered donors, the state is in critical need of organ and tissue donors. One reason for the low count is because many Vermonters have the misconception that if they sign the back of their driver’s license, they're an organ donor. This is not entirely true. Many times when an individual is in the hospital, the driver’s license is rarely with them. Vermont’s DMV is also not yet linked to the registry. By enrolling in the state’s online registry, it becomes legally binding and Vermonters can be assured that their wishes will be honored whenever possible. To help raise awareness of the critical need, Donate Life Vermont is organizing a state-wide mass registration event called the Register Rally on February 23, 2011. Donate Life Vermont has created an online social toolbox filled with emails templates, banners, flyers, widgets, and posters to make sharing the message easy online.
The American Heart Association Releases Heart Disease Prevention Guidelines for Women: The new guidelines are designed to help women and their medical providers understand risks and take practical steps to prevent heart disease and stroke. Guidelines, and other information are available at the AHA website.
Borders Closest to Cavendish Remain Open: According to the Border’s website, which lists pending closure or reorganization as a result of the bookstore filing for Chapter II, none of the Borders in Vermont are slated to close and only the Nashua store in New Hampshire will be closed by the end of April. For a complete list of closures, go to http://media.bordersstores.com/pdf/Borders_Reorganization_Closure_List.pdf
4. CCCA Hosts MARDI GRAS 2011
Once again the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold their Mardi Gras celebration to chase away the late winter blues. This year the festivities will commence at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th and will be held at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville.
There will be a Cajun style buffet and a wine bar, and dancing to the great tunes of Yankee Chank with Cavendish’s very own Bob Naess. Of course it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, so there will be prizes for the best and most creative masks.
A raffle will feature three prizes: a Getaway Vacation with spending gift certificate as grand prize, a Crow’s Bakery Pie-of-the-Month (that’s a pie every month for twelve months) as second prize, and a Wine and Vermont Cheese Basket as third prize. Raffle tickets are on sale now at the bakery and from any CCCA board member. The drawing will be held at the celebration.
Dinner tickets cost $40 each and are limited, so please get yours early. Call (802) 226-7736 to reserve your tickets.
5. Art wanted for display in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is seeking artists who wish to display their work in the library's Redfield Proctor Room this spring. Work of any media is welcome. Please contact Kata at 226-7503 for more information.
6. Bette Davis Classic Caps Cavendish Film Series
In 1950 Hollywood great Bette Davis gave what many consider her finest performance as Margo Channing in the film All About Eve. Writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's sharp script anchors this story about New York City theater life, with Bette Davis playing an aging Broadway diva who employs a star struck fan (Anne Baxter) as her assistant, only to learn the woman is a conniving upstart. The black and white classic won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (George Sanders). This literate film is about ambition, betrayal, the price of success and what some people are willing to do to achieve it, no matter who they hurt in the process. Davis’s famous line in the film, “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night” is legendary,” yet all the dialogue sparkles with wit.
All About Eve will be shown Friday February 25 at 7:00 at Cavendish Elementary School on Route 131 in Proctorsville. Donations are welcome and homemade cookies are available.
7. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: 100 Year Old Postcard from C.F.Q.
In this year’s town report, you will see a copy of a postcard depicting what Proctorsville would look like in 100 years, postmarked February 2, 1911. The postcard was sent to Miss Izella Pratt of Windsor Vermont in care of A. K. Hall. The text is as follows: “Hello Sis. How are you? We have all got colds but are all kicking around. We have our wood sawed and have been getting in ice this week. Hollis thinks we can just about live on ice cream this summer. Did you know John Bartlett was dead? Also Cornelia Densmore. Its most mail time so will stop. Good by this time. C.F.Q.”
8. Cavendish Events 2/18-2/28
February 18 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, You Can’t Take it With You, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 19 (Saturday): Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Group Ride 10-4 . FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 21 (Monday): School Closed for Winter Recess
February 22 (Tuesday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• Town Meeting Information Forum, sponsored by CCCA, at the Cavendish School in Proctorsville, 7 pm. The forum will address all issues on the 2011 ballot, including both the town and the school proposed budgets, and town and school officials will be present to discuss each issue. FMI: Robin Timko 226-7736
February 23 (Wednesday): School Closed for Winter Recess
February 24 (Thursday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• 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
• Fletcher Memorial Library Book Discussion, in Ludlow at 7pm. The book is “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan. Please use the back entrance of the Library.
February 25 (Friday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Black and White Film Series, All About Eve, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 26 (Saturday): Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Group Ride 10-4 . FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 28 (Monday): Town Meeting, 7, pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville.
The 2/18/11 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish, Ludlow and Windsor County Census Drops
2. Select Board Meeting 2/14/11
3. Cavendish Related News
4. CCCA Hosts MARDI GRAS 2011
5. Art wanted for display in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
6. Bette Davis Classic Caps Cavendish Film Series
7. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: 100 Year Old Postcard from C.F.Q.
8. Cavendish Events 2/18-2/28
1. Cavendish, Ludlow and Windsor County Census Drops
Initial data from the 2010 Census shows that Windsor County’s population dropped by 748 people (1.3%) from 57,418 in 2000 to 56,670 in 2010. Contributing to this decline is Cavendish, which went from 1,470 people in 2000 to 1,367 in 2010 (-103 people, 7.0 %). Ludlow’s decline was more significant, 486 (19.8%), going from 2,449 people in 2000 to 1,963 in 2010. Chester had a gain of 3.6% (110 people) increasing from 3,044 in 2000 to 3,154 in 2010.
The Feb. 16 edition of “The Valley News” contains an editorial “Down for This Count: VT Census Points to Stagnation,” which discusses community implications of the census for towns on the Vermont side of the Upper Valley.
2. Select Board Meeting 2/14/11
Select Board meetings are videotaped by LPC-TV and will be shown on Comcast Channels 8 and 10. They are also available at the LPC website.
At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the following items were discussed:
A. Chapman Street and Swift Road: The state, as part of its Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage, has rejected the Town’s submission of Chapman Street (also known as Stone Church Way) as a Class IV road. This is because the Select Board (SB), of March 13, 1972, requested the declassification of the street, as it was no longer maintained by the town and was considered a private road. There has been considerable discussion about this street, with three Select board members voting in favor of a Class IV designation and two opposed. The Board was informed by the Town manager, Rich Svec, that the state will probably require a re designation process to get the road classified and he wondered if it would be worth it. This will have to be an issue taken up with the new board, which will be voted in on March 1.
The Board agreed that Swift Rd, which is in the Proctor Piper Forrest, should be classified as a “un identified corridor,” a new term allowed by the state. Svec will submit the information to the State, including a letter explaining the SB stance on Chapman St.
B. Carlton Road Development Project: Svec distributed copies of materials recently submitted by Holden Engineering, on behalf of USA Properties, regarding the proposed Carlton Rd development. Carlton Rd is opposite William’s Store in Cavendish. Located on 75 acres, it will be in the area where Donnie Davis’s Saw Mill was located, just below the old Atherton Mill. While there will be a formal presentation to the SB at the March meeting, the materials distributed indicate that the project, targeting vacationers, will include the following:
• 50 individual homes-4 bedrooms per home
• 7 multi dwelling structures, which will be 4 stories in height and contain 30 units per building for a total of 210 units. Each unit will have three bedrooms. These buildings would be as high as the Jackson Gore condominiums.
• Recreation area
• Building will take place over the next two decades
Those in attendance were a bit perplexed about who would purchase the properties, since there is so much for sale in the area. In addition, it was noted that the bridge is in the flood plane and there were also wetlands.
C. Snow and Sidewalk Ordinance: With the school eliminating some of its bus service next year, more children will be walking to and from school in Proctorsville. After it snows, and the town cleans the sidewalks, many people are digging out their driveways, leaving mounds on the sidewalk and forcing walkers into the streets. It was suggested that maybe the town could clean several times after a snowfall. According to Svec, there have been considerable malfunctions with the equipment, which is breaking down after each cleaning. He indicated that this is a problem for other towns as well.
The problem with ordinances is the enforcement aspect-who is going to do it? For now, the SB recognizes the issues, it will need to be taken up with the incoming board. In the interim, village residents should be mindful of walkers and make sure sidewalks are clear.
D. Depot Street Bridge: The engineer’s report has been completed and the findings indicate that the bridge posting of a 10 ton limit (20,000 pounds) is correct. The bridge replacement, which is a top priority for the region, will be built to accommodate a load up to 85,000 pounds.
E. Town Meeting and Report: Town Meeting this year will be Feb. 28, with voting taking place on March 1. Town Reports should be in the mail by the weekend.
3. Cavendish Related News
Donate Life Vermont: VT has the lowest rate of donor registration in the nation. With only 955 registered donors, the state is in critical need of organ and tissue donors. One reason for the low count is because many Vermonters have the misconception that if they sign the back of their driver’s license, they're an organ donor. This is not entirely true. Many times when an individual is in the hospital, the driver’s license is rarely with them. Vermont’s DMV is also not yet linked to the registry. By enrolling in the state’s online registry, it becomes legally binding and Vermonters can be assured that their wishes will be honored whenever possible. To help raise awareness of the critical need, Donate Life Vermont is organizing a state-wide mass registration event called the Register Rally on February 23, 2011. Donate Life Vermont has created an online social toolbox filled with emails templates, banners, flyers, widgets, and posters to make sharing the message easy online.
The American Heart Association Releases Heart Disease Prevention Guidelines for Women: The new guidelines are designed to help women and their medical providers understand risks and take practical steps to prevent heart disease and stroke. Guidelines, and other information are available at the AHA website.
Borders Closest to Cavendish Remain Open: According to the Border’s website, which lists pending closure or reorganization as a result of the bookstore filing for Chapter II, none of the Borders in Vermont are slated to close and only the Nashua store in New Hampshire will be closed by the end of April. For a complete list of closures, go to http://media.bordersstores.com/pdf/Borders_Reorganization_Closure_List.pdf
4. CCCA Hosts MARDI GRAS 2011
Once again the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold their Mardi Gras celebration to chase away the late winter blues. This year the festivities will commence at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th and will be held at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville.
There will be a Cajun style buffet and a wine bar, and dancing to the great tunes of Yankee Chank with Cavendish’s very own Bob Naess. Of course it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, so there will be prizes for the best and most creative masks.
A raffle will feature three prizes: a Getaway Vacation with spending gift certificate as grand prize, a Crow’s Bakery Pie-of-the-Month (that’s a pie every month for twelve months) as second prize, and a Wine and Vermont Cheese Basket as third prize. Raffle tickets are on sale now at the bakery and from any CCCA board member. The drawing will be held at the celebration.
Dinner tickets cost $40 each and are limited, so please get yours early. Call (802) 226-7736 to reserve your tickets.
5. Art wanted for display in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is seeking artists who wish to display their work in the library's Redfield Proctor Room this spring. Work of any media is welcome. Please contact Kata at 226-7503 for more information.
6. Bette Davis Classic Caps Cavendish Film Series
In 1950 Hollywood great Bette Davis gave what many consider her finest performance as Margo Channing in the film All About Eve. Writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's sharp script anchors this story about New York City theater life, with Bette Davis playing an aging Broadway diva who employs a star struck fan (Anne Baxter) as her assistant, only to learn the woman is a conniving upstart. The black and white classic won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (George Sanders). This literate film is about ambition, betrayal, the price of success and what some people are willing to do to achieve it, no matter who they hurt in the process. Davis’s famous line in the film, “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night” is legendary,” yet all the dialogue sparkles with wit.
All About Eve will be shown Friday February 25 at 7:00 at Cavendish Elementary School on Route 131 in Proctorsville. Donations are welcome and homemade cookies are available.
7. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: 100 Year Old Postcard from C.F.Q.
In this year’s town report, you will see a copy of a postcard depicting what Proctorsville would look like in 100 years, postmarked February 2, 1911. The postcard was sent to Miss Izella Pratt of Windsor Vermont in care of A. K. Hall. The text is as follows: “Hello Sis. How are you? We have all got colds but are all kicking around. We have our wood sawed and have been getting in ice this week. Hollis thinks we can just about live on ice cream this summer. Did you know John Bartlett was dead? Also Cornelia Densmore. Its most mail time so will stop. Good by this time. C.F.Q.”
8. Cavendish Events 2/18-2/28
February 18 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, You Can’t Take it With You, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 19 (Saturday): Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Group Ride 10-4 . FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 21 (Monday): School Closed for Winter Recess
February 22 (Tuesday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• Town Meeting Information Forum, sponsored by CCCA, at the Cavendish School in Proctorsville, 7 pm. The forum will address all issues on the 2011 ballot, including both the town and the school proposed budgets, and town and school officials will be present to discuss each issue. FMI: Robin Timko 226-7736
February 23 (Wednesday): School Closed for Winter Recess
February 24 (Thursday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• 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
• Fletcher Memorial Library Book Discussion, in Ludlow at 7pm. The book is “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan. Please use the back entrance of the Library.
February 25 (Friday): School Closed for Winter Recess
• Black and White Film Series, All About Eve, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 26 (Saturday): Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Group Ride 10-4 . FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 28 (Monday): Town Meeting, 7, pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville.
Friday, February 11, 2011
2/14/11 Select Board Meeting Agenda
The following items are on the Agenda for the Feb. 14 Select Board Members meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office in Cavendish:
• Selectmen to review and sign Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage for the state. Discussion of this item to include further discussion on Chapman Street and the Swift Road and what references will be made in the Annual Certificate submission with respect to these two historical roads.
• Town Manager to discuss the publication of this year’s Annual Town Report and to distribute the Selectmen’s Reference Books for the Annual Town Meeting. General discussion is expected to include any items relevant to the meeting.
• Discussion regarding a matter of a $250 item discussed during the budget development process but inadvertently not included in the final Selectmen’s Budget Spreadsheet and total appropriation.
• Town Manager to distribute copies of some materials recently received from Holden Engineering regarding the proposed Carlton Road development. This materials is for preview before the March 14 meeting where there will be further presentation pertaining to that project.
• Discuss the suggestion of a sidewalk ordinance with regard to snow removal issues (P. Gregg)
• Review of engineer’s report on Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street and discussionregarding the courses of action to be pursued.
• Town Manager to discuss with the Board plans for 2011 town highway work activities and State Town Highway Program applications for this year.
• Discuss recent request by an abutting neighbor of the town sandpit lot for the town to consider sale of a portion of that lot to her.
• Town Manager to update the Board on various town activities.
• Other business
• Executive session requested by the Town Manager on a matters of current litigation.
• Selectmen to review and sign Annual Certificate of Highway Mileage for the state. Discussion of this item to include further discussion on Chapman Street and the Swift Road and what references will be made in the Annual Certificate submission with respect to these two historical roads.
• Town Manager to discuss the publication of this year’s Annual Town Report and to distribute the Selectmen’s Reference Books for the Annual Town Meeting. General discussion is expected to include any items relevant to the meeting.
• Discussion regarding a matter of a $250 item discussed during the budget development process but inadvertently not included in the final Selectmen’s Budget Spreadsheet and total appropriation.
• Town Manager to distribute copies of some materials recently received from Holden Engineering regarding the proposed Carlton Road development. This materials is for preview before the March 14 meeting where there will be further presentation pertaining to that project.
• Discuss the suggestion of a sidewalk ordinance with regard to snow removal issues (P. Gregg)
• Review of engineer’s report on Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street and discussionregarding the courses of action to be pursued.
• Town Manager to discuss with the Board plans for 2011 town highway work activities and State Town Highway Program applications for this year.
• Discuss recent request by an abutting neighbor of the town sandpit lot for the town to consider sale of a portion of that lot to her.
• Town Manager to update the Board on various town activities.
• Other business
• Executive session requested by the Town Manager on a matters of current litigation.
Cavendish Update 2/11/11 News/Events/
The 2/11/11 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Historical Society Newsletter On-line
3. Shakespeare in Need of a Few Good Men
4. Cavendish Semiquincentennial:: The Crown Point Road
5. Cavendish Events 2/11/11-2/19/11
1. Cavendish Related News
VT Census: South losing, north gaining population: The U.S. resident population includes the total number of people in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538 an increase of 9.7 percent over the 281,421,906 counted during the 2000 Census. Vermont’s population, which increased by 2.8% for a total population of 625,741, is shifting from its earliest-established southern counties to its northern reaches, according to 2010 census figures released Thursday. The state’s southernmost counties of Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor all recorded stagnant demographics or slight losses in the past decade, while their northern counterparts of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington reported growth since the last official count in 2000. The U.S. Census Bureau expects to post all the Vermont data by the end of the week.
Free Radon Kits for Vermonters: The Vermont Department of Health is offering nearly 1,500 free radon test kits so people can test their homes for the colorless, odorless gas, which can cause lung cancer. Health officials say prolonged exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for Americans that don't smoke. They add that about one out of every eight Vermont homes has elevated radon levels. To get a free kit, visit -- http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/rad/radon.aspx
2. Cavendish Historical Society Newsletter On-line
The winter edition of the Cavendish Historical Society’s Newsletter “Scribbler II” is now available on-line.
3. Shakespeare in Need of a Few Good Men
The March weekend workshop called Playing With Shakespeare is in need of a few good men (or boys!). Jamie Ward, New York actor, teacher and lover of Shakespeare is returning to Proctorsville to lead participants through a fun weekend. Last April he led a group of twenty enthusiastic community members through a lively, educational, and very humorous weekend that culminated in an evening performance of skits, monologues and music. His freewheeling style of teaching has made him popular with school and community groups that learn to appreciate the richness of Shakespeare's language through theater games, music and improvisation. The list of participants is growing but we could use a few more male voices!
The weekend is made possible by a generous grant from the Cavendish Community Fund.
The workshop will take place at Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, March 19-20, 1:00-5:00, with an evening program on the 20th. In order to participate you'll need a sense of humor, willingness to play with language, and a desire to learn about Shakespeare's work. No one need be a master of Shakespeare, little or no memorization is required. Anyone age eleven and up may join.
For more information or to sign up call Mary McCallum at 226-7497 or email marmac@tds.net
4. Cavendish Semiquincentennial:: The Crown Point Road
Built in 1759-60, during the French and Indian War, the Crown Point Road, a portion of which runs through Cavendish, was of great importance in the early history of Vermont. It was ordered constructed by General Jeffrey Amherst following his capture of the French forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Its purpose was to connect the great stone fortress at Crown Point, then being built, with Fort No. 4, now Charlestown, New Hampshire. There was a suitable branch nearly straight west to Fort Ticonderoga.
This military road was of prime importance in the plans of General Amherst. The new fort at Crown Point was to be a strong point in the defense [and future development] of the colonies, and a jumping-off point in the campaign against the French in Canada. The new road to No. 4, then the northernmost outpost in the Connecticut River valley, would serve to bring much needed supplies to the fort at Crown Point, as well as troops from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The road, though a poor one by today’s standards, was built well enough to serve its purpose. Portions of the road were graded, trees were cut, stumps removed, bridges and causeways were built, and corduroy sections were laid in swampy areas. Over this road, in the 1760 campaign, passed Colonial troops with supplies, munitions, cattle and sheep for the support of the army at Crown Point.
The Crown Point Road was again used for military purposes during the Revolution when troops and supplies were sent over the road from Fort No. 4 to support the American position at Ticonderoga.
But perhaps the road’s most lasting contribution to Vermont’s history was its use by settlers in the period between the French and Indian War and the Revolution. Note that Cavendish’s first settler, Coffeen, came during this time period. The road opened a large area of Vermont for settlement and, with the defeat of the French and the lessening danger from Indian raids, settlers were soon traveling the Crown Point Road and building their homes in the valleys and on the hillsides of Vermont.
The Crown Point Road of today has changed greatly. Much of the road has disappeared entirely, reclaimed by the forest. Other parts have been plowed under or bulldozed away to meet the needs of the expanding population of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Some sections of the road are marked and can be followed as trails, while other sections are barely discernible paths through the woods, marked only by the lilac-fringed cellar holes and stone walls of abandoned farms. A few short stretches of the old military road are still in use as town roads. Written by: Martin J. Howe, First President of the Crown Point Road Association.
For more history on the Crown Point Road, or to learn about upcoming hikes, go to the Crown Point Road Association website.
5. Cavendish Events 2/11/11-2/19/11
February 11 (Friday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
February 12 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
• Black and White Film Series, Anatomy of a Murder, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
• The Tri-Valley Poker Run, including sponsor Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas, begins at 8:30 am at the following locations: Cook Shack in Cavendish, Ludlow’s Warming Hut, Plymouth Store, Gillman’s Camp in Shrewsbury or the Odd Fellows Hall in Belmont. Directions provided at each location. The Cavendish group will meet at 8 am at the Cook Shack and leave by 8:30 am. FMI: 802-259-2900 or http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 13 (Sunday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
February 14 (Monday): Happy Valentine’s Day. Shop locally for treats for your sweetie!
• Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm. This event is taped by LPC-TV and can be watched on Comcast cable channels or at the website.
February 15 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
February 17 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• Community Luncheon at St. James Methodist Church in Proctorsville at 11:30 a.m. The menu includes meat loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots and Paula's famous coleslaw. The RESPECT Club of CTES will be preparing a surprise dessert in honor of St Valentine's Day, plus coffee, hot tea or a fruit drink. A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age is appreciated.
February 18 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, You Can’t Take it With You, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Historical Society Newsletter On-line
3. Shakespeare in Need of a Few Good Men
4. Cavendish Semiquincentennial:: The Crown Point Road
5. Cavendish Events 2/11/11-2/19/11
1. Cavendish Related News
VT Census: South losing, north gaining population: The U.S. resident population includes the total number of people in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538 an increase of 9.7 percent over the 281,421,906 counted during the 2000 Census. Vermont’s population, which increased by 2.8% for a total population of 625,741, is shifting from its earliest-established southern counties to its northern reaches, according to 2010 census figures released Thursday. The state’s southernmost counties of Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor all recorded stagnant demographics or slight losses in the past decade, while their northern counterparts of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington reported growth since the last official count in 2000. The U.S. Census Bureau expects to post all the Vermont data by the end of the week.
Free Radon Kits for Vermonters: The Vermont Department of Health is offering nearly 1,500 free radon test kits so people can test their homes for the colorless, odorless gas, which can cause lung cancer. Health officials say prolonged exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for Americans that don't smoke. They add that about one out of every eight Vermont homes has elevated radon levels. To get a free kit, visit -- http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/rad/radon.aspx
2. Cavendish Historical Society Newsletter On-line
The winter edition of the Cavendish Historical Society’s Newsletter “Scribbler II” is now available on-line.
3. Shakespeare in Need of a Few Good Men
The March weekend workshop called Playing With Shakespeare is in need of a few good men (or boys!). Jamie Ward, New York actor, teacher and lover of Shakespeare is returning to Proctorsville to lead participants through a fun weekend. Last April he led a group of twenty enthusiastic community members through a lively, educational, and very humorous weekend that culminated in an evening performance of skits, monologues and music. His freewheeling style of teaching has made him popular with school and community groups that learn to appreciate the richness of Shakespeare's language through theater games, music and improvisation. The list of participants is growing but we could use a few more male voices!
The weekend is made possible by a generous grant from the Cavendish Community Fund.
The workshop will take place at Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, March 19-20, 1:00-5:00, with an evening program on the 20th. In order to participate you'll need a sense of humor, willingness to play with language, and a desire to learn about Shakespeare's work. No one need be a master of Shakespeare, little or no memorization is required. Anyone age eleven and up may join.
For more information or to sign up call Mary McCallum at 226-7497 or email marmac@tds.net
4. Cavendish Semiquincentennial:: The Crown Point Road
Built in 1759-60, during the French and Indian War, the Crown Point Road, a portion of which runs through Cavendish, was of great importance in the early history of Vermont. It was ordered constructed by General Jeffrey Amherst following his capture of the French forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Its purpose was to connect the great stone fortress at Crown Point, then being built, with Fort No. 4, now Charlestown, New Hampshire. There was a suitable branch nearly straight west to Fort Ticonderoga.
This military road was of prime importance in the plans of General Amherst. The new fort at Crown Point was to be a strong point in the defense [and future development] of the colonies, and a jumping-off point in the campaign against the French in Canada. The new road to No. 4, then the northernmost outpost in the Connecticut River valley, would serve to bring much needed supplies to the fort at Crown Point, as well as troops from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The road, though a poor one by today’s standards, was built well enough to serve its purpose. Portions of the road were graded, trees were cut, stumps removed, bridges and causeways were built, and corduroy sections were laid in swampy areas. Over this road, in the 1760 campaign, passed Colonial troops with supplies, munitions, cattle and sheep for the support of the army at Crown Point.
The Crown Point Road was again used for military purposes during the Revolution when troops and supplies were sent over the road from Fort No. 4 to support the American position at Ticonderoga.
But perhaps the road’s most lasting contribution to Vermont’s history was its use by settlers in the period between the French and Indian War and the Revolution. Note that Cavendish’s first settler, Coffeen, came during this time period. The road opened a large area of Vermont for settlement and, with the defeat of the French and the lessening danger from Indian raids, settlers were soon traveling the Crown Point Road and building their homes in the valleys and on the hillsides of Vermont.
The Crown Point Road of today has changed greatly. Much of the road has disappeared entirely, reclaimed by the forest. Other parts have been plowed under or bulldozed away to meet the needs of the expanding population of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Some sections of the road are marked and can be followed as trails, while other sections are barely discernible paths through the woods, marked only by the lilac-fringed cellar holes and stone walls of abandoned farms. A few short stretches of the old military road are still in use as town roads. Written by: Martin J. Howe, First President of the Crown Point Road Association.
For more history on the Crown Point Road, or to learn about upcoming hikes, go to the Crown Point Road Association website.
5. Cavendish Events 2/11/11-2/19/11
February 11 (Friday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
February 12 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
• Black and White Film Series, Anatomy of a Murder, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
• The Tri-Valley Poker Run, including sponsor Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas, begins at 8:30 am at the following locations: Cook Shack in Cavendish, Ludlow’s Warming Hut, Plymouth Store, Gillman’s Camp in Shrewsbury or the Odd Fellows Hall in Belmont. Directions provided at each location. The Cavendish group will meet at 8 am at the Cook Shack and leave by 8:30 am. FMI: 802-259-2900 or http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 13 (Sunday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
February 14 (Monday): Happy Valentine’s Day. Shop locally for treats for your sweetie!
• Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm. This event is taped by LPC-TV and can be watched on Comcast cable channels or at the website.
February 15 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
February 17 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• Community Luncheon at St. James Methodist Church in Proctorsville at 11:30 a.m. The menu includes meat loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots and Paula's famous coleslaw. The RESPECT Club of CTES will be preparing a surprise dessert in honor of St Valentine's Day, plus coffee, hot tea or a fruit drink. A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years of age is appreciated.
February 18 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, You Can’t Take it With You, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Cavendish Update 2/4/11 News/Events/Reminder
The 2/4/11 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1.Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department Reminder
2. Cavendish Related News
3. CCCA to Hold Town Meeting Information Forum in Cavendish
4. February Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
5.. Anatomy of a Murder in Cavendish Film Series
6. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: Governor Wentworth
7. Cavendish Events 2/4/11-2/11/11
1.Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department Reminder
With increasing amounts of snowfall, it is important to remove snow from around heating vents to prevent carbon monoxide build up in your home.
2. Cavendish Related News
Tuition to Rise 4% at VT State Colleges: Tuition for Vermont residents at Vermont State Colleges will go up 4 percent in the fall. The increase was approved by the board of trustees at a Thursday meeting in Montpelier. Fees, room and board rates will also go up 4 percent in most cases, but out-of-state undergraduates attending two of the four-year colleges will see higher tuition hikes — 5 percent at Johnson State and 7 percent at Castleton State. Burlington Free Press
Postal Service Considers More Post Office Closures: Last year, 500 post offices were closed down, and as many as 2,000 more could be shut down this year. The Wall Street Journal now reports the Postal Service is reviewing 1,600 other post offices as well. All are losing money and many are in small towns and rural areas. The Postal Service will need congressional approval to close offices, and Congress wants to cut spending, but local post offices are often considered sacred cows in Congress. They are the center of small towns, and the plan is likely to face opposition from local leaders. ABC News
Broadband appointment Promises Regulatory Change: Vermont may have to change its permitting and regulations so the Green Mountains can have broadband and cell service. That was the message from the leader of Connect Vermont. Karen Marshall was appointed by Governor Shumlin last week to lead his effort to improve the state's cell and broadband coverage. But, new towers and cables mean getting he necessary permits. The Governor and Marshall hinted the state may have to change regulations to speed up the process. WCAX
Punxsutawney Phil Predicts an Early Spring: The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early. The country’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not cast a shadow thereby predicted an early spring this past Wednesday.
3. CCCA to Hold Town Meeting Information Forum in Cavendish
Continuing its tradition, the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold an informational meeting for Cavendish voters one week before this year’s town meeting. The forum will be held on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street in Proctorsville. The forum will address all issues on the 2011 ballot, including both the town and the school proposed budgets, and town and school officials will be present to discuss each issue. Although there are few contested races on the ballot this year, any candidates who are present will be asked to make short statements and to answer voters’ questions. The meeting is open to all Cavendish citizens and residents. FMI: Robin Timko (802) 226-7736.
4. February Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
The Newsletter has been posted to the Cavendish Update blog
5. Anatomy of a Murder in Cavendish Film Series
Jimmy Stewart heads a gifted cast of Hollywood greats in the 1959 courtroom drama, Anatomy of a Murder, directed by Otto Preminger. Nominated for seven Oscars, the film follows a tense murder trial in which a small town defense lawyer, played by Stewart, defends a lieutenant in the army accused of murdering a bartender. The high-powered prosecutor, played by George C. Scott, is determined to get a conviction. Ben Gazzara plays the hotheaded lieutenant on trial and Lee Remick is cast as his beautiful wife who claims the she was raped by the bartender. Powerhouse performances, a clever plot and an atmospheric soundtrack by Duke Ellington won the film wide critical acclaim. While Ben-Hur swept the Academy Awards in 1959, Anatomy of a Murder has stood the test of time and still plays well, while Ben-Hur has become one of Hollywood’s epic relics.
Anatomy of a Murder will be shown on Friday February 11 at 7:00 at Cavendish Elementary School on Rte. 131 in Proctorsville. Films are free, donations welcome, and refreshments available.
6. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: Governor Wentworth
This week we take a closer look at Benning Wentworth, who played such an important role in Cavendish and Vermont history when, as Governor of New Hampshire, he issued (sold) 129 township charters in Vermont. Most of these charters were granted between 1761-1764, with nearly half occurring in 1761.
Benning Wentworth was the eldest son of Lt. Gov. John Wentworth and his wife, Sarah’s 14 children. John served as Governor of New Hampshire while it was still a province of Massachusetts. A 1719 graduate of Harvard. at a time when social position accounted more than academics, Benning graduated fifth in a class of 20 students. His college achievements were not academic, rather he was known for having set a college record of fines for broken windows and other damage caused by his various pranks.
After graduation at 18 years of age, Wentworth joined the family business of importing wines from Cadiz and other Spanish ports. For the next 15 years, he would spend considerable time in Spain, while his father and brothers tried to have New Hampshire constituted a separate colony.
In 1719, Benning married Abigail Ruck. They had several children, all of whom predeceased him. In 1732, he was elected to Massachusetts’s assembly, and ultimately served on the Governor’s Counsel. It took about nine years before the colony of New Hampshire gained its independence. Wentworth became the first Governor Wentworth’s siblings married into important seacoast families, making it easier for Benning to govern, since members of the Council and other office holders were often relatives or friends of relatives. On one journey to England, Benning lost a fortune at sea but as Governor he was able to re build his wealth, particularly through his practice of land grants.
He became very wealthy by the standards of the day and he built a large mansion in Portsmouth and a summer home on Lake Wentworth away from the seacoast. After his first wife died in 1755, he re married, in 1760 at age 64, his much younger housekeeper, Martha Hilton. This, plus growing annoyance with his administration, corruption, and taxes, forced his resignation in 1767. He died October 14, 1770 in Portsmouth.
You can visit Wenworth’s former home in Portsmouth, NH now called The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.
7. Cavendish Events 2/4/11-2/11/11
February 4 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, Birdman of Alcatraz, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 7 (Monday): Cavendish 250th Anniversary Celebration Planning Meeting, 4 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.
• Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Fire District # 2 will be held at the Cavendish Town Office at 7:30 pm.
February 8 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
February 9 (Wednesday): The February Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Mixer will take place at The Message for the Week offices, 34 School Street, Chester, 5:30-7:30. FMI: 228-5830
• The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas, Snow Mobile Club, will meet at 7 pm at the home of Gail and Leon Woods, 16 Parker Ave. Proctorsville. FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 10 (Thursday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• 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
February 11 (Friday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
1.Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department Reminder
2. Cavendish Related News
3. CCCA to Hold Town Meeting Information Forum in Cavendish
4. February Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
5.. Anatomy of a Murder in Cavendish Film Series
6. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: Governor Wentworth
7. Cavendish Events 2/4/11-2/11/11
1.Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department Reminder
With increasing amounts of snowfall, it is important to remove snow from around heating vents to prevent carbon monoxide build up in your home.
2. Cavendish Related News
Tuition to Rise 4% at VT State Colleges: Tuition for Vermont residents at Vermont State Colleges will go up 4 percent in the fall. The increase was approved by the board of trustees at a Thursday meeting in Montpelier. Fees, room and board rates will also go up 4 percent in most cases, but out-of-state undergraduates attending two of the four-year colleges will see higher tuition hikes — 5 percent at Johnson State and 7 percent at Castleton State. Burlington Free Press
Postal Service Considers More Post Office Closures: Last year, 500 post offices were closed down, and as many as 2,000 more could be shut down this year. The Wall Street Journal now reports the Postal Service is reviewing 1,600 other post offices as well. All are losing money and many are in small towns and rural areas. The Postal Service will need congressional approval to close offices, and Congress wants to cut spending, but local post offices are often considered sacred cows in Congress. They are the center of small towns, and the plan is likely to face opposition from local leaders. ABC News
Broadband appointment Promises Regulatory Change: Vermont may have to change its permitting and regulations so the Green Mountains can have broadband and cell service. That was the message from the leader of Connect Vermont. Karen Marshall was appointed by Governor Shumlin last week to lead his effort to improve the state's cell and broadband coverage. But, new towers and cables mean getting he necessary permits. The Governor and Marshall hinted the state may have to change regulations to speed up the process. WCAX
Punxsutawney Phil Predicts an Early Spring: The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early. The country’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not cast a shadow thereby predicted an early spring this past Wednesday.
3. CCCA to Hold Town Meeting Information Forum in Cavendish
Continuing its tradition, the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold an informational meeting for Cavendish voters one week before this year’s town meeting. The forum will be held on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street in Proctorsville. The forum will address all issues on the 2011 ballot, including both the town and the school proposed budgets, and town and school officials will be present to discuss each issue. Although there are few contested races on the ballot this year, any candidates who are present will be asked to make short statements and to answer voters’ questions. The meeting is open to all Cavendish citizens and residents. FMI: Robin Timko (802) 226-7736.
4. February Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
The Newsletter has been posted to the Cavendish Update blog
5. Anatomy of a Murder in Cavendish Film Series
Jimmy Stewart heads a gifted cast of Hollywood greats in the 1959 courtroom drama, Anatomy of a Murder, directed by Otto Preminger. Nominated for seven Oscars, the film follows a tense murder trial in which a small town defense lawyer, played by Stewart, defends a lieutenant in the army accused of murdering a bartender. The high-powered prosecutor, played by George C. Scott, is determined to get a conviction. Ben Gazzara plays the hotheaded lieutenant on trial and Lee Remick is cast as his beautiful wife who claims the she was raped by the bartender. Powerhouse performances, a clever plot and an atmospheric soundtrack by Duke Ellington won the film wide critical acclaim. While Ben-Hur swept the Academy Awards in 1959, Anatomy of a Murder has stood the test of time and still plays well, while Ben-Hur has become one of Hollywood’s epic relics.
Anatomy of a Murder will be shown on Friday February 11 at 7:00 at Cavendish Elementary School on Rte. 131 in Proctorsville. Films are free, donations welcome, and refreshments available.
6. Cavendish Semiquincentennial: Governor Wentworth
This week we take a closer look at Benning Wentworth, who played such an important role in Cavendish and Vermont history when, as Governor of New Hampshire, he issued (sold) 129 township charters in Vermont. Most of these charters were granted between 1761-1764, with nearly half occurring in 1761.
Benning Wentworth was the eldest son of Lt. Gov. John Wentworth and his wife, Sarah’s 14 children. John served as Governor of New Hampshire while it was still a province of Massachusetts. A 1719 graduate of Harvard. at a time when social position accounted more than academics, Benning graduated fifth in a class of 20 students. His college achievements were not academic, rather he was known for having set a college record of fines for broken windows and other damage caused by his various pranks.
After graduation at 18 years of age, Wentworth joined the family business of importing wines from Cadiz and other Spanish ports. For the next 15 years, he would spend considerable time in Spain, while his father and brothers tried to have New Hampshire constituted a separate colony.
In 1719, Benning married Abigail Ruck. They had several children, all of whom predeceased him. In 1732, he was elected to Massachusetts’s assembly, and ultimately served on the Governor’s Counsel. It took about nine years before the colony of New Hampshire gained its independence. Wentworth became the first Governor Wentworth’s siblings married into important seacoast families, making it easier for Benning to govern, since members of the Council and other office holders were often relatives or friends of relatives. On one journey to England, Benning lost a fortune at sea but as Governor he was able to re build his wealth, particularly through his practice of land grants.
He became very wealthy by the standards of the day and he built a large mansion in Portsmouth and a summer home on Lake Wentworth away from the seacoast. After his first wife died in 1755, he re married, in 1760 at age 64, his much younger housekeeper, Martha Hilton. This, plus growing annoyance with his administration, corruption, and taxes, forced his resignation in 1767. He died October 14, 1770 in Portsmouth.
You can visit Wenworth’s former home in Portsmouth, NH now called The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.
7. Cavendish Events 2/4/11-2/11/11
February 4 (Friday): Black and White Film Series, Birdman of Alcatraz, 7 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. There are refreshments on hand and the evening is free, though donations are always welcome. FMI: 226-7497 or 226-7187.
February 7 (Monday): Cavendish 250th Anniversary Celebration Planning Meeting, 4 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.
• Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Fire District # 2 will be held at the Cavendish Town Office at 7:30 pm.
February 8 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
February 9 (Wednesday): The February Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Mixer will take place at The Message for the Week offices, 34 School Street, Chester, 5:30-7:30. FMI: 228-5830
• The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas, Snow Mobile Club, will meet at 7 pm at the home of Gail and Leon Woods, 16 Parker Ave. Proctorsville. FMI: http://cavendishsnowfleas.com/
February 10 (Thursday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802)228-5236, or Dot Ramsdell at (802)226-7870
• 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
February 11 (Friday): Ludlow Winter Carnival. Events include: Ice Bocce, Ski & Snowboard Fashion Show, scavenger hunt, Snowmobile Poker Run, cross country ski & snowshoe fun race, Fireworks, Parade and post Fireworks bonfire, just to name a few. Nightly "early bird" rates available at participating restaurants and nightly Apres Ski parties. FMI: 228-7530 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/lovin-ludlow-winter-carnival.html
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
SPECIAL POST 2/1/11: Singleton’s Robbed
The State Police are looking for leads in the robbery of Singleton’s Store in Proctorsville, which took place at about 2:45 a.m. Tuesday. The suspect reportedly came and left in a vehicle that was parked in front of the store during the burglary. Anyone with information is asked to call Vermont State Police 802-875-2112.
Feb. 2011 Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
What a great start to the year!! We launched our FREE Okemo Valley Mobile app. Now guests can find us in our Okemo Valley Regional Guidebook, our website, and now on their mobile devices!!! It's not too late to get your business on the app at the introductory rate of $100/year. We need a lot more special offers!!!!
Our next mixer is February 9 at The Message for the Week in Chester at 5:30-7:30pm. Please join us, meet new members, network with one another and bring plenty of business cards. Feel free to bring a door prize too. Don't forget about our 50/50 raffle!
An exciting February is planned with two winter carnivals. February 10-13 in Ludlow and February 18-20 in Chester. WCAX-tv will be in Ludlow on February 10 to participate in the scavenger hunt. Both winter carnivals made it into Yankee Magazine and AAA New England. Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for schedules.
The Chamber will be in NY and Boston for the travel shows in February marketing the Okemo Valley with our Regional Guidebook and app.
Be sure to watch LPC-TV this month for my interview with Frederick M. Glover of the Law Firm of Frederick M. Glover, PLLC.
As part of Ludlow's e-vermont grant, there will be 2 training programs this month. February 3rd on Basic Computer Skills and February 10th Social Media for Beginners. These will be held at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow from 5:30-7pm. Please rsvp the Chamber if you would like to attend.
It's not too late to sign up for our Ireland trip May 1-10, 2011. You do not have to be a Chamber member to travel with us.
It's a great and exciting time for our Region!!
Chamber Mixers
Join us for our monthly Chamber Mixers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Bring a door prize if you can.
All Mixers are from 5:30-7:30pm
2011 MIXER LINE UP
February 9- The Message For The Week-Chester
March 9- Endless Creations Pottery Studio - Chester
April 13- Bonnie's Bundles Dolls - Chester
May 11- Outback Pizza - Ludlow
June 8- Canvasworks Floor Cloths - Weathersfield
July 13 - Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts - Ludlow
August 10- 3rd Annual Okemo Valley Expo at Green Mountain Banquet and Conference Center - Chester
September 14- The Village Green Gallery - Weston
October 12- Berkshire Bank - Ludlow
November 9- Jackson Gore Inn - Ludlow
December 14- Annual Meeting at Stone Hearth Inn & Tavern - Chester
Membership Committee News
The membership committee met on January 21st at 8:30am at Java Babas.
The committee elected Laura Tuttle to be the Chairperson. We approved new member applications and reviewed the committee goals for 2011.
Increase benefits of membership
1. Offer additional new member benefits;
a. free notary service
b. certificates of origin
2. increase membership by 50.
We look forward to seeing you at our next mixer on February 9th at The Message For The Week in Chester. Feel free to bring a door prize.
NEW MEMBER BENEFITS:
Okemo Snowmobile Tours is offering members 50% off 2 hour mid-week snowmobile tours. Available non holiday, show your M2M card and reservations a must.
Green Mountain Outlook is offering buy one ad and get one ad FREE. Free ad must be used the week after the paid ad.
Be sure to check all Member Benefits on our website. Please call or email Denise to add or update your M2M Benefit. Let's all do business with each other at a discount. Keep it local and support one another.
Welcome New Members
Chester House Inn - Welcome new owners Jan & Robert Francis - Chester
Maintenance Magic - Mount Holly
Yankee Publishing - New Hampshire
Sherwin-Williams Paints - Springfield
Saddle Mountain Kennel - Shrewsbury
Barrett & Valley Associates, Inc. - Chester
Peace of Paradise - Chester
Lilypad Properties - Chester
Golden Stage Inn - Welcome new owners Julie-Lynn and Michael Wood - Proctorsville
River Valley Tech Center - Springfield
Marketing Committee News
The marketing committee met on January 11th at 3pm at the Cool Moose Cafe in Ludlow. We welcome Gary Barto to the committee.
We discussed the launch of the mobile app and brand ads to advertise our app and events. Co-op advertising includes: So VT Arts & Living wedding section, Travelhost Magazine, May issue of Yankee Magazine and our inside front and back covers of the Vermont Vacation Guide.
Brand ads include the May issue of Connecticut Magazine with a bar code that will go to our mobile app.
The goals for the marketing committee in 2011 are:
1. Review strategic plan, update as necessary and continue to implement.
2. Continue co-op advertising opportunities
3. Continue Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on website pay per click, increased keywords.
4. Attend the NY Times Travel Show, Boston Globe Travel Show, and the Big E to increase Okemo Valley visibility.
5. Continue marketing "A Taste of Every Season" 2011 dining calendars at the above-mentioned trade shows.
Legislative Day, February 17th
Our Chamber Legislative Day is combined this year with Vermont Employer Day on February 17th at the Statehouse. We will have breakfast with our legislators at 8am in the Statehouse cafeteria, 10am meeting in Room 11 with House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore and Minority Leaders; 11am joint hearing and discussion with key economic committees in Room 11; and 12 noon lunch at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with Megan Smith, Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing. Call the Chamber asap if you would like to take The Good Bus to Montpelier. We will leave the Chamber office by 6:30am and return by 3pm.
Upcoming Events:
Please submit your events to us 2 weeks in advance. If you don't see your event in the calendar, please call us.
www.YourPlaceInVermont.com
Scholarship Given
The Chamber was happy to give a $2,000 check to the River Valley Technical Center scholarship fund from sales of its "A Taste For Every Season" 2011 dining calendar.
Scenic Route 100 Byway Update
The proposed Vermont Byway Designation of Route 100 is a joint effort of town representatives from Pittsfield, Killington, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ludlow and Andover; Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Office of Killington Economic Development and Tourism, local businesses, and the Southern Windsor County and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commissions. This designation offers travelers historic, cultural, scenic and recreational information and waypoint centers about the towns and villages along the Byway. The Committee has finalized their Corridor Management Plan that identifies these resources along the Route 100 Byway. This Plan also includes a vision for the future of the Byway and strategies to improve and enhance the resources and destinations along the way.
The hearing with the Vermont Scenery Preservation Council is on March 24 at 7pm at the President Calvin Coolidge Museum and Education Center, 3780 VT 100a, Plymouth, Vermont. Please attend to support this byway.
Businesses along Route 100 and 103 are invited to an informational lunch at Clear Lake Furniture on February 16 at 12noon to learn more about this project.
Small Business Tax Provisions
As a member of the small business community in Vermont, Peter Welch wants to make you aware of several tax provisions passed by Congress that take effect in 2011. During these challenging economic times, it is critical that Vermont's small businesses have access to resources to help them grow, create jobs, and restore our economy.
These tax credits include:
o Health Care Tax Credit: employers with fewer than 25 employees and less than $50,000 in averages wages may qualify for a credit worth up to 35 percent of premiums paid in 2010;
o Health Insurance Deduction for Self-Employed Individuals: self-employed taxpayers who pay their own health insurance costs can now reduce their net earnings from self-employment by these costs. Previously, the self-employed health insurance deduction was allowed only for income tax purposes;
o Bonus Depreciation Extension: businesses that acquire and place qualified property into service after September 8, 2010 can now claim a depreciation allowance of 100 percent of the cost of the property. Businesses that purchased this property prior to September 8, 2010 can claim a depreciation allowance of 50 percent of the cost of the property;
o General Business Credit: the general business credits of eligible small businesses in 2010 are not subject to alternative minimum tax. General business credits may be offset by both regular income tax and alternative minimum tax of eligible small businesses;
o Depreciation on a business car or truck: the total depreciation deduction you can take for a passenger automobile you use in your business is increased to $11,060. The maximum deduction you can take for a truck or van you use in your business is increased to $11,160. In 2009, the limit for business automobiles was $10,960, while the limit for trucks and vans as $11,060;
o Higher Expensing / Depreciation Limits: for tax years beginning in 2010 and 2011, small businesses can expense up to $500,000 of the first $2 million of certain business property placed in service during the year. In general, businesses can choose to treat the cost of certain property as an expense and deduct it in the year the property is placed in service instead of depreciating it over several years.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an important component of the economic recovery. Please contact Peter Welch to provide more information on these provisions, or assistance with any other federal matter.
News from our Members/Congratulations
Congratulations to Inn Victoria on their 1 year anniversary!
About Our Organization
Our Chamber provides the following member benefits:
*Health Insurance provided by Cigna,
*Dental Insurance provided by Delta Dental,
*Free listing on our website with web link,
*Free listing in our regional guidebook,
*Free placement of your business brochures in our welcome centers in Ludlow and Chester,
*Free monthly chamber mixers,
*Free educational programs,
*Member to member discounts,
*Referrals,
*Co-op advertising,
*Marketing and Promotion
*Events publicized,
*And much, much more!!!
Our Vision Statement:
The Okemo Valley region, consisting of the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, is recognized as a four-season sustainable Vermont destination to be enjoyed by all.
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is recognized as an organization providing leadership, support and services vital to the health and future growth of the member businesses in the communities that we serve.
Chamber members are ambassadors for the Okemo Valley region, promoting the area as a vibrant place to live and to visit.
Our Mission Statement:
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven organization. It is the voice of its members and the business communities in the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, Vermont. It provides advocacy, support and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance our regional businesses and four-season economy.
Our next mixer is February 9 at The Message for the Week in Chester at 5:30-7:30pm. Please join us, meet new members, network with one another and bring plenty of business cards. Feel free to bring a door prize too. Don't forget about our 50/50 raffle!
An exciting February is planned with two winter carnivals. February 10-13 in Ludlow and February 18-20 in Chester. WCAX-tv will be in Ludlow on February 10 to participate in the scavenger hunt. Both winter carnivals made it into Yankee Magazine and AAA New England. Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for schedules.
The Chamber will be in NY and Boston for the travel shows in February marketing the Okemo Valley with our Regional Guidebook and app.
Be sure to watch LPC-TV this month for my interview with Frederick M. Glover of the Law Firm of Frederick M. Glover, PLLC.
As part of Ludlow's e-vermont grant, there will be 2 training programs this month. February 3rd on Basic Computer Skills and February 10th Social Media for Beginners. These will be held at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow from 5:30-7pm. Please rsvp the Chamber if you would like to attend.
It's not too late to sign up for our Ireland trip May 1-10, 2011. You do not have to be a Chamber member to travel with us.
It's a great and exciting time for our Region!!
Chamber Mixers
Join us for our monthly Chamber Mixers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Bring a door prize if you can.
All Mixers are from 5:30-7:30pm
2011 MIXER LINE UP
February 9- The Message For The Week-Chester
March 9- Endless Creations Pottery Studio - Chester
April 13- Bonnie's Bundles Dolls - Chester
May 11- Outback Pizza - Ludlow
June 8- Canvasworks Floor Cloths - Weathersfield
July 13 - Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts - Ludlow
August 10- 3rd Annual Okemo Valley Expo at Green Mountain Banquet and Conference Center - Chester
September 14- The Village Green Gallery - Weston
October 12- Berkshire Bank - Ludlow
November 9- Jackson Gore Inn - Ludlow
December 14- Annual Meeting at Stone Hearth Inn & Tavern - Chester
Membership Committee News
The membership committee met on January 21st at 8:30am at Java Babas.
The committee elected Laura Tuttle to be the Chairperson. We approved new member applications and reviewed the committee goals for 2011.
Increase benefits of membership
1. Offer additional new member benefits;
a. free notary service
b. certificates of origin
2. increase membership by 50.
We look forward to seeing you at our next mixer on February 9th at The Message For The Week in Chester. Feel free to bring a door prize.
NEW MEMBER BENEFITS:
Okemo Snowmobile Tours is offering members 50% off 2 hour mid-week snowmobile tours. Available non holiday, show your M2M card and reservations a must.
Green Mountain Outlook is offering buy one ad and get one ad FREE. Free ad must be used the week after the paid ad.
Be sure to check all Member Benefits on our website. Please call or email Denise to add or update your M2M Benefit. Let's all do business with each other at a discount. Keep it local and support one another.
Welcome New Members
Chester House Inn - Welcome new owners Jan & Robert Francis - Chester
Maintenance Magic - Mount Holly
Yankee Publishing - New Hampshire
Sherwin-Williams Paints - Springfield
Saddle Mountain Kennel - Shrewsbury
Barrett & Valley Associates, Inc. - Chester
Peace of Paradise - Chester
Lilypad Properties - Chester
Golden Stage Inn - Welcome new owners Julie-Lynn and Michael Wood - Proctorsville
River Valley Tech Center - Springfield
Marketing Committee News
The marketing committee met on January 11th at 3pm at the Cool Moose Cafe in Ludlow. We welcome Gary Barto to the committee.
We discussed the launch of the mobile app and brand ads to advertise our app and events. Co-op advertising includes: So VT Arts & Living wedding section, Travelhost Magazine, May issue of Yankee Magazine and our inside front and back covers of the Vermont Vacation Guide.
Brand ads include the May issue of Connecticut Magazine with a bar code that will go to our mobile app.
The goals for the marketing committee in 2011 are:
1. Review strategic plan, update as necessary and continue to implement.
2. Continue co-op advertising opportunities
3. Continue Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on website pay per click, increased keywords.
4. Attend the NY Times Travel Show, Boston Globe Travel Show, and the Big E to increase Okemo Valley visibility.
5. Continue marketing "A Taste of Every Season" 2011 dining calendars at the above-mentioned trade shows.
Legislative Day, February 17th
Our Chamber Legislative Day is combined this year with Vermont Employer Day on February 17th at the Statehouse. We will have breakfast with our legislators at 8am in the Statehouse cafeteria, 10am meeting in Room 11 with House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore and Minority Leaders; 11am joint hearing and discussion with key economic committees in Room 11; and 12 noon lunch at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with Megan Smith, Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing. Call the Chamber asap if you would like to take The Good Bus to Montpelier. We will leave the Chamber office by 6:30am and return by 3pm.
Upcoming Events:
Please submit your events to us 2 weeks in advance. If you don't see your event in the calendar, please call us.
www.YourPlaceInVermont.com
Scholarship Given
The Chamber was happy to give a $2,000 check to the River Valley Technical Center scholarship fund from sales of its "A Taste For Every Season" 2011 dining calendar.
Scenic Route 100 Byway Update
The proposed Vermont Byway Designation of Route 100 is a joint effort of town representatives from Pittsfield, Killington, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ludlow and Andover; Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Office of Killington Economic Development and Tourism, local businesses, and the Southern Windsor County and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commissions. This designation offers travelers historic, cultural, scenic and recreational information and waypoint centers about the towns and villages along the Byway. The Committee has finalized their Corridor Management Plan that identifies these resources along the Route 100 Byway. This Plan also includes a vision for the future of the Byway and strategies to improve and enhance the resources and destinations along the way.
The hearing with the Vermont Scenery Preservation Council is on March 24 at 7pm at the President Calvin Coolidge Museum and Education Center, 3780 VT 100a, Plymouth, Vermont. Please attend to support this byway.
Businesses along Route 100 and 103 are invited to an informational lunch at Clear Lake Furniture on February 16 at 12noon to learn more about this project.
Small Business Tax Provisions
As a member of the small business community in Vermont, Peter Welch wants to make you aware of several tax provisions passed by Congress that take effect in 2011. During these challenging economic times, it is critical that Vermont's small businesses have access to resources to help them grow, create jobs, and restore our economy.
These tax credits include:
o Health Care Tax Credit: employers with fewer than 25 employees and less than $50,000 in averages wages may qualify for a credit worth up to 35 percent of premiums paid in 2010;
o Health Insurance Deduction for Self-Employed Individuals: self-employed taxpayers who pay their own health insurance costs can now reduce their net earnings from self-employment by these costs. Previously, the self-employed health insurance deduction was allowed only for income tax purposes;
o Bonus Depreciation Extension: businesses that acquire and place qualified property into service after September 8, 2010 can now claim a depreciation allowance of 100 percent of the cost of the property. Businesses that purchased this property prior to September 8, 2010 can claim a depreciation allowance of 50 percent of the cost of the property;
o General Business Credit: the general business credits of eligible small businesses in 2010 are not subject to alternative minimum tax. General business credits may be offset by both regular income tax and alternative minimum tax of eligible small businesses;
o Depreciation on a business car or truck: the total depreciation deduction you can take for a passenger automobile you use in your business is increased to $11,060. The maximum deduction you can take for a truck or van you use in your business is increased to $11,160. In 2009, the limit for business automobiles was $10,960, while the limit for trucks and vans as $11,060;
o Higher Expensing / Depreciation Limits: for tax years beginning in 2010 and 2011, small businesses can expense up to $500,000 of the first $2 million of certain business property placed in service during the year. In general, businesses can choose to treat the cost of certain property as an expense and deduct it in the year the property is placed in service instead of depreciating it over several years.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an important component of the economic recovery. Please contact Peter Welch to provide more information on these provisions, or assistance with any other federal matter.
News from our Members/Congratulations
Congratulations to Inn Victoria on their 1 year anniversary!
About Our Organization
Our Chamber provides the following member benefits:
*Health Insurance provided by Cigna,
*Dental Insurance provided by Delta Dental,
*Free listing on our website with web link,
*Free listing in our regional guidebook,
*Free placement of your business brochures in our welcome centers in Ludlow and Chester,
*Free monthly chamber mixers,
*Free educational programs,
*Member to member discounts,
*Referrals,
*Co-op advertising,
*Marketing and Promotion
*Events publicized,
*And much, much more!!!
Our Vision Statement:
The Okemo Valley region, consisting of the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, is recognized as a four-season sustainable Vermont destination to be enjoyed by all.
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is recognized as an organization providing leadership, support and services vital to the health and future growth of the member businesses in the communities that we serve.
Chamber members are ambassadors for the Okemo Valley region, promoting the area as a vibrant place to live and to visit.
Our Mission Statement:
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven organization. It is the voice of its members and the business communities in the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, Vermont. It provides advocacy, support and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance our regional businesses and four-season economy.
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