Cavendish Update 11/25/11 News/Bus.Dir/Shop/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

The 11/25/11 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Remember the Cavendish Update this Holiday Season
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Cavendish Business Directory 250th Anniversary Edition/Shop Local This year
4. Thank You From the Huntley Family
5. Free Small Business Workshop
6. Use Facebook for Up to Date Information
7. Cavendish Activities 11/25-11/30

1. Remember the Cavendish Update this Holiday Season
Today officially begins the mad dash to find the right present for family, friends and neighbors. For those that appreciate the value the Cavendish Update, Cavendish VT Facebook and blog provides throughout the year, consider making a donation in one of the following ways:

• Make a tax-deductible contribution to the Cavendish Community & Conservation Association (CCCA, PO Box 605, Cavendish, VT 05142) or the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142). Be sure to note that the donation is for the Cavendish Update.

• As generous as the CCCA and CHS sponsorships are, it does not cover the costs of maintaining all of these activities Sponsor a day, week or month to celebrate someone. To learn more about this, e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807

2. Cavendish Related News
VT 106 Reopens: The Vermont Agency of Transportation has reopened Vermont 106 through Weathersfield, following repairs made of damage caused three months ago by Tropical Storm Irene. The state road was damaged near the intersection with Vermont 131; about 450 feet of the road was "obliterated," a news release stated. A 90-foot-deep crater had to be rebuilt from the bank of the Black River to the edge of Vermont 106, the news release said. Repair work coordinated by Gurney Brothers Construction of North Springfield involved use of dozens of heavy-equipment vehicles and of 100,000 cubic yards of rock and fill. Burlington Free Press

Health Dept Reports Increase in Pertussis Cases: Twenty-seven cases of pertussis have been confirmed in Vermont this year, including six cases in the past month. Recent confirmed cases have been reported in Chittenden, (4), Washington (1), and Bennington (1) counties, with additional probable or suspected cases in Chittenden, Addison and Windham counties. The age range of confirmed cases is from 5 months to 67 years old. The infection usually begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms and an irritating cough that gradually worsens to include possible whooping, short periods without breathing, or vomiting. FMI healthvermont.gov

VT to Receive $15M in Emergency Aid: The U.S. Department of Transportation will release $15 million in emergency funds to help Vermont rebuild and repair roads and bridges destroyed or damaged by floods. The Federal Highway Administration emergency grant includes $14 million for repairing damage caused last August by Tropical Storm Irene. Another $1 million will help cover repair costs for highways and bridges washed out during heavy spring flooding. Press Release

New Measures to Assist Municipalities with Storm-Related Cash Flow Issues: State Treasurer Beth Pearce, legislative leadership, and the Shumlin administration announced a package of measures that will accelerate highway aid and education payments and allow disaster-impacted towns to defer education payments due to the State on December 1. Press Release

VT’s “Split the Ticket” on fuel oil : Thanks to the generosity of Vermont fuel dealers, along with local businesses and organizations, the Split the Ticket program will provide more than 6,000 gallons of free heating fuel this winter. eating fuel retailers agree to donate a delivery of oil, kerosene, or propane to a neighbor in need. Those pledged gallons will be matched with donations from the community. Please consider helping Split the Ticket with a Vermonter in need this winter. All funds will be used to match fuel donations by Vermont’s oil and propane dealers—none are used to administer the program. FMI:

VPIRG’s Trouble in Toyland: For 26 years, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group’s (VPIRG) Trouble in Toyland report has offered safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provided examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. The group also provides an interactive website with tips for safe toy shopping that consumers can access on their smart phones at www.toysafety.mobi. To download the list in PDF format go to www.vpirg.org

VT Agency of Natural Resources Repeals Rule Permitting ATVs on State Lands: The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has filed a Final Proposed Rule with the Vermont Secretary of State and the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) that repeals a 2009 rule that addressed the use of ATV’s on state land. Following a public hearing held last spring, and the review of thousands of comments, ANR has decided to proceed with the repeal of what is known as the ATV rule. Press Release

3. Cavendish Business Directory 250th Anniversary Edition/Shop Local This year
With today being “Black Friday, “ there are lots of ways you can do your holiday shopping right here in Cavendish. Know what’s available locally and on-line by browsing the Cavendish Business Directory, which is maintained by Cavendish Historical Society and available on-line. Below are some suggestions on shopping around town and supporting your community:

• There are a number of local business-such as Old Cavendish Fruitcakes, Soap Baubles, Summit Soapworks and Cavendish Game Birds-that are on-line and ready to fill your orders.

• Consider gift certificates to different types of businesses. Besides a hair cut at the Village Clipper or a massage at the Castle Hill Spa, consider things like two hours of handy man services, house cleaning or a night at one of the Inns.

• Both Fletcher Farm and Six Loose Ladies offer a wide array of classes, from learning to knit to working with metals. Remember that Fletcher Farm is half price for Cavendish residents.

• Lots of our local stores carry items made by our friends and neighbors. Don’t forget that Fletcher Farms’ Store is open for holiday shopping.

• Saturday’s Holiday Fair features crafts and food made by members of the various churches and community groups.

• The Cavendish Historical Society offers a variety of books and photographs pertaining to Cavendish. FMI: margoc@tds.net, 802-226-7807

• CCCA’s calendar and Cavendish Historic Barn posters are available at Crows Bakery. The bakery is also offering Festive Yule Iogs, Pumpkin roIIs and gIuten free Chocolate Decadence Cakes made to order for the Holidays. Butter cookie trays and specially decorated cookies are also offered along with Mini Iinzer tarts. Artwork by Robin and beaded bracelets by CheryI are aIso for saIe.

• Purchase Christmas trees and wreaths from one of the local fire departments. Proctorsville Fire Department will have wreaths for sale this Saturday at the Holiday Fair starting at $15. Their annual Christmas Wreath and Tree Sale will be held on Dec 3rd, 4th , 10th and 11th from 9am to 4pm. Tress start at $30. On Saturday the 10th at 10am Santa will be arriving by fire truck, bring the whole family to see Santa and enjoy a coffee and homemade doughnut.

If your business or organization is doing something special this holiday season, e-mail margoc@tds.net call 802-226-7807 or post directly to the Cavendish Facebook page.

4. Thank You From the Huntley Family
Dear Friends & Neighbors:

Since the passing of our son Spencer we have been overwhelmed by the support, love, messages, prayers, food, wine, flowers, notes, visits, calls, cards, invitations out, etc. that we have received from everyone in and around this wonderful community. To all of you who have reached out to our family, thank you. To all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers, thank you. To know that we are not alone helps to bolster our courage during this time of transition and healing.

To those who have contributed so generously to Spencer's Memorial Fund, we thank you. We will strive to make a difference in the lives of young musicians and keep Spencer's loving spirit alive through our on-going sponsorships, scholarships and donations.

To those of you who have shared stories of Spencer and his impact in your lives, special thanks to you. Knowing that he mattered to many people beyond our own family gives us comfort that his life will resonate in other lives perhaps in ways we never imagined.

I don't think I ever realized how important a community was until seeing you all in action, first during the destruction and rebuilding of Irene, and now with our recent tragedy. My mother, brothers and sisters and visiting friends were all amazed at the outpouring of your concern and care for us and could see the incredible support derived from living in this amazing community.

A special thank you must be sent to Pastor Abraham Gross and the Cavendish Baptist Church. Abe sought us out on the night of the accident, offered his church and services to us if we needed them and allowed us the freedom and grace to put together a rather unconventional and some might say, heretical service. And all the while he stood by my family to offer whatever support and encouragement we might need. He is truly a man here doing God's work steadily, quietly and humbly and we thank him.

Part of the initial shock and confusion of the first week of the accident has resulted in us not keeping proper track of who brought what to the house. Consequently, we have many plates, pans, dishes and containers that should be returned to their owners with proper thanks and speed but which we are at a loss to assign to the proper person. Please feel free to stop by our home and claim your dish, pan or plate or call us and tell us which is yours and we can arrange to get your things back to you - all with our sincere appreciation. The food has been delicious.

As you gather around your Holiday tables this season, love each other completely, forgive each other absolutely and laugh with each other heartily. Appreciate the small things and know that you are blessed. We do.
Thanks to you all_-

Sharon, Mark & Madi Huntley

5. Free Small Business Workshop: Google is coming to the Howard Dean Education Center on Friday, December 9th with a morning session from 9am-12n and afternoon session from 1p-4p. This is a free seminar for small businesses to learn:
a. How to get a free website
b. How to run your business online
c. How to get your business found online for free
d. Best practices on marketing your business online

To register for the seminar, go to http://www.vermontgetonline.com/events

6. Use Facebook for Up to Date Information
The Cavendish VT Facebook page is checked throughout the day. In the event of an emergent situation, such as Irene, many people post information about conditions in their area, including if help is needed. The Proctorsville Fire Department Facebook page is also frequently monitored in emergent situations. You do not have to be a Facebook member to look at these sites, but you must register if you want to post something.

7. Cavendish Activities 11/25-11/30
November 25 (Friday): School and town office closed.
• Last day to file for a Black River Good Neighbor 2011 Christmas Basket program. Baskets will be delivered on Thursday, December 22nd.
• Black Friday-The biggest day of the year for retailers marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Shop local!

November 26 (Saturday): Holiday Fair at the Cavendish Elementary School
• Small Business Saturday a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/small-business-saturday.html

November 27 (Sunday): Last day to drop of coats to for the Black River Good Neighbors Coat drive at Vermont Properties and Development, 29 Locust Hill Road, Ludlow. FMI: 802-228-8877 or email vtprop.com

November 29 (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, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870 or Charlotte Snyder (802) 226-7343

November 30 (Wednesday): Library Program-Booksploration Grades K-1 Splat the cat: Goodnight Spat. FMI: 226-7503