Cavendish Update 4/13/12 News/Scams/SB Mtg/Events

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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 4/13/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Tax Assistance Available to Those Affected by Flooding
2. Select Board Meeting 4/9/10
3. Cavendish Related News
4. Thank you Ignat and the Answer to Why it’s called Greven Field.
5. Visual Assessment of the Black River
6. Public Meetings About VELCO’s 2012 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan
7. Cavendish Green Up Day
8. Cavendish Historical Society Spring Newsletter
9. Cavendish Activities 4/13-4/20/12

1. Tax Assistance Available to Those Affected by Flooding
“Vermonters who suffered losses from a presidentially declared disaster have a variety of options open to them,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “In addition to filing a disaster casualty loss claim, they can receive a waiver of fees and expedited processing if they request documents like prior tax returns that may have been destroyed.” The Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has been offering free or reduced-fee tax preparation and consultation services to Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene. There are special forms and requirements for casualty losses, but at this late date VTCPA is urging Vermonters who have not yet sought help to file for extensions. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA at cstevens@trans-video.net or (802) 485-6448 if email is not available. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to Vermonters making under $42,000 annually. The program is a partnership between the IRS and the Chittenden County CASH Coalition, local United Way agencies and Community Action agencies. To find a location near you, visit www.state.vt.us/tax/individualvolunteers.shtml or dial 2-1-1. The IRS website has tax information about federal tax relief in disaster situations. To contact the IRS toll-free disaster hotline, call 1-866-562-5227, or visit www.irs.gov

2. Select Board Meeting 4/9/10
The following were among the items discussed at Monday night’s select board meeting:

Recycling: To the question of when is the Cavendish Transfer Station going to have more recycling options, Selectmen George Timko discussed how neighboring towns are going with a single stream recycling program (everything that can be recycled is deposited at the transfer station and it is sorted elsewhere). Further, there is a need to consider more recycling since landfill space is limited. Once this landfill is closed, it will cost considerably more to dispose of trash, so it might be prudent to start reducing what goes to the landfill. Rich Svec, town manager, noted that the town has adopted a position on recycling -cost effective and logistically possible. It was noted that given that proposed recycling bill before the legislature, this could be a moot point, as all towns would be required to recycle. Svec thought that if the bill was passed, it could make recycling more affordable.

Gravel Pit: At the 2011 Town meeting, the voters agreed to the purchase of property for use as a gravel pit. There have been issues in purchasing the land due to deeded mineral rights with OMYA. This issues appears to have been recently resolved and it is anticipated that the purchase will go through shortly.

2nd Annual Town wide Tag Sale: The Select Board approved the use of the Cavendish and Proctorsville Greens for use on July 28 (Saturday) for the 2nd Annual Tag Sale. Svec volunteered to do the map of locations where homeowners would be doing tag sales that day.

Liquor License: The following received Liquor Licenses were renewed: Cavendish Pointe Hotel, and The Castle. The following received renewal of liquor and tobacco licenses: Minibeez; Singleton’s Store and William’s Store.

Deputy Fire Warden: At the request of Roger Sheehan, Cavendish Fire Warden, the Selectmen voted Bob Glidden, Chief of the Proctorsville Fire Dept., as Deputy Fire Warden. Sheehan discussed the wildfire dangers due to the dry weather and high winds. He said that he would not issue burn permits until there has been at least 2-3 days of rain sufficient to saturate the ground.

24th Annual Vermont 100 Endurance Race: The Select Board gave approval for the Race to go through Cavendish July 21 and 22.

Re adoption of the Cavendish Town Plan: The Select Board has scheduled a hearing on the Re adoption of the 2007 Cavendish Town Plan, with the inclusion of a visual access map (not included in the original document) for the May 14 Select Board meeting. The hearing will take place at 6 pm, prior to the regular monthly meeting. The re adoption is being requested so that the Planning Commission has time to complete a town wide survey.

RT 131 Resurfacing: The survey work being done on Rt 131 is in preparation for resurfacing the road in the summer of 2013. Svec has been able to provide input on the survey so that some corrections can be made. The resurfacing will help with the repairs made during the recovery from Irene. The plan is to resurface from the Rts 106 and 131 intersection to The Castle.

Chubb Hill: The survey work for changing Chubb Hill’s entrance onto Rt 131, has been completed by property owner Donnie Davis. The town still needs to work the property exchange so that the town road can run through the pasture. The project is moving forward and the goal is to have this completed this summer.

Black River Health Center (BRHC): Selectmen Timko, who is also the Chair of the BRHC, gave a report on how the transfer of the building to the town is being done. As discussed at the town meeting in March, the transfer of the building to the town will automatically make it tax exempt. BRHC’s lawyer has drawn up a contract, which is being reviewed. Timko would like to see a stipulation that the Health Center has full control of the property and can operate as it does now. One of the BRHC board concerns is the inclusion of language that would allow the return of the building to BRHC if things should change. The next step is for the town and BRHC lawyers to meet. This needs to be done and settled in time for the select board to sign at their June meeting.

LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line and on the public access channels of Comcast Cable TV

3. Cavendish Related News
Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce to be Energy Information Hub: The chamber signed on to participate in the new clean energy information hub called Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE). The chamber is planning a Home, Energy and Business Expo on May 12 from 10-3pm at the Jackson Gore Inn in Ludlow, VT. Press Release

CVPS Documents Suggest $21 Million Payout Won’t Kill Merger: There's a $21 million question at the heart of a planned sale and merger of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation. Proponents of the deal say it could fall apart if the Legislature forces the utility to send the money directly back to customers. But the company has told regulators that repaying the money is not a major obstacle to the merger. VPR

Protect Yourself During Tick Season to Prevent Lyme Disease: In 2011, more than 600 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Vermont Department of Health. Several factors, including an increase in infected tick populations, and more testing by health care providers, may account for the record high number of cases in the Green Mountain State. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is given early. Left untreated, Lyme disease may affect other parts of the body, including the heart and nervous system. Learn how to protect yourself. Press Release VT Health Dept.

Spring Clean Irene: The traditional Vermont May Green Up Day is morphing into Spring Clean Irene, according to Gov. Shumlin. Press Release

The Simpsons are not from Oregon: The Simpsons creator Matt Groening confirms exclusively to TV Guide Magazine that his recent statements were misinterpreted — he did not reveal that his long-running animated Fox comedy was set in Oregon. TV Guide

Condenser Leaks Plague VT Yankee: Vermont Yankee is operating at reduced power while technicians continue to trouble-shoot problems with its steam condenser. VPR

National Business Identity Theft Website: A new online resource at www.BusinessIDTheft.org has been designed to serve as a critical resource to help business owners understand and protect themselves from business identity theft. Press Release

Certain Uncertified Outdoor Wood Boilers (OWB) Must be Retired by 12/31/12: Uncertified OWBs that are located within 200 feet of a residence, school or healthcare facility, not served by the OWB, must be removed and destroyed by December 31, 2012 (See 10 V.S.A. §584(g)). To assist Vermonter’s with complying with the new law, the Vermont Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) is offering a voluntary OWB Change-out Program that provides financial incentives to encourage the replacement of old OWBs with cleaner, more efficient heating units. Most OWBs sold in VT before 3/31/08 create significant amounts of smoke. Press Release

Kmart Reopening in W Lebanon: The Kmart in West Lebanon is reopening on Monday. Kmart was one of many stores flooded out during tropical storm Irene. Officials say the remodeled store will be better than ever -- this one includes a Little Ceasars restaurant, a new pet department, and a new mattress department WCAX

VT Unveils New Map of State’s Bedrock: For the last three decades geologists, students, and volunteers have canvassed the Green Mountain State by foot to carefully document Vermont's landscape. Geologists argue the new map can shed light and drive research on a number of environmental concerns including water supply issues, natural geochemical hazards and rock falls. Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources says the map also shows why the state has been developed the way it has and could help outline plans for the future. Scientists are using the map to help find potential geothermal energy sources in Vermont. WCAX

Phone Scams in VT: According to the VT State Police Brattleboro On 04/12/12, a resident of Guilford received a call from 305-407-9781 demanding that she pay money for an outstanding loan. The caller told the female that if she did not pay the money she would be subject to a lawsuit and arrested. The female did not send any money based on the call and called the Vermont State Police to report the incident. Over the past several weeks, the Vermont State Police in Brattleboro have received several similar calls about persons receiving calls demanding money over the telephone. This is a scam. Please do not provide the callers any personal information, social security numbers, date of birth or any other information, including credit card or debit card information. The State Police recommend that if you receive one of these phone calls, you should contact the police to report the incident. It is also strongly recommended that you obtain your credit report to make sure that you are not a victim of identity theft. State Police Press Release

There is another form of the phone scam, from automated calls on behalf of a VT bank or credit union. The caller asks for personal information like Social Security numbers, claiming there is a problem with their account. Investigators say the calls have come from a wide variety of numbers. The AG's office has traced some of them back to private residences and businesses that they have determined are not connected to the calls. So until the authorities can identify who is behind the mystery calls, they are offering this key piece of advice: If you did not initiate the phone call, do not give personal information over the phone. WCAX http://www.wcax.com/story/17392679/bank-phone-scam-targets-vermonters
VT Health Dept Confirms Flu: The Vermont Health Department is reporting a late-season surge in flu cases. Health officials said there have been confirmed cases and outbreaks of the flu in long-term care facilities in Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Lamoille, Rutland, Windsor and Chittenden counties. Burlington Free Press

Cuts Could Mean Longer Waits at Border: The Canada Border Services Agency is slashing over 1,100 jobs in a budget-cutting move. Many of the cuts are expected in administrative jobs. But the union that covers border services workers says no matter what jobs are affected, the cuts will impact national security and travelers moving across the border. WCAX

Bigfoot Sightings Bring VT National Attention: "You go back to the Algonquin and the Iroquois and they talk about the stone giant and the giant men of the mountains. The Abenaki had their creature reports. So this whole area is rich in traditional reports of this creature.” Just east of Whitehall, sightings have been reported along Route 4 and all across the state of Vermont from Bennington to Colchester. The TV network Animal Planet will bring its show Finding Bigfoot to Rutland on Saturday night. Few details about the network's plans have been released, but sources say about 100 people will show up, and three stories will be chosen. WCAX

4. Thank you Ignat and the Answer to Why it’s called Greven Field.
Ignat Solzhenitsyn’s benefit concert for Greven Field on Friday, April 6 was well attended by the Cavendish community. Many thanks to Ignat and to all those who spent long hours organizing a benefit that so many enjoyed.

Among the many positive comments about Ignat’s performance was sprinkled the question, why is it called Greven Field?

In 1948, Dr. H. J. Greven deeded his eight-acre field to the Proctorsville Fire Department. The volunteer firemen and the Auxiliary raised money and worked hard to put in a baseball diamond, bleachers, and other recreational items for the community. For many years, this was the site of Cavendish’s Old Home Day celebration.

Dr. Greven came to Proctorsville around 1925, to join Dr. Buxton in meeting the medical needs of Proctorsville. For many years, the Proctorsville baseball players used the field behind his home, while the Cavendish players used the area between Olin Gay’s house (now Bonts) and the cemetery.

Dr. Greven died in 1956 at the age of 70.

5. Visual Assessment of the Black River
BRAT is conducting a visual assessment of the Black River, from Plymouth through Springfield. Volunteers are needed to help with this activity. It can be done at your convenience, any time between May and September, weather and safety conditions permitting. The simple worksheets are available on-line. Orientations are as follows:
• April 18th (Wednesday) at the Apron Strings Café (41 Main St in downtown Springfield, next to the library) from 6-7:30 p.m.

• April 25 (Wednesday) Timber Inn, located at 112 Route 103 in Ludlow from 6-7:30 p.m.

FMI: http://www.BlackRiverActionTeam.org

6. Public Meetings About VELCO’s 2012 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan
VELCO owns and manages the statewide electric transmission lines and is responsible for VT’s transmission grid reliability. This three-year update of VELCO's 20-year plan is part of a collaborative planning process approved by Vermont's Public Service Board (PSB) in 2007. The outreach efforts are intended to gather public input on transmission and other solutions that meet Vermont's electric reliability challenges.

Public hearings on Velco’s 2012 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan, electronically available at http://www.velco.com/planoutreach2012 will take place as follows: April 26 West Dover; May 1, Rutland; May 8 Burlington; and May 10 Montpelier. An on-line format for providing feedback is available at http://www.velco.com/planoutreach2012

FMI: 802-770-6381 or sduval@velco.com

7. Cavendish Green Up Day
A change from previous years, Cavendish Green Up Day will be held on Saturday, May 5. Meet at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville at 9 am for routes, bags and gloves. Starting at noon, there will be a BBQ at the Proctorsville Town Green. If you can, bring a side dish to share. For the vegetarians, there will be veggie burgers. The rain date will be the following day, May 6, at noon. Locations will be the same for meeting and the BBQ. The latter will take place at 3 pm. You can sign up in advance for a route by calling the town office 226-7292. Come on out and help spiff up the Town, your help will be greatly appreciated. FMI: Town office 226-7292 or Tim Calabrese 226-7754

8. Cavendish Historical Society Spring Newsletter
The Cavendish Historical Society's Spring Newsletter, Scribbler II, is now available on-line. If you would prefer to receive it in PDF format, please e-mail margoc@tds.net

9. Cavendish Activities 4/13-4/20/12
April 14 (Saturday): At the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library “Dinner and a Movie” James Cameron’s Titanic In honor of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library will be hosting its second dinner and a movie event of spring 2012. The movie will be shown at 1:00 in the library and feature a generous sampling of food taken from the dinner menu on the liner’s last night. There is no cost, but donations are welcome. For more information contact Kata at 226-7503.

April 16 (Monday): The Cavendish Democratic Committee reorganization meeting at the Town Office meeting room. The agenda is to elect officers, elect representatives to the Windsor County caucus, chose representatives to the State Convention in May and plan town events. Bill Kuch, Windsor County Democratic Chair will attend and welcomes questions about getting involved in local and state activities. FMI: 226-7331

April 17 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. 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
• 1:00 at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library Cove Presentation: Outsmarting Investment Fraud A sixty-minute presentation that outlines the basics of investment fraud including understanding fraud risk factors and who is at the greatest risk, learning common persuasion tactics and the most powerful fraud prevention strategies. This is the second part of a three part series targeted towards the elder community and those who love and support them. There is no cost to attend this program.

April 18 (Wednesday): Visual Assessment of the Black River. See Article 5 above.

April 19 (Thursday): Community Luncheon at St. James United Methodist Church in Proctorsville. Easter Dinner a little late... is the menu-spiral baked ham with macaroni and cheese, green peas, hot rolls and Paula's delicious coleslaw. Dessert is a scrumptious Easter Cake, and we'll have hot coffee or tea or a cold beverage as well. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age helps us to defray the cost of the meal.
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. 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
• 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