Cavendish Update 5/4/12 News/Events/Green Up

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page.

This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society blog


CAVENDISH GREEN UP DAY MAY 5

The 5/4/12 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Getting What You Need in Cavendish
3. Cavendish Historical Society: Summer Fest/Can You Help?
4. Cavendish Civil War History: How Did the Soldiers Brush their Teeth?
5. Mother/Daughter Beauty Day at the Cavendish Library
6. BRGNS 4th Annual Spring Rummage Sale
7. Paws Walk
8. Cavendish Events 5/4-5/12

1. Cavendish Related News
Car Accident in Cavendish: On Monday, Rachel LaPlante, 19 years old from Perkinsville VT, was in a car accident at the intersection of Route 131 and Lindberg Dr, which totaled her car. The vehicle in front of LaPlante was a friend's and while driving she sped up and followed her friend then backed off and sped back up. While doing this her vehicle was traveling faster then she expected and she went into the middle of the road to avoid hitting her friends' vehicle. She then lost control and left the roadway. Her vehicle collided with the ledge and hit a road sign before coming to a rest down an embankment LaPlante will be ticketed for failing to maintain her lane. The Cavendish Fire Department responded to the accident. LaPlante was taken by ambulance to Springfield Hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries.

Court Rules in Favor of Citizen Access to Act 250: The Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court today ruled decisively in favor of citizen participation in Act 250 proceedings in a case involving a proposed development in Bennington. Press Release

Irene Gives Boost to Invasive Plant: In Vermont, the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Irene and work afterward to dredge rivers and remove debris spread fragments of Japanese knotweed, a plant that threatens to take over flood plains wiped clean by the August storm. Burlington Free Press

Southern Vermont Phone Book Now Online: VTel has re-launched the online version of its Southern Vermont Phone Directory. New features include advanced search capability, business searches by category, and easy access to the government, community, yellow page and other sections of the book.

Purple Traps in Trees: As part of an effort to protect Vermont from a highly invasive and destructive insect, the Agency of Agriculture and the USDA Department of Animal and Plant Inspection Service are once again hanging purple, prism shaped box traps from trees across the state. The traps are being set to detect the presence of a metallic green beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer, which has devastated trees in 15 states but so far has not invaded Vermont. The traps do not attract the beetle, but instead serve as detection tools to determine if this harmful pest is present. Press Release

Lawmakers Settle Redistricting Differences: A bill that details new legislative districts that will stand for a decade has been approved by Vermont House and Senate. This now goes to the Governor for his signature. Because of the late date on which the redistricting bill passed, lawmakers agreed to the start of petition filing for legislative positions has been moved from May 14 to May 29. Burlington Free Press

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Rate Increase: The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) yesterday ruled on its first health insurance rate increase request, consistent with its responsibilities under Act 48 of the 2011 legislative session. The Board approved a 3.67 percent increase in the “medical trend” portion of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont’s premiums for the upcoming quarter. Press Release

Tanning Bill to Become Law without Gov Signature: The law makes it illegal for people under 18 to use commercial tanning beds. Supporters say the beds increase the risk of skin cancer. Shumlin says he agrees, but he says he cannot sign the bill because it does not include any resources for the health department to enforce the ban. Shumlin says it would be more effective to educate consumers about the risks of tanning. WCAX

Popular Stores Reopen in W. Lebanon: Both K Mart and JC Penney (now called JCP) have been reopened following extensive renovations following Irene. The only store yet to reopen is Sears. h

2. Getting What You Need in Cavendish
Thanks to a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund, a project of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association, an update of “Getting What You Need: A Checklist for those living with a chronic condition; Caregivers and/or Seniors Cavendish, VT edition has been posted to the Cavendish Update blog. A PDF version can be obtained by e-mailing margoc@tds.net and print copies are available at the Cavendish Town Office.

3. Cavendish Historical Society: Summer Fest/Can You Help?
On June 30, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be hosting a Summer Fest on the Museum grounds, located on Route 131 in Cavendish. In addition to the annual plant sale, “pie for breakfast,” and local vendors, there will be a silent and live auction. CHS is in need of donations, such as:
• gift certificates to restaurants, stores etc.
• certificates of service, such as ski tuning, gardening, dinner in your home, childcare, business service, lawn care etc.
• items, such as art work, furniture etc. Items need to be in good shape-new, gently used or actual antiques

You can send certificates to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142 If you have items that you need to be picked up or dropped off, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net. After June 2, you will be able to drop them off at the Museum on Sundays from 2-4 pm.

If you have a service you would like to donate, please e-mail the following information to margoc@tds.net and we’ll create a certificate for you:
• Service to be donated (be clear about what you will offer, such as 3 hours of gardening, dinner for 4 in your home, and if there is a time limit, e.g. redeemable by January 1, 2012)
• Estimated Value
• Person/organization making the donation

There are still some vendor slots available. The fee is $15 and you will need to provide your own booth, table and chairs. For more information: 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

4. Cavendish Civil War History: How Did the Soldiers Brush their Teeth?
In order to enlist into the Union Army, recruits underwent a physical, which included an examination to determine “whether he had sufficient number of teeth in good condition to masticate his food properly to tear his cartridge quickly and with ease.” As regulations were revised, guidelines became more specific, “total loss of all the front teeth, the eye-teeth, and first molar even if only of one jaw” was cause for rejection.

While many wanted to serve in the military, others saw the “teeth requirement,” as a way out. As Dr. David Noble noted, “one man exhibited twelve sound teeth that had been recently extracted, thus settling the question that a man may stand the steel, but fear the powder and lead.”

While it would seem that because good teeth were important for a soldier, yet “not only did the US Army enter the war without dental surgeons, but the federal government did not supply toothbrushes for its troops. Dentists hoped the new call to arms would make the military aware of its dental shortcomings.

Any dental care the soldier received once in the Army was either paid for by the individual or received from an Army surgeon, hospital steward, or a trained dentist serving in another capacity in the same unit. The Civil War: Dental Care in the Union Army, 1861-1865

Dr. Samuel Stockton White, inventor of SS White Tooth Powder, which some soldiers carried in their packs, met with Abraham Lincoln, in his capacity to provide dental services to the Union soldiers. Even though he was head of the American Dental Association, nothing came of it.

If a toothbrush was available, and it seems the confederate side was a bit more concerned about dental hygiene, it was most likely handmade. Mass production of toothbrushes didn’t occur in the US until 1885. A toothbrush found at an archeological dig site in Johnson Island, Ohio was described as follows, “Every feature of the toothbrush had been made by hand, from the carving of the handle to the drilling of no fewer than 88 holes for the boar bristles, which were secured to the base with linen thread. Brushing teeth was not common during the mid-nineteenth century, and only elite members of society typically used toothbrushes. Such a fine example reflects the high status of the Confederate officer who owned it. http://www.archaeology.org/0801/etc/artifact.html

So what did the soldiers do to clean their teeth? Without a toothbrush, they would have used what ever was handy-rags, salt, a finger, leaves and probably a “chewing stick.” Read the rest of the article at the Cavendish Historical Society’s blog.

5. Mother/Daughter Beauty Day at the Cavendish Library
In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in Proctorsville is holding a Beauty Day, Inside and Out, from 1-4 pm on Saturday, May 12. A free event, lots of fun things are being planned including: jewelry making; make overs; hair styling; chair massage; henna tattoos; chocolate fondue; yoga and more. FMI: 226-7503.

6. BRGNS 4th Annual Spring Rummage Sale
Black River Good Neighbor Services is holding a gigantic Spring Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 19 & 20 from 10am until 4pm on Friday and Saturday and until 2pm on Sunday.

All proceeds from this sale go to benefit the needy in the area. “The current economic and unemployment crisis and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, has created a greater demand than ever. A lot of our neighbors are going to need help this summer, so we are asking for everyone in the area who can help to please do so” said Peter LaBelle President of BRGNS. All monies raised will help cover utilities/fuel cost, food and rent assistance for those who qualify and live in Ludlow, Belmont, Mt. Holly, Proctorsville, Cavendish and Plymouth.

This is a community effort; here is what you can do to help:
• .If you have anything to donate, please call Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663 to arrange a drop off time. Drop offs will be accepted at Fletcher Farm starting May 14th but be sure to call so someone can be scheduled to meet you and accept your donation. Fletcher Farm’s Barn is located at 611 Route 103 S. We are accepting Summer clothing (please hold winter items for the Fall Rummage Sale). Furniture will be accepted gratefully (nothing broken or torn please). Please do not donate items that are stained, ripped or broken.

• If you have a vehicle and some time, Black River Good Neighbor Services could use your help to move items to Fletcher Farm.

• Volunteers are needed to help work the sale as well as setup, so please come and help.

• There will be a table selling baked goods. So, if you can bake an item to donate for selling, please do so. We always sell out and can used more baked items throughout the weekend.

• Please come and buy some of the great bargains.

FMI: 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@tds.net or www.brgn.org.

7. Paws Walk
If you haven't signed up for the Springfield Humane Society's annual "Paws About Town" walk, there is still time! This fun event brings together animal lovers, happy dogs, kids and volunteers in order to raise awareness about homeless animals. The small but committed humane society serves five area towns---that adds up to a lot of strays, surrenders, sick and sad critters in need of care. Without tax dollars to support them, the Springfield Humane Society takes in the companion animals with nowhere else to go and finds forever homes for nearly every one. While the cost of food, medical care, utilities and insurance rise, the budget becomes tighter. You can make a difference by collecting pledges and joining the crowd of volunteers and pooches on Saturday May 19 to walk the streets of Springfield to get the word out. By joining the walk you will be a voice for the cats and dogs living at the humane society that cannot tell their own stories. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Springfield Middle School, rain or shine. Download your pledge sheet early at spfldhumane.org by clicking on Upcoming Events, then Paws About Springfield. Or pick one up at the Springfield Humane Society at 401 Skitchewaug Trail. If you don't have a dog, borrow one. And bring a friend, the more the merrier. For more information call 885-3997.

8. Cavendish Events 5/4-5/12
May 5 (Saturday): Green Up Day 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. Rain Date is May 6. FMI: 226-7292
• BRAT (Black River Association) is teaming with the Fletcher Farm Foundation to clear out some trash that is lodged on the riverbank at the far edge of the soccer fields on Route 103 at the Ludlow/Cavendish town line. Meet at the field at 9 am for “beat-the-knotweed” cleanup. FMI: 885-1533 or www.blackriveractionteam.org
• CCCA’s Walk and Talk series on Reptiles and Amphibians with James Andrews, VT’s foremont state herpetologist and Chair of the VT Reptile and Amphibian Scientific Advisory Group. This one hour presentation will be followed by a guided field trip in Cavendish expected to last three hours. FMI: Tim O’Donoghue at 226-7023.
• Archer Mayor will be talking at 1 pm at the Cavendish Library. FMI: http://www.thebooknookvt.com

May 6 (Sunday): Green Up Day Rain Date-Similar schedule to May 5, but events will start at noon versus 9 am.

May 8 (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
• Cavendish Calendar Contest begins. Contest guidelines and rules, and entry forms and instructions on how to enter will be available at the CCCA website, at the Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, or at Crow’s Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville.
• Okemo Valley Chamber Mixer at Good Commons

May 10 (Thursday): 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
• GMUHS School Board Meeting, 5 pm at the school

May 11 (Friday): CTES School Dance 6-8 pm at the School.

May 12 (Saturday): The Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission and the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring for the Home Energy and Business Expo: a free event for Vermont families, home and farm owners, and businesses, created to showcase products and services that will decrease energy costs, improve the surrounding community, and build regional business sustainability. The event will take place on May 12, from 10-3 at the Jackson Gore Inn in Ludlow. FMI: Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 802-228-5830 or http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/home-energy-and-business-expo---ludlow.html
• Stamp-Out Cancer Benefit at the Proctorsville Fire Hall from 10-4. Kids crafts, Hand Crafted Cards, to purchase or make yourself, face painting, food and more. All money raised goes to a family fighting stage 4 cancer.
• In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in Proctorsville is holding a Mother/Daughter Beauty Day, Inside and Out, from 1-4 pm at the Library in Proctorsville. A free event, lots of fun things are being planned including: jewelry making; make overs; hair styling; chair massage; henna tattoos; chocolate fondue; yoga and more. FMI: 226-7503.
• Dance Factory’s spring recital, 6 pm Springfield High School. A number of Cavendish students will be performing. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for students/children and are available at the door.