Happy Halloween

Lots of questions about Halloween activities in town.  Have you heard that Golden Stage Inn was once "Proctorsville Prison?"  Come trick or treating on Halloween between 6pm and 7:30pm and get a glimpse of what this dreary prison was like before it was abandoned so long ago.  Rumors have it that some prisoners are still captive ...and they're mighty angry about it!

If you know of other activities locally, please post to the Cavendish Facebook page.

Cavendish Emergency Preparedness Information

Cavendish Preparedness Now Appears on the Cavendish Connects website. 

Update 10/29/12 AM

With high wind warnings and possible flooding, Cavendish Town Elementary School and Green Mountain Union High School are both closed today.

Proctorsville Fire Dept posted the following to their Facebook page: All members of the fire department will be on standbye at the fire station for hurricane Sandy. We are equipped with three four wheeler's and extra chainsaws and a couple side be sides. Please call 911 if any emergencys and if you cant get through to them you can call the station at 226-7281. Please stay safe!

For more information on Emergency Preparedness for Cavendish

From Chief Davis

The Fire Chief Davis, Cavendish Fire Department, has posted the following:

 Good afternoon, Hopefully everyone is getting stocked up on supplies for the storm and is working to get prepared. We will be on hand throughout the storm and will be doing routine checks on all roads in our coverage area. I am pleased to see that we have been notified of several people in town who we will be specifically checking in on throughout the storm. 

Please keep us informed of any people with special needs in our Town at either cavendishfd_505@comcast.net or call us at 802-226-7044. 

It is likely that there will be power outages and we will do our best to keep the roads open. 

If we lose water within the village we will be setting up a 1500 gal. portable water tank that will be filled with non-potable water for flushing toilets and other needs. 

More to follow....take care, Chief Davis

State of emergency Declared in VT

Vermont Governor Shumlin, declared a state of emergency in Vermont this afternoon, Sunday, Oct. 28.  "We are preparing for the worst,” Shumlin said. He characterized the storm as posing the threat to Vermont not of a hurricane but “more of an "extreme north'easter." Vermont may face high winds for as many as 12 hours, he said. Those winds could be in the 60 to 80 mph hour range

For additional information, go to emergency preparedness in Cavendish.

Cavendish Update 10/26/12 Hurricane/Meetings/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

 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 10/26/12 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Hurricane Sandy Preparedness

2. Cavendish Meetings

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Fall Hydrant Flushing of Cavendish Water System

5. CCCA to Hold Last Walk & Talk this Year

6. Cavendish Baptist Church Christmas Sale

7. Fred Marin Cavendish Library Artist for Nov/Dec

8. CCF Announces Grants for Local Projects

9. Cavendish Events 10/26-11/4

1. HURRICANE SANDY PREPAREDNESS: The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Vermont, “Hurricane Sandy will have an impact on the North Country… especially during the Monday through Wednesday time frame. Based on the expected track of Hurricane Sandy the threat for strong winds during the Monday through Tuesday period is increasing.  Called “Frankenstorm,” the storm is a mix of a hurricane and a winter storm. Heavy rain is expected. Vermont Emergency Management (VEM)  is encouraging Vermonters to prepare for any possible adverse effects from Hurricane Sandy. Residents stock up on water, food, batteries, as well as other items necessary to keep your home warm in the event of a power outage.

 Please be aware of the following:

•  As with Irene, the Cavendish Update e-mail and blog www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com will post with information as needed and the Cavendish VT Facebook page will be monitored throughout to identify those who may have needs.

• The local Fire Departments Facebook pages are as follows:

- Proctorsville Fire Dept 

- Cavendish Fire Dept 

• Cavendish’s Emergency Management Coordinator is Mike Ripley

• Cavendish’s Emergency Shelter is the Cavendish Town Elementary School, 573 Main Street, Proctorsville. If you are unable to get to the school, you can go to Cavendish Baptist Church on Main Street in Cavendish. Both firehouses have MREs (ready meals) and will be staffed through the duration of the storm.

• Call 911 for emergencies. Call the town office, during normal working hours for non-emergencies 226-7292.

• Other town numbers

-       Town Office 226-7292

-       Cavendish Fire Department: 226-7790

-       Proctorsville Fire Department: 226-7281

-       Cavendish Town Elementary School 226-7758

Please check on your neighbors. It’s one of the best ways we can ensure that we will all make it through just fine.

For more information including tips on preparing for the storm. 

2. CAVENDISH MEETINGS 10/22-25: This week, there were four meetings in Cavendish that have direct bearing on residents and property owners. While a synopsis has been provided below for three of the four meetings, more detail is available at the Cavendish VT blog.

Regional Concerns Meeting for Cavendish Whitesville Bridge Replacement: On Oct. 22, representatives from Vtrans presented findings from their Scoping Report for Cavendish ER BRF 0146 (13) Bridge #1 on VT Route 131 over Twenty Mile Stream prepared by T. Y. Lin International to the town of Cavendish. The report, available on-line, recommends replacement of the Bridge, which would involve closing the road for up to a maximum of 35 days, with thru traffic detoured 106 to 10 to 103 and local traffic going Brook Rd to Hoey to Center to Whitesville to 131. The construction would not take place until after May 15, 2014 and the town would be provided planning support and possibly funds for traffic control. 

Cavendish Post Office Results of POST Survey: On Tuesday, Oct. 23, twelve people gathered in the Cavendish Post Office to learn about the results of the POST survey, which was mailed to Cavendish postal customers in September. Of the 356 surveys distributed in September, 129 (36%) were returned. There was an overwhelming response-99 respondents (77%)-to keep the post office open with reduced service hours. Eleven (9%) respondents opted for using a nearby post office, ten (8%) had no preference, seven (5%) preferred a rural delivery option, and 2 (2%) wanted another post office location in the village.  After reviewing the surveys that were returned, and taking into account Postal Service operational needs, window service hours for Cavendish will most likely be: Monday-Friday 7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm and 7-10 am on Saturday. Post office box availability will continue to remain the same (7:30-5) during the week and on Saturday.  Changes are not expected until after January 1.  Proctorsville Post Office will not be studied until 2014. Note that the lease for the Cavendish Post Office ends Dec. 31, 2013, so it is possible that more changes will be taking place in 2014. 

Candidates Forum: The CCCA sponsored forum with Alice Nitka, Dick McCormick and Dick Tracy running for the Senate and Mark Huntley and Scott Rainey running for state representative, moderated by Will Hunter, will be aired on LPC-TV. See the LPC-TV website  for scheduling information.

Neighborhood Watch Informational Meeting: Trooper Timothy Gould of the Vermont State Police (VSP) spoke to a small audience on Oct. 25 about Neighborhood watches and other ways crime can be deterred. He explained that if something occurs in your neighborhood that concerns you, report it to the state police. You can use the on-line Confidential Web Tip Information System, which allows citizens to submit information anonymously. Either VSP or the town office primarily alerts the town constable, Seth Perry, for duty. Since there has been discussion about Cavendish having its own police force, Rich Svec, town manager, provided rough cost estimates. To start a police force - two officers, cars, office space, computers, equipment, radios etc.- the cost would be approximately $430,000. This would increase taxes by $329.44 for a house assessed at $200,000. Svec also noted that new signs have just been received for Depot Street in Proctorsville. They are yellow (advisory) for 25 miles an hour and indicate a sharp bend in the road. It is hoped that once they are up, they will help to control speed. 

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

DUI Arrest on Chambers Rd, Cavendish: On Oct. 24, at approximately 6:30 pm the State Police received a call of shots being fired from a vehicle on Chambers Road, in the Town of Cavendish. Investigation revealed that individuals had shot a deer in the field off Chambers Road. The operator of the vehicle was also found to have consumed intoxicating beverages. Andrew Erskine, of Springfield, VT was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and transported to the Rockingham barracks for processing. He was cited and released to his wife. Press Release VT State Police, Rockingham Barracks

Proctorsville Fire Dept (PFD) Truck on the Road: PFD reports Our new Tanker truck is currently on the road from Breda, Iowa to Shakerley Fire truck Sales of Clifton Park, NY. Scheduled delivery to our firehouse is set for Nov 3rd. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Proctorsville-Volunteer-Fire-Department/130553286913

Shumlin Calls for $9 M in Heating Assistance: Last year the state contributed 6-million dollars to the program to make up for federal cuts. This year the governor wants the state to put up an extra 9-million. Over 28-thousand low-income families are expected to be eligible for help to pay their heating bills this winter. That would put the average benefit at 540 dollars at the current federally funded level. Adding in the state funds would boost the average benefit to 900 dollars. The average household spends about 28-hundred dollars a year on heating costs. Apply for fuel Assistance http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/fuel_assistance

WCAX 

VT Fuel Assistance Now Pays Cash for Those Using Wood: As Vermont heads into the heating season, the state has launched a major change in how it helps people who heat with wood. For the first time, the fuel assistance program is making benefits directly to people on electronic debit cards. Richard Moffi directs the program. He says the change applies only to people who heat with wood. Instead of payments going directly to firewood dealers, the idea now is that recipients are responsible for finding the best deal. VPR 

Register to Vote by Oct.31: Those who plan to vote in the 2012 Vermont General Election need to be registered by Oct. 31. You can do this at the town office in Cavendish. Absentee ballots are also available at the town office. 

4. FALL HYDRANT FLUSH FOR CAVENDISH SYSTEM: The Cavendish Municipal Water System has scheduled their fall flushing for Monday, Nov. 5 and Tuesday, Nov 6 during the hours of 8:30-4:30. System users are reminded that flushing hydrants may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water.  Users are advices to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence. Following the flushing, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use. It is also advisable to flush individual water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. FMI: 226-7291

 5. CCCA TO HOLD LAST WALK & TALK FOR THE YEAR : The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold the last event of its "Walk and Talk" program series for 2012 on Saturday, November 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.  This session will feature landowner, logger, farmer and longtime Cavendish resident Darryl Stowell.  Darryl will talk about his farm's long history and his work on the property.  He will emphasize his logging and forestry practices, which include practical, sustainable traditions that can serve as models for the future.  He will also discuss the subsequent positive benefits to wildlife from these sustainable practices.

 If you are interested in attending, please meet at the Snow Fleas snowmobile food shack, which is located at the junction of Twenty mile Stream Road and Chapman Road in Proctorsville.  FMI: Tim O'Donoghue at 802-226-7023.

6. CAVENDISH BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS SALE: On Nov. 10, from 10-2pm, the Helping Hand Class of the Cavendish Baptist Church will be holding a lunch, bake and tag sale. Also for sale will Rada Cutlery and cookbooks. FMI: 226-7724

7. FRED MARIN CAVENDISH LIBRARY ARTIST FOR NOV/DEC: Fred Marin, and his wife, Lisha Klaiber have been residents of Proctorsville since June, 2001, having moved here from Bay Shore, Long Island. ~He currently teaches chemistry and coordinates the Sr. Project program at Bellows Falls Union High School.

About six years ago, while thumbing through a catalog from the Fletcher Farm School for Arts and Crafts, he came across a description of a course on Solarplate printmaking given by Roger Hyndman from Saratoga Springs, NY. After a bit of research, it seemed that this might be just the thing for someone with technical and computer skills. He signed up for the course, and has pursued his craft ever since.

Fred’s art begins with his own digital photographs, which he transforms on the computer to create an initial black and white image. Further handwork enhances the contrast and depth of the image; the artwork is then reproduced as a positive image transparency. A copper plate coated with an ultraviolet light-sensitive photo-polymer is exposed to either

Sunlight or some other source of UV light. ~Areas protected from light (dark image areas) remain un-polymerized, while areas exposed to light harden. ~The plate, immersed in water, is scrubbed with a soft bristle brush to remove unhardened polymer. ~The result is similar to an acid etched copper plate traditionally used for intaglio printmaking. ~Ink is applied to the plate, the excess ink is polished off, and the prepared plate is run through a roller press transferring the image to paper.

When not teaching at Bellows Falls, or creating art at Fletcher Farm, Fred serves as the president of the Board of Directors of Windsor County Youth Services, which operates Mountainside House and The House at Twenty Mile Stream. These provide short-term shelter and crisis intervention/prevention programs for young people and their families. He also serves as vice-president of the Board of Directors of LPC-TV, our local public access television station and media service, and as a trustee and board member of the United Church of Ludlow.

Fred's artwork will be on display in the Redfield Proctor Room during the months of November and December during regular hours.  Please contact Kata at 226-7503 for more information.

8. CCF ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR LOCAL PROJECTS: The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it awarded three grants to local organizations for educational projects that will benefit Cavendish residents.  The first grant went to the Proctorsville Fire Department to help fund its Junior Firefighter training program.  Junior firefighters are youth ages twelve to seventeen who have an interest in becoming the next generation of firefighters.  The program gives these youth skills and confidence to be fully functional when they reach the age to join as full members of the department.  More specifically, the grant will pay for facemasks and other equipment to help outfit the junior firefighters so their training achieves its goals.

The second grant went to Stepping Stones Preschool to enable it to partner with the Grafton Nature Museum in order to offer students a variety of nature classes and studies.  The programs are indoor and outdoor, hands on explorations geared to maximize preschoolers’ grasp of nature topics.  Topics include bats, amphibians, beavers, insects, owls, wetlands, and animals in winter.  The grant will pay for the materials necessary to teach the series of classes.

Finally the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library received a grant to train Cavendish residents free of charge in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques.  The class will be limited to twenty local residents with the goal of making Cavendish a “Heart Saver Town.”  Currently less than twelve percent of individuals who go into cardiac arrest survive.  The survival rate doubles or triples if CPR is administered immediately.  The grant will pay the cost of residents’ tuition to the classes.

The Cavendish Community Fund has awarded more than $22,000 in grants since 2007 to local groups and individuals for programs of an educational, artistic or cultural nature.  The next round of grants will be awarded in the spring and the application deadline will be announced in late winter.  For more information on the CCF, please visit the website www.CavendishCCCA.org and click on Cavendish Community Fund.  You can also call Barbara Dickey at 802-226-7187, or Peter LaBelle at 802-226-7250.

9. CAVENDISH EVENTS 10/26-11/4

October 26 (Friday): Halloween Party at CTES, 6-8 pm. FMI: 226-7824

October 30 (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, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

            • Live Music at Glimmerstone Inn, 6 pm

October 31 (Wednesday): Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat at Golden Stage Inn

6pm - 7:30pm Have you heard that Golden Stage Inn was once "Proctorsville Prison?"  Come trick or treating on Halloween between 6pm and 7:30pm and get a glimpse of what this dreary prison was like before it was abandoned so long ago.  Rumors have it that some prisoners are still captive ...and they're mighty angry about it! 

November 1 (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

November 3 (Saturday): CCCA last Walk and Talk for the Year. At 1 pm Darryl Stowell. will talk about his farm's long history and his work on the property.  He will emphasize his logging and forestry practices, which include practical, sustainable traditions that can serve as models for the future. Meet at the Snow Fleas snowmobile food shack, which is located at the junction of Twentymile Stream Road and Chapman Road in Proctorsville.  FMI: Tim O'Donoghue at 802-226-7023.

Report on Cavendish Neighborhood Watch Informational Meeting

Trooper Timothy Gould of the Vermont State Police (VSP) spoke to a small audience on Oct. 25 about Neighborhood watches and other ways crime can be deterred. Gould explained that alarms in and of themselves are a deterrent, particularly if they are audible.

Alarm calls that are received by the State Police are generally attributable to an animal, wind, or something other than an intruder. The rate of “false” alarms is 95% or higher.  Consequently, unless the person has registered with the state police, or there is evidence of a break-in, the state police will not respond. VSP responding to a routine alarm, where the residence is registered, is generally not treated as an emergency.

If something occurs in your neighborhood that concerns you, report it to the state police. You can use the on-line Confidential Web Tip Information System, which allows citizens to submit information anonymously. Tips submitted are encrypted, confidential, anonymous and are immediately and securely transferred directly to VSP.

Among the most important pieces of information are vehicle descriptions (make, year, model and license), as most crimes involve cars in some way.

The role of the town constable, Seth Perry, was discussed. In general, he is dispatched by the town office or VSP. Consequently, for non-emergencies, such as stray animals, during regular business hours, call the town office 226-7292. For emergencies call 911. For non-emergencies when the town office is closed, call the Rockingham Barracks of the VSP 875-2112. Seth Perry can be reached by e-mail. 

The number of burglaries for Cavendish this summer was small-four. In general, there are approximately one or fewer instances per week in the town, which involve the state police. However, speeding, driving under the influence, crashes and domestic violence are quality of life issues that are of concern to VSP. Gould was particularly concerned about domestic violence, since it is an underreported crime, only about 10% of the time. However, he noted that people knowing their neighbors and strong community support could reduce both domestic violence and other crimes.

Since there has been discussion about Cavendish having its own police force, Rich Svec, town manager, provided rough cost estimates. To start a police force - two officers, cars, office space, computers, equipment, radios etc.- the cost would be approximately $430,000. This would increase taxes by $329.44 for a house assessed at $200,000.

Svec also noted that new signs have just been received for Depot Street in Proctorsville. They are yellow (advisory) for 25 miles an hour and indicate a sharp bend in the road. It is hoped that once they are up, they will help to control speed.

Seth Perry noted that he now has radar and has been able to monitor areas where people are reporting speeding issues. Perry drives an unmarked white Impala.

Sgt Gould provided the following resource links for people to check:

Vermont State Police

Online Tip Link

Crime Maps

National Crime Prevention Council (Neighborhood Watch Program)

Hurricane Sandy Prparedness

Cavendish Emergency Preparedness has been moved to the Cavendish Connects website. 

Cavendish Post Office: Results of POST Survey

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, twelve people gathered in the Cavendish Post Office to learn about the results of the POST survey, which was mailed to Cavendish postal customers in September.

Customer visits to village post offices have been significantly declining across the country-visits have dropped from 1.2 billion in 2005 to .93 billion in 2011. With the decline of First-Class Mail volumes and increased alternate access to postal services through usps.com and more than 70,000 locations, the Postal Service is studying its retail network of Post Offices to find cost savings in order to return to financial stability.

After feedback from customers and communities, the Postal Service has developed a new path that would keep local Post Offices open, but modify existing operating hours to reflect actual demand. Customers would retain access to lobby and P.O. Boxes as well as their ZIP Code and community identity. USPS Fact Sheet New Strategy Preserves Post Offices in Rural America

The US Postal Service has started this process by first looking at reducing hours at post offices that had vacant postmaster positions.

The Cavendish Post Office has been without a postmaster for the last four and a half years. Note that the Proctorsville Post Office does have a permanent postmaster, so will not be studied for reduction in service until 2014.

Of the 356 surveys distributed to Cavendish postal users in September, 129 (36%) were returned. There was an overwhelming response-99 respondents (77%)-to keep the post office open with reduced service hours. Eleven (9%) respondents opted for using a nearby post office, ten (8%) had no preference, seven (5%) preferred a rural delivery option, and 2 (2%) wanted another post office location in the village.

After reviewing the surveys that were returned, and taking into account Postal Service operational needs, window service hours for Cavendish will most likely be: Monday-Friday 7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm and 7-10 am on Saturday. Post office box availability will continue to remain the same (7:30-5) during the week and on Saturday.

Mail pick up will not be impacted by the change. Also not impacted are the hours of rural carriers. However, it is important to note that while these carriers hours will not change, Amy Skalki, the acting Cavendish postmaster, will not be available to help sort the rural route mail, so it is possible that on some days, the mail to rural route boxes will be delivered later than currently. 

The date for changes in window service is most likely sometime in January.

The impact of the changes will be evaluated on a yearly basis and adjustments will be made accordingly.

For more information on the USPS Strategies to Preserve Post Office in Rural America, go to  http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/our-future-network

Regional Concerns Meeting for Cavendish Whitesville Bridge Replacement 10/22/12

On Oct. 22, representatives from Vtrans presented findings from their Scoping Report for Cavendish ER BRF 0146 (13) Bridge #1 on VT Route 131 over Twenty Mile Stream prepared by T. Y. Lin International to the town of Cavendish. Members of the audience were invited to comment about the report and to identify concerns about the proposed bridge replacement.

 The current bridge, built in 1947, is a 128 ft long, two-span, simply supported steel girder bridge, with a non-composite concrete deck. The bridge is set on a 45 degree skew, although the stream beneath is not well aligned with the substructure. During tropical storm Irene, the south abutment was significantly under minded. The abutment cracked vertically near the middle of the bridge in two locations between girder lines, with the east half of the abutment settling about 3 inches, causing the girders to pull away from the deck.

Because route 131 is such an important East/West corridor for the state, and the deficiencies are so significant, causing weight load restrictions, it was determined that the best option was to replace the bridge. As there are no significant issues around wetlands, habitats, agricultural soils, floodplains, archaeological issues or historic resources, the project was assigned to a newly formed “Accelerated Bridge Program.” The purpose of this program is to reduce the amount of time it takes to get a bridge replaced from five to two years.

Three primary options were considered: Temporary Bridge; phased construction-leaving one lane open so traffic could continue; or bridge closure and detour. According to the Scoping Report, the most viable option was to close the road and replace the bridge with a steel girder with precast deck panels. The costs were estimated to be $1,935,000, which was the least expensive of the three options considered. While phased construction was projected to cost $1,960,000, this was not selected as “Phased construction on the existing road is something that contractors prefer to avoid since it can create a more constrictive working condition, require earth retention systems for construction, and will increase the project duration since every task has to be performed at least twice and MOT operation need to be reset and maintained.” It was estimated that a phased construction approach would take 10 months, requiring two seasons to complete the project.

Because a lot of the work is precast, it will be done offsite, requiring a maximum of 35 days when the road would be closed and a detour would be in place. The public detour would be heading west, 106 to 10 to 103-adding 14.1 miles distance traveled. The local detour, which would not be posted for public use, would be Brook Road to Hoey to Center Road to Whitesville Rd to 131-adding 2.8 miles traveled. 

Members of the audience brought up a variety of concerns, some of which were based in past experience when Route 131 was closed for two months following Irene. Trucks and thru traffic ignored the signs and used the local access routes creating significant issues for High Street residents. 

There were concerns that Brook Rd was not going to be able to handle the increase in local traffic. It was noted that the Brook Rd Bridge currently has a weight restriction of three tons. This was to be replaced this year, but since the town is still waiting for FEMA funds, it has been postponed until the 2013 construction season.

Several heavy equipment contractors live in the Brook Rd area. At least one voiced concern about their ability to move their equipment because of the proposed detour.

The Vtrans representatives said that unlike Irene, there would be sufficient time for planning and there would be a dedicated signage approach. Further, Vtrans staff would work with the town to plan for the maximum 35-day closure. They also suggested that the town be given funds to help with local traffic control. Finally, the project would not take place until after May 15, 2014, which should be sufficient time to repair the Brook Rd Bridge.

Jeff Davis, Fire Chief for Cavendish Fire Department, was very concerned about response times for those living East of the bridge as well as being able to provide mutual aid to Weathersfield and Reading fire departments. Vtrans believed that the two adjacent town fire departments could provide coverage during the closure for those on the east side of the bridge. There was also the concern that if the phased construction approach was used, the weight restriction for the bridge would be further lowered and the fire trucks may no longer be able to use the bridge. However, no definitive numbers were given about what the weight restriction might be.

When asked how sure they were about the 35 times maximum for bridge closure, Vtrans explained that the contractor would be significantly penalized if they went beyond the 35 days and rewarded if they brought the project in under 35 days. The contractor would have the ability to run shifts 24/7 but activities creating significant noise would be done during the day and not at night.

In the next month, Vtrans will be finalizing recommendations for this project and the goal is to have a contract in place by Oct. 2013 with construction taking place in 2014, sometime after May 15.

A copy of the Scoping Report is available from the town office (226-7292), For those who would like to voice additional concerns about the proposed project, send them directly to:

Joshua K. Olund, P.E., Ph.D., Structural Engineer

T.Y.Lin International

12 Northbrook Drive

Building A, Suite 1

Falmouth, Maine 04105

207-347-4339

207-712-7028 (cell)

207-781-4753 (Fax)

Joshua.Olund@tylin.com

Cavendish Special Meetings 10/22-10/25/Comcast

Notice to Comcast Users: There seems to be a problem with those who have Comcast as their internet service provider. If you did not receive your e-mailed Cavendish Update on Friday, it was sent to you. You can always read it on-line at www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com

This week there are three meetings taking place in Cavendish, which residents should be aware of:

Oct. 22 (Monday) 6:30 pm Town Office VT Trans Meeting on Whitesville Bridge (by Williams Store on Route 131). A scoping report indicates that the bridge would be closed for three months while it is replaced. Traffic would be detoured to 106 to 10 to 103 if heading west on 131 and reverse when heading east. However, as we saw after Irene, when route 131 was closed because of the Cavendish Canyon, many ignored the signs and used the “local traffic only” routes. While High Street would not be impacted this time, the following roads could be adversely impacted: East Road, Tarbell Hill, Brook, Chubb Hill and Center Roads. This bridge is part of the State Bridge Program and therefore will not require Town funding. If you have concerns about a bridge closure, please attend this meeting. FMI: 22607292

Oct. 24 (Wednesday) Candidates Forum, 6 PM at CTES

CCCA is sponsoring a forum for local candidates to appear, answer questions from the floor and give their views on issues important to the local voters.  Attending will be Mark Huntley and Scott Ranney, who are running for State Representative and  Alice Nitka, Dick McCormack and Dick Tracy who are running for State Senator. People are encouraged to submit questions to Will Hunter bluesprucehouse@gmail.com in advance, as he is moderating the forum. This event will be taped by LPC-TV. www.lpctv.org

Oct. 25 (Thursday) Neighborhood Watch, 6 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

In view of the various break ins this year, a meeting regarding a Cavendish Neighborhood Watch has been scheduled with a representative from the Rockingham Barracks. He will be talking about ways to prevent break-ins and how to go about establishing a neighborhood watch. Please contact Jackie Blanchard, 226-7686 and let her know if you will be attending as the trooper wants to make sure he brings sufficient materials. All are welcome to attend. 

Neighborhood Watch Mtg Oct. 25

 A meeting regarding a Cavendish Neighborhood Watch has been scheduled for Thursday Oct. 25, 6 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. A representative from the Rockingham Barracks is coming to talk about ways to prevent break-ins. Please contact Jackie Blanchard, 226-7686 and let her know if you will be attending as the trooper wants to make sure he brings sufficient materials. All are welcome to attend. 

Cavendish Update 10/19/12 News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

The 10/19/12 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Candidates Night

3. To Make Beeswax Candles You First Need to Clean

4. Transforming trash to cash, the BRAT beats the budget crunch with e-waste

5. LPCTV Updates Capital Campaign for New Studio Location

6. BRGN Stick Season Social Tonight

7. Cavendish Events 10/19/-10/26/12

 

1. Cavendish Related News

Maine Earthquake Felt in VT, Cavendish A magnitude 4.0 earthquake centered in southern Maine rattled Vermont and much of the rest of New England on Tuesday evening, the second minor temblor to affect the region in a week. The quake hit at 7:12 p.m. with an epicenter about four miles west of Hollis Center, Maine, according to the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colo., which monitors and reports on earthquakes worldwide. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the fairly minor tremor, which was slightly stronger than the quake that shook the area last week. Burlington Free Press 

New Tanker Truck for Proctorsville Fire Dept: According to their Facebook page, the Proctorsville Fire Dept. has received word that our new tanker truck will be leaving the Toyne factory in Breda, Iowa on the 24th of Oct, and heading to Clifton Park, NY to Shakerley Fire Truck Sales where it will get its finishing touches before it arrives in Proctorsville the first week of November. 

Health Officials Recommend Shots Before Flu Season Begins: While flu hasn’t arrived in Vermont, the Vermont Immunization Director Christine Finley says it’s not too early to guard against it. "You never know when it's going to hit and so as we begin to see an outbreak here or there, we don't know when we're going to see it and it takes two weeks' time to build immunity to flu," she warns. Flu shots were once thought to be 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing the disease. But Finley concedes that figure may be closer to 60 percent. In addition to the shot, Finley urges people to practice sanitary health habits and, if they do get sick, to stay home to avoid infecting others. To find a flu clinic go to the VT Depart of Health’s website http://www.healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/flu_clinics.aspx

Mailing a Letter to Increase by a Penny: The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service said that it will raise postage rates on Jan. 27, including a 1-cent increase in the cost of first-class mail to 46 cents. It also will introduce a new global "forever" stamp, allowing customers to mail first-class letters anywhere in the world for one set price of $1.10. Burlington Free Press 

2. Cavendish Candidates Night

On Wednesday October 24^th, at 6pm Candidates Night will take place at Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. Attending will be Mark Huntley and Scott Ranney, who are running for State Representative and  Alice Nitka, Dick McCormack and Dick Tracy who are running for State Senator. People are encouraged to submit questions to Will Hunter bluesprucehouse@gmail.com in advance, as he is moderating the forum. This event is sponsored by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) and will be taped by LPC-TV. 

3. To Make Beeswax Candles You First Need to Clean

On Saturday, Oct. 20, the Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) Hands on History Workshop will feature beeswax candle making. As you dip your wick into the golden colored wax, you may want to think about the steps it takes to extract the wax from the honeycomb.

For the last several years, when harvesting honey, Bruce McEnaney set aside the “cappings” from the honeycomb for candle making. This week, volunteers from CHS have been preparing the wax for dipping.

The first step was to put the cappings into a pot of water and heat. After it melts, any remaining honey and dirt (including dead bees) separates from the wax. The wax, while now out of the capping, can still be dirty, so it needs to re melted and then poured through cheesecloth to remove any remaining dirt. 

The free workshop, which also includes stenciling, quilt making and cider pressing, takes place from 9:30-11:30 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. The workshop has been made possible in part thanks to a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund, a project of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA).

4. Transforming trash to cash, the BRAT beats the budget crunch with e-waste

The BRAT, a not-for-profit grassroots group since its inception in 2000, depends on volunteer elbow grease and local donations to improve and maintain the health of the Black River in Southeastern Vermont. One innovative way the team raises necessary monies is by collecting empty laser and inkjet cartridges, old cell phones, unused laptops, MP3 players, and other e-waste from the communities along the river. These items are sent to the FundingFactory Recycling Program (FundingFactory.com) to supplement the BRAT budget as they work on a variety of projects from RiverSweep (the annual river cleanup event) to the ongoing water quality monitoring program.

Individuals and business supporters can help the Black River Action Team by dropping off cartridges, cell phones, GPS units, and other small electronics at the Springfield-Chester Recycle Center and Transfer Station on the Fairground Road in Springfield. Interested in having items picked up? Want to support BRAT by shipping directly to FundingFactory for free? Learn how to donate e-waste in a way that’s convenient for you by contacting BRAT Director Kelly Stettner at (802) 885-1533 or blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com.

5. LPCTV Updates Capital Campaign for New Studio Location

LPCTV has released a new video that describes the progress it has made in creating a new studio location in the Ludlow Community Center Complex.  The video focuses on the needs of LPCTV to complete its studio and then complete the remaining building to complete its relocation move to the center. FMI: www.lpctv.org

 6. BRGN Stick Season Social Tonight

The Black River Good Neighbor 3rd Annual Stick Season Social at Bella Luna Ristorante takes place tonight, Oct. 19. Lots of people from Cavendish benefit from BRGN and many of our friends and neighbors are involved in helping to make this event a success. While tickets are limited, it may be possible to purchase them at the door.  The event includes a Silent Auction, raffle, dinner buffet, dessert table and cash bar. FMI: www.brgn.org or 228-3663. For last minute ticket availability call Peter LaBelle at 802-376-5648

7. Cavendish Events 10/19/-10/26/12

October 19 (Friday): Parent Teacher Conferences at CTES 12:40-8 pm

              • Black River Good Neighbor Services 3^rd Annual Stick Season Social at Bella Luna Ristorante. Silent Auction, raffle, dinner buffet, dessert table and cash bar. FMI: www.brgn.org or 228-3663

October 20 (Saturday): Hands on History Workshop: Learn Settler Crafts-Quilting, candle making; stenciling and cider pressing. This free workshop is being offered by the Cavendish Historical Society in part thanks to a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund, a project of CCCA. The workshop is from 9:30-11:30 at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807.

• Local Newberry winning author Karen Hesse, “Out of the Dust,” “The Music of Dolphins,”  “Brooklyn Bridge,” visit at the Cavendish Library at 1 pm. FMI: 226-7503

  • Okemo Mountain Job Fair FMI: http://www.okemo.com

October 23 (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, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

  • The US Postal Service will hold a public meeting at the Cavendish Post Office at 4 pm to answer questions and provide additional information about the POST Plan, which will reduce service window hours at the Cavendish Post Office to four hours per day. 

October 24 (Wednesday): CCCA is sponsoring a forum for local candidates to appear, answer questions from the floor and give their views on issues important to the local voters.  The session will be held at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Wednesday, October 24^th at 6:00 p.m. See Article 2 above for more information.

  •  Tess Gauthier, is hosting the candidate for Lt. Governor, Cass Gekas at a Proctorsville residence from 6-7:30 pm. FMI: tessbgauthier@gmail.com

 

October 25 (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

October 26 (Friday): Halloween Party at CTES, 6-8 pm. FMI: 226-7824