Friday, October 26, 2012

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:

• 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 3rd 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.





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