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
NOTE:
The Vermont Health Department say an epidemic of pertussis, or whooping cough,
has hit the state and wants everyone over the age of 19 to get a special
booster shot in the coming weeks.
"Despite our best efforts to control the spread of disease this is more
than ten times the number of cases we saw this time last year. More and more
cases are being reported daily to the Health Department in every county."
The Health Department will offer free vaccinations at their 12 district offices
on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 10-6, for anyone who is unable to get a shot from
their primary care physician. No appointment is necessary. The closest office
to Cavendish is in Springfield (888-296-8151). There are also offices in White
River Junction and Rutland. For more information on pertussis, go to the VT
Dept of Health website.
The 12/14/12 Cavendish Update Contains the
Following
1.
Cavendish Select Board 12/10/12 Meeting
2.
Cavendish Related News
3.
Don’t Have Time for the Flu? Take Time to Prevent It.
4.
Speak Up Survey
5.
Cavendish Related Activities 12/14-12/23
1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD 12/10/12 MEETING
SB meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their
website and on Comcast
Television. At Monday night’s Select Board (SB) meeting, the following items
were discussed:
Snowmobile Trails: Approval was given for snowmobile trails and town highway
crossings for the 2012-2013 as described by Leon Woods, Trail Master, for the
Cavendish Snow Fleas.
Cemetery Budget: Leon Woods, Cemetery Sextant, presented the proposed FY 14
Cavendish Cemetery Commission budget and appropriations request. The board
approved the $17,054 cemetery fund budget. The Hillcrest Cemetery Vault is
scheduled for repair this year. They will use volunteer labor, donated supplies
where possible, but will need to purchase shingles for the roof. This
renovation is not included in the FY 14 budget. The Commission is looking at
the creation of cremation lots, since this is the preferred burial arrangement
and it also uses less space. The cremation lots would have flat stones.
PACE Energy Loan Program: Peter LaBelle and Cheryl Liener, who are
members of the town’s energy committee, presented information about Property
Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). While not viewed as a viable option for the town
in 2009, with changes in the law, this is now a program that the town should
consider participating in. PACE
is a voluntary mechanism allowing individuals wishing to make eligible energy
improvements to opt in to a special assessment district created by their
municipality. Eligible energy efficiency and / or renewable energy improvements
are repaid over up to 20 years. All improvement work must be performed by
appropriately qualified and licensed contractors and must be approved by an
energy efficiency utility. The
program is administered by Efficiency Vermont and there is no impact on
taxpayers who do not participate and marginal impact on the town governance
(they will be involved in collection of delinquent payments and deed research).
For more information on PACE, go to http://pacevermont.wikispaces.com
While
there will be more discussions before town meeting, the following warning is
being proposed for Town Meeting 2013, “Shall the voters designate the Town
of Cavendish as a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) District to enable
participating property owners to access funding for eligible energy efficiency
and renewable energy projects and then pay back the cost as a regular municipal
assessment on that property owner’s property tax or other municipal bill as
provided for by 24 V.S.A. Chapter 87, Section 3261 et seq.) and authorize the
Selectboard to enter into an agreement with Vermont Energy Investment
Corporation d/b/a/ Efficiency Vermont to operate the PACE program.?”
Cavendish
Universalist “Stone” Church:
Currently the Universalist Church of Canada has leased the Stone Church to the
Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) for the long term. CHS is working with the
family of Alexksandr Solzhenitsyn to establish a permanent exhibit documenting
the 18 years (1976-1994) that he lived in Cavendish, while exiled from Russia
and writing “The Red Wheel.” While the Stone Church would be an ideal place for
the exhibit, considerable restoration and preservation is needed. In discussing
funding with the representative from the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, who recently site visited the building, he was very clear the town needs to hold the deed to the
property in order to obtain the type of funding needed. Once the deed is
secured, Historic Preservation will work closely with the town/CHS to obtain
necessary funds and provide guidance in how the restoration should be done and
by whom. The Church, which is a major landmark in Cavendish and among its
oldest buildings, is thought to be
in stable condition, and is considered a “gem,” not just for southern Vermont
but also for the state as it’s one of the few of its type where the interior
remains intact.
The
board voted to the formation of a committee to work on transferring the deed to
the town and to oversee the preservation of the building. Members of the
committee will include Rich Svec, town manager, Margo Caulfield, Coordinator
CHS, Dan Churchill, President CHS and Selectmen, and Rolf van Shaik. The Board
also agreed with Rich Svec that this should be included in the March town
warning, since it will be a new asset for the town.
FY
14 Budget: As part of
the upcoming budget process, various groups and organizations are presenting
requests for funds to the Select board. Among those presenting on Monday night,
included Black River Good Neighbor, SEVCA, Green Mountain RSVP, Senior
Solutions, LPC-TV and Black River Valley Senior Center.
2.
CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Cavendish
Burglary: State Police
in Rockingham are investigating a Burglary that occurred to an unoccupied
residence located at 1 VT Route 106 in Cavendish (Cliff Johnson property
owner). The burglary most likely occurred overnight from 12/6/12 (5 pm) to
12/7/12 (2:17 pm). Anyone who may have any information or may have seen anyone
in the area is asked to call the State Police at 802-875-2112.
Proctorsville
Fire Department Promotions:
Junior Fire Fighter (Jr FF) Captain David Barrows
has been a member of the JR FF program for 5 years. He was the programs first
Jr FF of the year, Awarded in 2010, as well as Fire Cadet of the year at the VT
Fire Cadet Academy 2011, he was also an invite to the Fire Cadet Academy to be
a company officer for a group of cadets for 2012. David has been promoted to
the rank of Firefighter, as he will soon celebrate his 18th Birthday. David is
currently a senior at GMUHS and is also attending a weekly class by the VT Fire
Academy to achieve his State Firefighter 1 Certification. The Chief Officers
and Dept Firefighters are pleased to announce David Barrows as a Proctorsville
Vol. Firefighter. Jr. FF Lieutenant Jarrett Sanderson, awarded the
Proctorsville Jr FF of the Year Award for 2012, has been promoted to Jr. FF
Captain, and Jr FF Seth Mathlofsky has been promoted to Jr FF lieutenant.
Congratulations to David, Jarrett and Seth.
Heard it at School: Consolidation Creates Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU): A pioneering school consolidation in
southern Vermont called the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) recently laid
out its principles and appointed its top leaders, with official operation to
start July 1, 2013. The union is a consolidation of school administrative
powers, combining the Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union in Ludlow with
Chester’s Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union, (this includes both CTES and
GMUHS) and approved by voters. Rutland Herald
DUI
Checkpoints/Saturation Patrols:
The Vermont State Police in conjunction with local and county law enforcement
agencies will be participating in DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols
throughout Windham and Windsor Counties from 12/20/12 through 01/01/13 in
support of the Governors Highway Safety Program. These agencies will be
conducting aggressive motor vehicle enforcement, to apprehend impaired
operators and target aggressive driving with a goal to reduce crashes.
Consumer Watch: An Eye on Gas Prices: Sen. Bernie Sanders has
developed a new website to help Vermonters track gas prices in the state. The
site also explains how prices are set by tracking wholesale gals prices, profit
margins, taxes and transportations for fuel haulers.
Mice Mess: There’s More of Them This Year in VT: Mice loved last winter, and
the warm spring and dry summer that followed. In such favorable conditions the
mice had lots of babies, which may now be trying to get into your house to
escape the cold. In some parts of Vermont, there are signs there might be two
or three times the normal number of deer mice running around, said C. William
Kilpatrick, a University of Vermont biology professor who studies the rodents.
Burlington Free Press
Report
Identifies VT Education Reforms:
Campaign for Vermont, released a report on education reform across the state.
"We think we spend enough in our education system. That it should be
reallocated more in the classroom, less -- if you will -- in the broader
management,.” The group argues consolidating supervisory unions from more than
60 in Vermont to 15 could help save $160 million a year, money that would go a
long way to introducing universal pre-K education in Vermont. The report also
argues for more local control when it comes to funding schools instead of the
current structure where taxpayers send money to Montpelier and it is then
redistributed across the state. The report is available on-line Putting Children First: A Position Paper by Campaign for Vermont Prosperity Dec. 8, 2012
Vermont #1 Health Ranking: Rated
by the United Health Foundation, for the fourth year in a row, Vermont has been
ranked as the healthiest state in the country. Governor Peter Shumlin and
Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen say the state did well in a variety of categories,
including low incidences in violent crime and low-birth-weight-babies, as well
as low rates of infectious disease. Vermont's obesity rate is growing, but not
as fast as those in most other states. Among the state's challenges: a
relatively high rate of binge drinking and a higher rate of deaths from cancer
than most other states. VPR
Vermont Ranked #1 for Peace Corps’ Volunteers: Vermont tops the 2012 list of states with the highest per capita number of
Peace Corps volunteers. In addition, the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New
Hampshire was nationally ranked among U.S. metropolitan areas for its per
capita volunteer production. Press
Release
Pace of Aging in VT Accelerating: The latest Census Bureau estimate for 2011 reported a little over 94,000 people
over the age of 65 lived in Vermont. Until recently, the over-65 population had
been growing slowly, but it is now the fastest-growing age group in the state.
Burlington Free Press
Sen. Sanders to Chair Veterans Committee: Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is going to become chairman of the Senate
Veterans' Affairs Committee. Sanders says his first order of business will be
to oppose a measure to change the way cost of living adjustments are
calculated. He says the largest cuts would affect young, permanently disabled
veterans who were seriously wounded in combat. WCAX
3. DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THE FLU? TAKE TIME TO PREVENT IT.
This
flu update and information is provided by Chronic Conditions Information Network, a non-profit organization located in Cavendish, VT, whose mission is
“To assist those affected by chronic conditions by providing tools that enhance
their well-being.”
There are
now two confirmed cases of flu in Vermont, which is early. The Vermont Health
Department is using the news to remind everyone to get a flu shot. The vaccine
is supposed to be a good match for this year's strain, but it takes two
weeks after getting the shot for the vaccine to take full effect.
Coughs or
sneezes spread flu virus into the air, and then onto surfaces. You can take
measurers so you don’t spread the virus to others, or so others don’t spread it
to you.
You
can reduce your chances of getting the flu by Cover and Wash:
• Cover your mouth and nose every time you
cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Use your arm (not your hand).
• Observe regular cleaning habits if someone
at home has the flu. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator
handles, and phones.
• Vaccinate. The Centers for Disease Control
recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot. Flu
vaccines are available in a number of locations, including the Rite Aid drugs
stores in Ludlow and Springfield; the Ludlow Health Center and other health
care providers. The Ludlow Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center
and is required to offer care on a sliding scale fee.
• Every time you use a tissue, throw it in the
trash and then wash your hands.
• Remember not to share anything that goes
into the mouth.
&
• Wash your hands often and well. Use
soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Have alcohol hand sanitizer on hand if you
don’t have access to soap and water.
Call
your health care provider if you think you have the flu. Flu symptoms can often be confused with
the common cold, but the flu usually comes on more suddenly and is more severe.
Symptoms
of flu may include fever (usually high), headache, tiredness and weakness (can
be extreme), dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body or muscle
aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (much more common among children than
adults).
A person
who is sick with the flu is contagious. That means they can spread viruses.
Adults can be contagious from one day before having symptoms to seven days
after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than seven days.
If you
start to get flu symptoms:
-
Get plenty of rest.
-
Drink plenty of liquids.
-
Don't use alcohol or tobacco.
-
Stay home from work or school to protect others from catching your illness.
-
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze.
Take
medication to lessen the symptoms of flu, but NEVER give aspirin to children or
teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, especially fever, without first checking
with your health care provider.
4.
SPEAK UP SURVEY
The
Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union is participating in the National Online
research “Speak up Survey” to collect feedback from students, educators and
parents on important education issues. To participate go to http://www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2012/
The survey password is gmuhs. You have until Dec. 21 to complete the survey.
December
14 (Friday): Premier of
“We Need a Little Christmas, featuring Proctorsville part time residents Stan
and Jane Hart., Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 7PM. FMI: 228-7239
December
15 (Saturday): Ludlow
Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and
Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/
• Holiday Cookie Sale at Fletcher
Farm School, 10 am. Homemade cookies are being sold by the pound. FMI: 228-8770
• Okemo Cares and Shares Food Drive.
When skiers and snowboarders donate at least five
non-perishable food items (or 100 packs of ramen), a new child’s toy, or a new
clothing item, they receive a coupon for a discounted lift ticket good that
day. FMI: 802-228-4041
• Proctorsville Fire
Dept. is selling the last of their 12 Christmas trees. Most will be sold for
$25, a couple of the larger ones will sell for $30. The sale begins at 9 am and
will continue until sold out. All of their wreaths have been sold.
December
18 (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
• CTES Board Meeting, 5:30 at the
school.
• Live music at Glimmerstone, Greg
Brown, 6-9 pm
December
19 (Wednesday): T Tap
Clinic Day in Vermont. Free vaccinations at local health departments to stop
the spread of pertussis (whooping cough), which is now at epidemic levels in
the state. See Note above.
December
20 (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
• Monthly Community luncheon at St.
James Methodist Church in Proctorsville. A Christmas holiday feast will be
celebrated with delicious baked meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, peas &
carrots, Paula's special coleslaw, fresh hot rolls, and our luscious fruit
fluff cake. Coffee, hot tea or a fruit drink will be available as
beverages. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under
60 years of age helps to defray the cost of the meal.
December
21 (Friday): GMUHS will
be open to make up for storm day in October.
• Santa
visits CTES.
December
22 (Saturday): Ludlow
Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and
Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/
• Live music at Glimmerstone, Greg Brown,
7-10 pm
December
23 (Sunday): HAPPY
FESTIVUS
