Saturday, March 31, 2012

Police probe Cavendish fire

The following article appears in the March 31, 2012 Rutland Herald

CAVENDISH — State Police are looking for the cause of a fire at an unoccupied Cavendish residence on Friday.

The Cavendish Fire Department responded to a fire at 56 Mill St. and found the home fully ablaze. Fire departments from Proctorsville, Ludlow, Reading, and West Weathersfield assisted in fire suppression efforts.

State Police fire investigators and the Division of Fire Safety were called to the scene and ruled the fire as suspicious. Detective Sgt. David Sutton said the fire was ruled suspicious and no natural cause could be determined.

The home has been unoccupied for several months, according to Sutton.

Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Sutton at 773-9101 or the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Fire on Mill Street Cavendish

Cavendish, Ludlow, West Weathersfield and Proctorsville Fire Departments have responded to a fire on Mill Street (near Mac Molding) in Cavendish. The fire was at an abandoned house. Unfortunately, it’s pretty much a total loss. The site is being monitored for flareups.

Please keep in mind that fire is a real risk due to winds, low humidity and dry conditions.

Cavendish Update 3/30/12 News/Calendar/Tag sale

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


The 3/30/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Second Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
3. Cavendish Historical Society Summer Fest
4. Savvy Senior At Cavendish Library
5. Cavendish Civil War History: Congressional Medal of Honor
6. April Cavendish Calendar

1. Cavendish Related News
River Valley Employment Fair: The River Valley Workforce Investment Board will be hosting the first River Valley Employment Fair on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 1:30PM- 6:00PM. The fair is a joint effort between the River Valley Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the VT Department of Labor, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and the River Valley Technical Center (RVTC). The event is aimed at connecting local job seekers with seasonal and permanent jobs in our area and to showcase resources and training programs that will help job seekers attain employment. Springfield Blog

VT Unemployment Rate Down: "Vermont's unemployment rate is 4.9 percent. That's two-tenths lower than what we reported in January," said Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vermont. It's a number Vermont hasn't seen since October of 2008. The nationwide unemployment average is lagging at 8.3 percent. The labor department says Vermont's success is partially due to what they call a "re-employment plan," limiting unemployment pay for seasonal workers and spending more state dollars on career services. Vermont has the fourth lowest unemployment rate in the country and leads the country in “green” jobs per capita. WCAX

Bad Winter Hits Okemo Employees: Okemo has announced that its employees will be taking a two-week, unpaid shutdown. The golf course is opening on Saturday April 7 and work on the canopy zip line begins in early May. The plan is to have this operational by July 1. The Adventure zone will be opening around Memorial Day and Mini golf is now open. Black River Today

Phone Hacking Scam Warning: Attorney General William Sorrell is warning consumers of a new telephone scam in which callers, claiming to be from Microsoft, state that the consumer’s computer has been infected with a virus and/or a series of operating system errors. The caller then asks the consumer to allow them remote access to the consumer’s computer to “fix” the problem. Consumers should be aware that this remote access can provide full access to all of the files stored on the computer, as well as to internet browsing history. It gives scammers an opportunity to install malware such as “keyloggers” that can capture sensitive information such as bank account numbers and passwords to secure websites used by the consumer. Press Release

VT Joins 11 Sates In Opposition to Arizona Immigration Law: Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell, along with the Attorneys General of New York, California, and eight other states, joined a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that U.S. immigration policy may be set only by the federal government and that Arizona’s illegal immigration legislation is inconsistent with, and preempted by, federal law. Press Release

2. Second Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
With the warmer temperatures, spring cleaning must be well underway as there have been inquiries about whether there would be another Town Wide Tag Sale this year. The 2nd Annual will take place on July 28 (Saturday), 9-3 pm. The format will be the same as last year, with free booth space on the Cavendish and Proctorsville Greens for Cavendish residents, organizations and second homeowners in outlying areas of town. Lu Choiniere will once again be heading this up. However, someone is needed to make the map of the yard sales in town. We also want to make this available on Facebook and the Cavendish VT Blog. If you can help with the map, please e-mail luchoiniere@hotmail.com

3. Cavendish Historical Society Summer Fest
For the last five years, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) has hosted "Cavendish Old Home Day" at the Cavendish Green and at the Museum. This year, the board has voted to return to the original format used by CHS for many years- a summer fest with all activities taking place on the Museum grounds. There will be a live and silent auction, plant sale, museum tours, as well as vendor space. There will be a $15 booth fee (10 x 10 space). If this is something you or your organization would be interested in, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807 and reserve your space. Please note that the tree is no longer available to provide shade, so it is important to have a tent.

4. Savvy Senior At Cavendish Library
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in partnership with the Community of Vermont Elders will present a three part series on being a "Savvy Senior". The series will feature information on healthcare errors, investing and Medicare fraud. The series is free and will be at 1:00 on Tuesday April 10, April 17 and April 24 in the library. FMI: Kata at 226-7503

5. Cavendish Civil War History: Congressional Medal of Honor
Past articles on Cavendish’s Civil War history are posted to the CHS blog.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. For a small town, it’s pretty amazing that Cavendish would boast one Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, let alone two.

William J. Sperry was born and raised in Cavendish. He received his medal for gallantry during the assault of Petersburg, VA, "with the assistance of a few men, captured 2 pieces of artillery and turned them upon the enemy.". He served as Sergeant of Co. "E " Sixth Regiment and was promoted 2nd Lt of that Company 21 Aug. 1862. He mustered out as Major in June 1865. Sperry died from the recurrent fever he experienced intermittently since coming home from the Civil War, dying in Claremont, NH March 3, 1914.

During the flood of 1927, his widow’s home in Cavendish was one of the seven houses destroyed. Among the items lost was the Medal of Honor. A second one was awarded, via an act of Congress. However, workmen cleaning up from the flood eventually found the original medal downstream. Sperry is buried in the Cavendish Cemetery on High Street and his Medal and other artifacts are housed at the town office. For more information about Sperry go to http://vermontcivilwar.org/units/6/sperry-wj.php

Thomas Seaver was born in Cavendish, but his family moved to Pomfret, Vt while he was still in grade school. However, after the Civil War, Seaver settled in Cavendish once more and began work as an attorney, serving as a public defender. He was made a judge of the probate court in 1886 and in 1892 received the Medal of Honor “ For so long a record, embracing numerous acts of distinguished gallantry, it is difficult to select that one for which a medal should be awarded, as being the most distinguished of all. I respectfully suggest that General L. A. Grant select himself the special act of distinguished bravery for which this medal should be awarded, since he, from personal knowledge, is best able to make that selection.... the papers having been submitted to the Asst. Secretary of War were endorsed by him as follows: 'Let the medal issue for distinguished gallantry in action near Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 10, 1864.'" For more about Seaver, go to http://vermontcivilwar.org/museum/moh/bios.php?input=5255

6. April Cavendish Calendar
March 30 (Friday): Pajama Game, Spring Musical at GMUHS 7 pm

March 31 (Saturday): Pajama Game, Spring Musical at GMUHS 7 pm

April 1 (Sunday): APRIL FOOLS! Learn more about its celebration and origins at http://healingwhole.blogspot.com/2012/03/take-break-celebrate-april-fools.html

April 3 (Tuesday): Booster Club Meeting, GMUHS, 7 pm.
• 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
• River Valley Employment Fair 1:30-6 pm at the River Valley Technical Center, 307 South St., Springfield. FMI 802-591-0163.

April 4 (Wednesday): CTES PTO meeting, 6-7 pm at the school
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office

April 5 (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

April 6 (Friday): Ignat Solzhenitsyn Benefit concert for Greven Field. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. Ticket outlets - Main Office at GMUHS, Crows Bakery - Cavendish, Misty Valley Book - Chester, Blue Sky Trading Co. - Ludlow, Springfield Food Coop - Springfield, Village Square Booksellers - Bellows Falls, Green Mountain Pharmacy - Londonderry, Northshire Bookstore - Mancheser, Shiretown Books - Woodstock and Weston Village Store - Weston.

April 8 (Sunday): HAPPY EASTER!

April 9 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to blog as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line and Comcast Cable TV.

April 10 (Tuesday): Savvy Senior 1 pm at the Cavendish Library. The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in partnership with the Community of Vermont Elders will present a three part series on being a "Savvy Senior". The series will feature information on healthcare errors, investing and Medicare fraud. The series is free. FMI: 226-7503
• 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

April 12 (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

April 17 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

April 19 (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

April 23 (Monday): Spring recess-No School!

April 24 (Tuesday): Spring recess-No School!
• 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

April 25 (Wednesday): Spring recess-No School!

April 26 (Thursday): Spring recess-No School!
• Book discussion, “Her Sister’s Shadow,” an emotionally powerful story of two sisters who reconnect after nearly 40 years of estrangement, at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. 7-8 pm
• 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

April 27 (Friday): Spring recess-No School!

April 28 (Saturday): Wild and Woolly Weekend in Proctorsville. There will be vendors with fine hand-made tools for the fiber artist as well as yarns & fibery fantasies for fondling fingers! FREE demonstrations on learning how to crochet to Saori weaving and lots lots more. Classes from microwave dyeing to braided mug rugs, check out the complete list. DOOR PRIZES! Live Music with Spencer Lewis. Join our "hands on" felting demonstration! The Pointe Hotel is offering a discount package with some great amenities to Wild & Woolly participants. Check out our website for other local inns offering Wild & Woolly packages. FMI: www.sixlooseladies.com

April 29 (Sunday): Wild and Wooly Weekend in Proctorsville. See April 28.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Cavendish Update 3/23/12 Warning/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

RED FLAG WARNING: ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE-7 AM-10 PM. LOW HUMIDITY, STRONG WINDS AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL

The 3/23/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish Burglary
2. Message from the Proctorsville Fire Dept about Burning Permits
3. Cavendish Related News
4. Flood Photographs Needed
5. Cavendish Events 3/23-3/30/12


1. Cavendish Burglary
On 03/18/12 Mark Richard, New Hampshire resident, reported a burglary to his residence in Cavendish (808 Densmore Rd). Forced entry was made threw two doors and a television, battery operated power tools and power inverters were stolen. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Trooper Vitali at 802-875-2112. Note: There was a burglar attempt on Densmore Road on 8/13/12 but was averted due to an alarm system.

2. Message from the Proctorsville Fire Dept about Burning Permits
We would like to remind everyone that now that there is no snow on the ground burn permits are required to have a fire. Contact one of the local fire wardens for the current fire condition and to obtain a burn permit. At this current time the fire danger is moderate. keep in mind we are rapidly approaching high forest fire danger warnings and the wardens will hold all permits as needed.

3. Cavendish Related News
Cavendish Man arrested for Alleged Role in Thefts: Mitchell Horton, of Cavendish, was arrested for his involvement in a string of burglaries in Cavendish and surrounding towns. Horton was lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield and his bail set at $25,000. The investigation is ongoing. Eagle Times 3/17/12

Look Out for Lyme Disease: There could be a surge in Lyme disease this spring. That's according to disease ecologist Richard Osfeld of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. He says the population of white-footed mice is crashing due to a small acorn crop. That means ticks that carry Lyme disease will look for other mammals to bite, possibly as humans. Ecologists at the Cary Institute have been studying connections between acorn abundance, mice, black-legged ticks and Lyme disease for more than two decades. Osfeld says the highest disease risk is May through July. WCAX

Police Warn of Fake UPS Workers, Burglaries: Homeowners beware -- burglars posing as UPS workers are breaking into homes in Vermont and New Hampshire. Police tell the Caledonian Record that dozens of homeowners in both states have being called by someone pretending to be a UPS representative. The person says he has a delivery and then asks when someone will be home. The residence is later burglarized when the homeowners are away. WCAX

Bear Warning from Wildlife Officials: The warm weather means many bears are likely to emerge from their winter dens early. They will be hungry, and wildlife officials say with a lack of snow cover there should be abundant food for bears to forage for until spring vegetation appears. Nonetheless, it's possible bears will be drawn into human habitat looking for an easy meal. So residents are being asked to take down their bird feeders and secure any other food sources, like trash cans. Wildlife officials say once bears find food sources near homes they will continue to return. WCAX

Doyle’s Annual Survey Results: With 40% (6,000) of the responses tabulated, Sen Bill Doyle’s Town Meeting Survey finds that Vermonters are optimistic about the state’s future but not the country’s. There was very strong support for: a 4 year term for governor; the bottle deposit law to include all plastic water and juice containers.; and legislation that would ban the use of any type of cell phone by someone operating a motor vehicle. VPR

Maple Syrup Production Down: A year after breaking Vermont's decades-old record for maple syrup production, syrup makers started earlier this year but are ending much sooner than normal. Valley News

VT Rates D+ on Government Transparency: A new national study shows state governments are largely doing a poor job delivering transparency and accountability to their taxpayers and Vermont tied for 25th among all states for openness. Vermont gets an overall D+ or score of 69 for the report, which studied 14 areas among the three branches of government: legislative, judicial and executive. Vermont tallied an “A” for openness when it comes to internal auditing of state funds and for redistricting of the Legislature. The Green Mountain state scored an “F” for three areas: judicial accountability, legislative accountability and ethics enforcement agencies. Burlington Free Press

Mud Season Starting Early on VT’s Trails: The Green Mountain Club has noted the early start to “mud season” and urged hikers to stay off muddy and high-elevation trails unless they still have snow or ice cover. Press Release

Climate Change Brings Increased Flood Risk: According to a new study from the Union of Concerned Scientists, warmer temperatures may mean more floods. WNNE

Black River Produce Purchase Plant for Meat Processing: Demand for locally-produced meat has increase throughout the last few years, and BRP’s meat processing and shipping has been expanding, said Sean Buchanan, BRP’s business development manager, in an interview He said the scope of meat processing that BRP is preparing for required a separate facility, and the opportunity to purchase the Ben and Jerry’s building was too good to pass up. Eagle Times

An Early Start to Allergy Season: A mild winter that ended with a flourish of warm weather was a welcome surprise for many Americans. But for the 25 to 35 percent of people who suffer from hay fever, the early arrival of warm weather meant an unusually early start to allergy season. New York Times

Sen Nitka Injured in Fall: Windsor senator Alice Nitka fell last week at the condo she shares with two other legislators during the legislative session. She was at Central VT Medical Center in Berlin and then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for a spleen injury.

Health Care Cost Growth in VT Outpaces National Growth: Health care cost growth in Vermont continued to outpace national rates of increase between 2009 and 2010, according to a report released today by the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB), in collaboration with the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA). According to the annual “Expenditure Analysis,” overall health care costs rose at a rate of 4.8 percent between 2009 and 2010, and at an average rate of 6.3 percent between 2005 and 2010. From 2009-2010, Vermont’s gross state product (GSP), a measure of economic growth in the state, grew four percent. From 2005 to 2010, GSP grew at an average rate of 2.4 percent. National health care costs grew at just over four percent between 2005 and 2010, while the national economy grew 2.8 percent. Press Release

AARP Tax Aid: Offers free income tax preparation in our area. You can have your taxes
e-filed in one of the local offices. In Ludlow call Diane at 228-2668 for an appointment at the Library. Call the Springfield Library at 885-3108 to schedule at that location. Appointments are available at Chester Newsbank and Weston Library, call Jean at 824-5294.

4. Flood Photographs Needed
The fourth grade class of the Cavendish Town Elementary School and the Cavendish Historical Society are working on a variety of projects pertaining to Irene. The fourth grade is creating a website and will be helping with the exhibit at the CHS Museum this summer. You can help by providing photographs and/or videos of various aspects of the flood.

A Flickr account for community members has been created to upload flood photos and videos for the website/exhibit. It says only members can join. It takes a few clicks to be a member and then you can upload the photos.

You can also put photos onto a CD or flash drive, or bring copies of the photographs and drop them off at the school for the 4th grade. If you have already created a YouTube video relating to the flood, please provide permission so the video can be embedded into the Irene webpage.

FMI: Jen Harper 802-226-7758 or JHarper@wswsu.org

5. Cavendish Events 3/23-3/30/12
March 23 (Friday): Fundraiser for CTES 6th Grade's Trip to Camp Keewaydin: BINGO! Cavendish Town Elementary School 6:30 to 8:30 Playing for Great Prizes! Gift Certificates to Subway, Village Pizza, Chef Mai, LaValleys, Village Clippers, Marion’s, Singletons, Oil Change at Bensons and more! Pizza from Goodman’s On Sale as well as Homemade Baked Goods. A GREAT NIGHT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Open to Everyone!

March 24 (Saturday): Dinner and a Movie sponsored by the Cavendish Community Library, will be showing “The Help,” and feature a generous sampling of southern food, including chocolate pie. The event is free and starts at 1 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School’s Arts room. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.
• Sugar-on-Snow Supper at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 5:30-7 pm. The price is $10 for Adults, between 6 and 12 $5 and under 6 free. The menu includes: baked beans (sweetened with maple syrup); ham; mashed potatoes; squash; peas; pickles; bread; homemade doughnuts; beverages and of course “sugar-on-snow.” Cookbooks and RADA Cutlery will be on sale as well. FMI: 226-7724
• The Eleventh Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont. FMI: www.vermontmaple.org

March 25 (Sunday): The Eleventh Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont. FMI: www.vermontmaple.org

March 29 (Thursday): Sixth students of CTES will present Alice in Wonderland at the school. Curtain is 6:30 pm in the multi purpose room.
• 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

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Flood Photographs Needed

The fourth grade class of the Cavendish Town Elementary School and the Cavendish Historical Society are working on a variety of projects pertaining to Irene. The fourth grade is creating a website and will be helping with the exhibit at the CHS Museum this summer. You can help by providing photographs and/or videos of various aspects of the flood.

A Flickr account for community members has been created to upload flood
photos and videos for the website/exhibit. The URL is http://www.flickr.com/groups/cavendishflood2011/ It says only members can join. It takes a few clicks to be a member and then you can upload the photos.

You can also put photos onto a CD or flash drive, or bring copies of the photographs and drop them off at the school for the 4th grade.

If you have already created a YouTube video relating to the flood, please provide permission so the video can be embedded into the Irene webpage.

FMI: Jen Harper 802-226-7758 or JHarper@wswsu.org

Monday, March 19, 2012

Burglary Report in Cavendish

On 03/18/12 Mark Richard, New Hampshire resident, reported a burglary to his residence in Cavendish (808 Densmore Rd). Forced entry was made threw two doors and a television, battery operated power tools and power inverters were stolen. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Trooper Vitali at 802-875-2112. Note: There was a burglar attempt on Densmore Road on 8/13/12 but was averted due to an alarm system.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Cavendish Update 3/15/12 News/SB Mtg/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 Cavendish Update for 3/16/12 Contains the Following
1. Select Board Meeting 3/12/12
2. Cavendish Related News
3. CCCA Sponsors Presentation on Moose and Bear in Vermont
4. Dinner and a movie is back!
5. Learn More About Helping in a Disaster
6. Solzhenitsyn Concert to Benefit Greven Field
7. Cavendish Events 3/16-3/23

1. Select Board Meeting 3/12/12
At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the following items were discussed:

Organizational Meeting: Unelected positions were assigned similar to the ones on page 10 of this year’s Annual Report, with the exception of the following:
• Town Service Officer: While Rich Svec was voted into this position, the recommendation was made to discuss this with the two social workers, who currently have office space at Black River Health Center.
• Solid Waste Representative: Scott Ranney replaces George Timko
• Emergency Management Coordinator: Mike Ripley replaces Dave Norton
• Animal Control Officer: Norma Randall and Seth Perry will jointly hold this position
• Energy Coordinator: Request that Peter LaBelle, if he is agreeable, will also be a Coordinator
• Town Manager: Rich Svec’s term has been extended five more years to March 2017
• Selectmen’s Local Planning Commission Representative: Mark Huntley
• Vice Chair of Select Board: Bob Glidden replaces Ed Garrow
• Rep Regional Trans Advisory Com: Mark Huntley
• Green Up Committee: Tim Calabrese will be joined by Diane McNamara
• Budget: Need a replacement for Peter Gregg
• Town Rep Council on Aging: Daniel Churchill will be the only representative. However, it was suggested that maybe one of the two social workers might be interested in joining Churchill.

Expansion of Twenty Mile Stream Cemetery: Leon Woods (Woodie), sexton, informed the board that the Cemetery Commission is planning to clear land, owned by the town for cemetery expansion. Heading north on Twenty Mile Stream, it is the land just before the Cemetery. Woods explained that he has someone that is willing to clear the land for free, in exchange for the wood. He said this was not valuable wood. The grade is pretty steep, so they will be looking at “cut and fill,” a terraced landscape. There is also discussion about the possibility of this being a “cremations only” lot. This is being done because there is very limited room in this cemetery and there are requests for lots.

Woods also noted that the Commission plans to repair the Proctorsville Cemetery Vault this summer, using volunteer labor and donations from various sources. It was also noted that through the dedication of the sixth graders at Cavendish Town Elementary School, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) and Woodie and Gail Woods, the Proctor Cemetery is in the best shape it’s been in years. The sixth grade will once again be working in the Proctor Cemetery at the end of the school year along with CHS volunteers.

North Springfield Bio Mass Plant: Tom Kennedy, Executive Director of the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (WCRPC) provided the select board with information regarding the Wood Chip to Energy Plant proposed for Springfield. Kennedy explained that there are a variety of concerns including air pollution; impact on forests; trucks; noise and the considerable amount of wood and water needed to run the plant. SWCRPC has retained the law firm of Brady and Callahan with the town of Springfield for the initial Act 248 permitting process. He was clear that SWCRPC and the Town may differ, so it is possible that they may part ways in the very near future. For now know, both groups are collecting information. SWCRPC is making this information available at their website as well as providing regular updates at their Facebook page. While this project doesn’t have direct impact on Cavendish, as it does with other surrounding towns, the trucks could become a real issue. At this juncture, SWCRPC hasn’t taken a position on the project. Kennedy explained that the environmental groups are split. While many do not want nuclear energy, there is a concern that the impact on the environment from such a project as the proposed Springfield one may be equally objectionable. Unfortunately, he didn’t think the science was really clear on this issue. As it is, it will take a minimum of a year to go through the process.

Post Irene: Kennedy also spoke about funds available for Irene Recovery. He noted that the revolving door of FEMA representatives to the towns has created a lot of problems in towns getting their money. Vermont has received a federal “block grant” of $22 million, of which 80% is earmarked for Windsor and Washington counties. Since the legislature wants to see flood plains, versus more berms, a portion of this money would be used to help towns with their portion of the “buy back” program. This program allows towns to purchase property in flood plains, so the owners can move to non flood areas. This money should be available in July.

Another source of funds, in roughly the same amount as the block grant is the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). This money doesn’t have as many restrictions and will be used to help with things like infrastructure and jobs.

The Governor is proposing that towns have a maximum of three percent of the value of the grand list be allowed to pay for flood damage to towns that were heavily hit by the flood. This would be a benefit for a town the size of Cavendish, where the flood recovery is already close to $3 million.

Kennedy said that SWRPC is ready and willing to work with the town on any recovery projects.

Proposed Regional Transportation Projects Priority List: Two of the items on the state’s priority list are near to Cavendish-road and bridge repair on 103 near route 131 (project is primarily in Ludlow) and on 131 in Weathersfield.

Boring tests conducted on Whitesville Bridge indicate that the bridge can not handle heavy truck loads. Notice weight restriction signs are now up on both sides of the bridge.

The Depot Street Bridge in Proctorsville, while a top priority in 2011, may not retain that same status in 2012, due to flood damage in other parts of the state. However, the state is concerned about replacing bridges with center supports. While the bridge was initially slated for a repair, because of the center support, which is weakened and hazardous in situations like the flooding from Irene, it maybe they will now consider a replacement versus repair.

Black River Health Center Tax Exemption: At Town Meeting, the voters were clear that they did not want to continue to exempt the Black River Health Center building, because it increased their taxes. Instead, the preference is for the town and BRHC attorneys to work out language so the building reverts to the town and therefore is exempt from taxation. This needs to be done before June, when the tax rate will be set.

The Select Board Meeting is taped by LPC-TV and is available on-line and on Comcast TV.

2. Cavendish Related News
String of Burglaries Prompts Business Watch: Proctorsville and Cavendish residents are responding to a string of break-ins in the area throughout the past month, and are warning would-be burglars to stop testing their luck. Vermont State Police and local agencies have responded to about five or six burglaries in the Proctorsville area, Lt. Rick Hopkins said. While police continue to investigate the break-ins — which Hopkins said are probably related — business owners and residents are organizing to keep an eye out for one another. Eagle Times 3/13/12

Snow Geese Hunting Season Begins: Vermont officials added the special season four years ago to control the population, which is at record levels. The birds are blamed for damaging crops and march vegetation. Hunters need a license, which is free. The daily bag limit is 15 and the season ends on April 27. WCAX

High Levels of Lead, Cadmium, Nickel Found in VT Jewelry: Jewelry being sold in Vermont stores (Walmart, Icing and Claire’s), as well as nationally, contains alarming levels of toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, nickel and arsenic, according to a new study. Many of the products tested are aimed at children. The chemicals found in the jewelry have been linked to acute allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Press Release

Crime Report: According to Crime Report the following crimes occurred in Cavendish during the last week:
3/10/12: 600 Block Atkinson Rd., Larceny from Building, 22:03 (10:02 pm)
3/11/12: 400 Block Main St. Proctorsville, Burglary Force non residence 13:03 (1:03 pm)
3/12/12 2500 Block Rt 103, Burglary Force Non-residence 6:03 AM
3/12/12 VT Rt 103 Proctorsville, Burglary Force non-residence, 15:03 (3:03 pm)
3/13/12 1100 Block Densmore RD, Cavendish, Burglary Force Residence 1:03 am


3. CCCA Sponsors Presentation on Moose and Bear in Vermont
On March 22 (Thursday) at 6:00 p.m. the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s Conservation Committee will sponsor the next Walk and Talk Series lecture at the Cavendish Town Office on High Street in Cavendish.

Forrest Hammond, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife District Biologist, will present a talk on moose and black bear in Vermont. These two charismatic animals are the state’s largest native wild animals. The talk will highlight their ecology, habitat, and behavior – and the best ways for humans to avoid conflicts with moose and bear, including auto accidents.

He will discuss where bear and moose spend their time in Cavendish and their home ranges, preferred travel routes and food sources. Both of the species have seen big changes in their populations over past twenty years. Forrest will discuss what the future may hold for these animals and the management challenges ahead. FMI: Robin Timko at 226-7736.

4. Dinner and a movie is back!
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is hosting its first “Dinner and a Movie” of the season on Saturday, March 24. The movie will be “The Help” and feature a generous sampling of southern food, including chocolate pie. The event is free and starts at 1 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School’s Arts room. Donations welcome. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.

5. Learn More About Helping in a Disaster
The Red Cross is holding an introductory course on Disaster Services March 21 from 6 pm to 9:30 pm at 201 Union Street in Springfield. FMI: Nicki Raymond nraymond@gmcarc.org or 802-254-2377 to register.

6. Solzhenitsyn Concert to Benefit Greven Field
Ignat Solzhenitsyn will play a benefit concert to help restore the Greven baseball and softball fields in Proctorsville. The fields, dugouts, bleachers, bases, fences, snack shack and storage shed were destroyed or damaged during Tropical Storm Irene.

An evening of Beethoven, Schubert and Prokofiev will take place on Friday, April 6, 7 at GMUHS auditorium. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students. Tickets are available at: Crow´s Bakery, Proctorsville; Misty Valley Books, Chester; Blue Sky Trading Co., Ludlow, Springfield Food Coop, Springfield Green Mountain Pharmacy, Londonderry Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Shiretown Books, Woodstock and the Weston Village Store, Weston

The concert is being underwritten by the Cavendish Community Fund and NewsBank FMI: cavendishbaseball@gmail.com

7. Cavendish Events 3/16/3/23
March 16 (Friday): CTES Half Day of School

March 17 (Saturday): HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

March 20 (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 Town Elementary School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm Agenda posted to http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2012/03/ctes-board-meeting-agenda-32012.html

March 22 (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
• CCCA’s Walk and Talk Series on Moose and Black Bear, 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. See article above for more information

Thursday, March 15, 2012

CTES Board Meeting Agenda 3/20/12

Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 5:30 p.m.

1. Call to order

2. Comments from the Community

3. Board Reorganization – (Action Requested)
a.) Election of Officers
1.) Elect Chair
2.) Elect Vice Chair
3.) Elect Board Secretary
5.) Elect 3 Representatives from CTES to Supervisory Union Board – Title 16 §266
b.) Set Date & Time of Meetings

4. Approval of Minutes of January 26, 2012

5. Request to Raise Minimum School Lunch Price to $2.50 to Comply with Federal Lunch Program Regulations – (Informational)

6. Finance
a.) Federal Jobs Fund Grant – (Discussion)

7. Joint Supervisory Union Merger/Consolidation Update

8. Principal’s Report

9. Superintendent Report

10. Other Business

11. Executive Session – (Personnel - if necessary)

12. Adjournment

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Horton Arrested for Cavendish Break-Ins

According to the State Police in Rockingham, Mitchell Horton was arrested this morning on 12 counts for break-ins in Cavendish, Weathersfield and Springfield. On March 1, the Eagle Times reported that Horton had been arrested with his brother Matthew for burglary after police say they attempted to sell stolen copper, which still had the sales tags on the pipe. Horton was released on personal recognizance bail. Robberies in Proctorsville continued after the arrest.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

String of Burglaries Prompts Business Watch

Proctorsville and Cavendish residents are responding to a string of break-ins in the area throughout the past month, and are warning would-be burglars to stop testing their luck. Vermont State Police and local agencies have responded to about five or six burglaries in the Proctorsville area, Lt. Rick Hopkins said. While police continue to investigate the break-ins — which Hopkins said are probably related — business owners and residents are organizing to keep an eye out for one another. Eagle Times 3/13/12

Friday, March 9, 2012

Select Board Meeting Agenda 3/12/12

The Cavendish Select Board will meet on Monday, March 12 at 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The Agenda will be as follows:

1. Call the Meeting to Order
2. Welcome and Introduction of new selectman, Mark Huntley
3. Annual Board of Selectmen Organizational Meeting including discussion of recent election results and Town posts remaining vacant.
4. Act upon minutes of the meetings of January 4th and February 1st, 2012.
5. Sign Orders
6. Review Correspondence
7. Adjust agenda
8. Hear Citizens
9. Follow-up discussion on items related to the March 5, 2012 Annual Town Meeting
10. At 7:00 pm, Tom Kennedy, Executive Director of the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission will be present to discuss regional planning activities and the Wood Chip-to Energy Plant proposed for Springfield
11. Review the Proposed Regional Transportation Projects Priority list and the Pre-Candidates Projects List for Town Bridges.
12. Discussion regarding the Town Meeting item on exemption for the Black River Health Center and a plan of action to address the directives which resulted from discussion on the floor and the adopted motion.
13. Progress update on FEMA assistance activities.
14. Update on various other town activities including plans for continuation of Irene Storm Damage repair work this coming construction season.
15. Other business
16. Adjourn

Cavendish Update 3/9/12 Election/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

The 3/9/12 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1. Cavendish Election Results
2. Spring Forward
3. Another Robbery in Town
4. Cavendish Related News
5. Sugar On Snow Supper
6. Brent Buswell Free Concert
7. Cavendish Library Bookfair
8. Cavendish Calendar 3/9-3/16

1. Cavendish Election Results
• While most elected positions were running unopposed, Jessica Goodman and Stuart Lindberg are the new school board members, having defeated Peter Gregg . The one-year term for Select Board Member went to Scott Rainey and Mark Huntley, with Huntley being a write in candidate.

• The town budget (Monday night's meeting) was approved, as were the school budget and the River Valley Technical Center budget.

• At the Town Meeting, Monday night, voters approved a nonbinding article to inform the Legislature that Cavendish citizens wish to vote on their Supervisory Union budgets.

2. Spring Forward
Day light savings time stars this coming Sunday, March 11. Set your clock ahead one hour. The Proctorsville Fire Department is also using this as an opportunity to remind people that as they move their clocks forward, to check the batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

3. Another Robbery in Town
The Cavendish Facebook page and this blog have been covering the latest Cavendish/Proctorsville break ins. Unfortunately, the most recent one was Crows Bakery, which was robbed on Sunday night March 4. Many are very concerned and sometimes this translates into comments that are best said in private and not on Facebook or blogs. Please post information you have, but be mindful of your choice of words.

4. Cavendish Related News
VT Supreme Court Rules Police Dispatch Logs Public: The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that police dispatch logs are considered public records and must be disclosed in most circumstances. This ruling overturns a lower court's decision saying the logs are always secret. Convicted thief Stephen Bain sued the Windham County Sheriffs Department after he was denied dispatch logs. WCAX

VT State Police: Study finds non-white drivers more likely to receive tickets: A new study of Vermont traffic stops says the Vermont State Police were more likely to pull over and ticket minority drivers than white drivers. VPR

Romney Wins in VT: In the VT primary, Mitt Romney won the Republican nomination for president. Press Release

VT Yankee Not Expected to Close Soon: To those close to the legal wrangling over the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant or standing on the sidelines, it's becoming clearer that the state's lone reactor will survive its 40th birthday two weeks away. Burlington Free Press

SunCommon aims to bring affordable solar power to Vt homes: If you've thought about putting solar panels on your roof but cannot afford the upfront costs a new Vermont company says it has a solution. Thursday, SunCommon launched an effort to attract homeowners to the alternative energy effort. The company will have customers lease the panels over 20 years. "The way that works is from the get-go there is no money down so the average Vermont homeowner can put a solar system on the roof without paying any money out of pocket," said James Moore of SunCommon. Right now SunCommon is up and running in Chittenden and Washington counties as well as Stowe, with plans to go statewide. WCAX

5. Sugar On Snow Supper
The Cavendish Baptist Church’s Sugar on Snow Supper will take place on March 24, Saturday, 5:30-7 pm at the Church, 2258 Main St., Cavendish. Sponsored by the Helping Hands Class, the price is $10 for Adults, between 6 and 12 $5 and under 6 free. The menu includes: baked beans (sweetened with maple syrup); ham; mashed potatoes; squash; peas; pickles; bread; homemade doughnuts; beverages and of course “sugar-on-snow.” Cookbooks and RADA Cutlery will be on sale as well. FMI: 226-7724

6. Brent Buswell Free Concert
All are welcome and invited to attend an amazing musical performance on Sunday March 11 at 10:00 am as part of the Sunday morning service. Accordionist Brent Buswell will delight people of all ages in a live performance at the Cavendish Baptist Church. There is no charge for admission, but a free-will offering will be received.

Brent Buswell enjoys playing a wide variety of music, including: jazz, polkas, Scandinavian, marches, Christian, and American standards. He especially enjoys playing the music of great composers such as Pietro Frosini, Charles Magnante, Pietro Deiro, and many others. "Extraordinarily talented accordionist Brent Buswell has played piano since age three, when he performed with his grandfather in Ludlow, Vermont, and at the State House in Montpelier. At age twelve his grandfather gave him his first accordion, and he immediately played what he heard on the Lawrence Welk Show... Brent plays a unique, top-of-the-line Italian accordion... Brent's infectiously joyous playing has already attracted many fans; his future is bright." — Nils O. Lundin, Norwell, MA, June 10, 2000.

Since 1998 Brent has been guest performer with the Grammy-winning "Polka King" Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. In addition to other television appearances, Brent has been featured on the Sally Jesse Raphael Show. FMI: 226-7131.

7. Cavendish Library Bookfair
The Cavendish Fletcher Library will host its annual spring bookfair from March 12-16 during normal library hours. The theme is "Bookfair Luau" and will feature contests and prizes every day. The fair will have an online component, which features books for all ages. The online fair is available through the library website at www.cavendishlibrary.org. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.

8. Cavendish Calendar 3/9-3/16
March 11 (Sunday): Brent Buswell will be playing at 10:00 am as part of the Cavendish Baptist Church’s Sunday morning service. See article above for more information.

March 12 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to this blog as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line and Comcast Cable TV.
• Cavendish Library Bookfair See article 7.

March 13 (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 Library Bookfair See article 7.

March 14 (Wednesday): Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 5:30-7:30 pm at Six Loose Ladies, Depot Street, Proctorsville. FMI: 228-5830
• GMUHS Senior Class Dodgeball Tournament, 6 pm at the high school.
• Cavendish Library Bookfair See article 7.

March 15 (Thursday): CTES Half Day, Parent/Teacher Conferences
• St. Patrick’s Day Community Luncheon, St. James Church Proctorsville. The menu will include Irish (beef) stew along with a tossed salad. Brenda will make her traditional Irish soda bread for each table, and we'll top off the meal with a lovely carrot cake. Coffee, hot tea or a cold beverage will be available as well. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years old is appreciated to help defray the cost of our luncheon.
• 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
• Cavendish Library Bookfair See article 7.

March 16 (Friday): CTES Half Day of School
• Last day of the Cavendish Library Bookfair See article 7.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Election Results

Preliminary election results for Cavendish:

• While most elected positions were running unopposed, Jessica Goodman (180 votes) and Stuart Lindbert (157) are the new school board members, having defeated Peter Gregg (98). The one year term for Select Board Member will be Scott Rainey and Mark Huntley, with Huntley being a write in candidate.

• The town budget (Monday night's meeting) was approved, as were the school budget and the River Valley Technical Center budget.

• At the Town Meeting, Voters approved a nonbinding article to inform the Legislature that Cavendish citizens wish to vote on their Supervisory Union budgets.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Cavendish Update 3/2/12 News/Events/Civil War/Composters

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


The 3/2/12 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Write In’s for Select Board/Town Meeting
3. Composters for Sale/Recycling Resources 2012
4. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts Winter/Spring Classes
5. Civil War History: Disease the primary killer
6. March Cavendish Calendar

1. Cavendish Related News
State Auditor Says $415,000 Missing from VT School Districts: State Auditor Thomas M. Salmon, CPA, CFE, released a situation report indicating that since 2000 approximately $415,000 has been reported missing from 16 supervisory unions or school districts. The report is the result of an investigation triggered by an incident of wire transfer fraud at the Washington South Supervisory Union last fall. The report is available on-line.

Sen Bill Doyle's Town Meeting Day Survey: Senator Bill Doyle has announced the questions that will appear on his annual Town Meeting survey. This is his 42nd year of conducting the survey, and the results should be available about two weeks after Town Meeting Day. Some of this year’s questions include Vermont’s efforts to close Vermont Yankee, should drivers be prohibited from using cell phones, and should Vermont have a four_year term for Governor. This year’s survey can be e-mailed. Download a copy

VT Attorney General Warns of “Grandparent” scam: The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is warning the public about over-the-phone scams directed at elderly Vermonters, in which a person posing as the target’s grandson or granddaughter claims to be in need of money in a foreign country and asks for a wire transfer of funds, typically in the thousands of dollars. To file a complaint, consumers should call the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424, or log onto agcomplaints.vermont.gov/ccf Press Release

West Lebanon Malls Slow to Return: It's been almost a half a year since Tropical Storm Irene ravaged parts of the region and the economic impact is still being felt. Part of the 12A shopping corridor in West Lebanon, New Hampshire remains closed, including J.C. Penny and Kmart. The two plazas were flooded during the storm. The remaining stores are scheduled to reopen in May at the latest. WCAX

New Name for VIT: Vermont Interactive Technologies (VIT), formerly known as Vermont Interactive Television, has a new name to reflect its expanding line of videoconferencing services. In addition to its 17 studios located throughout Vermont, VIT now offers mobile (portable) systems and multi-point bridging to bring its videoconferencing services directly to a customer site, desktop or iPad2. Press Release

Citizen’s Group Opposes New Biomass Plant in North Springfield: A group of citizens has formed to oppose building a large new biomass electrical generating plant in the North Springfield Industrial Park. Taking the name “North Springfield Action Group,” or NoSA the group’s website is www.nosagvt.org The project will impact not only all of Springfield, but also surrounding towns, including Cavendish. Information about the project is available at the Southern Windsor Regional Planning Council

Sparks Fly Over Proposed Wood Fired Electric Plant: Staff members from Vermont's Public Service Board visited the proposed site for what's being called the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project. The Massachusetts-based developer that owns this industrial park is working with a company to build a 35-megawatt wood biomass-fired electric plant. More than 100 residents have organized to oppose the plant. Beyond health issues, they're concerned about the increase in truck traffic hauling wood to the site and about increased water usage depleting local aquifers. WCAX

Eagle Times Now On-line: The Eagles Times in Claremont has a website at http://www.eagletimes.com/ They are currently offering free access to the site, but will soon be charging a subscription fee.

Two Cavendish Brothers Arrested for Selling Stolen Copper Pipe: Mitchell Horton, 24, and Matthew Horton, 22, were arrested Tuesday at Advanced Recycling in Claremont when they attempted to sell copper pipe they allegedly stole from Lambert’s Supply Company earlier in the day, according to court documents. Police say the pair broke into Lambert’s Supply Company shortly before 7 a.m. by forcing open a garage door and stole copper pipe and $260 in cash from the registers. Eagle Times

2. Write In’s for Select Board/Town Meeting
Town Meeting takes place on Monday, March 5, 7 pm in the multi purpose room at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. The Town portion contains 8 articles to be voted on (pages 7 & 8 of the Town Report), including the Town budget of $1,279,463 and tax collection. The other items pertain to accepting the report, tax exemption of the two fire departments and the Black River Health Center. The election of the town officers takes place on Tuesday. The School portion is an informational meeting only, with voting on the budget held on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s voting will take place in the Art Room at CTES. Most elected positions are uncontested. The one-year position for select board has two write in candidates, Mark Huntley and Rev. Joseph Arnold. The two write-ins have submitted information about themselves:

Rev. Joseph Arnold: Running for the Cavendish Select Board! WRITE ME IN! The same compassion and desire to help people that has been my stay as a pastor has guided me in pursing this position. If written-in, solidarity and equity will govern my decisions with the public's interests at heart.

Mark Huntely: I am running for the one year Cavendish Select Board seat as a write in. It’s Huntley with an E. I am a proud, born and raised, Vermonter. I love my town and have worked tirelessly for my community for the past 12 years. I would love the opportunity to continue my work for you on our Selectboard . I have a successful local business and have been on local school boards for the last 10 years. Most importantly, I have no private agenda or platform. Please feel free to go ahead and give me a call if you would like to discuss my views on town policy or my views on future direction and leadership for the town of Cavendish---wk 228-5774 / cell 802-236-6722 or you can email me at mhuntley@americanportfolios.com or mhuntley1956@yahoo.com See you at the polls!

Note that a sample ballot is on the last page of the Annual Report. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, you can obtain one at the Town Office or at Town Meeting.

3. Composters for Sale/Recycling Resources 2012
The Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Sold Waste Management District only has 31 composters for sale this spring. If you are interested in one, go to http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/portal/about-us-mainmenu-26/remository?func=startdown&id=35 and download the form. It is due by Friday, March 23. The cost is $45. Pick up will be at the Cavendish Transfer Station on April 21.

The Recycling Resources 2012 Publication from the Solid Waste Management District is available on-line at http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/portal/about-us-mainmenu-26/remository?func=startdown&id=36

4. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts Winter/Spring Classes
A wide array of classes are offered each weekend at the Fletcher Farm School, including basketry, decorative arts and painting, fine arts and photography, jewelry and lapidary, needle arts, wood and wood carving, and other activities. If you are a Cavendish resident, you can take a class a year for half price. The catalogue is available online or call 802-228-7402.

5. Civil War History: Disease the primary killer
Among Cavendish’s Civil War soldiers (173), the fatalities were more often caused by disease than the battle itself. Ten died in battle, but 18 more died as follows: 4 in prison, 9 while in service from disease like typhoid and 5 from wounds received in battle. One soldier was lost at sea on his way home from Andersonville Prison.

The single biggest killer in the Civil War was not the battlefield but rather disease. In the Union Army 4 men died from sickness for every 1 man killed in battle, and deaths from disease were twice those resulting from all other causes. On the whole, the heaviest incidence of disease occurred early in the war. Because there were no cures or vaccines for the most common ailments (dysentery, typhoid, pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, measles), you either got well or died.

Vermonters were frequently sicker than their counterparts from other states. In fact, the incident of disease was so high among the Vermont “mustering” camps, that in January 1862, US Surgeon General Charles Tripler issued a special report on the health of Vermont soldiers. In December 1861, Dr. Edward Phelps reported that a quarter of Vermont soldiers were sick. The January report found an overall sickness rate of 18.42%, despite the fact that the rates for the Second and Third regiments had improved considerably since December.

Dr. Tripler concluded that a "nostalgic element" affected the Vermonters more severely than others, causing depression among the troops and, he implied, feeding into a vicious cycle of poor health. However, there is one major reason why Vermonters were more likely to become ill in the camps. Unique to Vermont was that the majority of volunteers came from rural areas and so had limited exposure to childhood diseases. Consequently, they were highly susceptible to measles, mumps and other diseases.

To read the rest of this article, go to the Cavendish HIstorical Societys' blog.

6. March Cavendish Calendar
March 3 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodman’s American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com

March 5 (Monday): Cavendish Town Meeting, 7:00 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School multi purpose room. Town budget is voted on at this meeting

March 6 (Tuesday): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10 – 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School’s Art Room.
• GMUHS Booster Club Meeting, 7 pm at the high school
• 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

March 7 (Wednesday): GMUHS Winter Sports Banquet, 6 pm at the high school
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office
• CTES PTO meeting 6-7 pm at the school
• Public Hearing for the Black River Water Quality Plan, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. This was rescheduled from Feb. 29.

March 8 (Thursday): GMUHS school board meeting, 5 pm at the high school
• 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

March 10 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodman’s American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com

March 12 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to this blog as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line and Comcast Cable TV.

March 13 (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

March 14 (Wednesday): Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 5:30-7:30 pm at Six Loose Ladies, Depot Street, Proctorsville. FMI: 228-5830
• GMUHS Senior Class Dodgeball Tournament, 6 pm at the high school.

March 15 (Thursday): CTES Half Day, Parent/Teacher Conferences
• 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

March 16 (Friday): CTES Half Day of School

March 17 (Saturday): HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
• Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodman’s American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com

March 20 (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

March 22 (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

March 24 (Saturday): The Eleventh Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont. FMI: www.vermontmaple.org
• Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodman’s American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com

March 25 (Sunday): The Eleventh Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont. FMI: www.vermontmaple.org

March 29 (Thursday): Sixth students of CTES will present Alice in Wonderland at the school. Curtain is 6:30 pm in the multi purpose room.
• 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

March 31 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodman’s American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Two Cavendish Brothers Arrested for Selling Stolen Copper Pipe

Mitchell Horton, 24, and Matthew Horton, 22, were arrested Tuesday at Advanced Recycling in Claremont when they attempted to sell copper pipe they allegedly stole from Lambert’s Supply Company earlier in the day, according to court documents. Police say the pair broke into Lambert’s Supply Company shortly before 7 a.m. by forcing open a garage door and stole copper pipe and $260 in cash from the registers. Eagle Times