Ice Dams by Mill Street Bridge Cavendish

Looking West off of Mill Street Bridge. Mack Molding is on the right.

Looking East off Mill Street Bridge

The following ice dam photographs were taken by Bob Naess around 3:30 pm on January 31, 2013. He was standing on the Mill Street Bridge in Cavendish, VT

Select Board Meeting 1/28/13 Agenda

The Selectmen’s Meeting, Monday, January 28th, 2013 in the Cavendish Town Office Meeting Room at 6:00 PM.

 AGENDA (Revised) 

1. Call the meeting to order

2. Review Correspondence

3. Continue work on FY 2013-2014 Selectmen’s Budget - final review and approval

4. Continuation of work on warning for Cavendish Annual Town Meeting including review

of any new petitions received for articles for the warning. It is anticipated that the Town

Meeting warning will be finalized and adopted this evening.

5. Discuss Windsor County Courthouse Bond Issue vote warning and procedures.

6. Set date for a public hearing (to take place at a Cavendish Select Board meeting in the

near future) on the adoption of the Cavendish All-Hazard Mitigation Plan which is a

requirement for FEMA funding under 44 CFR 201.

7. Adjourn by 7:00 pm

Cavendish Update 1/25/13 News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

Note: Cold temperatures will be with us through the weekend. Dress warmly and please use caution when using heaters and fires, as we don't want our fire fighters out in this weather. For tips on staying warm and being safe, go to http://vem.vermont.gov/home/press/1.21.11_cold

The 1/25/13 Cavendish Update Contains:

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Meeting

3. Gethsemane’s New Parish Hall Opens with “Duck Soup”

4. CCCA Presents Mardi Gras 2013

5. Cavendish Classifieds

6. Cavendish Events 1/25-2/3/13

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

PFD-We have started off 2013 being very busy: The Proctorsville Fire Department notes on their Facebook page Today (1/24) we responded to our 8th call of year. If this pace continues we will be above our yearly call average of 52 for the 2nd year in a row. In 2012 we responded on 56 calls. 

GMP Alerts Customers to Phone Scam: Green Mountain Power alerts customers that several attempts to scam GMP commercial customers over the phone have been reported. The caller claims to be representing Green Mountain Power and requests the customer pay their account balance by releasing credit card information to the caller or paying their bill by means of a money card or other alternate payment mechanism. The caller also represents that the customer would have electric service disconnected if they do not comply. Green Mountain Power follows very clear processes when working with customers about paying their bills. Green Mountain Power advises customers that it would not demand credit card information or alternate payment mechanisms from a customer for any purpose. This is clearly a phone scam. Press Release 

VT Property Owners will have to file Homestead Forms Annually: Vermont's Tax Department is trying to get the word out about an important change to the homestead declaration. Starting this year, property owners now have to fill out the form each year. A homestead declaration is a document that homeowners fill out when they purchase or change the status of a home they own in Vermont. According to the Vermont Department of Taxes, "property is considered ‘nonresidential' until it is claimed as the owner's ‘homestead.' The declaration allows property to be taxed at the municipality's residential rate, which is often lower than the rate vacation homes are taxed at. VPR 

VT to Participate in American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day: Hundreds of Vermont businesses, community groups, hospitals, towns and schools are signing up to wear red to help raise awareness and funds to fight – the number one killer of women – cardiovascular disease. Residents are encouraged to wear red on February 1st and donate $5.00 to receive a red dress pin. Funds raised through the Wear Red Day events help support the life-saving programs and research of the American Heart Association. Press Release 

2. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING

The CHS Annual Meeting will be on Feb. 24, 5 pm at the newly restored Episcopal Church Parish Hall on Depot Street in Proctorsville. There will be a pot luck supper, short meeting, and the film “The Homecoming” will be shown.

As part of establishing the permanent exhibit “I Wrote and Waited,” which covers the 18 years Aleksandre Solzhenitsyn, the 1970 Nobel Prize winner for literature and Soviet dissident, lived in Cavendish, CHS selected this film as it begins in Cavendish. Produced by the BBC, the film documents the two-month train journey across Russia as Solzhenitsyn returns home to Russia with his family after twenty years of enforced exile. Solzhenitsyn, the man who experienced and revealed to the world the full horror of the Soviet gulag, is recognized throughout Russia as 'the conscience of the nation'. But despite the triumphant and emotional homecoming, this is no easy ride for Solzhenitsyn, his wife and American sons. Instead, they abandon their refuge in America to find their trans-Siberian trip from Vladivostok to Moscow dogged by the KGB, the Russian Mafia, old-style communist bosses, the tragic plight of ordinary Russians and the echoes of its even more terrible past. 

CHS is currently looking for new board members, as well as volunteers. If you have an interest in Cavendish history, or would like to be involved in the various programs of CHS, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807. You do not have to be a resident of Cavendish to serve on the board. We are also in need of volunteers who have experience or interest in archival work, exhibits, displays, web design, fundraising, maintenance and public speaking

3. GETHSEMANE’S NEW PARISH HALL OPENS FOR DUCK SOUP

Among the last remaining restoration projects from Irene, was the rebuilding of Gethsemane Episcopal Church and their Parish Hall on Depot Street in Proctorsville. The flood destroyed the Hall as well as the foundation of the church. A new Parish Hall has been built directly behind the renovated church and is handicap accessible.

The first public event in the new Parish Hall will be the start of the Black and White Winter Film Series on February 1.

Please note that the Hall is in need of a variety of items, including folding chairs. If you can donate some, bring them the night of the film. Since they’re not sure what they’ll have for seating, please bring a chair. 

On Friday February 1 the Black & White Nights winter film series will feature the zany humor of the Marx Brothers in Duck Soup.  Made in 1933 during the depths of the Depression, Duck Soup is a raucous political satire in which Groucho, as Rufus T. Firefly, becomes dictator of the tiny country of Freedonia.  He is bankrolled by wealthy dowager Mrs. Teasdale, played by the ever haughty Margaret Dumont, a staple of Marx Brothers films.  Chico, Harpo and Zeppo play spies and counter-spies in typical comedic anarchy filled with speedy repartee.

Duck Soup will be shown at 7:00 p.m. at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church Parish Hall.  Films are free but donations are welcome to help support the series, and refreshments will be available.  For further information or in case of bad weather, call 226-7187 or 226-7497.

4. CCCA PRESENTS MARDI GRAS 2013

Once again the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will hold its annual Mardi Gras celebration to help us chase away the mid-winter blues.  This year the festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9^th and will be held at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville.

There will be a New Orleans Cajun style buffet dinner with choice of beverages, and dancing to the great tunes of Yankee Chank with Cavendish’s very own fiddler Bob Naess.  Of course it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, so there will be a prize for the best and most creative homemade mask.

A raffle features three great prizes: a $100 gift certificate to Singleton's Market in Proctorsville – supporting local business; an art basket with a gift certificate to a weekend workshop at Fletcher Farms School for the Arts and Crafts – supporting local arts; and a carriage tour of beautiful Cavendish, with wine and cheese, in Rolf and Carol van Shaik’s horse drawn carriage.  Raffle tickets are on sale now at the bakery and from any CCCA board member.  The drawing will be held at the celebration.

This is a fundraiser for the CCCA, whose projects include the Cavendish Community Fund, the Annual Cavendish Calendar, and the Walk and Talk series of conservation events.  So dig out your mask and dancing shoes, and purchase your tickets early.  Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Dinner tickets cost $35 each and are limited, so please get yours early.  Call (802) 226-7736 to reserve your tickets.

5. CAVENDISH CLASSIFIEDS

• If you have packing peanuts you are looking to get rid of, call Bob at 226-7204 or e-mail bmg17a1@gmail.com

6. CAVENDISH EVENTS 1/25-2/3/13

January 26 (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/

• The GMUHS Girls Varsity Basketball team host a free clinic for Cavendish and Chester grades 3-6 girls, 10:30-12 at GMUHS.

January 28 (Monday): Teacher Inservice. School closed

January 29(Tuesday): It’s National Puzzle Day. Celebrate by going to Learnist National Puzzle Day and trying your hand at a variety of puzzles. 

• 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

January 31 (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

 

February 1 (Friday): The Cavendish Black and White Film Series returns but with a new location-the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church on Depot Street in Proctorsville. Films start at 7 pm and are free. Donations welcome. This week’s feature is the 1933 film of the Marx Brothers “Duck Soup.”

February 2 (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/

Cavendish Update 1/18/13 SB Mtg/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

Note: The CCCA has been a consistent sponsor of the Cavendish Update for a number of years now. Please support their upcoming Mardi Gras Fundraiser-Saturday, Feb. 9 at 6 pm-featuring Cajun dance band Yankee Chank-to help CCCA continue their sponsorship. FMI: foodhttp://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/01/mardi-gras-party-2913.html

The 1/18/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 1/14/13

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Classic Film Series Returns to Cavendish

4. Cavendish Related Events for 1/18-1/27

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/14/13

SB meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website  and on Comcast Television.

With Mark Huntley’s resignation from the board, due to the start of the Vermont Legislature, where he is now serving as the representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield, Bill Buswell has taken his place and will serve in this capacity until town meeting in March.

At Monday night’s Select Board (SB) meeting the following items were discussed:

• Center Rd: To the question of why the yellow line on Center Rd, up to the dirt road portion, in Cavendish was added- Rich Svec, town manager, said it was accidentally done by the state. While drivers appreciate the line, it will not be repeated when the road needs to be repaved, as this is a class III road.

• Helipad Ordinance: Representatives from CCCA inquired about the town’s proposed ordinance on helipads. Svec said it would be on the February agenda.

• Water Quality Priority List: The board unanimously approved the town’s filing an application for a 2% loan to purse funding for an energy efficiency upgrade for the town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. This would involve replacing equipment, some of which is 25 to 30 years old, such as low efficiency blowers with efficiency equipment, replacement of the lagoon aeration diffuser systems in the three lagoons, installation of energy efficient blower controls including variable frequency drivers and a dissolved oxygen driven control system. While the town is getting by, it’s best to get the town on the priority list-there are currently 120 town projects from around the state on the list-so that if an emergent need arises, Cavendish would be in a good position to obtain the loan. Priority is given to those projects that pose a pollution risk. Svec also pointed out that if the town is awarded funds sooner than later, the town can always opt not to take advantage of it. The loan would be for $520,000 and have a 20-year note.

• Progress report on municipal water system project: As of Jan. 10, the water system project to resolve post treatment dissolved air issues in the finish water was completed. Water quality at the tap has already been noticeably improved in areas closest to the water facility. Improvements should be noticed town wide in the near future. Total cost of this project was under $30,000.

• Carlton Road Hazard Mitigation Project: The town is moving forward with their application for a Hazard Mitigation grant to assist in resolving drainage issues on Carlton Road. The grant is due at the end of the month.

• Zero Sort Recycling: The town manager has been playing phone tag with Cassella. The board wants to visit both the Mt. Holly transfer station, which has implemented zero sort recycling as well as the Cassella recycling plant in Rutland. Selectmen George Timko noted that Myers Container Service http://www.theredcanfamily.com had sent a letter to the select board in August about their services, which included residential and commercial recycling services. According to the Myers website, it appears this company’s primary service area is Northern Vermont.

• Transfer of the Stone Church to the Town: The Executive Committee of the Vermont Quebec Universalist Unitarian Convention is in agreement that the Cavendish Universalist Church should be deeded to the town of Cavendish for the purpose of making it the permanent home of the Alexksandr Solzhenitsyn exhibit. Working with the Solzhenitsyn family, the Cavendish Historical Society is planning a permanent exhibit recognizing the eighteen years the Russian Nobel Prize winner lived and wrote in Cavendish, as he awaited his return home.

The current building requires extensive work, which is difficult to do without grant funding. In December, a representative from Vermont Historic Preservation advised that the deed to the building be obtained by the town, which would make it much easier to obtain the necessary funds. It was noted at this site visit, that the Stone Church is a unique treasure for the state, since the inside has remained largely unchanged for the last 100 years or more.

The transfer of the deed is scheduled for May 11. In preparation for this transfer, Svec read a draft article, to be voted on at town meeting. The article would ask voters if they are willing to accept the deed transfer, along with a lease agreement to the Cavendish Historical Society to use the building for the Solzhenitsyn exhibit and other purposes.

• Town Report: The Annual report will be printed by R.C. Brayshaw & Company  in W. Lebanon. This will allow the town report to have a “perfect binding” making it easier to use. The selectmen were asked to consider what they wanted to see in the report, which will be dedicated to former select board chair, Jim Ballantine.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Rural Post office users deal with reduced hours: Peter Ramsdell of Cavendish pulled his truck into the Cavendish post office parking lot minutes before it closed Saturday. He has used the Main Street office for 15 years because it’s convenient and close to home. Ramsdell was disappointed to hear that post office hours will be limited. He understands the U.S. Postal Service is going through difficult financial times, but now he and his wife will have to adjust their schedules to send and receive their mail. “I get all my medications by mail,” Ramsdell said. “We can live with this arrangement. But if they go further and close it and attach us to the Proctorsville post office, it would be devastating.” Rutland Herald 

Follow the 2013 Vermont Legislative Session: With the start of the 2013 legislative session, proposed bills are being filed every day. The Vermont Legislative Bill Tracking System is a good way to see what has been introduced and how it is proceeding through committee, voting etc. For House Bills, go to http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/bills.cfm?Body=H&Session=2014 and for the Senate http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/bills.cfm?Body=S&Session=2014

Someone Shooting Cars on I-89: Vermont State Police are looking for a suspect who is shooting at moving vehicles on Interstate 89. Police say there have been at least five victims since Sunday. All the vehicles were headed northbound on interstate when they were hit just before reaching the Georgia rest area. Investigators believe the shooter may be using a BB or pellet gun. They do not have a motive or suspect description. No one has been injured. Anyone with information is asked to call state police. WCAX 

3. CLASSIC FILM SERIES RETURNS TO CAVENDISH

The Black & White Nights film series is back for it’s seventh season of classic films from the era when luminous black and white was king.  This year the series will be hosted by the Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Depot Street in Proctorsville.  The new venue is the church’s recently constructed community hall that was added to the back of the sanctuary to replace the old church hall destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene.  

Black & White Nights offers five consecutive weeks of Friday night films each winter.  This year’s series will begin on February 1st with the Marx Brothers’ comedy Duck Soup. February 8 will be A Face in the Crowd, a 1957 drama starring Andy Griffith in the unusual role of a hard luck drifter who rises to fame in radio and TV.  February 15 will feature the romantic comedy Pat and Mike, starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, followed by the powerful A Gentleman’s Agreement on February 22nd.  Gregory Peck plays a journalist investigating anti-Semitism in this film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1947.  The series will conclude on March 1 with another Academy Award winner, The Artist, a 2011 French romantic drama made in the style of a 1920s black and white silent film.

All films begin at 7:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated to help fund the series.  Come join us in the beautiful new community space of the Gethsemane Episcopal Church for great films and homemade cookies.  For more information, call 226-7187 or 226-7497.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED EVENTS FOR 1/18-1/27

January 18 (Friday): Rec Day GMUHS Girls and Boys Varsity Games vs. Poultney at 6 pm (girls) and 7:30 pm for the boys. All boys and girls from the Cavendish and Chester Recreation programs will get in FREE!! Please wear your gold and green GM shirt and come support the GM Chieftains.

January 19 (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/

 

January 21 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. No School. Offices, banks closed

January 22 (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

January 24 (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

January 26 (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/

• The GMUHS Girls Varsity Basketball team host a free clinic for Cavendish and Chester grades 3-6 girls, 10:30-12 at GMUHS.

MARDI GRAS PARTY 2/9/13

MARDI GRAS PARTY

FEATURING YANKEE CHANK

FEB. 9 (SATURDAY), 6 PM

DINNER BUFFET AND DANCE    $35 

$40 AT THE DOOR

CROWS BAKERY IN PROCTORSVILLE

BENEFITS (CCCA) Cavendish Community and Conservation Association

TICKETS ON SALE AT CROWS BAKERY

                                    FMI: 226-7736 or www.cavendishccca.org

Select Board Agendas for 1/14/13 and 1/16/13

Select Board Agenda for 1/14/13, meeting to be held at 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

• Town manager to discuss application for Water Quality Priority List status and a planning loan to pursue funding for energy efficiency upgrade for the Wastewater Treatment Facility which would involve replacement of low-efficiency blowers with high efficiency equipment, replacement of the lagoon aeration diffuser systems in the three lagoons, installation of energy efficient blower controls including variable frequency drives and a dissolved oxygen driven control system to gain best economy and best effectiveness for the treatment processes.

• Town Manager to discuss progress on preparation of an application for Hazard Mitigation and/or other program grants to assist in resolving drainage issues on Carlton Road. This is further follow-up on this topic.

• Discuss progress in attempts to schedule Select Board visits to Cassella sort facility and a nearby town transfer station using the Cassella zero-sort plan option.

• Town Manager to report on progress of the municipal water system project to resolve post treatment dissolved air issues in the finish water.

• Discuss Town Report preparation and printing contract award for the 2012 report.

• Town Manager to solicit topics for inclusion in the Town Manager and Selectmen’s Report for the 2012 book.

• Representative of the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of VT & NH present to discuss level of service in the Town of Cavendish and an appropriation request for FY 2012-2013

• Representative of the American Red Cross present to discuss level of service in the Town of Cavendish and an appropriation request for FY 2012-2013

• Update on various other town activities

• Other business

• Continue work and discussions on the F”Y 2013-2014 Selectmen’s Budget

Select Board Agenda for 1/16/13, 6 pm at the Town Office

• Continue work on FY 2013-2014 Selectmen’s Budget

1. Sheriff Mike Chamberlain present to discuss Windsor County Sheriff’s Office services to the Town of Cavendish and discuss the proposed level of service and rate schedule for the contract period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

2. Constable Seth Perry present to discuss Constable level of service, scope of activities and level of funding for the FY2013-2014 period.

3. Librarian Kata Welch and Library Trustee Brian Benoit present to present and discuss the library budget and request for town appropriation for the FY2013-2014 period.

• Continue budget element review and considerations.

Cavendish Update 1/11/13 Flu/News/Events/Mardi Gras

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

The 1/11/13 Cavendish Update Contains

1. Cavendish Related News

2. CTES 12/18/12 Board Meeting Minutes & Agenda for 1/15/13

3. Annual Mardi Gras Party to Benefit CCCA

4. Looking for a Direct Care Worker?

5. Cavendish Events 1/11-120

Note: The flu is very prevalent in our area.

The flu season is off to an early and deadly start in Vermont. Officials say three Vermonters have died from the flu. They were all adults. And the number of flu cases is up dramatically statewide. Many hospitals are now at full capacity and officials worry about the long-term availability of beds. WCAX 

Given that we are a resort area, it is important to note that flu is also widespread in NY, NH and MA. Boston has declared a public health emergency with 700 confirmed cases, compared with 70 overall last season.

If you don’t have time for the flu, take time to prevent it. 

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Passport Services at the Cavendish Post Office No Longer Available

All passport services at the Cavendish Post Office have been suspended effective last week. To find the closest place to obtain a passport, call 877-487-2778.

Proctorsville Fire Department News: For the year 2012 PFD received almost $280,000 in grant money, allowing us to purchase a 3000-gallon tanker truck several new sets of turnout gear and 14 handheld radios and 1 mobile radio. This has been great for our dept and our community, as this all had allowed us to purchase top of the line equipment with no effect on our tax rate. PFD Facebook Page

State Rep Huntley Assignment: Mark Huntley, state rep from Cavendish, has been assigned to the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources

New Supervisory Union Adopts Budget, Sets Goals: The Windsor Southwest and Rutland Windsor supervisory unions recently approved new goals and a budget for when they become the Two Rivers Supervisory Union on July 1. The new supervisory union will include the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly and Plymouth and have 1,120 K-12 students. Rutland Herald 

Springfield Medical Care Systems is Now Tobacco Free:  Effective January 1, 2013, Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) became a tobacco-free organization. There will be no smoking or tobacco use allowed on any property owned or leased by SMCS, including Springfield Hospital buildings and all grounds and parking areas. Press Release 

North Springfield Biomass Project Moving Forward: As developers for a proposed North Springfield biomass energy plant continue working to get their permits, a Windham County resident says the proposed project will have effects far beyond it's location in Windsor County. Brattleboro Reformer

 The Shopper/Vermont Journal Hacked: A hacker named "VandaTheGod" from "UGNazi" hacker group, has taken over control of the website of the weekly Vermont Journal published in Ludlow, VT. Springfield blog

VT Legislative Session Opened Jan. 9: Two term Speaker Shap Smith faced no opposition and was unanimously elected to a third term in office. Smith wants the House Natural Resources committee and the Commerce committee to work on efforts to help businesses cope with the effects of climate change. House Minority leader Don Turner listed the implementation of a statewide teachers' contract as one of the best ways to control education costs in the future. Windsor senator John Campbell was elected to a second term as Senate President Pro Tem. He wants to create new higher education opportunities for Vermont's high school students. VPR 

Gov Shumlin Focuses on Education in Inaugural Speech: Gov. Peter Shumlin says improving education - from pre-school to college - is the key to improving the Vermont economy. Using his second inaugural address to lay out a series of initiatives that he believes will lead to a better-trained workforce, Shumlin laid down a challenge to lawmakers, saying without investment in pre-school education and in training workers for today's jobs, Vermonters will be left behind. VPR 

2. CTES 12/18/12 BOARD MEETING MINUTES & 1/15/13 AGENDA

The December School Board Meeting minutes have been posted to the Cavendish Update blog. Note that this meeting included discussion about the school’s preparedness in view of the Newton, CT disaster.

The CTES board meeting will take place on January 15, 5:30 at CTES. The agenda will include:

• Warning of Annual Meeting, Public Information Hearing and Australian Ballot

• Security Update

• Reports from the Principal and Superintendent, as well as an update on the Two Rivers Supervisory Union

 

3. ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARTY TO BENEFIT CCCA

Featuring Cavendish’s Bob Naess on fiddle, along with his Cajun band, Yankee Chank, the Mardi Gras party features fabulous food, music, dancing, and more fun than should be legal.  This year’s Mardi Gras bash will be on Saturday, February 9th at the Opera House (Crows Bakery). Tickets are $35 and on sale at Crows Bakery. This is a fundraiser for the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), whose projects include the Cavendish Community Fund, the Annual Cavendish Calendar and the Walk and Talk Series. In addition, they are one of the sponsors of the Cavendish Update.  So dig out your mask and dancing shoes, and purchase your tickets early. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the good times roll).

4. LOOKING FOR A DIRECT CARE WORKER?

Individuals with disabilities, elders, and their family members particularly, find it challenging to recruit support outside their immediate network of contacts.  Rewarding Work Resources, Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation, developed the Rewarding Work website which gives older people and individuals with disabilities the choice of hiring staff directly and allows them control of the process of hiring personal assistants. The site also provides private agencies a resource to assist in recruitment of direct support professionals and other staff.

The RewardingWork.org registry provides the only comprehensive and current list of people in Vermont who are ready to provide direct care in your home. This is a free service for everyone in Vermont who needs support to help them live independently. A subscription service, you will need to obtain an access code from a contact agency, such as Senior Help Line, Vermont Center for Independent Living etc. Go to http://www.rewardingwork.org/State-Resources/Vermont/How-it-works/Contact-agency-for-free-subscription.aspx#Southeast for a list of local agencies.

 Job candidates in the Rewarding Work database have not been screened in any way and their backgrounds have not been checked. That is your responsibility as an employer. FMI: www. RewardingWork.org/vermont toll-free at 866-212 WORK (9675) or E-mail info@RewardingWork.org

5. Cavendish Events 1/11-120

January 11 (Friday): CCCA and VINS Present “Raptor Encounter, 6:30-7:30 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Meet live ambassador raptors from VINS and learn about their winter habits, predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of the systems that support life.  FMI: 226-7736 As the National Weather Forecast has issued a winter weather advisory for freezing rain-which is in effect from 4 pm to 7am on Saturday, check the Cavendish Facebook page for cancellation. You do not have to be a Facebook subscriber to read this page.

January 12 (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/

  • New Hours at the Cavendish Post Office begin. Window service hours are available M-F 7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm. Saturday hours, 7:30-10, remain unchanged.

January 14 (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.

January 15 (Tuesday): CTES School Board Meeting 5:30 pm at the school. See Item 2 for the agenda.

• 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

January 17 (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

January 19 (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/

  • Rec Day GMUHS Girls Varsity Game vs Poultney at 2:30PM. All boys and girls from the Cavendish and Chester Recreation programs will get in FREE!! Come and support the GM girls!!!