Friday, March 29, 2013

Cavendish Update: 3/29/13 Gardening/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

Congratulations to the Proctorsville Fire Department on their 180^th anniversary of service to the community.

The 3/28/13 Cavendish Update Contains:

1. Cavendish Related News

2.Spring/Planting/CSAs in Cavendish

3. Cavendish “PACE” Program to Debut Soon

4. Chicago at GMUHS Stars Two Cavendish Students

5. Ninth Annual Cavendish Community Variety Show

6. BRGNS Needs Clothing Furniture for Rummage Sale

7. Cavendish Events 3/39-4/7/13

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Shaw’s Under New Ownership: The 19 Shaw’s stores in the state have changed hands. Private investors led by Cerberus Capital Management closed a $3.3 billion deal last week to purchase a group of national grocery chains from their former parent company, Supervalu Inc. The acquisition will result in a different kind of experience for local shoppers, according to local management. “We’re already lowering prices quite significantly,” said Shaw’s Montpelier Manager George Murphy. “We’re excited about the changes that are going to be coming.” Customers can expect to see a banner touting the change hanging from the store any day now. Rutland Herald

Mt. Ascutney Hospital Closing Nursing Home: The non-profit community hospital, has decided to close its skilled nursing facility effective September 1, 2013. The combination of recent Medicare cuts and a revenue growth cap set by the Green Mountain Care Board were major factors in the decision. Closure of the Skilled Nursing Facility will allow Mt. Ascutney Hospital to relocate its inpatient rehabilitation program to a new space without incurring the cost of building a new facility. It will also allow the organization to upgrade to all private, single-patient rooms throughout the Hospital. Press Release

VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Continues to Battle WNS in Bats: Surveys performed this winter by researchers at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department indicate that populations of several species of bats in Vermont continue to shrink due to the devastating effects of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease affecting cave-hibernating bats. Press Release

VT Electricity at a Glance: A publication by the Vermont Energy Partnership (VTEP), “Vermont Electricity at a Glance,” examines Vermont’s electricity portfolio including the rates charged by each Vermont utility, the type of generation and amount of power supplied in megawatt-hours, the amount of renewable power, and (in most cases) the specific power generators and/or contracts. “Vermont Electricity at a Glance” also portrays Vermont’s statewide increase in power rates in comparison with neighboring states. In 2012, Vermont’s electricity rates rose five percent while rates stayed level or fell in New York or all other New England states (except Rhode Island, also five percent).

2. SPRING/PLANTING/CSAs IN CAVENDISH

It’s almost April, and while we’re all a bit tired of the white stuff, lots of gardening activities are being planned. There are several projects that could use your help. Check out the following and follow up with the contact person listed:

• Gethsemane Church: While the buildings have been restored, Irene destroyed the grounds, including the memorial and community vegetable gardens. Topsoil, grass seed and volunteer help are needed. FMI: 226-7187

• Little Village Farm: Located in Proctorsville, they are a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Don’t have time to plant or tend a garden, purchase a share and enjoy fresh produce all summer long. However, there are only two full shares and three half shares left for the 2013 CSA season so now is the time to decide. Keep in mind that if you think even a half share is too much, you can always split a half or full share with a friend or two. FMI: http://littlevillagefarm.com

• Cavendish Town Elementary School Garden: To learn more about the school’s garden and assist with the planting, tending, harvesting and processing, call 226-7439

• Five gallon buckets are needed for container gardens. Call 226-7820

• The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show April 6 and 7: Will be at the Ludlow Community Center 10-4 pm. Thirty (30) vendors will be showing and selling their wares and offering seminars, including our resident bee keeper from the Golden Stage Inn. This is a free event. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/okemo-valley-home-garden-show/

• Plunge into Planting: A gardening workshop series offered by Vermont Interactive TV, will include the following topics Choosing and Caring for Trees; Edible Landscaping; Hardy Roses for Vermont; Container Gardening. Workshops start May 9 and will be shown at the Springfield Interactive TV site from 6-7:30 pm. The cost is $10 per workshop. FMI: http://www.vitlink.org/media/gardening-series-flyer-2013.pdf

3. CAVENDISH “PACE” PROGRAM TO DEBUT SOON

At town meeting this year, the citizens of Cavendish voted to create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) District. PACE is a financing program designed to help qualifying homeowners invest in specified energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their homes through a special assessment tied to their property.

Cavendish residential property owners meeting all of the eligibility requirements may apply for financing. If approved, the homeowner will enter into an assessment contract with the town and an assessment lien will be placed on the property. The cost of improvements will be paid to the contractor once the project is complete. The property owner then repays the assessment over a 10, 15, or 20 year period. If the property owner sells the property before the assessment has been completely paid off, the obligation to pay the assessment stays with the property and is repaid by the new owner of the property, or the assessment can be paid off in full with no penalty.

Any residential dwelling - primary residence, vacation home, one to four unit owner occupied structure, manufactured home or condominium - located in a PACE district will qualify for the program. Only homeowners who are up to date on their tax payments will qualify and there are limits on how much they may borrow.

The next step in the process is for Cavendish is to enter into an agreement with Efficiency Vermont to administer the program. Efficiency Vermont will coordinate the paperwork and will provide the source of financing from which the loans will be made. So for now, residents who think that they may qualify and who are considering participating should start identifying energy improvements and upgrades, and should watch the town website and the local media for further details.

4. “CHICAGO AT GMUHS STARS TWO CAVENDISH STUDENTS

The GMUHS Drama Department is presenting the Musical "Chicago" on March 28, 29, and 30. Two Cavendish students, Ian Martell and Rosie MacNamara have the lead roles.

Tickets are $7.00/Adults, $5.00/Students, Seniors, and $15.00 for a Family. The suggested rating is PG-13 due to the content.

The show was originally premiered on June 3, 1975 at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 1976, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. It was revived in 1996 and has become the longest running musical revival in Broadway history and won many Drama and Tony Awards. It is still running to this day on Broadway.

Songs in the show include: All that Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You're Good to Mama, We Both Reached for the Gun, Roxie, Me and My Baby, Mr. Cellophane, When Velma Takes the Stand, Razzle Dazzle and Class to list a few.

Tickets are available at the door for this one time spectacular show!

5. 9^TH ANNUAL CAVENDISH COMMUNITY VARIETY SHOW

On Friday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) will be holding the Ninth Annual Community Variety Show. Mark your calendars to come and join in the fun by participating with a talent or by sitting in the audience and watching.

The Variety Show is open to all members of the community, both young and old, who want to have fun. Individuals who would like to participate, need to complete the registration form by Thursday, Mar. 28, to assist with planning.

We will have a preview by the committee on Thursday, April 4, between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. This is necessary so that the committee can review the acts for appropriateness and to make sure that we have everything necessary to make the show a success. This might include appropriate music, microphones, etc.

Participants must make sure their act is prepared, so on the evening of the preview, the committee can time the act. Each participant(s) will have 5 minutes from the introduction of their act to closure. Based upon the preview with the committee, the order of performers will be set. Acts may include singing, playing an instrument, a dramatic reading, acrobatics, etc. Use your imagination and entertain! If you would like to participate, please pick up a registration form at the CTES office.

6. BRGNS NEEDS CLOTHING, FURNITURE FOR RUMMAGE SALE

Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its Spring Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday, May 17th and 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday May 19th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. At this time there is a need for all sorts of clothing, but especially summer clothing, house wares, linens and furniture.

If you have anything to donate, please bring it to the thrift store at 37B Main Street in Ludlow or for larger items please call 802-228-3663 to arrange a drop off time. Donations will be accepted at Fletcher Farm in the week before the sale, but are welcome now. If you are unable to drop off a furniture donation, our volunteers can pick it up if arrangements are made in advance.

Proceeds from this sale benefit BRGNS’ food and financial assistance programs. “This is really a community effort. Folks donate their unwanted items to us, and we put our earnings right back into the community,” said Audrey Bridge, Executive Director of BRGNS. “Although the economy has improved, demand for our services continues. There are still people going hungry and needing help with housing and clothing costs; so we keep running the rummage sales,” said Bridge. The monies raised will help cover the cost of utilities, heating fuel, food and rent for qualified individuals and families in Ludlow, Mt. Holly, Belmont, Proctorsville, Cavendish and Plymouth.

For further details please contact Audrey Bridge at the Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, 802-228-3663, or BRGNS@tds.net.

7. CAVENDISH EVENTS 3/39-4/7/13

March 29 (Friday): Good Friday. Town Office is closed.

• “Chicago,” staring Cavendish students Ian Martell and Rosie MacNamara, is presented at GMUHS at 7 pm. Tickets are $7.00/Adults, $5.00/Students, Seniors, and $15.00 for a Family. The suggested rating is PG-13 due to the content.

March 30 (Saturday): Ludlow Easter Egg Hunt at the Ludlow Elementary School, 10 am. The egg hunt is for children ages 0-10 years. Over 2,500 candy filled eggs will be placed throughout the playground. In case of bad weather, the hunt will be inside the Ludlow Community Center. Children need to bring their own Easter basket. FMI: 228-2655

• Live music by Brooks Hubbard at Glimmerstone, 7-10 pm

March 31 (Sunday): HAPPY EASTER

• Easter Brunch at Castle Hill Resort 11:30-2 $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. FMI: 226-7222

• Easter Brunch at Glimmerstone from 9-3. FMI: 802-554-0045

• Raise the Roof Concert kicks off with Jamie Ward and Sayon Camara of Guinea, West Africa. The concert is at 4:30 pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Church. Suggested admission is $10 donation, children free. FMI:

April 1 (Monday); April Fools!

April 2 (Tuesday): Local nights and live music by Don Cahn at Glimmerstone from 6-9 pm. Burger and a beer for $10.

April 3 (Wednesday): Cavendish Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office in Cavendish.

April 5 (Friday): Spring Fling dance at CTES

April 6 (Saturday): The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be at the Ludlow Community Center 10-4 pm 30 vendors will be showing and selling their wares and offering seminars. This is a free event. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/okemo-valley-home-garden-show/

April 7 (Sunday): The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be at the Ludlow Community Center 10-4 pm 30 vendors will be showing and selling their wares and offering seminars. This is a free event. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/okemo-valley-home-garden-show/

Friday, March 22, 2013

Cavendish Update 3/22/13 Support/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

Note: Do you find the Cavendish Update useful? If so, please support its continuation, as current sponsorship only covers about a quarter of the time it takes to compile it and none of the costs associated with it. There is an immediate need for a new computer. You can send contributions to Margo Caulfield, PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142. If you wish to become a sponsor, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807.

The 3/22/13 Cavendish Update Contains

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Business Directory

3. Support for Cavendish Game Birds

4. Bingo at CTES

5. 2nd Annual River Valley Employment Fair

6. Cavendish Events 3/22-3/31

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

CTES Board February Board Meeting: Minutes from the Feb. 19, CTES board meeting have been posted to

VT History, Recycling and Art Meld at CTES: -Vermont History, Recycling and Art melded together in the 4th grade classroom at Cavendish Town Elementary School. Local artist Sharon Cole spent two half days with the 4th grade students teaching them about how recycled materials can make the most beautiful pieces of artwork, while solidifying science and social studies concepts. Vermont Journal

Springfield Biomass Facility Might Not be a Good Idea: A biomass facility, though proven profitable elsewhere, might not be a good idea for Springfield, explained Hal Wilkins of Ramsey, Warren, LLC at a meeting at the Universalist Church last Wednesday. A proposed 25 to 35 MW biomass electric generating plant is being proposed by Winstanley Enterprises to provide district heating for buildings in Industrial Park. The plant would consume over 200,000 cords of wood per year for the next 50 years. Vermont Journal

VT State Police to Participate on Twitter: On March 22, starting at 8AM, the Vermont State Police will join other law enforcement agencies around the world via Twitter in a 24-hour Tweet-a-thon to bring attention to the use of social media by law enforcement.

Spring Holidays Bring Deadly Threat to Cats: With the spring holidays of Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day, lilies will be present in many homes. This summer, daylilies will grace many gardens. All parts of the lily, including pollen are toxic to cats and cause sudden severe kidney failure and death, if not treated promptly. Even cats with seemingly minor exposure such as biting a leaf or getting pollen on his or her whiskers or hair coat can be fatally poisoned. Press Release

VT Health Connect Offers Community Forums Vermont Health Connect (VHC) is hosting a series of community forums to learn more about the new health care options available in late 2013. VHC will be a marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses in Vermont can compare public and private health plans and select one that fits their needs and budget. At the forums, officials will discuss the essential health benefits that are required of all health plans participating in Vermont Health Connect, the assistance that will be available to Vermonters, and what the Vermont Health Connect marketplace will look like. Individuals, families and small business in VT will get their health coverage through VHC includes: Vermonters who do not have health insurance, those who currently purchase it themselves, those who have Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, Catamount, VT Health Access program, those who are offered unaffordable coverage by their employers and small businesses that provide coverage for their employees. The closest workshops to Cavendish will be April 24 at the First Congregational Church in Springfield and May 14 at the Rutland Free Library. Workshops are 6:30-8 pm.

National Digital Literacy Campaign: A national campaign focusing on digital literacy is trying to help get Americans up to date with their computer skills. Connect-2-Compete. has a database to help people find free computer skills classes near you. The non-profit also offers low-cost Internet services and refurbished computers for low-income families.

2. CAVENDISH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The Cavendish Business Directory, sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society, is available on-line and is updated as information is provided about new businesses or those that may no longer be operational. Inclusion on this list is not a recommendation. If you would like to see your business added, modified or deleted, please e-mail margoc@tds.net Note that businesses included are those that operate in the town of Cavendish (including the villages of Cavendish and Proctorsville) and/or are operated by residents of the town.

3. SUPPORT FOR CAVENDISH GAME BIRDS

Many people have been wanting to know how they can help Cavendish Game Birds since the fire .Singleton’s has a fundraising raffle, with the drawing taking place this Sunday. An on-line fund has been set up, where donations can be. Check the Rutland Herald for more information.

4. BINGO AT CTES

Friday, March 22, Bingo to Benefit CTES, will be held at the school from 6-8 PM. Play for cash and prizes. Goodman’s Pizza well be on sale along with a variety of yummy baked goods.

5. 2^ND ANNUAL RIVER VALLEY EMPLOYMENT FAIR

The River Valley Workforce Investment Board has announced that it will be hosting the 2nd Annual River Valley Employment Fair.

The fair is a joint effort between the River Valley Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the VT Department of Labor, Creative Workforce Solutions, 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.

Fair organizers are actively are looking for local employers with job opportunities, especially those who gear up in the spring and summer.

This employment fair is the most recent project of the River Valley Workforce Investment Board (WIB) whose mission is to “link business and education communities to bridge the gap between the workforce of today and the one we need tomorrow.” The WIB serves the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Landgrove, Londonderry, Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, West Windsor, Weston, Windsor, Windham and surrounding communities.

The event is on Wednesday, April 10th from 1:00PM –4:00PM at River Valley Technical Center at the Howard Dean Education Center. Employers or resource organizations interested in participating in the fair should contact the Employment Fair Coordinator, Suzanne Groenewold at 802-885-8310 or at sgroenewold@rvt.org . There is no fee for employers or jobseekers to participate in the fair due to generous support from the VT Department of Labor, Creative Workforce Solutions and the River Valley WIB.

6. CAVENDISH EVENTS 3/22-3/31

March 22 (Friday): Half day of school for CTES

• Last day to order a Soil Saver composter . Order forms are available on-line

• Bingo at CTES FMI: 226-7824.

March 23 (Saturday): The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library will host Dinner and a

Movie at1:00 PM in the library. The featured movie will be Moonstruck (1987) starring Cher and Nicholas Cage. A generous sampling of Italian home-style food will be served. This is free but donations are welcomed.

• From 5:30 to 7 pm, the Cavendish Baptist Church’s Helping Hand Class, is sponsoring Sugar on Snow Supper featuring: Baked beans, ham, mashed potato, squash, peas, pickles, white and brown breads, homemade doughnuts, decaf coffee, tea and punch. Prices are $10 for adults, children under 12 $5 and those under 6 years of age are free. FMI: 226-7724

• Glimmerstone Inn will have live music by Don Cahn, 7-10 pm. FMI: 802-554-0045

March 24 (Sunday): Drawing at Singleton’s for the raffle benefiting Cavendish Game Birds.

March 26 (Tuesday): PASSOVER

• 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

• Local's Night (Burger and Beer for $10) at Glimmerstone Mansion. Live music by Brooks Hubbard. FMI: 802-554-0045

March 28 (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 29 (Friday): Good Friday. Town Office is closed.

31 (Sunday): HAPPY EASTER

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Support the Cavendish Update

The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) has made a decision to no longer support the Cavendish Update stating, “At the last CCCA board meeting the directors closely reviewed the current balance in our bank account and the general state of our finances, including what we have spent and what we have in over the past several years. We have supported the Cavendish Update for a number of years now and we believe that it continues to have value to the community. However, we have reluctantly determined that we can no longer afford the cost of supporting the CU based on our current finances. We have other projects that require our financial support and we have a shrinking pot of money that must be carefully allocated and conserved. We will continue our financial support of the CU through the first of June.”

It would not have been possible to continue the CU without CCCA’s support, and so heartfelt thanks for supporting it for so long.

So what should become of the CU? Is it still needed? How can it be supported?

If the CU is to continue after May 31, there needs to be funding. If you would like to support the CU or have suggestion for how to do so, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net

Do you find the Cavendish Update and all that is associated with it-Facebook, blog, weekly e-mail updates and emergency information-useful?

If so, please support its continuation, as current sponsorship only covers about 1/4 of the time it takes to compile it and none of the costs associated with it. You can send contributions to Margo Caulfield, PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142.

If you wish to become a sponsor, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807.

Friday, March 15, 2013

CTES Board Meeting Minutes2/19/13

Minutes

Present:

Board: Dr. Bont-Chair, Sharon Huntley and Amanda Tyrell

Administration: George Thomson-Principal, Linda Waite- Superintendent

Public: LPCTV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary, Two members of the community.

Call to order

Dr. Bont called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

Comments from the Community

Donna Bushey asked permission for her daughter to remain at CTES through the school year as she and her family have moved to Ludlow. She doesn’t want to upset her daughter’s year. She has been at CTES since first grade. Sharon made a motion to have Reaghan Bushey remain at CTES through the remainder of the school year. Motion approved.

Approval of Minutes of January 15, 2013

Sharon made a motion to approve the minutes of January 15, 2013 as presented. Motion approved.

Finance Report

Linda reported the audit has come in and she will bring copies to the next meeting as Chris was not in the office today.

Security Update

George reported he has received quotes for security for the front door. The handicap door will be the “main” door. The quotes were $3,300-$4,100, $2,185.00, $2,400.00 and $1,975.00. Discussion ensued regarding the systems used in other schools. George said he doesn’t think CTES needs such an elaborate system as CAES has. To replace the front windows with security glass would be an additional $2,100.00. There was discussion around storage for video.

Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust has an emergency tool kit that will be available. This is a tiered system. The first tier offers a walk through at no cost. George’s said he thinks the quotes are comparable. He recommends Country Side Lock and Alarm. Amanda made a motion to authorize George to hire Country Side Lock and Alarm to install the front door security system not to exceed $2,500. Motion approved.

Two Rivers Supervisory Union Update

There is a governance meeting this evening to discuss the information received from other SUs.

The next meeting will be Thursday, February 22, 2013 at GMUHS at 6:30 p.m.

Principal’s Report

George gave the board a copy of the budget summary. He said there are no big surprises and he feels they are on target. NECAP results have come in (attached). All percentages are above the state average.

CTES will be participating in a School Health Index.

The staff participated in CPR training on St. Valentine’s Day.

Within six weeks George should have information regarding the roof.

George explained to the board who is eligible to attend CTES; George said he published this in the Cavendish Corner.

The alert system is changing to a new system. Schools are using the system to communicate as well as for emergencies.

The PTO had a Bake Sale and raised $1,630.00 for programs at CTES. It was a huge success. The PTO is also planning a Bingo Night. The goal is to raise $5,000.00 for CTES programs.

On Wednesday, February 27^th is the candidate’s forum for people who are running for local office and an informational meeting regarding the budget. The board agreed to meet before the Town Meeting on Monday, March 4^th at 6:00 p.m. Voting will be on Tuesday, March 5^th. The board agreed to have their next meeting on Wednesday, March 20^th at 5:30 p.m.

The total principal for the trust funds is $103,264.55 and the available interest is $6,456.16.

Superintendent Report

Linda said she will be providing more information regarding the VSBIT Emergency Tool Kit.

The post fact finding meeting for the teachers is scheduled for March 12^th at GMUHS.

Linda congratulated George and the teachers for the NECAP scores.

Other Business

George was asked about the number of students in the FANS unit. There are currently 23 students.

Executive Session

None

Adjournment

Sharon made a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia M. Walsh Mack