Friday, August 23, 2013

Cavendish Update 9/23/13 Chubb HIll/News/Events/Volunteer


Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page.

The 8/23/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following
1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 8/19/13-Chubb Hill
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Local Household Hazardous Waste Collections September 14
4. Vermont Health Connect
5. African Drumming in Proctorsville
6. Cavendish Classifieds: Job/Volunteer positions
7. BRGN Needs Items for Rummage Sale
8.RiverSweep Sept 7 Volunteers Needed
9. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MTG 8/19/13-CHUBB HILL
On Monday evening a site visit and public hearing were held regarding the Chubb Hill Road access to route 131. The board quickly adopted the closing of the current road, which runs by Donnie Davis’s house, and the opening of the new one, which bisects his pasture. 

Chubb Hill will be closed on Monday Aug. 26. The goal is to have the new access open by Tuesday evening, Aug. 27, or Wednesday morning Aug. 28. Paving of the apron of the new road began on Aug. 20 and has been completed.

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, Chubb Hill will only be open to those homeowners whose property fronts Chubb Hill. A barrier will be placed at the top of Chubb Hill and East Road, to prohibit other traffic.

With the exception of Davis, who has moved out of state, the residents of Chubb Hill were present, along with neighbors who use this road. There was considerable discussion by members of the audience focusing on one primary issue- there is no written town policy regarding who pays for a road when a homeowner wants to move it.

At the July 2009 Select Board meeting, Davis discussed with the board a plan to change the intersection of Chubb Hill and Route 131. Not only would this protect his home, but it was considered much safer as the current access point was “blind.” The proposed road would go through his pasture. An application would be needed to be filed by the town and it was agreed that Rich Svec, town manager, and Davis would work on this project.

Almost a year later, at the June 2010 Select board meeting, Svec informed the board that people had been inquiring about when the lower end of Chubb Hill Road would be finished. During the previous year, Davis had prepared the land and put in the proposed road. In order to obtain a state permit, engineering drawings would be required and the road needed to be reconstructed to meet town and state specifications. Svec recommended to the board that the town provide some help in moving dirt and other related activities in order to move the project along since the current approach to the Hill was a hazard. Concerns were raised about the town’s responsibility when a property owner wants to move a road. The board agreed that policies around this issue needed to be developed.

Up to this point, two roads had been moved in town (Hoey and Hardscrabble) and the expenses were born by the homeowner. However, neither of these roads were in high traffic areas or intersected with Route 131. Neither posed a risk for public safety in the manner that the current Chubb Hill access road does.

By the April 2012 SB meeting, survey work, paid for by Davis, had been completed. At that time, the board agreed that the property exchange be worked out and the goal was to have it completed by the end of the summer.

In July of this year, the board agreed that it was in everyone’s interest to get the new Chubb Hill access road completed as soon as possible. Svec thought that their may be some money in the paving budget to help finish certain aspects of the road. Again the issue of payment came up, with one member of the board feeling very strongly that the homeowner should pay for the road, as had been done in the two previous situations.

The SB voted to complete this project using a 60/40 split-the town paying 60% of the costs and Davis the remaining 40%.

This item was added to the agenda just after the Select Board meeting began. Davis was not present and it was not clear if he had been informed this matter would be discussed.

The sentiment of Monday night’s audience was for the town to complete the project and that Davis not be charged beyond what he has already paid. Further, since the town had no written policy, Davis would have no way of knowing what would be expected of him as far as payment. In general, those who spoke from the audience, expressed frustration not only at the length of time it has taken to improve road safety, but also the manner in which Davis had been treated.

The board will vote on the payment issue at their September meeting. Svec will provide information about the costs involved and what Davis has paid for to date. Members of the audience requested that the board reconsider their 60/40 split vote and have the town pay the remaining costs.  Bob Glidden, board chair, assured the audience that the “Select Board cares and will do the right thing.”

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Proctorsville Fire Department Competes in the Firefighter Games: This past weekend the Nozzle Heads competed in the VT State Firefighters Association Firefighter Games in Bennington Vt. The Nozzle Heads took 2nd place in water polo, 2nd place in SCBA endurance, and 2nd place in portable pump. The Nozzle Heads were again awarded the Sportsmanship Trophy for the 3rd year in a row. The team consisted of Firefighters from Ludlow, Proctorsville, and Weston. PVF Facebook page 

Dramatically Revised Lyme Disease Statistics Raise Questions About Risk: A new report from the Centers for Disease Control says 300,000 Americans contract Lyme disease each year, 10 times the amount previously believed by health officials. PBS 

VPR Marks 2nd Anniversary of Irene: Beginning Monday, August 26, Vermont Public Radio will present special news coverage and programs marking the two-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene. The series will include stories about the ongoing impact of the storm in dollars and cents as well as the continuing personal struggles of families and communities across the state. Press Release 
AT&T Offers Emergency Texting: AT&T Inc. customers can now text for help in Vermont. The wireless carrier has been working with the Vermont 9-1-1 Board to allow users to text 9-1-1 for emergency phone calls. The company warns to text only when calling is NOT an option. It also advises to clearly explain your location and what the emergency situation is. And don't text abbreviations or slang. The emergency services include local police, fire or Emergency medical responders. The board is working with four other carriers for emergency texts. Verizon already has 9-1-1 texting. WCAX 
3. LOCAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION-9/14
The Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District is sponsoring free events for the collection and safe disposal of household hazardous wastes on Saturday, September 14. Residents and small businesses from Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, West Windsor, and Windsor may participate. No pre-registration for residents. Businesses must pre-register and will be charged for disposal costs. The collections will be held at the Springfield Transfer Station from 9:00 a.m. until noon and at the Weathersfield Transfer Station from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Bring in a mercury thermometer and receive a new digital thermometer. For more information, call 674-9235 or click on www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org for a list of what to bring.

Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District is a union municipal district dedicated to providing solid waste management authority, services, and planning to its member towns. The District was chartered in 1982 and currently serves thirteen Vermont towns. This event is partially funded by a grant from the State of Vermont.

4. VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT
Starting in 2014, every Vermonter, regardless of income or employment situation, will be able to have health coverage. On October 1, Vermont Health Connect (VHC) comes on line. This is the state’s new health care exchange for coverage that will start in January. As part of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, beginning in January, all individuals and businesses with fewer than 50 employees will have to go through the exchange to purchase health insurance.

Two companies, Blue Cross and MVP are each offering nine different policies. While all have the same benefit package, called “essential health benefits” they have different out of pocket expenses. Included in the essentials are the following benefits:
• Ambulatory patient services

• Emergency services

• Hospitalization

• Maternity and newborn care

• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment

• Prescription drugs

• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices

• Laboratory services

• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management

• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care

In addition to the federal mandates, Vermont has their own required mandated services -Home health care, autism spectrum disorders for children, chiropractic services, outpatient contraceptive services including sterilizations.

Labeled as platinum, gold, silver and bronze, the health plan with the lowest premiums, (what you pay each month) but the highest out of pocket expense, is the bronze plan. Rates go up from there, with  platinum having the lowest out of pocket expenses but the highest premiums.  For example-a person making $35,000 a year would pay roughly $230 dollars a month for a Bronze policy that has an out of pocket maximum of around $4,000.

If you purchase a health plan through Vermont Health Connect, you may qualify for a subsidy, in the form of a tax credit, that will help you pay for part of your monthly premiums starting in 2014. To determine your eligibility, use the on-line subsidy calculator.

Learn more at the following resources:

On September 10, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) and the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will sponsor an important healthcare forum for small businesses and individuals at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium at 6:30 PM.  The event will discuss the implementation of Vermont Health Connect, also known as the Exchange, and how it effects everyone.  FMI: 802-228-7239 or 802-228-5830 or www.fola.us.

5. AFRICAN DRUMMING IN PROCTORSVILLE
The musical beat of West Africa will fill the Proctorsville green on Sunday September 8 when Sayon Camara and Landaya drummers kick off the fall Raise the Roof concert series.  Camara filled the Gethsemane Episcopal Church last spring with his spirited djembe playing and returns to the series by popular demand with his full drumming troupe.  The six musicians combine African flute with dunun and djembe drums to produce traditional Mandinka songs and rhythms that take listeners on a percussive, melodic and upbeat journey to West Africa.  The concert starts at 4:00 and donations of $10.00 will help fund future live music in Proctorsville.  Cross your fingers for good weather and bring your blanket and your dancing feet.  In case of rain, the performance will be held in the Gethsemane Church on Depot Street next to Crows Cafe.  Get acquainted with Sayon Camara before the concert by visiting SayonCamaraDrumming.com.

6. CAVENDISH CLASSIFIEDS
• Volunteers Needed: Oktoberfest at Glimmerstone Mansion on October 5 (Saturday) needs a variety of volunteers for various tasks.  Volunteers will have access to the music and BBQ (as long as they are 21 or older) and will receive a complimentary dinner for two with drinks at Glimmerstone Mansion. FMI: Call 802-554-0045 For other volunteer opportunities in Cavendish, go to http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/04/volunteering-in-cavendish.html

• Job Opening: LPCTV, “community television for the Black River Valley and Okemo region”, has a need to fill a part-time “Field Producer / Production Associate” position as soon as possible. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and a resume immediately to Patrick Cody 37C Main St. Ludlow VT 05149, pcody@lpctv.org

7. BRGNS NEEDS FURNITURE, HOUSEWARES FOR RUMMAGE SALE
Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday, September 27th and 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday September 29th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  At this time there is a need for all sorts of housewares, 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 such as furniture 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.

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.

8. RIVERSWEEP 9/7: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RiverSweep, a project of the Black River Action Team http://www.BlackRiverActionTeam.org takes place on Saturday, Sept 7. The Cavendish Recreation Department has “adopted” the portion of the Black River that flows by the park and which can be seen on many spots along the ½ mile walking path. This year, volunteers will be assigned to work in and around the Greven Field area. If you are interested in being part of the effort to keep the Black River safe and clean for our community, meet at the Ludlow Gazebo at 9 am. You will be given gloves, a very cool BRAT T-shirt, trash bags etc. If working in Greven Field, meet by the Green Monster after registering in Ludlow. Pizza follows the clean up at noon. FMI: 802-885-1533 or blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com

For other volunteer opportunities in Cavendish, go to http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/04/volunteering-in-cavendish.html

9. EVENTS
On Sunday, Aug. 25, the Cavendish Historical Society will be looking at the role resiliency played in the lives of some of its key historical figures (Settlers Coffeen, Dutton, Proctor; Phineas Gage and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) and its impact on the town. The program begins at 2 pm at the Museum on Route 131 (Main Street) in Cavendish.

It’s back to school for Cavendish students. CTES and GMUHS open on August 28. Seventh grade orientation is Aug. 26 and 27 at GMUHS.

To learn more about upcoming events in Cavendish and surrounding towns go to:

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