Select Board Special Meeting Agenda for 10/28/13

There will be a special Select Board meeting on Monday Oct. 28 at 6pm at the Town Office. The agenda will include:

•  Review and consider bids received for the Clean-Up of the property at 57 Mill Street, Cavendish. The deadline for bids is Monday at 5: 55 pm.

• Meet with Peter Thurrell of Soveren Solar regarding the solar project to be sited on town land with a net-metering arrangement. Discussion will include a project progress update and discussion about the specifics of the contractual arrangements between the town, Soveren Solar and the investment group.

Cavendish Update 10/25/13 Phone Scam/News/CHS/Events

The Cavendish Connects website now includes much of what was included on this blog as well as a calendar of Cavendish events. The new blog, “The Dish,” includes the Cavendish Update as well as on-going information.

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

The 10/25/13 Cavendish Update Contains the following:

1. Phone Scams Hit the Cavendish Area/What you can do

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Cavendish Historical Society News

4. BRGNS Stick Season Social November 2^nd at Sam’s Steakhouse

5. Christmas Shoebox Packing

6. Events

1. PHONE SCAMS HIT THE AREA/WHAT YOU CAN DO  

On Monday a Cavendish resident asked that the following be placed on Facebook- "Yesterday I was contacted by a bogus call concerning my computer. Turned out it was a scam attempting to get me to buy protection plan for my computer

In response, several other people posted about scam calls they've received. 

• I've been getting calls telling me that they want to fix the problems I've been having with my Windows computer. When I tell them that I don't have a Windows based system, they hang up on me. Other residents posted the following:

• I have had several of these calls. They were from another country, and could not speak English well at all. But He told me he was Michael Smith.lol Just tell them you're going to call your provider. They will try to give you "the number.” Don't use that one.

• They've called my husband several times. The last time he was sitting on the sofa, but told the caller he was driving his car and not at his computer and the guy hung up.

Several weeks ago a Cavendish resident commented about the high number of hang up phone calls they were receiving during the day. Could this be a way of finding out if someone is home and if it’s safe to break in?

Telephone marketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States and a million dollar industry in Vermont alone. While anyone is a potential target, those most at risk are people 60 years of age and up.

If you seem to be getting more of these calls, it is possible your number may be on the “sucker list.” These lists, which are sold to other telemarketers, contain information about people who have responded to previous “cold” calls. Some scammers use an area code, the first three numbers for a particular area and randomly dial the last four digits. An unlisted number does not protect you from this type of call.

To the question of whether someone is calling to check to see if anyone’s home, that is becoming less likely since many people are switching away from land lines to cell phones. More likely are hang up calls from marketers working on “sucker lists” and identifying when someone may be at home and therefore the best time for a scammer to call.

It is interesting to note that a number of the scam calls in Cavendish were tech support related. This is an evolving scamming area, which began in about 2008. Unless you’ve called tech support, and they are returning your call, hang up. DO NOT TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER. Check out the Malwarebytes Tech Support Helpand Resource Page. 

For ways to avoid scam calls and where to report them, go to http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/10/phone-scams-hitting-cavendish-areawhat.html

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Price Chopper is recalling its coconut custard pies. The supermarket says its eight inch and ten inch pies did not have all of the ingredients on the label. People with milk, egg, wheat and coconut allergies could fall ill. The pies with UPC numbers: 41735 23713, 41735 23721, or 41735 22453. The pies were sold between August 11 and October 18. Customers can return pies with those UPC numbers to their local Price Chopper for a full refund.

GMP Named Utility ofthe Year: The Solar Electric Power Association presented Green Mountain Power the 2013 investor-owned Utility of the Year Award today for its initiative incorporating solar as a cost-effective solution for its customers and for its most recent decision to make Rutland the Solar Capital of New England. Press Release 

VPR Issues Warningabout 2005 Artist Mug: A few weeks ago, questions emerged about the safety of ceramic mugs from the VPR Artist Mug series. In response, VPR screened all 34 of the mugs produced in the past decade. That process, conducted by a local firm, identified 11 mugs that contain lead. According to an accredited consumer products testing lab in Milford, NH, despite the presence of lead in the ink on the exterior of the mugs, 10 of the 11 mugs meet the applicable FDA regulation. However, one mug produced for the Fall 2005 drive, with a design by Chris Varricchione, was found to have unacceptable levels of lead content in the ceramic material. VPR advises that anyone who has this mug should discontinue its use. Press Release 

3. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS

Even though the Museum is closed for the winter, lots of activity is happening. There are a number of Hands on History workshops as part of the Young Historians program at CTES. A free community wide Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop will be held on Nov. 2, 3-5 pm at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church Parish Hall, in conjunction with CHS’s Honoring Our Heritage initiative.

This past Thursday, members of the Cavendish Stone Church Committee, went up in the  belfry to do an assessment for winter preparations. Some of the pictures taken from this vantage point have been posted to the CHS blog and additional ones will be included on the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

Learn more CHS and how you can become involved by reading the on-line versionof the fall newsletter. 

4. BRGNS STICK SEASON SOCIAL NOV. 2 AT SAM’S

Black River Good Neighbor Services is holding its fourth annual Stick Season Social at Sam’s Steakhouse on Saturday, November 2^nd starting at 6:00 p.m.  “Stick season is that season between the fall leaves and the winter snow.  There are no free concerts and not much to do, so it’s a great time to party,” said Peter LaBelle, President of BRGNS.  “This is a fun fund raising dinner and it is our major fund raiser of the year.  It will help BRGNS with operating costs so it can continue to help local people in need of food, rent, utilities & heat assistance,” said Audrey Bridge, Executive Director.

As in past years, the evening will include a cash bar, a terrific silent auction, and lots of raffle items.  Sam’s has planned a lavish buffet followed by luscious desserts.

Tickets are $50 per person, including dinner, gratuities and tax and can be purchased at BRGNS Thrift Store, 37B Main St., Peoples United Bank, the Book Nook, and The Wine & Cheese Depot, all located in Ludlow.  Or, and this is the really easy way to buy, you may purchase tickets on line at www.brgn.org.  Please call 802-228-3663 with any questions or if you have items you would like to donate for the Silent Auction or Raffle.  Tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited to the first 125 people.  BRGNS is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

5. CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX PACKING

Join Your Neighbors and Spread Some Christmas Joy. Drop in any time on November 2 between 10:00am and 1:00pm to have fun and make new friends as we pack gift boxes for some of the neediest children in the world. Operation Christmas Child is an annual event organized by Samaritan’s Purse to bless children all over the world. The Packing Party is hosted by Cavendish Baptist and located in the multi-purpose room at Cavendish Elementary School. Boxes and gifts are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gifts to donate as well. A list of gift suggestions is available on-line. For more information about the Packing Party, call (802) 226-7131.  

6. EVENTS

Halloween is just around the corner. The Golden Stage Inn will once again have their haunted house on Oct. 31. There are a variety of Halloween activities in the area this weekend. To learn more about upcoming events in Cavendish and surrounding towns go to:

-  Events listed by month 

-  Events listed by day 

To register an event: go to http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/central-vermont-event-calendar/community/add/

Phone Scams Hitting the Cavendish Area/What you can do

The Cavendish Connects website now includes much of what was included on this blog as well as a calendar of Cavendish events. The new blog, “The Dish,” includes the Cavendish Update as well as on-going information.

On Monday a Cavendish resident asked that the following be placed on Facebook- "Yesterday I was contacted by a bogus call concerning my computer. Turned out it was a scam attempting to get me to buy protection plan for my computer.  

In response, several other people posted about scam calls they've received. 

• I've been getting calls telling me that they want to fix the problems I've been having with my Windows computer. When I tell them that I don't have a Windows based system, they hang up on me. 

• I have had several of these calls. They were from another country, and could not speak English well at all. But He told me he was Michael Smith.lol Just tell them you're going to call your provider. They will try to give you "the number.” Don't use that one.

• They've called my husband several times. The last time he was sitting on the sofa, but told the caller he was driving his car and not at his computer and the guy hung up.

In the same vein, several weeks ago a Cavendish resident commented about the high number of hang up phone calls they were receiving during the day. Could this be a way of finding out if someone is home and if it’s safe to break in?

Telephone marketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States and a million dollar industry in Vermont alone. While anyone is a potential target, those most at risk are people 60 years of age and up.

If you seem to be getting more of these calls, it is possible your number may be on the “sucker list.” These lists, which are sold to other telemarketers, contain information about people who have responded to previous “cold” calls. Some scammers use an area code, the first three numbers for a particular area and randomly dial the last four digits. An unlisted number does not protect you from this type of call.

To the question of whether someone is calling to check to see if anyone’s home, that is becoming less likely since many people are switching away from land lines to cell phones. More likely hang up calls are from marketers working on “sucker lists” and identifying when someone may be at home and therefore the best time for a scammer to call.

It is interesting to note that a number of the scam calls in Cavendish were tech support related. This is a newly evolving scamming area, which began in about 2008. Unless you’ve called tech support, and they are returning your call, hang up. DO NOT TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER. Check out the Malwarebytes Tech Support Help and Resource Page. 

Below are ways to avoid it happening to you, followed by what to do if you receive such a call

Avoid scam calls

• Check your caller ID before answering your phone. If it comes up as private caller, unknown caller or an 800 number, don’t answer it. You may also want to consider not answering calls where you do not recognize the number. Let the answering machine handle it.

• If you get a message that seems suspicious, requesting you to call-do not call until you’ve checked them out and confirmed they are legitimate (e.g. The call back number listed matches the one on your Medicare card or credit card).

• If you receive a cell phone call or text from an unknown number, do not respond. 

• Do not respond to unknown phone numbers on your “missed calls” list.

• Register for the National Do Not Call Registry. You can limit the number of telemarketing calls you receive by placing your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. You can do this by calling 1-888-382-12222 from the number you wish to register or by going to www.donotcall.gov On line registration requires that you respond by clicking on the confirmation e-mail. Your number stays on this list until you take it off or your number is disconnecting or re-assigned. Certain calls, such as charities and companies you do business with, can legally call you. However, you can tell them to put you on their do not call list.

• Do not call numbers that are sent to you as part of direct mail advertising (e.g. Call now to get your free gift.), or seen on TV, newspaper, or magazine or advertisement.

Remember that the more you ignore these phone calls, the more likely the scammer will be to move on and stop calling.

If you’ve registered for the Do Not Call Registry but you are still receiving calls. Write down the date and time of call, the name of the company and person calling and report violations to 1-888-382-1222.

How to Handle Scam Calls

• If you pick up the phone and caller asks you to push buttons, answer questions, or go on-line hang up. Do not participate. The longer they have you on the phone, the more likely they are to scam you or call you back.

• If you pick up the phone and get a recorded message, or Robocall, hang up. Do not press 1 or another number. 

• It’s important to know what’s a scam. A quick reminder is that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Hang Up

• DO NOT GIVE YOUR PERSONAL, CREDIT CARD OR ONLINE ACCOUNT DETAILS OVER THE PHONE unless it is a trusted source.

• Learn more about identifying phone scammers by downloading the Federal Trade Commission’s Putting Telephone Scams on Hold:Recognize and Report Phone Fraud 

Report a Scam: Write down: the name of the company/business, date, time of call and the person’s name. Contact the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP or contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Office 800-649-2424 or 802-656-3183

Cavendish Update 10/18/13 News/Events

The Cavendish Connects website now includes much of what was included on this blog as well as a calendar of Cavendish events. The new blog, “The Dish,” includes the Cavendish Update as well as on-going information.

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

NOTICE: Water Conservation for Oct 20-24: Due to cleaning of equipment, Cavendish municipal water users are being asked to conserve water from Oct 20-24. While the tanks will be filled to the brim, no water will be pumped into them during the cleaning phase. Please postpone projects that would require extensive water use at this time.

The Cavendish Update for 10/18/13 Contains the Following

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Dia de la Muertos (Day of the Dead) Workshop

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Game Birds Bouncing Back: After a massive fire that killed an estimated 21,000 quail at a southeastern Vermont farm in March, the business is now back in operation, and occupying a new barn that replaced the one lost to the flames. Cavendish Game Birds of Vermont, located in Springfield, is a leading supplier of specialty meat and eggs to restaurants and markets across the country. Bill Thompson of Cavendish, is one of the two brothers that owns the farm.  NECN 

New Law Help Websitefor  Vermonters: Vermont Legal Aid and Law Line of Vermont have just launched a redesigned, easy-to-use website, Vermont Law Help, vtlawhelp.org that provides up-to-date guidance on health care access, health insurance issues, and other civil legal issues. One of the goals of Vermont Law Help is to inform and empower Vermonters to help themselves, find resources they can use, and know where legal services are available. Guided interviews show visitors how to complete common court documents, and form letters help them address specific problems. Press Release 

Statewide Drug Take Back Day: On Oct. 26 (Saturday), 57 locations across Vermont will be prepared to accept unused or unwanted prescription medications. Pills should not be flushed or thrown away but instead brought to a location for proper disposal. No identification or questions are asked at these sites. The public is encouraged to inventory their medicine cabinets or other locations where medicines are kept and properly dispose of those that are not being used. The closest centers to Cavendish include Ludlow Police Department and the Springfield Police Dept.

LPC-TV MembershipDrive is Underway: Become a member today and keep LPC-TV recording and making available things like Cavendish Select Board and School board meetings. Few public access channels also offer their shows on-line. 

2. CAVENDISH DIA DE LA MUERTOS WORKSHOP

An ancient Aztec celebration in memory of deceased ancestors, Dia de la Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is believed that on October 31, the gates of heaven are opened and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to be reunited with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come to enjoy the festivities. While celebrated throughout Latin America, it is especially popular in Mexico, where it is a national holiday.

Though the subject matter may be considered morbid from the perspective of some other cultures, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead joyfully. Even with its proximity to Halloween, the traditional mood is much brighter with an emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased, and celebrating the continuation of life. The belief is not that death is the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life.

The origins of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of the area, such as the Aztec, Maya, P'urhépecha, Nahua, and Totonac. Rituals celebrating the lives of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations for at least the last 3000 years.

Plans for the festival are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods to be offered to the dead. During the period of October 31 and November 2, families usually clean and decorate the graves. Most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas, or offerings, which often include orange marigold called Flor de Muerto, or zempoalxochitl, Nahuatl for "twenty-flower.” Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or little angels), and bottles of tequila, mezcal, pulque or atole for adults. Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Ofrendas (altars) are also put in homes.

Customs very from town to town and by region and country. In Brazil and El Salvador, on November 2, people go to church and visit cemeteries where they clean their ancestors graves and leave flowers. On November 1 in Guatemala the festival is a colorful and lively celebration for which extravagant kites (barriletes gigantes) are built and flown high above the cemeteries as a symbolic link between the living and the dead.

The Cavendish Historical Society, as part of its Hands on History and Honoring Our Heritage programs is offering a free Dia de la Muertos workshop on November 2, 3-5 pm at the Parish Hall of the Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville. The workshop will include making papal picado (paper cuts), the banners that decorate many homes and streets; paper flowers; sugar skulls and more. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net

3. EVENTS

This evening Little Village Farm in Proctorsville is holding their “Raise the Roof” party starting at 5 pm. FMI- www.littlevillagefarm.com Saturday, Oct. 19 is the Job Fair at Okemo Mountain 10-3 at the base lodge.  Flu shots will be administered on Oct. 23 (Wednesday) at the Black River Valley Senior Center in Ludlow from 10-noon

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

-                Events listed by month 

-                Events listed by day 

To register an event: go to  http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/central-vermont-event-calendar/community/add/

Cavendish Update 10/11/13 News/SB Mtg/Events

The Cavendish Connects website now includes much of what was included on this blog as well as a calendar of Cavendish events. The new blog, “The Dish,” includes the Cavendish Update as well as on-going information.

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

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

The Cavendish Update for 10/11/13 Contains the Following:

1.Select Board Meeting 10/7/13

2. Cavendish Related News

3. CTES Needs a Bus Driver ASAP

4. Cavendish Conservation Committee to Host Talk on Bees in Vermont

5. CTES School Wide Bake Sale Today

6. Raise the Roof Harvest Party in Proctorsville

7. Stress-Less Weekend at the Castle

8. Events

1. SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/7/13

Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television. The following were discussed at Monday’s Meeting:

A. Water Conservation for Oct 20-24: Due to cleaning of equipment, Cavendish municipal water users are being asked to conserve water from Oct 20-24. While the tanks will be filled to the brim, no water will be pumped into them during the cleaning phase. Please postpone projects that would require extensive water use at this time.

B. Skateboard Ramp at Greven Field: On behalf of Cavendish Recreation, Terry O’Brien explained to the board that they had received money from Singleton’s soup contest to put towards the installation of a ramp for beginner skateboarders. Because Greven Field is owned by the town, concerned was raised by SB members about liability issues, insurance etc. It was decided that it would be prudent if the SB and Cavendish Rec have a joint meeting to discuss issues of liability in general, which would include the potential for a skateboard ramp. This meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 4 at 6 pm.

C. Staley Property: Rich Svec, town manager, read the request for proposal (RFP) to be issued regarding the clean up of the property at 57 Mill Street in Cavendish. Burned in the spring of 2011, the remains of the house are creating a hazardous situation. To that end, the SB approved the hiring of a contractor to clean up the property and to put a lean on it. The RFP includes demolition of the remaining building, properly disposing of debris, filling holes and reseeding. The RFP will be posted in a variety of places, including on-line. The board voted on a 10 day posting period, with selection taking place on Oct. 21 at 6 pm. FMI: 226-7291

D. Sustainability

Zero-Sort: The compactor for Zero-Sort recycling has been ordered, upgrades are being made at the transfer station and is expected to be operational by Thanksgiving. Svec has filed the paper work with the state regarding a change in the town’s transfer station function. The representative from the state indicated that since changes were being made to the license, they should include something on how compostable waste will be dealt with. The same legislation that requires towns to recycle everything they possibly can (required by 2014), requires that yard waste and food waste be appropriately composted and out of the solid waste stream by 2015 and 2017 respectively. Currently, only a few towns are doing organic waste recycling. While the SB is interested in promoting home composting, Svec will be contacting towns that have implemented the organic waste composting.

Solar Project: In order to take advantage of the state’s program, the solar panels need to be installed by Dec. 31 of this year. While it will only take three weeks for the installation, the SB needs to meet with Soveren to discuss financial matters, as there have been some changes since the original approval of the project. While most of the trees have been removed, there are a few remaining that the town highway department will remove if they can. Some may require the involvement of Green Mountain Power because of overhead wires.

ERP (Ecosystem Restoration Program): Cavendish received a $94,590 grant to provide protection for water quality, enhanced flood resiliency and flood mitigation along a crucial section of the Black River. The town is in the process of negotiating with property owners (Mills, Stubeleck, Pieter van Schaik) for parcels of land. These properties will remain undeveloped and provide flood relief, protection of crucial infrastructure, including the water and sewer lines that connect the two villages. This will also allow for new ways the public can recreate on the Black River.

E. Chubb Hill: As a follow up to the various meetings regarding Chubb Hill access road, the town will be sending a check of $300 this week to property owner Donnie Davis as reimbursement for his time and mileage in picking up the permit earlier this summer.

F. Traffic Studies: SB member Scott Ranney is concerned about speeding on Depot Street in Proctorsville. There was discussion about how to reduce speed limits with traffic quieting measures, such as narrowing of the road by expanding sidewalks and parking. Road studies are being requested for both Depot Street in Proctorsville and Pleasant Street in Cavendish.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

CTES Minutes and Agenda for 10/15/13 Meeting: The Minutes from the September Board Meeting of the Cavendish Town Elementary School have been posted.  These minutes will be voted for approval at the Oct. 15 board meeting, which will be at the school at 5:30 pm. The agenda will include school board candidate interviews; hiring school bus driver and after school program assistant; finance; adoption of the Comprehensive Policy Handbook and reports from the Principal and Superintendent.

Paving on 131: Three layers of paving will be placed on route 131 from the NH border to the intersection of 106. The paving began on Oct. 7 and is expected to last several more weeks depending on weather. VTrans 

New Owner for Sam’s Steak House: In August, Paul Olson purchased Sam’s. While renovations are underway, the restaurant is pretty much the same expect there are more nightly specials and mashed potatoes and fries are no longer limited to “The Lounge.” VT Journal 

Emergency Notification System Launched in VT: Vermonters have a new tool at their disposal to stay informed of pending disasters, weather conditions, public health notifications, and countless other alerts that could affect themselves or their loved ones.  Vermont Alert (www.vtalert.gov) is a free service for users. It allows the public to sign up and receive notifications through a number of delivery systems, including text, e-mail, telephone, or even a game console. Vermont Alert is hosted and maintained by the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (VT DEMHS) and is available to all emergency response agencies in the state in order to allow for localized alerts. Press Release 

Prolonged ShutdownWill Harm Thousands in VT: Governor Peter Shumlin and a group of top administration officials say Vermont has the funds to keep vital assistance programs running through the month, but the federal shutdown could mean big trouble if it lasts another week. Thousands of Vermonters stand to lose some sort of federal assistance if the shutdown continues. Among them: Roughly 14,000 benefiting from federal rent assistance, 40 percent of students enrolled in Head Start programs across the state, 17,000 elderly and disabled Vermonters receiving federal SNAP benefits, and foster families who receive assistance. VPR

Accessible Adventures: The VT Center for Independent Living has launched a website where people can share information and learn about the accessibility of public facilities, such as businesses, dinning, recreation, housing etc. Anyone can write a review.

3. CTES NEEDS A BUS DRIVER ASAP

Cavendish Elementary School has a desperate need for a bus driver as they currently do not have one and parents are having to make alternate plans for getting children to and from school.  If you, or someone you know, might be interested in training to become the bus driver contact George Thomson at 802-226-7758.

4. CAVENDISH CONSERVATION COMMITTEE TO HOST TALK ON BEES

The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s Conservation Committee will present the next Walk and Talk series event on October 16th at 6:30 p.m. when they host a presentation about Bees in Vermont, with Mike Benson a third generation Vermont beekeeper from Cuttingsville.  Mike is a member of the Vermont Beekeepers Association and gives educational presentations in schools and community venues around the state.

The Vermont Beekeepers Association represents over 400 beekeepers that raise bees for love and honey.  They are as diverse as the 246 towns in Vermont, but are unified in their fascination with and affection for bees.  Most beekeepers are hobbyists, but there are some “side liners” who try to make a bit of extra income from their 25-200 hives as well as a handful of full-time professionals.

The lecture and presentation will be held at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church hall on Depot Street (next to Crow’s Bakery) in Proctorsville.  Come and see what is involved in making honey, and maybe enjoy some honey flavored treats.  For more information on this event or on the Walk and Talk Series, please call Robin Timko at 802-226-7736.

5. CTES SCHOOL WIDE BAKE SALE TODAY

Today, Friday 11, there is a school wide bake sale from 3:30 until all items are sold. The sale will take place in front of Singleton’s and the Shaw’s in Ludlow. Proceeds will benefit the school’s activity fund, which helps fund field trips, Keewaydin trip for 6^th graders and the third grade play.

6. RAISE THE ROOF HARVEST PARTY IN PROCTORSVILLE

Little Village Farm in Proctorsville, is a CSA (community supported agriculture), which has been

serving the area since 2010 with organic produce. Owned by Jeremiah and Cara Tyrrell, the plan is to open a farm stand to the public in the spring of 2014. On Friday, Oct. 18, they will be hosting a Raise the Roof party to help finish the stand.

Starting at 5 pm, there will be a potluck supper, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and more. If you have an item or service you would like to donate, please e-mail littlevillagefarm@gmail.com Learn more about the farm, including directions, by going to www.littlevillagefarm.com or their Facebook page.

7. STRESS-LESS WEEKEND AT THE CASTLE

Need some time to let it all go and focus on yourself?  Treat yourself with kindness and sign up for the Stress-Less Weekend at the Castle Hill Spa and Resort in Cavendish, VT on November 2^nd and 3^rd.  To start off the weekend, you will soothe your mind and emotions as you learn effective and easy-to-use stress relieving techniques with Live Authentically wellness instructor Martha Mott.  At the Castle Hill Spa, your body will be pampered with your choice of either massage, Reiki, facial or mani/pedi.  End each luxurious day with Yoga on day 1 and Nia (a music and movement practice) on day 2.  Tennis, heated outdoor pool and the hot tub are also available for your use. To keep you nourished during the day, a delicious box lunch specially prepare by the Castle Hill chef will be provided.  To really get away from it all, consider booking a room at The Pointe Hotel at the Castle Hill Spa and Resort at a special discounted rate.  To register, go to www.liveauthentically.org or call Martha at 802-226-7848.  Deadline to register is October 21^st and space is limited. 

8. EVENTS

Today is the last day for the outdoor Ludlow Farmer’s Market. As noted above, there is also the bake sale to benefit the CTES Activities Fund, which will take place in front of Singleton’s and Shaw’s starting at 3:30 pm.

Because this is a three day weekend, a lot is happening in and around town, including:

• The Ludlow Rotary’s Annual Chili Cook off is Saturday from 11 to 2 pm. Proceeds benefit Black River Valley Senior Center.

• Goodman’s American Pie Pizza (Proctorsville residents) is sponsoring Slice of Hope to raise money for breast cancer research. Elm Street will be closed and they will have their mobile pizza truck fired up. Along with vintage cars, this should be a fun event for the whole family. FMI: 228-4271

• Sunday is the last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open (2-4pm). It’s also the day of the annual cemetery tours. This year we will be touring the Old Revolutionary and Coffeen cemeteries. Those wishing to tour the cemeteries should meet at 2 pm at the Museum. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807

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

-                Events listed by month 

-                Events listed by day 

To register an event: go to http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/central-vermont-event-calendar/community/add/