Support for a Depot Street Covered Bridge

Depot Street, Proctorsville VT: Note the covered bridge over the Black River. 

The following letter is by Amy Balogh. A copy of which, along with a petition to sign in support of the town considering a covered bridge to replace the existing one on Depot Street, is available at Crows Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville. This will be available for signatures until closing on Sunday, June 1.

It has come to my attention that the existing bridge on Depot Street, which has been patched several times over the years, is in need of replacement. Being a Depot Street resident and property owner, I have several concerns I'd like to address. Also I propose that the town raises funds to build a covered bridge at this location. Not only would a covered bridge directly address many of the concerns listed below, it would provide several additional benefits too.

My concerns are as follows:

The speed of traffic: Although the speed is posted at 35 mph on Depot Street (arguably a topic that needs reconsideration as well), cars do not travel that slowly. Vehicles come speeding off Route 103 at highway speeds and barely slow down to 35 mph for the sharp curve at the bridge.

The volume of traffic: The Depot Street neighborhood is home to many families and individuals who walk, run, ride their bikes and skateboard into the village and to Greven Field. Constant traffic is a concern, especially "through traffic" that has little regard for or awareness of the residential nature of this neighborhood.

The noise of traffic: The excessive speed of some of the more "souped up" cars is plain old noisy, as was the sound of large trucks equally problematic prior to the posting of the 5 ton limit. By limiting the weight of trucks on the bridge, trucks are only required to add slightly more than a half mile to their commute while remaining on the major routes of 103 and 131. 

Adding a covered bridge to this location would likely address each of these issues. It would also add to the 'historic village' character of Proctorsville/Cavendish. [See photograph above that shows the way Depot Street once looked including the covered bridge.] The Covered Bridge listing in Vermont Vacation Guide is coveted and brings people from all over the world to experience the various covered bridges throughout the state. Such a covered bridge on Depot Street would add immediate value to local businesses that rely on tourism such as Singletons, Golden Stage Inn, and Six Loose Ladies. It would also boost the economic value and appeal to future new businesses contemplating our village as their location. And of course, as already implied above, it would enhance the safety and comfort of those residing on Depot Street and Greven Rd (road? Extension? Street?), which would also add value to the residential market of the area. 

Please consider these concerns and my proposal for a covered bridge when making plans to repair or replace the existing Depot Street bridge. I believe you find the majority of village residents to agree with these sentiments. 

Cavendish Update: 5/30/14 Memorial Day/News/Events/Wi-Fi

Known as “Decoration Day,” in the aftermath of the Civil War, on May 30, veterans’ graves were cleaned and flowers or wreaths placed on them. While many southern towns claim to have started this tradition, President Johnson in May 1966 declared Waterloo NY as the official birthplace. Now known as “Memorial Day,” it is a holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May and recognizes all those who have died in service to the United States.  Cavendish continues to honor the May 30^th date with a program at CTES starting at 10 am. This year’s parade, leading to Hillcrest Cemetery, follows immediately after the program at the school.

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

The Cavendish Update for 5-30-14 Contains the Following:

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Historical Society Tag and Plant Sale

3. Techie Question: Where are Local Wi-Fi Hot Spots?

4. Twenty Years Ago in Cavendish History

5. Events

6. Yes, I want to become a friend of the Cavendish Update

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Is the Black River Safe? A question many people consider as summer approaches as paddling, swimming, fishing, and tubing are all common occurrences in the Black River when the temperature rises. Black River Action Team (BRAT) volunteers will once again venture forth on the last Wednesday of each month from May through September, carefully collecting samples of water from the 11 sites along the Black River, including Greven Field, and two smaller tributary streams. Volunteers and donations are needed for this effort. Press Release

 Solzhenitsyn Exhibit Reopens at Town Museum: Last year, the Universalist/Unitarian Convention of Vermont and Canada voted to deed the Stone Church to the town of Cavendish for use as a museum focused on the Nobel Prize-winning writer and activist. The Eagle Times reports the exhibit is at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. It's to be moved to the church following finalization of the deed and renovations. WCAX 

What to Do When the Tick Bits: If you find a tick, the most important thing is to remove it with one of the many tick removal tools found in stores, or a pair of fine-nosed tweezers. “Get it right next to the skin and pull up steadily and remove the tick. Wash the area just to prevent any secondary infections. If it hasn’t been attached more than 24 or 36 hours, your risk of getting Lyme Disease is very low.” The Health Dept. recommends daily tick checks. VPR 

VT Ranks 4^th for Senior Health: According to the second edition of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report Vermont has its share of strengths and challenges. The state ranked in the top five on community support (#5), being able-bodied (#2) and low ICU usage (#1). Others in the top 10 include food insecurity (#6), which decreased from 11.6 percent to 10.8 percent, and the geriatrician shortfall (#10), which decreased from 53.9 percent to 43.6 percent. In the past year, nursing home quality decreased from 54.4 percent to 43.6 percent, just missing the bottom 10 ranking at #39. VT ranked in the bottom 10 on seven measures. Chronic drinking (#43 at 5.0 percent), depression (#44 at 16.3 percent) and suicide #41 at 19.4 deaths per 100,000 adults) joined prevalence of falls (#43 at 32.0 percent) are among Vermont’s lowest rankings. Its lowest – at #49 – is hospice care. In the past year, use of hospice care did increase from 23.5 percent to 28.8 percent so the state has seen some improvement. VT Digger 

2. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY TAG AND PLANT SALE: The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will not be holding it’s annual plant sale the Saturday closest to July 4^th. Instead, their plant and tag sale will be part of the 4^th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale on July 26 (Saturday) from 9-3. If you have items you’d like to donate (plants or tag sale items) to CHS for their sale, you can drop them off at the Museum on Sundays from 2-4 pm or call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net to arrange for a pick up.

If you are a Cavendish resident, property or business owner or a community group that serves the area, there is free space on the town greens (Proctorsville & Cavendish) and the CHS Museum grounds for set up. To register for one of these spaces, and/or to be included on the tag sale map, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net For best results, be sure to include any unique or special items you will have for sale.

Information about the tag sale is being updated weekly and is available on-line at the Cavendish VT blog. 

3. TECHIE QUESTION: WHERE ARE THE WI-FI HOT SPOTS?

The power is out, there is no Internet connection, it’s late Sunday night, and you need to finalize a business transaction before Monday. Scenarios will vary, but the question remains, where can you go locally for Wi-Fi access that does not require a password?

There are a number of places that offer Wi-Fi-Castle, Golden Stage Inn, Crows Bakery and Cafe, Cavendish Library and School- but they require passwords and are generally not available outside of their respective buildings. However, Ludlow does offer Wi-Fi Public Access Hot Spots. In the event of an emergency you can log on at the following locations on Main Street: Dunkin Donuts, TDS, and in various spots, such as in front of the Fletcher Library.

Do you know of other locations that offer public access 24-7 and do not require a password? Also, is there interest in a workshop on lowering or eliminating your cable bill by using video streaming? Reply to these questions by e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807.

4. TWENTY YEARS AGO IN CAVENDISH HISTORY

After living in exile in Cavendish for almost 18 years, Soviet dissident and Nobel Laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn returned to his homeland in Russia on May 27, 1994. Addressing the Cavendish voters at the 1994 town meeting, Solzhenitsyn noted, I have observed here in Cavendish, and in the surrounding towns the sensible and sure process of grassroots democracy where the local population decides most of its problems on its own, not waiting for the decision of higher authorities. Alas, this we still do not have in Russia, and that is our greatest shortcoming. Learn more about Solzhenitsyn at the Cavendish Historical Society Blog. 

5. EVENTS

The following Cavendish related events are taking place in the coming week:

MAY 30 (FRIDAY): Community Memorial Day Program, 10-11 am at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. The Parade will be on Depot Street ending at Hillcrest Cemetery.

• Ludlow Farmer’s Market featuring a number of Cavendish vendors, 4-7 pm on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI: http://www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org

JUNE 1 (SUNDAY): The Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open from 2-4 pm. FMI: 802-226-7807, margoc@tds.net

JUNE 2 (MONDAY: Yoga with Lydia Ouvaroff: 5 pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Parish Hall off Depot Street in Proctorsville. Cost is a donation. FMI: 802-299-9515 (cell) or 228-3261.

JUNE 3 (TUESDAY): Bone Builders Bone Builders meeting at the Cavendish Baptist Church each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 11:30 am.  Weighs are used to help build muscle and stave off osteoporosis for both men and women. Exercises also focus on balance.  Call Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Dot Ramsdell at 226-7870 or RSVP office at 885-2083.  RSVP is the sponsor of this activity.

• 7^th Grade Parents Night at GMUHS: 5-6:30 at GMUHS

JUNE 5 (THURSDAY): Bone Builders Bone Builders meeting at the Cavendish Baptist Church each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 11:30 am.  Weighs are used to help build muscle and stave off osteoporosis for both men and women. Exercises also focus on balance.  Call Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Dot Ramsdell at 226-7870 or RSVP office at 885-2083.  RSVP is the sponsor of this activity.

JUNE 6 (FRIDAY): 2014 GMUHS Alumni Weekend Parade & Banquet FMI: http://chsgmuhsalumni.org

• Ludlow Farmer’s Market featuring a number of Cavendish vendors, 4-7 pm on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI: http://www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org

• GMUHS Senior Awards Dinner: 7-9 pm at GMUHS

JUNE 8 (SUNDAY): Proctorsville/Cavendish Reunion: A group of former and current residents are holding a reunion, from noon to 5 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville. A pot luck supper begins at 12:30. Please bring photos to share with your classmates and others. FMI: John Snarski jl312@myfairpoint.net or 802-827-6589  Terry Heikkinen hunterslilsis@yahoo.com

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 

6. YES! I WANT TO BECOME A FRIEND OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE

Please complete the form below and send a check, payable to Margo Caulfield, with Friend of the Cavendish Update on the subject line, and mail to PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142.

Name: ________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

Phone #: ____________________________   E-Mail: _________________

Enclosed is my contribution of

__ $200 __ $100 __ $50 __ $25 __ Other

__ I wish my contribution to remain anonymous.

This will be a ___ One time donation; ____ Monthly Recurring Donation; ____ Yearly Recurring Donation.

I want to make this gift in honor or memory of : Name__________________________

Address: _________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________

Crime Alert 5/23/14

Since posting this morning’s Cavendish Update, and the vandalism reported on May 19 at 601 Main Street (windows shot out and lawn damage) we’ve learned about the following in Proctorsville:

• An attempt was made to break into Six Loose Ladies some time between Sunday May 18 after 5 pm and Wed May 21 at 3 pm. This store does not keep cash.

• May 21: 1 Block Park Place Burglary-Breaking and entering with force at 10:57 am

• May 11: Larceny from motor Vehicle 500 Block Main Street

If you have any information, please contact the Vermont State Police at 875-2112.

Is the Black River Safe?

"Is the river safe?" is a question many people consider as summer approaches: paddling, swimming, fishing, and tubing are all common occurrences in the Black River when the temperature rises.

Volunteers of the non-profit grassroots group Black River Action Team (BRAT) met on Friday, May 23rd to finalize plans for the third season of monthly water quality monitoring -- coincidentally, the same date set as Water Quality Day by the Green Mountain Water Environment Association. Water Quality Day is intended to focus public attention on the work done at wastewater treatment facilities around the state, encouraging communities to learn more about what happens after water they see every day swirls down a drain -- out of sight, out of mind. Rivers and other surface waters are potentially impacted by discharge from treatment facilities, as well as by storm water flushing down street drains -- separated from town sewer pipes and emptying right into rivers and streams around the state.

BRAT volunteers will once again venture forth on the last Wednesday of each month from May through September, carefully collecting samples of water from the 11 sites along the Black River and two smaller tributary streams. Samples will be analyzed at Endyne Labs in Lebanon NH for bacteria levels, and at the State's water quality lab in Burlington for other parameters such as turbidity, total Nitrogen, and total Phosphorus. Other measurements recorded will include temperature and pH; the samples are gathered and the data collected and collated in an effort to assemble baseline data on the river. "The more information we can gather over a number of consecutive years, the better we'll be able to recognize trends in water quality," said BRAT Director Kelly Stettner.

The data is shared with the State of Vermont, to better help guide further inspection and detection of possible sources of contamination, as well as to assist in planning projects to mitigate the problem, if possible.

The work of collecting samples is not difficult, but care and precision in handling the various tubes and bottles are vital to obtaining accurate numbers at the labs. Proper data entry when filling out the paperwork that accompanies each vial is also essential; volunteers must demonstrate attention to detail in all aspects of this program.

Stettner is especially grateful to the water quality monitoring program "guru," Springfield resident Bill Manner. Manner's background with the State of Pennsylvania's water quality monitoring department has made him an invaluable member of the BRAT team. "Everyone who participates is hugely important," acknowledges Stettner, who is pleased to welcome new members as well as "veterans" of the program.

For more information on this and other projects on the Black River, contact BRAT Director Kelly Stettner atblackrivercleanup@yahoo.com. To help support the volunteer efforts of the BRAT, donations may be made directly to the BRAT at 101 Perley Gordon Rd, Springfield VT 05156. Tax deductible donations may be made out to the ONRCD and mailed to the BRAT's fiscal agent, Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District (note "BRAT" in the memo), 28 Farmvu Dr, WRJ VT 05001.

Cavendish Update 5/23/14 Crime Watch/News/Events/Support the Update

Today is not only the official start of Memorial Day Weekend, and the start of summer, but it’s also “Don’t Fry Day.” Being SunWise can help avoid painful sunburn as well as a range of health problems, including skin cancer.

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

The Cavendish Update for 5-23-14 Contains the Following:

1. Proctorsville Crime Alert

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events

4. Supporting the Cavendish Update

1. PROCTORSVILLE CRIME ALERT

Some time between the Sunday evening, May 18, and Monday May 19, the house at 695 Main Street in Proctorsville, had windows shot out and the yard torn up by someone driving around on it. This is the red house currently being renovated. If you have any information, please contact the VT State Police 875-2112. 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Baptist Church Dedicates New Addition: On Sunday, May 18, a BBQ, cake and a dedication service officially opened the addition to the Cavendish Baptist Church. This project began almost 20 years ago. Using local volunteers, all $120,000 needed for the project was also raised in town. This space, which includes a new bathroom and shower, as well as a full kitchen, is available for community use. Thanks to the new lift, it means everyone can easily access the downstairs. The area will also serve as a shelter for the town in the event of an emergency/disaster. If you are interested in using the space, call 802-226-7131. Watch the four-

Pastor Abe Gross at the dedication
of the new addition at the Cavendish
Baptist Church on May 18.

minute video made by Amanda Gross using Carl Snyder’s photographs documenting the progress from 2004 to 2014.

 Proctorsville Fire Dept. Installs Flag: The 25ft flagpole that was donated to PFD from the Ludlow American Legion was installed May 20 behind the Memorial stone. The Memorial is nearing completion with the following left to do: finishing the railing, installing the bench, bark mulch, and planting flowers. Mark your calendars for the Memorial dedication on June 21st at 11am. All are welcome to attend

Environmental Award Helps to Continue Testing of Black River at Greven Field: Kelly Stettner, winner of the GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award, says that the prize money is an opportunity to look at purchasing a few things we've been needing, like a dissecting microscope to look at river macroinvertebrates, and expand the native nursery in Ludlow!  We can also now financially cover the bacteria testing at the Greven Field swimming hole in Proctorsville, so swimmers there will have a good sense of the water quality before they decide to dip a toe.

Transmission Company Seeks Federal Permit for Lake Champlain Power Line: TDI New England, subsidiary of the New York City-based Blackstone investment firm, has applied for a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a 154 mile power line under Lake Champlain from Canada to Ludlow, VT. If permitted, the New England Clean Power Link would bring 100 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to New England, the company says. VPR 

Click It or Ticket: Vermont law enforcement and New York State Police are cracking down on drivers who aren't wearing their seat belts. It kicked off May 19-- just in time for the busy travel season-- and goes through June 1 across the region. Officials are pulling people over for speeding or other violations, and then checking to see if they have their seat belts on. Those found without seat belts will be charged an initial fine of $31, which can increase to $106. This is in addition to whatever fine you were going to receive for your violation. WCAX 

Vermont Toll Roads: Because most of VT’s roads were built with federal funds and not state money, there are no toll roads in the state. This could change soon because the White House is backing a plan to allow all states to charge an interstate toll if they want to. Congressman Peter Welch supports the change. VPR 

VT is first State Providing Text to 911: The head of the organization that oversees Vermont's 911 emergency telephone system says the state is the first in the country where customers of the four major wireless carriers can send text messages to 911. Ss of Monday T-Mobile customers in Vermont are now able to text 911. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint began the service earlier. WCAX 

3. EVENTS

The following Cavendish related events will take place in the coming week:

MAY 23 (FRIDAY): Opening of the Ludlow Farmers Market, featuring a number of Cavendish vendors, 4-7 pm on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI: http://www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org

MAY 24 (SATURDAY): Free Grave Stone Cleaning Workshop: Before you place the flowers on the grave, make sure the headstone is clean. Meet at the Cavendish Cemetery on High Street in Cavendish at 10 am. All materials supplied. As more water is better, when cleaning stones, the workshop will take place regardless of weather. Be sure to dress appropriately.  Please register by calling 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

• Vermont Open Studio Weekend  http://www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html

MAY 25 (SUNDAY): Part 1 of “The Vermont Movie: Freedom and Unity. http://www.thevermontmovie.com will be shown at 2pm at the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum on Main Street Proctorsville. This is a free event sponsored by CHS. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

• Vermont Open Studio Weekend  http://www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html

MAY 26 (MONDAY): Memorial Day-School, offices and banks closed.

• Yoga with Lydia Ouvaroff: 5 pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Parish Hall off Depot Street in Proctorsville. Cost is a donation. FMI: 802-299-9515 (cell) or 228-3261.

MAY 27 (TUESDAY): Bone Builders Bone Builders meeting at the Cavendish Baptist Church each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 11:30 am.  Weighs are used to help build muscle and stave off osteoporosis for both men and women. Exercises also focus on balance.  Call Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Dot Ramsdell at 226-7870 or RSVP office at 885-2083.  RSVP is the sponsor of this activity.

MAY 29 (THURSDAY): Bone Builders Bone Builders meeting at the Cavendish Baptist Church each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 11:30 am.  Weighs are used to help build muscle and stave off osteoporosis for both men and women. Exercises also focus on balance.  Call Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Dot Ramsdell at 226-7870 or RSVP office at 885-2083.  RSVP is the sponsor of this activity.

MAY 30 (FRIDAY): Cavendish’s Memorial Day activities 10 am at the Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. This year the parade is to the Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville, with a wreath being tossed from the Depot Street Bridge. FMI: 226-7292.

• Ludlow Farmer’s Market featuring a number of Cavendish vendors, 4-7 pm on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main Street in Ludlow. FMI: http://www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org

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 

4. YES! I WANT TO BECOME A FRIEND OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE

Please complete the form below and send a check, payable to Margo Caulfield, with Friend of the Cavendish Update on the subject line, and mail to PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142.

Name: ________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

Phone #: ____________________________   E-Mail: _________________

Enclosed is my contribution of

__ $200 __ $100 __ $50 __ $25 __ Other

__ I wish my contribution to remain anonymous.

This will be a ___ One time donation; ____ Monthly Recurring Donation; ____ Yearly Recurring Donation.

I want to make this gift in honor or memory of : Name__________________________

Address: _________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________