Friday, June 6, 2014

Cavendish Update: 6/6/14 Cavendish Connects/Needs/Internet Issues/Events



Welcome to Cavendish Connects’ Cavendish Update for June 6, 2014.


Thanks to the dedication of a core group of Cavendish residents, Cavendish Connects has been formed to address the digital needs of the community as follows:

Cavendish Update (e-mail newsletter): Free to subscribers, posted on Fridays and in times of emergency.

Cavendish VT Facebook page: Anyone can read the site but to post comments you must be a Facebook subscriber. This is a good place to check daily, particularly if there is an emergency.

Cavendish VT blog : Archives weekly Updates and contains longer news articles, photographs etc. During times of emergency, such as Irene, it is where information is posted between e-mail alerts.

Instagram: Local photographers posting pictures of Cavendish

Pinterest: A visual “bookmarking” tool, people will be posting various aspects of Cavendish life in order to help those who want to know more about the town, what’s happening, new businesses etc.  

Website: Coming this summer, this is a community website designed to include an events calendar, community handbook, visitor's guide, as well as what's streaming on the Facebook page, blog and Instagram. It is not intended to replace the Cavendish Municipal site, which is run by the Town Manager.

Thank you to those who have already donated as it helping with start-up. If you use the Cavendish Connects products (Facebook, blog, update etc.) and/or are looking forward to the community website, please show your support by downloading the form at the end of this post and sending a donation. If you are interested in submitting photographs for Instagram or “pinning” for Pinterest, please e-mail margoc@tds.net

Additional information is posted throughout the week on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page.

The Cavendish Update for 6/6/14 Contains the Following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Cavendish Internet/Wi-Fi
3. The Vermont Movie: Part 2 Under the Surface
4. Summer Concert Series
5. Cavendish Classifieds
6. Card Shower
7. Events
8. Become a Friend of Cavendish Connects

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Cavendish Bridge 1 Weekly Construction Update: The Whitesville Bridge on Route 131 was recently approved for an alternative traffic control plan.  Beginning next week they will be installing signalization for one-way traffic over the bridge.  This will allow them to begin staging and certain aspects of demo prior to the bridge closure period. The bridge will be closed from June 23 to July 25.

Ludlow Police Warning of Scam Targeting theElderly in Southern VT: The department says it's received several calls about scammers claiming to be “police officers” with the IRS. The calls originate from 202-864-1220 but police believe they're actually coming from overseas. The crooks try to convince elderly victims they owe the IRS money and threaten them with jail time -- property and assets seizures. Police tell us they confronted the scammers over the phone. They -- in turn -- threatened to sexually and physically assault the officer's family. Police say do not give these scammers money and report the calls to the State's Consumer Assistance Program. Call toll free 800-649-2424 

Covered Bridge for Depot Street?: A letter outlining why a covered bridge on Depot Street in Proctorsville could reduce the significant issues with traffic on that road, as well as add value to the ‘historic village” character of Cavendish, is available for signing at Crows Bakery until Sunday, June 8.    

2015 Cavendish Photography Contest Extended: The CCCA is extending the 2015 Cavendish Community Calendar Contest until June 14. Applications forms are available at the CCCA website  or from CTES, Crows Bakery and the Cavendish Town Office.

Cavendish Memorial Day Observance: Held at CTES, The Vermont Journal features the speakers at the school and cemetery events.  

GMP to Cut Electric Rates: Green Mountain Power will be reducing electric rates just under 2.5 percent over the next year, starting in October. The revenue sharing agreement with Vermont Yankee, that started last year, is the reason for the rate reduction. The deal still needs approval from the Public Service Board. VT Digger 

Vermont Launches New Bus Company: The state of Vermont is launching a new bus company offering service between Vermont communities and locations out of state. It's called Vermont Translines  and will be operated by Premier Coach.

Program to Speed Up Border Crossing and Airport Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency are encouraging Vermonters to sign up for the federal NEXUS program.  Cardholders will be able to cross the border into Canada faster, as well move quickly through security at many airports across the country. You do have to complete an online application ahead of time and there is a fee.

Mosquito Population Unusually High in VT: An entomologist at Plattsburgh State University says the mosquito population this year is unusually high. "We've had a fairly long winter so it took a while and then things warmed up pretty good. And we kind of got this pulse of mosquitoes that we get every year, this year's pulse is particularly large," said Tim Mihuc, SUNY Plattsburgh Ecology Professor. With the increased mosquitoes, comes the increased chance of them carrying the West Nile or Encephalitis viruses. WCAX 

2.  CAVENDISH INTERNET/WI-FI
Many people in Cavendish have been complaining about their Internet connections –spotty service, difficulty logging on, slow speeds and no service for days on end.  There has been a significant problem with the equipment at the Chubb Hill feeder for TDS. As a result, residents on the East and Old County Roads area of Cavendish have been without Internet access for almost a week. Equipment is being replaced at the feeder but is taking so long due to delays in receiving parts.

Other reasons for Internet problems include:
• “When the service to Cavendish was initiated, video streaming was not as prevalent as it is today. In normal internet usage (computer) the actual amount of time your computer is using the data stream is rather minuscule. As an example, you spend 5 minutes writing a lengthy email, but your computer sends it in a few seconds, leaving the bandwidth available for other users in your neighborhood for the majority of the 5-minute period. Surfing the web is a similar process, you type in a request, it downloads and you spend a few minutes scrolling around and reading the content. Streaming video effectively uses the available bandwidth for the entire period that you are viewing the video. This will impact the usage of other equipment in your house and possibly your neighbors’ service if several people are streaming at the same time.” Thanks to one of our techies for this description.

• Rain, moisture and copper wiring don’t mix. Corrosion can be difficult to track down, but in the interim create significant problems with connection.

• The type, location, and age of your computer, along with type of service -cable, DSL, wireless etc.-and your particular Internet Service Provider (ISP) can all impact connectivity.

If you are having problems and it’s not been resolved after several visits from your ISP’s repair team, put it in writing. Many companies will only respond when corporate starts getting letters. 

For those sections of Cavendish where it’s been traditionally difficult to receive any service, in February, VTel announced that its state of the art wireless network was now available in a number of places including Cavendish and surrounding towns.

An inquiry was posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page asking about user’s experience with VTel. Three comments were posted:
•  I have been beta testing the new wireless service. I consistently get speeds between 4-6mbs, and use it to stream video. They go live to purchase July 1. The data plans are reasonably priced, but you will have a data plan (not unlimited use). It is much cheaper than satellite. I am on 131 past Tarbell and have a ridge between my house and Ascutney and it still works.

LOVE our VTel service- rock solid + reasonably priced + local people to work with. Couldn't be happier. We have been beta testing for them since Jan and will def purchase their service come July when testing ends.

• We've been beta testing since December and I am blown away by how great wireless internet is. We live on Knapp Pond Rd. and have had absolutely no issues with it. We've also planned to sign up. I would absolutely recommend.

In a conversation with VTel on June 2, the company’s representative explained that Cavendish is now being served by three towers, but that the full implementation will not be completed until the end of the year. VTel offers Internet connection speeds of 50 Mbps, but operate more in the range of 10-40 Mbps. In comparison, the TDS Turbo option offers 15 Mbps, with most TDS plans being closer to 5. Comcast reports the potential of 125, but only provides limited coverage in Cavendish. If you are looking for better Internet connections, you may consider calling VTel 885-4444 who is willing to come and test your connectivity.

Wi-Fi: Last week we asked about “hot spots” in Cavendish where Wi-Fi is available for free, without a password and does not require being in a building. There is a connection in front of CTES/Library in Proctorsville. It will appear as CTES on your Wi-Fi selection option. You should be able to access it in the parking lot and on the street. Check it out before you need it.

3. THE VERMONT MOVIE: PART 2 UNDER THE SURFACE
Celebrate Father’s Day on June 15 (Sunday) by bringing Dad to the Cavendish Historical Society Museum for a special showing of Part 2 of “The Vermont Movie.” Screening begins at 2 pm.  

Part Two deepens the journey, digging beneath the surface of Vermont’s bucolic image to explore labor wars, eugenics experiments, the McCarthy era, and progressive Republicanism. Covering over a century—from pre-Civil War to 2009—it chronicles the rise of unions and quarry work, Barre’s Socialist Labor Party Hall, the marketing of Vermont, the state’s reaction to New Deal policies, George Aiken's gentle populism, and Republican Ralph Flanders’ heroic stand against Joe McCarthy during the Red Scare. EmigrĂ©s from urban areas, “back-to-the-landers” like Helen and Scott Nearing and filmmaker Nora Jacobson’s father, Nicholas Jacobson, came to Vermont in search of an alternative lifestyle.

4. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Thank you to the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) for once again sponsoring the Summer Concert Series on the Proctorsville Green. A special note of thanks to Sharon Huntley for booking bands, arranging the funding and dealing with the many details needed to make this series possible.

The summer concert series has a long history in Proctorsville and many area residents reserve Wednesday evenings to listen to the live music.  As always, the concerts start at 6 pm and will be held unless severe weather threatens.  In case of rain, alternative plans will be announced on the Cavendish Facebook page.

 If you would like to help, CCCA would like to hear from you.  Call Robin at 226-7736 to volunteer or for more information on the concerts. 

Mark your calendars for Wednesday nights, 6 pm, Proctorsville Green for the following:
July 9th - Gypsy Reel 
July 16th - Rick Redington 
July 23 - Sensible Shoes 
July 30 - Chris Kleeman 
August 6 - Yankee Chank 
August 13 - Voo Doo Alien Blues Band

More information about the performers and the concert series, go to the Cavendish VT blog.

5. CAVENDISH CLASSIFIEDS
Please use the contact information below to learn more about items.
Moving Sale: For the 6 items below please contact Nancy or Ralph Timmerman 802-226-7215 or rwtnbt@yahoo.com
• Nordic Track Pro Cross Country exercise machine: Folds for Storage. Excellent condition, includes reading stand $75
• Maple Dinning Room Hutch: 2 pieces top has glass doors and 3 shelves with plate rails, lower unit has 2 doors and 5 drawers. Excellent condition. Honey colored. Measures 60” x 18” x 80” high. $250
• Backhoe, Woods 650 for 3- point hitch: Fair condition, works well, includes operator’s manual and storage dolly. $2000 or best offer.
• Woods Chipper/Shredder 5000: for PTO. Includes blower. Takes up to 4” diameter wood. Like new, always garaged. $15,00
• Homelite Water Pump-8400 gpm w/3.5hp Briggs & Stratton. EPDM elastomer seals. Very low hours. Includes operator’s manual for both pump and engine. $100
• Telescoping pressure washer want: Expands 6-18ft. Like new $50

6. CARD SHOWER
Dianne Tyrrell is retiring from CTES after 29 years of teaching Physical Education to the children of Cavendish. Please join us in congratulating her by sending a card by June 18 to: 

Dianne Tyrrell
Cavendish Town Elementary School
P.O. Box 236
Proctorsville, VT 05153

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

JUNE 6 (FRIDAY): Senior Awards Night: GMUHS, 8 pm
• 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 7 (SATURDAY): Indian Cuisine at the Golden Stage Inn The evening starts at 6pm with light snacks and BYOB cocktails, then award-winning amateur chef Lini Mazumdar will be serving up hearty homemade Indian vegetable and meat dishes.  And we'll wrap it with Michael's signature "Saturday Night Chocolate Cake."  Tickets are $40 per person.  For reservations and information:  802 226 7744

JUNE 8 (SUNDAY): The Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open from 2-4 pm. FMI: 802-226-7807, margoc@tds.net
• 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 potluck luncheon 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
• Children’s Sunday: Cavendish Baptist Church, 10 am. The kids have finished decorating their lemonade stand for the community concerts on the Proctorsville Green. All proceeds from the lemonade stand will go to help people around the world who need clean drinking water. This Sunday we'll celebrate the kids' effort and the kids will serve lemonade and treats to everyone. If you haven't had a chance to get involved yet, this is the perfect time to join the fun!

JUNE 9 (MONDAY): Select Board Meeting: 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda will be posted to the Cavendish VT blog as soon as it’s received.
• 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 10 (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.
• Dyeing With Wool: Workshop at Six Loosed Ladies from 10-4:40 FMI: http://www.sixlooseladies.com#sthash.RIRPBvlK.dpuf
• 7th Grade Parents Night at GMUHS: 5-6:30 at GMUHS
GMUHS Sports Banquet for the High School at GMUHS 6 pm

JUNE 11 (WEDNESDAY): 8th Grade Celebration, 5:30 pm at GMUHS
• Okemo Valley Regional Chamber Mixer at The Bryant House from 5:30-7:30 pm FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com

JUNE 12 (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 13 (FRIDAY): Senior Breakfast/Year Book Dedication: GMUHS, 8-9
• 3rd Annual Summer Reading Book Fair to Benefit Cavendish Library: The Book Nook, 136 Main Street, Ludlow. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/3rd-annual-summer-reading-book-fair-benefit-local-libraries/
• 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 14 (SATURDAY): Vermont Days-Free admission to VT State Parks & Historic Sites All Vermont State Park day areas, state-owned historic sites, and the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier will be open at no charge all weekend. Saturday, is also free fishing day – the one day of the year when residents and non-residents may go fishing without a license in any Vermont State Park. FMI: Vermont Days 
• Flag Day

JUNE 15 (SUNDAY): HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
• The Vermont Movie: Part 2 Under the Surface: The film will be shown at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum on Main Street in Cavendish starting at 2pm. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
• Vermont Days-Free admission to VT State Parks & Historic Sites All Vermont State Park day areas, state-owned historic sites, and the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier will be open at no charge all weekend. FMI: Vermont Days 

To learn more about upcoming events in Cavendish and surrounding towns go to:
• Events listed by month 
• Events listed by day 

8. YES! I WANT TO BECOME A FRIEND OF CAVENDISH CONNECTS
Please complete the form below and send a check, payable to Cavendish Connects and mail to Margo Caulfield, PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142.

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