Friday, July 11, 2014

Cavendish Update: 7/11/14 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 to the CavendishVT Facebook Page.

The 7/11/14 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Select Board Meeting 7/7/14
2. Cavendish Related News
3. The Vermont Movie: Part 4 Doers and Shakers
4. Tag sale Signs Are Up
5. Sensible Shoes to Perform as Part of Summer Music Series
6. Cavendish Classifieds
7. Events
8. Support Cavendish Connects

1. SELECT BOARD MEETING 7/7/14
Tax Rate for FY 2014-2015: There are three components that make up Cavendish taxes: town, which is the same for residents and non-residents; school taxes, slightly less for non residents but set by the state; and Fire District. The tax rates per $100 of assessed property value are as follows, with the FY 2013-2014 rate listed in parentheses:
  Fire District 1 (Proctorsville)
Residential 1.8501  (1.8063)
Non Residential 1.8261 (1.726)

• Fire District 2 (Cavendish)
Residential 1.8373 (1.7895)
Non Residential 1.8133 (1.7658)

Depending on Fire District and residency status, tax rates have increased anywhere from 2.2% up to 2.6% from last year. The increase was primarily due to changes made at this year’s town meeting, which waived taxes for Black River Health Center and Fletcher Farm; added a new recreation department; and granted a Veteran’s Homestead Exemption.

Solar Project: The Cavendish Energy Committee has been working for over a year to bring solar power to Cavendish. This past fall, the town entered into a contract with Soveren Solar and prepared land for a 150 kw solar photovoltaic system. Located south of the waste water treatment plant, the system would be net metered with Green Mountain Power (GMP).

This spring saw an unraveling of the contract with Soveren Solar.

After considerable study, it became apparent that not only could significant savings be obtained but it would make the most sense if Cavendish floated a bond and installed their own system. This process would save 82% of the cost of supplying power to the water and sewer departments, the transfer station and the town office. The energy cost in 2013 was $44,000 and with a town solar system it would have dropped to $7,900.

Due to the state mandated incentives, the savings to the town would produce a payback with an actual positive cash flow from day one. The solar array in year one would net the town immediate savings of over $16,000. Those savings would increase as electric costs rise, while the town’s cost stays level. By year 21, the town would expect to have a cash savings of $72,889.

Approximate costs to the town for the system would include $630 annual state tax, $670 insurance and $29,500 bond payment.

Because the town would own the system, there would be an opportunity to sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) into the open market. These are credits that exist as the solar array produces power. Several states have created markets for these credits that Cavendish can sell into and realize cash in our pocket. As much as $8,000-$9,000 a year, these monies could be used to cover maintenance as the system ages  so that future replacements costs will not add to the tax rate.

One other town in Vermont, Warren, has already entered into a similar system.

The voters will need to approve the bond vote in order for the town to float a bond to purchase the equipment. Since there will be a primary vote on August 26, the purchase of entering into a bond agreement for the purchase of a solar system will be on the ballot. The Select Board, at their July 14th meeting, will continue to discuss the solar project.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
The Cool Dog Campaign Thanks Singleton’s: The Cool Dog Campaign is grateful that Singleton's Store posted one of their signs warning against the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles on hot days.  This summer especially, we know that it's not cool to leave a dog in a hot car.

Water Sampling at Greven Field: Thanks to Amy Balogh and Frank Provance for sharing the responsibility of testing the water at the Greven Field beach.  Greven Field is in need of official adoption...Okemo's $500 "adoption fee" covers a whole summer's worth of testing plus the installation of a beautiful sign on-site.  The fee can be split any number of ways between co-adopters. To learn more about being a sponsor, contact BRAT blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com

 GMP Prepares for More Outages: With July being the month with the most power outages, Green Mountain Power has an additional 200 line workers and tree trimmers available to help with storm clean up. GMP is offering new ways for the public to stay informed during weather events. Customers may sign up for text service to report outages and get updates. Simply text REG to 46788 or GMPVT, or sign up online at greenmountainpower.com/textalerts. Customer account number is necessary for the initial sign up. As always, customers may report outages by calling 1-888-835-4672, or visiting GMP’s Outage Center page. VT Digger 

Springfield Police Dept. Offers Drop Box: The Springfield Police Department’s Prescription drop box is always available 24/7 in the front lobby of the PD to assist you with safely disposing of unneeded medications. Please no liquids or needles (you can take these items to the Springfield Hospital ER and they will dispose of them for you). No need to check in with the Dispatcher just drop and go.

Vermont Obits Starts a Free Service: Vermont has a new free on-line obituary service for posting and viewing obituaries at www.VermontObits.org. Its purpose is to provide an easy way of to share obituaries of those who have passed away with family, friends and neighbors, particularly now that not everyone subscribes to the same newspaper. It also provides a great way to share an obituary with those who live a distance away. VT 

3. THE VERMONT MOVIE: PART 4 DOERS AND SHAKERS
The Cavendish Historical Society will be showing Part 4 of The Vermont Movie: Doers and Shakers on July 13 (Sunday) starting at 2pm at the CHS Museum, on route 131 in Cavendish Village. Part Four explores the people and institutions that push boundaries. Starting with education, we take an engrossing journey through the philosophy of John Dewey, leading to the hands-on style of Goddard College, the Putney School, and the inseparable connection between education and democracy. We explore other progressive movements: Vermont’s famous Billboard law and Act 250, cultural movements such as Bread and Puppet Theater and finally Vermont’s groundbreaking civil union law. Democracy at work— differing voices, different points of view. This is a free event. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

4. TAG SALE SIGNS ARE UP
The signs for the 4th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale are up and fliers are available. If you are interested in a space on the village or Museum greens or having your site listed on the tag sale map, please e-mail margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807. It helps increase visitors to your booth if you can specify what you might have for sale. Be advised that in order to be on the map distributed the day of the event, your information needs to be received by July 21. Learn more about the tag sale at the Cavendish VT blog. 

If you have items you’d like to donate to the Cavendish Historical Society Tag/Plant sale, you can drop them off at the Museum on Sunday between 2-4 pm and/or e-mail/call for pick up.

5. SENSIBLE SHOES TO PERFORM AS PART OF SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
The free Proctorsville Green concert series continues and on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m., the Golden Stage Inn and Old Cavendish Products will be sponsoring Sensible Shoes. Award-winning songwriter, keyboard player and singer Barbara Blaisdell brings her powerful New Orleans-inspired rhythm piano to the stage.  Lead guitarist and singer Tim Utt is widely known as one of Vermont's most gifted players.  Pooh Sprague, on bass, guitar and vocals, is a musical master who has played with the Shoes for years.  Drummer and singer Steve Drebber, a member of Vermont rock royalty, splits his time with the Shoes and his popular jam band, Dr. Jones.  Sensible Shoes has placed original music in several major motion pictures including “Philadelphia” and “The Manchurian Candidate.” Concerts are free and open to the public and are made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA). FMI: 226-7736 or Vermont Summer Concert Series 

6. CAVENDISH CLASSIFIEDS
Please contact the person listed for more information
• Wanted: Location of a bumble nest (not wasp nest). Will pay $25. Contact 226-7374
• Wanted: Do you have a size Large or Extra Large Phineas Gage shirt in good shape that you are willing to sell? If so, email Martha at martimot@tds.net
Lost on Twenty Mile Stream area: Black and red Milwaukee tool bag. Milwaukee charger, Black and Decker tool set with various pieces. Call Tim 802 - 291-5385

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

JULY 11 (FRIDAY: 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. 

JULY 13 (SUNDAY): Part 4 of the Vermont Movie: Doers and Shakers Will be shown at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum starting at 2pm. This is a free event.

JULY 14 (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.
• Select Board Meeting, 6:30 Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to the Cavendish VT blog as soon as it’s received. 
• Summer Story Hour at Fletcher Memorial Library. Ages 5 and Under.  12:30-1:15 
• Vacation Bible School at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 5-7 pm. Free for children 3-12 years of age. FMI: 802-226-7131.

JULY 15  (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.
• Prize Day at the Cavendish Library
• Vacation Bible School at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 5-7 pm. Free for children 3-12 years of age. FMI: 802-226-7131.

JULY 16 (WEDNESDAY): 1ST Proctorsville Concert, Rick Redington 6 pm, sponsored by Okemo Mountain Resort and CCCA. FMI: Robin at 226-7736 or Vermont Summer Concert Series 
• Henna Tattoos at the Cavendish Library.
• Vacation Bible School at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 5-7 pm. Free for children 3-12 years of age. FMI: 802-226-7131.

JULY 17 (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.

JULY 18 (FRIDAY): 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. 

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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