Friday, March 28, 2014

Cavendish Update 3/28/14 News/CHS/Events

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

The 3/28/14 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Stray Cat in Cavendish
3. Card Shower For Gladys Degener
4. Sugaring, Solzhenitsyn and News from the Cavendish Historical Society
5. Yoga Monday Evenings in Proctorsville
6. Rattlesnakes in Cavendish are Focus of Talk
7. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Biomass Developer Won’t AppealBoard’s Decision: The lead developer for wood-fired power plant in North Springfield won’t try to appeal a state board’s decision to deny a permit. Brattleboro Reformer 

Habitat for Humanity Seeks Applications: The Greater Springfield Vermont Area Habitat for Humanity (GSVAHFH) is currently accepting applications for a home that’s available in the Springfield area. To qualify, applicants must show a very specific need for decent affordable housing and meet the financial requirements of Habitat for Humanity home ownership. The applicant must be a family that has lived, worked or worshipped in the GSVAHFH area, which includes the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Chester, Cavendish, Grafton, Ludlow, Springfield, Weston, Weathersfield and Rockingham (which encompasses Bellows Falls, Saxtons River and Bartonsville) for at least the past year and be willing to work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways. FMI:  (802) 885-5552 or send an email to grtvt@comcast.net.
If You Receive a Call From the IRS Be Suspicious: That's the warning from federal authorities, who report that a nationwide phone scam has stolen $1 million from thousands of unsuspecting people. The impostor claims to be an Internal Revenue Service representative and tells "intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer," an IRS inspector general office said. CNN 

Debit Card Text Message Scam: The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is warning consumers about another text message scam affecting Vermonters: Do not respond to calls or texts about a debit card problem. The Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program has received a number of reports of fraudulent texts (some claiming to be “Merchants Bank” or different bank) indicating that the consumer’s debit card number has been locked and that the consumer should call 802-373-6589 or similar number for assistance. These are fraudulent text messages and are not affiliated with any bank. Receipt of this text message, along with any other scams consumers receive, can be reported to the Consumer Assistance Program by email at consumer@uvm.edu, or by calling 800-649-2424. Press Release 

Stay off the Ice: Vermont's ice surfaces are getting more and more treacherous. As we get deeper into spring, despite the recent cold weather, ice on waterways is getting weaker and weaker by the day. Because of the increased risk Vermont state, local, and federal partners are advising Vermonters and our visitors to stay off the ice. Even during the recent cold spell the high sun angle has been absorbed by water below the surface. That warmer water is melting the ice from the bottom up, so even if a surface seems solid it is likely weakened significantly. Warm temperatures forecast will degrade ice even more so it is best to assume that NO ice surface is safe. VT State Police.

Sen. Doyle
TownMeeting Survey Results: The preliminary results of Senator Bill Doyle’s Town Meeting Day survey show very strong support for a number of bills that expand the role of state government including: increasing minimum wage; labeling food products made with genetically modified organisms; and banning drivers from using cell phones. As far legalizing marijuana, 44% were in favor, 45% opposed and 11% undecided. VPR Click for full results.




2. STRAY CAT IN CAVENDISH
A mostly black with some white cat is hanging around High Street and Tierney Rd. It appears to be very healthy but can be elusive. However, it’s picking fights with area cats. If you know who it might belong to or have other information call 226-7510. 

3. CARD SHOWER FOR GLADYS DEGENER
Please send a birthday card for Cavendish resident Gladys Degener who will turn 94 on April 8. Cards should be sent to Gladys Degener, Gill Odd Fellows Home, 8 Gill Terrace, Ludlow, VT 05149. Join Gladys on her birthday for cake at the Gill Home on Tuesday, April 8 from 2-3 pm.

4. SUGARING, SOLZHENITSYN: NEWS FROM CHS
Sugaring: Spring time and maple syrup, also know as sugaring, have been part of the Vermont landscape ever since the Eastern Woodland Indians discovered that maple sap cooked over an open fire produces sugar.

This year, with zero degrees nights, and below freezing temperatures during the day, many have wondered if this is unusual and if we’ll even have a sugar season. According to Barbara Kingsbury’s book “Chubb Hill Farm and Cavendish, Vermont: A Family and Town History 1876-1960,” sugar season fluctuated from year to year for the Kingsbury family.  From 1879 until 1949 Homer Kingsbury and his descendants’ records showed a great fluctuation in production, weather, length of season as well a pricing. In 1877, the price of a gallon was. 80¢. and by 1948, it had risen to $5 a gallon.

Dan Churchill, who was a child during the 1940’s, recalled how shocked people were that a gallon of maple syrup sold for $5. Today the price per gallon for Vermont syrup is close to $60.  Read more about sugaring in Cavendish.

Sugar on Snow Supper: All over Vermont, March is the month of the annual Sugar-on-Snow Supper held at various churches, grange halls, schools and community centers. The Cavendish Baptist Church has held an annual Sugar-on-Snow Supper for as long as people can remember.  According to Sandra Stearns, “I know is has been a tradition since I was old enough to wait on tables, at about age 13 or 14, about 1952.  Before that Will Atkinson used to bring down some of his ponies and give pony rides, [with the] fees donated to the church.  I spent a  number of years helping him lead that "riders" around the block - from the church around the parsonage and back.” Mildred Fitzgibbons, who is 90,  recalls May Atkinson walking from her home on Atkinson Road  to the Cavendish Baptist Church and spending the day cooking for suppers. Her husband Will sugared as did many other people in town.  

This coming Saturday, March 29, from 5:30-7 pm, will be the Annual Sugar-on-Snow Supper at the Cavendish Baptist Church. There aren’t too many traditions that date back at least 75 years or more, but this is one of them. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for those younger. FMI:226-7724

Solzhenitsyn Project “I Wrote and Waited:” CHS’s E-newsletter "I Wrote and Waited," which pertains to the Solzhenitsyn project, has been posted to the CHS website

Projector Received: Thank you to a generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, for the gently used projector and replacement light. CHS will now be able to show the various segments of “The Vermont Movie” throughout the summer. For more information about this film and its availability to the community, go to the CHS website

5. YOGA MONDAY EVENINGS IN PROCTORSVILLE
Lydia Ouvaroff is teaching yoga Monday evenings, 5 pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Parish Hall off of Depot Street in Proctorsville . A nurse, Lydia is a graduate of the School Yoga Institute and includes a variety of yoga styles in her classes, which she varies depending on the needs of those in class. The cost is by donation. FMI: 802-299-9515 (cell) or 228-3261.

6. RATTLE SNAKES IN CAVENDISH ARE FOCUS OF TALK
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association has announced another great Walk and Talk Series event.  On Thursday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. Doug Blodgett, snake biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife will give a presentation on the nature of rattlesnakes and their habitat, including a discussion of rattlesnakes in Cavendish.

The Walk and Talk Series consists of lectures and demonstrations aimed at presenting various aspects of our natural world in a learning environment.  All talks center the topic in Vermont and as much as possible in Cavendish.  Past events focused on raptors, amphibians, large game, bees, songbirds and many other topics of general interest.  When the weather is good the instructor may meet in an appropriate outdoor setting as well, although the April 10th presentation will remain indoors.

The presentation of “Rattlesnakes in Cavendish” will occur at the Gethsemane Church meeting hall on Depot Street in Proctorsville.  This is a free event although donations to defray costs are always welcome.  For more information about this event, or about other upcoming Walk and Talk events, please call Robin Timko at 226-7736.

7. EVENTS
This week, the following activities will be taking place:

• Ignat Solzhenitsyn Talk (March 28, Friday): Rescheduled from February, this is part of The Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesday’s series  and will take place at 7 pm at Brattleboro’s Brooks Memorial Library. http://brookslibraryvt.org Conductor and pianist Ignat Solzhenitsyn recollects his father's painstaking crafting of the Red Wheel—a history of the Russian Revolution—and his family's life in Cavendish in the 1980s. The Cavendish Historical Society is organizing rides for this event. If you interested in attending and need a ride, please call or e-mail margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807.

- Last Day to Order Composters: Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management (SWWCSWMD) is currently accepting orders for "Soil Saver" brand composters. To download a form, go to http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/portal/index.php/about-us-mainmenu-26/remository/Publications/Compost-Bin-Order-Form/ If you have difficulty downloading a form e-mail mobrien@swcrpc.org

• Annual Sugar on Snow Supper (March 29, Saturday): Sponsored by the Helping Hand Class of the Cavendish Baptist Church, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. There is no charge for children under 6. The menu will include: baked beans (sweetened with maple syrup); ham; mashed potato; squash; peas; pickles; white and brown breads; and homemade doughnuts. Take out is also available. FMI: 226-7724

• BRGN New Freezer Dedication (March 31, Monday): The officers and employees of the food shelf at Black River Good Neighbor Services invite the public to attend on Monday, March 31st at 1:30 p.m. as they dedicate their new walk-in freezer to two benefactors who enabled its construction. The dedication ceremony will be accompanied by a customer appreciation day during which all store merchandise will be 50% off for the day, and the staff will serve beverages and goodies to customers. FMI: Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663.
-       
-     - 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.

• Bone Builders (April 1-Tuesday and April 3-Thursday): Exercise program to help arrest and reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Free. Cavendish Baptist Church 10:30 to 11:30.  FMI: 885-2083

• GMUHS Spring Musical (April 3-5, Thursday-Saturday): 7 pm at GMUHS

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


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Sen. Doyle Town Meeting Survey Results

Vermont Senator Bill Doyle has released the results for his annual Town Meeting Day Survey. The 2014 survey asked the opinion of hot topics currently being debated at the Vermont Statehouse. Doyle says over 13,000 Vermonters took the survey.

1) Should drivers be prohibited from using cell phones while driving? 74% (yes); 19% (no); 7% (not sure)

2) Should Vermont legalize marijuana? 44% (yes); 45% (no); 11% (not sure)

3) Should wind turbines be constructed on Vermont ridge lines? 48% (yes); 33% (no); 19% (not sure)

4) Should Vermont increase its minimum wage? 71% (yes); 20% (no); 9% (not sure)

5) Are you concerned about the increasing use of opiates in Vermont? 89% (yes); 5% (no); 6% (not sure)

6) Should we reduce the Vermont prison population through the use of alternatives for offenders? 71% (yes); 17% (no); 12% (not sure)

7) Should food products sold in Vermont produced with genetic engineering be labeled? 76% (yes); 15% (no); 9% (not sure)

8) Do you believe that Vermont is an affordable place to live? 26% (yes); 60% (no); 14% (not sure)

9) Are statewide cell service and broadband important to the future of Vermont’s economy? 89% (yes); 5% (no); 8% (not sure)

10) Should natural gas be an important part of Vermont’s economy? 55% (yes); 21% (no); 24% (not sure)

11) Should Vermont create a state bank? 23% (yes); 38% (no); 39% (not sure)

12) Do you believe that Vermont health care is moving in the right direction? 41% (yes); 38% (no); 21% (not sure)

13) Do you believe that increasing costs of education are unsustainable? 69% (yes); 17% (no); 14% (not sure)

14) Do you believe that our national government collects too much information on the lives on American citizens? 69% (yes); 17% (no); 14% (not sure)








Friday, March 21, 2014

Cavendish Update 3/21/14 News/Events/Information

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

The 3/21/14 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Ignat Solzhenitsyn Talk March 28
3. A Citizen’s Guide to Vermont Town Meeting
4. Cavendish Historical Society in Need of a Projector
5. BRGNS to Dedicate New Freezer
6. Events

Photograph Jon Owens
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Photographs of the Cavendish “Bucket Brigade” Pictures from the recent community work party to help Pieter van Schaik appear on the Cavendish VT Blog

The Message Office Vacates Chester: According to The Message’s Facebook page, The Message for the Week will be vacating its Chester office following publication of the March 19 issue. The newspaper, in its 41st year, will continue to publish each week, but changes in customer habits caused the parent company to examine the ongoing overhead associated with maintaining a satellite office. Editor Christian Avard and assistant Matilda von Roth will both move to the Claremont office at 401 River Rd., though Avard says he will still be a regular fixture in the Chester community. 

2014 Maple Open House Weekend: March 22-23 is Maple Open House Weekend. Open House Weekend is your opportunity to get a first-hand look at how Vermont’s sugar makers are able to take the sap from maple trees and craft something as delicious as pure Vermont maple syrup! Go to http://vermontmaple.org/2014-maple-open-house-weekend/ to find local sugar houses that are accepting visitors.

GMOLaunches New Initiative to Empower Customers: In the first of its kind initiative in Vermont, Green Mountain Power is testing new smart grid technology called The Smart Home, which allows Vermonters to track real time power use using a new GMP iPhone app. The Smart Home is the latest innovation to come from the Company’s Energy Innovation Center in Rutland. As part of the initial test of this technology, 25 people including GMP employees, educators and customers will take part in the test phase. GMP will use the test phase to assess and adjust product functionality and improve customer satisfaction. Press Release 

March is the Time for Hunters to be Herd: Hunters, landowners and anyone with a serious interest in the status of deer and moose in Vermont can attend any one of three public hearings, set for later this month. The closest one is March 25 at the Riverside Junior High School cafeteria at 7 pm. Rutland Herald 

Clean Bird Feeders: According to the VT Veterinary Medical Association, feeders have been outside, freezing and thawing and the moisture and the inevitable debris and feces from wild birds feeding provide a harbor for a troublesome bacteria: Salmonella. As the snow melts, dogs especially are likely to contact or eat seed or waste that is infected. Help prevent disease in your pets and your backyard birds. Scrub out your bird feeders every couple weeks with non-toxic soap and water, and allow them to dry well. Mold can grow in the bottom of the feeder, too, which is quite toxic to birds. Clean up the seed and droppings from under the feeders and prevent dogs from contacting it. Wash your hands well after the cleanup. These simple acts can help protect your pets, back yard wildlife, and you from being infected with Salmonella. Press Release 


Ignat Solzhenitsyn
2. IGNAT SOLZHENITSYN TALK MARCH 28
The Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesday’s series had to cancel Ignat Solzhenitsyn’s February talk due to snow. It has been rescheduled for Friday,  March 28, 7 pm at Brattleboro’s Brooks Memorial Library. http://brookslibraryvt.org Conductor and pianist Ignat Solzhenitsyn recollects his father's painstaking crafting of the Red Wheel—a history of the Russian Revolution—and his family's life in Cavendish in the 1980s. The Cavendish Historical Society is organizing rides for this event. If you interested in attending and need a ride, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net.




3. A CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO VERMONT TOWN MEETING  
It was apparent at Town Meeting, as well as subsequent conversations around town, that there is some confusion about what happens at Town Meeting and what’s being voted on by Australian ballot the following day. Several years ago, the town voted to require approval of the CTES budget by Australian ballot, making the school portion of Town Meeting, an information only segment. The Town budget, and its various articles, are approved by the voters present at Town Meeting by voice or written ballot. To better understand the Town Meeting and voting process, check out “A Citizen’s Guide to Vermont Town Meeting, Revised July 2008.” 

4. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEEDS A PROJECTOR
Having recently purchased the nine hour film series “The Vermont Movie: Freedom &Unity-One State Many Visions,”  the Cavendish Historical Society would like to show it throughout the summer at the Museum. To make this possible, a projector is needed. If you have one you would like to donate, or would like to contribute to the purchase of one, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net Donations can be mailed to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142. For more information about this film and its availability to the community, go to the CHS website



5. BRGNS TO DEDICATE NEW FREEZER

The officers and employees of the food shelf at Black River Good Neighbor Services invite the public to attend on Monday, March 31st at 1:30 p.m. as they dedicate their new walk-in freezer to two benefactors who enabled its construction.

“Ever since we moved into this building, we have wanted to replace the multiple freezers in use.  They were inefficient, costly to run and limited in space.  If we were offered a large order of frozen food, we often had to say no because we didn’t have the room to store it.  That’s all changed,” said Peter LaBelle, Board President.

The freezer will be dedicated to the memory of Frank Dressler, who bequeathed money to the food shelf in 2013, and to the memory of Phyllis Agan, whose contested estate was settled this year in favor of many charities in Ludlow.

“These two benefactors enabled us to pay for something that was otherwise out of reach,” said Executive Director, Audrey Bridge.  She added that the dedication ceremony will be accompanied by a customer appreciation day during which all store merchandise will be 50% off for the day, and the staff will serve beverages and goodies to customers. FMI: Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663.

6. EVENTS
 This week, the following activities will be taking place:

• Salt River Revue Concert (March 22, Saturday): Five marvelous musicians will take the stage for the Raise the Roof concert series in Proctorsville.  Between them the talented members of Salt River Revue play guitar, mandolin, bass, recorder, fiddle, slide guitar, percussion and piano and have been members of seven--count ‘em--seven bands in various combinations.  They have been mixing and matching members for over fifteen years and playing music from a dizzying variety of traditions:  Celtic, Latin American,  Scottish and American folk and blues.  They will perform at Gethsemane Church on Depot St. in Proctorsville at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $10. FMI: 226-7497

• 2014 Maple Open House Weekend (March 22-23, Saturday and Sunday): Go to http://vermontmaple.org/2014-maple-open-house-weekend/ for information about local sugar houses.

• Oliver (March 26, Wednesday): The sixth graders at CTES will be performing the musical Oliver at the school in Proctorsville. Curtain is 6 pm. FMI: 226-7758.

• Ignat Solzhenitsyn Talk (March 28, Friday): See article 3.
- Last day to order Composter from Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District (SW/WCSWMD). FMI: http://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/portal/index.php/about-us-mainmenu-26/remository/Publications/Compost-Bin-Order-Form/


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