Friday, August 10, 2012

Cavendish Update 8/10/12 News/Warning/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

The 8/10/12 Cavendish Update Contains:

1. Cavendish Related News

2. CTES School Board Minutes/August Meeting Agenda

3. Cavendish Community Theater Presents "Look At It This Way"

4. Phineas Gage Poster for Sale

5. Photographs for the Cavendish VT Facebook page

6. Warning Cavendish Special Town Meeting

7. Items Needed For 3^rd Annual Stick Season Social

8. LPC-TV is looking for your best cold summer soup!

9. Cavendish Events 8/10-8/19

1. Cavendish Related News

Services for Cavendish Select Board Chair Jim Ballantine: There will be a graveside service at the Cavendish Village Cemetery on Aug. 11 (Saturday) at 11 am. Following the service friends and family are welcome to meet at the Methodist Church in Proctorsville for lunch and to share memories. Cavendish civic leader, Jim Ballantine died on August 2.

Bats: The Vermont Department of Health has noted an increase in the number of people who are reporting bats (mostly big brown bats) flying through open windows and doors and getting trapped inside homes and camps this summer. The Health Department recommends if a bat is found in a room with someone who was sleeping soundly, or if a bat is found in the same room as an unattended child, safely collect the bat for rabies testing. Call the rabies hotline (800-472-2437) for help on determining if a worrisome exposure occurred. “The string of hot weather, bugs, and open doors and windows might explain what we are seeing,” said Robert Johnson, public health veterinarian. Press Release

Okemo Chamber’s New Website: The Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce has updated its website.

VT Health Dept Reports Increase in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Cases: The Vermont Department of Health has alerted health care providers statewide about an increase in the number of cases of pertussis, including 68 of the 201 confirmed cases this year reported from June 1 – August 8. Pertussis is most severe in infants, which are often infected by family members or caregivers. “Anyone who has a persistent cough should be evaluated by his or her health care provider.” Press Release

2. CTES School Board Minutes/ August Meeting Agenda: Minutes from summer CTES Board meetings are now available on-line as follows:

• June 19

• June 26 (Special meeting)

• July 17

The agenda for the August 15 (Wednesday) meeting is available on-line.

3. Cavendish Community Theater Presents "Look At It This Way": A collection of original comedy sketches written by Stan and Jane Hart will be presented on Sept 8 and 9, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Part time residents of Proctorsville, Stan was a writer for the “Carol Burnett Show,” for which he won multiple Emmy Awards, and for “Mad Magazine,” where he wrote parody sketches such as “Groundhog Déjà vu” and “Senseless in Seattle” for many years. His wife Jane Hart, is an artist, art therapist as well as writer/journalist, who has written for a number of magazines including “Seventeen” and “Parents Magazine.”

Stan and Jane, who will be among the local actors in the play, have combined their talents to look at a variety of life’s situations with their own style of humor.

While donations are appreciated, admission is free. FMI: 226-7398

4. Phineas Gage Poster for Sale: This Sunday, Aug. 12, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will have a program on the latest Phineas Gage research. Gage was the first documented traumatic brain injury case after a tamping rod went through his head. Working in Cavendish, blasting rock for the new railroad, in 1848, Gage continues to inspire new research almost 165 years later.

While Dr. Harlow is credited with saving Gage’s life after the accident, it took another doctor, Gene Bont, who was the area’s family doctor for approximately 30 years, to find documentation that Gage made his living at times by posing as a curiosity. Bont found a poster advertising Gage as “The World’s Wonder.” For 12 1•2 Cents, “to be had at the door,” you could see Phineas Gage at Rumford Hall where he will exhibit to them, in his own person, one of the greatest wonders of the world! Nothing less than a man who has had a huge iron bar, which he will exhibit, forced through his head from chin to crown; has had, in fact his brains blown out!”

Copies of the Gage poster, 81/2 X 11,” are now being sold by CHS for $5 a piece. Money raised from the sale of the posters will go towards a Phineas Gage website, which will be created by the Cavendish Town Elementary School’s 4^th grade class under the direction of their teacher Jenn Harper in conjunction with CHS.

You can purchase a poster at the Museum on Sundays between 2-4 pm or by contacting CHS at 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

5. Photographs for the Cavendish VT Facebook page: Whether you have a Facebook account or not, many people are using the Cavendish VT Facebook page as a way to stay up to date and to see what issues people are posting and discussing. Starting this week, we will be changing the photograph weekly. This week’s photograph is a view of Depot Street, Proctorsville after the 1927 Flood. If you have photographs you’d like to include, please send them in JPEG to margoc@tds.net These can be seasonal, relate to a particular event in town, or pertain to the town’s history.

6. Warning Cavendish Special Town Meeting: On Aug. 28, as part of the Vermont Statewide Primaries, Cavendish will include an article regarding the Town Plan. Shall the voters of the Town of Cavendish adopt the Town Plan as modified and approved by the Cavendish Board of Selectmen on June 11, 2012 by Australian Ballot. Voting will take place at the Cavendish Town Elementary School between 10-7 on that Tuesday.

On Monday, Aug 20, the Cavendish Select board will hold a hearing about the Town Plan at 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Copies of the plan are available at the town office. The Warning appears in the August 8 Vermont Journal.FMI: 226-7292

7. Items Needed For 3^rd Annual Stick Season Social: Black River Good Neighbor Services, Inc. will hold its 3^rd annual Stick Season Social on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Bella Luna Restaurant in Ludlow. As in the past, guests will enjoy a terrific meal with the renowned dessert bar and a full evening of socializing. Along with dinner BRGNS will again present a silent auction and raffle with items from around the area and beyond. This event raises needed funds for the several programs that BRGNS has to benefit those in need in Ludlow, Belmont, Cavendish, Mt. Holly, Plymouth and Proctorsville. This year, with recovery from Irene and the terrible snow season, the need for financial assistance and food is as great as ever.

The Social committee is now soliciting items for the auction and for the raffle. In the past, there have been paintings, photographs, lodging, carvings, cocktail party, ski tickets, wine, wood, fuel, jewelry, and multiple gift certificates generously donated by area artisans and business owners.

If you have an item to donate or you have a business and would like to donate a service or money please contact Barb Lemire at barbara.lemire@peoples.com or Doris Eddy at reiki_vt@yahoo.com. Remember, all donations are tax deductible since BRGNS is a 501(c)(3) charity.

8. LPC-TV is looking for your best cold summer soup! Join LPC-TV in the first annual Sizzling Summer Cold Soup Slurp Off to be held in connection with the Ludlow Farmers Market on Friday afternoon August 17th at the Ludlow Farmers Market, 53 Main Street, Ludlow.

We are calling all chefs, professional and amateurs, to come up with 2-3 gallons of a cold summer soup using at least one local ingredient and for a $10 entry fee enter your soup in the competition.

Soups need to be delivered chilled to the Ludlow Farmers Market – LPC-TV tent by 3:30 PM on that Friday and starting at 4PM the tent will be open for those who want to have a tasty cool summer dinner of soup samples, salad made from produce from the Ludlow Farmers market vendors and a dessert. The fee for your light, cool summer dinner will be only $5. You can be part of history to determine who will be named the best cold soup in the Black River Valley and Okemo Region and be on TV at the same time!

All who pay to sample the variety of summer soups will be asked to judge for three category awards... Best All Around, Best Professional Entry and Best Amateur Entry. Award presentation will be at 6:45 before the market closes.

So check out those old family cookbooks for the best cold summer soup and call Sharon Bixby to register your entry…. Entry deadline Tuesday August 14th at 5 PM call 228-8823 (W) or 228-4530(H) or email seb1@tds.net.

This fundraiser will assist LPC-TV with their Capital Campaign to complete work on their new studio at the Ludlow Community Center. This is an exciting time for LPC-TV and they urge all current members to pay their renewal dues and if you are not yet a member, membership forms will be available at the SLURP OFF.

9. Cavendish Events 8/10-8/19

August 10 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.

August 11 (Saturday): Drive In Movie Night at 8 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville. The feature film will be “Race to Witch Mountain.” FMI: 226-7503

August 12 (Sunday): Phineas Gage: New Research Findings, Cavendish Historical Society Museum 2 pm. Includes a self guided walking tour. Museum is open from 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250^th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

August 13 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to blog www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line www.lpctv.org and Comcast Cable TV.

August 14 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

August 15 (Wednesday): The Vermont Challenge begins. The only bicycle Challenge that tours Southern and Central VT over 3 to 4 days. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/the-vermont-challenge.html

• CTES School Board Meeting

August 16 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373

• Recreation Night at Greven Field, 6 pm to dusk. FMI: TheCoswalds@aol.com

• The Vermont Challenge. The only bicycle Challenge that tours Southern and Central VT over 3 to 4 days. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/the-vermont-challenge.html

• Monthly Luncheon in Proctorsville, 11:30 pm at St. James Methodist Church. This month’s meal will include meat loaf with home-baked beans, broccoli, tossed salad, hot rolls and dessert. Coffee, hot tea or a cold beverage will be available as well. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years helps to defray the cost of this delicious lunch.

August 17 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St. Join LPC-TV in the first annual Sizzling Summer Cold Soup Slurp Off-looking for the area’s best cold summer soup.

• The Vermont Challenge. The only bicycle Challenge that tours Southern and Central VT over 3 to 4 days. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/the-vermont-challenge.html

August 18 (Saturday): The Vermont Challenge. The only bicycle Challenge that tours Southern and Central VT over 3 to 4 days. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/the-vermont-challenge.html

August 19 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250^th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

• Last day of The Vermont Challenge. The only bicycle Challenge that tours Southern and Central VT over 3 to 4 days. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/the-vermont-challenge.html

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

CTES Board Meeting Agenda 8/15/12

Cavendish Town Elementary School Board will meet on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the school. The Agenda will be as follows:

1. Call to order

2. Comments from the Community

3. Approval of Minutes of June 19, 2012, June 26, 2012 and July 17, 2012 – (Action Requested)

4. Personnel

a.) Hiring Report – (Informational)

5. Memorandum of Agreement – Title I Teachers

6. Annual Yearly Progress – (Discussion)

7. Update on 7^th Grade Math Program

8. Policies

a.) The Use of Restraint and Seclusion F:26 First Read – (Action Requested)

b.) Acceptable Use of Technology G:12 First Read – (Action Requested)

c.) Policy Committee Membership and Date – (Discussion)

9. Joint Supervisory Union Merger/Consolidation Update

10. Principal’s Report

11. Superintendent Report

12. School Board Member Vacancy – (Discussion)

13. Other Business

14. Executive Session – (if necessary)

15. Adjournment

CTES Board Meeting Minutes 7/17/12

Board Present: Gene Bont – Chair, Sharon Huntley, Stuart Lindberg

Administration Present: Linda Waite – Superintendent, George Thomson – Principal, Sherri Nichols-Buckley – WSWSU Curriculum Coordinator

Public Present: Peggy Svec, Connie Kendall, Christine Balch, K.P. Whaley –LPCTV, Joe Vulo, Jen Leak, Deb O’Brien, Brian Benoit, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary

Call to Order: Gene called meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. while waiting for a quorum to arrive.

While waiting for board member to arrive, Stuart read aloud an article about change in school governance that was written by Steven Dale the Executive Director of Vermont School Boards Association. In 2013 the Department of Education will become the Agency of Education. The Commissioner of Education will become the Secretary of Education. These will then fall under the administration of the Governor. Gene Bont said the board will try to keep the public informed on progress in this area.

Comments From the Community: None.

Linda Waite then introduced Sherri Nichols-Buckley to those present. Sherri has taken over as the new Curriculum Coordinator for the Supervisory Union. She has a Masters Degree and is working on her Doctorate. She has been a middle school teacher and the Assistant Principal at Flood Brook Union School for several years. Sherri said she hopes to make Cavendish Town Elementary School stronger with the Literacy Project. She will be working with Peggy Svec tomorrow on Literacy.

Sharon Huntley arrived so there is now a quorum of the Board.

Personnel:

Hiring of Food Service Personnel: George said there is a position open in the food service area. He is recommending that they hire Lori Jones back. She took a one year leave of absence.
Hiring of Para-Professional: George said he is not prepared to do this as of this meeting. This is not a new position, it was a shared position and they would like to hire one person to do this job.

Update on Professional Development for FANS Unit: George said they would like to have David Levin come back to Cavendish to do Literacy Workshops with Cavendish teachers Peggy Svec, Connie Kendall, and Beth Walker. Peggy has been communicating with David to schedule a time. David has been looking at materials we are using and will be making some recommendations. Peggy will be working with Sherri and also Donna Bonang. David Levin will work with the school during the school year to develop a good solid reading program. Christine Balch asked if one day will be sufficient for Peggy to work with David. George said he is not sure, but Peggy can have more help if she needs it and will have other sources of resources as well. Sherri showed the programs they will be working with and said she will be at the teacher’s beck and call. Joe Vulo said he thought that the parents were under the assumption that there would be several weeks of interaction with David Levin over the summer, not just one day. Linda said David Levin said he would help construct a program for the FANS unit to teach reading. He is going to guide us with his expertise developing this reading program. Linda said there will also be webinars on the computer and conferences Peggy can attend. This is Sherri’s area of expertise as well. Christine Balch asked if Peggy would avail herself of the webinars and conferences and Peggy said yes for some of them. Christine said she is just concerned about the time frame of only a few weeks until school starts again. Linda said we are going to move forward with this as it is in the best interest of students.

Update on 7^th Grade Math Program: George said he has talked to the parents of the student they are concerned about for a transitional math program. They are looking at the Vermont Virtual Learning Consortium. Green Mountain is using this program this summer. He said a definite decision on this issue has not been made to date. Green Mountain is considering this course when school starts instead of a textbook. He is trying to collaborate with parents to keep them involved. Linda said George has been doing an incredible amount of research on this issue and he is going to go to Green Mountain to observe this program. Jen Leak asked how home work is handled with the use of I-Pads. George said that is one of the questions he has asked but no answers yet. Peggy said that she felt parents should get data on the virtual classes for their own information and to help make a decision.

Joint S.U. Merger/Consolidation Update: Gene said it is actually happening! One meeting has been held and another will be held tomorrow afternoon from 2:00 TIL 5:00 p.m. at Green Mountain in the Library. Each school has a representative. He said the “baby was born without a name”, and he feels the Transitional Board wants to name it soon. Linda said the new S.U. began on July 11, 2012, with a board of 23 members and the Transitional Board members were elected. The Internal Planning Team will meet tomorrow, July 18^th. The Co-Chairs are Alison DesLauriers of WSWSU and Bob Herbst of RWSU. Steve Dale of VSBA will be hired to work with the Transitional Board. The new S.U. Board will meet the third Thursday of each month and the locations will rotate. The next meeting will be held on August 16^th at Black River High School. They are looking for suggestions for a new S.U. name to choose from. If anyone has ideas please send it to the Chair of your school board. Stuart read the Board goals for the new Transition Board. He said there is a lot of energy in this board. He said the Board said they need to be financially responsible to the taxpayers. He feels this is all good for our kids. Gene said we only have one year to get this new S.U. in shape.

Principal Report: George said he has submitted about 20 e-mails to a Canadian Company regarding our roof. He finally reached them by phone to find out that all the documents and pictures he e-mailed did not go into their files. He said they are having a problem getting a copy of the Invoice from HP Cummings that the shingle company wants. HP Cummings is looking into getting this invoice for us. George said that Disability Rights Vermont visited CTES to make sure we are in compliance with regulations for Vermont. One thing they were checking for is if we are in compliance for being a voting location and the second item is to see if CTES is in compliance as an emergency shelter. George said he will be receiving a report and then it will be up to the school or town to make the improvements if they want to. One item is to get a generator installed. George said he and Irene are working to get their budget set up. Since the S.U. decided not to have the Special Education costs come out of the S.U. budget this year they have a chunk of money that has to be re-distributed in the CTES budget. He said the CTES summer services are taking place and 12 students are involved. The teachers are involved in attending conferences, workshops and responsive school training. The teacher I-pads are in and teacher training is to start tomorrow. George said they are busy getting ready for the opening of school – August 27^th for staff and August 29^th for students. George will be at a conference on Friday then away for a week. He will attend a Principal’s Conference and a Leadership Academy. He and Irene have been in and out of the school, so please e-mail or call first to make sure they are in if anyone needs to see them.

Superintendent Report: Linda reported that the Vermont Department of Education will release the Annual Yearly Progress report on August 6^th for the public. She said there are several new S.U. employees. Sherri Nichols-Buckley – Curriculum Coordinator for the Supervisory Union, Christopher Adams – Business Manager replacing Meredith Austin and Linda is replacing David Adams. She said there have been family medical emergencies and family deaths for two of the central office employees and these two have been out of the office for a few weeks. She thanked Janet Currier for filling in at the office and for taking board minutes during their absence. Linda said she will be away next week. She brought an article for the board members titled “School Administrators in the Crossfire”. She said all Vermont Superintendents received this today from Jeff Francis – Executive Director of the Vermont Superintendent Association. Linda felt this was important reading for the board members. Christine Balch asked if the Annual Yearly Progress results would be discussed at the August meeting and she was told yes. Gene said after reading the newspaper articles he feels that Cavendish Elementary School and the board are very fortunate to have had George as our Principal for so many years. He thanked George for all his years of service.

Other Business: Stuart said that he is concerned about chaos in the financial services at CTES during the merger process. He asked for a one year waiver to keep CTES financial services at CTES. Sharon said she would like to discuss this further as she feels asking to do this would be counter-productive to the merger. Stuart said his concern is what it will cost CTES for the financial services, and we don’t have direct control over the financial services. He wants to be convinced that it will be more efficient to move our finances to the Supervisory Union central office. Linda said a waiver would have to be submitted by the Supervisory Union to the Vermont Department of Education to have the financial services remain at CTES. She said that earlier meetings of the two Supervisory Unions developed a footprint for what costs will be. She realizes that as a new board member, Stuart was not at these meetings. The savings to WSWSU will be in the area of $300,000.00. She also said that you cannot have a motion now for a Supervisory Union that won’t come into being until July 1, 2013. Discussion ensued.

Executive Session: None.

Adjournment: Sharon moved adjournment, Stuart seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Currier, Recording Secretary

CTES Board Special Meeting 6/26/12 Minutes

Special Meeting

Present:

Board: Dr. Bont, Sharon Huntley, Stuart Lindberg and Jessica Goodman (5:48p.m.)

Administration: Linda Waite-Asst Superintendent

Public: LPCTV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary

Minutes

Call to order: Dr. Bont called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. Linda explained the reason for the special meeting regarding staffing.

Review of Staffing Needs : Sharon made a motion to eliminate one full time K-6 teaching position for the 2012-2013 school year. Motion approved. Discussion ensued regarding the impact from the loss of one teacher. During the next budget process the administration will review the structure. David Leiban, consultant, has been contracted to work with the teachers.

Adjournment: Sharon made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh Mack Recording Secretary

CTES Board Meeting Minutes 6/19/12

Present:

Board: Dr. Bont, Sharon Huntley, Jessica Goodman, and Stuart Lindberg (left meeting at 7:41 p.m.)

Administration: George Thomson-Principal and Linda Waite-Asst Superintendent

Public: LPCTV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary, Mike Ripley, Peggy Svec, Connie Kendall, Richard Svec, Sara Stowell, Joe Vullo, Deb Harrison O’Brien, and Christine Bouler

Call to order: Dr. Bont called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

Comments from the Community: There was a question about the 6^th grade math class. George said they are working on it. There needs to be a permanent solution.

Approval of Minutes of May 15, 2012: Jessica made a motion to approve the minutes of May 15, 2012 as presented. Motion approved.

Personnel

Principal Contract Renewal: Linda presented a recommendation for George’s three year contract renewal. Sharon made a motion to approve a three year contract for George Thomson at a salary of $80,091.69 for the first year and if the teachers settle at a higher increase it will be adjusted. Motion approved 2:1.

Finance

FY 2012 Audit Contract: Jessica made a motion to accept the bid from Fothergill, Segale and Valley in the amount of $8,500.00 to perform the financial audit for the 2012 fiscal year and authorize the board chair to sign the contract. Motion approved.

Federal Jobs Fund: Linda went over the memo from Meredith Austin- Business Manager (attached). $10,495 is remaining in the Federal Jobs Fund and must be spent before September 30, 2012. The recommendation is to cover the principal’s salary. Sharon made a motion to use the remaining $10,495.00 of the Federal Jobs Fund for the Principal’s salary beginning with the first paycheck in July 2012 until the funds are expended. Discussion ensued regarding the parameters of the expenditure of these funds. Motion approved.

Technology Lease Agreement: George gave the board background on the technology plan. The focus is on having a hand held device for each student in grades 3 through 6. Discussion: Concerns about the reliance on technology and that maybe it is too much; “Screen time” being limited. Jessica made a motion to authorize the superintendent to sign the lease in the amount of $56,934.31. Motion approved 2:1.

Joint Supervisory Union Merger/Consolidation Update: Linda reported the state board of education voted to approve the merger of WSWSU and RWSU. The Legislature awarded a onetime grant to the new supervisory union in the amount of $150,000.00. An additional $100,000.00 tax abatement for the assessment in FY’15 was also approved. The transition board is scheduled to meet on July 11^th.

Election of New Supervisory Union Representatives: Sharon made a motion to elect Dr. Bont, Jim Ballantine and Stuart Lindberg as the representatives for the transition committee for the new SU. Motion approved.

Proposed Multi-Age Class Staffing for Grades 1/2: George gave history on the budgeting for next year. Per pupil cost and class size were factors. A multi grade situation for the lower grades was discussed. The plan was a 1 / 2 class with one teacher and a Para professional. George gave the proposed plan (attached). Discussion: preparation and training for the new plan; not going over the per pupil cost threshold this year; a possible surplus at the end of this year-George said he does not think there will be a surplus; the Para professional would be assigned to the ½ class; the cost savings; the fiscal responsibilities of the board and administration; the concerns with a multiage classroom; 1:1 instruction; standardized test score comparison with the other schools in the district; monitoring the plan; reading qualifications for the remaining teachers. Peggy said taking on all of the new duties is scary to her. She fears letting the students down. She asked how we are going to meet the needs of the young students. The assessment outcomes will be released at the end of July. Could a part time reading teacher be hired? Peggy felt if she knew about this structure change sooner she would have observed Donna during her planning time. The caveats for a third check mark under NCLB were discussed. Budget versus “check marks” was discussed. Richard asked if options such as hiring a qualified teacher or hiring a qualified teacher part time were discussed. The board decided not to replace a teacher.

Principal’s Report: George gave the board a copy of the budget summary. The budget appears to be on schedule. The end of year outing was successful. Graduation was outside and it was fun. The sixth grade students gave the school a picnic table. The in-service is taking place in the S.U. George will be on vacation for a week.

Superintendent Report: Linda reported David Adams has completed his term as Superintendent. He wanted Linda to thank the board for all of their work.

Other Business: None

Executive Session: Jessica made a motion to go into executive session at 8:19 p.m. to discuss personnel. Motion approved. The board came out of executive session at 8:55 p.m. Dr. Bont stated the board reviewed the personnel issue and will not make any changes.

Adjournment: Sharon made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh Mack

Recording Secretary

Friday, August 3, 2012

Cavendish Update 8/3/12 Ballantine/News/Events

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society.

The 8/3/12 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Rest in Peace Jim Ballantine

2. E Coli Testing of Proctorsville Trestle Bridge

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Cavendish Civil War History: Henry B. Atherton

5. Household Hazardous Waste Collection

6. Artist of the Month Matthew Ramada at the Cavendish Library

7. Cavendish Library BBQ

8. Sensible Shoes Proctorsville Concert Rescheduled

9. Cavendish Activities 8/3-8/12

1. Rest in Peace Jim Ballantine: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Jim Ballantine on August 2. Jim was a long-standing member of the Cavendish Select board, the Cavendish Town Elementary School Board and the Cavendish Municipal Water System Board. He was the chair of the Select board for the last several years and in prior years, was very active with the Cavendish Fire Department.

Jim was a strong believer that people should be active in their community and had very interesting stories about his time as a volunteer for the Cavendish Fire Department. Quite clear about where he stood on various issues, during last year’s flood, in the midst of the bustle of the shelter, he noted, “No matter our differences, we’ve always come together as a town in times of crisis. That’s what’s great about Cavendish.”

Our sympathies to his wife Elsie, his children and grandchildren.

2. E Coli Testing of Proctorsville Trestle Bridge: Thanks to Black River Action Team (BRAT), the popular swimming hole by the Proctorsville Trestle Bridge has been tested this week for e coli. The test result is 164 CRU/ 100 Mls, which is well below the VT EPA’s recommended maximum of 235 CFU/100 mls. BRAT recommends waiting several days after a heavy rain before swimming, as heavy rain can bring contaminants from up stream. If anyone can help with the cost of the testing, or taking of samples, please contact BRAT at 885-1533. Note that testing results are posted to the Cavendish Facebook page as soon as they are received and results are forwarded to the town office.

3. Cavendish Related News

New Research Surfaces on Famed Cavendish Accident: New research on one of history’s most intriguing medical oddities has rekindled interest in the curious case of Phineas P. Gage, the 25-year-old railroad worker who survived a massive brain injury after a tamping rod burst through the left side of his head more than 160 years ago in rural Cavendish. Eagle Times

DHMC Joins Mayo Clinic Network: The Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center has recently formed a new partnership with the Mayo Clinic. Known for its worldwide health research and advancements, they will provide the New Hampshire-based hospital data through its Mayo Clinic Care Network. WNNE

VT Looking for Data on Wild Turkeys: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking the public for help in monitoring the state's wild turkey population. The state is looking for information about turkey families spotted in Vermont during August. A turkey brood survey is on the department's web site. People who spot turkeys can record information such as the number of adult males and females and young turkeys, or poults, and the date, time and location of the sightings.

VT Fishing on Facebook: A partnership of Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Lake Champlain International has established a Facebook page on fishing in VT. It includes tips as well as good fishing spots. To join, go to https://www.facebook.com/FishVermont

VT’s Successful Transportation Bond Sale & Rating Upgrade Benefits Cavendish: State Treasurer Beth Pearce announced today a triple win for Vermont: a successful bond sale, a bond rating upgrade, and the financing of needed post-Irene bridge repairs. The State sold $10 million of Vermont Special Obligation Transportation Infrastructure Bonds today. The bonds will leverage an additional $51 million in federal funding for bridge and road projects throughout Vermont. Among the more than $61 million in road and bridge improvements supported by the bond sale is $11.3 million for the replacement or rehabilitation of bridges damaged in Tropical Storm Irene in Bennington, Cavendish, Hancock, Hubbardton, Jamaica and Woodford. Press Release

Report Heavy Rains Up 85% in New England: A new report by an environmental group is pointing to what it says is a clear sign of climate change: The frequency of storms in the region with extremely high rain or snowfall is up 85 percent since 1948. Environment America says New England leads the country in the increasing frequency and intensity of severe storms. In Vermont, the group says the amount of precipitation being dropped by the biggest annual rain and snowstorms is up an average of 30 percent. WCAX

Recalled Cantaloupes Were Sold at Hannaford: Burch Farms of North Carolina announced a recall of Athena cantaloupes this past weekend because they may contain listeria. No illnesses have been associated with the recall, but customers should not consume the cantaloupes. They are whole cantaloupes labeled Cantaloupe PLU 4319. You can return them to the store or dispose of them, but bring in the sticker for a full refund. WCAX

Green Mountain Power Requests Rate Decrease: Vermont's largest electric utility is asking state regulators for permission to reduce its rates by four-tenths of 1 percent. GMP says the merger, which received final approval from state regulators in June, guarantees $2.5 million in savings the first year. If approved by the Public Service Board, the decrease will apply to residential, commercial and industrial customers. WNNE

4. Cavendish Civil War History: Henry B. Atherton: Attending the Duttonsville School, where he excelled, Henry Bridge Atherton was more interested in poetry than farming. During his time at Dartmouth College, he taught the winter school in Duttonsville twice and one winter in Proctorsville. From there he went to the Albany Law School where her received the degree of L.L.B. in 1860.

With an office in Proctorsville, John Brown, the famous abolitionist, and his son Owen came to visit Atherton in late 1856 or early 1857. The purpose of that visit, Atherton describes in a letter to the biographer of Brown, John Redpath, in 1882, was to seek guns and money to help with his anti slavery cause.

When the Civil War began, Atherton offered his services to Governor Fairbanks, who on August 12, 1861, commissioned him to raise a company of three-year men for the Union. Within two weeks he had secured his hundred men and twenty to spare. It was the color Company of the 4^th Vermont known as the “Lion Brigade.” Atherton was chosen captain and was mustered into service at Brattleboro in Company “C.” He wrote a great many letters during the war, some of which are available at the on-line Atherton Collection, compiled by Linda Welch.

It is interesting that in 1853, at the age of 16, he wrote a poem, “The Widow,” which would take on a very sad and tragic meaning ten years later, when so many Cavendish wives lost their husband in the war.

To read the poem and learn more about Atherton, go to the Cavendish Historical Society blog.

5. Household Hazardous Waste Collection: On Saturday, Sept 8, both Springfield and Weathersfield Transfer Stations will be taking household hazardous waste. To learn what will be accepted, go to www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org FMI: 802-674-9235

6. Artist of the Month Matthew Ramada at the Cavendish Library: Matthew Ramada is a young developing artist who resides in Burlington, VT. He graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, in 2010 with a degree in fine arts. His studies included painting and art history where he was inspired by the work of impressionists such as JMW Turner and James Whistler. He became highly influenced by the thriving art scene in Manhattan and the Williamsburg community in Brooklyn.

Matthew says that his major interest as an artist is in revealing the undercurrents or unseen components of contemporary existence. This is especially in regards to the turbulent nature of a globalized society and the high paced energy that runs through our post-industrialized urban environments. He is inspired by the junction of man-made, synthetic structures and the natural environment within which we reside. This inspiration is demonstrated through the interpretation of the city as a visual, phenomenological experience.

In the use of the city as a metaphor, Matthew seeks to connect to the verve of condensed human activity. The result of mankind’s presence is implied through lights and buildings and Matthew tries to elucidate its kinetic, ever-changing flow via abstractions of color and a painterly touch. By showing distant, impersonal scenes with individual fervor, he hopes to paint a psychological portrait of the broader scope of humanity as a whole.

Matthew's work is on display in the Redfield Proctor Room of the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library and may be viewed during normal open hours. FMI: 226-7503

7. Cavendish Library BBQ: The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library will host its annual free barbeque on Wednesday August 8 at 6:00. The menu will include hot dogs chips and all the fixings. Entertainment will be provided by Tom Joyce Magic Man and the grand prizewinners for the summer reading program will be announced. The public is welcome. FMI: 226-7503.

8. Sensible Shoes Proctorsville Concert Rescheduled: What do you do when you’ve scheduled an outdoor concert but the weather forecasters tell you that heavy rain, thunder and lightning is on the way? Out of an abundance of caution the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association decided to postpone the August 1^st concert in Proctorsville rather than chance a storm ruining the evening. We didn’t cancel the concert though, we just rescheduled it.

Now CCCA invites you to spend an evening listening to the sounds of Sensible Shoes on the Proctorsville Green on Wednesday, August 15^th at 6:00 p.m. The band has agreed to help us to extend our summer concert season by an extra week. But on the 15^th we will have an alternative venue in case of rain. In that event the band will move to the Cavendish elementary school, just a few doors up Route 131 from the Green. So we will hear the Sensible Shoes come rain or shine.

Come and listen to ASCAP award-winning songwriter and keyboard player Barbara Blaisdell, lead guitarist Tim Utt, bass guitarist Pooh Sprague, and drummer Steve Drebber. All four are singers as well, and qualify as Vermont rock royalty who have played local venues for many years. Sensible Shoes has placed original music in several major motion pictures including “Philadelphia” and “The Manchurian Candidate.”

This will now be the last of this year’s annual Cavendish summer concerts. Concerts are held on consecutive Wednesday nights in July and August. CCCA encourages all area residents and visitors to join their friends and neighbors in front of the gazebo on the green. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair, have a picnic, or just lay back and relax on the grass. It’s a fun way to enjoy the summer weather and either reconnect with old friends or make new ones.

As always, the concerts are free and open to all.

9. Cavendish Activities 8/3-8/12

August 3 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.

August 5 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250^th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

August 7 (Tuesday) Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

August 8 (Wednesday): Okemo Vallety Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Stone Hearth Inn & Tavern. FMI: 228-5830

• Cavendish Fletcher Community Library free BBQ, 6 pm. The menu will include hot dogs chips and all the fixings. Entertainment will be provided by Tom Joyce Magic Man and the grand prize winners for the summer reading program will be announced. The public is welcome. FMI: 226-7503.

August 9 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870