Cavendish Update 1/18/13 SB Mtg/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 Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605,  Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736

Note: The CCCA has been a consistent sponsor of the Cavendish Update for a number of years now. Please support their upcoming Mardi Gras Fundraiser-Saturday, Feb. 9 at 6 pm-featuring Cajun dance band Yankee Chank-to help CCCA continue their sponsorship. FMI: foodhttp://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/01/mardi-gras-party-2913.html

The 1/18/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 1/14/13

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Classic Film Series Returns to Cavendish

4. Cavendish Related Events for 1/18-1/27

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/14/13

SB meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website  and on Comcast Television.

With Mark Huntley’s resignation from the board, due to the start of the Vermont Legislature, where he is now serving as the representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield, Bill Buswell has taken his place and will serve in this capacity until town meeting in March.

At Monday night’s Select Board (SB) meeting the following items were discussed:

• Center Rd: To the question of why the yellow line on Center Rd, up to the dirt road portion, in Cavendish was added- Rich Svec, town manager, said it was accidentally done by the state. While drivers appreciate the line, it will not be repeated when the road needs to be repaved, as this is a class III road.

• Helipad Ordinance: Representatives from CCCA inquired about the town’s proposed ordinance on helipads. Svec said it would be on the February agenda.

• Water Quality Priority List: The board unanimously approved the town’s filing an application for a 2% loan to purse funding for an energy efficiency upgrade for the town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. This would involve replacing equipment, some of which is 25 to 30 years old, such as low efficiency blowers with efficiency equipment, replacement of the lagoon aeration diffuser systems in the three lagoons, installation of energy efficient blower controls including variable frequency drivers and a dissolved oxygen driven control system. While the town is getting by, it’s best to get the town on the priority list-there are currently 120 town projects from around the state on the list-so that if an emergent need arises, Cavendish would be in a good position to obtain the loan. Priority is given to those projects that pose a pollution risk. Svec also pointed out that if the town is awarded funds sooner than later, the town can always opt not to take advantage of it. The loan would be for $520,000 and have a 20-year note.

• Progress report on municipal water system project: As of Jan. 10, the water system project to resolve post treatment dissolved air issues in the finish water was completed. Water quality at the tap has already been noticeably improved in areas closest to the water facility. Improvements should be noticed town wide in the near future. Total cost of this project was under $30,000.

• Carlton Road Hazard Mitigation Project: The town is moving forward with their application for a Hazard Mitigation grant to assist in resolving drainage issues on Carlton Road. The grant is due at the end of the month.

• Zero Sort Recycling: The town manager has been playing phone tag with Cassella. The board wants to visit both the Mt. Holly transfer station, which has implemented zero sort recycling as well as the Cassella recycling plant in Rutland. Selectmen George Timko noted that Myers Container Service http://www.theredcanfamily.com had sent a letter to the select board in August about their services, which included residential and commercial recycling services. According to the Myers website, it appears this company’s primary service area is Northern Vermont.

• Transfer of the Stone Church to the Town: The Executive Committee of the Vermont Quebec Universalist Unitarian Convention is in agreement that the Cavendish Universalist Church should be deeded to the town of Cavendish for the purpose of making it the permanent home of the Alexksandr Solzhenitsyn exhibit. Working with the Solzhenitsyn family, the Cavendish Historical Society is planning a permanent exhibit recognizing the eighteen years the Russian Nobel Prize winner lived and wrote in Cavendish, as he awaited his return home.

The current building requires extensive work, which is difficult to do without grant funding. In December, a representative from Vermont Historic Preservation advised that the deed to the building be obtained by the town, which would make it much easier to obtain the necessary funds. It was noted at this site visit, that the Stone Church is a unique treasure for the state, since the inside has remained largely unchanged for the last 100 years or more.

The transfer of the deed is scheduled for May 11. In preparation for this transfer, Svec read a draft article, to be voted on at town meeting. The article would ask voters if they are willing to accept the deed transfer, along with a lease agreement to the Cavendish Historical Society to use the building for the Solzhenitsyn exhibit and other purposes.

• Town Report: The Annual report will be printed by R.C. Brayshaw & Company  in W. Lebanon. This will allow the town report to have a “perfect binding” making it easier to use. The selectmen were asked to consider what they wanted to see in the report, which will be dedicated to former select board chair, Jim Ballantine.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Rural Post office users deal with reduced hours: Peter Ramsdell of Cavendish pulled his truck into the Cavendish post office parking lot minutes before it closed Saturday. He has used the Main Street office for 15 years because it’s convenient and close to home. Ramsdell was disappointed to hear that post office hours will be limited. He understands the U.S. Postal Service is going through difficult financial times, but now he and his wife will have to adjust their schedules to send and receive their mail. “I get all my medications by mail,” Ramsdell said. “We can live with this arrangement. But if they go further and close it and attach us to the Proctorsville post office, it would be devastating.” Rutland Herald 

Follow the 2013 Vermont Legislative Session: With the start of the 2013 legislative session, proposed bills are being filed every day. The Vermont Legislative Bill Tracking System is a good way to see what has been introduced and how it is proceeding through committee, voting etc. For House Bills, go to http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/bills.cfm?Body=H&Session=2014 and for the Senate http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/bills.cfm?Body=S&Session=2014

Someone Shooting Cars on I-89: Vermont State Police are looking for a suspect who is shooting at moving vehicles on Interstate 89. Police say there have been at least five victims since Sunday. All the vehicles were headed northbound on interstate when they were hit just before reaching the Georgia rest area. Investigators believe the shooter may be using a BB or pellet gun. They do not have a motive or suspect description. No one has been injured. Anyone with information is asked to call state police. WCAX 

3. CLASSIC FILM SERIES RETURNS TO CAVENDISH

The Black & White Nights film series is back for it’s seventh season of classic films from the era when luminous black and white was king.  This year the series will be hosted by the Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Depot Street in Proctorsville.  The new venue is the church’s recently constructed community hall that was added to the back of the sanctuary to replace the old church hall destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene.  

Black & White Nights offers five consecutive weeks of Friday night films each winter.  This year’s series will begin on February 1st with the Marx Brothers’ comedy Duck Soup. February 8 will be A Face in the Crowd, a 1957 drama starring Andy Griffith in the unusual role of a hard luck drifter who rises to fame in radio and TV.  February 15 will feature the romantic comedy Pat and Mike, starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, followed by the powerful A Gentleman’s Agreement on February 22nd.  Gregory Peck plays a journalist investigating anti-Semitism in this film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1947.  The series will conclude on March 1 with another Academy Award winner, The Artist, a 2011 French romantic drama made in the style of a 1920s black and white silent film.

All films begin at 7:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated to help fund the series.  Come join us in the beautiful new community space of the Gethsemane Episcopal Church for great films and homemade cookies.  For more information, call 226-7187 or 226-7497.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED EVENTS FOR 1/18-1/27

January 18 (Friday): Rec Day GMUHS Girls and Boys Varsity Games vs. Poultney at 6 pm (girls) and 7:30 pm for the boys. All boys and girls from the Cavendish and Chester Recreation programs will get in FREE!! Please wear your gold and green GM shirt and come support the GM Chieftains.

January 19 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

 

January 21 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. No School. Offices, banks closed

January 22 (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, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

January 24 (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

January 26 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

• The GMUHS Girls Varsity Basketball team host a free clinic for Cavendish and Chester grades 3-6 girls, 10:30-12 at GMUHS.

MARDI GRAS PARTY 2/9/13

MARDI GRAS PARTY

FEATURING YANKEE CHANK

FEB. 9 (SATURDAY), 6 PM

DINNER BUFFET AND DANCE    $35 

$40 AT THE DOOR

CROWS BAKERY IN PROCTORSVILLE

BENEFITS (CCCA) Cavendish Community and Conservation Association

TICKETS ON SALE AT CROWS BAKERY

                                    FMI: 226-7736 or www.cavendishccca.org

Select Board Agendas for 1/14/13 and 1/16/13

Select Board Agenda for 1/14/13, meeting to be held at 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

• Town manager to discuss application for Water Quality Priority List status and a planning loan to pursue funding for energy efficiency upgrade for the Wastewater Treatment Facility which would involve replacement of low-efficiency blowers with high efficiency equipment, replacement of the lagoon aeration diffuser systems in the three lagoons, installation of energy efficient blower controls including variable frequency drives and a dissolved oxygen driven control system to gain best economy and best effectiveness for the treatment processes.

• Town Manager to discuss progress on preparation of an application for Hazard Mitigation and/or other program grants to assist in resolving drainage issues on Carlton Road. This is further follow-up on this topic.

• Discuss progress in attempts to schedule Select Board visits to Cassella sort facility and a nearby town transfer station using the Cassella zero-sort plan option.

• Town Manager to report on progress of the municipal water system project to resolve post treatment dissolved air issues in the finish water.

• Discuss Town Report preparation and printing contract award for the 2012 report.

• Town Manager to solicit topics for inclusion in the Town Manager and Selectmen’s Report for the 2012 book.

• Representative of the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of VT & NH present to discuss level of service in the Town of Cavendish and an appropriation request for FY 2012-2013

• Representative of the American Red Cross present to discuss level of service in the Town of Cavendish and an appropriation request for FY 2012-2013

• Update on various other town activities

• Other business

• Continue work and discussions on the F”Y 2013-2014 Selectmen’s Budget

Select Board Agenda for 1/16/13, 6 pm at the Town Office

• Continue work on FY 2013-2014 Selectmen’s Budget

1. Sheriff Mike Chamberlain present to discuss Windsor County Sheriff’s Office services to the Town of Cavendish and discuss the proposed level of service and rate schedule for the contract period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

2. Constable Seth Perry present to discuss Constable level of service, scope of activities and level of funding for the FY2013-2014 period.

3. Librarian Kata Welch and Library Trustee Brian Benoit present to present and discuss the library budget and request for town appropriation for the FY2013-2014 period.

• Continue budget element review and considerations.

Cavendish Update 1/11/13 Flu/News/Events/Mardi Gras

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

The 1/11/13 Cavendish Update Contains

1. Cavendish Related News

2. CTES 12/18/12 Board Meeting Minutes & Agenda for 1/15/13

3. Annual Mardi Gras Party to Benefit CCCA

4. Looking for a Direct Care Worker?

5. Cavendish Events 1/11-120

Note: The flu is very prevalent in our area.

The flu season is off to an early and deadly start in Vermont. Officials say three Vermonters have died from the flu. They were all adults. And the number of flu cases is up dramatically statewide. Many hospitals are now at full capacity and officials worry about the long-term availability of beds. WCAX 

Given that we are a resort area, it is important to note that flu is also widespread in NY, NH and MA. Boston has declared a public health emergency with 700 confirmed cases, compared with 70 overall last season.

If you don’t have time for the flu, take time to prevent it. 

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Passport Services at the Cavendish Post Office No Longer Available

All passport services at the Cavendish Post Office have been suspended effective last week. To find the closest place to obtain a passport, call 877-487-2778.

Proctorsville Fire Department News: For the year 2012 PFD received almost $280,000 in grant money, allowing us to purchase a 3000-gallon tanker truck several new sets of turnout gear and 14 handheld radios and 1 mobile radio. This has been great for our dept and our community, as this all had allowed us to purchase top of the line equipment with no effect on our tax rate. PFD Facebook Page

State Rep Huntley Assignment: Mark Huntley, state rep from Cavendish, has been assigned to the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources

New Supervisory Union Adopts Budget, Sets Goals: The Windsor Southwest and Rutland Windsor supervisory unions recently approved new goals and a budget for when they become the Two Rivers Supervisory Union on July 1. The new supervisory union will include the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly and Plymouth and have 1,120 K-12 students. Rutland Herald 

Springfield Medical Care Systems is Now Tobacco Free:  Effective January 1, 2013, Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) became a tobacco-free organization. There will be no smoking or tobacco use allowed on any property owned or leased by SMCS, including Springfield Hospital buildings and all grounds and parking areas. Press Release 

North Springfield Biomass Project Moving Forward: As developers for a proposed North Springfield biomass energy plant continue working to get their permits, a Windham County resident says the proposed project will have effects far beyond it's location in Windsor County. Brattleboro Reformer

 The Shopper/Vermont Journal Hacked: A hacker named "VandaTheGod" from "UGNazi" hacker group, has taken over control of the website of the weekly Vermont Journal published in Ludlow, VT. Springfield blog

VT Legislative Session Opened Jan. 9: Two term Speaker Shap Smith faced no opposition and was unanimously elected to a third term in office. Smith wants the House Natural Resources committee and the Commerce committee to work on efforts to help businesses cope with the effects of climate change. House Minority leader Don Turner listed the implementation of a statewide teachers' contract as one of the best ways to control education costs in the future. Windsor senator John Campbell was elected to a second term as Senate President Pro Tem. He wants to create new higher education opportunities for Vermont's high school students. VPR 

Gov Shumlin Focuses on Education in Inaugural Speech: Gov. Peter Shumlin says improving education - from pre-school to college - is the key to improving the Vermont economy. Using his second inaugural address to lay out a series of initiatives that he believes will lead to a better-trained workforce, Shumlin laid down a challenge to lawmakers, saying without investment in pre-school education and in training workers for today's jobs, Vermonters will be left behind. VPR 

2. CTES 12/18/12 BOARD MEETING MINUTES & 1/15/13 AGENDA

The December School Board Meeting minutes have been posted to the Cavendish Update blog. Note that this meeting included discussion about the school’s preparedness in view of the Newton, CT disaster.

The CTES board meeting will take place on January 15, 5:30 at CTES. The agenda will include:

• Warning of Annual Meeting, Public Information Hearing and Australian Ballot

• Security Update

• Reports from the Principal and Superintendent, as well as an update on the Two Rivers Supervisory Union

 

3. ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARTY TO BENEFIT CCCA

Featuring Cavendish’s Bob Naess on fiddle, along with his Cajun band, Yankee Chank, the Mardi Gras party features fabulous food, music, dancing, and more fun than should be legal.  This year’s Mardi Gras bash will be on Saturday, February 9th at the Opera House (Crows Bakery). Tickets are $35 and on sale at Crows Bakery. This is a fundraiser for the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), whose projects include the Cavendish Community Fund, the Annual Cavendish Calendar and the Walk and Talk Series. In addition, they are one of the sponsors of the Cavendish Update.  So dig out your mask and dancing shoes, and purchase your tickets early. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the good times roll).

4. LOOKING FOR A DIRECT CARE WORKER?

Individuals with disabilities, elders, and their family members particularly, find it challenging to recruit support outside their immediate network of contacts.  Rewarding Work Resources, Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation, developed the Rewarding Work website which gives older people and individuals with disabilities the choice of hiring staff directly and allows them control of the process of hiring personal assistants. The site also provides private agencies a resource to assist in recruitment of direct support professionals and other staff.

The RewardingWork.org registry provides the only comprehensive and current list of people in Vermont who are ready to provide direct care in your home. This is a free service for everyone in Vermont who needs support to help them live independently. A subscription service, you will need to obtain an access code from a contact agency, such as Senior Help Line, Vermont Center for Independent Living etc. Go to http://www.rewardingwork.org/State-Resources/Vermont/How-it-works/Contact-agency-for-free-subscription.aspx#Southeast for a list of local agencies.

 Job candidates in the Rewarding Work database have not been screened in any way and their backgrounds have not been checked. That is your responsibility as an employer. FMI: www. RewardingWork.org/vermont toll-free at 866-212 WORK (9675) or E-mail info@RewardingWork.org

5. Cavendish Events 1/11-120

January 11 (Friday): CCCA and VINS Present “Raptor Encounter, 6:30-7:30 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Meet live ambassador raptors from VINS and learn about their winter habits, predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of the systems that support life.  FMI: 226-7736 As the National Weather Forecast has issued a winter weather advisory for freezing rain-which is in effect from 4 pm to 7am on Saturday, check the Cavendish Facebook page for cancellation. You do not have to be a Facebook subscriber to read this page.

January 12 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

  • New Hours at the Cavendish Post Office begin. Window service hours are available M-F 7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm. Saturday hours, 7:30-10, remain unchanged.

January 14 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to blog  as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line  and Comcast Cable TV.

January 15 (Tuesday): CTES School Board Meeting 5:30 pm at the school. See Item 2 for the agenda.

• 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

January 17 (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

January 19 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

  • Rec Day GMUHS Girls Varsity Game vs Poultney at 2:30PM. All boys and girls from the Cavendish and Chester Recreation programs will get in FREE!! Come and support the GM girls!!! 

CTES Board Meeting 12/18/12 Minutes

Present:

Board:  Dr. Bont-Chair, Sharon Huntley, Stuart Lindberg, Jessica Goodman, and Amanda Tyrell

Administration:  George Thomson-Principal, Linda Waite- Superintendent and Chris Adams-Business Manager

Public:  LPCTV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary, Ellen Cameron, Tracy Churchill, Peggy Svec, Mike Ripley, Brian Benoit, and four members of the community. 

Call to order

Dr. Bont called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.

Comments from the Community

Steve, the 5/6 basketball coach, asked if he should be doing anything relating to safety in light of the tragedy in CT.  The area does not have cell service; has this been addressed.  Discussion:  a number of parents that stay for the practices.  The biggest issue for George, Leigh and Irene today were parents raising issues.  He said today was a good day.  He explained to the students why the flag was at half mast.  A state trooper was at school today to be supportive.  Teachers spoke to students in age appropriate ways.  George locked the front doors after school.  The last lock down drill went well.  He will let the students know there will be a practice drill this week.   The reality is if someone wants to get in the building they will.  The experts say to get back to a normal routine.

Linda began communicating with the principals and board chairs with steps she felt need to be taken.  All of the doors of the school should be locked.  After meeting with Chester law enforcement, all of the doors at CAES were locked and all but one door at GMUHS was locked.  She feels all of the school boards should consider a system similar to CAES.  Linda has a letter for the school boards outlining procedures and recommendations.  We need to start feeling comfortable when law enforcement is present.  Linda feels the doors should be locked when possible.  Suggestions:  locking doors, fire safety concerns, the concern for time it takes for law enforcement to respond; should the town select board be approached, possibly working with the town of Ludlow, look at other schools security systems.    

Brian Benoit expressed his concerns with the public library being connected to the school, the safety issues and the possibility of empowering the staff in some way.  Linda’s recommendation is to look into enhancing security systems and changing the locks on the classroom doors.  There is the concern that using mace could do more harm than good.  Recess is also an issue.   The possibility of getting training from law enforcement and having a school resource officer at school was discussed.  Jessica made a motion to authorize the administration to continue to look into safety issues for the school.   Motion approved.

Approval of Minutes of November 20, 2012

Jessica made a motion to approve the minutes of November 20, 2012 as presented.  Motion approved.

Policies

Prevention of Bullying Policy F32 – Second Read/Adoption – (Action Requested)

Sharon made a motion to accept the Prevention of Bullying Policy F32 as presented.  Motion approved.

Finance

FY’ 2013 – 14 Budget

George gave the board the second draft of the budget and went over the changes (explanation sheet attached).  The increase in the assessment is in part due to the line items coming out of the local budget and going to the supervisory union.  This is actually a decrease from this year’s costs.  Discussion ensued in support for the Administrative Assistant to the Principal position.  Chris said it will be more efficient to move the CTES books to the SU.  Stuart does not agree.  Linda said the board directs the administration on finances.  Sharon made a motion to move the financial services to the principal’s office in the budget.  Discussion ensued.  Motion approved 3:1. 

George continued to review the budget.  Centralizing transportation was discussed.  Chris reviewed the EEE and Collaborative Preschool portions of the budget.  The potential for a capitol improvement fund was discussed.    

Two Rivers Supervisory Union Update

Linda reported the finance committee is meeting at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning.  The board meeting is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at GMUHS.  The board is planning on approving the SU budget.  The facilities committee is looking at properties to house the SU.

Principal’s Report

George gave the board a budget summary.  There is nothing outstanding that George knows of.

Roof update:  George has spoken to the people involved and is finishing the class action suit application.  There is no cost to CTES.

 With all of the technology CTES has it is frustrating that they do not have high speed internet service; the fiber optic service is coming. 

The Holiday program was the highest attended performance in 20 years.  CTES has had three emergency closing days.  Friday will be a makeup day.    

George will need to work on the locks so it will not be fixed tomorrow morning.

Superintendent Report

Linda shared a letter to community members with the board. 

Support staff will have mediation tomorrow at GMUHS.  Teachers’ fact finding is scheduled for January 10^th.

Other Business

None

Executive Session

Sharon made a motion to go into executive session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss staff negotiations and to invite George and Linda.  Motion approved.  The board came out of executive session at 8:32 p.m.  No action taken.

Adjournment

Sharon made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia M. Walsh Mack

Recording Secretary

Cavendish Update 1/4/13 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 Cavendish Update for 1/4/13 Contains the following

1. Cavendish Related News

2. BRGNS Assures Donors: Your Dollars Go To Charity

3. CCCA and VINS to Present “Raptor Encounter”

4. No Passport Service at Cavendish Post Office after January 31

5. Cavendish Events 1/4-1/13

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Windsor Legislators Reveal Top Issues: The Rutland Herald invited state legislators from Windsor County,  to respond to the following question, “What’s your single most important issue for 2013 and why?” Sen Campbell selected mental health as the most significant issue, while Sen. McCormack discussed “right to die” legislation. Rutland Herald 

$5 Million Grant to Expand Cell Service in Southern VT: The state of Vermont is investing $5 million to expand cell phone targeting expand cellular service within 19 target corridors in Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties. The Vermont Telecommunications Authority has approved a grant to VTel Wireless, an affiliate of Vermont Telephone based in Springfield. VTEL Wireless will be starting its own retail cellular service, with roaming agreements will national carriers. VT Telephone Company 

Hawk Mountain Closing Inn and Restaurant: A Plymouth vacation destination is closing its inn and restaurant due to difficult financial circumstances. The Hawk Mountain Inn and Mountain Resort announced that its 50-room inn and award-winnng restaurant, The River Tavern, will no longer be serving guests as of Jan. 3. Jim Nielsen, Hawk Mountain executive vice president, confirmed the closures. Villas and seasonal rentals will remain open as will the pool and spa, ice-skating and cross-country skiing. The Hawk Mountain Inn and Resort will now focus on summer weddings and fall foliage tours. Rutland Herald 

VT Increased minimum wage on New Year’s Day: Vermont’s minimum wage increased by 14 cents to $8.60 an hour, raising wages for an estimated 11,000 low-wage workers in the state. Vermont’s minimum wage increase means an extra $240 per year in wages for the average affected worker, and the increased consumer spending generated by the minimum wage hike will boost GDP by $1.4 million. Press release 

2013 Mileage Rate: The IRS has issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning January 1, the standard mileage rate will be 56.5 cents per mile.

2. BRGNS ASSURES DONORS: YOUR DOLLARS GO TO CHARITY

 Black River Good Neighbor Services wants to assure all of our donors that all of the money donated to us goes to our charitable operations; none of the money that you donate goes to outside, paid-fundraisers. 

BRGNS’s record stands in stark contrast to much charitable fund raising in Vermont.  On December 11, 2012, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office reported data for two years provided by paid-fundraisers detailing what percentage of charitable donations they retained and what portion the charity using their services ultimately received.  The report showed that about two thirds of the money collected in this fashion in Vermont never made it to the charities involved.

BRGNS does not employ paid-fundraisers – all of our efforts are conceived and executed by our employees and volunteers.  We solicit funds via mailings, press releases, and dinners.  Our volunteers and volunteer board of directors provide almost all of the effort required to accomplish our fundraising goals.  The only exception is a portion of our paid executive director’s time.

We also sell donated merchandise – clothing, household items, furniture, toys, etc.  The funds raised from the sale of this merchandise first pay the expenses of our store and the salaries of our small staff, and the excess goes to our food and assistance programs.  We do receive funding from some grants and from the several towns that we serve, but we receive nothing from the state or federal government.  We thank all of you who have supported us through the years and are extremely grateful to our communities.

3. CCCA & VINS TO PRESENT “RAPTOR ENCOUNTER” 

The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will present the first of its 2013 Walk and Talk Series events on Friday January 11^th from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School.  The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) will present “Raptor Encounter.” Come meet live ambassador raptors from VINS and learn about their winter habits, predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of the systems that support life.  This first-hand encounter enables participants to understand the defining characteristics that make a bird a raptor and to observe their adaptations for life as a predator on the wing.  Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special event.  Please make plans to attend now.  For more information, please contact Robin Timko at 802-226-7736.

4. NO PASSPORT SERVICE AT CAVENDISH POST OFFICE AFTER 1/31/13

With the change of service window hours at the Cavendish Post Office-7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm M-F and 7:30-10:00 on Saturday, passport services will cease after January 31. The following post offices will continue to offer passport services-North Springfield, Springfield, Chester and Rutland. It is highly recommended that you call first to ensure that a clerk trained in passports is on duty. For additional passport information, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html Note that the change in Cavendish window hours takes effect on January 12. Proctorsville post office hours remain the same for 2013.

5. CAVENDISH EVENTS 1/4-1/13

January 5 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

January 8 (Tuesday): Snow sports program begins at CTES

• 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

January 9 (Wednesday): Okemo Chamber of Commerce Mixer Stone Hearth Inn, Chester “Let’s make a Deal,” bring business cards, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

January 10 (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

January 11 (Friday): CCCA and VINS Present “Raptor Encounter, 6:30-7:30 at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. meet live ambassador raptors from VINS and learn about their winter habits, predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of the systems that support life.  FMI: 226-7736

January 12 (Saturday): Ludlow Winter Farmer’s Market, 9-1 at Inside Market at the corner of Main St. and Andover St. (Rt. 100 South) FMI: http://ludlowfarmersmarket.org/

  • New Hours at the Cavendish Post Office begin. Window service hours are available M-F 7:30-9:30 am and 3-5 pm. Saturday hours, 7:30-10, remain unchanged.