Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes from Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Present
Board: Dr. Bont, Sharon Huntley, Jessica Goodman, and Stuart Lindberg
Administration: George Thomson-Principal and Linda Waite-Asst Superintendent
Public: LPCTV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary, Carolyn Solzhenitsyn, Shannon Snide, Sheila Roby, Beth Walker, Jennifer Leak, Michael Ripley, Connie Kendall, Deb O’Brien, Jenn Harper, Christine Balch, Amanda Tyrrell, Bruce Pollard, Joe Vullo, Denise Reilly, Ann Thompson, Tracy Churchill, Ellen Cameron, and Peggy Svec
Call to order
Dr. Bont called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
Comments from the Community
Dr. Bont welcomed community members. A parent had a concern about staffing and the retiring staff member not being replaced. George explained the declining enrollment at CTES and the class size recommendations from the state. Linda explained the literacy staff position that is moving from CTES to WSWSU. The number of students utilizing reading recovery was discussed. Differentiating in the classroom was discussed. A parent read her letter to the Principal with her concerns regarding her children’s learning. She urged him to consider how the children above grade level will be treated. Discussion: The need for the staff configuration to be considered; to ensure encouragement from the board and the S.U. to support George and the staff; the possibility of the school population increasing. Linda suggested the board come back in one month with answers regarding staffing for next year. George wanted to ensure that the configuration will be done in a thoughtful manner.
Approval of Minutes of April 17, 2012
Sharon made a motion to approve the minutes of April 17, 2012 as presented. Motion approved.
Professional Development Days
A parent commented on how the _ day Tuesdays is a hardship for families. Discussion: Tuesday afternoons are usually used for student needs, and professional development. Today the whole staff had professional development on reading instruction with a specialist as well as one on one. Whole days off during the year are more difficult for some parents. The options for Tuesday afternoons were discussed. The school day has been extended on the other four days to make up for the lost time on Tuesdays. Discussion: Shifting an inconvenience from one day to over five days with the shift in the start time of school. Can a community program be explored or the possibility of using the afternoon program in Ludlow. Peggy said she appreciated the thoughtful discussions this evening.
Joint Supervisory Union Merger/Consolidation Update
Linda reported the state board of education approved the merger between WSWSU and RWSU.
Principal’s Report
George gave the board a copy of the budget summary. The budget is looking fine according to George based on what he knows. George is expecting answers from the installer of the roof so he can complete the warranty claim. The school wide dance last Friday was fun. Annually George asks the board to authorize $8,700 of Medicaid funds for the crossing guard and guidance positions. Jessica made a motion to allow the SU to transfer $8,700 of Medicaid funds for the crossing guard and the guidance counselor to CTES. Motion approved. George went over the upcoming events at CTES. Graduation is scheduled on June 14th at 6:30 p.m. The school outing is scheduled for June 15th. The last day of school and move up day will be June 18th. George will be out of the office from May 17 to May 22nd.
Superintendent Report
Linda gave the board a memo from David to all WSWSU staff regarding the first District-wide Kindercamp.
Linda reported David was at the state board of education meeting. The state board of education approved the formation of a new Supervisory Union composed of WSWSU and RWSU. The state of the district report was presented at the semiannual WSWSU board meeting.
Meredith Austin has resigned her position as the Business Manager. The position opening was posted on schoolspring.com. The SU has hired Sherri Buckley as the FY’13 Curriculum Coordinator for the SU.
Other Business
None
Executive Session
Sharon made a motion to go into executive session at 7:36p.m. to discuss personnel. Motion approved. The board came out of executive session at 8:16 p.m. The board agreed to meet for executive session on June 12th.
Adjournment
Sharon made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Virginia M. Walsh Mack
Part of Cavendish Connects, the Cavendish, VT Blog archives the weekly e-mails, "Cavendish Update" and provides on-going information about current activities.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Cavendish Update 6/15/12 SB/News/Events/Benefits
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
The 6/15/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Selectboard Meeting
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24
1. June 11 Select Board Meeting/Town Plan Hearing
Select Board meetings are videotaped by LPC-TV and will be shown on Comcast Channels 8 and 10. They are also available at the LPC website.
At Monday night’s select board (SB) meeting, the following items were discussed:
• Public Hearing on the Re adoption of the Town Plan: The Select Board readopted the existing town plan, with the addition of a slight modification to the map on views and vistas and the inclusion of the following policy Commercial and private aviators shall utilize existing regional aviation facilities for their activities. The installation and/or construction of landing sites for commercial and personal aircraft are prohibited in the Town of Cavendish. This prohibition specially does not apply to police, emergency and disaster response aircraft, which may land takeoff as may be required and safely accomplished. It was noted that in order to keep private helipads from being built on Cavendish property, an ordinance was needed. Language to this effect is included in the plan. “Develop and adopt a town ordinance to prohibit the installation and/or location of personal and commercial aircraft landing sites within the Town of Cavendish.” The select board was encouraged by the audience present to develop an ordinance, as it will take at least 90 days to implement it. Note that the passage of the readopted town plan has no baring on the current situation with David Coutu, who is suing the town and select board regarding his desire to have a private helipad on his property.
• Helipad: No additional information was available on how the lawsuit/mediation against the town and select board members is proceeding. It is up to the VT Dept of Transportation to determine if David Coutu can build a helipad on his property, located off of Heald Rd in Proctorsville. For more information, see the May 18, 2012 Cavendish Update.
• 250th Banners: The blue 250th anniversary banners that have decorated the town for the last year, have all been taken down. Rich Svec presented one of the banners to Margo Caulfield for her work in seeing that the 250th anniversary celebrations took place in spite of Irene. There are still a few banners for sale. Please see item 5 below for more information about purchasing one.
• Carlton Rd Project: USA Properties has requested that the Board meet with the Project Engineers (Holden Engineering) and with the Town’s consultant engineer Weston and Sampson concerning a proposed plan to connect the development project proposed for Carlton Road to Town Water and Sewer Services. Those in attendance, as well as some of the SB members, are perplexed by this request, since presentations have been made on multiple occasion to the board, and no real changes have been made to the project design.
In March of 2011, representatives from USA Properties came to the SB once again to explain their project-50 individual homes-4 bedrooms per home; 7 multi dwelling structures, which will be 4 stories in height and contain 30 units per building for a total of 210 units. Each unit will have three bedrooms. These buildings would be as high as the Jackson Gore condominiums; and a recreational area. Not only can’t the town’s existing water and sewer accommodate this project, but the project, as described does not conform to goals and objectives of the Town Plan that was just adopted by the board. Goal 1 states To ensure development that maintains the rural atmosphere of the community and historic settlement pattern of compact village centers separated by rural countryside. As Etienne Ting, chair of the Cavendish Planning Commission, noted, this project would basically create a third village for the town.
Rich Svec noted that during Irene, the proposed project area was completely cut off, and people would have been stranded, regardless of whether there was a second bridge.
Members of the audience expressed their concern about the considerable issues with town water, and wondered why would it make sense to add a project when it’s already known that existing reserves couldn’t meet the proposed project’s needs. With several realtors present, who are aware there is little or no market for such project, it was very difficult for anyone to entertain the validity of the project. None the less, the SB agreed to respond to the request by asking USA Properties to file an Act 250 Project Review Sheet and provide accurate plains for the proposed project, which include other options for entering and exiting the property. All were in agreement that the town should not be involved in spending a lot of time on this.
Svec will draft a letter to USA Properties identifying next steps.
• Town/van Schaik Property Swap: Pieter Van Schaik spoke to the SB about swapping a portion of land he owns below the Transfer Station for a right of way over town owned land starting at the Power Plant Road so he is in closer proximity to the Eagles Head gravel pit (a van Schaik family owned property). Irene eliminated the access road (now part of the “Canyon”) from Rt 131 to the gravel pit. Van Schaik, who first approached the SB about three years ago with this proposal, believes that the swap would help to deal with potential liability issues, as both town and Eagles Head face the problem of managing storm water runoff onto the adjoining downhill property. Since this is new to many of the SB members, it was agreed to have a site visit of the property next week. Van Schaik is very interested in creating a nature path on this land so that the public would have access to “river walks.”
• FEMA Update: Rich Svec estimates that when it’s all said and done, the cost for Irene recovery will be close to $4 million for Cavendish. To date, the federal government has given the town $237,000 and the state $13,000. FEMA is now reimbursing costs at 90% and the state at 5%. In addition, some of the town’s highway department were used for road repair. Consequently, the cost to the town will be less than 5% of total recovery costs. The person from FEMA now working with the town office is doing an excellent job and projects are going through. It is anticipated that a large influx of money will be coming in soon. The first to be “paid down,” is the loan from Berkshire Bank, which had an interest rate of 1.9%. Money has also been borrowed from Mascoma, where the interest rate is 1%.
• Black River Health Center (BRHC) Exemption: Selectmen and Chair of the BRHC, George Timko, presented the SB with an agreement, signed by the BRHC board, which would transfer the Health Center building to the town, thereby taking it off the tax rolls. However, the town’s attorney had examined the agreement and had two concerns about the document. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously, with Timko sustaining, to turn down the agreement. Given the board’s refusal to accept the document as written, there is no longer sufficient time to include the property as the town’s for determination of the town’s tax rate. Since the citizens voted at the March town meeting, to turn the building over to the town, no provision was made to exempt BRHC from this year’s property taxes. To help people understand the history of the building in view of the current discussions, the Cavendish Historical Society has prepared an historic timeline of the building, which is available at the CHS blog.
2. Cavendish Related News
Ernie Shand Retires/Mark Huntley to Run: After 12 years of service, Ernie Shand, House Representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield has retired. To celebrate Representative Shand’s work in the legislature, a picnic was held at the Cavendish home of Gene and Phyllis Bont, attended by many supporters from Cavendish and Weathersfield, and Windsor County’s three senators. Mark Huntley who, with the support of the Democratic Committees of both Weathersfield and Cavendish, will run for the Cavendish/Weathersfield House seat vacated by Shand. Huntley, a financial advisor and musician, is a Cavendish resident and services on the Select Board. Press Release
Irene Recovery will cost $733 Million: According to VT’s Irene Recovery Report, http://www.vpr.net/uploads/files/vt_recovering_stronger_rpt_june_2012.pdf of the estimated $733 million recovery costs, $110 million will be the state’s share of the bill. VPR
100 Year Forecast? More Frequent and Serious Flooding: The floods caused by Hurricane Irene and the spring rain and snowmelt of 2011 were some of the worst Vermont has ever seen, but we may expect more and worse floods in the future, according to Mathias Collins, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even though speakers at a conference on flood resilience at the University of Vermont consistently expressed awe at the destruction caused by last year’s flooding, they are concerned that the worst is yet to come. VT Digger
VT to Subsidize Bus Service in Southern VT: In the face of a service cut that is set to begin June 20, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has reached an agreement with Greyhound to maintain I-91 corridor service between White River Junction and Springfield, MA, including stops in Bellows Falls and Brattleboro. The agreement would ensure that existing Greyhound runs to New York City through Springfield, MA would be maintained in Vermont through the end of 2012, while VTrans continues an intensive study of inter-city bus service and potential ridership statewide. Press Release
Candidates for Public Office in VT: June 14 was the date by which anyone wishing to hold a public office has filed with election officials. Those who have filled include: Gov. Shumlin (D); Sen Bernie Sanders (P); Sec of State Jim Condos (D) The primary election date is Aug. 28 for Republicans, Democrats and Progressives.
3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
On Friday, June 8, close to 100 volunteers from all over Vermont and parts of New Hampshire, came to Cavendish and Ludlow to help restore various parts of our community that were damaged by Irene. Cavendish had a variety of projects, including a major cleaning behind Crows Bakery, the Episcopal Church and the condo buildings on Depot St. in Proctorsville and help for families in the Whitesville area of town. The difference these volunteers made was incredible.
This event was organized by NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont. It was great to see so many people, wearing t-shirt’s from the respective housing organizations, using chain saws, weed whackers, wheel barrows, hammering, sweeping , pouring concrete, raking etc. No task was too small for this group and what a difference it made.
Special thank you to:
• Abe Gross for his coordinating efforts and for the use of the Cavendish Baptist Church as the gathering point for the volunteers
• Bill for opening the transfer station and helping the volunteers put things where they belong.
• The “locals” who were on hand to help: Margo Caulfield, Peter LaBelle, Kathy Mahoney, Neil Snyder and John Turco.
If anyone has before and after pictures, please e-mail them to margoc@tds.net or drop them off at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum on Sunday between 2-4 pm so we can include them in our flood exhibit this summer and ultimately the Society’s archives.
4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
On Thursday, June 21st, The Outback in Ludlow will host a fundraising event for the Greven Field Restoration Project (GFRP) to continue rebuilding the community baseball and softball fields and the family park in Proctorsville, Vermont that were destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene. The proceeds of all pizza sold at the Outback on Thursday, June 21st will support the Greven Field Restoration Project. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with awards presentations, pizza and at 6 p.m, a live auction of Red Sox tickets and autographed baseballs.
The highlight of the evening will be an auction of four tickets for each of two Red Sox baseball games at Fenway Park in September, 2012. The auction will also feature ten baseballs autographed by current Red Sox players including Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Beckett. After pizza and the auction, the Union Street Band featuring Greven Field´s own Mark Huntley will rock the night out. For more information about the band, check out http://unionstreetvt.com/
The Greven Field Restoration Project is a community effort. We would like to thank the following local entities that have donated their time, labor and equipment:
Mike O´Neill of M&M, Rod Williams and the Okemo Valley Golf Club, Alfonso Chambers and the Cavendish Road Crew, Howard Barton and Ludlow Electric Co., Villages Painters. Terry O´Brien Painting, Diamond Realty, Freedom Hill Design, Hill-Martin Corporation, Huntley Financial Services, and HB Septic. Cota and Cota, The Castle/Cavendish Pointe and IAVC Intelligent Audio Visual have also made generous financial contributions.
GFRP is keeping our money local by making our purchases at neighborhood businesses such as Okemo Valley Golf Club, LaValley´s Build Supply, Singletons Store, Gilcris Enterprises, Brett Bartalotta Barco Builders, and Weathersfield Fencing.
5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
The last of the Cavendish 250th Anniversary banners have been taken down. What a year 2011 was and one that will be remembered for many generations to come.
While a number of the banners have been already purchased, there are still some available for sale.
Since the banners are double sided, you can purchase a single banner ($80) or the regular double sided banner ($175). Send a check for $150 payable to the 250th Anniversary Fund and mail to Cavendish 250th Anniversary Committee, PO Box 126, Cavendish, VT 05142-0126. You can also stop by the town office and pick one up. They will also be for sale during the Summer Fest, June 30 at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
Money raised will help to pay for a new Welcome to Cavendish sign on Rt 131.
6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
If anyone in town has lost a dog (looks like a Shepard mix), he was last seen in Bill Barrow’s kitchen eating. Very friendly feller, we hope he can be re-united with his family soon. He has been hanging out here since Sunday night, mostly outside, but we did manage to lure him inside to dry out for the night and fill his belly. 226-7213
7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
Due to high demand in the last two weeks, the food shelf at BRGN is low. They are in need of the following: canned fruit and vegetables; Pork and beans; spaghetti; noodles; peanut butter; juice; dry potatoes; rice and pasta mixes; pancake mix; soup; granola bars; and coffee. Donations of money are also welcome. Please drop items off at the Ludlow location. FMI: 228-3663
8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
LPC-TV is looking for interested candidates for the Board of Directors. There are 1, 2, and 3-year terms opening up on the Board this year. We are at a critical point at LPCTV – it is time to complete Phase 1 of the building project, move in, and continue on with the capital campaign so that we can complete Phases 2 and 3 this upcoming year. Fresh ideas and creative energy are welcomed. If you or someone you know might make a good candidate, please call 228-8808.
9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
The 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest will be exhibited at the Cavendish Library June 19-21 (Tuesday-Thursday), during Library hours 9-6:30. Be sure to take a look at what your neighbors have chosen as their favorite views in our township! Winners will be announced at the June 30 Summer Fest on the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24
June 15 (Friday): GMUHS Graduation, 7 pm at the school
• CTES Plymouth State Park School Outing
• Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 17 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 18 (Monday): Last day of school at CTES.
• GMUHS 8th grade graduation, 5:30 pm potluck dinner at the school
June 19 (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
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 20 (Wednesday): 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest on June 30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 21 (Thursday): The Friends of the Ludlow Library are hosting a program for people with diminishing eyesight. Minta Fish, from the VT Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will discuss various eye conditions, services available and demonstration of several adaptive devices. The program will be held at the Gill Apartments. FMI: 802-672-4041.
• 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
• Community Luncheon at St. James Church in Proctorsville. The Menu will include baked chicken pieces with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, along with broccoli, Paula's special coleslaw and hot rolls, a cake with fresh strawberry topping and hot coffee, tea or a cold beverage. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age helps to defray the cost of this delicious meal.
• 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
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 22 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 24 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
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
The 6/15/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Selectboard Meeting
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24
1. June 11 Select Board Meeting/Town Plan Hearing
Select Board meetings are videotaped by LPC-TV and will be shown on Comcast Channels 8 and 10. They are also available at the LPC website.
At Monday night’s select board (SB) meeting, the following items were discussed:
• Public Hearing on the Re adoption of the Town Plan: The Select Board readopted the existing town plan, with the addition of a slight modification to the map on views and vistas and the inclusion of the following policy Commercial and private aviators shall utilize existing regional aviation facilities for their activities. The installation and/or construction of landing sites for commercial and personal aircraft are prohibited in the Town of Cavendish. This prohibition specially does not apply to police, emergency and disaster response aircraft, which may land takeoff as may be required and safely accomplished. It was noted that in order to keep private helipads from being built on Cavendish property, an ordinance was needed. Language to this effect is included in the plan. “Develop and adopt a town ordinance to prohibit the installation and/or location of personal and commercial aircraft landing sites within the Town of Cavendish.” The select board was encouraged by the audience present to develop an ordinance, as it will take at least 90 days to implement it. Note that the passage of the readopted town plan has no baring on the current situation with David Coutu, who is suing the town and select board regarding his desire to have a private helipad on his property.
• Helipad: No additional information was available on how the lawsuit/mediation against the town and select board members is proceeding. It is up to the VT Dept of Transportation to determine if David Coutu can build a helipad on his property, located off of Heald Rd in Proctorsville. For more information, see the May 18, 2012 Cavendish Update.
• 250th Banners: The blue 250th anniversary banners that have decorated the town for the last year, have all been taken down. Rich Svec presented one of the banners to Margo Caulfield for her work in seeing that the 250th anniversary celebrations took place in spite of Irene. There are still a few banners for sale. Please see item 5 below for more information about purchasing one.
• Carlton Rd Project: USA Properties has requested that the Board meet with the Project Engineers (Holden Engineering) and with the Town’s consultant engineer Weston and Sampson concerning a proposed plan to connect the development project proposed for Carlton Road to Town Water and Sewer Services. Those in attendance, as well as some of the SB members, are perplexed by this request, since presentations have been made on multiple occasion to the board, and no real changes have been made to the project design.
In March of 2011, representatives from USA Properties came to the SB once again to explain their project-50 individual homes-4 bedrooms per home; 7 multi dwelling structures, which will be 4 stories in height and contain 30 units per building for a total of 210 units. Each unit will have three bedrooms. These buildings would be as high as the Jackson Gore condominiums; and a recreational area. Not only can’t the town’s existing water and sewer accommodate this project, but the project, as described does not conform to goals and objectives of the Town Plan that was just adopted by the board. Goal 1 states To ensure development that maintains the rural atmosphere of the community and historic settlement pattern of compact village centers separated by rural countryside. As Etienne Ting, chair of the Cavendish Planning Commission, noted, this project would basically create a third village for the town.
Rich Svec noted that during Irene, the proposed project area was completely cut off, and people would have been stranded, regardless of whether there was a second bridge.
Members of the audience expressed their concern about the considerable issues with town water, and wondered why would it make sense to add a project when it’s already known that existing reserves couldn’t meet the proposed project’s needs. With several realtors present, who are aware there is little or no market for such project, it was very difficult for anyone to entertain the validity of the project. None the less, the SB agreed to respond to the request by asking USA Properties to file an Act 250 Project Review Sheet and provide accurate plains for the proposed project, which include other options for entering and exiting the property. All were in agreement that the town should not be involved in spending a lot of time on this.
Svec will draft a letter to USA Properties identifying next steps.
• Town/van Schaik Property Swap: Pieter Van Schaik spoke to the SB about swapping a portion of land he owns below the Transfer Station for a right of way over town owned land starting at the Power Plant Road so he is in closer proximity to the Eagles Head gravel pit (a van Schaik family owned property). Irene eliminated the access road (now part of the “Canyon”) from Rt 131 to the gravel pit. Van Schaik, who first approached the SB about three years ago with this proposal, believes that the swap would help to deal with potential liability issues, as both town and Eagles Head face the problem of managing storm water runoff onto the adjoining downhill property. Since this is new to many of the SB members, it was agreed to have a site visit of the property next week. Van Schaik is very interested in creating a nature path on this land so that the public would have access to “river walks.”
• FEMA Update: Rich Svec estimates that when it’s all said and done, the cost for Irene recovery will be close to $4 million for Cavendish. To date, the federal government has given the town $237,000 and the state $13,000. FEMA is now reimbursing costs at 90% and the state at 5%. In addition, some of the town’s highway department were used for road repair. Consequently, the cost to the town will be less than 5% of total recovery costs. The person from FEMA now working with the town office is doing an excellent job and projects are going through. It is anticipated that a large influx of money will be coming in soon. The first to be “paid down,” is the loan from Berkshire Bank, which had an interest rate of 1.9%. Money has also been borrowed from Mascoma, where the interest rate is 1%.
• Black River Health Center (BRHC) Exemption: Selectmen and Chair of the BRHC, George Timko, presented the SB with an agreement, signed by the BRHC board, which would transfer the Health Center building to the town, thereby taking it off the tax rolls. However, the town’s attorney had examined the agreement and had two concerns about the document. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously, with Timko sustaining, to turn down the agreement. Given the board’s refusal to accept the document as written, there is no longer sufficient time to include the property as the town’s for determination of the town’s tax rate. Since the citizens voted at the March town meeting, to turn the building over to the town, no provision was made to exempt BRHC from this year’s property taxes. To help people understand the history of the building in view of the current discussions, the Cavendish Historical Society has prepared an historic timeline of the building, which is available at the CHS blog.
2. Cavendish Related News
Ernie Shand Retires/Mark Huntley to Run: After 12 years of service, Ernie Shand, House Representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield has retired. To celebrate Representative Shand’s work in the legislature, a picnic was held at the Cavendish home of Gene and Phyllis Bont, attended by many supporters from Cavendish and Weathersfield, and Windsor County’s three senators. Mark Huntley who, with the support of the Democratic Committees of both Weathersfield and Cavendish, will run for the Cavendish/Weathersfield House seat vacated by Shand. Huntley, a financial advisor and musician, is a Cavendish resident and services on the Select Board. Press Release
Irene Recovery will cost $733 Million: According to VT’s Irene Recovery Report, http://www.vpr.net/uploads/files/vt_recovering_stronger_rpt_june_2012.pdf of the estimated $733 million recovery costs, $110 million will be the state’s share of the bill. VPR
100 Year Forecast? More Frequent and Serious Flooding: The floods caused by Hurricane Irene and the spring rain and snowmelt of 2011 were some of the worst Vermont has ever seen, but we may expect more and worse floods in the future, according to Mathias Collins, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even though speakers at a conference on flood resilience at the University of Vermont consistently expressed awe at the destruction caused by last year’s flooding, they are concerned that the worst is yet to come. VT Digger
VT to Subsidize Bus Service in Southern VT: In the face of a service cut that is set to begin June 20, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has reached an agreement with Greyhound to maintain I-91 corridor service between White River Junction and Springfield, MA, including stops in Bellows Falls and Brattleboro. The agreement would ensure that existing Greyhound runs to New York City through Springfield, MA would be maintained in Vermont through the end of 2012, while VTrans continues an intensive study of inter-city bus service and potential ridership statewide. Press Release
Candidates for Public Office in VT: June 14 was the date by which anyone wishing to hold a public office has filed with election officials. Those who have filled include: Gov. Shumlin (D); Sen Bernie Sanders (P); Sec of State Jim Condos (D) The primary election date is Aug. 28 for Republicans, Democrats and Progressives.
3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
On Friday, June 8, close to 100 volunteers from all over Vermont and parts of New Hampshire, came to Cavendish and Ludlow to help restore various parts of our community that were damaged by Irene. Cavendish had a variety of projects, including a major cleaning behind Crows Bakery, the Episcopal Church and the condo buildings on Depot St. in Proctorsville and help for families in the Whitesville area of town. The difference these volunteers made was incredible.
This event was organized by NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont. It was great to see so many people, wearing t-shirt’s from the respective housing organizations, using chain saws, weed whackers, wheel barrows, hammering, sweeping , pouring concrete, raking etc. No task was too small for this group and what a difference it made.
Special thank you to:
• Abe Gross for his coordinating efforts and for the use of the Cavendish Baptist Church as the gathering point for the volunteers
• Bill for opening the transfer station and helping the volunteers put things where they belong.
• The “locals” who were on hand to help: Margo Caulfield, Peter LaBelle, Kathy Mahoney, Neil Snyder and John Turco.
If anyone has before and after pictures, please e-mail them to margoc@tds.net or drop them off at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum on Sunday between 2-4 pm so we can include them in our flood exhibit this summer and ultimately the Society’s archives.
4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
On Thursday, June 21st, The Outback in Ludlow will host a fundraising event for the Greven Field Restoration Project (GFRP) to continue rebuilding the community baseball and softball fields and the family park in Proctorsville, Vermont that were destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene. The proceeds of all pizza sold at the Outback on Thursday, June 21st will support the Greven Field Restoration Project. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with awards presentations, pizza and at 6 p.m, a live auction of Red Sox tickets and autographed baseballs.
The highlight of the evening will be an auction of four tickets for each of two Red Sox baseball games at Fenway Park in September, 2012. The auction will also feature ten baseballs autographed by current Red Sox players including Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Beckett. After pizza and the auction, the Union Street Band featuring Greven Field´s own Mark Huntley will rock the night out. For more information about the band, check out http://unionstreetvt.com/
The Greven Field Restoration Project is a community effort. We would like to thank the following local entities that have donated their time, labor and equipment:
Mike O´Neill of M&M, Rod Williams and the Okemo Valley Golf Club, Alfonso Chambers and the Cavendish Road Crew, Howard Barton and Ludlow Electric Co., Villages Painters. Terry O´Brien Painting, Diamond Realty, Freedom Hill Design, Hill-Martin Corporation, Huntley Financial Services, and HB Septic. Cota and Cota, The Castle/Cavendish Pointe and IAVC Intelligent Audio Visual have also made generous financial contributions.
GFRP is keeping our money local by making our purchases at neighborhood businesses such as Okemo Valley Golf Club, LaValley´s Build Supply, Singletons Store, Gilcris Enterprises, Brett Bartalotta Barco Builders, and Weathersfield Fencing.
5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
The last of the Cavendish 250th Anniversary banners have been taken down. What a year 2011 was and one that will be remembered for many generations to come.
While a number of the banners have been already purchased, there are still some available for sale.
Since the banners are double sided, you can purchase a single banner ($80) or the regular double sided banner ($175). Send a check for $150 payable to the 250th Anniversary Fund and mail to Cavendish 250th Anniversary Committee, PO Box 126, Cavendish, VT 05142-0126. You can also stop by the town office and pick one up. They will also be for sale during the Summer Fest, June 30 at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
Money raised will help to pay for a new Welcome to Cavendish sign on Rt 131.
6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
If anyone in town has lost a dog (looks like a Shepard mix), he was last seen in Bill Barrow’s kitchen eating. Very friendly feller, we hope he can be re-united with his family soon. He has been hanging out here since Sunday night, mostly outside, but we did manage to lure him inside to dry out for the night and fill his belly. 226-7213
7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
Due to high demand in the last two weeks, the food shelf at BRGN is low. They are in need of the following: canned fruit and vegetables; Pork and beans; spaghetti; noodles; peanut butter; juice; dry potatoes; rice and pasta mixes; pancake mix; soup; granola bars; and coffee. Donations of money are also welcome. Please drop items off at the Ludlow location. FMI: 228-3663
8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
LPC-TV is looking for interested candidates for the Board of Directors. There are 1, 2, and 3-year terms opening up on the Board this year. We are at a critical point at LPCTV – it is time to complete Phase 1 of the building project, move in, and continue on with the capital campaign so that we can complete Phases 2 and 3 this upcoming year. Fresh ideas and creative energy are welcomed. If you or someone you know might make a good candidate, please call 228-8808.
9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
The 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest will be exhibited at the Cavendish Library June 19-21 (Tuesday-Thursday), during Library hours 9-6:30. Be sure to take a look at what your neighbors have chosen as their favorite views in our township! Winners will be announced at the June 30 Summer Fest on the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24
June 15 (Friday): GMUHS Graduation, 7 pm at the school
• CTES Plymouth State Park School Outing
• Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 17 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 18 (Monday): Last day of school at CTES.
• GMUHS 8th grade graduation, 5:30 pm potluck dinner at the school
June 19 (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
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 20 (Wednesday): 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest on June 30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 21 (Thursday): The Friends of the Ludlow Library are hosting a program for people with diminishing eyesight. Minta Fish, from the VT Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will discuss various eye conditions, services available and demonstration of several adaptive devices. The program will be held at the Gill Apartments. FMI: 802-672-4041.
• 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
• Community Luncheon at St. James Church in Proctorsville. The Menu will include baked chicken pieces with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, along with broccoli, Paula's special coleslaw and hot rolls, a cake with fresh strawberry topping and hot coffee, tea or a cold beverage. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age helps to defray the cost of this delicious meal.
• 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
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.
June 22 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 24 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Shand Retires/Huntley to Run
Ernie Shand, member of the House of Representatives for Cavendish and Weathersfield has announced his retirement after 12 years of service.
To celebrate Representative Shand’s work in the legislature, a picnic was held at the Cavendish home of Gene and Phyllis Bont, attended by many supporters from Cavendish and Weathersfield, and Windsor County’s three senators.
Shand guided legislation that enabled many more Vermonters to have access to broadband and cell service in rural areas; and he worked to provide affordable health care to Vermonters. In addition, consumer protection was high on Shand’s agenda: he states that “A lot of time has been spend working with the Attorney General on consumer protection issues such as credit card fraud, unscrupulous internet lending and electronic security breaches.” During this last session, Shand shepherded a bill through passage which will guarantee our National Guard troops housing allowance when they are deployed for more that 30 days. This issue arose during the Irene deployment last year.
Community members present at the picnic shared stories about how Shand listened to all his constituents points of view, as well as the timely way of responding to their questions and concerns. Ernie stated that after a dozen years it was time for take a break, spend more time with his family, and mow the lawn!
The importance of Representative Shand’s tenure was noted by the three Windsor County Senators in attendance: John Campbell, Dick McCormick and Alice Nitka. John Campbell praised Shand for the way he studied materials and prepared for legislation. Often, he said, the committee wanted to hear Shand’s point of view before acting on a bill.
Also in attendance was Mark Huntley who, with the support of the Democratic Committees of both Weathersfield and Cavendish, will run for the Cavendish/Weathersfield House seat vacated by Shand. Huntley, a financial advisor and musician, was born in Rutland. He has lived in and been involved in the Cavendish community for more than a decade. He has served on the Green Mountain Union School Board for the past 10 years and was elected to the Cavendish Select Board this past year. He has been very active for over 10 years in the care, building and recent renovation of Greven Field, the Proctorsville little league baseball field that was severely damaged by the 2011 flood.
The Cavendish Democratic Committee will have a voter registration table at the Cavendish Historical Society flea market and Auction on June 30. If you are new to town or new to voting, stop by to fill out the simple form (bring along your driver’s license). Mark Huntley will be available throughout the day to meet people and answer questions.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Anybody lose a dog?
If anyone in town has lost a dog (looks like a shepard mix), he was last seen in my kitchen (Bill Barrows) eating. LOL Very friendly feller, we hope he can be re-united with his family soon. He has been hanging out here since Sunday night, mostly outside, but we did manage to lure him inside to dry out for the night and fill his belly. 226-7213
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Select Board Meeting Agenda/Public Hearing 6/11/12
The Agenda for Monday, June 11, Selectmen's Meeting, which meets at the Cavendish Town Office,will include the following:
Note change in time for Item 1.
• At 6 pm, convene and conduct the Cavendish Board of Selectmen's Public Hearing on Readoption of the Cavendish Town Plan with modifications as approved by the Board of Selectmen on May 14, 2012.
a) . Select Board and Town Manager to introduce the plan and describe Select Board modifications to the plan as it was presented to the Board by the Planning Commission.
b) Select Board to review comments of the Cavendish Planning Commission on the Selectmen's changes to the plan.
c) Selectmen to hear the public on the plan readoption
d) Selectmen to adopt the plan.
• Immediately following the Public Hearing on Readoption of the Cavendish Town Plan, call the monthly meeting to order.
• Rich Svec and Diane McNamara to update the Board on progress with FEMA paperwork and progression of reimbursements. Discussion to include information on the reimbursement rate authorized and state contribution information.
• Rich to give a summary report on the progress of the 2012 Grand List and Lister activities on same.
• Selectmen to review draft of deed proposed by Black River Health Center, Inc. Regarding the transfer of the BRHC premises to the town. Update on the matter of exemption for the Black River Health Center.
• Consider request of USA properties to have the Board meet with the Project Engineers (Holden Engineering) and with the Town's consultant engineer Weston and Sampson concering proposed plan to connect the development project proposed for Carlton Road to Town Water and Sewer services.
• Update on EECBG Energy Retrofit activities, plan and reimbursements.
Note change in time for Item 1.
• At 6 pm, convene and conduct the Cavendish Board of Selectmen's Public Hearing on Readoption of the Cavendish Town Plan with modifications as approved by the Board of Selectmen on May 14, 2012.
a) . Select Board and Town Manager to introduce the plan and describe Select Board modifications to the plan as it was presented to the Board by the Planning Commission.
b) Select Board to review comments of the Cavendish Planning Commission on the Selectmen's changes to the plan.
c) Selectmen to hear the public on the plan readoption
d) Selectmen to adopt the plan.
• Immediately following the Public Hearing on Readoption of the Cavendish Town Plan, call the monthly meeting to order.
• Rich Svec and Diane McNamara to update the Board on progress with FEMA paperwork and progression of reimbursements. Discussion to include information on the reimbursement rate authorized and state contribution information.
• Rich to give a summary report on the progress of the 2012 Grand List and Lister activities on same.
• Selectmen to review draft of deed proposed by Black River Health Center, Inc. Regarding the transfer of the BRHC premises to the town. Update on the matter of exemption for the Black River Health Center.
• Consider request of USA properties to have the Board meet with the Project Engineers (Holden Engineering) and with the Town's consultant engineer Weston and Sampson concering proposed plan to connect the development project proposed for Carlton Road to Town Water and Sewer services.
• Update on EECBG Energy Retrofit activities, plan and reimbursements.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Cavendish Update: 6/8/12 News/Events
Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page
The Cavendish Update for 6/8/12 contains the following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Brian Benoit Publishes “Crustacean Vacation”
3. Pet Portraits to Benefit Proctorsville Fire Dept
4. Office Space Available at Black River Health Center Building
5. Cavendish Library Seeking Artists
6. Cavendish Events 6/8-6/18
1. Cavendish Related News
Recovered Property in Cavendish: Power Plant Road, Cavendish. State Police recovered a Polaris ATV that was found by the side of the road in Cavendish on June 5 at 4:04 pm. The identity of the owner and the status of the ATV are not known. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police.
Commerce Agency Seeks Public Input for Flood Recovery: Last year, extraordinary floodwaters inundated the homes of some 15,000 Vermonters. But as of the end of last month, only 5,100 had received any housing recovery assistance. Those are just some of the findings of a disaster recovery action plan being developed by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development that could bring Vermont more than $21.6 million to help individuals and businesses recover. Hearings this month will help the agency develop a comprehensive disaster relief plan, which is due the end of July. The public can make comments at ACCD.CDBGDisasterRecovery@state.vt.us or attend one of the hearings (June 7, 3:30-5:30 at the Bugbee Center in White River Junction or June 12, 5-7 pm at Montpelier Lost Nation Theater. VPR
Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series Returns this Summer: Okemo Mountain Resort kicks off summer with the return of the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series. Free concerts are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night from June 15 through August 31.
Changes Made to Proposed Biomass Plant: The developers of the proposed wood-fired generating plant in North Springfield have submitted an amended application to state regulators, which includes significant changes in the plant’s design and hopes for a new access road. The biggest change, would be changing the 35 megawatt plant to an air-cooled system rather than a water-cooled system, thus drastically reducing the plant’s need for water – either from drilled wells in North Springfield or water from the town’s municipal system Rutland Herald
Greyhound to Stop Service in Bellows Falls and Two other Towns: The nation's largest bus company is cutting service to Brattleboro, Bellows Falls and Keene, N.H. WNNE
VT Opts out of No Child Left Behind Waiver: After a year of work, the state of Vermont has dropped its plan to seek a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind education law. Governor Peter Shumlin says the conditions of the waiver are worse than the provisions of the law. VPR
Better Cell Phone Coverage is Coming: Small scale technology that can be quickly installed to answer the number of areas in the state where calls not only drop, but they never connect initially. Using CoverageCo, new towers will be installed in eight locations. If successful, the plan is to duplicate the technology in other places. VPR Press Release
CDC Ranks VT’s Child Injury Rate at 38th out of 51 states/territories: Unintentional injury is the number one killer nationally and in Vermont for children from birth to age 19, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Signs report. The report ranks Vermont’s injury rate among the worst 38th out of 51 states/territories. “When we look at Vermont, especially striking are the numbers of prescription drug poisonings among teens, and suffocation of infants too often due to unsafe sleeping arrangements.” The leading cause of death in teens is motor vehicle accidents followed by suicide. Press Release
River Valley Technical Center in Springfield Wins Society of Manufacturing Engineers top Prize: At the Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge, “a middle and high school manufacturing competition, RVTC was the first place winner of a $1,000 award for the reverse engineering and refurbishment of an 1860 Pratt and Whitney engine lathe. The project included the complete disassembly and re-manufacture of more than 100 parts. The fully restored lathe will become part of the 150th anniversary Civil War exhibit at the American Precision Museum in Windsor, Vt. starting in July, 2012. Springfield VT News
Warning: Rental Property Scam: Police are warning potential renters about a property scam. Someone is posting fake rentals online and then taking money from potential tenants. The scammers tell potential renters they are a husband and wife doing work in a foreign country and need to rent their home while their away. In order to get the keys, the victim is asked to write money overseas Lebanon Police want the public to be aware of online advertisements for rentals. They’re issuing these tips to make sure you’re not ripped off: Do not wire funds to people you do not know. Call the property manager or association, if applicable, and ask about the landlord. Know the area you are trying to rent in and drive by the location to see if there are rental signs. Be cautious when dealing with people who say they currently live overseas or are out of the country on business. Scammers tell victims this to explain why they can't meet in person. Be cautious also if they prefer to communicate via e-mail only. Be cautious of rental properties that will not allow a walk-through. WNNE
Resort Visits Down This Past Winter: According to the Vermont Ski Areas Association, skier and rider visits were down about 11 percent from last year and down 5 percent from the state's 10-year average. Vermont did fare much better than ski resorts in most other parts of the country. Nationwide, skier visits were down about 16 percent this past winter. WCAX
White Pine Needle Disease Conspicuous in VT: The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation reports that white pine tree needle damage is widespread in the state again this spring. Although the damage is very noticeable, it is not life-threatening to healthy trees. Press Release
Gov Signs Universal Recycling Bill (H 485): Vermonters recycle 36 percent of the waste stream, but half of the other 64 percent is recyclable, and yet ends up in our landfills, which are nearing capacity. H. 485 addresses this growing challenge by creating phased-in mandatory recycling and composting. Over the next few years, it requires waste haulers to also collect leaf and yard waste as well as food waste, and prohibits the disposal of recyclable and compostable materials in landfills. The Governor signed the bill on June 7. Press Release
Date for VT Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference: The 16th annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012, on the campus of Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. This year's conference will explore Vermonters' resiliency in the wake of an economic downturn and Tropical Storm Irene. There will also be new offerings for Vermont's value-added food producers and for recent college graduates looking to stay in Vermont. Of course, the conference will continue to feature the vital "how-to" workshops that provide the basic tools for women at all stages of their professional and personal development. Sen Leahy’s Office.
Application for Marijuana Dispensaries Now Available: The Vermont Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn officially announced that in accordance with provisions set forth in Title 18 Chapter 86, Vermont's therapeutic use of cannabis, the department is now accepting marijuana dispensary applications. The rules for Vermont's therapeutic use of cannabis, known as the Vermont Marijuana Program (VMP), are available online through the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC). Press Release
2. Brian Benoit Publishes “Crustacean Vacation”
A crab family is headed for the shore to kick back on a boardwalk where a seagull runs the candy store and an octopus acts as lifeguard. Young readers (ages 4-8) will enjoy the clever, rhyming verses of Brian Benoit, who lives in Cavendish, Vt., and thought up his world of sea creatures to entertain his brother during family trips to the Maine coast. Since, they have proven popular with his children. The bright, playful illustrations are the work of New Hampshire artist and author Marty Kelley, who has penned and illustrated several other children’s books. The book was published this month by Islandport Press. You can learn more about Brian’s book and other musings at Crabosity. FMI: 207-846-3344, www.islandportpress.com, or email books@islandportpress.com
3. Pet Portraits to Benefit Proctorsville Fire Dept
As a fundraiser for the Proctorsville Fire Department (PFD), an award-winning painter, and member of the portrait society of America, Jane Hart, will immortalize your pet. The paintings are custom oil portraits, using the finest European pigments (Old Holland Paint) on archival panels, so the paintings will last longer than we will! There is a minimum contribution of $250, made payable to the PFD, for the portraits. To see some of Hart’s portraits go to petsbyhART.com and to arrange for your pet’s sitting, e-mail jane@petsbyhart.com.
4. Office Space Available at Black River Health Center Building
Office space is available at the Black River Health Center for professionals in the health and wellness fields. Great location, ample parking and handicapped accessible. Reasonable rents, all utilities included except for WiFi/telephone. Contact George for more info at 226-7736.
5. Cavendish Library Seeking Artists
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is seeking local artists who wish to display their works in the Redfield Proctor Room of the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in Proctorsville this summer. If you, or someone you know is interested, please contact Kata at 226-7503.
6. Cavendish Events 6/8-6/18
June 9 (Saturday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Free Fishing Day in VT. No license required at any of the states 284 lakes or 7,000 streams.
June 10 (Sunday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 11 (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.
June 12 (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
• GMUHS Spring Sports Awards Ceremony, 6 pm at the school
June 13 (Wednesday): Okemo Valley Chamber Mixer, 5:30-7:30 at the Weston Playhouse, Route 100 in Weston. FMI: 228-5830
June 14 (Thursday): CTES Graduation, 6:30-7:30 pm
• 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
June 15 (Friday): GMUHS Graduation, 7 pm at the school
• CTES Plymouth State Park School Outing
• Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 17 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
The Cavendish Update for 6/8/12 contains the following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Brian Benoit Publishes “Crustacean Vacation”
3. Pet Portraits to Benefit Proctorsville Fire Dept
4. Office Space Available at Black River Health Center Building
5. Cavendish Library Seeking Artists
6. Cavendish Events 6/8-6/18
1. Cavendish Related News
Recovered Property in Cavendish: Power Plant Road, Cavendish. State Police recovered a Polaris ATV that was found by the side of the road in Cavendish on June 5 at 4:04 pm. The identity of the owner and the status of the ATV are not known. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police.
Commerce Agency Seeks Public Input for Flood Recovery: Last year, extraordinary floodwaters inundated the homes of some 15,000 Vermonters. But as of the end of last month, only 5,100 had received any housing recovery assistance. Those are just some of the findings of a disaster recovery action plan being developed by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development that could bring Vermont more than $21.6 million to help individuals and businesses recover. Hearings this month will help the agency develop a comprehensive disaster relief plan, which is due the end of July. The public can make comments at ACCD.CDBGDisasterRecovery@state.vt.us or attend one of the hearings (June 7, 3:30-5:30 at the Bugbee Center in White River Junction or June 12, 5-7 pm at Montpelier Lost Nation Theater. VPR
Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series Returns this Summer: Okemo Mountain Resort kicks off summer with the return of the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series. Free concerts are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night from June 15 through August 31.
Changes Made to Proposed Biomass Plant: The developers of the proposed wood-fired generating plant in North Springfield have submitted an amended application to state regulators, which includes significant changes in the plant’s design and hopes for a new access road. The biggest change, would be changing the 35 megawatt plant to an air-cooled system rather than a water-cooled system, thus drastically reducing the plant’s need for water – either from drilled wells in North Springfield or water from the town’s municipal system Rutland Herald
Greyhound to Stop Service in Bellows Falls and Two other Towns: The nation's largest bus company is cutting service to Brattleboro, Bellows Falls and Keene, N.H. WNNE
VT Opts out of No Child Left Behind Waiver: After a year of work, the state of Vermont has dropped its plan to seek a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind education law. Governor Peter Shumlin says the conditions of the waiver are worse than the provisions of the law. VPR
Better Cell Phone Coverage is Coming: Small scale technology that can be quickly installed to answer the number of areas in the state where calls not only drop, but they never connect initially. Using CoverageCo, new towers will be installed in eight locations. If successful, the plan is to duplicate the technology in other places. VPR Press Release
CDC Ranks VT’s Child Injury Rate at 38th out of 51 states/territories: Unintentional injury is the number one killer nationally and in Vermont for children from birth to age 19, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Signs report. The report ranks Vermont’s injury rate among the worst 38th out of 51 states/territories. “When we look at Vermont, especially striking are the numbers of prescription drug poisonings among teens, and suffocation of infants too often due to unsafe sleeping arrangements.” The leading cause of death in teens is motor vehicle accidents followed by suicide. Press Release
River Valley Technical Center in Springfield Wins Society of Manufacturing Engineers top Prize: At the Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge, “a middle and high school manufacturing competition, RVTC was the first place winner of a $1,000 award for the reverse engineering and refurbishment of an 1860 Pratt and Whitney engine lathe. The project included the complete disassembly and re-manufacture of more than 100 parts. The fully restored lathe will become part of the 150th anniversary Civil War exhibit at the American Precision Museum in Windsor, Vt. starting in July, 2012. Springfield VT News
Warning: Rental Property Scam: Police are warning potential renters about a property scam. Someone is posting fake rentals online and then taking money from potential tenants. The scammers tell potential renters they are a husband and wife doing work in a foreign country and need to rent their home while their away. In order to get the keys, the victim is asked to write money overseas Lebanon Police want the public to be aware of online advertisements for rentals. They’re issuing these tips to make sure you’re not ripped off: Do not wire funds to people you do not know. Call the property manager or association, if applicable, and ask about the landlord. Know the area you are trying to rent in and drive by the location to see if there are rental signs. Be cautious when dealing with people who say they currently live overseas or are out of the country on business. Scammers tell victims this to explain why they can't meet in person. Be cautious also if they prefer to communicate via e-mail only. Be cautious of rental properties that will not allow a walk-through. WNNE
Resort Visits Down This Past Winter: According to the Vermont Ski Areas Association, skier and rider visits were down about 11 percent from last year and down 5 percent from the state's 10-year average. Vermont did fare much better than ski resorts in most other parts of the country. Nationwide, skier visits were down about 16 percent this past winter. WCAX
White Pine Needle Disease Conspicuous in VT: The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation reports that white pine tree needle damage is widespread in the state again this spring. Although the damage is very noticeable, it is not life-threatening to healthy trees. Press Release
Gov Signs Universal Recycling Bill (H 485): Vermonters recycle 36 percent of the waste stream, but half of the other 64 percent is recyclable, and yet ends up in our landfills, which are nearing capacity. H. 485 addresses this growing challenge by creating phased-in mandatory recycling and composting. Over the next few years, it requires waste haulers to also collect leaf and yard waste as well as food waste, and prohibits the disposal of recyclable and compostable materials in landfills. The Governor signed the bill on June 7. Press Release
Date for VT Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference: The 16th annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012, on the campus of Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. This year's conference will explore Vermonters' resiliency in the wake of an economic downturn and Tropical Storm Irene. There will also be new offerings for Vermont's value-added food producers and for recent college graduates looking to stay in Vermont. Of course, the conference will continue to feature the vital "how-to" workshops that provide the basic tools for women at all stages of their professional and personal development. Sen Leahy’s Office.
Application for Marijuana Dispensaries Now Available: The Vermont Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn officially announced that in accordance with provisions set forth in Title 18 Chapter 86, Vermont's therapeutic use of cannabis, the department is now accepting marijuana dispensary applications. The rules for Vermont's therapeutic use of cannabis, known as the Vermont Marijuana Program (VMP), are available online through the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC). Press Release
2. Brian Benoit Publishes “Crustacean Vacation”
A crab family is headed for the shore to kick back on a boardwalk where a seagull runs the candy store and an octopus acts as lifeguard. Young readers (ages 4-8) will enjoy the clever, rhyming verses of Brian Benoit, who lives in Cavendish, Vt., and thought up his world of sea creatures to entertain his brother during family trips to the Maine coast. Since, they have proven popular with his children. The bright, playful illustrations are the work of New Hampshire artist and author Marty Kelley, who has penned and illustrated several other children’s books. The book was published this month by Islandport Press. You can learn more about Brian’s book and other musings at Crabosity. FMI: 207-846-3344, www.islandportpress.com, or email books@islandportpress.com
3. Pet Portraits to Benefit Proctorsville Fire Dept
As a fundraiser for the Proctorsville Fire Department (PFD), an award-winning painter, and member of the portrait society of America, Jane Hart, will immortalize your pet. The paintings are custom oil portraits, using the finest European pigments (Old Holland Paint) on archival panels, so the paintings will last longer than we will! There is a minimum contribution of $250, made payable to the PFD, for the portraits. To see some of Hart’s portraits go to petsbyhART.com and to arrange for your pet’s sitting, e-mail jane@petsbyhart.com.
4. Office Space Available at Black River Health Center Building
Office space is available at the Black River Health Center for professionals in the health and wellness fields. Great location, ample parking and handicapped accessible. Reasonable rents, all utilities included except for WiFi/telephone. Contact George for more info at 226-7736.
5. Cavendish Library Seeking Artists
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is seeking local artists who wish to display their works in the Redfield Proctor Room of the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library in Proctorsville this summer. If you, or someone you know is interested, please contact Kata at 226-7503.
6. Cavendish Events 6/8-6/18
June 9 (Saturday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Free Fishing Day in VT. No license required at any of the states 284 lakes or 7,000 streams.
June 10 (Sunday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 11 (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.
June 12 (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
• GMUHS Spring Sports Awards Ceremony, 6 pm at the school
June 13 (Wednesday): Okemo Valley Chamber Mixer, 5:30-7:30 at the Weston Playhouse, Route 100 in Weston. FMI: 228-5830
June 14 (Thursday): CTES Graduation, 6:30-7:30 pm
• 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
June 15 (Friday): GMUHS Graduation, 7 pm at the school
• CTES Plymouth State Park School Outing
• Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 17 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
Friday, June 1, 2012
Cavendish Update 6/1/12 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 6/1/12 Cavendish Update Contains the following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. How Affordable is Cavendish?
3. Cavendish Civil War History-Daniel Wheeler Medal of Honor
4. Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens on Sunday
5. Last Call for Cavendish Photography Contest
6. Statewide Volunteer Effort Helps Those Impacted by Irene
7. Calendar of Cavendish Events 6/1/12-
1. Cavendish Related News
VT State Parks Now Has An App: Just in time for the start of the summer season, the Vermont State Parks has rolled out a free iPhone app that gives visitors the ability to access and organize all sorts of information. VPR
Plymouth State Park Sustained Significant Damage: While most state parks received minimal damage from Irene, that is not the case for Plymouth State Park in Ludlow. The park will remain closed for another couple of weeks as contractors are cleaning it up and re establishing lawn areas.
Vermont might just dodge the hot national summer forecast: Federal forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their summer weather forecast. In Vermont, though, the news is more temperate. The center said the northern United States, north of a line from Oregon to New Jersey and including Vermont, has equal chances of having a warm, cool or normal summer. There’s a good chance Vermont’s spring weather, as recorded at the National Weather Service in South Burlington, will be the warmest on record. Burlington Free Press
Rutland Regional Hospital Cuts Rehab Program: Facing a $7 million budget shortfall, the Rutland Regional Medical Center board of directors narrowly voted on Wednesday to close the hospital's inpatient rehabilitation unit. The rehab unit will gradually stop taking new patients this summer and shut down completely by October 1. The cut was required by declining Medicare reimbursements and a smaller, state-imposed revenue cap on hospitals. VPR
Springfield Select Board Votes to Commit Water to Proposed Biomass Project: The town select board in Springfield, Vt., has voted for an agreement to commit 30,000 of gallons of municipal water a day to a proposed biomass project. Developers are hopeful they also will capture rainfall and acquire water from other sources so as not to dip into the town supply as much. Boston Globe
Asthma Above Average in VT: According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey, the prevalence of asthma in VT is higher than the national average in all but one age group for adults -- those 55 to 64. And one age group for children -- those 10 to 14. WCAX
2. How Affordable is Cavendish?
Recently, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Council completed a study, which looked at how affordable it is to live in the region. In addition to looking at housing costs, the study also included estimated for transportation costs for the region’s residents. According to the report Nearly a third of towns are considered affordable when looking at annual housing costs for a household which is earning 80% of the County median household income or less ($40,714 for Windsor County) (costs are no more than 30% of income). When estimated transportation costs are also included however, all towns are considered unaffordable for a household which earns 80% of the County median household income or less (housing and transportation costs are more than 45% of income). Cavendish, Ludlow, Springfield and Weston were considered “unaffordable,” while of the other towns in the area –Reading, Mt. Holly, Chester, Baltimore etc., were considered very unaffordable. The study report is available on-line.
3. Cavendish Civil War History-Daniel Wheeler Medal of Honor
In the March 30 Cavendish Update, information was provided for two of Cavendish’s Civil War veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor, William Sperry and Tom Seaver. There was a third, Daniel Davis Wheeler.
A native of Cavendish, Wheeler enlisted at 19 when President Lincoln called for volunteers. He served in many of the major battles of the Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for “distinguished bravery” at the Battle of Salem Heights. Career military, he retired in 1903.
Recently, the Cavendish Historical Society received a clipping from “The Free Lance-Star” of Fredericksburg, VA. “Daniel Davis Wheeler is hardly a household name. Yet he can be considered a Civil War hero-a fact that had, until recently, largely escaped public notice.
Now, if you visit Wheeler’s resting place in Fredericksbur’s City Cemetery, near a venerable magnolia and the brick wall along Washington Avenue, you’ll spot something shiny and new.
Affixed to Wheeler’s gravestone are two brass plaques. One reads “Medal of Honor.” The others bears his name, unit-the 4th Vermont Infantry Regiment-and birth and death dates. Both feature the distinctive design of the medal awarded as the nation’s highest military honor.
Here in Fredericksburg, Wheeler is something of an odd man out: a Union brigadier general interred in a cemetery known for its Southerns.
Nonetheless, Wheeler is of Fredericksburg. He lived his last 15 years here, having married into one of the area’s most prominent families.
And when his time came, Brig. Gen. Wheeler was laid to rest by his adopted community. At his funeral on July 29,1916, pallbearers included Fredericksburg Mayor J.P . Rowe and Charles Hurkamp, a longtime City Council member.
So how did a son of Cavendish end up marrying a confederate daughter?
During the War, the Phillips family home served as headquarters for Union army commander Ambrose Burnside during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It is possible that Wheeler met his future wife then. More than 30 years later, Wheeler married Nannie, (nee Phillips) who was recently widowed in Fredericksburg. They then moved to Nebraska where he was stationed.
Retiring in 1903, the Wheelers returned to Fredericksburg. Wheeler is buried in the Phillips family plot. At his funeral, a tribute declared that the city had “lost one of her most distinguished citizens… a natural leader of men. …[B]ehind the apparent sternness of his character, due to his military training, was the possessor of a most kind heart. To those of us who knew him well, his memory will long remain fragrant because of the innumerable acts of courtesy and kindness which he was ever doing.”
Read more: Daniel Davis Wheeler, RIP
4. Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens on Sunday
The Cavendish Historical Society Museum opens this coming Sunday, June 2, with two unique exhibits. The first is the town’s 250-year historic timeline. The second features photographs and other items from the floods of 1927 and 2011. Please bring copies of your photographs from Irene so they can be included in the archives for future generations. If you would prefer, you can e-mail them to margoc@tds.net
The Museum is open every Sunday from 2-4 pm until mid October. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807
5. Last Call for Photography Contest
If you would like to submit a photograph for the 2013 Cavendish Calendar, a project of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), the submission deadline is June 5th. Entries can be delivered to the Cavendish Town Office or Crows Bakery.
6. Statewide Volunteer Effort Helps Those Impacted by Irene
Recovery is a long process. No one knows that better than the organizations whose work it is year-round to assist Vermonters with their housing needs. That’s why the NeighborWorks® Alliance of Vermont has organized a volunteer workday on June 8 to help complete projects in the hard-hit Cavendish/Ludlow areas.
According to Peg Hale, Manager of Gilman Housing Trust’s HomeOwnership Center in Lyndonville, VT, “The five NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers across the state hold special NeighborWorks Week workdays every year to bring volunteers together to help our individual communities. This year we wanted to join forces to help where it was most needed.”
The Alliance, including Windham and Windsor Housing Trust, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Central Vermont Community Land Trust, Champlain Housing Trust, and Gilman Housing Trust has been planning this workday for months. They have gathered donations of money and material, worked with local community leaders, and reached out to other organizations so that the most good can be accomplished in a short time.
“From the good people at USDA-RD, to the Vermont State Housing Authority, Realtors, and others, people want to help. The folks we serve at Gilman Housing Trust were spared the worst last August. We are all in this together,” said George Mathias, Chief Operating Officer at Gilman Housing.
Projects to be accomplished on June 8 include work at the Mountainside Youth Center in Ludlow and at various family homes in and around Ludlow and Cavendish. The volunteers are gathering at the Cavendish Baptist Church at 9:00 AM thanks to the hospitality of Reverend Abraham Gross. The District Director of NeighborWorks America, Deborah Boatright is traveling from New York to greet the volunteers. Box lunches will be provided as workers head to their assigned work sites. Following a day of hard work, the volunteers will gather again at the Baptist Church for a barbeque and celebration.
“It’s all about the work,” said Merten Bangemann-Johnson, CEO of Gilman Housing, “But making sure volunteers enjoy the experience helps guarantee participation at future efforts, as well. There’s much to be done.”
Anyone interested in helping should contact Peg Hale toll free at 888 MY VT HOME, or by email at PegH@nekhome.org. Everyone is welcomed.
7. Calendar of Cavendish Events 6/1/12-6/10/12
June 1 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 2 (Saturday): Grand Opening of Black River Good Neighbor’s Used Furniture Store in Ludlow, 10 am. FMI: www.brgn.org or call 802-228-3663
June 3 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 4 (Monday): Blood Drive at the Ludlow Community Center 12:30-5:30 pm
June 5 (Tuesday): All submissions for Cavendish Calendar are due. Contest guidelines and rules, and entry forms and instructions on how to enter will be available at the CCCA website, at the Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, or at Crow’s Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville.
• 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
June 6 (Wednesday): CTES PTO Meeting, 6-7 pm at the school
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office
June 7 (Thursday): Arts Night at CTES 6:30-7:30 pm
• 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
• 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
June 8 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 9 (Saturday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
June 10 (Sunday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Historical Society.
The 6/1/12 Cavendish Update Contains the following:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. How Affordable is Cavendish?
3. Cavendish Civil War History-Daniel Wheeler Medal of Honor
4. Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens on Sunday
5. Last Call for Cavendish Photography Contest
6. Statewide Volunteer Effort Helps Those Impacted by Irene
7. Calendar of Cavendish Events 6/1/12-
1. Cavendish Related News
VT State Parks Now Has An App: Just in time for the start of the summer season, the Vermont State Parks has rolled out a free iPhone app that gives visitors the ability to access and organize all sorts of information. VPR
Plymouth State Park Sustained Significant Damage: While most state parks received minimal damage from Irene, that is not the case for Plymouth State Park in Ludlow. The park will remain closed for another couple of weeks as contractors are cleaning it up and re establishing lawn areas.
Vermont might just dodge the hot national summer forecast: Federal forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their summer weather forecast. In Vermont, though, the news is more temperate. The center said the northern United States, north of a line from Oregon to New Jersey and including Vermont, has equal chances of having a warm, cool or normal summer. There’s a good chance Vermont’s spring weather, as recorded at the National Weather Service in South Burlington, will be the warmest on record. Burlington Free Press
Rutland Regional Hospital Cuts Rehab Program: Facing a $7 million budget shortfall, the Rutland Regional Medical Center board of directors narrowly voted on Wednesday to close the hospital's inpatient rehabilitation unit. The rehab unit will gradually stop taking new patients this summer and shut down completely by October 1. The cut was required by declining Medicare reimbursements and a smaller, state-imposed revenue cap on hospitals. VPR
Springfield Select Board Votes to Commit Water to Proposed Biomass Project: The town select board in Springfield, Vt., has voted for an agreement to commit 30,000 of gallons of municipal water a day to a proposed biomass project. Developers are hopeful they also will capture rainfall and acquire water from other sources so as not to dip into the town supply as much. Boston Globe
Asthma Above Average in VT: According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey, the prevalence of asthma in VT is higher than the national average in all but one age group for adults -- those 55 to 64. And one age group for children -- those 10 to 14. WCAX
2. How Affordable is Cavendish?
Recently, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Council completed a study, which looked at how affordable it is to live in the region. In addition to looking at housing costs, the study also included estimated for transportation costs for the region’s residents. According to the report Nearly a third of towns are considered affordable when looking at annual housing costs for a household which is earning 80% of the County median household income or less ($40,714 for Windsor County) (costs are no more than 30% of income). When estimated transportation costs are also included however, all towns are considered unaffordable for a household which earns 80% of the County median household income or less (housing and transportation costs are more than 45% of income). Cavendish, Ludlow, Springfield and Weston were considered “unaffordable,” while of the other towns in the area –Reading, Mt. Holly, Chester, Baltimore etc., were considered very unaffordable. The study report is available on-line.
3. Cavendish Civil War History-Daniel Wheeler Medal of Honor
In the March 30 Cavendish Update, information was provided for two of Cavendish’s Civil War veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor, William Sperry and Tom Seaver. There was a third, Daniel Davis Wheeler.
A native of Cavendish, Wheeler enlisted at 19 when President Lincoln called for volunteers. He served in many of the major battles of the Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for “distinguished bravery” at the Battle of Salem Heights. Career military, he retired in 1903.
Recently, the Cavendish Historical Society received a clipping from “The Free Lance-Star” of Fredericksburg, VA. “Daniel Davis Wheeler is hardly a household name. Yet he can be considered a Civil War hero-a fact that had, until recently, largely escaped public notice.
Now, if you visit Wheeler’s resting place in Fredericksbur’s City Cemetery, near a venerable magnolia and the brick wall along Washington Avenue, you’ll spot something shiny and new.
Affixed to Wheeler’s gravestone are two brass plaques. One reads “Medal of Honor.” The others bears his name, unit-the 4th Vermont Infantry Regiment-and birth and death dates. Both feature the distinctive design of the medal awarded as the nation’s highest military honor.
Here in Fredericksburg, Wheeler is something of an odd man out: a Union brigadier general interred in a cemetery known for its Southerns.
Nonetheless, Wheeler is of Fredericksburg. He lived his last 15 years here, having married into one of the area’s most prominent families.
And when his time came, Brig. Gen. Wheeler was laid to rest by his adopted community. At his funeral on July 29,1916, pallbearers included Fredericksburg Mayor J.P . Rowe and Charles Hurkamp, a longtime City Council member.
So how did a son of Cavendish end up marrying a confederate daughter?
During the War, the Phillips family home served as headquarters for Union army commander Ambrose Burnside during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It is possible that Wheeler met his future wife then. More than 30 years later, Wheeler married Nannie, (nee Phillips) who was recently widowed in Fredericksburg. They then moved to Nebraska where he was stationed.
Retiring in 1903, the Wheelers returned to Fredericksburg. Wheeler is buried in the Phillips family plot. At his funeral, a tribute declared that the city had “lost one of her most distinguished citizens… a natural leader of men. …[B]ehind the apparent sternness of his character, due to his military training, was the possessor of a most kind heart. To those of us who knew him well, his memory will long remain fragrant because of the innumerable acts of courtesy and kindness which he was ever doing.”
Read more: Daniel Davis Wheeler, RIP
4. Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens on Sunday
The Cavendish Historical Society Museum opens this coming Sunday, June 2, with two unique exhibits. The first is the town’s 250-year historic timeline. The second features photographs and other items from the floods of 1927 and 2011. Please bring copies of your photographs from Irene so they can be included in the archives for future generations. If you would prefer, you can e-mail them to margoc@tds.net
The Museum is open every Sunday from 2-4 pm until mid October. FMI: margoc@tds.net or 802-226-7807
5. Last Call for Photography Contest
If you would like to submit a photograph for the 2013 Cavendish Calendar, a project of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), the submission deadline is June 5th. Entries can be delivered to the Cavendish Town Office or Crows Bakery.
6. Statewide Volunteer Effort Helps Those Impacted by Irene
Recovery is a long process. No one knows that better than the organizations whose work it is year-round to assist Vermonters with their housing needs. That’s why the NeighborWorks® Alliance of Vermont has organized a volunteer workday on June 8 to help complete projects in the hard-hit Cavendish/Ludlow areas.
According to Peg Hale, Manager of Gilman Housing Trust’s HomeOwnership Center in Lyndonville, VT, “The five NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers across the state hold special NeighborWorks Week workdays every year to bring volunteers together to help our individual communities. This year we wanted to join forces to help where it was most needed.”
The Alliance, including Windham and Windsor Housing Trust, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Central Vermont Community Land Trust, Champlain Housing Trust, and Gilman Housing Trust has been planning this workday for months. They have gathered donations of money and material, worked with local community leaders, and reached out to other organizations so that the most good can be accomplished in a short time.
“From the good people at USDA-RD, to the Vermont State Housing Authority, Realtors, and others, people want to help. The folks we serve at Gilman Housing Trust were spared the worst last August. We are all in this together,” said George Mathias, Chief Operating Officer at Gilman Housing.
Projects to be accomplished on June 8 include work at the Mountainside Youth Center in Ludlow and at various family homes in and around Ludlow and Cavendish. The volunteers are gathering at the Cavendish Baptist Church at 9:00 AM thanks to the hospitality of Reverend Abraham Gross. The District Director of NeighborWorks America, Deborah Boatright is traveling from New York to greet the volunteers. Box lunches will be provided as workers head to their assigned work sites. Following a day of hard work, the volunteers will gather again at the Baptist Church for a barbeque and celebration.
“It’s all about the work,” said Merten Bangemann-Johnson, CEO of Gilman Housing, “But making sure volunteers enjoy the experience helps guarantee participation at future efforts, as well. There’s much to be done.”
Anyone interested in helping should contact Peg Hale toll free at 888 MY VT HOME, or by email at PegH@nekhome.org. Everyone is welcomed.
7. Calendar of Cavendish Events 6/1/12-6/10/12
June 1 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 2 (Saturday): Grand Opening of Black River Good Neighbor’s Used Furniture Store in Ludlow, 10 am. FMI: www.brgn.org or call 802-228-3663
June 3 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Opens 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
June 4 (Monday): Blood Drive at the Ludlow Community Center 12:30-5:30 pm
June 5 (Tuesday): All submissions for Cavendish Calendar are due. Contest guidelines and rules, and entry forms and instructions on how to enter will be available at the CCCA website, at the Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, or at Crow’s Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville.
• 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
June 6 (Wednesday): CTES PTO Meeting, 6-7 pm at the school
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office
June 7 (Thursday): Arts Night at CTES 6:30-7:30 pm
• 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
• 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
June 8 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.
June 9 (Saturday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
June 10 (Sunday): Vermont Days. Free admission to VT State Parks and Historic sites throughout VT. FMI: 802-228-5830 or www.yourplaceinvermont.com.
• Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
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