Cavendish Update 4/19/13 Volunteers/Poem/Buyer's Club

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

The 4/19/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Volunteering in Cavendish

2. Volunteers needed for tree planting on Twenty Mile Stream

3. Freedom to Breathe

4. Interested in Being Part of an Associated Buyers Club?

5.Generosity helps feed hundreds

6. Cavendish Events 4/19-4/28

1. VOLUNTEERING IN CAVENDISH

Being involved with various town activities is a great way to help your community, make new friends, know your neighbors and improve your sense of well being. To help facilitate this process, a new feature has been added to the Cavendish Update Blog- Cavendish Volunteer Opportunities.  http://cavendishvt.blogspot.com/2013/04/volunteering-in-cavendish.html

If you are looking to recruit volunteers, and would like information included at this site, please send an e-mail to margoc@tds.net with the following information: description of position, when, where and who to contact.

2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TREE PLANTING ON 20 MILE STREAM

The Black River Action Team (BRAT), along with the VT Youth Conservation Corp,  will be planting trees on Twenty Mile Stream, and a couple of banks along the Black River at the Davis and Phillips properties is Monday, May 6th.  If you can volunteer, there are a variety of tasks that need to be done, some of which can be done in advance of May 6. If you can help in any way, please call 885-1533.

3. FREEDOM TO BREATHE

As April is National Poetry Month, and the Vermont Humanities Council is launching it’s Vermont Reads 2013-Poetry 180: A Turning Back to Poetry, the Cavendish Historical Society is encouraging readers to explore the poetry of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who lived in Cavendish from 1976-1994. While this Russian dissident and Nobel Prize winner in literature is known for his books, such as Gulag Archipeligo, he also wrote a number of poems. Below is Freedom to Breathe from his 1973 book, Stories and Prose Poems.

A shower fell in the night and now dark clouds drift across the sky, occasionally sprinkling a fine film of rain.

I stand under an apple-tree in blossom and I breathe.  Not only the apple-tree but the grass round it glistens with moisture; words cannot describe the sweet fragrance that prevades the air. Inhaling as deeply as I can, the aroma invades my whole being; I breathe with my eyes open, I breathe with my eyes closed – I cannot say which gives me the greater pleasure.

This, I believe is the single most precious freedom that prison takes away from us: the freedom to breathe freely, as I now can.  No food on earth, no wine, not even a woman’s kiss is sweeter to me than this air steeped in the fragrance of flowers, of moisture and freshness.

No matter that this is only a tiny garden, hemmed in by five-storey houses like cages in a zoo. I cease to hear the motorcycles backfiring, the radios whining, the burble of loudspeakers. As long as there is fresh air to breathe under an apple-tree after a shower, we may survive a little longer.

(From: Solzhenitsyn: Stories and Prose Poems: Penguin 1973).

4. INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF AN ASSOCIATED BUYERS CLUB?

Ginger Wilk is forming an Associated Buyers Club. http://www.assocbuyers.com/ This is a small natural and specialty foods wholesale company, serving the Northeast from warehouse and offices in Southern New Hampshire.  Products include many ethnic foods, bulk goods, regionally made specialties and natural foods. Depending on interest, orders could be placed monthly or bi-monthly. If you are interested in learning more or participating in this group, call Ginger at 226-8090.

5. OKEMO’S GENEROSITY HELPS FEED HUNDREDS

 In a spectacularly successful promotion, Okemo Mountain Resort collected thousands of pounds of food for the Black River Good Neighbor Services’ food shelf.  An unprecedented 8 pick-up truck loads full of food was collected. On Saturday, March 30th, skiers who brought items of non-perishable food skied at a deeply discounted rate. Hundreds of skiers took advantage of the generous offer.

“So many families will benefit from this tremendous show of support that it’s almost impossible to express our overwhelming gratitude to Okemo and the generous folks who took part in the day’s donation and activities,” said Audrey Bridge, Executive Director of BRGNS’s Food Shelf and Thrift Shop.  Pete LaBelle, President of the Board of Directors, said “the Okemo Mountain Ambassadors who worked so hard collecting, sorting and loading the food also deserve our grateful acknowledgement for their important role in the success of this endeavor.  Special thanks go to Okemo’s Diane and Tim Mueller without whose support none of this could have happened”.  LaBelle also acknowledged that the timing could not have been better since BRGNS’ food shelf was running low due to increased demand.

BRGNS also acknowledges the generosity of the skiers who participated.  Many brought more items than they needed and some also donated cash.  The wider community can always be counted on here in Vermont to help those who need it most.

Black River Good Neighbor Services provides food and limited financial assistance to qualified individuals and families in Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly and Plymouth.  It also operates a thrift store at 37B Main Street in Ludlow to defray many of the costs of running the food shelf and programs.  For information or to volunteer your services, please call Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663.

6. Cavendish Events 4/19-4/28

April 19 (Friday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

April 20 (Saturday): Spring clean-up at Greven Field 9 AM. Please come and help get the field ready for baseball season.

 

April 22 (Monday): Earth Week/Earth Day

April 23 (Tuesday): Earth Week

• 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 (802) 226-7343, or Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

April 24 (Wednesday): Earth Week

April 25 (Thursday): Earth Week

• 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 (802) 226-7343, or 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

             

• Grace Knight of the American Chestnut Foundation, and Forrest Hammond of Vermont Fish and Wildlife will present a discussion on the subject of the American chestnut tree.  The event will take place in the new meeting hall of the Episcopal Church next to Crows’ Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville from 6:30-7:30. FMI: Robin Timko at 226-7736.

April 26 (Friday): Earth Week

April 27 (Saturday): 2^nd Annual Wild and Woolly Weekend. A ‘Fiberlicious event” 10-5 pm. The Pointe Hotel in Proctorsville. FMI: www.SixLooseLadies.com

• 57^th annual Ludlow Rotary Penny Sale at the Black River High School in Ludlow from 6-9 pm.

• Got Drugs? Turn in unused or expired medications for safe disposal from 10-2 pm. Locations closest to Cavendish include: Ludlow Police Dept; Weathersfield Transfer Station, Springfield Police Dept; and the Windsor Police Department For more information: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

April 28 (Sunday): 2^nd Annual Wild and Woolly Weekend. A ‘Fiberlicious event” 10-3 pm. The Pointe Hotel in Proctorsville. FMI: www.SixLooseLadies.com

          

  • House Blend is an assemblage of  twenty performers who are self-proclaimed singing addicts whose repertoire includes gospel, village music from Africa and Eastern Europe, Renaissance madrigals, Bach, contemporary music---and anything else the group chooses to add to the mix.  They will be performing at 4:00 at Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Depot St. in Proctorsville (next to Crows Corner Cafe).  Suggested donation of $10.00 will fund future concerts in the newly renovated church.  FMI: 802-226-7497.

Volunteering in Cavendish

The following volunteer opportunities are currently available in Cavendish, Vermont:

Cavendish Historical Society 

- Board Members
- Ideas and Assistance with Fundraisers
- Staff to help with the Hands on History program for the 2014/2015 school year

For more information, call 802-226-7807, e-mail margoc@tds.net or go to the CHS Volunteer page.

Cavendish Connects 

• Fundraising
• Instagramers
• Posting pins to Pinterest

For more information, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net

Special Post 4/16/13: Help Boston/Local Prayer Service

In response to the explosions at yesterday’s Boston Marathon, the following post provides information about ways you can help and where to go for more information. Updates will posted to the Cavendish blog and the Cavendish VT Facebook page as needed with Friday’s Update containing summary information. Anyone can read the Cavendish VT Facebook page, but you must be a Facebook member to post comments.

Prayer Service at Gethsemane Church

Gethsemane Church will be open today, April 16, from 5 - 7pm for silent prayer, for those who would like to be in solidarity with the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. All are welcome

We need to stand with those who have suffered violence in our land yet one more time. Come.  Be in silence.  Pray if you wish.  In your heart be a sign that love, peace and justice are stronger than death.

Pray for peace, for those who suffer and for those who use violence to find their meaning and security.  Be in solidarity with those throughout the world who experience violence as a daily event.

Peace and hope to us all. Dick Bower, Pastor Gethsemane Church

Helping

Donations can be made to the following groups that are directly involved in helping those injured and stranded:

• Red Cross Boston Chapter 

• The Salvation Army 

• Blood donations can be made to local organizations. 

Information on family and friends

• It is recommended that text is used over a cell phone call.

• Safe and Well program of the Red Cross 

• Call 617-635-4500 for information about family and friends. Please use other means before placing a call. 

Where to check for Information on Boston Explosions

In response to the explosions at the Boston Marathon, and the JFK Library a short while ago, the following resource information is provided for those who wish to check on the well being of family and friends in the Boston area:
• Phone: 617-635-4500
• Red Cross Safe and Well Program

Be advised that it can be difficult getting a call through to Boston at this point.

Cavendish Update 4/12/13 SB Mtg/News/Events/Tag Sale

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 4/1/2/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 4/8/13

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Cavendish Historical Society News

4. Chestnut Trees are in Focus in Cavendish

5. Third Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

6. Gethsemane Church Shares with BRGN

7. Free Cavendish CPR Class

8. Golden Stage Inn Seeking Artists

9. Cavendish Events 4/12-4/21/13

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 4/8/13

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

At Monday night’s SB meeting the following items were discussed:

Town wide Tag Sale: The Select board gave permission for the use of the village greens for the 3^rd annual town wide tag sale to be held on Saturday, July 27. There was some discussion about whether to have a banner or logo for this year’s event. See article 5 below for more information.

Stone Church Deed Transfer: The transfer of the Stone Church from the VT/Quebec Unitarian Universalist Convention to the town of Cavendish will take place on May 11. Rich Svec, town manager, will make a short presentation at the meeting and accept the deed on behalf of the town. Svec will prepare a draft letter of agreement for the leasing of the Stone Church to the Cavendish Historical Society. See article 3 below for more information

Liquor Licenses: The following were approved for liquor licenses by the Select board Castle Hill Inn and Resort; Cavendish Pointe Hotel; and the Inn at Glimmerstone. The following were approved for the sale of liquor and tobacco: Williams Store; Singleton’s and Minnibee’s.

Planning Commission: John Saydek was approved to replace Sandra Pember on the Cavendish Planning Commission.

Sustainability:  As discussed at the March select board meeting, the Cavendish Energy Committee continues to interview vendors about potential solar array projects for Cavendish. The town would receive net metering credits. Various parcels of town land are being considered, all of which would be off road and not readily visible. The Committee has already met with two companies and will be meeting with a third in the next few days.

The Committee is also looking at LEDs for street lighting. Reducing energy consumption by 40%, these are directional lights, which would reduce lighting on private homes and other areas where it is not wanted. An example of this type of lighting can be seen in Perkinsville. Since the lights are leased to the Town from the power companies (GMP and Ludlow Electric) the board agreed to write a joint letter with the Energy Committee inquiring about the replacement of street lights with LEDs.

The Select Board will visit the Mt. Holly Transfer Station and Casella recycling center in Rutland on Wednesday, May 1.  To be in compliance with Vermont recycling requirements, the town is exploring zero-sort recycling for the Cavendish Transfer Station.

Transportation: At the upcoming Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), of the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission, newly elected select board member Michele Lindberg will represent the town. The priorities of projects for Cavendish include: Replacement of the Depot Street Bridge in Proctorsville (this is also on the state’s priority list); Route 131 road replacement-Downer’s through the Castle- as this stretch of road required considerable repairs after Irene; signal at the intersection of 131 and 103; and better signage by Fletcher Field. Mike Ripley noted that the Supervisory Union may be moving to Fletcher Farms, which would further increase the amount of traffic entering and exiting in that area.

Y.I.P Program: A state program, approximately a half dozen youth (16-20) will be in Cavendish for two weeks in July. They will be cleaning up grassy areas and will be painting the trim on the town garage. The only cost to the town is for supplies. Svec said the town has used Y.I.P before and the results were excellent.

Highway Conditions/Summer Projects: As far as “mud seasons” go, this one hasn’t been that bad. Summer projects left over from Irene include: Davis Rd bridge; East Rd and Brook Rd intersection; and Meadow Brook Farm Rd. These projects will soon be going out to bid.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Judge Refuses to Hold Cavendish Suspect Without Bail: Windsor Superior Court Judge Robert Gerety denied a motion from Windsor County State’s Attorney Michael Kainen to have Brett Bartolotta, 42, held without bail. Kainen said his office had been seeking to have Bartolotta held, saying he posed a threat to the safety of the community. Bartolotta, a former West Haven, Conn., volunteer firefighter, was one of two men charged with the sexual assault of the boy, who was 12 when the assaults started. Rutland Herald 4/12/13

Federal Sequester Will Result in Cuts to Vermont: Preliminary consensus figures from the Shumlin administration and the Joint Fiscal Office show Vermont will see $15.1 million in “baseline” cuts to federal funds as a result of the federal sequester in fiscal year 2015. The estimate for reductions in 2013 and 2014 is about $9.3 million, so far. The cuts will affect state programs, nonprofits and municipalities. The direct hit to the state budget is $5 million in 2013 and 2014, and $6.1 million in 2015. VT Digger 

Tools to Assist Vermonters in finding lost life insurance benefits: State Treasurer Beth Pearce has announced new efforts to assist Vermonters in claiming life insurance benefits, including improved web page search tools, consumer tips and information to assist consumers in claiming their money. The Treasurer’s office has received more than $2.2 million in unclaimed property as the result of a multi-state initiative to require life insurance companies to pay out on old, sometimes forgotten, policies. The State Treasurer’s Office has created a special web page with guidelines to assist people in searching for old, forgotten policies. Go to http://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/unclaimed-property/ and click on the page, “Life Insurance Policies.” Vermonters can search for unclaimed property online or call the Unclaimed Property Division at (802) 828-2407 or toll-free in Vermont a 1-800-642-3191. There is no charge to claim funds through the Treasurer’s office. Press Release 

3. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS

This coming Sunday, April 14, will be the Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS). Beginning at 5 pm at the parish hall of Gethsemane Church on Depot Street in Proctorsville, there will be a potluck super and short meeting, followed by showing the film “The Homecoming.” This film documents Aleksandra Solzhenitsyn’s return to Russia.

On May 11, the deed of Cavendish Universalist Church will be handed over to the town of Cavendish. The Stone Church will be used as a small venue space for concerts, lectures, readings etc., as well as the permanent home of the Solzhenitsyn exhibit. Volunteers are needed to help with the May 11 event, as well as with other CHS activities. Learn more about CHS volunteer positions.

CHS will be holding its annual summer fest and plant sale on Saturday July 6. Those interested in vendor space should contact margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807. The Stone Church will be open and available for tours that day.

4. CHESTNUT TREES ARE IN FOCUS IN CAVENDISH

On Thursday, April 25^th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Grace Knight of the American Chestnut Foundation, and Forrest Hammond of Vermont Fish and Wildlife will present a discussion on the subject of the American chestnut tree.  The event will take place in the new meeting hall of the Episcopal Church next to Crows’ Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville.

The disappearance of the American chestnut tree due to blight has been one of the "greatest ecological disasters of the century", according to Forrest Hammond.  Grace Knight of Weathersfield Vermont will present a slide show and share what the foundation has done to breed a blight-resistant chestnut tree.  She will tell us where the foundation is in their progress, and how willing landowners might help with the cultivation of American chestnut trees.  Chestnut flour cookies and a beverage will be served.

This is the latest in the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s Walk and Talk Series of events.  The series is designed to present topics of general ecological interest to the public in the Cavendish area.  Anyone can attend, space permitting, and the presentation is free.  For more information please contact Robin Timko at 226-7736.

5. THIRD ANNUAL CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE

The 3^rd Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 9- 3pm. Residents and second homeowners can set up on one of the town greens or at their homes. To arrange a space at one of the town greens (Cavendish or Proctorsville) or to be included on the town map of sellers, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net no later than July 22. To increase the number of people attending your sale,  specify unique items you might be selling. Those setting up on the Greens are responsible for their own tents, chairs and removal of any trash or items that do not sell.

Is there someone who would like to design logo for this event, which could be used in a banner and to help identify locations of sales? If so, please contact margoc@tds.net or call 802-226-7807.

6. GETHSEMANE CHURCH SHARES WITH BRGN

On Sunday, March 2^nd the members and friends of Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville celebrated a true milestone for the church as it opened its doors for the first time since August, 2011.  Tropical Storm Irene dealt a severe blow to the parish when the swollen Black River undermined the foundation and swept away the parish hall.  The devastation was enormous.  Interior and exterior damage necessitated a complete refurbishing of the church inside and out, and a complete rebuild of the parish hall.

The long road back was filled with regulatory and monetary challenges, but parishioners overcame them all and now have a beautifully renovated church and a brand new parish hall.  At the celebration held on March 2^nd the parishioners decided to share their joy with the larger community.  Therefore they dedicated their collection that day in the amount of $640 to the food shelf and financial assistance programs of Black River Good Neighbor Services.

Said Mary Springer, senior warden at Gethsemane Church, “We felt that the community supported us throughout our ordeal and we want to give back to that community.  Our new parish hall is open for civic use, but we wanted to make a louder statement of thanks.”  Audrey Bridge, Executive Director at Black River Good Neighbors said, “We are proud to call the church a partner in what we do.  We continue to support flood victims even now and the money is greatly appreciated.”

7. FREE CAVENDISH CPR CLASS

Get certified in CPR for free through the Cavendish Library thanks to a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund on Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM. Please call 226-7503 to reserve a space.

8. GLODEN STAGE INN SEEKING ARTISTS

The Golden Stage Inn is seeking local artists to display their work at the inn as part of Spring 2013 Vermont Open Studio Weekend, May 25 and 26.  If you or anyone you know is interested, please have them contact Julie-Lynn Wood at 802 226 7744  or innkeeper@goldenstageinn.com 

9. CAVENDISH EVENTS 4/12-4/21/13

April 12 (Friday): National Drop Everything and Read Day.

• Ninth Annual Community Variety Show at CTES multi purpose room at 6:30 pm.

April 13 (Saturday): “Dinner and a Movie” 1:00 pm in the Cavendish library.  The featured movie will be “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.  A generous sampling of Indian food will be served.

• Live music by Guy Burlage at the Inn at Glimmerstone from 7-10 pm.

April 14 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting and Potluck, 5 pm at the parish hall of Gethsemane Church, Depot Street Proctorsville. The film “The Homecoming,” which documents Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s return to Russia in 1994, will be shown starting at around 5:45. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

April 15 (Monday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

• American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Ludlow Community Center, 12:30-5:30 pm. Walk ins welcome. FMI: 802-228-2655

April 16 (Tuesday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

• 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 (802) 226-7343, or Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

April 17 (Wednesday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

April 18 (Thursday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

• 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 (802) 226-7343, or 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

April 19 (Friday): Spring Vacation Schools closed

Cavendish Selectboard Meeting Agenda for 4/8/13

The April 8 Cavendish Select Board meeting will take place at 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The agenda will include:

• Selectmen, as Cavendish Local Board of Liquor Control, to consider 2013 applications for liquor licenses in Cavendish.

• Update by Town Manager on the subject of potential Community Solar participation by the Town [follow up from discussion item # 11 March 11 meeting]

• Consider resignation of Sandra Pember from the Planning Commission and the nomination of John Saydeck as candidate to fill the Pember vacancy.

• Discuss forthcoming (April 13^th) Transportation Advisory Committee meeting agenda especially project priorities. Selectmen to offer TAC representative Michele Lindberg their input on those priorities especially from the Town of Cavendish standpoint. The Town manager will have hand-outs regarding the project priorities for review and reference.

• Set date for board members to visit recycling related sites

• Town manager to discuss a scheduled work period for the HCRS Y.I.P. Program in Cavendish this summer.

• Town manager to briefly discuss current town highway conditions and issues as well as highway and structures projects scheduled for the forthcoming construction season

• Town manager to update the Board on Water System financial matters and request the Board execute a short term interim finance extension (renewal) to bridge to loan closing on the permanent note for the State Revolving Loan Fund (Water Filtration Project Bond)

• Town manager updates on other town activities. 

Cavendish Update 4/5/13 News/Events/Photo Contest

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page 

This issue of the Cavendish Update is sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society.

Note Just a reminder to everyone that as the snow leaves us it is illegal to burn without a burn permit issued by the fire warden or a warden keymen. PFD Asst Chief Roger Sheehan is the Fire warden for Proctorsville and Cavendish. His keymen are PFD Chief Bob Glidden, CAVFD Chief Jeff Davis and PFD Firefighter Ray Fitzgibbons. All are listed in the phone book. The current fire danger for the state of VT is a class 5.

The 4/5/13 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting Will Show "The Homecoming"

3. CCCA Annual Photo Contest Begins

4. Raising the roof in song in Proctorsville: House Blend

5. Cavendish Events 4/5-4/14

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Bartolotta Returned to Windsor Superior Court: The alleged victim of a sex slave crime, who lives in Ludlow, has sued Brett Bartolotta of Cavendish, VT to seize his home and bank accounts to compensate him for suffering. A Windsor Super Court has recently granted this request.  Bartolotta has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of aggravated sexual assault and engaging in sex traffic, which if convicted, could lead to life in prison. On Monday, April 1, Bartolotta appeared in court where prosecutors unsuccessfully tried to have him held without bail after Judge Robert Gerety declined to make an immediate ruling. Bartolotta has been free on $50,000 bail since his arrest. Valley News 

Proctorsville Fire Dept Budget Passes: The Proctorsville Fire Dept notes We would like to thank the few that attended the budget meeting last night. The proposed budget of $97,903.00 was accepted by all with no objections. Thank you to the residents of the village of Proctorsville.

Cavendish Game Farm Update: The owners of a Vermont game farm who lost more than 20,000 quails and 30 pigs in a fire say they have enough insurance to get some new sows and start re-breeding quail. In the meantime, brothers Rick and Bill Thompson of Cavendish Game in Springfield say they plan to buy and sell turkeys, guinea hens and pheasant. Burlington Free Press 

PACE Program Begins in Cavendish: The town is implementing a Property Assessed Clean Energy district, which is a financial incentive program for home improvement projects. The program came into existence with the passing of the 2009 Vermont Energy Act and a provision in the bill created the PACE program, whereby towns secure funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Rutland Herald 4/1/13 

Vtel Grants Terminated: The Vermont Telecommunications Authority has terminated two grants awarded to the Springfield based broadband provider VTel, who were slated to provide broadband coverage for under served areas.    VPR 

VT Health Insurance Rates Posted: Companies with fewer than 50 employees, and anyone who doesn't get health insurance through work, will need to purchase a policy through a marketplace called Vermont Health Connect starting next January. On Monday , the state posted the proposed rates for the various plans being offered by Blue Cross-Blue Shield and MVP. If you work for a small business or if you don't have insurance through your employer this gives you a sense that the prices that you're paying today are not going to be substantially higher -- probably -- in the exchange. For instance, the state says a single self-employed person earning $40,000 a year could go from a $600 a month premium, down to $317 a month. For a family of four, making $34,000, the state says their premium would drop from $700 a month to $45. WCAX 

VHFA Launches New Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program: A new grant program launched will connect lower income Vermonters with the down payment and closing costs needed to buy a home at historically low rates. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has rolled out its down payment and closing assistance grants for Vermont homebuyers, calling the program MOVE ASSIST. Press Release 

VT Transparency will Promote state and local transparency: The leaders of the Public Assets Institute and the Ethan Allen Institute announced that they have formed a new nonprofit, Vermont Transparency, Inc., http://vttransparency.org to advance their work to make state and local government fiscal information easily accessible to citizens. Press Release 

Vermonters Oppose Gas Take Hike: Sen. Doyle’s annual town meeting survey (13,998 voters responded) has found strong opposition to higher gasoline taxes even if the revenue is reserved solely for highway and bridge projects. The Vermont House has approved a 7-cent per gallon gas tax increase and the governor strongly supports the bill, which is now before the Senate. There was also strong support for prohibiting cell phone use while driving and expanding Vermont’s bottle deposit bill to include all bottled beverages. WNNE 

2. CAVENDISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING

The Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting will be held on April 14 (Sunday), 5pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Church Parish Hall, off of Depot Street in Proctorsville. 

There will be a potluck supper, short meeting, and an update on the acquisition of the Cavendish Universalist "Stone" Church and its proposed use as the future home of the permanent Alexksandr Solzhenitsyn exhibit and small venue space for concerts, films etc. Starting at around 6 pm, the film  “The Homecoming” will be shown. 

This film, by the BBC, documents the two-month train journey across Russia, under taken by Solzhenitsyn upon his return home. Solzhenitsyn, a Nobel Prize winner for literature and Russian dissident, lived in exile for 20 years, including 18 years in Cavendish, VT. Solzhenitsyn, the man who experienced and revealed to the world the full horror of the Soviet gulag, is recognized throughout Russia as 'the conscience of the nation'. But despite the triumphant and emotional homecoming, this is no easy ride for Solzhenitsyn, his wife and American sons. Instead, they abandon their refuge in America to find their trans-Siberian trip from Vladivostok to Moscow dogged by the KGB, the Russian Mafia, old-style communist bosses, the tragic plight of ordinary Russians and the echoes of its even more terrible past. FMI: 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net

3. CCCA ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST BEGINS 

This year marks the ninth year of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s annual calendar, and the sixth annual photo contest to choose the monthly calendar pictures.  The contest begins on May 1^st and the deadline for all submissions is May 31^st.

This year the contest theme is “Images of Cavendish”.  There will be two contests in one event.  First is the judged Cavendish photo contest, in which judges will select one prizewinner for each of three age categories, five to twelve, thirteen to eighteen, and over eighteen.  Second is the contest for inclusion in the 2014 calendar.  Cavendish residents will vote for their favorite pictures, selecting twelve for the calendar, and the photo with the most votes receives the Popular Choice Award.  All participants must be part or full time Cavendish town residents.  Photos will highlight the beauty of our various landscapes and historic heritage and may include animals and/or people.  One photo is allowed per person, taken by the person submitting it.

Contest entry forms and instructions on how to enter will be available at the CCCA website, at the Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish, at the Cavendish Elementary School, or at Crow’s Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville.

CCCA will exhibit the photos at various locations around Cavendish and Proctorsville during June for people to see and vote for their favorite photos.  Winners will be announced after the July 4^th holiday.  We are very pleased to be able to present these pictures to the community.  Be sure to enter your photo taken in Cavendish for the 2014 calendar.  If you have any questions, please contact Robin Timko at 226-7736.

4. RAISING THE ROOF IN SONG IN PROCTORSVILLE: HOUSE BLEND

If you like the idea of  a musical cup of coffee, you will love the next concert in the Raise the Roof music series in Proctorsville on Sunday April 28.  The spirited a capella group, House Blend, will fill the Gethsemane Episcopal Church with music from  around the world that is spiced with energy, humor and a passion for singing.  House Blend is an assemblage of  twenty performers who are self-proclaimed singing addicts whose repertoire includes gospel, village music from Africa and Eastern Europe, Renaissance madrigals, Bach, contemporary music---and anything else the group chooses to add to the mix.  The crisp acoustics in the 1890 Carpenter Gothic church, combined with their powerful voices, will create an eclectic, infectious harmonious brew of music that will raise the roof and fill your cup to the brim.  The concert will be at 4:00 at Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Depot St. in Proctorsville (next to Crows Corner Cafe).  Suggested donation of $10.00 will fund future concerts in the newly renovated church.  FMI: 802-226-7497.

5. CAVENDISH EVENTS 4/5-4/14

April 5 (Friday): Spring Fling dance at CTES. This will be an event for current CTES students only.  Ian Martel will be returning as the DJ for the evening, providing popular and appropriate music for all the children to enjoy. There will be refreshments available for everyone. Students in K - 2 will attend the dance from 6 - 7 PM while the students in grades 3 - will attend from 7 - 8:30.

April 6 (Saturday): The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be at the Ludlow Community Center 10-4 pm 30 vendors will be showing and selling their wares and offering seminars. This is a free event. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/okemo-valley-home-garden-show/

April 7 (Sunday): The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be at the Ludlow Community Center 10-4 pm 30 vendors will be showing and selling their wares and offering seminars. This is a free event. FMI: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/okemo-valley-home-garden-show/

April 8 (Monday): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda posted to blog www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com as soon as it is received. LPC-TV tapes meetings and makes them available on-line  and Comcast Cable TV.

April 9 (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 (802) 226-7343, or Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870

April 10 (Wednesday): Job Fair at the Howard Dean Education Center in Springfield, VT. 1-4 pm. FMI: 885-5800

April 11 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, Charlotte Snyder (802) 226-7343, or 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

April 12 (Friday): National Drop Everything and Read Day.

• Ninth Annual Community Variety Show at CTES multi purpose room at 6:30 pm.

April 13 (Saturday): “Dinner and a Movie” 1:00 pm in the Cavendish library.  The featured movie will be “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.  A generous sampling of Indian food will be served.

April 14 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting and Potluck, 5 pm at the parish hall of Gethsemane Church, Depot Street Proctorsville. The film “The Homecoming,” will be shown. FMI: http://cavendishhistoricalsocietynews.blogspot.com/2013/03/cavendish-historical-society-annual.html