The Cavendish Select Board will meet on Monday Jan. 30 at 6:00 PM. The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign Orders
3. Review Correspondence
4. Act upon minutes of the meetings of October 4th, 2011 and November 7th, 2011
5. Finalize and consider approval of the Annual Town Meeting Warning.
6. Finalize the FY 2012-2013 Selectmen’s Budget.
7. Adjourn by 8:00 pm.
Part of Cavendish Connects, the Cavendish, VT Blog archives the weekly e-mails, "Cavendish Update" and provides on-going information about current activities.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
MEETING OF THE CAVENDISH BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 1/30/12
The Cavendish Board of Water Commissioners will meet onMonday, January 30th, 2012 at 5:00 PM
in the meeting room of the Cavendish Town Office. The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Hear citizens
3. Board to discuss request of Adele Kennedy, owner of Unit 8, North Country Condominiums, for the Board to waive charges for water services during the time period of the Hurricane Irene storm event.
4. Board to consider request for inactive status on Account #2V21-044, Candith Amsden.
5. Update of Water System activities, especially those relating to Hurricane Irene
6. Adjourn by 5:45 p.m.
in the meeting room of the Cavendish Town Office. The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Hear citizens
3. Board to discuss request of Adele Kennedy, owner of Unit 8, North Country Condominiums, for the Board to waive charges for water services during the time period of the Hurricane Irene storm event.
4. Board to consider request for inactive status on Account #2V21-044, Candith Amsden.
5. Update of Water System activities, especially those relating to Hurricane Irene
6. Adjourn by 5:45 p.m.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Cavendish Update 1/27/12 News/Events
Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page
The 1/27/12 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Help Needed
3. Warning Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District
4. Letter from CCCA
5. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the Good Times Roll)-Mardi Gras
6. GMUHS Library Renovation Survey On-line
7. Filing Date for Cavendish Elected Positions Jan 30
8. Cavendish Calendar 1/27-2/3
1. Cavendish Related News
Shaws Reopens Today! The newly renovated and expanded Shaw’s has its grand opening today. Ribbon cutting is at 9 am.
IBM and VELCO to Build Next Generation Communications Network for VT: At the 2012 DistribuTECH conference, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) announced an agreement to build an intelligent fiber optic and Carrier Ethernet communications and control network across the State of Vermont. Spanning more than 1000 miles, this advanced fiber communications network will connect transmission substations to Vermont’s distribution utilities, delivering reliable electric service and the capabilities required for the state’s future Smart Grid. Press Release
VT Educational Study: The southern Vermont towns of Dover and Wilmington have contracted with Northern Economic Consulting (NEC) to ask why some schools continue to fall behind in programming equity despite successful efforts to achieve educational financing equity. The NEC report looked at several economic and equity measures. The most significant findings are: The same school tax rate does not buy an equal educational opportunity for all Vermont students. Since 1997/98, national per pupil spending has risen 30 percent. During that same period of time, Vermont per pupil spending has risen 60 percent. Student performance has not improved against national standards when comparing similar demographics. Leaders of the towns want the Vermont General Assembly to discuss how to refocus on providing and funding equal educational opportunities statewide. Press Release
VT & Smart Meters: The Vermont Legislature has recently held a hearing on whether CVPS and Green Mountain Power can install “smart meters.” Smart meters communicate with a utility, allowing it to track and bill for electrical usage without sending meter readers out once a month. They enable utilities to pinpoint the locations of power outages much more easily than was the case with previous technology. Eventually, they're expected to allow customers to track their own electrical usage with an eye toward saving money and energy. Some critics charge that the smart meters emit radio frequency radiation in pulses with uncertain and possibly health hazards. Dr. Harry Chen, the state health commissioner, told the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday that an international health panel last year found that radio frequency radiation emitted by cell phones is a possible source of brain cancer in heavy cell phone users. Chen said smart meters emit well less than 1 percent of the radiation emitted by cell phones, and they're not often held right next to the head. Burlington Free Press
2. Help Needed
Two of our families impacted by the flood are finally moving back into their homes!!!! We need some help, including people with trucks. We have one move scheduled for Feb. 4 (Saturday) morning at 10 am. Also, would be great to have some food for our work crew. If you can help, please e-mail margoc@tds.net
3. Warning Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District,
The legal voters of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District are hereby warned to meet in the multi-purpose room at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Route 131, on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., to act on the following articles.
ARTICLE 1: To hear and act on the reports of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District Officers for the school year ending June 30, 2011.
ARTICLE 2: To see if the voters of said Cavendish Town School District will authorize the Cavendish Town School District School Board of Directors to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenue for the school year, as provided by in 16 V.S.A. § 562 (9).
ARTICLE 3: To transact any other business deemed proper when met, not involving the expenditure of school district funds or any other business acted upon in the preceding articles.
ARTICLE 4: To adjourn.
Ballot Items
To vote on the following items by Australian ballot. Polls open on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 10:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM. Voting to take place at the Cavendish Town Elementary School Arts Center.
ARTICLE 5: To elect a Moderator.
ARTICLE 6: To elect three (3) Cavendish School Directors for the Cavendish Town Elementary School Board, one for a three year term and two for one year terms.
4. Letter from CCCA
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association, as all groups in service to their communities, could not prosper without the support of people in the community itself. Joyce Ringhel was just such a person. Joyce passed three months ago. She was a joyous and kind woman who also baked phenomenal cookies. Joyce and her husband Charles had been tremendous supporters of our work and we are saddened for her passing. Patricia Nye is another dear friend and supporter who passed not long ago and who, in her fiery nature and humorous way never stopped encouraging us to continue our efforts on behalf of conservation and community building. This has been a series of difficult months for all of us in Vermont and so for the people of Cavendish, and it is with regret that we come so late to this expression of condolence to both Charles Ringhel and Richard, Will and Amber Nye. We know, that for all of us who knew Joyce and Pat and their bright giving spirits, they will live on in our memories and continue to bring us courage to dream and do what needs to be done. Robin Timko, President CCCA
5. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the Good Times Roll)-Mardi Gras
Tickets are going fast, so get yours now for CCCA’s benefit Mardi Gras dinner and dance party featuring local fiddler Bob Naess with his Cajun/zydeco dance band Yankee Chank. The event gets underway at 6 pm on Friday Feb. 10 at Crows Bakery in Proctorsville. Tickets are $35 and available at Crows Bakery. FMI: 226-7736
6. GMUHS Library Renovation Survey On-line
Staff, students and community of GMUHS have been asked to complete a survey regarding the renovation of the school’s library. Parents and community are encouraged to complete this survey, which is available on-line, by Feb. 10.
7. Filing Date for Cavendish Elected Positions Jan 30
If you are interested in running for one of the elected positions in Cavendish (Select Board, School Board etc.) you have until 5 pm on January 30 (Monday) to file your petition with required signatures.
8. Cavendish Calendar 1/27-2/3
January 27 (Friday): The Cavendish Black and White Film Series returns with the Marx Brothers “A Night at the Opera.” 7:00 at the Cavendish Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
• Shaw’s reopens in Ludlow.
• Risk Behavior Dialogue Night at GMUHS, 6:30-8:00 in the school’s auditorium
January 28 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Attention to the Heart Meditation, 4-5 pm FMI: Robin 226-7736
• Oil Still Life Painting Workshop with Hunter Eddy at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Woodcarving Workshop with Al Wilkenson at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Beginning Spinning with Patty Blomgren. Create beautiful, unique yarn using a spinning wheel. Plenty of time will be given to establish the essential coordination skills and basic techniques every spinner must master to gain competence in spinning. There will be four class sessions: Saturday, January 28, February 4, 11 & 25; 1-5 pm. The cost for all four sessions is $155 for FAVT members and $165 for non-members. FMI: Six Loose Ladies 802-226-7373, www.sixlooseladies.com
• Flannel with Flair: Okemo Valley residents and Okemo Mountain fans will fancy up their finest flannel shirts, denim and work boots for the premier social event of the season. Flannel with Flair, an Okemo Community Challenge benefit, will take place in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore, from 7 p.m. until the cows come home. Following cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, attendees will enjoy dinner prepared by Okemo Executive Chef Scot Emerson and his Coleman Brook Tavern staff. Music by The Master Cylinders will keep those work boots stompin’ on the dance floor all night long. his year, Flannel with Flair will continue the Ski Ball tradition, generating funds for OCC to offer challenge grants to worthy nonprofit organizations in the community. FMI: Joyce Washburn at 802-228-1965
January 29 (Sunday): Oil Still Life Painting Workshop with Hunter Eddy at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Woodcarving Workshop with Al Wilkenson at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 31 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Spaghetti Dinner: Sponsored by the GMUHS Junior class. Cost is $5 for everyone, kids under 5 are free. Silent auction.
February 1 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office
• CTES PTO meeting, 6-7 pm
February 2 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
February 3 (Friday): Cavendish Black & White Film Series features How Green was My Valley, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
The 1/27/12 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Help Needed
3. Warning Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District
4. Letter from CCCA
5. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the Good Times Roll)-Mardi Gras
6. GMUHS Library Renovation Survey On-line
7. Filing Date for Cavendish Elected Positions Jan 30
8. Cavendish Calendar 1/27-2/3
1. Cavendish Related News
Shaws Reopens Today! The newly renovated and expanded Shaw’s has its grand opening today. Ribbon cutting is at 9 am.
IBM and VELCO to Build Next Generation Communications Network for VT: At the 2012 DistribuTECH conference, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) announced an agreement to build an intelligent fiber optic and Carrier Ethernet communications and control network across the State of Vermont. Spanning more than 1000 miles, this advanced fiber communications network will connect transmission substations to Vermont’s distribution utilities, delivering reliable electric service and the capabilities required for the state’s future Smart Grid. Press Release
VT Educational Study: The southern Vermont towns of Dover and Wilmington have contracted with Northern Economic Consulting (NEC) to ask why some schools continue to fall behind in programming equity despite successful efforts to achieve educational financing equity. The NEC report looked at several economic and equity measures. The most significant findings are: The same school tax rate does not buy an equal educational opportunity for all Vermont students. Since 1997/98, national per pupil spending has risen 30 percent. During that same period of time, Vermont per pupil spending has risen 60 percent. Student performance has not improved against national standards when comparing similar demographics. Leaders of the towns want the Vermont General Assembly to discuss how to refocus on providing and funding equal educational opportunities statewide. Press Release
VT & Smart Meters: The Vermont Legislature has recently held a hearing on whether CVPS and Green Mountain Power can install “smart meters.” Smart meters communicate with a utility, allowing it to track and bill for electrical usage without sending meter readers out once a month. They enable utilities to pinpoint the locations of power outages much more easily than was the case with previous technology. Eventually, they're expected to allow customers to track their own electrical usage with an eye toward saving money and energy. Some critics charge that the smart meters emit radio frequency radiation in pulses with uncertain and possibly health hazards. Dr. Harry Chen, the state health commissioner, told the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday that an international health panel last year found that radio frequency radiation emitted by cell phones is a possible source of brain cancer in heavy cell phone users. Chen said smart meters emit well less than 1 percent of the radiation emitted by cell phones, and they're not often held right next to the head. Burlington Free Press
2. Help Needed
Two of our families impacted by the flood are finally moving back into their homes!!!! We need some help, including people with trucks. We have one move scheduled for Feb. 4 (Saturday) morning at 10 am. Also, would be great to have some food for our work crew. If you can help, please e-mail margoc@tds.net
3. Warning Annual Meeting of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District,
The legal voters of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District are hereby warned to meet in the multi-purpose room at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Route 131, on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., to act on the following articles.
ARTICLE 1: To hear and act on the reports of the Cavendish Town Elementary School District Officers for the school year ending June 30, 2011.
ARTICLE 2: To see if the voters of said Cavendish Town School District will authorize the Cavendish Town School District School Board of Directors to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenue for the school year, as provided by in 16 V.S.A. § 562 (9).
ARTICLE 3: To transact any other business deemed proper when met, not involving the expenditure of school district funds or any other business acted upon in the preceding articles.
ARTICLE 4: To adjourn.
Ballot Items
To vote on the following items by Australian ballot. Polls open on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 10:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM. Voting to take place at the Cavendish Town Elementary School Arts Center.
ARTICLE 5: To elect a Moderator.
ARTICLE 6: To elect three (3) Cavendish School Directors for the Cavendish Town Elementary School Board, one for a three year term and two for one year terms.
4. Letter from CCCA
The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association, as all groups in service to their communities, could not prosper without the support of people in the community itself. Joyce Ringhel was just such a person. Joyce passed three months ago. She was a joyous and kind woman who also baked phenomenal cookies. Joyce and her husband Charles had been tremendous supporters of our work and we are saddened for her passing. Patricia Nye is another dear friend and supporter who passed not long ago and who, in her fiery nature and humorous way never stopped encouraging us to continue our efforts on behalf of conservation and community building. This has been a series of difficult months for all of us in Vermont and so for the people of Cavendish, and it is with regret that we come so late to this expression of condolence to both Charles Ringhel and Richard, Will and Amber Nye. We know, that for all of us who knew Joyce and Pat and their bright giving spirits, they will live on in our memories and continue to bring us courage to dream and do what needs to be done. Robin Timko, President CCCA
5. Les Bon Temps Roulette! (Let the Good Times Roll)-Mardi Gras
Tickets are going fast, so get yours now for CCCA’s benefit Mardi Gras dinner and dance party featuring local fiddler Bob Naess with his Cajun/zydeco dance band Yankee Chank. The event gets underway at 6 pm on Friday Feb. 10 at Crows Bakery in Proctorsville. Tickets are $35 and available at Crows Bakery. FMI: 226-7736
6. GMUHS Library Renovation Survey On-line
Staff, students and community of GMUHS have been asked to complete a survey regarding the renovation of the school’s library. Parents and community are encouraged to complete this survey, which is available on-line, by Feb. 10.
7. Filing Date for Cavendish Elected Positions Jan 30
If you are interested in running for one of the elected positions in Cavendish (Select Board, School Board etc.) you have until 5 pm on January 30 (Monday) to file your petition with required signatures.
8. Cavendish Calendar 1/27-2/3
January 27 (Friday): The Cavendish Black and White Film Series returns with the Marx Brothers “A Night at the Opera.” 7:00 at the Cavendish Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
• Shaw’s reopens in Ludlow.
• Risk Behavior Dialogue Night at GMUHS, 6:30-8:00 in the school’s auditorium
January 28 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Attention to the Heart Meditation, 4-5 pm FMI: Robin 226-7736
• Oil Still Life Painting Workshop with Hunter Eddy at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Woodcarving Workshop with Al Wilkenson at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Beginning Spinning with Patty Blomgren. Create beautiful, unique yarn using a spinning wheel. Plenty of time will be given to establish the essential coordination skills and basic techniques every spinner must master to gain competence in spinning. There will be four class sessions: Saturday, January 28, February 4, 11 & 25; 1-5 pm. The cost for all four sessions is $155 for FAVT members and $165 for non-members. FMI: Six Loose Ladies 802-226-7373, www.sixlooseladies.com
• Flannel with Flair: Okemo Valley residents and Okemo Mountain fans will fancy up their finest flannel shirts, denim and work boots for the premier social event of the season. Flannel with Flair, an Okemo Community Challenge benefit, will take place in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore, from 7 p.m. until the cows come home. Following cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, attendees will enjoy dinner prepared by Okemo Executive Chef Scot Emerson and his Coleman Brook Tavern staff. Music by The Master Cylinders will keep those work boots stompin’ on the dance floor all night long. his year, Flannel with Flair will continue the Ski Ball tradition, generating funds for OCC to offer challenge grants to worthy nonprofit organizations in the community. FMI: Joyce Washburn at 802-228-1965
January 29 (Sunday): Oil Still Life Painting Workshop with Hunter Eddy at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Woodcarving Workshop with Al Wilkenson at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 31 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Spaghetti Dinner: Sponsored by the GMUHS Junior class. Cost is $5 for everyone, kids under 5 are free. Silent auction.
February 1 (Wednesday): Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office
• CTES PTO meeting, 6-7 pm
February 2 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
February 3 (Friday): Cavendish Black & White Film Series features How Green was My Valley, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Selectmen’s Meeting, Monday 1/23/12 Agenda
The Cavendish Selectmen will meet on 1/23/12 (Monday) in the Cavendish Town
Office Meeting Room at 6:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE! The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign Orders
3. Review Correspondence
4. Cavendish Planning Commission Chair, Etienne Ting, present to discuss with the Select Board plans to re-adopt the existing Cavendish Town Plan.
5. Discussion of potential articles for inclusion in warning for Annual Town Meeting.
6. Continue work on FY 2012-2013 budget.
7. Adjourn by 8:00 pm.
Office Meeting Room at 6:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE! The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign Orders
3. Review Correspondence
4. Cavendish Planning Commission Chair, Etienne Ting, present to discuss with the Select Board plans to re-adopt the existing Cavendish Town Plan.
5. Discussion of potential articles for inclusion in warning for Annual Town Meeting.
6. Continue work on FY 2012-2013 budget.
7. Adjourn by 8:00 pm.
Cavendish Update 1/20/12 News/Events
Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page
The 1/20/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. CHS Museum Tree Comes Down
3. CHS Newsletter Available on-line
4. Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
5. Freaky Fridays Come to BRGNS Thrift Shop
6. Cavendish Events 1/20-1/27
1. Cavendish Related News
Free snowmobiling Weekend in Northeast: Legally registered snowmobiles can roam trails in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine at no cost from January 27-29. WCAX
Health Dept Offers Free Radon Test Kits for Homeowners: Radon cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled but more Vermonters than ever before can find out if it exists in their homes. The Vermont Department of Health distributed 1,700 free radon test kits to homeowners last year and has more than 3,000 free kits to give away this year. “Radon causes lung cancer over a long period of time, and we know that about one in every eight Vermont homes has elevated levels of radon,” said Lori Cragin, a Health Department epidemiologist. The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the style, age, or location of a home. All homes are at risk. You cannot know the radon level in a house without testing for it. Testing is easy. Open the kit immediately and leave it in place throughout a heating season, and then mail it back to the Health Department to get your results. Get a free kit by e-mailing radon@state.vt.us, or call 1-800-439-8550. Exposure to radon is preventable and fixable through proper venting techniques. If test results show high levels of radon in the air, a mitigation system can be installed at a cost of approximately $800-$2,000.
VT to receive $8.7 Million in Irene Recovery Assistance: Vermont will receive $6,300,000 for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) and $2,325,000 for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). EWP assists property owners, whose homes are threatened by flooded rivers, helping to stabilize stream banks and protect foundations and houses from further flood damage. EWP also provides resources for clearing log jams that threaten property and public infrastructure. ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Press Release
Ladies First Expands Eligibility for VT Women: Any Vermont woman age 21 or older earning 250 percent of the poverty level or less can now receive free screening services through Ladies First. For example, a woman in a two-person household earning less than $36,775 a year can qualify. Uninsured women with a breast or cervical cancer or pre-cancerous condition can be referred by Ladies First to a special Medicaid program, Vermont ’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program, to receive full health insurance that covers the cost of their treatment. To apply or for more information call 1-800-508-2222 or go to www.LadiesFirstVt.org. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, please use Vermont Relay Service 711 and give our number: 1-800-508-2222. Press Release
VT Tops List for Risk for Embezzlement Loss: Vermont is at the top of the list when it comes to states that are at highest risk for loss due to embezzlement. “We have done this report for four years now and Vermont has been on the list of highest risk three out of the last four years. This year, topping the list,” Christopher T. Marquet, chief executive officer of Marquet International told the Burlington Free Press.
Drop in VT Revenues: The latest state economic numbers are in and they are lower than expected. Gov. Peter Shumlin met with the state emergency board Wednesday to go over new revenue forecasts for the state. In his budget address last week, Gov. Peter Shumlin proposed closing a $51 million general fund budget gap. Now the state needs to make up $9.3 million more, as revenue numbers are lower than expected. WCAX http://www.wcax.com/story/16549290/surprise-drop-in-vt-revenues
Judge Rules in Favor of VT Yankee: The battle over whether the state or the federal government has the authority to grant or deny licenses for nuclear plants landed in court last fall. And Thursday, Judge Garvin Murtha ruled in favor of Yankee's parent company, Entergy, saying the state is pre-empted by federal law from taking any action to close Yankee when its original license expires in March. WCAX
Okemo Skier Visits Down Over MLK Holiday: At Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, skier visits over the MLK holiday were down 24 percent from last year, Okemo spokeswoman Bonnie MacPherson said in an email. Season-to-date, skier visits at the Ludlow resort are down 30 percent, she said. On the positive side, MacPherson said, lodging occupancy at the resort for last weekend was near 90 percent. Rutland Herald
2. Tree By the Museum Comes Down
After numerous discussions by the Cavendish Historical Society Board, it was agreed that the tree next to the Museum had to come down. Large limbs were falling off after every storm and because the center of the tree had rotted away, it was just a matter of time before a limb fell on utility wires or onto the roof of the Museum. Instead of biting our nails during storms worrying whether "this would be the one" that damaged the Museum or surrounding property, the board voted to have it removed. The tree was removed Wednesday January 18. We will miss it. However, board member Marc Miele has started exploring some landscaping ideas-quince, forsythia, lilac. If you have some suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing margoc@tds.net
3. CHS Newsletter Available on-line
The Cavendish Historical Society’s newsletter for Winter 2012 is now available on-line. It is also available in PDF format and in print. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
4. Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is pleased to announce a visit from Laura Ingalls Wilder (portrayed by Melanie Stringer) for the students of the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Monday, January 23, 2012. The students who have been studying Laura Ingalls Wilder and the pioneer experience will meet with Ms. Stringer, ask questions and be able to handle period artifacts. This presentation was funded by a Green Mountain Festival Series Arts in Education Grant. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.
5. Freaky Fridays Come to BRGNS Thrift Shop
Black River Good Neighbors Thrift Shop is going to have freakishly low prices on items each 1st Friday of the month according to Audrey Bridge, Executive Director. Freaky Friday is Bridge’s brainchild and she said “we wanted to do something different from the past and this is a theme we can all have some fun with. Audrey said, “On the first Friday of each month many selected items in our store will be priced $1.00 each. Many of our patrons live on a fixed income and we would like to give them a chance at some freakishly good bargains! The deals at our thrift store are always great, we just want to make it even better for our loyal customers. And it’s important to remember all monies raised go to support the services we provide to the community. If you haven't visited our new location, don't delay, we have been there a year and it gets better every day.”
The Thrift Shop is located at 37B Main Street in Ludlow. BRGNS serves the communities of Ludlow, Belmont, Cavendish, Plymouth, Proctorsville and Mt. Holly. For more information please call Audrey at 802-228-3663.
6. Cavendish Events 1/20-1/27
January 21 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Kirigami Workshop with Cynthia Emedye at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Watercolor Landscape Workshop with Robert O’Brien at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Facilitated Meditation - 4 to 5pm free to all - Centering in the body, gentle and deep release of habitual tension in the body and mind and cultivation of presence. For more information call Robin at 226-7736.
January 22 (Sunday): Kirigami Workshop with Cynthia Emedye at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Watercolor Landscape Workshop with Robert O’Brien at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 23 (Monday): “Xin Nian Kuai Le” Happy Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Water Dragon, which occurs once every 60 years.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder (portrayed by Melanie Stringer) will be at CTES.
January 24 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Book Discussion-“Julie & Julia” by Julie Powell at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. Noon. Bring a sandwich. Beverages and desserts provided. FMI: 228-8921.
January 26 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Book Discussion-“West with the Night” by Beryl Markham, Fletcher Memorial Library, 7 pm. FMI: 228-8921
January 27 (Friday): The Cavendish Black and White Film Series returns with the Marx Brothers “A Night at the Opera.” 7:00 at the Cavendish Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
• Shaw’s reopens in Ludlow.
The 1/20/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Cavendish Related News
2. CHS Museum Tree Comes Down
3. CHS Newsletter Available on-line
4. Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
5. Freaky Fridays Come to BRGNS Thrift Shop
6. Cavendish Events 1/20-1/27
1. Cavendish Related News
Free snowmobiling Weekend in Northeast: Legally registered snowmobiles can roam trails in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine at no cost from January 27-29. WCAX
Health Dept Offers Free Radon Test Kits for Homeowners: Radon cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled but more Vermonters than ever before can find out if it exists in their homes. The Vermont Department of Health distributed 1,700 free radon test kits to homeowners last year and has more than 3,000 free kits to give away this year. “Radon causes lung cancer over a long period of time, and we know that about one in every eight Vermont homes has elevated levels of radon,” said Lori Cragin, a Health Department epidemiologist. The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the style, age, or location of a home. All homes are at risk. You cannot know the radon level in a house without testing for it. Testing is easy. Open the kit immediately and leave it in place throughout a heating season, and then mail it back to the Health Department to get your results. Get a free kit by e-mailing radon@state.vt.us, or call 1-800-439-8550. Exposure to radon is preventable and fixable through proper venting techniques. If test results show high levels of radon in the air, a mitigation system can be installed at a cost of approximately $800-$2,000.
VT to receive $8.7 Million in Irene Recovery Assistance: Vermont will receive $6,300,000 for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) and $2,325,000 for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). EWP assists property owners, whose homes are threatened by flooded rivers, helping to stabilize stream banks and protect foundations and houses from further flood damage. EWP also provides resources for clearing log jams that threaten property and public infrastructure. ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Press Release
Ladies First Expands Eligibility for VT Women: Any Vermont woman age 21 or older earning 250 percent of the poverty level or less can now receive free screening services through Ladies First. For example, a woman in a two-person household earning less than $36,775 a year can qualify. Uninsured women with a breast or cervical cancer or pre-cancerous condition can be referred by Ladies First to a special Medicaid program, Vermont ’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program, to receive full health insurance that covers the cost of their treatment. To apply or for more information call 1-800-508-2222 or go to www.LadiesFirstVt.org. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, please use Vermont Relay Service 711 and give our number: 1-800-508-2222. Press Release
VT Tops List for Risk for Embezzlement Loss: Vermont is at the top of the list when it comes to states that are at highest risk for loss due to embezzlement. “We have done this report for four years now and Vermont has been on the list of highest risk three out of the last four years. This year, topping the list,” Christopher T. Marquet, chief executive officer of Marquet International told the Burlington Free Press.
Drop in VT Revenues: The latest state economic numbers are in and they are lower than expected. Gov. Peter Shumlin met with the state emergency board Wednesday to go over new revenue forecasts for the state. In his budget address last week, Gov. Peter Shumlin proposed closing a $51 million general fund budget gap. Now the state needs to make up $9.3 million more, as revenue numbers are lower than expected. WCAX http://www.wcax.com/story/16549290/surprise-drop-in-vt-revenues
Judge Rules in Favor of VT Yankee: The battle over whether the state or the federal government has the authority to grant or deny licenses for nuclear plants landed in court last fall. And Thursday, Judge Garvin Murtha ruled in favor of Yankee's parent company, Entergy, saying the state is pre-empted by federal law from taking any action to close Yankee when its original license expires in March. WCAX
Okemo Skier Visits Down Over MLK Holiday: At Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, skier visits over the MLK holiday were down 24 percent from last year, Okemo spokeswoman Bonnie MacPherson said in an email. Season-to-date, skier visits at the Ludlow resort are down 30 percent, she said. On the positive side, MacPherson said, lodging occupancy at the resort for last weekend was near 90 percent. Rutland Herald
2. Tree By the Museum Comes Down
After numerous discussions by the Cavendish Historical Society Board, it was agreed that the tree next to the Museum had to come down. Large limbs were falling off after every storm and because the center of the tree had rotted away, it was just a matter of time before a limb fell on utility wires or onto the roof of the Museum. Instead of biting our nails during storms worrying whether "this would be the one" that damaged the Museum or surrounding property, the board voted to have it removed. The tree was removed Wednesday January 18. We will miss it. However, board member Marc Miele has started exploring some landscaping ideas-quince, forsythia, lilac. If you have some suggestions, please let us know by e-mailing margoc@tds.net
3. CHS Newsletter Available on-line
The Cavendish Historical Society’s newsletter for Winter 2012 is now available on-line. It is also available in PDF format and in print. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
4. Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is pleased to announce a visit from Laura Ingalls Wilder (portrayed by Melanie Stringer) for the students of the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Monday, January 23, 2012. The students who have been studying Laura Ingalls Wilder and the pioneer experience will meet with Ms. Stringer, ask questions and be able to handle period artifacts. This presentation was funded by a Green Mountain Festival Series Arts in Education Grant. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.
5. Freaky Fridays Come to BRGNS Thrift Shop
Black River Good Neighbors Thrift Shop is going to have freakishly low prices on items each 1st Friday of the month according to Audrey Bridge, Executive Director. Freaky Friday is Bridge’s brainchild and she said “we wanted to do something different from the past and this is a theme we can all have some fun with. Audrey said, “On the first Friday of each month many selected items in our store will be priced $1.00 each. Many of our patrons live on a fixed income and we would like to give them a chance at some freakishly good bargains! The deals at our thrift store are always great, we just want to make it even better for our loyal customers. And it’s important to remember all monies raised go to support the services we provide to the community. If you haven't visited our new location, don't delay, we have been there a year and it gets better every day.”
The Thrift Shop is located at 37B Main Street in Ludlow. BRGNS serves the communities of Ludlow, Belmont, Cavendish, Plymouth, Proctorsville and Mt. Holly. For more information please call Audrey at 802-228-3663.
6. Cavendish Events 1/20-1/27
January 21 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Kirigami Workshop with Cynthia Emedye at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Watercolor Landscape Workshop with Robert O’Brien at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Facilitated Meditation - 4 to 5pm free to all - Centering in the body, gentle and deep release of habitual tension in the body and mind and cultivation of presence. For more information call Robin at 226-7736.
January 22 (Sunday): Kirigami Workshop with Cynthia Emedye at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Watercolor Landscape Workshop with Robert O’Brien at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 23 (Monday): “Xin Nian Kuai Le” Happy Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Water Dragon, which occurs once every 60 years.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder (portrayed by Melanie Stringer) will be at CTES.
January 24 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Book Discussion-“Julie & Julia” by Julie Powell at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. Noon. Bring a sandwich. Beverages and desserts provided. FMI: 228-8921.
January 26 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Book Discussion-“West with the Night” by Beryl Markham, Fletcher Memorial Library, 7 pm. FMI: 228-8921
January 27 (Friday): The Cavendish Black and White Film Series returns with the Marx Brothers “A Night at the Opera.” 7:00 at the Cavendish Elementary School. The films are free, donations always welcome, and refreshments available. FMI: 226-7497.
• Shaw’s reopens in Ludlow.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Select Board Meeting Agenda 1/18/12
Selectmen’s Meeting, Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 in the Cavendish Town Office Meeting Room at 5:00 PM.
AGENDA
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign Orders
3. Review Correspondence
4. Discussion of potential articles for inclusion in warning for Annual Town Meeting.
5. Continue work on FY 2012-2013 budget.
6. Adjourn by 7:00 pm.
AGENDA
1. Call the meeting to order
2. Sign Orders
3. Review Correspondence
4. Discussion of potential articles for inclusion in warning for Annual Town Meeting.
5. Continue work on FY 2012-2013 budget.
6. Adjourn by 7:00 pm.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Cavendish Update 1/13/12 SB Mtg/News/Events
Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page.
This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736
The 1/13/12 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Select board Meeting 1/9/12
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes
4. Third Annual Mardi Gras to Benefit CCCA
5. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 12
6. Marx Brothers Kick off Cavendish Film Series
7. Cavendish Calendar 1/13-1/20
1. Cavendish Select board Meeting 1/9/12
At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the following items were discussed:
A. Cavendish Irene Relief Funds: Donations that have given to the town, to help those impacted by Irene, will be available for distribution at the end of January. If you are interested in applying for these funds, send a letter to the town office. FMI: 226-7292
B. Black River Health Center: At the town meeting in March 2011, the voters adopted a motion requiring BRHC to explore options, which address the issue of tax-exempt status. As it currently stands, while BRHC doesn’t pay taxes on the building, the tax payers are required to pay the educational tax for the property, which has been about $4,5000. It will be closer to $3,000 this year, as the building has been assessed at a lower value. If the town owned the building, the town would be exempt from paying the school tax.
When the BRHC was established, the deed stated that the building, if it were not being used as a medical center, would revert to the town if it were to be used for educational purposes. The building currently has three tenants, which are providing various types of mental health counseling and a fourth tenant, a massage therapist, is planning to move in shortly. The income from rent barely covers yearly expenses, which are about $10,000. One option is the building becomes the property of the town, which then has a lease with BRHC to continue occupancy. However, there is a legal question as to whether the town could take ownership of the building because of the educational use requirement.
The board voted that BHRC’s lawyer and the town’s lawyer meet to discuss what might be feasible. This is to be done in time for discussion at the March town meeting.
C. Derelict or Dangerous Building Ordinance: The Select Board adopted and signed the Ordinance, which becomes effective in 60 days. During this time, citizens can review the document and request that changes be made. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained from the Town Office by calling 226-7292.
D. FEMA Assistance for Town/Recovery: Cavendish has yet to file a claim to FEMA. There is now a new FEMA officer to replace the one who went on leave December 23. The new representative has been helpful and it is expected that the largest of the town’s applications will be filed next week. All roads are passable and plow able. Some concrete barriers are in a few places. Since ground water levels are high, this may make for a more difficult mud season. The work on Mill Street is about to get underway with the awarding of a contract on Wed Jan 11.
2. Cavendish Related News
SEVCA to Close Warehouse with Irene Donations: The Southeastern Vermont Community Action has been collecting donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and linens to distribute to residents whose belongings were lost or ruined in the flood/ These items have been housed at Chroma Technologies in Rockingham who donated the use of a warehouse. Steve Geller, executive director of SEVCA, says the space will no longer be available after mid-March. SEVCA is putting the word out that there are still a lot of donated items available for those impacted by the flood. VPR
VT Strong Plates Comes With Strings: Even though Gov. Shumlin is encouraging people to purchase the “I am Vermont Strong” license plates, the plate can only be pre-ordered because they are not legal yet. In Vermont you must have an identifying plate on the front and back of your vehicle, otherwise you'll get a ticket. The DMV now needs legislative approval to release the special fundraising plates. The license plate is a new way to raise money for Irene clean up. WCAX
VT Dept of Taxes Inadvertently Displayed Social Security Numbers: The Vermont Department of Taxes (VDT) inadvertently displayed personal data from a weekly batch of Property Transfer Tax Returns for less than two hours on a vendor portion of its website on January 9th. The social security numbers of 1,332 individuals and the Federal Employee Identification Number of 245 businesses were involved. The property transfer report is posted weekly on a data page ordinarily accessed only by real estate professionals; immediate investigation identified two of the three parties who accessed the page during the time in question, and they have destroyed the information. VDT is working to identify the final party, who will be advised that they inadvertently received confidential taxpayer information that must be destroyed. All affected taxpayers will receive a letter alerting them that their personal information was inadvertently disclosed. Letters will be sent no later than Saturday, January 14th. Press Release
GMP. CVPS Sue VT Yankee Over Tower Collapse: The utilities are suing Vermont Yankee owner Entergy Corp., seeking to recover the $6.6 million extra they say they spent on power in 2007 and 2008 when VT Yankee curtailed production because of cooling tower problems. Burlington Free Press
Dept of Agriculture Expects Farmers to Recover: "The agriculture community in the state of Vermont has come though it incredibly well...but make no mistake, there were significant and damaging impacts on the farming community in the state of Vermont. It is easy to calculate a $20 million hit. "That's really good news that there was so much water volume that it just seemed to wash everything away and there weren't as many contaminants that ended up being deposited any place in fact I'm unaware of any particular location that has any significant levels of contamination whatsoever."VPR
State Police Warn of Mystery Shopper Scam: A scam that dupes people into become “mystery shoppers,” but ends up draining their bank accounts is circulating in Vermont, State Police said. n the scam, people approach shoppers and ask them to evaluate customer service during sales transactions. For payment, the shoppers are told to deposit a check into their own bank account, then withdraw some of the money and send it via Western Union to a destination, usually outside the United States, police said. The remainder of the deposit check is “payment” for being a mystery shopper, the scammers tell their targets, according to police. But the amount of the check is then withdrawn from the account, the check bounces, and the amount of the check is deducted from the account, police said. Police warn people to be very wary and skeptical if anyone approaches them with the mystery shopper offer. Burlington Free Press
Habitat for Humanity Home Available: The Greater Springfield Vermont Area Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications for a 3-bedroom home that is currently available in the Springfield area. The applicant must be a family that has lived or worked for at least the past year in the GSVAHH, which includes the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Springfield, Chester, Cavendish, Grafton, Ludlow, Weston, Weathersfield and Rockingham, and be willing to work in partnership with Habitat in a variety of ways. Completed applications must be received by January 28, 2012. FMI: Call 802-885- 5318 or 802-885-6440 or www.vermonthabitat.org
What’s Behind Rising Fuel Prices in VT: On average, Windsor has the cheapest fuel in the state right now at $3.31 and Burlington has the highest prices at $3.59. Both are above the national average of $3.28 a gallon, and that price is up 20 cents from this same time last year. Matt Cota with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association says the rising cost of oil is the main culprit. "Crude oil is $102 today. It was $91 a year ago. Cota says another reason prices are up is that ethanol subsidies-- amounting to a 4.5 cent break-- expired at the end of the year. But he also says speculation in the markets is to blame for volatile swings in prices. WCAX
Shumlin’s Proposed State Budget: Governor Peter Shumlin has proposed a budget for next year that maintains most state programs without relying on any new revenue: "Today I present a budget that closes a $51 million shortfall without raising broad based taxes.” The governor's plan also calls for a major reorganization of state employees, and several initiatives to encourage job growth. To help stimulate the state economy, the governor proposed expanding the lending capacity of the Vermont Economic Development Authority by $30 million and he also wants to give $4 million to both UVM and the Vermont State College system to develop innovative programs linking higher education and job growth. The budget includes funding to help towns cover Irene expense. VPR Burlington Free Press
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Could Start this Summer: The state last year passed a law that authorizes up to four privately run dispensaries to provide marijuana for patients with chronic illness or intractable pain. Vermont has over 400 patients and 68 caregivers on the medical marijuana registry, which allows them permission to grow enough for their own use. The dispensaries would give patients who can't grow them another means of getting it. The Burlington Free Press reports that Francis Aumand, director of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that rules to run the dispensaries should be ready in the next couple of weeks. Burlington Free Press
3. Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes
The Minutes from the December CTES School Board Meeting have been posted to the Cavendish VT Blog.
4. Third Annual Mardi Gras to Benefit CCCA
Once again the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will hold their Mardi Gras celebration to chase away the late winter blues. This year the festivities will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10th and will be held at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville.
There will be a New Orleans Cajun style buffet and a wine bar, and dancing to the great tunes of Yankee Chank with Cavendish’s very own Bob Naess. Of course it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, so there will be a prize for the best and most creative mask.
A raffle will feature three prizes: a Weekend Getaway to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe as grand prize, a basket of fine Vermont wines and assorted, delicious Vermont goodies as second prize, and a Valentine Cake – chocolate, chocolate, chocolate – as third prize. Raffle tickets are on sale now at the bakery and from any CCCA board member. The drawing will be held at the celebration.
Dinner tickets cost $35 each and are limited, so please get yours early. Call (802) 226-7736 to reserve your tickets.
5. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 12
The Annual Meeting for the Cavendish Historical Society has been changed from October to February. This year’s meeting will take place on Feb. 12 (Sunday), 5 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. This will include a potluck supper plus a screening of “Life in Windsor County,” featuring CHS’s board member Bruce McEnaney. The video includes the 250 year history of the region, along with photographs and stories. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
6. Marx Brothers Kick off Cavendish Film Series
The sixth annual Black & White Nights Film Series in Cavendish starts with a bang with the Marx Brothers romp, A Night at the Opera. This 1935 madcap comedy is considered one of their best because it was plot-driven and contained some of the brothers' funniest gags. In A Night At the Opera, the Marx brothers help two young lovers to succeed in love as well as in the world of opera. The lovers are played by Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones, who do their own singing in all the classical opera scenes, an unusual move at the time. In a zany subplot, widowed socialite hopeful Mrs. Claypool, played by the impressive and ever haughty Margaret Dumont, hires Groucho to help her break into high society; he instead alternately woos and insults her. Filled with fast paced lunacy, A Night at the Opera is classic slapstick that made moviegoers forget their troubles during the Depression.
The film will be shown at 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 27 at Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. Films in the series are free but donations are welcome. For more information call 226-7187.
7. Cavendish Calendar 1/13-1/20
January 14 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Woodcarving Workshop with Dave Tuttle at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Pen & Ink Workshop with Don Hofer at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 15 (Sunday): Woodcarving Workshop with Dave Tuttle at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Pen & Ink Workshop with Don Hofer at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 16 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. Holiday School and Town Office Closed
• Shaw’s “tent” in Ludlow closes at 7 pm today and will remain closed until Jan. 27.
January 17 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870
January 19 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Community Luncheon, St. James Methodist Church in Proctorsville, 11:30. The menu will include roast pork with mashed potato, peas, coleslaw, fresh hot rolls and applesauce. Dessert will be a variety of cakes, and we'll have coffee, hot tea or apple cider as beverages. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of our meals.
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 1/13/12 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Select board Meeting 1/9/12
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes
4. Third Annual Mardi Gras to Benefit CCCA
5. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 12
6. Marx Brothers Kick off Cavendish Film Series
7. Cavendish Calendar 1/13-1/20
1. Cavendish Select board Meeting 1/9/12
At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the following items were discussed:
A. Cavendish Irene Relief Funds: Donations that have given to the town, to help those impacted by Irene, will be available for distribution at the end of January. If you are interested in applying for these funds, send a letter to the town office. FMI: 226-7292
B. Black River Health Center: At the town meeting in March 2011, the voters adopted a motion requiring BRHC to explore options, which address the issue of tax-exempt status. As it currently stands, while BRHC doesn’t pay taxes on the building, the tax payers are required to pay the educational tax for the property, which has been about $4,5000. It will be closer to $3,000 this year, as the building has been assessed at a lower value. If the town owned the building, the town would be exempt from paying the school tax.
When the BRHC was established, the deed stated that the building, if it were not being used as a medical center, would revert to the town if it were to be used for educational purposes. The building currently has three tenants, which are providing various types of mental health counseling and a fourth tenant, a massage therapist, is planning to move in shortly. The income from rent barely covers yearly expenses, which are about $10,000. One option is the building becomes the property of the town, which then has a lease with BRHC to continue occupancy. However, there is a legal question as to whether the town could take ownership of the building because of the educational use requirement.
The board voted that BHRC’s lawyer and the town’s lawyer meet to discuss what might be feasible. This is to be done in time for discussion at the March town meeting.
C. Derelict or Dangerous Building Ordinance: The Select Board adopted and signed the Ordinance, which becomes effective in 60 days. During this time, citizens can review the document and request that changes be made. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained from the Town Office by calling 226-7292.
D. FEMA Assistance for Town/Recovery: Cavendish has yet to file a claim to FEMA. There is now a new FEMA officer to replace the one who went on leave December 23. The new representative has been helpful and it is expected that the largest of the town’s applications will be filed next week. All roads are passable and plow able. Some concrete barriers are in a few places. Since ground water levels are high, this may make for a more difficult mud season. The work on Mill Street is about to get underway with the awarding of a contract on Wed Jan 11.
2. Cavendish Related News
SEVCA to Close Warehouse with Irene Donations: The Southeastern Vermont Community Action has been collecting donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and linens to distribute to residents whose belongings were lost or ruined in the flood/ These items have been housed at Chroma Technologies in Rockingham who donated the use of a warehouse. Steve Geller, executive director of SEVCA, says the space will no longer be available after mid-March. SEVCA is putting the word out that there are still a lot of donated items available for those impacted by the flood. VPR
VT Strong Plates Comes With Strings: Even though Gov. Shumlin is encouraging people to purchase the “I am Vermont Strong” license plates, the plate can only be pre-ordered because they are not legal yet. In Vermont you must have an identifying plate on the front and back of your vehicle, otherwise you'll get a ticket. The DMV now needs legislative approval to release the special fundraising plates. The license plate is a new way to raise money for Irene clean up. WCAX
VT Dept of Taxes Inadvertently Displayed Social Security Numbers: The Vermont Department of Taxes (VDT) inadvertently displayed personal data from a weekly batch of Property Transfer Tax Returns for less than two hours on a vendor portion of its website on January 9th. The social security numbers of 1,332 individuals and the Federal Employee Identification Number of 245 businesses were involved. The property transfer report is posted weekly on a data page ordinarily accessed only by real estate professionals; immediate investigation identified two of the three parties who accessed the page during the time in question, and they have destroyed the information. VDT is working to identify the final party, who will be advised that they inadvertently received confidential taxpayer information that must be destroyed. All affected taxpayers will receive a letter alerting them that their personal information was inadvertently disclosed. Letters will be sent no later than Saturday, January 14th. Press Release
GMP. CVPS Sue VT Yankee Over Tower Collapse: The utilities are suing Vermont Yankee owner Entergy Corp., seeking to recover the $6.6 million extra they say they spent on power in 2007 and 2008 when VT Yankee curtailed production because of cooling tower problems. Burlington Free Press
Dept of Agriculture Expects Farmers to Recover: "The agriculture community in the state of Vermont has come though it incredibly well...but make no mistake, there were significant and damaging impacts on the farming community in the state of Vermont. It is easy to calculate a $20 million hit. "That's really good news that there was so much water volume that it just seemed to wash everything away and there weren't as many contaminants that ended up being deposited any place in fact I'm unaware of any particular location that has any significant levels of contamination whatsoever."VPR
State Police Warn of Mystery Shopper Scam: A scam that dupes people into become “mystery shoppers,” but ends up draining their bank accounts is circulating in Vermont, State Police said. n the scam, people approach shoppers and ask them to evaluate customer service during sales transactions. For payment, the shoppers are told to deposit a check into their own bank account, then withdraw some of the money and send it via Western Union to a destination, usually outside the United States, police said. The remainder of the deposit check is “payment” for being a mystery shopper, the scammers tell their targets, according to police. But the amount of the check is then withdrawn from the account, the check bounces, and the amount of the check is deducted from the account, police said. Police warn people to be very wary and skeptical if anyone approaches them with the mystery shopper offer. Burlington Free Press
Habitat for Humanity Home Available: The Greater Springfield Vermont Area Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications for a 3-bedroom home that is currently available in the Springfield area. The applicant must be a family that has lived or worked for at least the past year in the GSVAHH, which includes the towns of Andover, Baltimore, Springfield, Chester, Cavendish, Grafton, Ludlow, Weston, Weathersfield and Rockingham, and be willing to work in partnership with Habitat in a variety of ways. Completed applications must be received by January 28, 2012. FMI: Call 802-885- 5318 or 802-885-6440 or www.vermonthabitat.org
What’s Behind Rising Fuel Prices in VT: On average, Windsor has the cheapest fuel in the state right now at $3.31 and Burlington has the highest prices at $3.59. Both are above the national average of $3.28 a gallon, and that price is up 20 cents from this same time last year. Matt Cota with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association says the rising cost of oil is the main culprit. "Crude oil is $102 today. It was $91 a year ago. Cota says another reason prices are up is that ethanol subsidies-- amounting to a 4.5 cent break-- expired at the end of the year. But he also says speculation in the markets is to blame for volatile swings in prices. WCAX
Shumlin’s Proposed State Budget: Governor Peter Shumlin has proposed a budget for next year that maintains most state programs without relying on any new revenue: "Today I present a budget that closes a $51 million shortfall without raising broad based taxes.” The governor's plan also calls for a major reorganization of state employees, and several initiatives to encourage job growth. To help stimulate the state economy, the governor proposed expanding the lending capacity of the Vermont Economic Development Authority by $30 million and he also wants to give $4 million to both UVM and the Vermont State College system to develop innovative programs linking higher education and job growth. The budget includes funding to help towns cover Irene expense. VPR Burlington Free Press
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Could Start this Summer: The state last year passed a law that authorizes up to four privately run dispensaries to provide marijuana for patients with chronic illness or intractable pain. Vermont has over 400 patients and 68 caregivers on the medical marijuana registry, which allows them permission to grow enough for their own use. The dispensaries would give patients who can't grow them another means of getting it. The Burlington Free Press reports that Francis Aumand, director of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that rules to run the dispensaries should be ready in the next couple of weeks. Burlington Free Press
3. Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes
The Minutes from the December CTES School Board Meeting have been posted to the Cavendish VT Blog.
4. Third Annual Mardi Gras to Benefit CCCA
Once again the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will hold their Mardi Gras celebration to chase away the late winter blues. This year the festivities will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10th and will be held at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville.
There will be a New Orleans Cajun style buffet and a wine bar, and dancing to the great tunes of Yankee Chank with Cavendish’s very own Bob Naess. Of course it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, so there will be a prize for the best and most creative mask.
A raffle will feature three prizes: a Weekend Getaway to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe as grand prize, a basket of fine Vermont wines and assorted, delicious Vermont goodies as second prize, and a Valentine Cake – chocolate, chocolate, chocolate – as third prize. Raffle tickets are on sale now at the bakery and from any CCCA board member. The drawing will be held at the celebration.
Dinner tickets cost $35 each and are limited, so please get yours early. Call (802) 226-7736 to reserve your tickets.
5. Cavendish Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 12
The Annual Meeting for the Cavendish Historical Society has been changed from October to February. This year’s meeting will take place on Feb. 12 (Sunday), 5 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. This will include a potluck supper plus a screening of “Life in Windsor County,” featuring CHS’s board member Bruce McEnaney. The video includes the 250 year history of the region, along with photographs and stories. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
6. Marx Brothers Kick off Cavendish Film Series
The sixth annual Black & White Nights Film Series in Cavendish starts with a bang with the Marx Brothers romp, A Night at the Opera. This 1935 madcap comedy is considered one of their best because it was plot-driven and contained some of the brothers' funniest gags. In A Night At the Opera, the Marx brothers help two young lovers to succeed in love as well as in the world of opera. The lovers are played by Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones, who do their own singing in all the classical opera scenes, an unusual move at the time. In a zany subplot, widowed socialite hopeful Mrs. Claypool, played by the impressive and ever haughty Margaret Dumont, hires Groucho to help her break into high society; he instead alternately woos and insults her. Filled with fast paced lunacy, A Night at the Opera is classic slapstick that made moviegoers forget their troubles during the Depression.
The film will be shown at 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 27 at Cavendish Elementary School in Proctorsville. Films in the series are free but donations are welcome. For more information call 226-7187.
7. Cavendish Calendar 1/13-1/20
January 14 (Saturday): Winter Farmers Market at the Ludlow Teen Center (Goodmans American Pie), Main Street Ludlow. FMI: www.ludlowfarmersmarket.com
• Woodcarving Workshop with Dave Tuttle at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Pen & Ink Workshop with Don Hofer at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 15 (Sunday): Woodcarving Workshop with Dave Tuttle at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
• Pen & Ink Workshop with Don Hofer at Fletcher Farm School. FMI: 228-8770 or info@fletcherfarm.org
January 16 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day. Holiday School and Town Office Closed
• Shaw’s “tent” in Ludlow closes at 7 pm today and will remain closed until Jan. 27.
January 17 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870
January 19 (Thursday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10:15-11:45. 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
• Community Luncheon, St. James Methodist Church in Proctorsville, 11:30. The menu will include roast pork with mashed potato, peas, coleslaw, fresh hot rolls and applesauce. Dessert will be a variety of cakes, and we'll have coffee, hot tea or apple cider as beverages. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age will help defray the cost of our meals.
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