Cavendish Update 12/1/23: Hearing/Scams/School Survey/News/Events
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12/1/23
1. Cavendish Public Hearing: Town Plan-Energy Chapter
2. Scam Alert-Caller impersonating state troopers
3. School Restructuring Survey
4. Cavendish Related News
5. Events
1.CAVENDISH PUBLIC HEARING: Town Plan Energy Chapter: The Town of Cavendish invites the public to a hearing to discuss the draft Energy Chapter to be included in the Cavendish Town Plan. A copy of the draft can be found on the Town’s website. The hearing will be held at 6 pm on Dec. 11 (Monday) at the Cavendish Town Office. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81312391910... Meeting ID: 813 1239 1910 Passcode: Cavendish
2. SCAM ALERT: Vermont State Police warns of scam calls impersonating troopers: The Vermont State Police is warning the public about scam phone calls in which the caller is purporting to be a member of the Vermont State Police. Reports to the state police indicate the imposter tells the recipient of the call that his or her identity has been compromised. The number that appears on Caller ID is the main line for the state police’s Westminster Barracks, although the calls are not originating from this location. These calls are not from the Vermont State Police. If anyone receives such a call, they should hang up or not call back at the number provided, and instead telephone their local VSP barracks to confirm the authenticity of the message. VSP reminds the public never to give out personal information or to pay money, obtain gift cards or money orders, etc., in response to unknown or suspicious callers. Report potential scam calls to: Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Assistance Program 800-649-2424 ago.cap@vermont.gov
Medicare Scams: With “open enrollment” for Medicare now underway, this is a time when criminals are very active, to say nothing of insurance companies. The best tool available for identifying coverage plans is the website www.medicare.gov, which provides detailed information on all available plans in your state allowing comparisons of costs and benefits. Scammers are seeking to take advantage of seniors by posing as Medicare agents. These imposters identify themselves as officials with Medicare and are looking for two things: money and information. A caller may state that there is a problem with your Medicare account, there are free benefits you can access, you are eligible for a new Medicare card; the list goes on. Medicare does not contact beneficiaries by phone, text message, or email unless you have an existing connection or issue being addressed. If someone reaches out to you in any of these ways, report the contact by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). For detailed, accurate information, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol for Vermont at www.vermontelders.org or 888-865-2683.
3. SCHOOL RESTRUCTURING SURVEY: Please let Cavendish representatives know how you’d like them to complete the following survey. Cavendish representatives to the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUHS) board are Steve Parini, Lisa Sanders and Kate Lamphere. Their e-mail addresses are as follows: Kate.Lamphere@trsu.org; Steve.Perani@trsu.org; Lisa.Sanders@trsu.org
My name is Adrienne Williams, I am a member of the Green Mountain School Board and Chair of the Restructuring Committee.
This evening a survey went out to the school board representatives of your town asking them to order a list of the priorities related to the restructuring of the GMUSD assets from the highest priorities to the lowest with the purpose of using this information to guide the committee's discussion and actions along with guiding data analysis.
This survey is the second part of a two part survey with part one having asked your representatives to list out priorities important to their respective towns constituents regarding the use of GMUSD assets
The resulting list of issues that fall within the committee's purview is as follows:
-Cost ( reduce cost, reduce taxes, equalize pupil cost across school)
-Location (close to home, ease of access)
-Right size building classrooms (decrease student numbers at CAES and increase numbers at CTES
-Increase opportunities for different types of classes at all schools
-Building closures
This is an opportunity for you to help guide next steps. Please reach out to your representatives. If you are not able to reach them feel free to post here, or you may email me directly at Adrienne,Williams@TRSU.org
4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
ARPA Minutes: The ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Committee has been meeting to discuss and make recommendations to the Select Board on how to spend the approximately $400,000 the town is receiving from ARPA. At the meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21, the committee reviewed the final round of applications and voted to approve the following proposed projects:
• Barbara Dickey - submitted a revised budget requesting $58,000 for the purchase and first year operation of the Gethsemane Church for a community center
• Cavendish Streetscapes – requests $10,000 for benches for the Proctorsville Green and the Cavendish playground behind the Town Office
• Town Office – requests $24,800 for digitizing the parcel maps
• Town Office – requests $36,000 for building upgrades for ADA compliance
The Committee discussed what the remainder of the funds could be used for and what role the ARPA committee might play. The Cavendish Select Board has the final approval on ARPA funds use. Minutes are available at the Town website
• Chieftain hearing seems to inch forward but questions remain
• Family and community are top priority for Singleton’s: Dan and Alison Singleton were in line to become the third generation of owners to run Singleton’s General Store on Main Street in Proctorsville, to take effect on Aug. 1. The young couple, parents of three small boys, were ready to put down roots and take on the day-to-day responsibilities of running the infamous store, a Vermont destination known for selling “whiskey, guns, and ammo” since it opened in its current location in 1978. But, before the final paperwork was signed on Monday, July 10, Dan and Alison found themselves watching the waters of the Black River rise, as a raging storm hit Proctorsville and surrounding towns, causing major flooding and damage throughout the region. VT Journal
• Mentoring Workshop: Interested in being a mentor to a child in Cavendish? Windsor County Mentors will be holding a workshop on Dec. 5 (Tuesday) at 5:30 pm at the Cavendish Library where you can learn more about the program, which takes 1-2 hours per week. www.wcmentors.com
• Toy Drive: The Proctorsville Fire Dept. has organized a toy drive. Help kids have an amazing holiday by dropping off a toy(s) at DG Body Works, 7 Depot St, at the following times: Monday 6:30-7:30 am; 4:30-5:30 pm; Tuesdays 6:30-10:15 am, 6-7 pm; Wednesdays: 6:30-7:30 am, 5-6 pm; and Thursdays 9:15-10:15; 4:30-5:30 pm.
• Need finger printing?: Are you in need of civilian fingerprinting to work or volunteer at your local school, daycare, after school or mentorship program? Chester Police Department performs employment required fingerprint services, by appointment, during our open lobby hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm. Please give us a call during these hours to schedule an appointment: (802)875-2035. You must have a fingerprint authorization form, signed by the requesting agency, and a government issued form of ID (license, non-driver ID, etc.). There is a $35 fee which can be paid by check or exact cash. Everything is digital - no inky fingers!
• Scott administration projects ‘unacceptable’ 18.5% increase in property taxes: The hike is expected to be driven largely by a likely unprecedented 12% increase in education spending. VT Digger Vt. education spending forecast to drive 18.5% property tax hike WCAX
• Why Vermont is getting more heavy, wet snow storms: The chances of there being heavy wet snow, knocking out power, is a strong possibility in the winter months ahead. The article explains the reason why. Please be prepared by making sure back up heating system works; you have sufficient supplies of food, water, medicines etc. in the event you are without power for an extended period of time. If you are in need of assistance with heating your home, or have other needs, contact Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS) 802-228-3663 www.brgn.org. A reminder that the Cavendish Shelter is the Cavendish Baptist Church. VT Public
5. EVENTS
DECEMBER 2-3 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. From 12 pm noon to 5pm, various local Inn welcome visitors for this special tour to enjoy tasty treats and holiday decorations. Proceeds benefit local charities. To learn more, contact the Golden Stage Inn
DECEMBER 7 (THURSDAY): Free Community Lunch at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow. A welcoming homestyle holiday meal. Roast pork and all the trimmings. Bingo follows the meal. Meal provided by Black river Good Neighbors Services. All are welcome.
DECEMBER 9 (SATURDAY): Stuff a Fire Truck- Food drive from 9-5 at Singleton’s in Proctorsville. Non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be excepted. All donations benefit the Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf.
DECEMBER 11 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page.
DECEMBER 16 (SATURDAY): 1 PM. Sheryl Faye, who presents historical woman, will provide a one woman show about the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth II. This is a free and open to the public event at the Cavendish Library. Refreshments will be provided.
DECEMBER 17 (SUNDAY): 3 PM on, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is hosting a Dickens’ Christmas Carol complete with workshops, mince pies, pot luck and ghost stories at the former Crow’s Bakery site on Depot St.