Cavendish Update 2/16/24: SB Mtg/Hearing/TDS/News/Events
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Absentee Ballots for the March election (March 5) Local & Presidential primary-are now available at the Town Office. Call 802-226-7291 or stop by if you’d like a ballot.
2/16/24
1.Cavendish Select Board Meeting 2/12/24
2. Public Hearing
3. Flood Damage Grant Application
4. Quilt Workshop
5. Cavendish Related News
6. Events
1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 2/12/24: Unapproved minutes of Monday’s Select Board Meeting are at the Town’s website. Okemo Valley TV video coverage is available at their website.
Approved
• Hazardous Mitigation Plan with changes discussed
• Inactive status of sewer and water at the former Smokin’ Bowls Restaurant
• Yearly Certificate of Mileage
Manager’s Report
• Town Report: The Annual Report is at now at the Printer’s. Town meeting will be on Monday, March 4, 7 pm at Cavendish town Elementary School (CTES) and by Zoom. This is an informational meeting only, with all articles for the town to be voted on by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 5 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept from 10-7.
• FEMA: Reports are being filed with FEMA, who will reimburse 75% of town expenditures for flood recovery. An additional 17 1/2% reimbursement can be obtained if various documents are in place, such as the approved Hazardous Mitigation Plan.
• Thanks to the Highway Department: This has been a challenging winter with wide temperature swings, creating a number of mini mud seasons. Special thanks to the dedication of the Town Crew is in keeping roads open and passable.
• Flood Photographs still needed: If you haven’t had a chance to send photos and/or videos from the July floods, please send them to 802-738-6445 or e-mail them to CavTM@cavendishvt.org
2. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: A public hearing before the Planning Commission for the town of Cavendish will be held at the Cavendish Town Hall On March 6, 2024 at 6:30 PM. to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements to an existing structure at 2568 Rt 103 Cavendish VT. A site visit to the property will be on March 6 at the above address at 5:00 PM. The appellant is the Grafton Village Cheese Co., 400 Linden St, Brattleboro, VT.
Proposed improvements are within the Floodway as defined in the Cavendish Flood Hazard Regulations which require a Conditional Use Hearing with the Cavendish Planning Commission. The above application is available for inspection at the Cavendish Municipal Offices. Persons wishing to participate may do so in person, be represented by an agent or an attorney, by Zoom, or by writing to the Planning Commission. Written communications about the application should be filed with the Cavendish Planning Commission PO Box 126 Cavendish VT 05412 either prior to, or during, the hearing. Hybrid meeting information will be available on the agenda.
3. FLOOD DAMAGE GRANT APPLICATION: Vermont Disaster Recovery (VDR) serves all individuals who reside in our service area without restriction.
Grant funds may be used to meet unmet needs after FEMA, Homeowner’s Insurance, Renter’s Insurance, SBA loans, and local grants or supports have been exhausted. The grant amount maximum is $25,000.
VDRF grants can help fund the rebuild of a primary residence, replace lost or damaged personal property, appliances, heating systems, or other needs such as a primary vehicle.
Funds are paid by VDRF directory to vendors, or contractors. Estimates or quotes for work are required. Two estimates are preferred. Contractors must be licensed and provide a W9 form, which must be included at the time of application.
Eligibility: The applicant must be a resident of Vermont. Property must have been damaged in the July 2023 – August 2023 flood disaster, or the December 2023 Flooding (not federally declared individual assistance disaster). The Home to be repaired or belongings to be replaced must be the primary residence if Owned, or within the primary residence of the renter – verified by tax records or rental contract.
If you are interested in securing these funds, please contact Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS) who can file an application on your behalf. Krey can be reached at 802-228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com
4. QUILT WORKSHOP: In honor of Black History Month, and in remembrance of Gloria Leven, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) and the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library are offering an opportunity to make a quilt square on Wednesday, February 28, 4-6 pm at the Library in Proctorsville.
Quilting has played a significant role in the lives of African Americans. They not only told stories through their quilts, but kept themselves and their families warm, while providing a source of income. It was also a time where they could socialize without “supervision.”
Lizzie Hobbs Keckley was born a slave, but obtained her freedom by selling intricate quilts. She became seamstress and quilter for the first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln and the Congressional wives. She created the famous “Liberty” Medallion Quilt from strips of Lincoln’s dresses. Keckley went on to become the director of Domestic Arts at Wilberforce University.
While many know the story of Harriet Tubman and her vital role with the Underground Railroad, they may be less aware of her quilting and how she used it to provide clues to guide slaves to freedom.
Quilters used their skills to provide funds for the Underground Railroad, anti-slavery newspapers and made 250,000 quilts and comforters for the Union soldiers during the Civil War. Ultimately, quilting played an important role in helping to abolish slavery.
The quilting tradition continues today through groups like the quilters in Gee’s Bend Alabama, who are the descendents of Pettway Plantation slaves. They are known for their use of colors, abstract design and storytelling.
Gloria Leven, who died January 1 at the age of 100, was an ardent quilter. She always had a project in her living room and on her nightstand. Like the many quilters before her, Gloria helped to raise money for both the Library and CHS with her needle and thread.
The workshop on Feb. 21 or 28, is free and open to the public. Participants will learn more about the history of quilting as well as have a chance to use some of Gloria’s fabrics to create their own quilt. No sewing involved. The workshop is being run from 4-6 to accommodate those who wish to drop in after work. For more information call: 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com
A special thank you to Casey Junker Bailey whose workshop at the South Londonderry Library helped to inspire this one. This workshop is made possible in part from a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund.
5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
• TDS completes Upgrades in Cavendish: Internet speeds up to eight gigs are now available in Cavendish from TDS, as their entire catchment area has been wired with high speed fiber. This makes it possible to upload and download at the same rate of speed. TDS offers dedicated connections up to 10 gig for businesses. To take advantage of the high speeds, you will need to contact TDS and arrange for set up. Reports from those who have signed up for the service are very good. They are getting the speeds they’re paying for and for a number of those in remote areas it has resolved their Internet issues. Note: You must be in the TDS catchment area to receive upgraded services and be aware that speeds for wired vs Wifi Internet will be different. FMI: https://tdstelecom.com/local/vermont.html
• Ludlow Rotary learns about Proctorsville Fire Department
• Free Easter Dinner : Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments are teaming up with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) to provide Easter Dinner on Saturday March 30, 12-2 pm. Curbside pickup is at the Ludlow Community Center. The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by March 15 to reserve your free dinner(s). Meals are limited so reserve sooner than later.
• CCCA solar eclipse talk by Claudio Veliz: Join the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s (CCCA) Walk and Talk Committee for a talk by noted astronomer Claudio Veliz about the upcoming total solar eclipse. The talk will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m., at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 573 Main Street in Proctorsville. Safe, solar-filtered glasses will be handed out to attendees, complete with instructions on their use during the eclipse.FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.VT Journal
• Cavendish Town Elementary among Vermont schools recognized for asthma mitigation: CTES is one of 13 schools recognized y the VT Dept. of Health’s “Asthma-Friendly school” initiative for their commitment to asthma-controlled strategies to support lung health. Chester Telegraph
• CHS Winter Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society's Winter Newsletter is now on-line. Catch up on the latest news, upcoming events as well as the unique history of the CCC camps in Cavendish.
• Outer Limits in Proctorsville celebrates third opening in five years
6 . EVENTS
FEBRUARY 19 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday town office and schools closed
FEBRUARY 19-23 (MONDAY-FRIDAY) Winter Break no school
FEBRUARY 28 (WEDNESDAY): In honor of Black History Month and in remembrance of Gloria Leven, make a quilt square. 4-6 pm at the Cavendish Library. No sewing requiring. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocauifield@icloud.com
MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town meeting Day Cavendish Town Elementary School or via Zoom at seven (7:00) o'clock pm
MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): Voting takes place (includes both town and school budgets) 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. Town Office closed.
MARCH 19 (TUESDAY): Solar eclipse talk by Claudio Veliz at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. in Proctorsville starting at 6 pm. Safe, solar-filtered glasses will be handed out to attendees, complete with instructions on their use during the eclipse. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.
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