Cavendish Update 2/28/25: Town Mtg Day/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

TOWN MEETING DAY IS TOMORROW SATURDAY MARCH 1- 2PM AT CAVENDISH TOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. This is an informational meeting with voting taking place by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 4, 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. You can join Town Meeting by zoom-link is at the Town website-yellow banner-

 

2/28/25

1.    Black River Flood Resiliency Plan-Public Workshop

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

 

1. BLACK RIVER FLOOD RESILIENCY PLAN-PUBLIC WORKSHOP: The towns of Plymouth, Ludlow and Cavendish are developing a flood resilience plan for the Black River and its tributaries. The plan will develop strategies to mitigate flooding based on public input and past studies. The plan will serve as a roadmap for developing future flood resilience projects.

To support the plan’s development, Mount Ascutney Regional Planning (MARC) is hosting an open house to share more about the project and to hear from you, on March 27 (Thursday), from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall. Please stop by to learn about the project and share your ideas on topics like: Desire project outcomes and other benefits you hope to achieve; Community preferences and vision for creating flood mitigation strategies; Identify potential project sites and how projects should be prioritized. Food and drinks will be provided. FMI: tkennedy@marcvt.org

 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Flooding long past, many Vermont municipalities are still swimming in red ink: Cavendish is one of the town’s listed in this article. Cavendish, population 1,392, had approved an annual municipal budget of about $2 million when the July 2023 storm caused an equal amount of damage. A year and a half later, the town has received only about $400,000 in FEMA funds for debris cleanup and emergency spending, with reimbursement for everything else — including $82,000 in loan interest that’s eligible for federal repayment — still outstanding. “They send back requests for more details and documentation,” said Diane McNamara, Cavendish’s town clerk and treasurer. “People think the flood is over, but for those of us who are dealing with the paperwork, it’s not.” VT Digger

• CHS Winter Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Winter Newsletter is now on-line and includes upcoming events and activities being planned. Included in this issue is the speech Solzhenitsyn gave at Town Meeting in 1994, shortly before he returned to Russia.

• Easter Dinner: The Proctorsville and Ludlow Fire Departments will once again be providing FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

 

3. EVENTS

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary School Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4.

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 12 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl  Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history.

MARCH 27 (THURSDAY): Black River Flood Resiliency Public Workshop, 6:30-7:30 at the Ludlow Town Hall.  Food and Drink provided.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

APRIL 19 (SATURDAY): FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

MAY 10 (SATURDAY): Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/21/25: Town Report/RFP/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

 

2/21/25

1.    Cavendish Fire District 2 Seeking Proposals

2.    Clear your vents/prevent roof ice dams

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

 

1.CAVENDISH FIRE DISTRICT 2 SEEKING PROPOSALS: The Cavendish Fire District #2 is seeking proposals from qualified engineering or architectural consulting firms for planning, design, and construction oversight for a project involving energy and ADA improvements to the Fire Station, as well as the installation of a ground-mounted solar array and battery storage system. The RFP for this project can be found at https://www.marcvt.org under "Grants & RFPs" or by emailing Martha Harrison at mharrison@marcvt.org The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM.”

 

2. CLEAR YOUR VENTS/PREVENT ROOF ICE DAMS Given the recent snowfall, it’s an important reminder to clear snow away from heating and appliance vents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup in the home and other potential problems. Use the VT Emergency Management’s guide on Safe Heating

The following information is from the National Weather Service. Ice  dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents.

There's no way to guarantee an ice dam won't damage your home, but you can take steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming in the first place:

If you haven't already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and down spouts. This allows melting roof snow to flow into gutters and through down spouts.

Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes" let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.

All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of snow and icicles.

Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof. Consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.

 

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Cavendish Town Report 2024: The 2024 Town Report has been mailed to all registered voters and is also available as a .pdf at the Town Website. The report contains the budget to be discussed at the Town Informational Meeting on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2 pm in the Cavendish Elementary School. It also contains sample ballots for the town elected positions and articles to be voted on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 10 am to 7 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Station. Note that on page 30 of the Town Plan, there is a breakdown of how tax dollars are spent. For Fire District 1 (Proctorsville), 63% is for education, 29% town and 8% fire district. For Fire District 2 (Cavendish), 65% education, town 30% and 2.5% fire district.

• Dog Licenses Ready for Renewal: By state law, all dogs residing within the State of Vermont must be licensed by April 1st each year. Licenses for 2025 have been printed and are ready for renewal. New dogs may be licensed at any time during the year. Please bring a valid rabies certificate. Licenses are available from the Cavendish Town Office.

• M&T Bank Drive Thru Only: Starting Feb. 24 (Monday), M&T Bank in Ludlow will only have drive-thru service for the next 2-3 weeks. Due to the flood proofing construction,  the lobby and ATM will not be available.

• Sheryl Faye as Susan B. Anthony: On Wednesday, March 12 at 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history. She played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement, the 19th Amendment, and dedicated her life to racial, gender, and educational equality.  Sheryl Faye is a graduate of Emerson College and creator of Sheryl Faye Presents Historical Women. A community favorite, Sheryl has a talent for bringing Historical women to life for adults and children around the world.  This event is free and open to the public. FMI:  Amy at (802) 226-7503 or CavendishLibrary573@gmail.com 

• GMUHS New Mascot is the Grizzlie: GM Principal John Broadley told The Chester Telegraph on Sunday that the 200 plus students who voted to chose from five candidates picked the formidable brown bear by about 52 percent with the other four making up the remainder of the ballots. The bobcat came in second. Other candidates included lions, goats and eagles.

• GMUSD Annual Meeting: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Annual Meeting in Feb. 27 (Thursday) 6 pm at GMUHS. Enjoy free food and meet community partners along with a discussion of the proposed budget and the annual meeting. Voting on the budget takes place on March 4 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

• Side by Side: Scott education plans past and present: Chester Telegraph 

• TRSU Began Preparing for Trump Budget Cuts, Fund Freezes, last year: Chester Telegraph

• How are VT Rare plants Faring: On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11 am at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, learn about the work of the VT Natural Heritage Inventory to map monitor and conserve over 600 species of rare and uncommon plant species across the state. Discover how and why to responsibly choose native plants for your own pollinator gardens, meadowscaping and beyond. Featured speakers include: Gerace Glynn-Botanist with the VT Agency of Natural Resources & Hayley Kolding VT River Conservancy

• People Flocked to Vermont It Didn’t Last: Vermont saw a surge in newcomers after Covid-19 struck, fueled partially by city-dwellers who could take newly remote jobs to the less-congested Green Mountains.  But these trends were short-lived. Wall St. Journal

  

4. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY): 11 am at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, Learn about the work of the VT Natural Heritage Inventory to map monitor and conserve over 600 species of rare and uncommon plant species across the state.

-       Gypsy Reel & Rick Redington & Touff Luv concert in memory of Mark Huntley, 7PM at the Ludlow Town Hall. A free event (donations greatly appreciated), doors open at 6:30 pm. FMI 802-228-3238

FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY): 6 PM GMUSD Annual Meeting at GMUHS

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4.

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 12 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl  Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

MAY 10 (SATURDAY): Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

   IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/14/25: SB Mtg/Job/Hearts/Survey/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY: Tomorrow (Saturday) is the CHS History of Chocolate Workshop with chocolatier Maren Muter-10-noon at 73 Depot St. For more information, see the Events section below. 

Yes there is another storm, possibly a N’oreaster arriving Saturday evening. Please make preparations today and tomorrow as it looks like this could bring power outages.

 

2/14/25

1.Cavendish Select Board Meeting 2/10/25

2. Cavendish Town Office Job Opening

3. Find the Cavendish Hearts!

4. CCCA Survey

5. Cavendish Related News

6. Events Calendar

 

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 2/10/25: The video of the monthly Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is now available at the Okemo Valley TV Website.  Unapproved minutes will soon be available at the Town’s website and the Chester Telegraph includes an article on the meeting.

This was the last meeting for George Timko who has severed on the SB for close to 25 years. He will not be running  in March for the three year position he currently holds. Thank you George for your many years of service. Former SB member Sandra Russo, is running unopposed to fill his slot.

APPROVED

• Street light for Winery Rd and Route 103.

• Letter of Support for the Route 103 & Vt Route 131 Intersection Project: Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) is studying this stretch of road, as  a mile in either direction from the intersection is designated as a high crash location. Many drivers are speeding in this area. A consulting firm has been hired by MARC to look at the issue, which outlines the problem with the recommendation that specialists be hired to make recommendations to deal with issues raised,  including traffic calming measures. More money is available because of the railroad crossing in the area. This will most likely be a 10 year project.

• Yearly Certificate of Mileage

• Shannon Devereux as the Cavendish Ethics Liaison

DISCUSSED

• Transfer Station Upgrade: Rich Chambers, town manager, will Issue a request for proposal (RFP) to have a study done that addresses traffic flow needs as well as the replacement of the building as there is no bathroom and the running water there is so shallow it’s not useable in winter. A phone, but not WiFi has recently been installed.

• School Zone Speed Limit: The lights in this area haven’t been working all that well for some time. The sheriff is recommending that the speed limit be permanently changed to 25 MPH all the time versus its current status of only when the school is open/lights flashing.  Step one would be to correct the flashing light problem. Since this is a high pedestrian traffic area some of the SB members favored a permanent change to 25 MPH, while others were concerned this would create a speed trap. Chambers will send a letter to state and school to either fix the current lights and/or replace them. He will discuss with the state about making a permanent change to the speed limit in this area.

• Old Town Garage Oil Spill Update: The state has requested more testing, but the town’s insurance is not willing to continue to pay for it. More testing will be done this spring using state funds.  In addition, permission is needed from Mack Molding to assess land they own in the spill area. Once testing is completed, the town can decide on future land use.  

• Act 171 Discussion and Requirements (Municipal Ethics): The code of ethics is now available at the Town’s Website. Training will be required of the SB as well as appointing an ethics liaison. As noted above, Shannon Deveraux is now the town’s Ethics liaison.

•  Town Meeting: Reminder that Town Meeting, which is informational only, will be on March 1 (Saturday), 2 pm at CTES. The Cavendish Baptist Church shelter program will be providing food and drinks. This is a good time to support the town’s shelter  through a donation. Sample ballots for Town Articles, Election Ballot and GMUSD Ballot are available at the town’s website.

• Municipal Energy Resiliance Program: The RFP for this  has just gone out and is on the town’s website. The deadline for responding is March 10.

• Planning Commission Sub Division Regulations: The Planning Commission is looking to have a public hearing in April on the revised regs. Would like to have the Regs on the town’s website. Discussed revising the town’s website.

• Solar: Signed agreement for a broker to sell the credits but parts are needed to repair the communications piece.

• Shoveling out hydrants: It would be helpful if property owners could shovel out hydrants as there is a lot of snow in the forecast.

  

2. JOB OPENING CAVENDISH TOWN OFFICE: The Town of Cavendish has an immediate opening for a part-time office staff member. The applicant should be well organized and detail oriented. The goal of this position is to administratively assist the Town Clerk and Assessor in maintaining an accurate annual Grand List for the Town. Duties would include the processing of property transfers, homestead declarations and all property tax exemptions. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. Pay is negotiable and dependent on the experience of the right applicant. Experience in municipal government and NEMRC software is preferred but not required. Applications, resumes and inquiries should be directed to: Town Manager
Town of Cavendish Municipal Building
37 High Street, P.O. Box 126 Cavendish, Vermont 05142
(802) 226-7291
Cavendish is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

3. FIND THE CAVENDISH HEARTS: The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is once again sharing their love of history this February with a “find the heart” hunt at  various historical spots in Cavendish’s two villages.  Using the clues listed at the CHS blog, find the hearts and take a picture and/or add a heart stone of your own to the places that mean the most to you. Please don’t move the rocks.

On March 15, heart rocks will be removed and placed along the stone wall by the Cavendish Cemetery on High St.  A very special thank you to the CTES 5th/6th grade students who painted the rocks as part of CHS's Young Historians Program. 

 

4. CCCA SURVEY: Some people like concerts, some people want to hike, others want to volunteer their time to make a difference in our community. Whatever your preference, the Cavendish Community & Conservation Association wants to hear from you. Take this quick (and anonymous) survey to help guide future activities. 

 

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Man’s Wallet Stolen on Depot St. Proctorsville: There have been a number of break-ins or attempted break-ins on Depot St. and in other parts of Proctorsville, On February 7, 2025, at approximately 1451 hours, Vermont State Police received a report of a theft from a Vehicle parked at 136 Depot St, Cavendish, Vermont. The owner was identified as Matthew Murphy. Through investigation, it was determined on February 7, 2025, at approximately 0445 hours, Murphy’s vehicle was unlocked, and an unidentified individual entered the vehicle. The individual took a brown leather wallet, which contained $60 in cash and $200 worth of gift cards. The individual fled the scene shortly after. Anyone with information is urged to call Trooper Kieran McManus with the Vermont State Police- Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or submit an anonymous tip at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit

• New Mascot for GMUHS to be Chosen: Chester Telegraph

• Mack Molding makes largest press investment in over 25 years

Joann’s Fabric Stores Closing in Rutland and W. Lebanon:

• Mark Huntley Concert: Gypsy Reel & Rick Redington & Touff Luv are performing a concert in memory of Mark Huntley on Saturday, Feb. 22 @ 7PM at the Ludlow Town Hall. A free event (donations greatly appreciated), doors open at 6:30 pm. FMI 802-228-3238

 

6. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 14 (FRIDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 15 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s program on the History of Chocolate with Cavendish chocolatier Maren Mutter. Program will be held at the home of SuperRoasted Coffee, 73 Depot Street, Proctorsville (formerly Crows Bakery). This talk is for those 12 and up. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

FEBRUARY 17 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday Town Office and Schools Closed

FEBRUARY 17 (MONDAY)- 21 (FRIDAY): Winter Break for schools.

FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY): Gypsy Reel & Rick Redington & Touff Luv concert in memory of Mark Huntley, 7PM at the Ludlow Town Hall. A free event (donations greatly appreciated), doors open at 6:30 pm. FMI 802-228-3238

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall 10-7

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

MAY 10 (SATURDAY): Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/7/25: Photo Contest/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

2/7/25

1.Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events Calendar

 

1. CAVENDISH CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST: If you could capture the natural beauty of Cavendish and Proctorsville in one photo, what would it be? Share your photos with us from now until March 31 and you’ll automatically be entered into the Cavendish Community & Conservation Association 2026 calendar contest. 

The 2026 theme is “Our Natural World.”  Your photos can be of wildlife, landscapes, places, people or any other aspect of the outside environment that captures the unique magic of our hometown at any time of year. 

Photo submissions can be emailed to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com. Or you can also pick up an entry form at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library next to the elementary school. 

Community-wide voting for the 2026 calendar will be announced in April. Funds raised through calendar sales support town-wide efforts to preserve, celebrate and invest in the physical beauty and community spirit that surrounds us. 

If you didn't get a 2025 calendar, we still have limited supplies at a discounted price of $10.

 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Mark Huntley Celebration of Life: Known to many in Cavendish and beyond, Mark Huntley, was an integral part of our community serving on the Cavendish Select Board, Cavendish Fire Dept. Prudential Board, Grange, Rotary, both Cavendish and GMUHS school boards, as well as a driving force for Greven Field. He served both Cavendish and Weathersfield as state rep. and ran Huntley Financials in Ludlow for many years. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention his other life as a musician in various bands. Our condolences to his family and many friends. Mark’s memorial will be held this Saturday, Feb 8, 1 pm. at the Cavendish Baptist Church. His obituary is available by clicking here.

• CHS Briefs: The February Briefs from the Cavendish Historical Society is now on-line and includes a list of upcoming events and activities.

• TRSU School Budget Meetings: The Two Rivers Supervisory Union will be holding meetings on Feb. 12 (Thursday), 6 pm at CTES to discuss budgets and answer questions, as well as tax implications for the town. On Feb. 19 (Wednesday), the TRSU will be holding a similar meeting at GMUHS, also at 6 pm. According to the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Warning, voters are being asked to approve a budget of $18,627,678.00, with an estimated per pupil cost of $14,603.21, which is 18.14% higher than per pupil education spending for the current year.

 Gov. Phil Scott’s education plan would create an optional school choice lottery in every district: Every student would be assigned to a public school for all grades and could opt into the lottery. The five regional districts would designate “school choice schools,” which could be private schools or public schools. VT Digger

 

3. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 10 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The agenda will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page when it becomes available. This will include Zoom information.

FEBRUARY 14 (FRIDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 15 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s program on the History of Chocolate with Cavendish chocolatier Maren Mutter. Program will be held at the home of SuperRoasted Coffee, 73 Depot Street, Proctorsville (formerly Crows Bakery). This talk is for those 12 and up. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

FEBRUARY 17 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday Town Office and Schools Closed

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4.

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS