Cavendish Update 5/31/19: Internet Security/103 Work plan/News

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5/31/19 Cavendish Update

1. Work schedule for 103 for 5/27/19

2. Internet Safety: Never Trust and Always Verify

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Events

1. WORK SCHEDULE ON 103 FOR THE WEEK OF 6/3/19: Anticipated Weekly Work Schedule from Pike Industries. All work is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen delays.

Monday 6/3/19 through Saturday, 6/8/19: Continue final bonded wearing course machine paving in Ludlow, VT working toward Mount Holly. Please be aware that there will be a numerous amount of trucks along Route 103 during paving operations.  Line Striping Targets (LST) will be used for temporary line delineation. Temporary 40 MPH speed reduction package from the Ludlow fire station to the intersection of Belmont Road, Hortonville Road and VT Route 103 in Mount Holly. Continue bridge plug joints in Chester, VT just north of VT Route 10, working toward Proctorsville, VT. Begin driveway hand paving in Chester working towards Ludlow Village.

2. INTERNET SAFETY: NEVER TRUST AND ALWAYS VERIFY : A few weeks ago, at the Cavendish Tech Cafe, Jarrod Harper of VELCO, did an incredible presentation on Internet safety. Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Library plan to offer another Tech Cafe on a Saturday in November, when we hope Jarrod will once again share the latest on this topic. In the mean time, here are some of the “take homes” from his talk. The full report, with links for more information, is available at The Dish.

• Check sites for SSL Certification (Secure Sockets Layer): URL should start with https

• Passwords should be strong, unique, and different for each account. Consideration should be given to using a password manager.

• Change the default password of your internet router and IOT devices.

• Connect to the right Wi-Fi

• Don’t invite danger with careless/mindless clicking

• Do not click on web ads

• Don’t Save Financial Information on Shopping Sites

• Whether it’s on Facebook, other social media sites or texts via your mobile device, if you don’t know the person sending you a text, e-mail or a friend request, don’t respond.

• Keep all your software updated so you have the latest security patches.

• Only download apps from official app stores

• Careful What You Post : There are no “take backs” with what you post, or even what’s posted about you.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Springfield Hospital Plans to Declare Bankruptcy: Springfield Hospital is likely to declare bankruptcy in the next month or so, interim CEO Mike Halstead said Wednesday. The hospital has scheduled a series of information sessions around the region to update the public on the status of the organization, and at a meeting in Springfield Wednesday Halstead said a Chapter 11 bankruptcy declaration was imminent.  Springfield Hospital lost about $14 million over the past two years. The organization closed its childbirth center, laid off almost 30 staff members and made changes to its emergency department to save money. Halstead said the health care organization would still likely lose up to $3 million this year. He said the board will probably begin the bankruptcy proceedings soon to begin restructuring  its finances. Halstead said the bankruptcy process will also require Springfield Hospital to come up with a long range plan toward sustainability which he says will most likely mean having another health care system take over the business. VPR

Sweeping Changes Proposed to Chester Zoning: T he Town of Chester is undergoing the most comprehensive overhaul of its zoning regulations and zoning districts since they were first enacted more than 40 years ago. The Unified Development Bylaws – as they are known – have been completely revamped and, if approved by the Select Board as written, will mean sweeping changes in the rules for land use in Chester. Current and prospective landowners in Chester should pay close attention to the effect this will have on their properties. In addition, these bylaws should be of interest to the wider public as they will also affect economic development and the character of the town as a whole in the future. Information sessions will take place at 6:30 on Mondays, June 3 and 17 and an open house will be at 10:30 on June 22, Saturday. All sessions will be at the Chester Town Hall.  Chester Telegraph

4. EVENTS

JUNE 6 (THURSDAY): TRSU Board Meeting, 6-8 pm at Ludlow Elementary, 45 Main St., Ludlow. Click here for the Agenda

JUNE 8 (SATURDAY): GMUHS Alumni Parade Chester

JUNE 14 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation

JUNE 19 (WEDNESDAY): CTES 6th grade graduation. Proctorsville Green, 6 pm

• Last Day of School for GMUHS

JUNE 20 (THURSDAY): Last day of school at CTES

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Internet Safety: NEVER TRUST AND ALWAYS VERIFY

A few weeks ago, at the Cavendish Tech Cafe, Jarrod Harper, of VELCO, did an incredible presentation on Internet safety. No matter how tech savvy you are, there is always something new to learn. While we can’t exactly duplicate his presentation-and yes, we should have probably used Facebook Live – he did share his summary slide.

Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Library plan to offer another Tech Cafe on a Saturday in November, when we hope Jarrod will once again share the latest on this topic. In the mean time, here are some of the “take homes” from his talks with links where you can learn more.

Living in a “wired” society is a double-edged sword. Many things are a lot easier because of it, and we’ve become very dependent on it.  We text, call, book appointments, bank, share files, pay bills, surf the web for the best deals and the list goes on. At the same time these various devices-computers, tablets and phones-are vulnerable to security threats.

Don’t despair. Some very practical steps will help minimize your exposure

1. Check sites for SSL Certification (Secure Sockets Layer): Does it start with “http://” or “https://”? If you notice an s at the end, that means your connection is encrypted and secure, so any data you enter is safely sent to the website. Not all sites have SSL certification. While they may be fine to browse, avoid sharing any financial or personal information on websites without this added layer of security.

2. Passwords

• Create unique passwords: Make your password a sentence: A strong password is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember. On many sites, you can even use spaces. Read How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember it) https://www.howtogeek.com/195430/how-to-create-a-strong-password-and-remember-it/

• Do Not use the same password for multiple accounts. Why You Should Use a Password Manager and How to Get Started.

• Use biometric features, such as fingerprint authenticators. This makes unauthorized access nearly impossible.

3. Change the default password of your internet router and IOT devices. Make it harder for hackers or even snoopy neighbors. Most router manufacturers configure their new routers with the same default username and password. The default usernames and passwords for popular models of wireless network gear are well known to hackers and often posted on the internet. Why You Should Change the Default Password on a Wi-Fi Router.

4. Connect to the Right Wi-Fi: Many free Wi-Fi points are not encrypted. These open networks allow malicious people to eavesdrop on the network traffic and easily get your passwords, usernames and other sensitive information. To protect against Wi-Fi hacking, use applications that secure your connection or at least tell you the status of the Wi-Fi to which you are connected. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is more secure compared to WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure connection over the internet, so you can safely connect from anywhere.

5. Click Smart: Don’t invite danger with careless clicking. Many of today’s online threats are based on phishing or social engineering. This is when you are tricked into revealing personal or sensitive information for fraudulent purposes. Spam emails, phony “free” offers, click bait, online quizzes, texts from people you don’t know, and more all use these tactics to entice you to click on dangerous links or give up your personal information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid links asking for personal information and Do Not Click on Website Ads! 10 Ways to Avoid Phishing Scams

6. Be a Safe Shopper

• Remember to follow Step 1 and only use sites whose address starts with “https.”

• Don’t Save Financial Information on Shopping Sites: Even sites with SSL certification can be hacked. Many shopping sites let you save your credit card information in your online account. This setup makes it easier to make purchases in the future and it also makes it easier for hackers to access your information. Spend the extra minute to enter your information each time you make a purchase.

7. Know your “friends:” Whether it’s on Facebook, other social media sites or texts via your mobile device, if you don’t know the person sending you a text, e-mail or a friend request, don’t respond. Use your spam filter.

8. There’s an App for That: Only download apps from official app stores after reading other users’ reviews first.

9. Stay current and be alert: Keep all your software updated so you have the latest security patches. Online threats are evolving all the time, so make sure you know what to look out for. Make sure that your security software is enabled on your mobile, just like your computers and other devices.

10. Careful What You Post : There are no “take backs” with what you post, or even what’s posted about you. Don’t put anything on line you wouldn’t want your current or prospective employer, parents, spouse or best friends to see.

Cavendish Update 5/24/19: SB/103 schedule/News/Events

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5/24/19 Cavendish Update

1. Work schedule for 103 for 5/27/19

2. Cavendish Select Board Meeting

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Events

1. WORK SCHEDULE ON 103 FOR THE WEEK OF 5/27/19: Anticipated Weekly Work Schedule from Pike Industries. All work is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen delays.

SPECIAL TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK: Alternating one-way traffic patterns may occur at the location of active construction operations. A speed reduction zone (40 MPH) will be put in place throughout the length of the daily active construction zone. Speed limit reduction signs will be taken down at the end of each work day, and the speed reduction will not be in effect during non-work hours.

 Paving operations are dependent on weather and surface conditions, and the paving schedule is subject to change as a result.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY: In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, crews will be off of the road by noon on Friday, 5/24. Work will resume on Tuesday, 5/28 at 7:00 AM. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

 Tuesday (5/28) to Saturday (6/1) Paving: Paving final PPST (wearing course) in Ludlow working towards Mount Holly.  Speed reduction from Ludlow to Mount Holly. Line Striping Target placement for line delineation.

 Tuesday to Friday Plug Joint (bridge joints): Bridge Plug Joint in Chester and Cavendish. Speed reduction Chester to Ludlow.  

2. MAY 13 CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING: Cavendish Select Board Meetings are videotaped by Okemo Valley TV and are available at their website.  In addition, minutes are available at the Cavendish Municipal website.

The following actions were taken at the May 13th meeting:

• Approved Liquor License for Outer Limit Brewing. Located on the Proctorsville Green, plans to open July 4th.

• Approved Outdoor Consumption Permit for Neal’s

• Approved Dan Tyrrell to the Cavendish Fire District #2 (Cavendish Fire Dept) Prudential Committee, completing Stuart Lindberg’s term, who recently resigned from the Committee.

• Approved service contract with Windsor County Sheriff’s Department for FY 19-20. The deputies will continue to patrol for 12 hours per week at a cost of $55 per hour and .60¢ per mile.

• Approved CCCA using the Proctorsville Green for Summer concerts for six Wednesdays during July and August.

• Approved use of the Proctorsville Green for CTES 6th grade graduation on June 19

Discussed:

• Green Up Day activities-50 volunteers cleaned 20 roads in town

• Plans for replacement of bridge/culverts located on Brook Rd and Meadowbrook Farm Rd

• VT 100 Endurance Race, open to runners and horseback riders, will pass through parts of Cavendish on July 20-21.

• Depot St. Bridge replacement is on schedule

• Wastewater Aeration System replacement will be starting soon, as well as cleaning out the ditches on the dirt roads.

• Town wide reappraisal is complete and property owners should have received an Official Notice of Change of Appraisal booklet.

• Cavendish’s Memorial Day activities will take place on Thursday, May 30, starting at 10 am at CTES. This year’s parade will be in Cavendish Village

• Select board member Sandra Russo read a statement in support of fellow Selectmen Stuart Lindberg. See the Vermont Journal

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Meal Train for Courtney Hillhouse and sons: To help support Cavendish resident, Drew Kauffman’s family-Drew recently died after a 15-year battle with brain cancer- a “meal train” has been established. Please go to the Meal Train website if you can make a meal.

Cavendish Historical Society News: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Spring Newsletter is now on line. The new doors in the Museum are now installed and are awaiting painting and some finish work. The Annual Plant Sale takes place on Saturday morning, May 25, from 8:30 to noon, with an early bird special from 5-7 on Friday.

Flags are Flying in Cavendish and Proctorsville Villages: Thanks to Streetscapes and the Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments, flags are now flying in both villages. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the volunteers had to fight the black flies in Proctorsville and very wet conditions in Cavendish. Nonetheless, spirits were good as many volunteers helped to “raise our flags.” To support the Streetscapes effort, as well as to honor someone with a flag, please go to Cavendish Streetscapes: Raise Our Flags

 High Speed Chase Goes Through Cavendish: A Mount Holly woman, who was out on court-ordered pre-trial release conditions after she pleaded innocent last December to charges that she attempted to rob a convenience store, is accused of leading police on a drug-fueled chase Wednesday morning at speeds of up to 130 mph in a stolen car. The half-hour-long chase began at 8 a.m. in Weathersfield and wound around North Springfield a couple of times before it roared up through the Proctorsville Gulf on Route 103 into Cavendish, squeezed through a narrow construction zone and eventually ended in downtown Ludlow. Jennifer Graham, 37, was brought into court Thursday afternoon in White River Junction where she pleaded innocent to felony counts of attempting to elude police, grand larceny and operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.  She also pleaded innocent to accompanying misdemeanor charges of speeding, drugged driving, providing a false name to police and violating conditions of pre-trial release. Currently, across all her cases in various counties, Graham is facing a maximum potential penalty of over 50 years in prison if she were to be convicted of all the charges now pending against her. Daily UV

TRSU Violated Open Meeting Law: With Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) Superintendent Meg Powden not in attendance, board chair Paul Orzechowski admitted that the TRSU board had violated Vermont’s Open Meeting Law and apologized at a May 16 special meeting held by video conference. What do we have to do to remedy the situation?” asked Dan Buckley, the lone TRSU board member holding down the fort at the SU offices in Ludlow – the site of the meeting warned in the agenda. Orzechowski said that his apology and training would take care of it, then asked for a motion to hold an open meeting training session at the next TRSU board meeting on June 6, 2019. Chester Telegraph

AOT Maps Route to Lower Speed Limit at GMUHS: Representatives of Vermont’s Agency of Transportation came to Chester on Monday to look at Rt. 103 around Green Mountain High School and hear from the public on why the speed limit should be lowered from 40 mph to 30 mph there. Chester Telegraph

4. EVENTS

MAY 24 (FRIDAY): Early Bird special at the Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 5-7 pm in front of the Museum.

• Ludlow Farmer’s Market begins

MAY 25 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Plant Sale, 8:30-noon in front of the CHS Museum.

MAY 25 -26 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): VT Open Studio. Location #99 (Fletcher Farm) Instructors will be demonstrating in the barn. From 10-4 the Fabric and Craft Supply Sale will continue in the Craft Shoppe. Creative Metalworking class with Piper Strong in the Rough Barn. Space is still available! Remember, 50% off one class annually, for Cavendish residents!

MAY 27 (MONDAY): MEMORIAL DAY. Legal Holiday. Town Office and school closed

MAY 28 (TUESDAY): School closed for teacher in-service

MAY  30 (THURSDAY): Cavendish Memorial Day celebration starting at 10 am at CTES. This year’s parade will be in Cavendish Village.

JUNE 8 (SATURDAY): GMUHS Alumni Parade Chester

JUNE 14 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation

JUNE 19 (WEDNESDAY): CTES 6th grade graduation. Proctorsville Green, 6 pm

• Last Day of School for GMUHS

JUNE 20 (THURSDAY): Last day of school at CTES

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/17/19 Work schedule 103/Mentors/Events

CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

5/17/19 Cavendish Update

1. Work schedule for 103 for 5/20/19

2. Cavendish Related News

3. CTES Needs Mentors

4. Events

1. WORK SCHEDULE ON 103 FOR THE WEEK OF 5/20/19: Anticipated Weekly Work Schedule from Pike Industries. All work is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen delays.

 Paving operations are dependent on weather and surface conditions, and the paving schedule is subject to change as a result.

Monday & Tuesday May 20-21: Continue final Bonded wearing course machine paving in Chester, VT working toward Ludlow village. Please be aware that there will be a numerous amount of trucks during paving operations. Line Striping Targets (LST) will be used for temporary line delineation. Temporary 40 MPH speed reduction package from Route 10 in Chester to the Ludlow/Cavendish town line. Begin bridge plug joints in Chester, VT just north of Route 10, and continue to Shrewsbury, VT.

Wednesday 5-22-19: Final Bonded wearing course machine paving in Chester, VT working towards Ludlow village. Please be aware that there will be a numerous amount of trucks during paving operations. Line Striping Targets (LST) will be used for temporary line delineation. Temporary 40 MPH speed reduction package from Route 10 in Chester to the Ludlow/Cavendish town line.

 Thursday -Saturday May 23-25: Similar to Wednesday’s schedule plus Begin bridge plug joints in Chester, VT just north of Route 10, and continue to Shrewsbury, VT.

 2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Celebration of Life for Drew Kaufman: For the last 15 years, Drew Kauffman lived fully with brain cancer. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at 44 years of age, leaving behind his wife Courtney Hillhouse and his two young sons, Sawyer and Finley. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2 pm at Dejours in Ludlow. To support the Kaufmanns during this challenging time, and to offset medical bills, a Go Fund Me site has been set up as well as a donation jar at the Cavendish Library. Checks can also be sent to  Courtney Hillhouse, 44 Laplante Rd., Cavendish VT 05142.

Lindberg Resigns from CFD Prudential Board: At the monthly meeting of the Cavendish Fire Department, Prudential Board member Stuart Lindbergh submitted his resignation. Daniel Tyrrell will take his place on the Prudential Board. CFD Minutes.

SB Member Defends Lindberg: At the Monday, May 13, Select Board meeting, member Sandra Russo made a statement in support of fellow board member Stuart Lindberg. He had come under “personal attack” by Amy Perry, a Proctorsville Fire Fighter,  at the last Select Board meeting April 8. She had called for his removal from the board, criticizing the objectivity of Lindberg, who is a volunteer at the Cavendish Fire Department, in the wake of increasing tension between the two departments as the subject of a fire district merger has come to the forefront in Cavendish town politics. Russo went through each complaint levied by Perry, having contacted other organizations where Perry accused Lindberg of inappropriate behavior. Neither group found a problem with his behavior.  Chief Audette of Pine Point Fire Training responded to Russo that he didn’t know where these comments came from and that Lindberg was “professional and courteous and not out of line.”  As for Perry’s concern of Lindberg having hidden personal agendas, Russo offered, “I don’t think anyone has to worry about Stu’s hidden personal agendas. There is nothing hidden about Stu. He tells you how he feels about everything.” Russo finished by saying, “As far as I’m concerned, this issue with Stu being on the Select Board is closed.”  Vermont Journal

GMUSD Board Oks Contract, Appoints New Members, Seeks Safety Upgrades in Cavendish: The board of directors of the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD)  ratified its agreement with its support staff at a special meeting last Thursday, but not without questions about the timing of the work. Wayne Wheelock replaces Kahty Muther as the Baltimore representative to the board. Cavendish representative Doug McBride brought up the issue of school safety at CTES, pointing out that the signal to reduce speed when flashing hasn’t worked in weeks, the school crossing graphics and other lines painted on the street have all but disappeared. He moved to have the superintendent see to them and also on a “non-urgent” basis look into lights for the CTES parking lot and report to the board when the budgeted safety gates would be installed at the school. The motion passed. Chester Telegraph

3. CTES NEEDS MENTORS: Cavendish Town Elementary School is working with Windsor County Partners in running a mentoring program. This change allows mentoring to take place at the school as well as in the community. The goal of the mentoring program is to develop meaningful friendships based on trust and respect, and to promote healthy life choices that strengthen a mentee’s self –esteem and self-confidence. Mentors in the Community PALS program commit to two hour’s per week or six-eight hours per month, while School PALS mentors meet one-hour per week for the duration of the school year. FMI: 802-674-5101 or wcmentors@outlook.com

5. EVENTS

MAY 17TH-19TH (FRIDAY-SATURDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm on 103. The sale is 10-4 on Friday and Saturday and 9-2 on Sunday. FMI: Audrey at 802-228-3663. The Fabric and Craft Supply Sale will take place from 10-4 in the Craft Shoppe at Fletcher Farm.

MAY 19 (SUNDAY): Drew Kaufmann Celebration of Life, 2 pm at Dejours in Ludlow, VT

MAY 24 (FRIDAY): Ludlow Farmer’s Market begins

MAY 25 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Annual Plant Sale, 9-2 in front of the CHS Museum.

MAY 25 -26: VT Open Studio. Location #99 (Fletcher Farm) Instructors will be demonstrating in the barn. From 10-4 the Fabric and Craft Supply Sale will continue in the Craft Shoppe. Creative Metalworking class with Piper Strong in the Rough Barn. Space is still available! Remember, 50% off one class annually, for Cavendish residents!

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival. 10-4 Part craft fair, part food festival, the VT Golden Honey Festival is a community favorite. Located on the lawn of the Golden Stage Inn, 399 Depot St. in Proctorsville. Proceeds of this event will benefit VT Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth (Ludlow and Proctorsville. For vendor and other information: vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com or 802-226-7744 (Julie).

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS