Cavendish Update 10/25/19: GMUSD/Rx/News/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.

10/25/19 Cavendish Update

1.Cavendish Related news

2. Powden Doesn’t Trust GMUSD Members

4. Take Back Day: Getting Rid of Medications

4. Events 

1.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Congratulations to Mark Huntley for His Hole in One: Mark Huntley, a resident of Cavendish and owner of Huntley Wealth Management of Ludlow, landed a hole-in-one during the 19th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge at the Okemo Valley Golf Club on Sept. 19, winning a $10,000 cash prize. This was the first time in the history of the Golf Challenge and also the first time during a tournament at OVGC that a player hit a hole-in-one on a big prize-winning holes. Chester Telegraph

New Poll From VPR And Vermont PBS Explores Challenges And Opportunities Of Rural Life: Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS have released the full results of a joint statewide poll that explores Vermonters’ assessment of life in rural Vermont today and prospects for the future. The survey found that most Vermonters rate the quality of life in their local community as good or excellent, while 21 percent of the respondents said life was only fair or poor. Vermonters say that community itself, taxes, and infrastructure are at the top of the list for ways to improve life in the state.

 

2. POWDEN DOESN’T TRUST SCHOOL BOARD (GMUSD) MEMBERS: In Shawn Cunningham’s Oct. 23  Chester Telegraph article he describes how Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) superintendent, Meg Powden, refused to share with the Green Mountain Unified School (GMUSD) board the text of a speech she gave to a “welcoming meeting” held for teachers across the supervisory union on Oct. 15. Her reason for not sharing was, “We have an issue – the administration and the board. … I don’t trust some of the board members because of some of their actions.” Indicators are those who attended the meeting on the 15th were stunned by the speech and spoke not only to board members but also to Cunningham.  Note, the Telegraph, who has been championing the legal responsibility of transparency, is requesting the text of the speech under Vermont’s Public Records Act.

The fact that Powden is unwilling to discuss matters with her board, is old news. One such issue, also discussed at the board meeting,  was the signage on the buses. Even though the GMUSD budget paid for them, Powden had the buses painted as TRSU. However, she has kept the board in the dark on far more serious matters, with the worse being the number of lawsuits against the TRSU, GMUSD and herself, which continue to pile up.

 In Sharon Huntley’s article in the Vermont Journal she notes that the Oct. GMUSD board meeting was book-ended with two executive seasons. The first was dealing with the lawsuit, filed in early September, on behalf of five sisters who claimed that those in charge did little to stop the harassment and bullying they experienced at Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS). The board waited over a month and a half to meet on a lawsuit where they, the TRSU, Powden and members of GMUHS are being sued. This is questionable at best, but coupled with the clear distrust between the board and Powden, it gives pause to wonder how well the GMUSD board can fulfill its charge of over-seeing the school and the superintendent.

It’s no secret that community members of the various towns in the TRSU (Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow and Mt. Holly) have taken to social media to voice their concern and frustration over the current situation. While many are calling for the firing/resignation of Powden, they also note that board members are trying to do their job but are being shackled in the process.  Thank you to the school board members who keep asking the questions that should be answered by Meg but are not.  Keep asking till we get our answer’s! Why must we the taxpayers not be entitled to hear our questions answered from her? It is time for change and long overdue. It is time to replace our superintendent and time to repair the damage done.

One of the most poignant comments on social media may sum it up the best.  It appears there is no trust on anyone’s part. Things seem to get just worse and worse. When did the students cease being the primary interest?

3. HOW TO GET RID OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS: Oct. 26, Saturday, is National Take Back Drug Day. This twice-yearly event provides a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, while educating about the potential for medication misuse, accidental ingestion and overdose. More than half of people who misuse prescription medication get it from a friend or relative, often straight out of the medicine cabinet.  Medications that are not properly stored in your home can be a risk to kids and pets who might accidentally ingest them. And flushing medications or tossing them in the trash is a danger to our waterways and wildlife.

There are convenient year round locations to dispose of your prescriptions properly, which are listed below. Vermont also offers the opportunity to “mail back” using free envelopes at available community resources as well as on-line. Learn more about this service, as well as the proper storage of medications,  at the Health Dept. website.

Year Round Locations: Ludlow Pharmacy: 57 Pond St. Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-5 and Sun 9-3. Will take pills, patches & Liquids

• Ludlow Police Department: 19 West Hill Open 7 days a week from 8-5. Will take any dry prescription drugs are accepted, including unused patches. No liquids, needles, sharps, inhalers, or aerosols are accepted.

Springfield Pharmacy 262 River St: Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-1 Will take pills, patches & liquids

• Springfield Police Department: 201 Clinton St.  Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Similar restrictions as Ludlow Police Dept

 Only on Oct. 26: Weathersfield Transfer Station 10-2

 

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Fletcher Community Library and the Book Nook will co-host author Thomas Farmen for an afternoon author’s talk about “Bessie’s Story: Watching the Lights Go Out,” an inspiring book about Bessie, a chocolate lab slowly losing her sight, who unwittingly becomes a mentor and teacher for her owner on the high-wire act of growing older with grace and optimism. This event will take place in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, located at 573 Main Street in Proctorsville, Vt at 4 PM. FMI: 802-228-3238.

• Take Back Drug Day:

 OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN Trunk or Treat. CTES in Proctorsville Set up is at 4:30 with trick or treating from 5-6:30. Adults can be Trunk or treaters by bringing their cars, decorating the trunk with a theme and handing out treats. No scary decorations please. Sponsored by Cavendish Baptist Church.

 NOVEMBER 3 (SUNDAY): FALL BACK. Clocks return to standard time by setting clocks back an hour.

 NOVEMBER 11 (MONDAY): Veteran’s Day. Legal Holiday town office and schools closed.

 NOVEMBER 12 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting. This meeting will start at 5:30 pm with a public hearing regarding adoption of the Town Plan.

 NOVEMBER 15 (FRIDAY): Property taxes due.

 NOVEMBER 27-29 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Schools closed for Thanksgiving break.

 NOVEMBER 28 (THURSDAY): Happy Thanksgiving

 NOVEMBER 28-29 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

 DECEMBER 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. Taste your way through Okemo Valley of Vermont. A dozen country inns inn-vite you inn-side to enjoy their holiday decorations and their inn-dulgent treats from noon til 5 each day. Savory pies, homemade soups, decadent chocolate cake, and more! $15 per person in advance (until Nov 27), then $20 per person. FMI: Julie at Golden Stage Inn 802-226-7744

 

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: 10/18/19 SB Mtg/News/TV/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.

10/18/19 Cavendish Update

1.Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/15/19

2. Cavendish Related news

3. Future of Okemo Valley TV

4.  Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/15/19: Cavendish Select Board (SB) 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/discussed at the October meeting:

• Cavendish’s animal control officer position remains vacant. For questions and concerns ,please direct all calls to the town manager, Brendan McNamara 802-226-7291

• The Cavendish Streetscapes Committee talked to the board about efforts to improve space vacated by the town garage. McNamara stated that the pole barns and fuel tank will be relocated to the new town garage starting spring of 2020.

• The SB approved a speed survey on Tierney Road. This will be done for free by the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission. Some of the residents on Tierney Rd have requested that the posted speed be lowered from 35 to 25 MPH.

• McNamara reviewed delinquent town tax properties with the board, stating that some had started making payments. The hope is to avoid tax sales if possible.

• The board approved the use of the town sand pit for a low light shooting exercise. All necessary precautions will be taken and the community will be notified before the event takes place

WATER:  The town continues to seek an assistant water and wastewater operator. This position has room for advancement. The position will remain open until a qualified applicant can be found. Currently, the Chief Water/Wastewater Operator, Randy Shimp’s daughter Jackie is filling this position and will remain until a permanent replacement has been found. For more information on this position go to Job Opening: Cavendish Asst. Sewer & Plant Operator

• The Town’s Wastewater Budget was given to the board for review with action to be taken at the November meeting. Town manager Brendan McNamara explained that they recently met with the USDA who has informed the town that current fees are not sufficient to maintain and sustain the town’s water and wastewater program. To that end, the board recognizes that fees will have to increase to more reasonable levels but it will have to be done in increments to avoid “sticker shock.”

• The aeration project has been completed and is operational.

• Fall Hydrant flushing will take place on Oct. 28.

DEPOT STREET BRIDGE: While concrete has been poured for the Depot St. Bridge, it is unlikely that the road will be open for vehicular traffic until the spring. McNamara is checking to see if it will be open to foot traffic in the coming weeks.

NOVEMBER SB MEETING: November Select Board meeting will take place the section Tuesday of November (Nov. 12) and will begin at 5:30 with the SB’s hearing on the Town Plan.

 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Congrats to Cavendish Chili Cook Off Winners: Ludlow Rotary’s 29th annual Chili Cook-off saw big crowds under their spacious yellow and white striped tent Saturday, Oct. 12, as visitors tasted 20 unique chili recipes from local restaurants and individuals in what has become a not-to-be-missed draw for leaf peepers and locals alike. Singleton’s General Store won first place in the People’s Choice by a wide margin for their flavorful smoky classic entry. Third place winner was Chris Saylor from Proctorsville with his “Some Like it Hot” chili and the Castle Inn received honorable mention for their Vermont Harvest Chili. VT Journal

Heads Up VTel Wireless Users: Starting Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 11pm and concluding, Monday, October 21, 2019 at 6am, VTel Wireless 4G LTE service may be unavailable to some, or all subscribers, due to upgrades to the network. During this time, service may be completely unavailable, or may turn off and on, as upgrades are performed.

3. CARE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OKEMO VALLEY TV?: The Vermont Legislature formed a Study Committee on Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access Television, in response to various threats to the primary source of PEG funding (cable TV "franchise fees"). The purpose is to help identify possible new funding sources to support Vermont's 25 access TV stations (also known as "Community Media Centers"), such as Okemo Valley TV, into the future. The committee is gearing up to make its recommendations for consideration during the upcoming legislative session.

During this process, there will be one (and only one) Public Hearing - on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 10 am to 12 pm in Room 10 of the State House in Montpelier. Show your support either in person on Oct. 21st -OR- by taking a minute to provide written testimony: Send written testimony about the value of community access TV / media to the Study Committee at testimony@leg.state.vt.us (include “PEG Access Television Comment” in the subject line of the email).

 

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER 19 (SATURDAY): You haven't missed out! If you are looking to get in on the 6th grade calendar raffle, students will be at Singleton's this Sat. Oct. 19 around 11 am. The prizes on the calendar will begin to be drawn on Oct. 31st. There is a new awesome prize every day in November including cash Fridays!. You can also purchase calendars at the front office of CTES. Supplies are limited, so purchase sooner than later. First drawing is Halloween.

OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): Trunk or Treat. CTES in Proctorsville Set up is at 4:30 with trick or treating from 5-6:30. Adults can be Trunk or treaters by bringing their cars, decorating the trunk with a theme and handing out treats. No scary decorations please. Sponsored by Cavendish Baptist Church.

NOVEMBER 11 (MONDAY): Veteran’s Day. Legal Holiday town office and schools closed.

NOVEMBER 12 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting. This meeting will start at 5:30 pm with a public hearing regarding adoption of the Town Plan.

NOVEMBER 15 (FRIDAY): Property taxes due.

NOVEMBER 27-29 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Schools closed for Thanksgiving break.

NOVEMBER 28 (THURSDAY): Happy Thanksgiving

NOVEMBER 28-29 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

 DECEMBER 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. Taste your way through Okemo Valley of Vermont. A dozen country inns inn-vite you inn-side to enjoy their holiday decorations and their inn-dulgent treats from noon til 5 each day. Savory pies, homemade soups, decadent chocolate cake, and more! $15 per person in advance (until Nov 27), then $20 per person. FMI: Julie at Golden Stage Inn 802-226-7744

 

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 10/11/19: News & 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.

10/11/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related news

2. Events

 

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Button Up Workshop Cancelled: The Button Up Workshop, originally scheduled in Cavendish on Nov. 14 has been cancelled for this year.

Black River Independent School Committee: Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Lighthall is joined by members of the Black River Independent School Committee, who discuss the group's progress as it prepares to open a new private school in Ludlow Vermont after Black River High School & Middle School closes in June 2020.

Congratulation to The Chester Telegraph: The Chester Telegraph is one of four finalists for a national journalism award in the Investigative Journalism category for its series on Vermont Open Meeting Law violations within the Two Rivers Supervisory Union. Chester Telegraph

Rutland Holiday Inn to Reopen: The Board of Health Commissioners voted Thursday to allow the Holiday Inn at 476 Holiday Drive to reopen, 10 days after a fire in one of the boiler rooms led the commission to order its closure.

VT’s Minimum Wage to Increase by 18¢ to $10.96: Vermont’s minimum wage is rising by 18 cents at the end of the year, after lawmakers this past legislative session failed to pass a bill that would have set Vermont on a course for a more aggressive increase. Vermont’s Department of Labor announced Monday that the state’s minimum wage, which is currently set at $10.78, will rise 18 cents to $10.96. The increase will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.  VT Digger

Will colleges understand Vermont's new school grading system?: It's the very first year Vermont high schools must grade all 9-though-12 students through proficiency-based learning instead of A's and B's. And the new system has the class of 2020 concerned that colleges won't understand it, jeopardizing their chances of getting accepted. WCAX

GMP CEO Mary Powell To Get $2.1 Million Retirement Package: When Green Mountain Power CEO Mary Powell steps down at the end of the year, she’ll qualify for a $2.1 million dollar special retirement benefit. Six months after she leaves GMP, Powell will get about $700,000 of this supplemental retirement plan; the rest will be paid out over six years, according to the company. That’s in addition to an annual $89,000 GMP pension, and her 401k retirement plan which the company contributed $14,800 to last year. "Most of her compensation isn't guaranteed; it's considered to be at risk. It's tied to specific results that she has to deliver for customers. And if those results don't come in, she doesn't get that pay." VPR

 

2. EVENTS

OCTOBER 11 (FRIDAY): 6th Grade selling November Calendar Raffle tickets in front of Singleton’s from 4-7 pm. Tickets are $10 a piece and there are 31 chances to win a wide variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates for goods and services.

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day workshop at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. Cavendish, at 2 pm. Presented in two parts, it will begin with a history of the first peoples in the Okemo Valley and will be followed by a “hands on activity” - make your own “Talking Stick.” This is free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal holiday schools and town office closed.

OCTOBER 17 (THURSDAY): GMUSD Board Meeting, 6 pm Green Mountain Union High School

 DECEMBER 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Indulgence Tour. Taste your way through Okemo Valley of Vermont. A dozen country inns inn-vite you inn-side to enjoy their holiday decorations and their inn-dulgent treats from noon til 5 each day. Savory pies, homemade soups, decadent chocolate cake, and more! $15 per person in advance (until Nov 27), then $20 per person. FMI: Julie at Golden Stage Inn 802-226-7744

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

Job Opening: Cavendish Asst Sewer & Water Plant Operator

ASSISTANT SEWER & WATER PLANT OPERATOR

Nature and Variety of Work: Within the Town of Cavendish assists in the operation of both sewer and water plants as well as performing duties relative to the proper installation, operation and maintenance of these public utility systems. In the course of normal duties, operates equipment in:

• Water Pumping Facility
• Water Filtration Plant

• Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Wastewater System Lift Stations

Facility operations for both water and wastewater systems involve computer data entry and laboratory work. May have occasion to operate a variety of construction equipment including but not limited to: light trucks, mower, chain saw, cut-off saw, trash pumps, miscellaneous small equipment and hand tools in the performance of gegeneral public works duties for the Town. Exercises considerable knowledge of sewer and water plant operations and equipment, its uses, functions, maintenance, safety considerations and construction work processes. Helps to prepare routine and special reports related to the operation of these utility systems. Performs in-plant laboratory testing and prepares test samples to be sent to State and private laboratories for analysis and testing. May be assigned other tasks from time to time related to other Town activities including assistance to the Highway Department and Town Manager.

Normal work activities will include: on-site, in-trench, repair and construction work on water and sewer lines, service connects and other appurtenances; repair work at the water and sewer treatment facilities and water meter readings.

Employees in this classification, in the normal course of duties, will occasionally be required to work at unusual hours when water or sewer lines or equipment fail or require emergency attention or when other circumstances may warrant it. Employees in this classification may, from time to time, be placed on call-in alert status when emergency conditions or the threat of severe weather may warrant it.

Responsibility and Supervisory Relationships : Reports directly to the Chief Water and Sewer Plant Operator. Also reports to the Town Manager working under his/her general supervision as the Chief Operator is not always on site. The Town Manager provides instructions typically in terms of results (prepare reports, repair valving, etc.) The Chief Operator provides more detailed instruction on the various aspects of system operations and duties. The Assistant Operator follows through with assigned tasks and takes the initiative in performing routine duties. Is responsible for the proper and safe operation and efficient use of equipment and tools in attaining the specified task results and for overall quality of work. May occasionally be required to supervise temporary helpers in specific operations. May occasionally be required to work with and assist contractors hired by the Town to perform services upon the Town’s utility systems.

Skills Required : Position requires a good general knowledge of skill and work practices, methods, tools and equipment appropriate to water and wastewater systems operations and of public works construction and maintenance. Should have a good working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the operation of utility equipment, power tools and working with potentially hazardous chemicals and substances. Must be able to comprehend and exercise work safety procedures as are required by the Town and the law.

Must have good communication skills and be able to effectively communicate and interact with other town staff, the customer base and the general public.

Must have the ability to keep accurate and detailed records regarding many aspects of system operation as well as work and time records. Must be able to communicate effectively including voice communications on a two-way radio and legible handwriting.

Must have good skill level in mathematics and must be capable of preparing statistical reports appropriate to plant operations. Passage of a mathematics skills test may be a pre-employment requirement.

Must have good mechanical skills and be able to safely use hand and power tools.

Health and Hygiene: Must be in good physical and mental health having good physical strength, dexterity and vision. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. May be required to have a pre-employment physical and may be required to have periodic physical examination to determine fitness for the job and physical ability to perform required tasks.

Must have health protective inoculations appropriate to the type of occupational health hazards associated with water and wastewater system duties.

Must maintain good personal hygiene and appearance.
Must wear supplied uniforms when on duty and, when appropriate, safety gear.

Education : Minimum of high school education with at least one course in basic chemistry. Specialized education related to sewer plant and water plant operation and maintenance is desirable although not an absolute pre-employment requirement. The successful candidate for this position will be required to take courses related to water and sewer system operations as may be specified by the Town and which may be necessary to meet the requirements of regulatory agency rules.

Certifications Required : The successful candidate for this position will be required to possess and maintain valid State of Vermont certifications as may be required for sewer and water plant operations appropriate to the grade required for the Town of Cavendish utility systems. These certifications are considered desirable in employment hiring considerations, however a person without such certifications may be hired with a condition of the employment being that the Assistant Water and Sewer Plant Operator must successfully obtain certain certifications within a time schedule specified by the Town Manager and Chief Water and Sewer Plant Operator.

Application Information: Please contact Town Manager Brendan McNamara at 802-226-8044 or brendan.mcnamara@cavendishvt.org for application details.

Ability to use personal computers is required. Experience and skill in using word processing and spreadsheet applications is desirable as a pre-employment skill.