Cavendish Update 2/21/20: SB/Town Mtg/Education/Events

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2/21/20 Cavendish Update

1. Town Meeting

2. Select Board Action

3. Education News

4. Fire District 2 (Cavendish) Annual Meeting

5. Cavendish Related News

6. Events

1. TOWN MEETING: Petitions for elected town positions were closed on Jan. 27. All candidates are running unopposed-see list below. The following positions have no candidate: Town Agent; Auditors one year of a two year term and one 3 year term; Trustee of public funds; Library Trustee, 5 year term; GMUSD (school board) 3 year term position.

If you are interested in being a "write-in" candidate for any position, you will need a minimum of 12 voters to write your name in on Election Day (March 3, 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall). Cavendish Connects will post information for "write in" candidates.  Write- in for the Library Trustee should contact Kata Welch at 226-7503.
Slate of elected town positions with filed petitions:

• Moderator – Michael J. Ripley

• Town Clerk – Diane McNamara

• Town Treasurer – Diane McNamara

• Select Board – Two 1-year terms – Sandra Russo, Stephen Plunkard

• Select Board – 2 years of a 3-year term – George Timko

• Select Board – 3-year term – Robert W. Glidden

• Auditor 1-year term – Peter LaBelle

• Town Grand Juror – Theresa McNamara

• Green Mountain Unified School District Director – 1 year of a 3-year term – Kathleen Lamphere

In addition to voting for elected town positions, voters will be asked to approve the final draft of the Cavendish Town Plan by Australian Ballot on March 3. A copy is available from the Town Office and is also available on-line. Note that this is different from the Town’s Annual Report, which was recently mailed out and is also available on-line.

The town budget is voted on at Town Meeting, Monday, March 2, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES).

2. SELECT BOARD ACTION: The Cavendish Select Board (SB) completed the budget for the coming year:

• SB Minutes Jan. 23: Continued discussion for the Selectmen’s 20/21 budget. The focus was on the Library Appropriation (requesting an increase from $38,600 to $42,000; Recreation department (budget request of $36,176); Cemetery ($18, 320) All budgets were approved. Additional approvals were for town personnel salaries; Sheriff’s office and other financial matters, including roads.

• SB Minutes Jan. 28: Approved  the 20/21 budget in the amount of $1,556,280, which is an increase of $73,793 or 4.92% over the FY 20 budget. Approved the Warning for Town Meeting

At the monthly SB meeting on Feb. 10, the board discussed/took action on the following:

• Mike Harrington updated the board regarding  the court proceedings of  Snowstone Quarry proposal and he and the other neighbors could ask for another Jurisdictional Opinion from the Act 250 Board regarding lot size and storm water runoff management so that this case might continue for several years.

• Proposed rules of conduct were discussed. Board member Sandra Russo will be making revisions and provide them at the March meeting

• The Stone Church restoration project is now underway. The board were given a draft landscaping plan for the property, which is owned by the town. The town will be the point person for the project, with funding coming from the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Center (ASC) and other sources.

• Accepted the request for removal of the second sewer allocation at 265 Depot Street, VT Apple Pie Company as it has ceased operations.

• Approved the 2020 Certificate of Highway Mileage

• Approved a second class liquor license application for Singleton’s Store.

• In updates on other projects, town manager Brendan McNamara said he hoped the Depot St. Bridge would be open by Memorial Day. The EV charging station will hopefully be done this summer. The Animal Control Officer position is still open.

Video of the meeting is available at Okemo Valley TV, while unapproved minutes appear on the Cavendish Municipal Website. The Vermont Journal and the Chester Telegraph provided articles on the meeting.

3. EDUCATION NEWS: The school budget will be voted on by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 3rd. The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) budget is $14,108,968, which represents more than a 9% increase over the current budget. Part of this is due employee health care, which is increasing by 12.9% and beginning in 2021, due to an arbitrator’s decision, the schools must pay the first $4,200 of employees’ out-o-pocket medical costs. In addition, support staff can now have family coverage. Health care and other increases over which the board has no control totaled more than $573,000 and included a $118,684 hike for vocational education and a $131,147 jump in the special education assessment from Two Rivers Supervisory Union, which provides central office services, special education and other shared programs. Learn more GM School Board: Good Budget Despite Hikes

There will be a public informational meeting on the school budget on Feb. 27 (Thursday), 7 pm at the Green Mountain Union High School in Chester.

Other educational news:

• TRSU staff negotiations may bust legal budgets again Chester Telegraph

• Search begins for new Two Rivers schools superintendent: Having resigned at the Jan. 13 TRSU meeting, Meg Powden, TRSU superintendent is slated to leave June 30, 2020. Chester Telegraph

4. CAVENDISH FIRE DISTRICT 2 ANNUAL MEETING: At the Feb. 3 Annual Meeting of Cavendish Fire District 2 (Cavendish) a budget for 2020 of $86, 504 (2019 budget was $81, 995) was passed. Two part time or one full time EMT will be hired to provide coverage during “gap times,” generally during the working day,  for both EMS (emergency medical services) calls as well as for fire and rescue. Funds for this position(s) are coming from the Fire District’s Truck Fund.

The reason for the EMT requirement is that anyone can be made a fire fighter but to respond to emergency medical calls there is a license requirement. In their down time, the hire(s) will be given other duties around the fire house, such as grant writing, cleaning etc.

It should be noted that Ludlow Ambulance Service (LAS) will still be needed in addition to the CVFD EMT. The department is not looking to become an ambulance service, which is what LAS provides. The town budget for 20/21 includes $43,400 for LAS. Note that in October, LAS went to a full time paid staff force. Expanded Ludlow Ambulance Service is Saving Lives, needs support

A video of the meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website and an article on the meeting appears in the VT Journal.  

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• CHS Annual Meeting and Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society newsletter is now available on-line. Their annual meeting will be held on March 29 (Sunday), 2 pm at the Cavendish Baptist Church on Route 131. They will be screening

• Ice Safety: What to Expect if you Need to Get Rescued: Thank you Chris Marks, Proctorsville Fire Department and Proctorsville resident Zach McNaughton for making this video. If you ice fish, or engage in any winter sport that has you on ice, PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO. It just may save your life.

• Prevent Flu, Colds & Coronavirus: Prevention strategies for all three are the same. Learn more at this special post from Cavendish Connects.

• Goodman’s American Pie Celebrates 20 Years: Congratulations to Proctorsville residents on the anniversary of American Pie. VT Journal

• Australia Relief Fundraiser at Murdock’s: Checks are still be counting, but $1,300 has been raised so far to help both wildlife and people who have been impacted by the fires in Australia. VT Journal

• Video of Moose Rescued from Proctorsville Train Tracks

• March Classes at Fletcher Farm School: Note that classes are half price for Cavendish residents.

• Springfield Hospital Looks To Sever Ties With Clinics In Bankruptcy Plan: This includes Ludlow Health Center

• Okemo Discusses Expansion Plans at Ludlow Rotary: Bruce Schmidt, Okemo general manager, was the recent guest of the Ludlow Rotary Club to inform the organization on the new plans to update a number of facilities at Okemo Mountain Resort including the base lodge, a new training are for children and expanded lift service at Jackson Gore. VT Journal

• Bears Are More Active Than Normal This Winter

6. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 26 (WEDNESDAY): Goodman’s American Pie Pizza celebrating 20 years of business from 1-9 Pm, 5 Lamere Sq, Ludlow. The Goodmans are Proctorsville residents.

FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY): Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Public Information Hearing, 7 pm at GMUHS Auditorium in Cbester.

MARCH 2 (MONDAY): Cavendish Town Meeting, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Note: The town budget is voted on at this meeting. There is a separate informational meeting about the school that takes place February 27.

MARCH 3 (TUESDAY): VOTING DAY-Elected town positions and school budgets are done by Australian Ballot. The polls are open from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department in Proctorsville. Handicap accessible entrance is available. Town office will be closed.

MARCH 28 (SATURDAY): A joint project of Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Library, learn to make totes from feed bags. The workshop is free from 1-4 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

APRIL 1 (Wednesday): All dogs residing within the Town of Cavendish need to be registered by April 1st each year . Licenses may be obtained in the Town Clerk’s office. A valid rabies certificate needs to be presented at time of licensing.

APRIL 10 (FRIDAY): Town office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 12 (SUNDAY): Happy Easter

SEPETEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): 8th Annual Vermont Golden Stage Honey Festival. 10-4 pm at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville, corner of Depot Street and Route 103. Free Admission. FMI: 802-226-7744 or vtgoldenhoneyfestival@gmail.com

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 Library

The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is looking for a part time circulation assistant to work every Saturday from noon to four.  The ideal candidate would have solid computer skills, a love of reading and excellent customer service skills.  Previous library experience is not necessary, but a love of books is.  Please contact Kata at 226-7503 for more information.

Prevent Flu, Colds & Coronavirus

The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) is closely monitoring the situation in New Hampshire, where two people, both of whom have been in China, are in isolation awaiting test results for the novel coronavirus. A 19 year old student is at Littleton Regional Hospital and the second is at Concord Hospital. Tests results should be issued this week, but the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says testing is backed up.

Below is information on the coronavirus as well as prevention strategies, which are similar for cold and flu.

VDH’s HEALTH ADVISORY: VDH  issued a “Health Advisory” on January 23. The novel coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. Chinese officials report that sustained person-to-person spread in the community is occurring in China. Person-to-person spread in the United States has not yet been detected, but it’s likely to occur to some extent. While this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Get updated information, as it becomes available, from CDC.

 WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections. These viruses are zoonoses, which means they can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another. A coronavirus can potentially spread to humans, particularly if certain mutations in the virus occur.

Chinese health authorities reported a group of cases of viral pneumonia to the World Health Organization (WHO) in late December 2019. Many of the ill people had contact with a seafood and animal market in Wuhan, a large city in eastern China, though it has since become clear that the virus can spread from person to person. Harvard Health

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The symptoms can include a cough, possibly with a fever and shortness of breath. There are some early reports of non-respiratory symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many people recover within a few days. However, some people — especially the very young, elderly, or people who have a weakened immune system — may develop a more serious infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Harvard Health

COULD I CATCH THIS VIRUS? Unless you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus — which right now, typically means a traveler from Wuhan, China who actually has the virus — you’re likely to be safe. Harvard Health

If you have been in Wuhan or Hubei Province within the past two weeks or have been in close contact with a person with 2019-nCoV, and develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider right away.

FLU IS A CONCERN: Of more concern to VDH is the flu. The most recent report posted on-line 1/12-1/18/20 for VT  shows that the flu is widespread in the state. It most likely hasn’t peaked and eight outbreaks have been reported, mostly in schools.

With the exception of a vaccine for flu prevention, which does not exist for colds or the coronavirus, the prevention of all three conditions are the same.

COVER & WASH

• Cover your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Use your arm (not your hand).

• Observe regular cleaning habits if someone at home has the flu. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, phones, smartphones and toys.

• Vaccinate (only for flu)

• Every time you use a tissue, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands. Skip the antibacterial stuff, unless you don’t have access to soap & water, as it may contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistant bugs.

• Remember not to share anything that goes into the mouth.

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• Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Skip the antibacterial soaps as regular soap and water works fine.

• Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Have alcohol hand sanitizer on hand if you don’t have access to soap and water.

 OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT COLDS & FLU: Stay healthy by:

• Getting plenty of sleep-at least six or more hours a day.

• Getting sufficient Vitamin D. The sun is a lot less effective in providing Vitamin D during the winter months-peak time for colds and flu-so take a supplement

• Taking Exercise Breaks

• Skipping the handshake. Fist bumps and elbow bumps are replacing handshakes during cold and flu season. If your really hip, the ‘Namaste’ bow is becoming very popular- put your hands together at chest level, make eye contact and give a little bow

In the Work Place: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following

• Use Paper Towels to clean work spaces as they do a better job than sponges and cleaning cloths used previously.

• Use Disinfectant Spray to clean doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, computer mice, railings, microwave, coffee maker handle, elevator buttons and escalator rails. Note that viruses can live up to 48 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. Identify the germ “hot spots” in your office and make sure they are regularly cleaned.

• Use Hand Sanitizer when soap & water aren’t available: Reduce transferring nasty cold and flu germs by using hand sanitizer wipes to clean public surfaces, such as keyboards.

• Don’t share pens with colleagues as these can be particularly dirty. Carry a pen or two in your pocket.

• Ask your manager to supply the office with the necessary tools to keep the workplace healthy.

• Stay home when you are sick

At Home: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following:

• Create a “sick room” where the person who is sick can have all the things they need.

• Sanitize shared items

• Take care of yourself so your resistance isn’t lowered

River Dipper Volunteers Needed for Cavendish

Can you spare a little time for Cavendish Gorge this summer?  A volunteer River Dipper is urgently needed to help the Black River Action Team monitor for bacteria levels at this popular swimming spot.

The Black River Action Team is looking for one or two reliable, mature volunteers willing and able to be trained as "River Dippers" at the historic swimming hole known as Cavendish Gorge.  You'll need to be able to get yourself to the pre-arranged sampling site on Wednesday mornings between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and transport the carefully collected sample to the Ludlow wastewater treatment facility before 9:30 AM, ahead of the courier who picks up the samples.  Simple yet vital collection protocols must be followed when gathering the water, to avoid contamination of the sample.  Additionally, volunteers will be required to fill out a simple (but, again, vital) Chain of Custody form that will accompany the sample.

A chart will be generated by BRAT by Friday of the same week, displaying the cumulative bacteriological results for the Gorge - a volunteer will be needed to print off the full-color chart and post it at the Gorge in a small display case on a sign post.  This chart will aid visitors to the Gorge in making their recreation decisions.

Sampling takes roughly an hour each week, from parking and walking to the river, to collection and filling in the form, then delivering the sample to the treatment facility.

Mileage can be reimbursed, so volunteers should keep a log.  All supplies and equipment will be provided, as well as a BRAT tee shirt for each volunteer.

Can you or someone you know help?  Contact BRAT Director Kelly Stettner before February 20th by email (blackrivercleanup@gmail.com) or by leaving a detailed voicemail with your contact information at (802) 738-0456.