Cavendish Update 1/26/24: News/Events

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A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 7 pm this evening. Freezing rain and snow. Ice accumulations of up to a  quarter of an inch and total snow accumulations of a dusting to 2 inches.

1/26/24

1. Public Hearing Notice

2.Cavendish Related News

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Free Cell Phone & Service for those that qualify: SEVCA is participating in the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program for Windsor and Windham county. Many people can qualify for this program which will provide a new cellphone with case and screen protector, unlimited talk and text, and 5GB per month of data at no cost to the recipient. Those currently participating in the following programs automatically qualify for the program: 3 Squares VT; Medicaid; WIC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, Section 8 or Affordable Housing Assistance. If you are interested in finding out if you qualify - please call SEVCA at 800.464.9951 and ask to speak with Family Services about the ACP program. The current round of this program closes on February 8th so be sure to call by February 7th, 2024!

• Fletcher Farm School Announces New Board Chair: After managing daily operations and serving as board chair, Susan Damone Balch will shift to solely focusing on her administrative role. The board welcomes acclaimed metalwork artist and longtime Fletcher Farm School teaching artist Piper Strong as its new chairperson. Strong brings over a decade of leadership experience in the Vermont arts community. After managing daily operations and serving as board chair, Susan Damone Balch will shift to solely focusing on her administrative role. The board welcomes acclaimed metalwork artist and longtime Fletcher Farm School teaching artist Piper Strong as its new chairperson. Strong brings over a decade of leadership experience in the Vermont arts community. VT Journal

• How one local nonprofit supports BIPOC skiers and snowboarders: Hana Saydek, who grew up in Cavendish, raced at Okemo Mountain, attended Okemo Mountain School and taught there, is the founder and director of Unlikely Riders, a nonprofit that organizes community events at local ski mountains aimed at Black and Indigenous people and other people of color. VT Public

• Magris Talc college scholarships: Magris Talc is now accepting college scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Two $2,500 scholarships are available for students of the greater Ludlow area  in their last year of school, who are choosing to pursue either a four-year bachelor’s program degree or two-year technical/trade program. Students must be entering a field of study in one of the following disciplines: earth or natural sciences, mining, engineering, environmental studies or management, health and safety, or the industrial trades such as mechanical, electrical, welding, HVAC, and plumbing. Applicants must submit an essay describing their interest in the field they are entering, how that interest developed, and what their plans are for the future. Essays must be accompanied with a cover letter with all contact information, and submitted to Magris Talc, c/o Scholarship Committee, 73 East Hill Road, Ludlow, VT 05149. The application deadline is April 10.

2. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7 (WEDNESDAY): Public hearing on an enhanced energy chapter of the town plan,  6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 12 (MONDAY): Monthly Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 13 (TUESDAY): Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 14 (WEDNESDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 15 (THURSDAY): Quarterly Property Taxes due

FEBRUARY 19 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday town office and schools closed

FEBRUARY 19-23 (MONDAY-FRIDAY) Winter Break no school

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Cavendish Update 1/19/24: Public Hearing/News/Events

Lime kiln off cavendish gulf road

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      Wind chills are expected to be -5 to -15 tonight and Saturday night.

1/19/24

1. Public Hearing Notice

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: The Town of Cavendish will hold a public hearing on Wednesday February 7, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office, 37 High Street, Cavendish Vermont to receive comments on an amendment of the Cavendish Town Plan. The proposed amendment incorporates an enhanced energy chapter into the plan based on Act 174 Regional and Municipal Energy Planning Standards. Dated at Cavendish, Vermont this 17th day of January 2024. Signed by Timothy Calabrese, Planning Commission Chair.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Postage Stamp Scam: With postal rates increasing on Monday, it’s not surprising to see ads on Facebook and other sites claiming half price stamps. Be aware that most postage stamps being sold at a major discount are a scam. The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) warns people to remember the old adage: “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” The law enforcement arm of USPS warns that a “significant discount” is a sign of a counterfeit stamp scam.   Warning from USPS

• Phil Scott announces expansion of voluntary paid leave program: The paid family and medical leave plan, originally available only to state employees, will now be open to all Vermont enterprises that employ at least two employees. VT Digger

• After Bracing for hard times, Vermont economists predict healthy state revenues: Until Thursday, lawmakers had been preparing for sour news. But state economists told them that Vermont has “exhibited surprising economic resilience” over the past year. According to Carr and Kavet’s report, Vermont’s economy over the past year has “exhibited surprising economic resilience.” Unemployment rates remain low, inflation persists but has slowed, and the stock market is performing well, the economists wrote. Two of the state’s three major pots of revenue are performing well, according to the report, with both the General Fund and Education Fund’s revenues exceeding expectations. Bolstering the General Fund were strong personal income tax receipts, they said, and for the Education Fund, “robust” consumer spending and higher-than-expected cannabis sales have lined the coffers. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7 (WEDNESDAY): Public hearing on an enhanced energy chapter of the town plan,  6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 12 (MONDAY): Monthly Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

FEBRUARY 13 (TUESDAY): Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 14 (WEDNESDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 15 (THURSDAY): Quarterly Property Taxes due

FEBRUARY 19 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday town office and schools closed

FEBRUARY 19-23 (MONDAY-FRIDAY) Winter Break no school

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Cavendish Update 1/12/24: SB Mtg/News/Events/Job

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A new shipment of COVID Rapid Tests have arrived in town. They can be picked up M-F from the Cavendish Fire Station 9-4, at the Proctorsville Fire Hall Tuesday evenings from 6-8 pm and on the weekends e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com Note that the actual expiration date for these tests is 10/2/24. Thank you PVFD for helping to make this possible.

Congratulations to Outer Limits who reopens today! Note they will no longer accept reservations for parties smaller than 8, with a limited number of seatings/reservations per day. To-go food will no longer be offered.

1/12/24

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting

2. Immediate Job Opening

3.Cavendish Related News

4. Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/8/24: Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are videoed by Okemo Valley TV and are available at their website. Unapproved minutes are at the Town’s website.

Approved

• Disbanding the ARPA Committee and accepting their report (see discussion below)

• Giving the Town Manager approval to remove the restrictions on the Academy Building if the town attorney signs off on it. (see discussion below)

• Use Australian Ballot for the 2024 voting of the town budget.

• Refrigerator magnet for disaster information

Discussed

• Marijuana Dispensary: Daniel Singleton would like to establish a marijuana dispensary in Cavendish. This requires a town vote. He has until January 18 to file a warning for the March 2024 Town Meeting. It should be noted that the state makes the final decision on a dispensary license.  

• GMUSD Budget: Cavendish Representatives to the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) were present to discuss the upcoming school budget as it is different from previous years. The state has changed how funds will be distributed to school districts, with supposedly more money going to towns where a higher number of students are thought to be in need. This is part of the state’s funding for special education and would not reduce taxes. There are many unknows, including changes in Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) and what our ultimate tax rate would be.

• ARPA Committee Recommendations: $421,000 has been given to Cavendish by the American Rescue Plan Act, which must be allocated by the end of 2024. A survey was conducted with the leading recommendation for use of funds being the improvement of the town’s infrastructure. Applications were submitted by various people in the community for the funds. The ARPA committee provided the SB with recommendations for projects, noting that some funds were left over. The SB will have to make a decision in the coming months about how these funds should be used.

• Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP): The plan was started July and needs to be completed so the town can apply for specific grants. The town manager, Rick Chambers, will be putting together a committee to complete the plan.

• Academy Building: The town’s attorney is studying  the removal of  the restriction covenants-town’s right of first refusal and the use of it for only commercial use. The owner, Reese Brown,  has been trying  to sell the building for years now and the restrictions are limiting his ability to do so. The building will retain its historical relevance as the Vermont Preservation Trust will continue to have a stake in the building.

•  VT-ALERTS: Training will take place a month from now after which the fire chiefs, emergency coordinator and the town manager can post directly to the VT Alert system when emergent situations arise in town. Currently, they need to go through VT Alert before that can happen.

• Managers Report: Requesting photographs for the damage from the July floods. Text  802-738-6445. The more pictures the town has the better.

-       Back roads have been rough due to unseasonable thaws but it did freeze and so they’ve been repaired

-       Two of the town’s big trucks are being fixed but hopefully will have back in time for the next storm

-       The town has an immediate opening for a Highway Dept. crew member (see item 2) 

2. IMMEDIATE JOB OPENING: The Town of Cavendish has an immediate opening for a full-time Highway Department crew member. This position has a competitive wage and excellent benefits package. Applicants are required to have current CDL, good driving and work records and must be in good physical health. Experience in construction and heavy equipment operation, including dump truck operation, is preferred but the Town is willing to train the right CDL holding applicant. This is a permanent position with a retirement plan.  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. FMI: (802) 226-7291

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Gloria Leven: It is with sadness that we note the passing of Gloria Leven, who died on New Years Day at 100. Known for her incredible volunteerism, she touched many lives through her work with the Cavendish Historical Society, the Cavendish Library, CTES, St. Gaudens and many other endeavors. Condolences to her family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

• Bill Walker: William Joseph Walker, 87, of Proctorsville, died on Jan. 4, 2024. His obituary can be read on-line. In lieu of flowers, he has requested donations be made to St. Jude, Shriners, or ASPCA.

• STR Discussion at Cavendish Planning Commission Meeting: At their Jan. 4 meeting, the Cavendish Planning Commission reviewed changes to the Proposed Subdivision Regulations and discussed potential effects of introducing town policies on short-term rentals (STRs). VT Journal

• Proctorsville Junior Firefighters Help Fill the Ranks: WCAX featured the Junior Firefighter program at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

• Cavendish Playgroup: A Playgroup is being formed at the Cavendish Library for children birth to 5 years old. They must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The Playgroup will meet on Wednesdays at the Library from 10-11:30. Activities include arts and crafts; reading, games and more. FMI: Deb Savey at debra.savey@sapcc-vt.org or Amy McMullen cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com

• Flood Relief Funds Available from Crown Point Board of Realtors: The Crown Point Board of Realtors has been utilized by the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce to dispense funds that were raised by them in the aftermath of the July floods. One of the focuses of Round 4 Funding is to seek out  need for heat, hot water, electrical, mold and debt in re-establishing basic needs. Applications need to be filed by January 19.

• Mask Mandates Reinstated: Given increases in respiratory illnesses (COVID, flu, RSV) both Dartmouth Medical and University of Vermont Medical Centers have reinstated mask mandates.

4. EVENTS

JANUARY 12 (FRIDAY): Outer Limits Reopens

JANUARY 15 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King Day Town office and schools

closed.

FEBRUARY 13 (TUESDAY): Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 14 (WEDNESDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 19 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday town office and schools closed

FEBRUARY 19-23 (MONDAY-FRIDAY) Winter Break no school

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 1/5/24: Illness/News/Events

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Winter Storm Watch from Saturday Evening Through Sunday Evening. 6-8 inches of heavy snow possible.

1/5/24

1. COVID RSV and Flu

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Events

1. COVID RSV AND FLU: We are now into the time of year when respiratory illnesses are sweeping through the area. There has been a run on COVID tests and very few are now available at the Cavendish Fire Dept. These are being reserved for those with symptoms and are available Monday-Friday from 9-4. Unfortunately, the state is no longer providing free test kits for the fire department to distribute so consider other options:

-       Ludlow Pharmacy has ordered more kits. Call first 802/228-2500.

-       Ludlow Health Center has a few take home test kits 802-228-8867. You can be tested as part of a visit as well. They are no longer offering the PCR test.

-       The ICATT Program offers no cost Covid testing for uninsured people that are symptomatic or exposed. The closest one to Cavendish is Quest Patient Service Center, 214 Washington St., Claremont.

-       Order free kits from the Government site https://special.usps.com/testkits

-       Claremont Walmart had a few tests as of yesterday.

If you have Covid test kits, check expiration dates by clicking here. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended. An expired test kit will not give accurate results.

To reduce the risk of COVD, RSV and flu, consider the following:

• Be vaccinated. All three conditions now have vaccines. The Ludlow Health Center offers the Covid and flu vaccine but not RSV. Certain pharmacies Rite Aid (Springfield), Walmart etc. provide vaccines but may require appointments. Ludlow Pharmacy does not provide vaccines.

• Wear a mask, particularly in crowded indoor spaces. Free masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Closet (next to the Museum steps) 24/7 and at the Cavendish Fire Dept. Monday-Friday from 9-4.

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away and wash your hands immediately.

• Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having a respiratory illness.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Memorial for Roger Sheehan: For many years Roger  served as the Cavendish Town Fire Warden, was a life member of the Proctorsville Fire Dept and a former Marine. Services will be held on Saturday January 6th 10:00am at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church at 58 Elm Street in Claremont NH.  Proctorsville Fire Department will give Roger his last ride on Engine 2 from the Church to the Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville. There will be a small service at the graveside with a last call and honorary 1 minute blast of the firehouse siren. Reception to follow at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

• Wendy’s and Chipotle are Coming to Claremont: Eagle Times

•  In State of the State, Phil Scott tackles Vermont’s demographic challenges — and Democrats’ spending: In his annual State of the State address Thursday afternoon, Republican Gov. Phil Scott reinforced his perennial concerns: state demographics, public safety, affordability and housing. And at least partially at fault for these grim trends, he scolded, is a Legislature emboldened by its veto-proof Democratic supermajority. “Now, I’m a realist, and I know you have a supermajority. I know all too well,” Scott said. “You’ve proven the final budget, and the growing burden of taxes, fees and other policy-driven costs, is in your hands. So all I can do is make my case.” VT Digger

3. EVENTS

JANUARY 8 (MONDAY): Cavendish Monthly Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

JANUARY 15 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King Day Town office and schools closed.

FEBRUARY 13 (TUESDAY): Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 14 (WEDNESDAY): HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 19 (MONDAY): President’s Day. Legal holiday town office and schools closed

FEBRUARY 19-23 (MONDAY-FRIDAY) Winter Break no school

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS