Cavendish Update 9/13/24: SB Mtg/Gage/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

Today is the 176th anniversary of Phineas Gage’s accident. 

Saturday is the Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville 10-4 Stop by the Black River Valley Resources table and pick up your free “Go Kit;” Covid test kits and magnets with important emergency numbers 

9/13//24

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting

2.    Cavendish Preparedness::Prevention

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/9/24: The video of Monday’s select board (SB) meeting is available at Okemo Valley website. Unapproved Minutes are available at the town’s website.
Approved

• Tax Map Maintenance Contract for $1,000, paid out of the Tax Mapping funds. The digital maps are in the process of being reviewed and approved.

• Changing Oct. Select Board Meeting to Oct. 21 (Monday)

• Maureen Savage’s appointment to the Cavendish Planning Commission

Discussed

• Proctor Cemetery Blocked Access: Rich Chambers, town manager, wants to make contact with the landowner prior to sending a letter, as was approved at the August meeting. If he’s unable to do this, he’ll send a letter.

• Dangerous/Derelict Building: The Depot St. demolition project should be completed by Sept. 15. A letter has been sent to the owners of 1323 Main St. It’s a first notice requesting what the plans are. Chambers mentioned the building should be demolished and included a copy of the ordinance in the letter.

• FEMA: Big push from FEMA for Cavendish to complete the paper work It’s  taking a half to two thirds of Chambers and Diane McNamara’s, town clerk, time. The town has had to pay $87,000 in interest on the flood loan. However, this should be reimbursed by FEMA at the end of the project.

• Hydrant flushing: Takes place Sept. 16-18

• 103/131 Intersection: This intersection has been a concern to the state. Have had an initial meeting, but a report is due by the end of Sept. and should be available at the Oct. SB Meeting.

• Water Meters: Have identified three companies for new meter quotes. The meter industry changes rapidly, with significant drops in prices and offering more features. Chambers needs to write an RFP (request for proposal). Spring will be the earliest that new meters will be installed.

• ARPA Funds: Funds need to be allocated by the end of 2024. Will be discussed at the October SB Meeting.

2. CAVENDISH PREPAREDNESS-PREVENTION: In keeping with today being the 176th anniversary of Phineas Gage’s accident, we focus on prevention tips, starting with traumatic brain injury (TBI).  If you are not familiar with the Gage story, on Sept. 13, 1848, he was working with his crew excavating rocks in preparing the bed for the Rutland and Burlington Railroad in Cavendish. An accidental explosion of a charge he had set blew his tamping iron through his head. Thanks to Cavendish physician, Dr. John Harlow, he survived his accident and lived for close to 12 years, thereby ushering in a new field of study neuroscience. Read more about Gage at the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Blog This year’s annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk is Sunday Sept. 15, 2pm at the CHS Museum. 

Reduce your risks of falls by installing stair handrails. Create clear and safe paths throughout your home by removing rugs, long electrical cords or small pieces of furniture that could make you trip and fall.

Wear protective gear including helmets for sports, bike riding and motorcycles and wearing a seat belt when in a car. If you travel with babies and toddlers, make sure they always ride in car seats or boosters.

Protect Your Home from Flooding Maintain proper water run-off and drainage. Improve lot grading. Reduce impervious surfaces around your home. Install a rain barrel. Elevate utilities and service equipment. Anchor outdoor fuel tanks. Seal your home’s foundations and walls. Install flood vents and sump pumps. Install drain plugs for all basement floor and drains to prevent sewer backups. For more details and tips, Protect your home from flooding: Low cost projects you can do yourself.

Prevent Road Damage:. Keep culverts, ditches, and drains free of debris. Don’t Pitch in the Ditch! Cleaning in the spring and fall helps to protect you and your neighbors.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Patricia Wyman: Patricia Ann “Pat” Wyman of Cavendish passed peacefully at her home on Sept. 5 at the age of 88. Per her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department, 2153 Main St., Cavendish, VT.

• Friendships, festivals and duct tape appreciate: Featuring the Goodmans (American Pie Pizza), the Woods (Julie and Mike of the Golden Stage Inn) and the Honey Festival. While it’s sad to know this is the last Honey Festival they will host, it’s nice to know Mike will still have his CPA office in Proctorsville. VT Journal

• Vermont education report shows high costs, lower proficiency WCAX

• As commission shapes the future of public education, what does it know about the past? VT Digger

4. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): Vermont Golden Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn. 10-4 FMI: Honey Festival Facebook page

SEPTEMBER 15 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. The talk portion will take place rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. The walk is a mile and a half of road surface.

SEPTEMBER 16-18 (MONDAY-WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Municipal Hydrant Flushing.

SEPTEMBER 22 (SUNDAY): Dedication of Kate’s Corner at the Cavendish Library-in memory of Kate Lorenz, 1 pm at the library in Proctorsville.

SEPTEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): 2 PM, Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Plant Time: Herbs focusing on longevity (e.g. chaga) and the life cycle of medicinal plants. This will include a discussion of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s writing and use of plants like chaga and mandrake root (European variety). Dr. Charis Boke will again be one of the speakers

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY) Last Sunday the Museum is open for the 2024 season.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Town office closed

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville

NOVEMBER 2 (SATURDAY):  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Starts 3 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Workshop from 3-5:30 Pot luck supper follows

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/6/23: Flushing/Preparedness/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

9/6//24

1.    Cavendish Preparedness

2.    Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk

3.    Fall Hydrant Flushing

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH PREPAREDNESS: September is National Preparedness Month. It’s the yearly reminder that by preparing now, emergencies and disasters will be easier to handle. This week we’re focusing on area resources and how to stay informed.

Register for VT Alert: Register @ VTALERT.gov to receive personalized alerts via phone, text or email about emergencies that may affect Cavendish and/or other parts of the state.

For Current Cavendish Information: Cavendish VT Facebook page will post updates as received. The Cavendish Update provides daily updates directly to your e-mail account during emergencies. If you are not registered for this free service, go to the Cavendish Update registration page.

Town Shelter: In addition to Cavendish shelter located at the Cavendish Baptist Church-2258 Main St.-you can always stop at a fire or police station.

Where to go for assistance:

• Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS): Administers Meals on Wheels, food shelf, Financial Aid, heating assistance, housing, utilities, thrift store and furniture store.  Located at  37B Main Street, Ludlow. Call (802) 228-3663. The thrift store operates 10-4 Monday through Saturday, Food Shelf Monday-Friday 10-3; Furniture store, located at 105 Main St. Friday & Saturday from 10-4.

• Senior Services: Provides a variety of services including meals, nutrition and fuel for those 60+. Call 1-866-673-8376 or 1-802-885-2669. www.seniorsolutionsvt.org

• Mental Health: Call 9-8-8

• VT 2-1-1: Provides resource information. Available 24/7 call 2-1-1 or use the website vermont211.org

• Cavendish Town Office: 802-226-7291

• CARE: If you, or someone you know, might need additional assistance in an emergency, register with CARE (Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies) by going to https://e911.vermont.gov/care

• Call 911 for emergencies

2. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK AND TALK: Once again the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be holding the annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk on the Sunday closest to the date of the accident. Gage, a railroad foreman,  on September 13, 1848, had a tamping rod pass through his head as a result of a blasting accident, and lived for 12 more years.

His accident made medical history, thanks to the dedication of Dr. John Harlow, the Cavendish physician who documented his injury and course of recovery. Harlow was able to secure Gage’s skull and tamping rod, which now reside at the Warren Anatomical Museum.. Thanks to Cavendish Labs, CHS has a 3D exact replica of Gage’s skull.  

This year’s Walk  & Talk takes place on Sunday, Sept. 15 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury. Note this event takes place rain or shine.

The site of the accident is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited, and we return to the museum, you will have walked close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

This program is free and open to the public. Donations welcomed. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. HYDRANT FLUSHING NOTIFICATION: Monday, September 16th, through Wednesday, September 18th from 8 -5. System users are reminded that: Flushing hydrants may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water.  We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, however this very important system maintenance procedure must be conducted each spring and fall.  The flushing program allows the pipes to be purged and the hydrants checked for proper operation.

Users are advised to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence.  Following hydrant flushing in your area, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use.  It is also a good idea to flush residential water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. FMI:  802-226-7291

 4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Cavendish DAR honors Good Citizens VT Journal

• CHS Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society September Briefs are now on-line and include upcoming events.

• WCAX to temporarily go off-air Friday

• Vermont missed opportunities to reduce natural disaster hazards, report finds: A sample building code to make structures more resilient to natural disasters. A way to track structural development in river corridors. An inventory of floodplains storage areas that could be used to reduce the impact of flooding. These are among the prioritized actions listed in the 2018 State Hazard Management Plan that, five years later, Vermont state officials still had not completed, according to a new report from the state auditor. VT Public

5. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office. The Agenda will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page once it becomes available.

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): Vermont Golden Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn. 10-4 FMI: Honey Festival Facebook page

SEPTEMBER 15 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. The talk portion will take place rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. The walk is a mile and a half of road surface.

SEPTEMBER 16-18 (MONDAY-WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Municipal Hydrant Flushing.

SEPTEMBER 22 (SUNDAY): Dedication of Kate’s Corner at the Cavendish Library-in memory of Kate Lorenz, 1 pm at the library in Proctorsville.

SEPTEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): 2 PM, Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Plant Time: Herbs focusing on longevity (e.g. chaga) and the life cycle of medicinal plants. This will include a discussion of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s writing and use of plants like chaga and mandrake root (European variety). Dr. Charis Boke will again be one of the speakers

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY) Last Sunday the Museum is open for the 2024 season.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Town office closed

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville

NOVEMBER 2 (SATURDAY):  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Starts 3 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Workshop from 3-5:30 Pot luck supper follows

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/30/24: Academy Bldg/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

8/30/24

1.    The Academy Building

2.    Cavendish Library Upcoming Events

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. THE ACADEMY BUILDING: Located on the corner of 131 and High St., the Academy Building is the oldest building in Cavendish Village and it’s about to change owners. Between the “free” items and sales, many people have been stopping by, with some asking questions about the building.

Built in 1812, Salmon Dutton subscribed $7,500 (one third money and two thirds labor or materials) for building “Cavendish Academy”-the largest gift received during the fund drive for the school. Dutton, who is credited as the founder of Cavendish Village, was a universalist and not interested in paying a “preacher tax,” which was customary at the time. Instead he opted to pay for education.

The following is from the Fall 2020 Cavendish Historical Society newsletter,  Recently we came across a copy of the Vermont Tribune from January 14, 1965, which featured the article, “Former Cavendish Academy, Vermont Educational Landmark, Overlooks Cavendish Park.” The building was almost torn down in 1965 when majority voters from Proctorsville turned down a proposal to buy the building, for removal, for a parking lot. The one and one half story Cavendish Academy building was for sale for $2500.

 It is the fifth oldest academy in the state of Vermont having been incorporated October 26, 1792 at a session of the Vermont Legislature in Rutland. It is also the 24th oldest academy in New England. …The students roomed in the area…..Four terms were scheduled during the year, the Winter Term commencing on the second Wednesday of December; the Spring Term on the second Wednesday of March; Summer term, second Wednesday of June and the Fall Term, second Wednesday of September.

The Vermont Historical Society provided a catalogue of classes for the fall term of 1833. The courses of study contrast sharply with the current college preparatory programs at area high schools. The catalogue says ‘The course of study adopted in this Institution is designed to be both liberal and thorough. Students wishing to prepare for College, for teaching, or for business, may expect to find here every facility for pursuing their studies, afforded by any similar institution. In addition English education courses such as Latin and Greek, instruction was also provided in Mathematics, Bookkeeping,  botany, geology, moral and intellectual philosophy, drawing, painting and calisthenics, French, Spanish and Italian. 

In 1834, the enrollment at the Academy was 91 gentlemen and 56 ladies. However the school was closed in the 1850s and has served multiple purposes throughout the ensuing years including as a drill hall during the Civil War, Perkin’s Store, Masonic Lodge, the Cavendish Partnership (architectural firm) and most recently RB Marketing. 

There will be a moving sale at the Academy Building on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 10-1.

2. CAVENDISH LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS:

August 31 (Saturday): E-Bike “Demo Day” try out various models of e-bikes and see which one might fit your needs and lifestyle at a “Demo Day” (as in “demonstration,” not “demolition”!) on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 573 Main Street, Proctorsville from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon. All free!  First come, first served, no appointments. Bring a helmet if you have one; if not, there are helmets to borrow. FMI: cavendishlibrary573@gmail.com

Until Sept. 4: The E-Bike Library is in Cavendish  Try out an e-bike for free through the Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library! The library will be in Cavendish Fletcher Community Library from now until Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Made possible with support from Lebanon Libraries. You can: 

 • Borrow an e-bike for two days to see how it works for everyday commutes and errands!  

• Try out multiple models for short periods at a Demo Day!

• Go to https://vitalcommunities.org/uvell to learn more and make a reservation 

The library consists of four e-bikes of assorted styles and retail costs, from “cargo e-bikes” that can haul groceries or kids to lighter-weight “commuter e-bikes.”  

 People can borrow and try these e-bikes FOR FREE to discover what e-bikes are really like and consider whether one could become part of their everyday lives.   So far, more than a third of the people who have borrowed Library bikes said they plan to buy one of their own.  

Sept 22 (Sunday) Dedication of Kate’s Corner-1pm: The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library will be dedicating Kate’s Corner, their new early literacy space, in loving memory of Kate Lorenz. Kate was a former student at Cavendish Town Elementary School. She was an early, enthusiastic and avid reader, a collector of children’s literature, a devoted preschool teacher, a lover and patron of libraries and an accomplished musician who passed away in July 2022 at the age of 42.

After Kate's death, the local Building for Books Fund donated $1000 in her memory to be used to create a special spot in the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library to honor her love and dedication to young children and to early literacy development. The Building for Books donation, along with numerous donations from her friends and family, has enabled the library to greatly expand its early literacy collection of books, hands on learning manipulatives and resources for parents and care givers.

Please join us to celebrate Kate’s life and to honor her for her contribution to the lives of young children and early literacy acquisition. Her wonderful uniqueness, deep love, caring dedication and her beautiful sparkle live on in Kate’s Corner at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library on Main Street in Proctorsville!

 3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• It’s a Wrap-Last Water Testing Ends for the Season: Black River Action Team (BRAT) completed their last water testing for 2024 on Aug. 28 (Wednesday). Check connecticutriver.us for results from all your favorite swimming spots, to get a sense of the overall conditions of the water quality as far as bacteria levels go. Thank you to the sponsors: Tygart Mountain Sports, Diamond Reality; Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited; Green Mountain Fireplace Specialties; Vermont Co-Pack; Green Mountain Power; and Okemo Mountain Resort. A wonderful roster of dedicated volunteers makes this all happen! Kevin Barnes, Randy Wiggin and Mary Beth Maloney, Deb Harrison, George Thomson, Cam Abel, Jay Messing, and Sam McCoy and the Jeld-Wen Dippers - a huge "thank you" to each of you folks for your time, dedication, and mileage.

• Outer Limits has closed their doors:  The Outer Limits Facebook page posted the following message this week, “Back in the fall of 2016 we settled on the idea of starting a brewery. Once we found the building, it was a done deal and the planning for Outer Limits began. A lot of time and hard work went into creating this special place.  Over the years we’ve experienced high highs and low lows. Running a business is not for the faint of heart. We experienced a pandemic and a catastrophic flood BUT In between these major events we welcomed out of state regulars, people passing through, family and a local community we love deeply. So many smiles, laughs and good times were had.

Last year’s flood really took us for a spin and we’ve been trying to regain our footing ever since. After some time off and a whole lot of soul searching, we have decided to close our doors. It’s a bittersweet ending to a business we are so incredibly proud of, but for us, this is the right path forward.  Thank you to everyone who made Outer Limits what it was. We feel so incredibly lucky that we got to share this experience with so many wonderful people. A special shoutout and thank you to our staff… some who were with us from day one. Each and every one of you made Outer Limits a place we truly enjoyed walking into every day. We are humbled by your hard work and dedication. You were the ultimate Dream Team.  Endings are hard but we walk away feeling proud and accomplished. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.  Wesley & Taylor

• Vermont prepares for new Covid-19 vaccines after FDA approval: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a week ago that it has approved and authorized administration of a new Covid-19 vaccine formula, and Vermonters will soon be able to access those vaccinations at primary care offices and pharmacies in the state, according to the state Department of Health. VT Digger

• Need Finger Printing?: Are you in need of fingerprinting to work or volunteer at your local school, daycare, after school or mentorship program?  Chester Police Department performs employment required fingerprint services, by appointment, during our open lobby hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm (excluding holidays). Please give us a call during these hours to schedule an appointment: (802)875-2035). You must have a fingerprint authorization form, signed by the requesting agency, and a government issued form of ID (license, non-driver ID, etc.). There is a $35 fee which can be paid by check or exact cash. Everything is digital - no inky fingers!

4. EVENTS

AUGUST 31 (SATURDAY): Test drive an e-bike at the Cavendish Library from 9-noon.

SEPTEMBER 2 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): Vermont Golden Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn. 10-4 FMI: Honey Festival Facebook page

SEPTEMBER 15 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. The talk portion will take place rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. The walk is a mile and a half of road surface.

SEPTEMBER 22 (SUNDAY): Dedication of Kate’s Corner at the Cavendish Library-in memory of Kate Lorenz, 1 pm at the library in Proctorsville.

SEPTEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): 2 PM, Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Plant Time: Herbs focusing on longevity (e.g. chaga) and the life cycle of medicinal plants. This will include a discussion of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s writing and use of plants like chaga and mandrake root (European variety). Dr. Charis Boke will again be one of the speakers

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY) Last Sunday the Museum is open for the 2024 season.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Town office closed

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville

NOVEMBER 2 (SATURDAY):  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Starts 3 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Workshop from 3-5:30 Pot luck supper follows. 

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/23/24: Flood Relief/News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

Summer Fest in Ludlow is Saturday (12-7) and Sunday (10-4). First day of school this week. Please use caution on the roads as school starts this week, and students will be waiting and boarding buses, some for the first time.

8/23/24

1.    Cavendish Flood Relief Funds

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS: The Cavendish July 2023 Flood Relief Fund is accepting applications from residents, property owners, renters who have been impacted by the July 10, 2023 storm and expenses of rebuilding. The fund is offering relief grants in the form of cash disbursements via check. Applications will be kept confidential.

There are limited funds available so the amount of each grant will generally be in the amount of $500.00. However, grants in larger amounts will be considered in cases of demonstrated needed.

Applications are available at the Cavendish Town Office, 37 High Street, Cavendish and on the town website.

All applications should be submitted to the Cavendish Town Treasurer at the Town Office or by e-mail to d.mcnamara@comcast.net by September 30, 2024

 2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Black River Water Sampling: Almost all the water samples from yesterday came back from the lab with acceptable or very good bacteria numbers...Amherst Lake, on the other hand, is above the EPA's limit for safe contact (swimming). Never swim when the water is cloudy or murky (as Amherst currently is, sadly) or for 24-48 hours after a heavy rain. Results for all swimming holes can be found here: connecticutriver.us

• New flood relief film documents devastated Vermont community: “The Forgotten” is a short film about the resilience of the Windsor County town following devastating flooding in July 2023. The filmmakers are taking their project around the state this summer and donating 100% of ticket sales and donations to the Plainfield flood relief fund. “If all we can do is let them know they’re not alone and they’re not going to be alone because we are going to do whatever we can to help our fellow Vermonters and in whatever way we can. And if it’s just raising a few dollars through a film that we created, then that’s what we can do,” said Wendy Reynolds of Red Vault Productions. WCAX

• GMUSD board mulls finances, new bond effort, restructuring: Chester Telegraph

• Cavendish resident named new head at Expeditionary School in Ludlow: Chester Telegraph

• Cavendish Cares Closet: Thank you to Dave Gallagher!  The Cavendish Closet-next to the Museum steps-has an upgrade. In addition to new paint and other maintenance, Dave added a bunch of jigsaw puzzles in the cabinet. Lots of new books-including one by Louise Penny. More masks and hand sanitizer, as well as gardening to prevent the storm booklets and even the Cavendish Cemetery Guide. All free and open 24/7.

• Congratulations to Hana Saydek: Hana, who grew up in Cavendish recently received A First Tracks Award from the VT Ski and Snowboard Museum’s The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. In 2020 the Vermont non-profit Unlikely Riders was established to promote diversity and inclusivity in alpine, backcountry and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and other mountain sports. Founders Abby Crisostomo, Hana Saydek, Amanda Moran, and Bettina Guevara were motivated by a desire to create a welcoming community for underrepresented groups regardless of their background to get outside and enjoy winter sports in Vermont. Today Abby and Hana manage the organization, and, together, bring extensive experience in social justice and community organizing to the forefront and are working tirelessly to build a supportive and diverse community of riders while introducing people to the joys of winter outdoor recreation. Hana Saydek is a dynamic leader and lifelong skier and snowboarder that’s committed to fostering diversity in the mountain sports community. Hana grew up in Cavendish, VT, attending the local elementary school’s Tuesday ski program, and has fond memories of the Okemo Alpine Race Program and Okemo Mountain School, as both a ski race athlete and later, as a coach.

3. EVENTS

AUGUST 28 (WEDNESDAY): 1st Day of School

SEPTEMBER 2 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 14 (SATURDAY): Vermont Golden Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn. 10-4 FMI: Honey Festival Facebook page

SEPTEMBER 15 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum. The talk portion will take place rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. The walk is a mile and a half of road surface.

SEPTEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): 2 PM, Cavendish Historical Society Museum. Plant Time: Herbs focusing on longevity (e.g. chaga) and the life cycle of medicinal plants. This will include a discussion of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s writing and use of plants like chaga and mandrake root (European variety). Dr. Charis Boke will again be one of the speakers

OCTOBER 13 (SUNDAY) Last Sunday the Museum is open for the 2024 season.

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Town office closed

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville

NOVEMBER 2 (SATURDAY):  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Starts 3 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Workshop from 3-5:30 Pot luck supper follows

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS