Cavendish Update 10/4/24: Flood Relief/News/Events

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If you are raking leaves this weekend-or any other time-DON’T PITCH IN THE DITCH!. Keep our ditches open and clear to help protect property & roads.

10/4/24

1.    Local support for southern flood relief

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. LOCAL SUPPORT FOR SOUTHERN FLOOD RELIEF: If you looking to donate to help the people down south recovering from the flooding, Smitty’s in Chester has posted the following, “Hi everyone, I have a special place in my heart for Asheville, NC which was devastated by the recent hurricane. We know the power of community and coming together after Irene and the recent July 2023 floods. I will be driving a trailer down leaving between noon and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Please contribute whatever you can - I started to type a list of what’s needed but the reality is everything. I’ll have the trailer in the store parking lot tomorrow and will start packing it — please drop off any donations at the store. Thank you everyone. For what’s needed, check the Western North Carolina Resources on Amazon for the types of things needed.  World Central Kitchen came to Cavendish to help out last year and are now serving meals in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. For other places to donate, click here.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Accidents in Cavendish: Several serious accidents happened in Cavendish this week. On Sunday night a motorcycle crashed into a bear on 131 WCAX Wednesday night, there was a three care pile up in the Proctorsville Gulf resulting in serious injuries. VSP report

• Cavendish Town Meeting Minutes: Planning Commission Meeting 9/4/24 ; Board of Tax Abatement Meeting 9/25/24 ; Board of Civil Authority 9/25/24 ; Select Board Meeting 9/26/24

• Cavendish Historical Briefs for Oct: Check the dates for the Proctorsville Ghost Walk and other upcoming activities.

• Education finance panel brainstorms cost containment: The Education Finance subcommittee of Vermont’s Commission on the Future of Public Education met for the second time on Monday. Ideas to control cost drivers, reduce property tax rates and reduce district spending included: Control employee health-care costs, including returning bargaining to local districts; Look at ways to control tuition costs – especially out-of-state tuition; Find optimal sizes of schools and classes and close small schools; Make adjustments at AOE to cut administrative costs at the district level; Base education financing on the income tax and tax high earners more; Find ways to reduce special education costs including more support for younger students to avoid the need later; Look at the needs for construction and upkeep of facilities; Make the education fund for education only by moving services schools are obliged to provide to other agencies. Chester Telegraph

• Red Cross Blood Drive @GMUHS

• Big Pops Sandwich Shop Moving to the Java Baba’s Location in Ludlow: With a shop in Manchester, VT, Big Pops is opening a second location at the former Baba Java location in Ludlow.

3. EVENTS

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

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

OCTOBER 21 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Town Office.

OCTOBER 25 (FRIDAY): Gill Home Haunted Walk. They are currently seeking donations of candy, which can be dropped off at the business office, nurses station, or donation bin located in the lobby.

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

-       Trunk or Treat  Benson’s Chevrolet, 25 Pond St. Ludlow 5-7 pm

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

NOVEMBER 5 (TUESDAY): Election Day. Cavendish voting takes place at the Proctorsville Fire Hall from 10-7. FMI: 802-226-7291. 

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/27/24: Go Kits/Voting Info/Flu/News/Events

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Today and tomorrow is the Bi Annual BRGNS Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farms (Route 103). Stop by the Black River Valley Resources Group and pick up your Free Go Kit.

Sunday, at 2 pm, is the talk at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum (Rt. 131 Cavendish Village) on plants and longevity.

9/27/24

1.    Cavendish Preparedness: Go Kits

2.    Cavendish General Election  Ballot information

3.    LHC Flu Clinic dates

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH PREPAREDNESS-Go Kits: Whether you shelter at home or need to evacuate, having a kit in place makes a difference. At a minimum the “Go Kit,” what you grab as you head out the door, contains:

• Medications (use pill pouches);  medical information; and other medical supplies (e.g. oxygen tank, catheters, diapers)

• Copies of documents, stored in a water proof envelope that you will need during the recovery phase after a disaster. A smartphone can also be used for this purpose. What to include: vital records (birth, marriage, adoption, child custody papers);  ID (passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service); FEMA & insurers will require deeds, rental agreements policies for home, rental, auto, life, flood etc.

• Whistle

• Phone charger

• Basic 1st aid kit- (bandages, gauze pads, cleaning agent, gloves etc.)

• Pet supplies-including leash and crate

• Snacks and water bottle

• Extra set of clothes 

For sheltering in place: In addition to Go Kits:

• Sufficient non-perishable food & water for all family members for at least 3 days

• Pet food and supplies

• Tools for emergency home repairs

Please note that Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) will be distributing free Go Kits at the BRGNS Rummage Sale, today and tomorrow at Fletcher Farms (route 103 on the Cavendish/Ludlow line). The sale is from 10-3.

2. CAVENDISH GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT INFORMATION: General Election Ballots for the November 5, 2024 election will be mailed to all registered voters in the Town of Cavendish between 9/23/2024 – 10/1/2024. Ballots can be mailed back using the envelope provided or dropped off at the Town Office.

Please read all instructions carefully before returning your ballot.

The polls will be open from 10 am to 7 pm on November 5th at the Proctorsville Fire Department. If you plan to vote in person please bring the ballot you received in the mail – if you do not bring your ballot you will be required to sign an Affidavit of No Ballot Cast before being issued a new ballot.

Please call the Town Office at (802) 226-7291 if you have any questions.

3. LUDLOW HEALTH CENTER (LHC) FLU VACCINE CLINICS: LHC will be offering flu shots (COVID-19 vaccines based on availability) at their office, 1 Elm St. in Ludlow, unless otherwise noted, on the following dates:

• Tuesdays 9/24-10/29 noon to 5:30 pm

• Thursdays 9/26-10/31 8 am-1 pm

• Saturday September 28 8am-1pm

• Saturday October 5 at The Ludlow Harvest Fair 10-4

• Saturday October 12 8 am-1 pm

• Wednesday October 23 at Okemo Mountain 9 am-2 pm.

Flu vaccine clinics are open to anyone-You do not need to be a North Star Health Patient. All clinics will offer high-dose vaccines for those 65+, depending on available supply. Most health insurance plans cover vaccinations with no co-pay. For patients under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present or complete consent prior to receiving a vaccine.

Appointments Scheduling: Appointments are strongly recommended but walk-ins will be accepted based on availability. Please note that scheduled appointments will be prioritized. To schedule your appointment, call 802-228-8867 #4, Monday-Friday from 8-5. For more locations check the North Star website. www.northstarfqhc.org

Please note that the Ludlow Shaw’s Pharmacy currently offers both Covid and Flu shots and are taking walk-ins. FMI on Shaws call 802-228-2402.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Free Covid Test Kits: You can now order more free Covid-19 tests from the federal government as the country heads into respiratory virus season with high levels of the coronavirus already circulating. Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits, which can be requested from https://special.usps.com/testkits. They’ll be shipped for free starting next week through the US Postal Service.

• Springfield Humane Society Vaccine Clinic: Oct. 5 (Saturday) 10-Noon Rabies shot $20; Distemper $20; Microchip $25; Rabies & Distemper $30; or all three $45. FMI: 802-885-3997 or www.spfldhumane.org

• Future of Education panel narrows focus to engagement, short-term cost containment: T wo months into its work, the commission that’s charged with looking at the future of public education in Vermont is preparing to hold the first of a series of public sessions on Oct. 21, with a venue still to be identified. The sessions are intended to solicit public feedback for the commission to incorporate into the recommendations it will give the Vermont legislature next year. Chester Telegraph

• Vermont regulators to stop accepting new retail cannabis applications next month: The state panel that regulates Vermont’s cannabis industry voted Wednesday to temporarily stop accepting applications for new retail licenses, a move that comes amid growing concerns the market has become oversaturated in some cities and towns. The board also voted to temporarily stop accepting applications for a certain type of cannabis cultivation license. These licenses dictate how much cannabis product someone is allowed to cultivate, and whether it can be indoors or outdoors, or both. VT Digger

5. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 27 (FRIDAY) -28 (SATURDAY): Black River Good Neighbors Services Bi annual rummage sale at Fletcher Farm. 10-3 pm.

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

OCTOBER 25 (FRIDAY): Gill Home Haunted Walk. They are currently seeking donations of candy, which can be dropped off at the business office, nurses station, or donation bin located in the lobby.

OCTOBER 26 (SATURDAY) History of the Invasives: Knotweed. 2 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

-       Trunk or Treat  Benson’s Chevrolet, 25 Pond St. Ludlow 5-7 pm

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

NOVEMBER 5 (TUESDAY): Election Day. Cavendish voting takes place at the Proctorsville Fire Hall from 10-7. FMI: 802-226-7291.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/20/21: Shelter in Place/Herbs Talk/News/Events

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9/20/24

1.    Cavendish Preparedness-Sheltering in Place

2.    CHS Herbs and Longevity Talk

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH PREPAREDNESS-SHELTERING IN PLACE: In keeping with September being National Preparedness Month, if you need to remain in your home during and immediately following a major storm or flood, take the following safety measures:

• Stay inside until the storm has passed

• Bring all pets indoors

• Generators, particularly during winter storms, can make it possible to remain at home. Make sure your generator is in good working order and has sufficient fuel to last for 5 days.

•  In the event of a flood, go to the highest level of building or roof. Do not climb into a closed attic.

• Save phone calls for emergencies. Use text messages or social media to communicate

• Listen for current emergency information and instructions as well as weather reports. Make sure you have signed up for VT Alert. Use the Cavendish VT Facebook page for up to date information.

• In the event of high winds go to a small interior windowless room in a sturdy  building on the lowest level.

• Call 911 for emergent situations

• If the Cavendish shelter-located at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St.-is open, go there: if it is safe to leave your house or if the fire department tells you to evacuate.

• Local assistance is available at Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS). The can help with the following: 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.

For additional information: FEMA Shelter in Place

2. CHS: HERBS & LONGEVITY TALK: In Cancer Ward, while fiction and a means to reflect on Soviet society, the author, Nobel Laureate, and former Cavendish resident, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, relied heavily on his own experience as a cancer patient. Solzhenitsyn describes how a doctor notices that peasant patients don’t seem to get cancer, which he concludes is from their practice of drinking chaga tea. However, Solzhenitsyn turned to European mandrake root to treat his cancer, along with radiation therapy.

Like chaga, mandrake has been used for centuries and it turns out, a study conducted at the National Cancer Institute found that using the formula Solzhenitsyn followed with mandrake root contained two cancer drugs. Note that American mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) is an entirely different plant than the European variety used by Solzhenitsyn.

On Sept. 29 (Sunday) at 2 pm, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will host a talk on plants and herbs associated with longevity. One of the speakers will be Dr. Charis Boke, a member of the Dartmouth College faculty in anthropology. She is currently writing Poison, Power, and Possibility: Building Relations with Medicinal which will explore the poetics, politics, and practices of contemporary herbalists in North America, leaning on ethnographic research, botanical histories, and lived experience to examine what it takes to remedy what ails us. Dr. Boke was involved in helping with the Benjamin Rush Medicinal Garden at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. 

This event will take place at the CHS Museum in Cavendish Village (route 131) and is free and open to the public. Donations welcomed. FMI: 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Notice of Hydrant Flushing-POSTPONED: Due to recent heavy water use in town we will not be flushing our water mains this week. We are hoping to do this very important maintenance later this fall.  Please avoid unnecessary water usage to help us achieve this goal much faster. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

• CTES Principal Resigns: A message was sent on Sept. 13 to the GMUSD community that Principal Mann of CTES "has resigned from his position effective October 31, 2024 due to personal and medical reasons. He will be on leave until that time."  The search for a new principal began on Monday with the posting of the principal position.

• Agenda: Cavendish Board of Civil Authority and Board of Tax Abatement 9.25.24

• Ronald A. Ameden, 1958-2024: Per Ron’s wishes, there will be no services, but a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m., at 2184 East Road in Cavendish, Vt. Charitable donations may be made in Ron’s name to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or The Dorset Equine Rescue, P.O. Box 92, East Dorset, VT 05253.

• Consultant says 4 hospitals, need ‘major restructuring,’ recommends consolidating health care services across Vermont: Springfield Hospital is one of the four hospitals being recommended to find new uses for inpatient units. VT Digger

4. EVENTS

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. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

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

OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

-       Trunk or Treat  Benson’s Chevrolet, 25 Pond St. Ludlow 5-7 pm

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

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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