Cavendish Update 3/21/25: SB Mtg/Bears/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

REMINDER: Black River Flood Resiliency Plan-Open Forum on March (27) Thursday at the Ludlow Town Office Auditorium. Stop by at any time from 6:30-7:30 for free food and give feedback on flood resiliency for the Black River. You can also pick up your free “Go Kit” and other materials.

3/21/25

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting

2.    Bears are Out! What to do if you encounter a bear

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/13/25: The monthly select Board (SB) meeting was held on Thursday March 13. The video of the meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website . Unapproved minutes are at the Town Website and the Chester Telegraph has an article on the meeting.

Organizational Meeting action: The following were approved:

• Meeting Date: 2nd Monday of the month @ 6:30 pm

• Paper of record: VT Journal

• SB Chair: Robert Glidden

• SB Vice Chair: Mike Ripley

• SB Clerk: Sandra Russo

• Collector of Taxes: Rick Chambers

• Fence viewer: Hollis Quinn, Jr.

• Animal Control Officer: None

• Inspector of Lumber, Shingles and Wood: Wayne Gilcris

• Weigher of Cola: Wayne Gilcris

• Tree Warden: Tim Calabrese

• Emergency Management Coordinator: Chris Marks

• Regional Planning Commissioner: Shirley Clark

• Solid Waste District Representative: Rick Chamber; Alternate Rep: Bruce McEnaney

• SB rep to Planning Commission: Shannon Devereux

• Planning Commission Members: Shirley Clark and Maureen Savage

• Energy Coordinator: None

• Green Up Coordinator: Stephanie Knockenhauer

• Budget Committee: None

• Rep to Regional Transportation Advisory Committee: John Saydek

• Board of Water Commissioners: Rick Chambers

• Animal Pound: Lucy McKenzie, Springfield Humane Society

• 911 Coordinator: Rick Chambers

Approved

• Town Auditor awarded to Batchelder & Associates for a bid of $22,250

• Liquor licenses for Murdocks & Grafton Village Cheese

• Yearly Tax Map Maintenance Contract with BAI

• Guardrail Proposal: $19, 613. 25 from Lafayette for guardrail work.  for replacement of guard rails all of which, but one, are flood related and should be funded by FEMA. The guardrail caused by an accident-Wiley Hill and Center Rd-will be submitted to VLCT insurance.

• April SB Meeting Moved to April 21 due to a conflict in Rick Chambers schedule.

Discussed

• Winter Parking Ordinance: The town has a winter parking ordinance from Nov 1-April 1, which town manager Rick Chambers recently located. Vehicles that are not in compliance can be towed at the owner’s expense.. There have been three cars that have been abandoned on the Proctorsville Village Green, taking up space that should be available to Murdock’s customers. This has made plowing difficult and would have posed a challenge in the event of a fire. The town is working with the sheriff to have them removed. Signs are needed to remind people of winter parking rules.

• Paving: Would like to use the same contractors from last year. Roads discussed include Quent Phelan;  Depot St and Village Green (Proctorsville).  Will have each road project priced separately so the SB can make a decision about what should be paved this coming season.

• School Lights: The Principal of CTES has been in touch with the Agency of Transportation to discuss fixing the lights and learning how to use them. Chambers did not write the letter to the state about changing the speed limit in this area because if they do a study, and the state agrees that it should be 25 MPH, it would be set as such without board approval. The board was mixed about whether the area should be changed to 25 MPH. The area covered would be from the intersection of 103/131 thru the Village. This will be on the April agenda. If people have concerns about this issue they should let the town office or a SB member know.

• Town Solar Array: Is now fully operational and being monitored.  The town will be paid moving forward and were paid for parts of last year. Twice last year, the system went down, which the town was unaware of. The new system provides much better monitoring so this problem should be avoided moving forward. The costs for repairs was approximately $9,000.

• Managers Report: There are a number of openings including: Animal Control Officer; Town Service Officer; Town Planning Committee; Energy Coordinator; Budget Committee; Water Commissioners; Town reps to Council on Aging and Black River Valley Senior Center; School board director and more.  If interested in filling one of the vacancies please contact Chambers-802-226-7291.

-       Mud season is right around the corner. While the town has plenty of gravel and stone, it does take time for the highway dept. to make repairs.

-       Water meters are arriving and need to schedule installation. These are much more accurate than current ones. Chambers will be sending out letters to remind people they may be seeing increased usage with the new meters.

• Police Coverage: Selectman Dave Norton said that he’s been talking to the incoming Ludlow Police chef about submitting a Cavendish proposal for 5 days a week coverage during the day, and responding to weekend and night calls. This topic will be on the April SB Agenda, with the Ludlow Police Chief providing a proposal at the May meeting.  There are grants that could help with costs.

2. BEARS ARE OUT: We are learning of various bear encounters in both the villages of Cavendish and Ludlow. The following is a press release from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, which has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens. They are urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer.

Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.  Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont’s healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations.  Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont’s bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years.

Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring.  In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March.  This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of “bear-aware season” in northern New England. The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears:  

• Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.

• Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not enough.  

• Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country. 

• Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe. 

• Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler. 

• Feed your pets indoors. 

• Never feed bears, it is illegal.

 The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department also asks Vermonters to submit reports of bears engaging in potentially dangerous behavior like targeting birdfeeders and garbage, feeding on crops or livestock, or investigating campgrounds.  Reports can be submitted on the department’s Living with Black Bears web page.  The data help biologists keep track of bear incidents and provide early interventions to head off conflicts.  

If you Encounter a Bear: The following is from VT Fish and Wildlife: Seeing a black bear can be an exciting, and for some people, a nerve-wracking event. These recommendations are meant to be general and cover the basic types of human-bear interactions that can occur. Encounters vary greatly, and all situations are different. Black bears are large, strong wild animals that should be treated with respect and appreciated from a distance to ensure your safety as well as the bear’s. In general, when you encounter a black bear you should:

Remain calm.

Ensure the bear has an escape route.

Back away when possible.

If attacked in a building or tent, immediately fight back.

DO NOT run from a bear.

DO NOT climb trees to escape a bear.

DO NOT feed bears.

For more information on what to do when encountering a bear, particularly if they are in your yard, attacking a pet or charge you, visit VT Fish and Wildlife’s website If You Encounter a Bear.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• CTES Ham Bingo Fundraiser: The annual spring bingo fundraiser is April 4 (Friday), 6 pm at CTES. Win a ham and/or a gift certificate. Cards are $1 per card, 10 rounds and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the schools student programming.

• 2025 Ludlow Community Garden: The Ludlow Community Garden is open to residents of Ludlow and neighboring towns. It is located on Route 103, at the border between Ludlow and Proctorsville-Fletcher Farms. Individual 10-foot by 10-foot plots are used to grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, and some fruits. Members take care of their own plots, as well as help maintain the common areas of this beautiful garden. Seeds are available only to garden members through our small seed library. Fees for garden plots, and small or large raised beds, are per year, and include the use of all garden tools, hoses, carts, water, compost, some seeds, and other materials. Scholarship plots are available upon request. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only a few plots and raised beds available for this year. If interested, please send an email with your full name, address, and phone number to Emma Hileman, at emma.hileman@gmail.com, or call her at 540-320-3399.

• Trump signs order to shift disaster preparations from Fema to state and local governments The Guardian

4. EVENTS

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): Screening “Just Getting By”. 6:30 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium at 6:30 pm. Non perishable foods for the Food Bank will be accepted.

MARCH 27 (THURSDAY): Black River Flood Resiliency Public Workshop, 6:30-7:30 at the Ludlow Town Hall.  Food and Drink provided. Pick up free “Go Kits.”

MARCH 28 (FRIDAY): Audubon Bird Talk, 6 pm at the Cavendish Library. Free and open to the public. FMI: Robin at (802) 417-5324.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

APRIL 4 (FRIDAY): Ham Bingo Fundraiser for CTES. Starts 6 pm at the school. Cards are $1 and there are 10 rounds.

APRIL 12 (SATURDAY): 10-NOON

APRIL 19 (SATURDAY): FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

APRIL 20 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 3 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY!

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/7/25: Town Mtg/Warning/Job/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

SPRING FORWARD! Day light savings time returns this Sunday. Set clocks ahead and hour. This is a good time to check batteries in fire alarms and radon detectors.

1.    Cavendish Town Meeting

2.    Cavendish Fire District 2 (Cavendish) Meeting Warning

3.    Job Opening

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH TOWN MEETING: On March 1, Cavendish Town Meeting met for the first time during the afternoon on a Saturday. According to town clerk, Diane McNamara, 50 people attended, approximately 10 more than in the prior year. Since all voting is done by Australian Ballot, this was an information meeting only. A video of the meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website and the Chester Telegraph has a report on the meeting and voting.

View from Montpelier: Cavendish representatives Senator Alison Clarkson, Senator Joe Major and Representative VL Coffin spoke about the current legislative session. The big unknown is how the cuts at the federal level will impact the state, as well as what impact the tariffs-particularly with Canada-will have. With 36% of the state budget coming from the Federal Government, the impact is potentially substantial. In January, Vermont’s Joint Fiscal Committee published a report “Overview of Federal Funds in the Vermont Budget,” which shows that the biggest areas of impact include Medicaid, with 61% of the state’s budget coming from the feds; Labor-63%; Commerce 60%; Transportation 58%; Natural Resources 53%. Education, particularly funds for special education, has the potential to be significantly impacted as well.

How education is being paid for was also discussed. It was noted that the legislature had recently received the Governor’s education bill, and while there was a lot of agreement, it’s 176 pages and needs to be gone through carefully. However, it’s clear that closure of schools will happen as the bill sets minimum class sizes, caps spending next year, and significantly restricts which private schools are eligible to receive public money. Click here for more information on the Education Bill

Education Survey: To help the legislators views on public education, they are conducting a survey, which can be completed by clicking here.

Budget: This year’s budget is basically level funded, though there were increases for things like health insurance. The budget does include repaving of Quent Phelan Road, a concern for many in the Twenty Mile Stream area. Money is being added each year for sidewalks and other larger ticket items. It will take a few years to have sufficient funds before work can begin on some of these projects. A question was raised about the recreation department, page 41 of the Town Report, now that Greven Field isn’t useable from the 2023 floods. Rick Chambers, town manager, said that he hoped that in the coming year there would be more opportunities for the community and not just organizing school sports.  

Flooding Recovery/FEMA: Cavendish floated a bond for $2 million after the 2023 floods. To date, FEMA has only reimbursed the town for $400,000. When asked if the town has a contingency plan if FEMA doesn’t come through, Chambers said that they’ve been assured by FEMA that reimbursement will occur and he is currently talking with them several times a week. At this time there is no fall-back position if that should change. Cavendish, Ludlow and Plymouth are working together with Mt Ascutney Regional Commission on a flood resiliency project and a public meeting will be held on this topic, March 27 (Thursday) at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium at 6:30 pm. Chambers encouraged people to attend.

Be Storm Savvy: Well maintained culverts, ditches and drains can make a big difference in reducing damage to roads and property during a flood. With 750 town culverts, it’s impossible for the town crew to check all of them each year. Attendees were given the handout “Be Storm Savvy,” available online by clicking here and in locations around town. Stressing the  shared responsibility of property owners, residents and the town, the handout explains how to check twice a year, and resources to call should a culvert be blocked and/or assistance is needed to care for a culvert, drain or ditch.

Support for the Cavendish Town Shelter: During the 2023 floods, the Cavendish Town Shelter, located at the Cavendish Baptist Church, helped more than 1,000 people with meals, temporary shelter, rebuilding and cleaning supplies and more. After being open for two weeks, the shelter became the temporary home for the various Mennonite work crews,  who helped to rebuild our community over the next several months. 

After Irene, it became clear that a town shelter was needed outside of the school, which did not have a generator and was limited in scope since its primary function is as a school. A group began meeting and it was agreed the Cavendish Baptist Church made the most sense. Through fundraising, a generator was purchased and installed. It wasn’t long before the shelter was in use, primarily during winter months as a warming center. In the seven months prior to the July 2023 floods, the shelter was opened four times.

The shelter is a strictly volunteer effort and receives no funding from the town. Donations are needed year round to ensure the lights are always on, the elevator works and the fire alarms are functional. While a Cavendish Disaster Relief Fund is in the planning stages, and will include the yearly costs for town shelter maintenance, donations can be sent to the Cavendish Baptist Church, PO Box 425, Cavendish VT 05142. Please indicate that your donation is labeled “shelter Ongoing Expenses.”

Voting Results: All Cavendish voting is by Australian Ballot. Of 1,120 Cavendish registered voters, 216 ( 19%) cast ballots. There were no contested races in this year’s election. While there were seven positions with no one running, Ashley Newton received sufficient votes for Library Trustee for five years. There are currently six vacant positions- GMUSD Director (3 year term); Trustee of Public Funds (3 years); Auditor (1, 2 and 3 year term positions) and Town Agent.

All six articles (page 9 of the Town Report) passed, which includes the town budget of $2,450,400.57; an increase for selectboard members to $700 per member with $900 for the chair; and appropriations of $2,500 for the Okemo Valley Technical Rescue and $500 to Windsor County Youth Services.

The GMUSD budget passed 425 to 382 votes and, by a vote of 632 to 172, the transfer of $357,395 in surplus funds from the 2023-2024 school year to the Facilities Reserve Fund was approved. School votes are comingled so it is not possible to know how Cavendish voted on this issue.

2. WARNING FIRE DISTRICT #2 (CAVENDISH) MEETING MARCH 7:  A special meeting is being called for Friday, March 7, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Fire Hall, 2154 Main Street. The purpose of this meeting is to review and discuss  Request for Proposals for engineer and construction oversight for the  Vermont Municipal Energy Resilience Program grant. A Zoom option is available https://theatlantic.zoom.us/j/81297525231?pwd=C9caw54rj2G6eaXDuD4Wn9kaYd3n12.1 Meeting ID: 812 9752 5231 Passcode: 173462

3. JOB OPENING: Cavendish Town Elementary School is seeking qualified candidates to serve as a 5 FTE school year second shift Custodian. The focus of this position is to ensure that the facility and grounds are maintained in excellent condition at all times.

Duties include: Empty waste baskets, trash cans; Clean all toilets & drain facilities; cleaning stoppages in toilets; Sweeping and vacuuming all classrooms and hallways; Washing windows, counters, furniture; Replacing soap and paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer)l Mopping of art room, kitchen, bathrooms, nurses office; Dust mopping of Gym; Completion of seasonal tasks such as painting, policing grounds for trash, snow removal; Set ups for meeting rooms, classrooms, gym and other curricular events; Ensure doors and windows are secure and lights are off at end of custodial duties; Other duties as assigned.

Must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Must be able to abide by safety regulations. Position involves bending, reaching, pulling, walking up and down stairs, lifting (50 lbs) and stepping up and down. Benefits would be pro-rated and can include Health Insurance, sick days, paid holidays and vacation days Background Check Required. Please send your application or resume to Emma Vastola, PO Box 235, Proctorsville VT 05153

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Audubon Bird Talk on March 28: Two experts from the Mount Ascutney Audubon Society, Marianne and Michael Walsh, will give a talk later on Friday, March 28, 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville The talk will  focus on birds commonly found in Vermont yards, forests and fields, the nature of the different birds and what they can tell us about our changing environment. This presentation is sponsored by the Walk and Talk series, a committee of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association. FMI: Robin at (802) 417-5324.

• Create Together Open House: Join us for an Open House on Thursday, March 13 from 4-7pm to see our new studios, meet our volunteers, and try your hand at something new! Enjoy snacks and activities at this free event in the upper studios in the Meadowview building at Fletcher Farm. Learn more at createtogethervt.org 

• Ludlow’s Aubuchon’s Under Renovation: Starting March 10, Ludlow’s Aubuchon’s Hardware is being revamped. While the store will remain open, the parking lot is closed. They are posting information about how departments are being impacted at their Facebook page.

• BRGNS Offers Weekly Community Meals: Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) is pleased to announce that, beginning March 6, it will offer weekly, free community meals. Currently providing three monthly meals, the addition of a community brunch, served on the second Wednesday of every month, at 10 a.m., will provide folks the opportunity to have a  weekly meal throughout the month.  The addition of the com- munity brunch is a collabo- ration with Ludlow Parks & Recreation Department.  The one meal a week schedule will include brunch on the second Wednesday of the month, and lunch on the first, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month.

• “Just Getting By” Screening: Just Getting By" explores the day to day challenges and resiliency that low-income Vermonters bear witness to every day. The film screening and director talk will be held at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, Ludlow VT on March 26, 2025 at 6:30pm. Director Bess O'Brien will be part of the Q&A after the film. This is a free event with support from the Vermont Humanities Council and hosted by Fletcher Memorial Library, Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, and the Mount Holly Town Library. We are accepting non-perishable foods for the Food Bank. The theatre is accessible, and parking is free.

• As Trump forges ahead with tariff policy, Vermont braces for a trade war VT Digger

5. EVENTS

MARCH 9 (SUNDAY): SPRING FORWARD-Day light savings returns, move clocks forward one hour.

MARCH 10 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

-       Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

MARCH 12 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl  Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history.

MARCH 13 (THURSDAY): Create Space (formerly Fletcher Farm) Open House from 4-7pm to see our new studios, meet our volunteers, and try your hand at something new! Enjoy snacks and activities at this free event in the upper studios in the Meadowview building at Fletcher Farm. FMI: createtogethervt.org 

MARCH 17 (MONDAY): HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): Screening “Just Getting By”. 6:30 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium at 6:30 pm. Non perishable foods for the Food Bank will be accepted.

MARCH 27 (THURSDAY): Black River Flood Resiliency Public Workshop, 6:30-7:30 at the Ludlow Town Hall.  Food and Drink provided.

MARCH 28 (FRIDAY): Audubon Bird Talk, 6 pm at the Cavendish Library. Free and open to the public. FMI: Robin at (802) 417-5324.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

APRIL 12 (SATURDAY): 10-NOON

APRIL 19 (SATURDAY): FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

APRIL 20 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS  

Cavendish Update 2/28/25: Town Mtg Day/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

TOWN MEETING DAY IS TOMORROW SATURDAY MARCH 1- 2PM AT CAVENDISH TOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. This is an informational meeting with voting taking place by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 4, 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. You can join Town Meeting by zoom-link is at the Town website-yellow banner-

2/28/25

1.    Black River Flood Resiliency Plan-Public Workshop

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. BLACK RIVER FLOOD RESILIENCY PLAN-PUBLIC WORKSHOP: The towns of Plymouth, Ludlow and Cavendish are developing a flood resilience plan for the Black River and its tributaries. The plan will develop strategies to mitigate flooding based on public input and past studies. The plan will serve as a roadmap for developing future flood resilience projects.

To support the plan’s development, Mount Ascutney Regional Planning (MARC) is hosting an open house to share more about the project and to hear from you, on March 27 (Thursday), from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Ludlow Town Hall. Please stop by to learn about the project and share your ideas on topics like: Desire project outcomes and other benefits you hope to achieve; Community preferences and vision for creating flood mitigation strategies; Identify potential project sites and how projects should be prioritized. Food and drinks will be provided. FMI: tkennedy@marcvt.org

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Flooding long past, many Vermont municipalities are still swimming in red ink: Cavendish is one of the town’s listed in this article. Cavendish, population 1,392, had approved an annual municipal budget of about $2 million when the July 2023 storm caused an equal amount of damage. A year and a half later, the town has received only about $400,000 in FEMA funds for debris cleanup and emergency spending, with reimbursement for everything else — including $82,000 in loan interest that’s eligible for federal repayment — still outstanding. “They send back requests for more details and documentation,” said Diane McNamara, Cavendish’s town clerk and treasurer. “People think the flood is over, but for those of us who are dealing with the paperwork, it’s not.” VT Digger

• CHS Winter Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Winter Newsletter is now on-line and includes upcoming events and activities being planned. Included in this issue is the speech Solzhenitsyn gave at Town Meeting in 1994, shortly before he returned to Russia.

• Easter Dinner: The Proctorsville and Ludlow Fire Departments will once again be providing FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

3. EVENTS

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary School Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4.

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 12 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl  Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history.

MARCH 27 (THURSDAY): Black River Flood Resiliency Public Workshop, 6:30-7:30 at the Ludlow Town Hall.  Food and Drink provided.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

APRIL 19 (SATURDAY): FREE Easter Dinners cooked by members of the Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments. 125 Dinners will be provided. They can be picked up on April 19 from 12-2 at the Ludlow Fire Department.  The menu includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll and dessert. Call Angela 802-356-3823 by April 17 to reserve your free dinner.

MAY 10 (SATURDAY): Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/21/25: Town Report/RFP/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

2/21/25

1.    Cavendish Fire District 2 Seeking Proposals

2.    Clear your vents/prevent roof ice dams

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1.CAVENDISH FIRE DISTRICT 2 SEEKING PROPOSALS: The Cavendish Fire District #2 is seeking proposals from qualified engineering or architectural consulting firms for planning, design, and construction oversight for a project involving energy and ADA improvements to the Fire Station, as well as the installation of a ground-mounted solar array and battery storage system. The RFP for this project can be found at https://www.marcvt.org under "Grants & RFPs" or by emailing Martha Harrison at mharrison@marcvt.org The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM.”

2. CLEAR YOUR VENTS/PREVENT ROOF ICE DAMS Given the recent snowfall, it’s an important reminder to clear snow away from heating and appliance vents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup in the home and other potential problems. Use the VT Emergency Management’s guide on Safe Heating

The following information is from the National Weather Service. Ice  dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents.

There's no way to guarantee an ice dam won't damage your home, but you can take steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming in the first place:

If you haven't already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and down spouts. This allows melting roof snow to flow into gutters and through down spouts.

Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes" let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.

All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of snow and icicles.

Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof. Consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Cavendish Town Report 2024: The 2024 Town Report has been mailed to all registered voters and is also available as a .pdf at the Town Website. The report contains the budget to be discussed at the Town Informational Meeting on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2 pm in the Cavendish Elementary School. It also contains sample ballots for the town elected positions and articles to be voted on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 10 am to 7 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Station. Note that on page 30 of the Town Plan, there is a breakdown of how tax dollars are spent. For Fire District 1 (Proctorsville), 63% is for education, 29% town and 8% fire district. For Fire District 2 (Cavendish), 65% education, town 30% and 2.5% fire district.

• Dog Licenses Ready for Renewal: By state law, all dogs residing within the State of Vermont must be licensed by April 1st each year. Licenses for 2025 have been printed and are ready for renewal. New dogs may be licensed at any time during the year. Please bring a valid rabies certificate. Licenses are available from the Cavendish Town Office.

• M&T Bank Drive Thru Only: Starting Feb. 24 (Monday), M&T Bank in Ludlow will only have drive-thru service for the next 2-3 weeks. Due to the flood proofing construction,  the lobby and ATM will not be available.

• Sheryl Faye as Susan B. Anthony: On Wednesday, March 12 at 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history. She played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement, the 19th Amendment, and dedicated her life to racial, gender, and educational equality.  Sheryl Faye is a graduate of Emerson College and creator of Sheryl Faye Presents Historical Women. A community favorite, Sheryl has a talent for bringing Historical women to life for adults and children around the world.  This event is free and open to the public. FMI:  Amy at (802) 226-7503 or CavendishLibrary573@gmail.com 

• GMUHS New Mascot is the Grizzlie: GM Principal John Broadley told The Chester Telegraph on Sunday that the 200 plus students who voted to chose from five candidates picked the formidable brown bear by about 52 percent with the other four making up the remainder of the ballots. The bobcat came in second. Other candidates included lions, goats and eagles.

• GMUSD Annual Meeting: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Annual Meeting in Feb. 27 (Thursday) 6 pm at GMUHS. Enjoy free food and meet community partners along with a discussion of the proposed budget and the annual meeting. Voting on the budget takes place on March 4 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

• Side by Side: Scott education plans past and present: Chester Telegraph 

• TRSU Began Preparing for Trump Budget Cuts, Fund Freezes, last year: Chester Telegraph

• How are VT Rare plants Faring: On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11 am at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, learn about the work of the VT Natural Heritage Inventory to map monitor and conserve over 600 species of rare and uncommon plant species across the state. Discover how and why to responsibly choose native plants for your own pollinator gardens, meadowscaping and beyond. Featured speakers include: Gerace Glynn-Botanist with the VT Agency of Natural Resources & Hayley Kolding VT River Conservancy

• People Flocked to Vermont It Didn’t Last: Vermont saw a surge in newcomers after Covid-19 struck, fueled partially by city-dwellers who could take newly remote jobs to the less-congested Green Mountains.  But these trends were short-lived. Wall St. Journal

4. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY): 11 am at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, Learn about the work of the VT Natural Heritage Inventory to map monitor and conserve over 600 species of rare and uncommon plant species across the state.

-       Gypsy Reel & Rick Redington & Touff Luv concert in memory of Mark Huntley, 7PM at the Ludlow Town Hall. A free event (donations greatly appreciated), doors open at 6:30 pm. FMI 802-228-3238

FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY): 6 PM GMUSD Annual Meeting at GMUHS

MARCH 1 (SATURDAY): 2 PM Town Meeting Day at the Cavendish Town Elementary Multi Purpose Room. This is an informational meeting only with all articles voted on by Australian Ballot on March 4.

MARCH 4 (TUESDAY): Voting Day. Polls are open from 10-4 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

-       Mardi Gras! Les Bon Temps Roulette (Let the good times roll)

MARCH 12 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, Sheryl  Faye will be telling the story of Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist and a prominent figure in American history.

MARCH 31 (MONDAY): Last day to submit photographs for the Cavendish Calendar Contest. Submit entries to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

MAY 10 (SATURDAY): Last day to add your voice to the CCCA community survey.

   IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS