Cavendish Update 4/11/25: Ditches/Warning/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

Tomorrow (Saturday) from 10-noon is the Cavendish Historical Society’s free workshop on Paper Flower making and other Easter crafts at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

4/11/25

1.    The Community/Town Partnership-Caring for Cavendish Culvert, Ditches and Drains

2.    GMUSD board votes down Cavendish Select Board Candidate

3.    Cavendish Fire District #2 Annual Meeting Warning

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. THE COMMUNITY/TOWN PARTNERSHIP: CARING FOR CAVENDISH CULVERT, DITCHES & DRAINS: In order to help reduce flooding risks in Cavendish, it’s important that there is a community/town partnership. With over 750 town culverts, spread over 39.7 miles, our small town crew can’t check every one each year, let alone clear out the ditches that feed into the culverts and drains.

Note: If a ditch or culvert is on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain them.

Please review the basics below and either download a copy of Be Storm Savvy, or pick up a copy at the town office or from the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries.

Don’t Pitch in the Ditch: Keep ditches clear of items that can prevent water from moving including: snow; sand; dirt; grass clippings leaves & branches; trash; hazardous materials (e.g. pet waste, oil & gas, paint and pesticides & fertilizers.

Instead:

• Clear out culverts/ditches every spring and fall

• Look through your culvert with a flashlight to make sure it’s clear

• Take household hazardous waste to HHW Depot at the Alva Waste Transfer Station in Springfield (1050 Charlestown Road) .This service is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9am to 12pm, from May through September. All appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 802-674-9235

Check for Damage: Look for wear or damage to culverts on, or next to, your property. If you see any damage, make repairs or contact the town (802-226-7291) to clarify your responsibility.

• Check for cracks, misalignment and blockages

• Openings should be free of sediment, rubbish and debris

• Remove any obstructions you can see including large branches, overgrown fencing and any other barriers

• Be safe and smart. Don’t enter water higher than your ankles if you can’t see the bottom, only use hand tools (rake, shovel, broom)

• Work in pairs or teams when you can.

IF YOU NEED HELP CLEARING A CULVERT/DITCH: The Black River Action Team (BRAT) now has a free service-Culvert Crawlers to assist those in need of help. The Crawlers are organizing a work day on Green Up Day-May 3 (Saturday) to help where it’s needed with culverts, ditches and drains. Please e-mail culvert.crawlers@gmail.com by April 25 if you are in need of help. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you’d like to help by being part of the Culvert Crawlers, e-mail  culvert.crawlers@gmail.com

GREEN UP DAY IS A GOOD TIME TO CHECK DITCHES, CULVERTS AND DRAINS

2. GMUSD BOARD VOTES DOWN CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD CANDIDATE: The recent town vote in March did not yield enough votes for a candidate to fill the Cavendish vacant position on the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board. Wendi Doust McNaughton, a teacher and a mother to two students at CTES, filed an application to fill the vacancy. Donovan Nichols also filed an application. At the recent Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting on April 7th, Nichols said that he was running for the position as he thought a lot of misinformation was being given out. He said that he works supporting disabled adults, and grew up in the special education system and was concerned about the program. While recognizing that both were outstanding candidates, the board voted unanimously in favor of McNaughton. However at the GMUSD board meeting, that followed shortly after the SB decision, the board approved Donovan by a vote of 5-4. SB unapproved minutes are available at the Town Website.

3. WARNING ANNUAL MEETING OF CAVENDISH FIRE DISTRICT 2: The legal voters of Cavendish Fire District #2 are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department station on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm to act on the following:

Article 1: To hear and act on the Auditor’s report

Article 2: To approve the minutes from 2024

Article 3: Election of committee members. Currently serving members are:

Moderator for one year: Abraham Gross; Prudential Committee Member- Staci Bishop (2025); Prudential Committee member Scott Ranney (2026); Prudential Committee Member Stu Lindberg (2027); Town Manager Tax Collector (2025)

Article 4: To see if the legal voters of Fire District 2 will allow Cavendish Fire District 2 to borrow funds to cover both expected and unforeseen expenses in the year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Article 5: To see if the legal voters of Cavendish Fire District 2 will raise money and in what amount for the purpose of defraying Fire Department expenses for the year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026

Article 6: To conduct any other fire district 2 business to come before the meeting. 

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

•  Time to vote for your favorite Cavendish photos: Voting is now open for next year’s community calendar at the Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library. The calendar is produced by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association and features beautiful photographs taken (and chosen) by area residents.  Next year’s calendar theme is the Natural World Around Us.  You can vote throughout April at the library during normal library hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• HeartSaver First Aid/Adult-Child CPR:  This is an American Heart Association Heartsaver® First Aid Adult & Child CPR AED course. The Heartsaver® Total course covers the following topics: Scene Assessment & Safety Medical Emergencies (asthma, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and seizures). Injury Emergencies (bleeding, shock, wounds, spinal inquiries, broken bones, and sprains) Environmental Emergencies (bites, stings, temperature-related injuries, and poison emergencies). Adult & Child CPR (Compressions and Breaths). AED Use (Automated External Defibrillator). Adult & Child Relief from Choking Optional: Infant CPR & Relief from Choking. This program will be offered April 29, 2025, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM  at the Ludlow Town Hall, 37 Depot Street, Ludlow. REGISTER via VLR Website or REGISTER via LMS

• Residential Assistance in Solar Energy Program: Vermont’s Solar for All program needs your help! The Residential Assistance in Solar Energy (RAISE) Program will provide financial support to help Vermonters with low incomes install small solar panels on their homes, saving money on energy bills. In April, the Vermont Department of Public Service is hosting four focus group discussions (virtual 4/17, Barre 4/22, Newport 4/23, Bennington 4/24) to get feedback on how to make the RAISE program a success. Gift cards and light refreshments will be available in recognition that your time and expertise is valuable! Learn more hereand register today to secure you spot here.

• Firings at federal heating program could impact more than 23,000 Vermont households: Next winter could be a lot harder for hundreds of households in Windsor and Windham counties — and more than 23,000 statewide — if the federal program (LIHEAP-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) that provides seasonal and emergency heating assistance for low income households is not restored by the Trump administration. Chester Telegraph

• Benson Car Child Car Seat Safety Check: On April 26 (Saturday), Benson’s Chevrolet in Ludlow will be conducting free child car safety checks from 10-1.

• Vermont towns will lose millions in disaster preparedness funding in federal FEMA cuts: VT Public

• Trout Season Kicks Off this Weekend

• Cabot Creamery butter recalled in 7 states over possible fecal contamination

5. EVENTS

APRIL 12 (SATURDAY): 10-Noon Cavendish Historical Society workshop on Paper Flower making and other Easter crafts at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville. This event is free and open to the public, with projects suitable for all ages. This workshop is made possible in part, thanks to a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund.

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.

-       Great Ludlow Egg Hunt at the Ludlow Community Center starts at 10 am. Mini games and Guessing jars start are from 9-10.For ages 2-12

APRIL 20 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 30 (WEDNESDAY): Last day to vote for your favorite photographs at the Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library. Winning photos will be featured in next year’s Cavendish community calendar.

MAY 3 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY!

MAY 12 (MONDAY): Demystifying Healthcare in Our Region from 8:30-10 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow. Registration is requested but not required FMI: www.northstarfqhc.org/communityforum

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 4/4/25: Gov. Visit/Scam/News/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

  HAM BINGO TONIGHT @ CTES

4/4/25

1.    Scam Alert

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. SCAM Alert!: Scammers are using a fake phone number that shows as Chester Police (802-875-2035). If you receive a call, you may notify the caller you will return their call. Hang up and call the office line at 802-875-2035. Do not call any other phone number provided.

2.CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Governor Scott's 'Capital for a Day' heads to Windsor County Including Cavendish: Governor Phil Scott and members of his cabinet will be in Windsor County on Monday, April 7 for its Capital for a Day 14-county tour. Stops in Cavendish are as follows:

- 8-9 am: Cabinet Meeting Murdock’s on the Green, Proctorsville Gov. Scott and members of the Administration

- 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Tour and Visit Cavendish Town Elementary School Education Deputy Secretary Jill Briggs Campbell

- 10-11: Ludlow area Liquor Licensee Discussion Murdock’s, Proctorsville. Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight, Financial Regulation Director Mary Block

• Hundreds of Vermont schools and child care facilities do not meet herd immunity threshold for measles. The state’s measles vaccination rate for incoming kindergarteners has been below 95%, the critical “herd immunity” threshold that can prevent individual cases from becoming outbreaks. Both GMUHS and CTES are listed as having >90% vaccination rate for students being fully immunized. Note that schools with facilities with a vaccination rate above 90% were reported only as ">90%." No information was provided for Stepping Stones Preschool.

• What do Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’ mean for Vermont?: Vermont might have been spared the worst in the president’s latest round of tariffs, but officials said a broader trade war could still shake up the state’s economy. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

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.

-       Great Ludlow Egg Hunt at the Ludlow Community Center starts at 10 am. Mini games and Guessing jars start are from 9-10.For ages 2-12

APRIL 20 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 3 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY!

MAY 12 (MONDAY): Demystifying Healthcare in Our Region from 8:30-10 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow. Registration is requested but not required FMI: www.northstarfqhc.org/communityforum

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/28/25: News/Workshop/Events

CAVENDISH CONNECTS LINKS:  CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE  

cavendishconnects.bsky.social or www.cavendishconnects.com

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM FRIDAY TO 2 PM EDT SUNDAY: Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations between one tenth to three tenths of an inch. Isolated to scattered power outages are possible from ice and snow loading. Travel could become hazardous. The heaviest snow and ice accumulations will be Friday night into Saturday, with additional ice accumulations likely into Sunday.

3/28/25

1.    Road Construction Projects

2.    CHS Paper Flower Workshop

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A paving project is scheduled for VT 103 this constructions season. The project will include the highway through Ludlow, from just north of the Town Fire Station continuing for 1.5 miles to just south of Cota and Cota. Milling and paving operations on this portion of the project are scheduled to be done at night with hour and nose constrictions. Paving will be done during the day. Project times is April -Fall 2025 VT Agency of Transportation.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation said the southbound lanes along the I-89 bridge will be transferred to the new lanes that have been recently completed. The bridge project that connects Hartford Vermont to Lebanon, New Hampshire began in 2020. In order to make the change, NHDOT said some of the off-ramp exits will be closed in the area. - I- 91 Exit 10A North Monday March 31 – April 2 and  I-89 Exit 20 South April 3 – 4

2. CHS PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP: For many years, spring in Cavendish VT meant planting bulbs from Mary van Schaik's imported bulb business. While Mary is no longer with us, many locals’ tulips, daffodils, and other plants remind us of her.  

To celebrate a Cavendish springtime, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be hosting a Paper Flower Workshop, where participants can make a wide variety of flowers, as well as a unique Easter favor, from various types of paper. The workshop is free, open to the public, and will be held from 10-noon on April 12 (Saturday) at the Cavendish Community Library, Proctorsville. There are projects for all ages and abilities. This workshop has been made possible in part from a grant from the Cavendish Community Fund.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Ludlow Ambulance Approved for Critical Care Paramedic Level: Congratulations to Ludlow Ambulance on becoming endorsed at the Critical Care Paramedic Level effective immediately.

• Create Together at Fletcher Farm celebrates successful open house: Create Together at Fletcher Farm announced recently it has received its official occupancy permit, marking a significant milestone that allows the creative center to officially open its doors for studio time and workshops. The announcement comes on the heels of a well-attended open-house event that drew community members, artists, and supporters from across the region. VT Journal

• BRGNS Needs Housewares: Black River Good Neighbor Services has sent out a request for housewares for their Thrift Store. Drop off items at the Thrift Store in Ludlow

• Capital for a Day for Liquor Licensees : Windsor County "Capital for a Day" is Monday, April 7. Capitol for a Day is an opportunity for the Governor and his Cabinet to visit each county in Vermont to host meetings with local officials, businesses, and community members.  Commissioner Wendy Knight is hosting a liquor licensee discussion at Murdock's On the Green at 42 Village Green, Proctorsville from 10am – 11am.  All Ludlow/Cavendish/Chester/Springfield area licensees are welcome to join the conversation about Department operational updates, liquor licensing, compliance, state of business, or other topics of interest to licensees. Colleagues from other state agencies, such as the Agency of Digital Services and the Department of Financial Regulation, will also attend.  Please RSVP to Hannah Chauvin at hannah.chauvin@vermont.gov if you plan to attend.

• Demystifying Healthcare in Our Region: On May 12 (Monday), from 8:30-10:00, NorthStar Health (Ludlow Health Center) will be holding a public forum at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow. Topics to be discussed include: Understanding challenges facing healthcare in our region; how primary care providers are paid; efforts to maintain care access. Attendees will have a chance to meet the North Star Health leaders as well as ask questions and share ideas. Breakfast will be served. Registration is requested but not required FMI: www.northstarfqhc.org/communityforum

• Governor says Vt. would be in trouble without FEMA: With Trump administration officials in recent days saying they plan to “eliminate” FEMA, Governor Phil Scott on Wednesday said any plans to get rid of the agency would spell big trouble for Vermont. After being hit with back-to-back flooding the past two years, the governor says FEMA funding is essential to Vermont’s recovery. WCAX

4. EVENTS

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.

-       Great Ludlow Egg Hunt at the Ludlow Community Center starts at 10 am. Mini games and Guessing jars start 9-10.For ages 2-12

APRIL 20 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 3 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY!

MAY 12 (MONDAY): Demystifying Healthcare in Our Region from 8:30-10 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow. Registration is requested but not required FMI: www.northstarfqhc.org/communityforum

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

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