Cavendish Update 6/7/24: Tag Sale/Ghost Walk/Public Hearing/News/Events

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6/7/24

1.    Cavendish 14th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale

2.    Cavendish Village Ghost Walk

3.    Notice: Public Hearing Addition of Class 3 Town Highway

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH 14th ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE:  The 14th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale takes place on July 27 (Saturday) from 9-2. Both of the town greens will be in full use. If you are a resident of property owner in Cavendish, or a non-profit that serves our community, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807 to register for a spot on one of the greens and/or for inclusion in the on-line Tag Sale directory. Two weeks prior to the tag sale we will be posting pictures and information about items for sale on the Cavendish VT website.

2. CAVENDISH VILLAGE GHOST WALK: In keeping with Mid-Summer Night’s Eve, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will once again host the Cavendish Village Ghost tour on Saturday, June 22. Meet at the former Cavendish Historical Society Museum, at 8 pm, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.

Among the sites to be visited include the Cavendish High Street Cemetery; Cavendish Stone Church, private homes as well as the site of the “Dutton House.” The latter was believed by locals to be haunted long before it was moved to Shelburne Museum, where the ghosts seemed to continue to haunt the building, staff and visitors alike.

The former Duttonsville School is thought to be haunted by children in what was once a classroom. The owner would hear laughing and sounds that a party was going on. However, whenever he opened the door, no one was there. Other strange occurrences have happened in the building, including a spirit teenager who sat at the end of a visitor’s bed.

No tour would be complete without a stop at the old Hickernell house, where for many decades it was believed that Mr. Hickernell had been murdered and buried in the basement.

Free and open to the public, donations are always welcomed. For more information call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. NOTICE: PUBLIC HEARING ADDITION OF CLASS 3 TOWN HIGHWAY: The Town of Cavendish invites the public to a hearing to discuss the addition of a Class 3 Town Highway in Proctorsville, VT.  Site Visit: 5:00 PM July 8th, 2024;  Hearing: 6:00 PM July 8th, 2024. A site visit will be held at the the proposed new Class 3 Town Highway located between 58 and 78 Depot Street Proctorsville, VT. The Hearing is at the Cavendish Town Hall, 37 High St. Cavendish.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Water Sampling Results: Bacteria sampling results are live at https://connecticutriver.us! ALL swimming holes are looking great as of our sample collection on Wed morning! The four lakes on Route 100 were below 20 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water, as were Twenty-foot Hole in Reading and Buttermilk Falls; Tolles Dam in Perkinsville was at 36, and Cavendish Gorge topped the list at just 50 cfu/100 mL.  It's always recommended to stay out of the water for 24-48 hours after a heavy rain, and anytime the water appears cloudy. Thank you to all our sponsors for Adopting A Swimming Hole, and to every volunteer out there dipping a bottle for the public good. (Special shout-out to River Dippers Mary Beth and Randy, posing in front of the Black River at Tolles Power Dam a few weeks ago!)

• GMUSD Budget Passes: By a vote of 535 to 365 the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) budget passed on its third try. Ludlow/Mt Holly’s budget also passed.

• Gov. Scott Vetoes Property Tax Bill, unsettling next year’s school funding: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the annual property tax bill on Thursday, setting up a veto session showdown on a piece of legislation that must pass for schools to be funded as normal.  “We must provide property tax relief now. This can’t wait for another study before implementing cost containment strategies,” Scott said in a statement. Known as the “yield bill,” the annual property tax legislation helps set education tax rates statewide. As passed by the Legislature, the bill would raise the average education property tax bill by 13.8%, with actual local rates varying widely. The tax increase, driven by surging school costs, defined this year’s legislative session. Now, lawmakers must determine whether to try to override Scott’s veto, or forge a new path, perhaps in collaboration with his administration. VT Digger

• CHS June News Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s news briefs for June are now available at their blog. Included are upcoming events, including a list of “hands on history” projects visitors can try. In June, visitors can make the “Sunday Toy” Noah’s Ark.

• How to Protect your household from disaster during Atlantic hurricane season: We live where it floods. Be prepared. This is a very helpful article from NPR.

• Brown Spot Needle Blight: Many have noticed that the white pines look particularly brown this year.  That’s due to “brown spot needle blight,” which is caused by  Learn more by clicking here.

• Vermont man alleged to have stolen shuttle van outside DHMC pleads guilty to gun charges: A Cavendish, Vt., man with a lengthy criminal history in Vermont who bolted out of the emergency room at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and drove off with an idling hospital shuttle van that was parked outside pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a gun in federal court in Burlington.  Mitchell Horton, 37, was sentenced to 14 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont said in a news release. Vermont State Police seized a .380 semi-automatic handgun from Horton when they arrested him and charged him with stealing diesel fuel in Cavendish in 2023. Valley News

5. EVENTS

JUNE 10 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm @ the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda will be posted to Cavendish VT Facebook page when it becomes available.

JUNE 11 (TUESDAY): CTES 6TH grade graduation

JUNE 13 (THURSDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 14 (FRIDAY): GMUHS graduation

JULY 3 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Gypsy Reel (Irish band). FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 4 (THURSDAY): 4TH OF JULY Town office closed

JULY 5 (FRIDAY): Ludlow Parks & Recreation 4th of July celebration and fireworks. Jackson Gore. Rain date July 6th.

JULY 10 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Soul Rockers FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 17 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco Dance Band) FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-East Bay Jazz Ensemble FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2 pm

JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Rick Redington & Tuff Luv FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

AUGUST 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Bear Mountain Boys FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/31/24: Property Notice/Volunteers Needed/BRVR

Depot St. Proctorsville

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

The Ludlow Farmer’s Market (Depot St.) is now open on Sundays from 9-1. Support our local vendors, including Mason House Pottery (Cavendish) and American Pie Pizza (Proctorsville).

Voting is June 4th (Tuesday) on GMUSD budget. Polling take place at the Proctorsville Fire Hall 10-7.

5/31/24

1.    Notice to Cavendish Property Owners

2.    BRVR to Aid with Flood Damage

3.    Volunteers Needed in Cavendish

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. NOTICE TO CAVENDISH TAX PAYERS (Property Owners): Below is the notice for those who wish to grieve their property assessment. If you are interested, please use  the e-mail and phone information provided at the end of the notice.

Agreeably to the provisions of Title 32 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Section 4111, notice is hereby given that the undersigned parties, within and for the Town of Cavendish have this day completed the Abstract of Individual Lists of persons, co-partnerships, associations, and corporations owning taxable property is said town on the first day of April 2024; that they have this day lodged the same in the Office of the Clerk of said town for the inspection of taxpayers; that on the 20th day of June, 2024 starting at 9:30 am, the Assessor will meet at 37 High Street, Cavendish, Vermont to hear grievances of persons, co-partnerships, associations or corporations aggrieved by any of their appraisals or by any of their acts as such Assessors, whose objections thereto in writing shall have been filed with them as prescribed by statute, and to make such corrections in said abstract as shall upon hearing or otherwise be determined by them; and that unless cause to the contrary be shown, the contents of said abstract will, for the year 2024, become the Grand List of said town and each person, co-partnership, association or corporation therein named.

If you wish to grieve you must submit a grievance in writing by 4:00 on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Applications for Grievance can be emailed to Cavendish2024@nemrc.com or mailed to PO Box 126, Cavendish, VT 05142. Please call 802-227-7383 for a grievance appointment.

2. BLACK RIVER VALLEY RESOURCES FOR THOSE DEALING WITH FLOOD DAMAGE: Established as a group of community nonprofit agencies and organizations, Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) supports long term recovery for individuals and families affected by the July and December 2023 floods. Since its establishment, BRVR has successfully assisted many households with flood-related repairs, ensuring that families in our communities can recover and thrive. The mission of this group is to support long term recovery and enhance community resilience.

The group identifies and assists recovery and reconstruction efforts of individuals and families residing in the communities of Belmont, Cavendish, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth, and Proctorsville. Members of the group include Black River Good Neighbor Services, Ludlow Emergency Management, Black River Action Team, Fletcher Memorial Library, Plymouth Town Clerk, Cavendish Baptist Church, Mount Holly Emergency Management, Cavendish Connects, and community advocates Melissa Rockhill and John Merrow.

With support from the Vermont Community Foundation, BRVR hired Melissa Rockhill as a home repair and construction coordinator to aid low- and moderate-income households whose primary residence was damaged by flood. Working closely with the organizations that comprise this group, along with the Long-Term Recovery Group, (LTRG) aligned with the State of Vermont Emergency Management and the State of Vermont Chief Recovery Officer, BRVP plans to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the floods. The group works to identify, support, and assist in managing recovery and reconstruction efforts of individuals and families residing in the aforementioned communities.

Reconstruction and recovery from the July flooding continues, keeping the work of this group both intentional and significant. With the diverse collection of members, Black River Valley Resources maintains and tracks necessary information relating to ongoing flood repair, work, and need.

Community organizations are welcome to join BRVR in making a difference. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word, together, we can rebuild stronger than ever before. For information or assistance regarding any flood-related damage, please contact Krey Kellington, Black River Good Neighbor Services, at 802-228-3663.

3. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN CAVENDISH: From 9AM till about 2PM on June 3rd, we'll be gathering brush (which is being cut by a contractor) and moving it to large piles for burning at a later date. BRAT (Black River Action Team) is looking for at least 10-12 individuals. More hands make light work!

* Work gloves will be provided, but BYO if you have a favorite pair.

* Safety vests will be provided, along with tick/biting insect repellent (non-DEET).

* Water and sandwiches will be provided, feel free to pack your own if you prefer.

Safety is the top priority, so everyone will need to sign a safety waiver and agree to basic, simple protocols. This is an activity that is most suitable for responsible individuals 16 and up.

Brush will be young saplings being cut from a drainage ditch in a small field on Quarry Road in Cavendish. The ditch is being re-worked by a professional in order to capture overland water flow during heavy storms, to direct flowing water away from the field and the down-slope home. This field will be planted in the fall of '24 or spring of '25 with native trees and shrubs in an effort to further absorb and slow down rain in the years to come.

Please e-mail blackrivercleanup@gmail.com or call 802-591-0101

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Black River Water Quality: BRAT’s “Little Dippers” program, test water along various spots of the Black River, including the beach near the power station in Cavendish Village. BRAT reports, All of our water monitoring sites for bacteria are looking great!  The data is based on samples collected on Wednesday mornings, so it is up to the individual to make a decision whether or not to swim. Shout-out to the wonderful River Dipper volunteers who go out every week to gather samples, many of them return before the weekend to post the chart for visitors.Huge thanks to all the sponsors of the "Adopt-A-Swimminghole" program - without their financial support, this would be a large chunk of money out of the BRAT budget every year: Betty McEnaney (of Diamond Realty), Greater Upper Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited, Vermont Co-Pack, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Green Mountain Power. Thanks also to the CT River Conservancy for hosting the platform where we are able to publish our results!

• Brenda Hackett (1951-2024): Proctorsville resident, known to many from her time as a pharmacy technician at Rite in Ludlow, died May 15.

• GMUSD Restructuring: At last year’s CTES Community Forum (May 23, 2023), and again at both the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) meeting on April 30th and the most recent Restructuring Committee meeting, various Cavendish parents have made it clear their preference is school choice for 7-12 grades. A number of Cavendish families are already opting out of GMUHS for high school, sending students to Woodstock and Rutland. This is a topic that continues to be skirted by the GMUSD. The restructuring meeting showed that at least two of the participating towns would like to see a significant change. Andover is circulating a petition to redistrict so that their students would attend the K-8 Flood Brook School in Londonderry.  There has been discussion in Cavendish of joining the Ludlow Mt. Holly district. At this most recent meeting, Superintendent Fierman noted, that she has heard from a very small number of people – including a couple of LMH district board members – who said they would “be delighted” to have Cavendish’s 70 students but were not interested in having the expense of their school with its veteran staff  in the upper steps of the pay scale. For information on the recent restricting meeting see the Chester Telegraph

• Age Successfully Fair set for June 14 in Ludlow: Senior Solutions, Area Agency on Aging for Southeastern Vermont in partnership with Black River Good Neighbor Services of Ludlow will be hosting the 3rd Annual Age Successfully, A Health & Benefits Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 14 at the Ludlow Community Center. This event is free and open to the public, and there will be a free BBQ. The fair is an opportunity for older Vermonters, and their caregivers, to learn about and sign up for wellness-based goods and services with over 30 exhibitors scheduled to appear.

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5. EVENTS

JUNE 4 (TUESDAY): GMUSD budget Vote. Proctorsville Fire Hall 10-7. Absentee ballots are available from the Town Office.

-       Community BBQ @ 4 pm at CTES followed by CTES Concert 6 pm.

JUNE 11 (TUESDAY): CTES 6TH grade graduation

JUNE 12 (WEDNESDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 14 (FRIDAY): GMUHS graduation

JULY 3 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Gypsy Reel (Irish band). FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 4 (THURSDAY): 4TH OF JULY Town office closed

JULY 5 (FRIDAY): Ludlow Parks & Recreation 4th of July celebration and fireworks. Jackson Gore. Rain date July 6th.

JULY 10 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Soul Rockers FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 17 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco Dance Band) FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-East Bay Jazz Ensemble FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2 pm

JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Rick Redington & Tuff Luv FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

AUGUST 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Bear Mountain Boys FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

SMART PHONE-THE RIGHT TOOL FOR EMERGENT SITUATIONS

Between NOAA’s Hurricane forecast VT Digger’s-More People Heading Out that are Unprepared reports, and this weekend being the start of the summer season, it’s a good time to think about how you will respond to emergencies, including flooding, storms, accidents or getting lost on a hike.

Smart Phones are an excellent tool and now is the time to familiarize yourself with the many features that can make a big difference in an emergency.

Protect your phone and keep it charged. Use a waterproof case and have on hand both a portable and regular charger. If you have to leave home suddenly, have chargers and other items together in one spot so you can grab them as you head out the door.

Sign up for VT Alert: Cavendish is a participating town in the VT Alert System. In the event of a local, state or national emergency, you can receive a text, e-mail or even a call. Register by going to VTAlert.gov Nearly all states have similar systems, so if you are traveling for vacation, be sure and register. Here are the alert systems for nearby states, NH ; Maine/; NY ; MA

Set up & turn on Emergency SOS: With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts. For iPhones For Androids .

Conserve Usage: As soon as you are aware of an approaching storm or other emergent event, charge your phone and all electronic devices you rely on.  Try not to let your phone battery dip below half a charge. Remember texts can often get through even when calls can’t and use less battery than a call. Keep phone use to a minimum. You can extend the phones energy by dimming the screen, not using live Wallpapers or Blue tooth. Turning it off and only using when necessary during an emergency can extend its use.

Other things to do:

-       ICE (in case of emergency) your phone

-       Back up to the Cloud

-       Create a private group list of emergency contacts. One text can let them know you are fine or you need help

-       Bookmark useful sites and apps such as the NOAA forecast

-       Use your health care app (it’s the read heart). Include medications, blood type, allergies, diagnosis, medical providers etc.

-       Include images of important documents

-       Make screenshots of survival guide, tips and fire aid instructions for access, even if data and Wi-Fi are down

-       If you aren’t regularly using them, check out the flashlight, compass (can help to locate people); and radio

Please note that we are working with the Cavendish Library to set up a workshop on this topic. If you are interested in attending or have a recommendation for a guest speaker, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Cavendish Update 5/24/24: Memorial Weekend Edition

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

MEMORIAL WEEKEND EDITION: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale starts this evening with an Early Bird Special 5-7 and continues on Saturday morning from 9-noon. BRGNS Rummage Sale today & tomorrow at Fletcher Farms 10-3.

5/24/24

1.    Smart Phones-The Right Tool for Emergent Situations

2.    Remembering those from Cavendish Who Gave All

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. SMART PHONE-THE RIGHT TOOL FOR EMERGENT SITUATIONS: Between NOAA’s Hurricane forecast ; VT Digger’s-More People Heading Out that are Unprepared reports, and this weekend being the start of the summer season, it’s a good time to think about how you will respond to emergencies, including flooding, storms, accidents or getting lost on a hike.

Smart Phones are an excellent tool and now is the time to familiarize yourself with the many features that can make a big difference in an emergency.

Protect your phone and keep it charged. Use a waterproof case and have on hand both a portable and regular charger. If you have to leave home suddenly, have chargers and other items together in one spot so you can grab them as you head out the door.

Sign up for VT Alert: Cavendish is a participating town in the VT Alert System. In the event of a local, state or national emergency, you can receive a text, e-mail or even a call. Register by going to VTAlert.gov Nearly all states have similar systems, so if you are traveling for vacation, be sure and register. Here are the alert systems for nearby states, NH ; Maine/; NY ; MA

Set up & turn on Emergency SOS: With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts. For iPhones For Androids .

Conserve Usage: As soon as you are aware of an approaching storm or other emergent event, charge your phone and all electronic devices you rely on.  Try not to let your phone battery dip below half a charge. Remember texts can often get through even when calls can’t and use less battery than a call. Keep phone use to a minimum. You can extend the phones energy by dimming the screen, not using live Wallpapers or Blue tooth. Turning it off and only using when necessary during an emergency can extend its use.

Other things to do:

-       ICE (in case of emergency) your phone

-       Back up to the Cloud

-       Create a private group list of emergency contacts. One text can let them know you are fine or you need help

-       Bookmark useful sites and apps such as the NOAA forecast

-       Use your health care app (it’s the read heart). Include medications, blood type, allergies, diagnosis, medical providers etc.

-       Include images of important documents

-       Make screenshots of survival guide, tips and fire aid instructions for access, even if data and Wi-Fi are down

-       If you aren’t regularly using them, check out the flashlight, compass (can help to locate people); and radio

Please note that we are working with the Cavendish Library to set up a workshop on this topic. If you are interested in attending or have a recommendation for a guest speaker, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

2. REMEMBERING THOSE FROM CAVENDISH WHO GAVE ALL: Memorial Day is when we remember those who died while in service to their country. Started as a Civil War remembrance, James A. Garfield, when he was an Ohio Congressman and a former Civil War Union General, stated at the commemoration of Arlington National Cemetery, We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

Revolutionary War: Soldiers who died in and around Cavendish, particularly on the Crown Point Road, were buried in the Coffeen and  Revolutionary cemeteries and in private graves.

Civil War: More soldiers died of disease during the Civil War than were killed in battle. Intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, and dysentery were rampant in the camps, along with various types of fevers, measles, chicken pox, mumps, whooping cough, and small pox. Men who left their home towns for the first time were exposed to new diseases that they had no immunities against. A lack of sanitation and close quarters contributed to the spread of disease, and poor food, lack of shelter, and a lack of proper clothing increased their severity. In the field, a common cold could quickly become pneumonia. Army War College.

Of the 173 names appearing on the Cavendish civil war memorial: 14 died in battle/wounds, 1 in prison, 13 while in the service from disease); two were lost at sea; one was drown and one was missing in action.

Died from disease: Jesse Adams; Sylvanus S. Barnard; Thomas W. Demary; Henry C. Fletcher; Nathan Graves; Myron Hicks; Chancellor Paige; Otto Rimley; Michael Shannon; Charles Spaulding; George Taylor; William Webster; Henry P White

Died in Battle or from wounds: Joseph Ashley (Gettysburg); Zaccheus Blood (Winchester); Henry G. Fillebrown (Petersburg); John Quincy French (Wilderness); John L. Hemenway; Horace Needham (Petersburg); Wesley Sheldon (Cedar Creek); John Smith (Petersburg); Nicholas Smith (Spotsylvania); Matthew Stewart; George Wallis; James Webster (Cold Harbor); Luther Graves Lee’s Mills; Merritt White

Lost on steamer “North America” off Cape Hatteras Hial W. Holden and Lowell B. Paine.

Other: George Smith: Drowned in Rio Grande River and Henry Spaulding died in Andersonville Prison; Charles Stockdale Missing in Action Crampton’s Gap

Spanish American War: Six men served with one, Ernest Grout, dying

World War I: Fifty seven men and one woman enlisted. Four men died, George Dixon, Winthrop Hoyle, Truman McNulty and Francis Wallace. Winthrop Hoyle was 16 and died from nephritis in Rhode Island. The American Legion Wallace Mcnulty Holye Post was named in honor of these veterans.

World War II: 168 men and one woman served with seven men dying during the course of the war. Ted Berg, Harold Davy, Duane Hodge , Kenneth Hodge, Morris Percy, Edward Sherer Jr and H. Allen Spaulding.

WWII was the last war in which a person from Cavendish died in service.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Water Testing on the Black River: Once again Black River Action Team (BRAT) is conducting water testing on the recreational spots on the Black River. Please note that Greven field will not be tested as the beach was washed out in the various floods. All swimming holes reported in well below the EPA's recommended "safe swimming limit" of 235 colony-forming units: Lake Rescue: 12 cfu; Cavendish Gorge: 44 cfu; Twenty-foot Hole: 150 cfu; Lake Pauline: 3 cfu; Tolles Power Dam in Perkinsville: 93 cfu. Reminder that these results reflect the bacteria levels found in one grab sample of 100 mL of water on Wednesday morning; the goal of this monitoring program is to recognize trends in our swimming holes so we can each make an informed recreational decision. It is always recommended to stay out of water that is cloudy or milky, and for 24 - 48 hours after a heavy rain.

• Cavendish, Vermont Man Sentenced to 14 Months for Unlawful Receipt of a Firearm: The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 23, 2024, Mitchell Horton, 37, of Cavendish, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Horton previously pleaded guilty to receiving a firearm while under indictment for a New Hampshire felony. According to court records, on April 3, 2023, Horton possessed a Smith and Wesson .380 semi-automatic pistol in his waistband. Vermont State Police seized this firearm from Horton upon his arrest for the theft of diesel fuel in Cavendish, Vermont on April 3, 2023. Following his arrest, Horton admitted to law enforcement that he purchased the pistol from another person. On or about April 3, 2023, Horton knew that he was under indictment in the State of New Hampshire for Theft by Unauthorized Taking, a Class A Felony, that carries with it a maximum penalty of fifteen years of imprisonment.  US Attorney’s Office District of VT https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/cavendish-vermont-man-sentenced-14-months-unlawful-receipt-firearm

• Cavendish Bird Walk to be held Sunday, May 26: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will host its 2024 annual Cavendish Bird Walk with Marianne and Michael Walsh of the Ascutney Audubon Society at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 26. This year the walk will begin at 731 Stevens Road in Cavendish.  This is a quiet stroll on wooded, hilly trails and is of moderate difficulty. Please bring your binoculars and your curiosity, and wear good shoes and long pants for tick prevention. Please RSVP to Robin Timko at 802-259-2327. For more precise directions contact Julia at 802-522-2675.

• New England Cider Donuts Bakery & Ice Cream Opens: May 24 (Friday) at the former Ludlow Cooking Company location in Ludlow.

4. EVENTS

MAY 24 (FRIDAY): Early Bird Special for the Cavendish Historical Society plant sale in front of the Museum. 5-7 pm

MAY 25 (SATURDAY):Cavendish Historical Society Plant Sale 9-Noon in front of the Museum.

MAY 24-25 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY): BRGNS Gigantic Spring Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm off route 103 on the Cavendish/Ludlow border.  10-3.

MAY 26 (SUNDAY): 7:30 am. Annual CCCA Bird Walk with Marianne and Michael Walsh Meeting location to be announced. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

MAY 27 (MONDAY): Memorial Day Town Office Closed

MAY 30 (THURSDAY): Cavendish Memorial Day activities: 10 am Program at CTES followed by the parade in Cavendish Cemetery ending at the Cavendish Cemetery off High St.

JUNE 4 (TUESDAY): GMUSD budget Vote. Proctorsville Fire Hall 10-7. Absentee ballots are available from the Town Office.

JUNE 11 (TUESDAY): CTES 6TH grade graduation

JUNE 12 (WEDNESDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 14 (FRIDAY): GMUHS graduation

JULY 3 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Gypsy Reel (Irish band). FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 4 (THURSDAY): 4TH OF JULY Town office closed

JULY 10 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Soul Rockers FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 17 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco Dance Band) FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-East Bay Jazz Ensemble FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JULY 27 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. 9-2 pm

JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Rick Redington & Tuff Luv FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

AUGUST 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 PM Proctorsville Green Summer Concert Series-Bear Mountain Boys FMI cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

   IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS