FREE Energy Savings Workshop Oct. 6 Cavendish

Submitted By Richard Svec, Cavendish Town Manager

Want to reduce home energy use, but not sure where to start? Tired of cold or drafty spots around your house? Wondering what resources are available to help make efficiency improvements?

You’ll learn about all this and more by attending a free Button Up Vermont workshop on Monday, October 6 , at 7:00 pm in the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street in Proctorsville.  Cavendish is hosting this session, one of 100 being held statewide.

The workshop will focus on the greatest opportunities for saving energy in homes, finding and sealing air leaks, energy efficiency actions that people can take now, and where to find technical and financial resources to get started. Button Up Vermont’s specially trained presenter will lead a slide show to illustrate hands-on tips, bring samples of energy saving materials, and provide free educational materials for everyone attending.

“Button Up workshops are designed to help people learn about the best ways to save energy in their homes,” explains Rich Svec, Cavendish’s Energy Coordinator. “These free workshops are considered a first step for Vermonters wanting to learn how to be most effective in reducing their energy use and costs. This is particularly important this year with fuel costs at all-time high levels and people worrying about their fuel budgets.”

Button Up Vermont is a new program of the Central Vermont Community Action Council, in partnership with the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) and Efficiency Vermont.  Funding is provided by the Vermont Agency of Human Services.

To find out more about this specific workshop, contact Richard Svec in Cavendish at 226-7291 or visit www.helpforvt.org, or www.efficiencyvermont.com (1-888-921-5990) about the overall program.

Editorial: The Repugnant Necessity: An Open Letter to Peter Welch (D-VT)

by Ralph Pace

While it appears that most Americans support the action of the Congress is defeating the $700 billion bailout of Wall Street, it is unfortunate that they have not been permitted to see what that action really means in terms of its impact on their own lifes.

The bailout proposal is a repugnant - and decidely, "un-free market", corrective step resulting from the stupidity and greed of the financial markets.  No one can dispute this fact.  No one can blame the American public for reacting against the implicit notion that the financial market operates on a "private profit, public loss" mindset.

Yet, there has been a major failure to explain the impact these financial failures have had on the critical mechanisms of the normal market functions, namely, the availability of credit to permit businesses to grow and compete.  The current financial crisis, regardless of the root causes, has led to the unwillingness of lenders to extend credit. 

This will ultimately mean that businesses that borrow money to expand will not have the resources to do so.

As a result, market share will be lost.  As this occurs, jobs will be lost.  As unemployment grows and market share decreases, the financial ability of both industry and government to meet basic obligations will diminish.

The idea that the bailout proposal can be replaced with a escrow account tax on Wall Street transactions is misplaced given the inordinate length of time such a procedure would take to offset the cause of this crisis.  Had this been enacted eight to ten years ago, it might have been an effective measure.  But we do not have the luxury of waiting that long to correct the current financial crisis.

The bailout proposal, in some form, is the only viable alternative suggested that addresses the immediacy and magnitude of the problem.

This is a moment in time when leadership, even in a representative democracy, cries for action that seeks to repair the damage resulting from a very repugnant set of circumstances - even if such action is contrary to the apparent wishes of the vast majority of the electorate. 

We need leaders today who recognized what is needed, not what is popular.

Former Textile Plant Holds "Yard Sale" Oct 11

D&T Spinning was the last textile operation in Ludlow.  It was sold last year to Frank Dwyer of Ludlow.  In a phone conversation today, Dwyer indicated he planned to turn the old mill, located at 18 Mill Street, into affordable housing.

He has been in contact with Rockingham Area Community Land Trust to this end.

However, Dwyer wanted to do something with the equipment and inventory acquired with the purchase of D&T Spinning.  " I am having a liquidation sale of the remaining items at The Mill on Saturday, October 11^th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the property.  I have everything from blankets to air compressors to fork lifts that I will be selling that day." 

Further information on what's for sale is available by calling Dwyer at          732-995-0043       .

Friends of BRGNS Holds 5th Annual Golf Event

Submitted by Christine Fuller

Five years ago a small group of people who golf at Okemo Valley Golf Course decided to hold a friendly golf tournament, the cost to be in the tournament was a bag full of food which would be give to Black River Good Neighbor Services in Ludlow.

This year, on September 24th, 16 friends met again to enjoy a day of golf followed by a  pot luck dinner at one of the members homes.  But all agreed the highlight of the day was when the donated food was displayed before being packed and delivered to BRGNS Food Shelf.

Those who participated this year were Jim & Carol Mohan, Judy Snyder, Dave Moulton, Donna & Ken Tedford, Kay O’Hare, Peg Carridi, Bob Smith, Yvonne & Ken Guy, Pat and Dave Hasselman, Rita Higgins and Christine & Jim Fuller. 

“The hope is to start expanding this Friends of BRGNS tournament in future years. The end results will mean more food for a cause that we feel very strongly about, after all BRGNS is a neighborhood resource that serves Cavendish, Proctorsville, Plymouth, Mt. Holly and Ludlow and we are pleased to help them” said Jim Mohan who has organized the teams for the last 5 years.

Finishing in First Place was the team of Ken Tedford, Jim Fuller, Peg Carridi and Rita Higgins.

Letters Attack Licensing of VT Yankee

(The following two letters are printed as part of BRT's policy of publishing letters concerning matters of concern to area folks.  Publication does not indicate agreement or disagreement with the contents of the letters-Editor)

Dear Editor:

I am opposed to the relicensing of Vermont Yankee – the risk of continued operation as a means of growing the decommissioning fund far outweighs the benefits of incrased safety, alternative power potential and national leadership in making tough (right) choices in a time of future energy uncertainty. 

Barbara Dickey, Proctorsville VT

Dear Editor:

We do have propane, but we accomplish the better part of our heating with wood.  We burn about 2 cords/year, purchased from our friends and neighbors.  We like the fact that it’s a renewable resource, and that the money stays local.  We’d like our power to stay local, too.  Between wood, hydro, wind and biomass, we think it’s a reasonable proposition.  The thing is, it’s an old plant, Vermont Yankee, and they’re running it too hard, too hot.  If we did that to the wood stove, we’d burn the house down.  Even if they could run it hot safely, the waste just isn’t something you would want in your backyard, or your watershed.  Entergy knew the limits of its license when it bought VT Yankee.  It knew it was old, out-dated, that it would cost a lot to shut down, and that the waste was an issue.  I don’t think they’re being straight with the public in asking for a license extension.  I think it’s time to pull the plug on VT Yankee. 

Brian Benoit, Cavendish VT

Regional Debates Planned for October

The Black River Reporter announced that it had set up two candidates forums dealing with Windsor County state ballots slots to be decided in the November general election.

The first debate, scheduled for Oct 9, will feature the two candidates for the Windsor-Rutland-1 House seat representing Mt Holly, Ludlow, and Plymouth. 

The incumbent, Dennis Devereux (R) will face off against his Democratic opponent, Jay Jurkoic, of Ludlow.  The debate will occur on the That Was The Week That Was (TW3) TV program, broadcast live on Thursday, Oct 9, at 3 pm over LPC-TV, cable channel 8.

Ralph Pace, cohost of TW3, indicated that both Devereux and Jurkoic had agreed to appear on TW3 to discuss their respective positions on regional and state issues to be asked by program cohosts Leo Graham and Pace.  Pace said that both call in and emailed viewer questions will be accepted for this forum.  The phone number is 802-228-8807; the email address is [email protected].

Senate Forum

A week later,on Oct 16, a forum of Windsor County senate candidates will be held at Cavendish Township Elementary School in Proctorsville.  The forum is scheduled to start at 7 pm and is open to the public.  The forum will be telecast by LPC-TV.

All seven candidates filing for the three Windsor County Senate seats have been invited to participate in this forum.

Todate, Democrats John Campbell and Dick McCormack and Republican challenger Kent Butterfield plus Independent Mark Blanchard have accepted invitations to participate in the forum.  Alice Nitka, incumbent Democratic Senator, declined because of a schedule conflict. 

The other two Republican candidates, as of Sept 24, had not responded to the invitation.  Pace noted that they had been contacted three times.  He said that he had even asked the county chairperson to intervene.

The non-responsive Republican candidates are Ethan Foster and Kirk Sparkman.

Oct 4 Village Walk Planned by BRAM

On Saturday, October 4, Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) will sponsor a walking tour highlighting historic homes and buildings in the Village of Ludlow.

This tour is in response to the similar July walking tour that attracted over 95 interested tourers.

"We've worked very hard to make this an enjoyable yet informative walking tour of area buildings to show the living history behind many of the buildings in the Village," said Georgia Brehm, BRAM Director.

She said that 18 specific structures will be viewed and discussed during the tour, some going back to the beginning of the settlement of the Village of Ludlow.

Brehm also noted that, different from the first July walk, several of the buildings to be viewed will be open for further  investigation by the walkers.  While not all buildings to be open for interior inspection have been defined, known buildings will include the Fletcher Memorial Library, United Church, and Ludlow’s Town Hall.  It is expected others will be added to this list.

Some, such as the pictured building, no longer exist in their originally-structured state.  Brehm wondered how many people recognized this structure.  She noted that anyone who can identify the building and its location is invited to send the information to her at [email protected].  “I think a number of people will be surprised to learn what and where the building is now,” opined Brehm.

Brehm noted that "a great deal of research has gone into the preparation for this walk".  She indicated that a very comprehensive guide had been developed to help the viewers appreciate both the history and use of the buildings being viewed.  "In preparing this booklet, we learned a great deal about not just the buildings but, equally important, the growth and evolution of the Village."

The historic walk will begin at 2 PM at Fletcher Memorial Library on Main Street across from Veterans Memorial Park.  To start the tour, Jackie Hunt will offer a brief history of the Village of Ludlow and its relationship to the development of Vermont.  The walks will end at BRAM where refreshments will be offered.

The walks are free and open to the public.  "I urge everyone interested in learning about the past of this distinctive village to join us in our walk in the past," Brehm said.  Information is available at or at BRAM's web site, http://www.bramvt.org.  

Black River Girls Soccer

Submitted by Bruce Schmidt

The BRHS Middle School girls traveled to Townshend to play the Leland & Gray lady Rebels on Tuesday September 23rd.  The first ladies went in coming off a 3 game losing streak and were looking to end the skid against the lady Rebels.  Pictured above  is Emily Chambers (5) as she makes a nice pass to Sarah Rumrill as they head down towards the Leland & Gray goal. Also helping out are Blakely Gilmore (left) & Morgan Kathan (right).

Ashley Rebideau started in the goal and worked hard in the net.  The defense of Tiffany Norton, Sydney Miele, Carrie Wooley & Jordan Collins  were tough all day.  They were helped out considerably with Hanna Livingston at the stopper position.  Back and forth BR and Leland & Gray went during the first half.  After many different shots, BR finally struck for a goal with Sarah Rumrill tucking one away with an assist from Morgan Kathan.  Kelsey Rebhan played a good game at the halfback position. She missed the goal once with a shot just wide and had other good opportunities. Gabrielle Miele, Noelle Stengel, Hanna Vanguilder and Phoebe Tucker had some great runs up the field and contributed to the 20 shots on goal that BR had.  During the Second half, Morgan Kathan was able to break free near the Rebel goal and after a nice pass from Kelsey Rebhan, scored BR’s 2nd goal.  Blakely Gilmore and Emily Chambers were hard at work on the front line and always a scoring threat.  “I was very happy the way the girls played at Leland & Gray.  They were much more aggressive and played better as a team.”  BR takes a 2-3 record into their game against Weathersfield on Wednesday 9/24.

Cavendish Fund Opens Fall Grant Applications

Submitted by Peter J. LaBelle

The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it is now accepting applications for Fall 2008 Grants.  The application period will remain open until November 1, 2008.   

The Fund will make grants for educational or cultural purposes.  Recipients must use the money only for programs, projects or events that will primarily benefit Cavendish residents.  The application process consists of a one-page form, available as described below, and an attached statement.  The statement must describe the applicant’s background, list the project’s goals, and specify who will benefit and when the project will occur or be completed.  Also required are a project budget and a list of staff.

CCF began in 2007 and previous grants have been made to benefit community programs run by the Cavendish Elementary School, the Historical Society, and the Library; and to sponsor the Cavendish Community Theater, the winter Film Series, and Stepping Stones teacher training.

Interested persons should pick up instructions and the form at Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Café on Depot Street in Proctorsville, or at the Cavendish Town Offices on High Street in Cavendish.  Applicants may call Peter LaBelle at          (802) 226-7250       or Barbara Dickey at          (802) 226-7187       for instructions on how to apply, for help in assembling the information required in the application, or for details on who is eligible to receive a grant.  Information is also available by writing to the Fund at P.O. Box 605, Cavendish, VT 05142.

BRAT Helps Clean Up Black River

Submitted by Kelly Stettner

On Saturday, September 6th, the Black River was bustling with the activities of dozens of volunteers searching for and removing trash from the water and the banks.  It was the 9th annual RiverSweep, a cleanup event organized by the Black River Action Team, a community group dedicated to keeping the river and feeder streams clean and healthy.

Pictured above, with his son looking on, is Joey Holmes as he dives into the Black River to retrieve a shopping cart.  Holmes was one of the 53 volunteers who worked in the Springfield area while another 8 tackled the river in Ludlow.  People of all ages helped, many new faces were welcomed and plenty of 'veteran BRATs' returned for the challenge.

As the volunteers donated their time and elbow-grease, many area businesses donated money, goods and services to this long-time event.  This year's supporters are listed on the backs of the chocolate-brown tee shirts that each volunteer was given; they include: Acrylic Designs, Inc.; Bryant Credit Union; Clear Away Rubbish Removal, Inc.; Cherry Hill Farm; Citizens' Bank; Compost Solutions; Connect-A-Dock; Connecticut River Bank; Connecticut River Watershed Council; Curves; Divergent Technology; Dr. Christopher Fauver, DDS; Gurney Bros. Construction; Java Baba's; Larochelle Landscaping; Lawrence & Wheeler Insurance, Inc.; LPCTV; Ludlow Transfer Station; Luzenac America, Inc.; Main Street Market of No. Springfield; Merchant's Bank; New England Grassroots Environmental Fund; Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc.; North Fork Bagels; Okemo Mountain Resort; Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District; Radio Shack of Springfield; River Valley Tech Center; SAPA-TV; Sandri-Sunoco; Shaw's of Ludlow and of Springfield; Simply Everything; Skyline Nursery; So. Windsor County Regional Planning Commission; Spring River Enterprises; Springfield Animal Hospital; Springfield/Chester Recycle Center; Springfield Food Co-Op; Springfield Pharmacy; Springfield Royal Diner; Springfield Shopping Plaza; Springfield Town Library; Town of Ludlow; Town of Springfield; Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.; Vermont T's; Wicked Good Pizza and Young's Furniture & Appliance.

The list of trash pulled out was almost as extensive as the list of supporters!  Ludlow BRATs found many pieces of old metal and bags of trash, plus a broken canoe; the Springfield crews recovered 3 tires, scores of cans and bottles, 25 shopping carts, three dozen bags of trash, 20 gallons of used motor oil in buckets, 2 small t.v. sets, 2 vacuum cleaners, a broken plastic lawn chair, a rollerblade, a traffic cone, a large traffic cylinder, part of a marble bench, a plastic Pepsi rack, a metal sign, a child's bike frame, 2 roofing tiles, a prehistoric mop-head, and a plastic port-o-potty seat.

The BRAT would like to thank each and every supporter and donor, as well as the intrepid volunteers who turned out for this year's event.  Special thanks go to Marita Johnson for handling much of the set-up and smooth operation of the Springfield "headquarters," and to Mischelle Paton for stepping up to the plate and taking on the running of the Ludlow HQ, rising to the challenges of the day with grace.  A sincere dose of thanks also goes to Sue Poirier who helped Mischelle out with the Ludlow crew, despite being called away on a rescue call mid-way through the event.  The BRAT depends on folks like these ladies, willing to roll up their sleeves, hunker down and get the job done.  It is with a deep sense of appreciation for every volunteer over the past 9 years that the BRAT looks forward to its tenth year in the river.