Submitted by Margo Caulfiend and Dawn Tyrrell
At this time of year, we pause to give thanks. For those of us in Cavendish, we have much to be thankful for this year.
On August 28, our town was abruptly changed. While the road damage and flooding made us an “island town,” so many of you came to our aid to not only reassure us that we were not alone, but to help us as we began the recovery process.
For ten days, the Cavendish Town Elementary School was our shelter. Over 85 individuals and families and 36 organizations and businesses, including Vermont Red Cross, Homeland Security and the National Guard brought food and water to sustain us, the tools to clean up our homes and businesses, as well as the equipment and talent to restore our roads. Approximately 120 people helped to keep the shelter going, and another 25 formed work crews to assist in restoring damaged property.
For several months now, as we’ve continued the work at cleaning and rebuilding, we have tried to compile a list of all those who have helped. In truth, we can’t remember everyone’s names, but we will never forget the special joy of sleeping late because a group of women from Chester came to cook breakfast and helped with lunches and dinner. From so many different places, people poured in with donations of food, cleaning supplies and basic household items that kept “the Cavendish Cupboard” stocked. We may not remember your names, but we will never forget your acts of kindness.
We would like to extend a special note of thanks to the following organizations and businesses, some of whom were dealing with their own flooding issues, for making a difference in our lives: 56 Main Street; American Legion, Chester; American Legion, Ludlow American Pie; Baba Louis (Chester); Black River Good Neighbor; Black River Produce; Cavendish Game Birds; Chester Andover Elementary School; Central VT Humane Society; Chester/Andover; Chester Family Center; Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc.; Crows Bakery; Cota & Cota; Court St. Anne #1069 CDA; Flood Brook Union School; Hair One, Ludlow; Jiffy Mart; LaValley’s; Lisais Market; Old Cavendish Products; Pleasant Valley Foods; Precision Valley Baptist Church; North Fork Bagel Co.; Singleton’s; Springfield Catholic Daughters; Springfield Donation Drive; Springfield Irene Flood Drive; Stepping Stones Preschool; SYSCO; Velco; The Weston Priory; The Wethersfield Inn Dinner; and Windham and Windsor Housing Trust.
As each day unfolded, the volunteers of the Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments were on duty around the clock to keep us safe, while the Town Office worked to secure relief from governmental agencies and other sources. At the same time an incredible effort was mounted by our local guys (Johnsons, Goulds, Turcos, Palmers, Donnie Davis, Keith Varga, Jeff Stearns, Chad Devereaux, Emerys, Wyatt McAllister, Derek Gurney, Tim Mott, Daryl Stowell and Mark, whose last name we don’t know) who started putting our back roads together so people could get out.
Since the shelter was the first place many came after they were able to leave their property, we heard incredible stories of how neighbors helped one another. These stories continue to mount as help has come in many forms, from many different places, as the rebuilding continues.
As we celebrate our Thanksgiving dinners on Nov. 24, we are grateful and thankful to each and everyone of you who helped to keep Cavendish a town where people can continue to live, raise their families and work.
Sincerely,
Margo Caulfield and Dawn Tyrrell
Comments