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| Rich Svec |
The following post is dedicated to the memory of Rich Svec, who as town manager when Irene struck, spent nearly every day until his retirement, Jan 2017, working on some aspect of the damage wrought by this tropical storm. Thanks to his tireless work, the town’s infrastructure was rebuilt without accruing lasting debt.
In preparing this post, it's the first time in years that I’ve looked at the Cavendish Updates and Facebook from that time period. Little did I realize that the Facebook page, which was started June 2011 to help inform the public about Cavendish 250th Anniversary celebrations, would play such an important role during Irene and subsequent emergencies.
Several things hit me about these posts. My spelling and grammar errors could have been a lot worst given how little sleep I was getting. Cavendish is an amazing town and knows how to take care of one another. There are many similarities between our recovery from Irene and how we are currently handling Covid. Cavendish knows how to get the job done.
When Irene hit, Cavendish was one of the few towns that was using the Internet to outreach to community. Among the worst towns in VT, the digital services kept us connected and informed. It also resulted in support from surrounding towns, volunteers from other states and contributions from around the world. This is just one example of some of the messages we received. I am an elementary school teacher in Texas who used to live in Weston. What does the school need? Are the kids' school supplies damaged/gone? How can Texas teachers help? We are in solidary with you!!! Sunni Starkes
On Saturday, Aug. 28, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will have a display table at the
last concert of the season. This will take place at 5:30 pm at Svec Park
(Proctorsville Park) and will feature the Break Maids. The Museum will also
have items on display on Sunday Aug. 29th from 2-4. Masks are now required
at the Museum.
Below are excerpts from the Cavendish Update from August 26 to the close of the Shelter on Sept. 6. Links are provided so you can read the entire posts.
A special post later that day advised water conservation since there was only sufficient water in the municipal system to last for several or more days in the event of an extended power outage.
That evening, the Cavendish Community Theater had their final dress rehearsal for Cavendish Chronicles II to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Cavendish Charter. Cast member, and CHS board member, Bruce McEnaney recommended taking pictures of the town “as it won’t look like this on Monday.”
August 27 (Saturday): At the evening’s opening performance of “Cavendish Chronicles” those attending found preparedness handouts on their seats. While Sunday’s performance was cancelled, Rich Svec spoke to the town about the pending storm and what to do if they needed help. At the cast party following the performance, the rain began, sending many home early to prepare.
August 28 (Sunday): A late night post notified the town of the extent of the devastation, that a shelter was open at the school and there was no way in or out of town.
The damage to Cavendish is significant. According to town manager, Richard Svec, the damage is in the millions and we will qualify for FEMA. There are a number of areas that are damaged including:
• Mill St and Mac Molding Parking Lot flooded
• Depot Street Proctorsville flooded, residents evacuated
• Brook Rd (Cavendish) residents evacuated, major damage
• Rt 131 by Duttonsville Rd has been washed out
• Rt 131 Bridge by William's Store major section missing
• Rt 131 Chubb Hill Rd area bridge damaged
• Sections of Rt 131 are missing so take care while driving
• Davis Rd bridge is out
• Heald Rd heavy flooding
Some people were housed at the school overnight, while
others stayed at Sandra Russo’s, Glimmerstone, the Golden Stage Inn as well as with friends
and neighbors. Both fire departments became operational 24/7 as they helped to
make roads passable and brought much needed resources to people who were stuck
in their homes.
August 29 (Monday): Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) became the shelter and the gathering point for information, meals, snacks, a community closet that provided incredible donations of food, cleaning supplies and basics such as towels, toiletries, pet food etc. free for the taking. Jess and her husband came every afternoon to do face painting and provide toys and support for kids and families alike. Jane Hart offered art projects. Robin Timko offered meditation. Everyone rose to the occasion to offer what they could. Fresh flowers were arranged daily on the tables. An incredible crew mopped floors after every meal as the National Guard brought in a lot of river goo on their boots. School, which was to start that week was ultimately delayed until Sept 12. In the interim, Peggy Svec called all of the families with students at CTES to check on them.
August 30 (Tuesday) Note there was a need for updates three times that day.
The Governor flew over Cavendish to assess the damage.
Many are saying it is worse than the aftermath of the 1975 flood. It is not possible to go east on Route 131 towards 91 as the Williams Bridge has a section that is gone and so are parts of 131 east of Cavendish Village. While 131 may be open in other areas, drive carefully as sections of the road are gone. Bridges and roads are washed out all over town so getting around is difficult. Also, downed power lines can be an issue in certain areas.
As far as water. The water main by Glidden/Churchill area of
route 131 went when that portion of the road caved in. Dan Churchill is now
referring to this as the Churchill Canyon. [Most referred to
it as the Cavendish Canyon.] 
Cavendish Canyon
Please use caution! According to Fire Chief Glidden, a mother and child were
standing on the edge of "Churchill Canyon" yesterday. Where they were
standing is now gone.
Depot Street is closed! According to residents, people are still trying to go
down it, ignoring the cones and tape. Please observe the precautionary
measures. They are there for your safety.
The National Guard rolled into town on Tuesday evening to cheers and tears. Housed at CTES, they immediately went to work assessing damage and repairs.
August 31 (Wednesday): Note early morning posts were often written late at night, posted to the blog but e-mailed first thing.
The town manager has requested that people refrain from going down to the Williams Store bridge area and the “canyon” that has formed on 131 near Bob Glidden and Dan Churchill’s property. These are extremely unstable areas and the ground can give way underneath you. We don’t want any fatalities. ….While people are just doing amazing and thoughtful things in response to this situation, it isn’t easy. Many people are reporting feeling overwhelmed, crying and just very unsure of what they doing or the strong emotions they are feeling. This is a very normal response to a very abnormal situation. Food, water and people to chat with are at the school. Take a break from trying to do massive clean up and making a meal. We will be working on resources to help those who may not have flood insurance or other resources. Sometimes it’s the simple things of a nap, eating something or going to the bathroom that can make you feel better. Hang in there. We will make it through this.
Under the direction of Sandra Russo, who produced the Cavendish Chronicles, preparations were underway to modify the play to produce it on Saturday night. Revisions were made to include some of the activities of the flood.
The helicopter landed and the Red Cross arrived. We have wonderful fresh fruit, lots of water and a variety of supplies. Come for dinner starting at 5:30 and take home what you need. There is a truck on its way from a church down south bringing cleaning supplies and other items needed for the cleanup.
September 1 (Thursday)
While there is much information to pass on, there are some
moments to share. Yesterday, a little girl brought her fiddle to school so Bob
Naess could give her a fiddle lesson. A very apt pupil, she then proceeded to
spend quite a bit of time practicing. None of us will forget Peggy Svec’s
“lecture” to the National Guard men staying in the kindergarten room.
Basically, no messin’ with the toys and lights out. Still don’t know who slept
in the dollhouse. Having fresh fruit delivered. Pastor Joseph and Jessica
spending the entire afternoon and evening at the school. Jessica’s face
painting was so fabulous, the adults as well as the children were decked out in
the most amazing designs. Next time, I’m going for the shark one. Hearing “yes
m’am,” and “no sir” so often that Sgt. Peters was nicknamed Sgt Sweetie Sir.
He’s a great sport about it. A special thanks to the Chester American Legion
who brought dinner to our town last night and to George, whose last name I’m
forgetting, who made the best biscuits and sausage gravy. One of the soldiers
even asked for the recipe! And a very special thanks to the many people of
Cavendish, who are providing support and encouragement to each other. 
Jess's famous shark painting.
And yes I did get a shark face painting. It totally caught Rich off guard who told me it was a bit “terrifying.” In short, don’t recommend a shark on your face when working a shelter.
Many people are coming in now as they are able to actually
get here. However, everyone seems to believe that water and supplies should be
saved for those who need it most. The fact is, we all need it and we have
sufficient amounts for everyone. So please stop by the school, fire stations to
pick up water. The "Cavendish Cupboard" is open for business at the
school starting at 7 am and going through dinner.
We now have teams of people heading out into the outreaches of town bringing
water and supplies. Please let us know if you need something or if you think
someone in your area does.
September 2 (Friday)
Heald Rd Bridge
Anybody else wondering what day of the week it is and
whether you have clean underwear for tomorrow? I sure hope I’m not the only
one. Anyway, lots of progress is being made.
Our young adults are just terrific. We had a group go on a search and rescue party
for a lost teen in Brattleboro, attend soccer practice, come back and were
pouring milk at 8 pm for the guard. Thank you Luke for organizing the kids for
an intense soccer match. Many of our kids are helping out-setting tables,
working on road crews to get the back roads open, staffing places for the fire
department and helping to deliver food and water to distant parts of town.
We hear from a lot of people that they’d just like to get back to “normal.”
Well, we can’t go back to the way it was. Instead, we will have a much stronger
community. Many of us have made new friends that will last the rest of our
lives and in short, we will have a different community but it will be richer
and better for this experience.
We’re all getting a bit punchy and/or edgy. If someone says something and you
want to deck’um, count to 10, and let it go. Chalk it up to Irene (and not
Irene Pearson who is doing an amazing job) and move on.
People know they don't have flood insurance, are finding
that their insurance will not cover their damage, or have very high
deductibles. Because this was a flood, and who knows what was in the water, the
longer it's left untouched, the more likely you will have mold and other
problems. This then creates a health hazard. Please be sure to use proper
gloves, masks, ventilation etc. We are working to get these at the Cavendish
Cupboard. There are some limited tools to help with clean up at the town office
and the fire stations. However, a helicopter just landed so maybe there are
more cleaning tools in this shipment.
FEMA was here yesterday assessing damage at various residences. They were
telling people to take pictures, document what is being done (include expenses,
time spent by you and volunteers) but go ahead and starting cleaning up.
September 3 (Saturday):
We're into major cleanup. While it was wonderful that so many people and
organizations are helping, and everyone loved Cota & Cota’s incredible BBQ,
yesterday was a tough day as many are now learning that their homes are a loss
or that damage is much more significant than they initially thought.
The National Guard will still be working in our town, but we will be preparing
our last meal for them on Sunday night as they will be relocating to the Ludlow
Community Center. [Note that the Air Force division ended up staying at the
Proctorsville Fire Dept.]
We have some incredible crews going out to help clean basements and other areas
devastated by the flood. Mold is a big issue, so please be cautious. At noon
there will be a post on the blog about mold specifically. In the mean there are
some links below to provide you with a lot more information about clean up.
Please do not go site seeing in your car. These roads are very fragile and we
don’t need them damaged any further.
Everybody was hurt by this flood, whether you have power and water back or not.
Together, with much help from our surrounding towns and organizations, we have
put together a variety of resources to help. Use them! There will be plenty of
opportunities for each of us to give in the future, but this is the time we
must be willing to receive.
So today’s tip when someone is getting on your last nerve is give them a hug
and a cookie (or candy bar). Stop by the school to stock up.
September 4 (Sunday) Great job last night Cavendish players for entertaining the town and National Guard and for providing a much needed break for those cleaning up their homes and the many who have served our town for seven straight days. What a treat to see the Proctorsville Fire fighters coming in for dinner/theater wearing full dress uniforms. A very special thanks to Kata Welch who rewrote sections of the play to incorporate past week events and to Sandra Russo, without whom none of this would have been possible.
My favorite moment was backstage last night. A National Guard soldier was looking for a mirror to check his eye. Dr. Bont a.k.a. Dr. Harlow played himself and took care of him. Oh, there was another moment, seeing Daryl Stowell in the audience. Good to see him off his tractor, where he has spent many hours on the back roads getting them up and running again.
At the end of the play, the Town Manager, Richard Svec announced that sewage is no longer going into the Black River as it’s now going to the treatment plant. Town water is back on-line and more homes have had power restored. Be advised that as repair work continues, there maybe need to disconnect power from time to time.
Before the play began, Peggy Svec announced that the Principal George Thomson wanted desperately to be there but had developed complications to his shoulder surgery and was in the emergency room. Sadly, Thomson’s home was written off as a loss. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way George.
Talk about “dirty jobs,” we have the most incredible groups of volunteers working to get basements and yards back in shape. Warren Garfield and his wife from Springfield have spent the last three days with us and will be back tomorrow to help. He, Bill Burrows, Michael Tyrell along with Katie Kurkowiski and a host of volunteers have just been getting “down and dirty.”
September 5 (Monday): Labor Day
It seems fitting, since it is Labor Day to start this post with a quote from
President Calvin Coolidge that he gave in September 1928, while touring the
state after the Nov. 1927 flood, I love Vermont because of her hills and
valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her
indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who have almost beggared
themselves to serve others. If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other
parts of the Union, and support of our institutions should languish, it could
all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave
little state of Vermont. Could we fine better words to describe Cavendish this
past week? I don’t think so. We are truly the “little town that could.”
This morning was the first chance I’ve had to take a long walk and see the
changes in the village of Cavendish where I live. It felt initially like going
to a viewing. However, I ended up talking to many people and was enthralled
with all that’s being done. Everyone was commenting on last night’s rain. I’ve
interviewed a number of older people in our town that survived the 1927 flood.
A common response to the question of how the flood affected them was “don’t
much like rain.” Think we can all relate to that now.
September 6 (Tuesday): Recovery Shelter
is Closing 
Rich was often the last person to be fed.
Many came to enjoy an incredible meal provided by the Weathersfield Inn last night. We’ll be talking about that for a long time to come. The Cavendish Cupboard was relocated yesterday to the Proctorsville Fire Department. Those needing water, cleaning kits and food, should go there. This will be the last day that CTES will operate as a shelter.
School opens tomorrow at GMUHS for junior high and high school students and
CTES returns to school on Monday, Sept. 12. We have moved from the immediate
crisis of making people safe, fed and connected with family, friends and pets
to cleaning out homes and businesses, rebuilding roads, dealing with FEMA and
insurance companies.
While most of us will return to life as it pretty much was before the storm,
with the exception of trying to get from point A to B the way we once did, and
cringing at the sound of a rain drop, there are those in our town that have
lost or have severally damaged homes and businesses.
Through the incredible efforts of many, Cavendish moved its last dislocated residents back home on February 4, 2012. It has taken years, but the bridges, rivers and various other infrastructure pieces have returned to normal.
Additional Reading
Website by CTES 4th Grade
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