Welcome to "The Dish", the blog of Cavendish Connects, a community web site for the town of Cavendish, Vermont.
The Dish features a round-up of local happenings and events in Cavendish, Vermont.
Have something noteworthy to share? Contact us at cavendishconnects@gmail.com; we would love to hear from you.
Cavendish Town Elementary School is accepting bids for outside repairs and select painting of the school building. Complete scope of work available upon request.
Tour of facility and explanation of scope of work Thursday, May 25 at 8:30 am. Bids due to school and opened Friday, June 2 at 10 am
FMI: George O. Thomson, Principal 226-7758
IF YOU COUNT ON CAVENDISH CONNECTS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOU.
5/5/17 Cavendish Update
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Shop Local for Mother’s Day
3.. Events
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Select Board Meeting Rescheduled to Monday, May 15: Due to a glitch in the town’s website, and the inability to warn the meeting, the monthly SB meeting has been rescheduled for May 15. The agenda is available on-line.
Fatal Tick Virus Concerns VT Health Dept: A banner year for ticks in Vermont, due to heavy rain, there's growing concern among health officials about a new, potentially fatal virus. The state estimates about 60 percent of ticks carry diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, which is easily treatable if caught early. A new disease, Powasson, is on the rise and has no effective treatment and can be fatal. Last year, out of 244 ticks tested in VT, three tested positive for Powasson. "It is a rare but serious disease and death is definitely a potential outcome.” Cavendish residents are finding ticks on themselves and pets, which is not surprising as May and June are peak tick season. Take a few minutes and learn how to reduce your risks, the correct way to remove a tick and what to do if you’ve been bitten at Take Ticks Seriously.
VTrans Construction: Want to know what routes to avoid during “construction” season? Check VTrans Construction Projects map.
VT Fish & Wildlife Dept. Enlists Public to Prevent Spread of Invasive Species: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is encouraging the public to learn more about invasive species and help combat their spread. Landowners can play an important role in controlling non-native, invasive plants such as knotweed and buckthorn, while boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as spiny water fleas and Asian clams. This spring and summer will provide opportunities for both groups to assist the state in combatting these species. Press Release
VT Health Leaders Call New Health Legislation Worse than the First: Leaders across Vermont’s health care industry say the newest bill going through Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is worse than the one that failed in March. This bill, like the last one, would also cut funding to Medicaid starting in 2020, give people help paying for insurance based on their age but not their income, and defund Planned Parenthood for at least one year. Vermont has been requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions since 20 years before the Affordable Care Act, and health care leaders said in interviews that they doubt state officials would request any other waivers to roll back coverage. But the state also relied on the ACA, to expand Medicaid coverage to give insurance to tens of thousands of Vermonters and cut the state’s uninsured rate in half. Vermont now has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country. According to the Agency of Human Services VT could lose $200 million per year in federal funding, which could force the state to cut enrollment, benefits or funding to public health programs. VT Digger
2. SHOP LOCAL FOR MOTHER’S DAY: Looking for the perfect gift for that Cavendish Mom, shop local:
• Fletcher Farm Craft School: Cavendish residents get half off a class. You do need to stop by the town office for proof of town residency.
• Fitness class, massage or personal training session at DG Bodyworks in Proctorsville
• Spa day at The Castle’s Aveda Spa
• Hair cut at the Village Clipper
• Breakfast or lunch at Crow’s Bakery
• Dinner at Murdock’s on the Green. They will be having brunch on Mother’s Day
For additional ideas, check out the Cavendish Business Directory.
3. EVENTS
MAY 13 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY; Spring Bird Walk; Local Household Hazardous Waste Collections
MAY 14 (SUNDAY): HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
MAY 15 (MONDAY): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda is on-line.
MAY 19 (FRIDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Rummage Sale begins at Fletcher Farm.
For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.
IF YOU COUNT ON CAVENDISH CONNECTS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOU.
5/5/17 Cavendish Update
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Take Ticks Seriously
3. Help Wanted: Housekeeper
4. Shop Local for Mother’s Day
5. Bottle Drive to Benefit Girls on the Run
6. Events
1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS
Green Mountain Unified School District Voted in: With approximately 14% of registered voters participating, Cavendish, Chester, Andover and Baltimore, approved the Act 46 merger and formation of the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD). While Cavendish students will continue to go to Cavendish Town Elementary School and Green Mountain Union High School, the current CTES board will be dissolved and three representatives from Cavendish-Fred Marin, Doug McBride and Bruce Pollard-will serve on the GMUSD board. The 11 member board will include representatives from the other towns as follows: Joseph Fromberger Andover; Alison DesLauriers, Marilyn Mahusky, Jeff Hance, Erin Lamson, Deb Brown and one position to be filled by a write-in candidate Chester; and Kathy Muther Baltimore. Voting results were as follows: Andover 59 yes, 28 no; Baltimore-22 yes, 17 no; Cavendish-104 yes, 73 no; and Chester-244 yes, 44 no. The new board becomes effective on July 1, 2018.
Congratulations Tate!: Tate Pellerin, an 11-year-old Cavendish resident, was named Vermont State Wrestling Champion for the fifth year in a row this season. He competes all over New England and became involved with wrestling in kindergarten, after meeting Todd Swisher, his coach, also from Cavendish. Since then, his love for competition wrestling has grown. Pellerin just crossed the 200-win mark this season, boasting 207 wins. He also plays football as a running back in Bellows Falls, and baseball as catcher and outfielder in Cavendish. Pellerin’s dream is to play football for Ohio State VT Journal
Cavendish Historical Society News Brief for May: The CHS blog contains the latest activities of the Historical Society and what you can expect in the next few months. Learn about the various renovations happening at the Museum and the Stone Church as well as the upcoming fundraiser at Circa 1810.
Fighter Training Flights to Continue Through Mid-June: In the coming six weeks (May 1-June 14), the 104th Fighter Wing from the Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Mass, will be conducting flight trainings that include Southern VT in their flight paths. Trainings will be from 9-5 during the week. Press Release
VT 100 One Lane Until May 15: Due to work on Bridge, traffic on Route 100 is down to one lane until May 15.
BRGNS To Hold Spring Rummage Sale: Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday May 21st from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The sale will feature clothing, housewares, books, linens, furniture and all manner of goods. “ BRGNS also runs a thrift store at 37B Main Street in Ludlow – behind the Ludlow Community Center. Its programs serve Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly and Plymouth. FMI or to volunteer, please call Audrey at 802-228-3663.
2. TAKE TICKS SERIOUSLY: Cavendish residents are finding ticks on themselves and pets, which is not surprising as May and June are peak tick season in Vermont. The ongoing rain increases the number of ticks, increasing the risk of a tick bite In recent years, there has been a big upswing in people becoming infected with Lyme disease, as well as other tick borne illnesses. Take a few minutes and learn how to reduce your risks, the correct way to remove a tick and what to do ifyou’ve been bitten at the CC blog post Take Ticks Seriously.
3. HELP WANTED: Golden Stage Inn is seeking a part time housekeeper to thoroughly clean guest rooms, bathrooms and common areas for our 8-room bed and breakfast in Proctorsville. Honesty, reliability, and attention to details are critical. Schedule is negotiable but weekends are a must. Housekeeping experience preferred. References required. Please contact Julie at (802) 226 7744 or innkeeper@goldenstageinn.com
4. SHOP LOCAL FOR MOTHER’S DAY: Looking for the perfect gift for that Cavendish Mom, shop local:
• Fletcher Farm Craft School: Remember Cavendish residents get half off a class. You do need to stop by the town office for proof of town residency.
• Wine Tasting at Circa 1810: For the Mom that loves wine, take advantage of the Cavendish Historical Society wine tasting on May 15, which includes samplings of cheese, charcuterie and chocolate plates. Learn more at the CHS Website.
• Fitness class, massage or personal training session at DG Bodyworks in Proctorsville
• Spa day at The Castle’s Aveda Spa
• Hair cut at the Village Clipper
• Breakfast or lunch at Crow’s Bakery
• Dinner at Murdock’s on the Green. They will be having brunch on Mother’s Day
For additional ideas, check out the Cavendish Business Directory.
5. BOTTLE DRIVE TO BENEFIT GIRLS ON THE RUN : As part of the CTES’s “Girls on the Run,” the students are holding a bottle drive to raise money for the water bottle filling machine for the school. The drive will be held on Monday, May 8 from 4-5. However, you can also drop bottles/cans off directly at the redemption center in Ludlow and say it is for Cavendish GOTR or you can leave the bottles at the school on Monday during the day, just let the office knowing you are doing so.
6. EVENTS
MAY 6 (SATURDAY): Green Up Day, meet at the Proctorsville Green at 9 am for bags, gloves and route assignment. BBQ is at noon by the Gazebo.
• 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala to benefit LPC-TV 5-8 pm at Willie Dunn’s.
MAY 8 (MONDAY): Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.
• Bottle Drive for Girls on the Run-see article above
For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.
Cavendish residents are reporting ticks on pets as well as themselves. May/June and Oct/Nov are peak tick seasons in Vermont. Since ticks carry serious diseases-Lyme, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus and Borrelia miyamotoi-it is important to protect yourself and your pets.
How to protect yourself: Ticks can live in a variety of habitats, but they prefer wooded and bushy areas with high grass, brush and leaf litter. If you enter an area where ticks are likely to live, try to avoid direct contact with the surrounding vegetation. For instance, if you are hiking stay in the center of the trail where the grass is low and the underbrush is cut back. Ticks do not jump onto their hosts like fleas. They also do not drop down onto their hosts from leaves high above in trees.
• Protect your skin by wearing pants, long sleeves, and long socks. Tucking your pant legs into your socks and tucking your shirt into your pants can help keep ticks on off of your skin. Apply an insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Do not spray repellent on skin that is covered by clothing. Apply permethrin to your clothes. Permethrin kills ticks on contact and remains protective through several washings. Do not use permethrin on skin. Make sure the repellent you use is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Check for Ticks-Remove ticks from your clothes before going indoors. Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. The heat and dry conditions can kill blacklegged ticks .Check your body and your child’s body after being outdoors. Use a mirror to look at all parts of your body (armpits, behind ears, groin, etc.) and remove any ticks you find. Shower soon after you come inside.
How to Remove a Tick: Remove the tick as soon as you discover it. Removing a tick the right away can help prevent tickborne diseases
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers, or one of the many available tick removal tools. Firmly grasp the tick close to the skin. Avoid touching the tick with your bare hands.
2. With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed. Do not twist or jerk the tick. Do not be alarmed if the tick's mouthparts remain in the skin.
3. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Clean the tick bite with soap and water or use an antiseptic such as iodine scrub or rubbing alcohol.
Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or any other products to remove a tick. These methods are not effective.
Protect Your Pets: Pets that go outdoors can bring ticks inside so check your pet each time they’ve been outside. Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tick borne diseases. Vaccines are not available for all the tick borne diseases so use a tick preventive product on your dog.
Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tick borne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick.
To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:
• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
• If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area.
• Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
• Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.
Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any insect acaricides or repellents to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!
For information on tick prevention in animals go the Centers For Disease Control website.
If You Have a Tick Bite: Symptoms may begin as soon as three days after a tick bite, but can appear as long as 30 days after. Contact your health care provider if you develop a fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue or a rash soon after a tick bite.
Antibiotics after a Tick Bite: In general, infectious disease specialists do not recommend routine use of antibiotics. However, health providers might offer patients a single dose if the following conditions are met:
• The tick can be identified as a nyphmal or adult blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis),
• The tick has been attached for 36 hours or more,
• The antibiotic can be given within 72 hours of tick removal,
• Antibiotics are not contraindicated, and
• Lyme disease is common in the area where the tick bite occurred. If you believe you picked up the tick anywhere in Vermont or neighboring states, this condition would be met.
This type of treatment, called post-exposure prophylaxis, is not recommended as a way to prevent other tick borne diseases in Vermont such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis or ehrlichiosis
Learn more at the Vermont Health Department’s website Mosquito, Tick & Zoonotic Diseases.
