Cavendish Update 11/13/20: SB Mtg/Schools/Covid

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11/13/20

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 11/9/20

2. Schools going remote

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 11/9/20:  The Select Board (SB) continues to meet by Zoom, with Okemo Valley TV posting a video of the meeting at their website. Minutes are available at the Town’s website.

Action Taken

• Approved Green MT Snow Fleas Snowmobile Club yearly road crossings.

• Approved Golden Stage Inn for a 1st class Liquor License and Outdoor Consumption Permit

Updates

• Cavendish Gulf Rd and Stone Way paving projects are close to completion

• ATV on town roads. Becoming an increasing issue. Brendan McNamara, town manager, receives an average of 4-5 calls on weekends. Sunday seems to be the worst day with East, Old County and Atkinson Roads appearing to be hot spots. The hardest part is who regulates and enforces.

• Mack Molding parking area completed. The town replaced the culvert on Mill St. which will improve drainage for both the parking area as well as Mill St. that tends to flood due to ice dams

• Bazin Brothers provided paving estimates for three more roads (Wheeler, Greven and Ranney Hill). While price point was on target, the timing wasn’t due to approaching winter. Plan is to do paving on more Class 2 roads in the spring and summer.

• Since paving of 131 will take place next summer, this is a good time to discuss curbing and side walk replacement.

• Former town garage fill spread should be taking place by the end of this week into next.

• For this year, letters for funding requests will not require agencies/organizations to attend the December Select Board meeting.

• Voting went seamlessly. Thank you to all those involved.

• The town manager, who is also co-health officer, explained that no information is provided to the town by the Health Department regarding Covid incidence in town. The most recent data shows that Cavendish has 1-5 cases of Covid.

Executive Session for personnel matter

2. SCHOOLS GOING REMOTE STARTING WITH THANKSGIVING BREAK: On Nov. 8, TRSU Superintendent Lauren Fierman sent a note to the TRSU community. Over the last several weeks, many members of our educational community have been engaged in discussion about the likely effects of holiday travel on our ability to safely run our schools. Families and staff have shared information about their holiday plans, including the number who will need to be in quarantine after traveling out of state or having non-Vermont visitors in their homes. As a result of these discussions and surveys, we have reached a difficult conclusion.

All schools in the TRSU will be going to remote learning from Wednesday, November 25, until one week after the December Holiday Break. We will return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 11….The After School Program is exploring options in order to be able to provide support for families during the weeks of December 7 to December 18 and then again for the week of January 4. Information about the availability of those options will be shared as soon as possible.

3. COVID UPDATE: This week VT has  broken one record after another. Yesterday alone there were 109 new cases, with 19 people in the hospital-five in ICU. From Nov. 5-Nov. 12, VT has had 373 new cases of Covid, with Windsor County accounting for 19 of the cases. Chittenden and Washington County are the largest hotspots, but the VT Dept. of Health is tracking 79 situations statewide, including an outbreak at Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Why such a sudden rise? According to the state, social gatherings, not wearing masks & social distancing, out of state travel, deer camps, Halloween parties, and people with symptoms not staying home are all contributing to the rapid rise. Contact tracers have not been getting the information they need, which is adding to the problem.

New Measures: To counter the rapid rise of cases in VT and surrounding states the following steps are being taken:

• 14-day quarantine Mandate: The “travel map” has been suspended and replaced with the quarantine mandate, requiring anyone who travels to or from Vermont for unessential travel must quarantine for 14 days. This can be shortened if the person is PCR tested on day 7 of the quarantine  and tests negative for Covid. Testing site information is available on-line.

• Youth ice hockey suspended until Dec. 31

• Surge field hospitals are being opened in Burlington and Rutland.

• Gatherings should be limited to fewer than 10 people and stay home for the holidays “Our plans and choices will have an impact on the health and lives of our families and communities. I am strongly urging people to lay low this season and forgo non-essential travel,” said Gov. Scott.

• Covid testing is being increased to seven days a week in addition to widespread surveillance testing for certain groups, such as school workers.

• Compliance Checks: Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling announced a return of randomized, plainclothes compliance checks on whether businesses are violating social distancing guidelines or travel restrictions. The state will send out officers to do those checks starting Nov. 12 as a way to figure out the baseline level of compliance across different businesses, he said. They plan to target lodging and social businesses, particularly indoor ones.

• Surveillance testing of K-12 schools will begin after Thanksgiving break. To establish a baseline, the state will offer testing to all teachers and staff starting next week. After the Thanksgiving break, testing will be conducted on a rotating schedule, with tests offered to one-quarter of Vermont schools each week, so that every teacher and staff member is offered testing once a month. Testing will be voluntary.

If you are thinking about travel:

-       Decide if the risk is worth it for your family.

-       Plan to have a safe trip, remain flexible and get your flu shot.

-       Quarantine when you return.

-       Plan on being tested

The metrics for reopening/shutting down: VT uses the following guidelines for evaluating how the state is doing:

• Syndromic surveillance: Percentage of visits to hospitals with Covid-19 like illness and influenza diagnosis-warning flag percentage of visits exceeding 4% for multiple consecutive days

• Viral growth & reproductivity: Sustained case growth that would lead to <30% open ICU beds.

• Percentage of new positive cases: New positive tests represent > 5% of daily results. Note that VT is doing thousands of tests a day now and the percentage of positive cases is lower than it was in the spring when there was very limited testing and a much rate of positivity.

• Hospital and critical care bed capacity: Reduction in ICU open beds to less than 30%.

Currently VT is still operating below the threshold. As the Governor noted, “I think what we need to do is tighten up a little bit; we’ve become a little bit lax in all areas. But I don’t see us rolling back to where we were in the beginning, because we have a little bit better understanding of what this virus does and how to protect ourselves.” That comment was made at last Friday’s press conference.

Light at the End of the Tunnel: There is some good news to report. The FDAapproved bamlanivimab, a new treatment for Covid, this week. Pfizer has announced that their Covid vaccine is 90% effective. The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been found. It is anticipated that the vaccine will be available by the end of the year and will be going to front line workers such as nurses, doctors and first responder. Dr. Fauci estimates that by April 2021, vaccines will be available to the general public. In the mean, the CDC is reporting that the research shows that masks provide protection to both wearer and those they come in contact with.

Cavendish Covid Resource Guide has been updated and is available at the Cavendish Connects Website. Please note that Shaw’s does provide a delivery service and pick up service is available from Singleton’s and Walmart.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 14 (SATURDAY)-29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service website. 

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space 

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 11/6/20: Election Results/Construction Update/Jobs

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

11/6/20

1. Election Results

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid-19 Update

4. Construction Update 131

5. Events

1. ELECTION RESULTS: Cavendish had a record number of voters.-of 1,113 registered voters, 796 (71%) voted with 506 (45%) voting early. The Chester Telegraph posted an article about the early ballot counting in Cavendish last Friday. Below are returns for Cavendish with the winner’s name appearing first and in bold.

President: Trump (297) Biden (466) 31 voters voted for other presidential candidates with the Libertarian candidates Jorgensen and Cohen getting 8 votes and Green party Hawkins and Walker getting 5

Governor: Scott (R) Scott (565), Zuckerman (177), Hoyt (9), Whitney (7), one each for Billado, Devost and Dickerson

Lt. Gov: Gray (D) Gray (319), Milne (399), Ericson (35), Billado (12), Corbo (7)

State Treasurer: Pearce (D) Pearce (356), Branagan (296), Ericson (68), Wright (33)

VT Attorney Gen: Donovan (D) Donovan (416), Paige (270), Ericson (63)

Sec. of State: Condos (D) Condos (379), Paige (274), Ericson (55), Smith (50)

Auditor of Accounts: Hoffer (I) Hoffer (489), Ericson (191)

State Senate: Clarkson (D)-308, McCormack (D)-264, Nitka (D)-470 Jasinski (262), Stern (146), Williams (264), Wilberding (24), Wade (14)

State Rep: Arrison (D) Kell (363); Arrison (315), Whalen (P) 72

Congress: Welch (D) Becker (17), Miriam Berry (265), Helali (5), Horne (8), Orr (25), Trudell (6) Welch (441)

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Library Book Fair: This year’s CTES Book Fair, Nov. 16-Nov. 29, will be online. Free shipping on orders of more than $25. Shop over 200 new books and premium titles at the Scholastic/CTES Book Fair website.

• Black River Good Neighbor Holiday Baskets: Applications are due for Holiday Baskets by December 1. Applications can be picked up at the Thrift Store/Food shelf Monday-Friday 10-3 at the Food shelf or Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4 at the Thrift Store. Both are located at 37 B Main Street in Ludlow.  Applications are also available at BRGN’s website. FMI: 802-228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com

• Job Opportunities: The state announced new guidelines for ski resorts (see below). Locals looking for part time and/or seasonal work should check out Okemo’s employment page, as the guidelines want to see employees who live locally and not “weekend warriors.”

-       Java Babas (Ludlow) is reopening, with a target date of Nov. 233, and is looking for help in both front or back of house. FMI: javababas@comcast.net

• Harvest Dinner: On Nov. 7 (Saturday), Everyone Eats, in conjunction with Chester Helping Hands, Neal’s, Wellwood Orchards, and Shaw’s will be distributing 100 Free Harvest Dinners in Cavendish. The distribution point is Cavendish Town Elementary School from 3:30-5:00. Pull into the CTES front parking lot and pick up the number of meals that you need. Meals are first come, first serve-no reservations. Donations welcomed

• VT Housing Prices Rose 23% From Sept. 2019.

3. COVID UPDATE: For the first time since the state started publishing Covid cases by town, Cavendish now has confirmed Covid. The only information provided is that Cavendish has between 1-5 cases.

 From 10/29-11/5, VT had 173 new COVID cases, compared to 155 the previous week, bringing the states’ total cases to 2,303. On Thursday, there were 35 new cases, the highest single day total since June 3. While no new deaths, there are now five patients in the hospital with four in the ICU.

 VT is mirroring a national trend of increasing rates. On Wednesday, the US topped 100,000 cases in a single day as the 7- day rolling average also hit a record of 89,859, which is more than double the 7-day average of a month ago.

 Spread due to Montpelier Incident: At last Friday’s press conference, the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) provided data on Covid’s spread statewide due to the Montpelier ice hockey rink incident. This event has led to 112 COVID cases in 18 different towns in four counties in addition to four outbreaks, including St. Michael’s College, which alone has grown to 66 cases. Note-numbers have been updated since the Friday press conference. The spread includes worksites and schools, with hundreds of people in quarantine due to close contact. “This is not something that was localized to a particular geographic area like we experienced with the Winooski outbreak, but spread quickly to other communities throughout the state, and even within smaller communities in certain particular locations as well,” said Commissioner Mike Pieciak of the Department of Financial Regulation.

In studying this outbreak, state epidemiologist, Dr. Patsy Kelso, pointed out that contact tracers for VDH have noticed that people have spent more time with their contacts unmasked, have been less careful to comply with travel restrictions, and have at times gone out despite showing symptoms of Covid.

Both Kelso and Dr. Mark Levine, Health Commissioner, stressed repeatedly, if you receive a call from VDH’s contact tracing team, provide accurate information as quickly as possible.

Face Masks-Science supports their use: “The jury is no longer out” on the role masks play in helping to stop the spread of Covid. In fact, it’s been known for some time now. To be clear, the science supports using masks, with recent studies suggesting that they could save lives in different ways: research shows that they cut down the chances of both transmitting and catching the coronavirus, and some studies hint that masks might reduce the severity of infection if people do contract the disease. The Oct. 6 issue of Nature contains a review article on mask research.

Covid Linked to Increased Risk for Parkinson’s: Buried amidst the politics of this disease, is the very real concern of neurologists that having Covid could increase risk of Parkinson’s Disease. At least three case reports have been published of relatively young COVID-19 patients who developed clinical parkinsonism, either in isolation or with other neurologic deficits, within 2 to 5 weeks of contracting the disease. A fourth case has not yet been published. "Is COVID-19 a Perfect Storm for Parkinson's Disease?," published online October 21 in Trends in Neurosciences.

CHS Cabinet to Go: Be it weather, sickness, or finding it difficult to get out, we can drop off books, puzzles, art supplies or even masks, to help you and your family stay safe and entertained. Please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with your requests. All items will be placed on the porch, mail box or a designated spot.

Press Conferences

• It will be a while before music can once again be taught in schools.

• New guidelines for schools sports along with holiday travel and skiing were issued on Tuesday. No wrestling and indoor track season this winter. Teams can compete in Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, basketball, bowling, cheer, dance and gymnastics, with strict limitations — including no spectators, except for one parent per athlete’s family. FMI on K-12 sports go to The Vermont Principals’ Association website.

• Six Safety measures are being put in place for ski resorts: All visitors must comply with VT travel guidelines; Contact tracing information will be collected from everyone visiting a resort; ski areas must reduce the number of out of state staff; Lift capacity will be reduced; day use lodges are reduced to 50 percent of fire occupancy not to exceed 75 people; Cancelation policies must be loosen so sick people don’t feel pressured to come or lose money. ACCD Ski Resorts Guidelines as of Nov. 3.

• Last Friday, the state reported that UVM only had a handful of Covid cases since it brought more than 10,000 students back to campus this fall. However, on Tuesday, it was reported that one student tested positive, resulting in 30 students being moved into quarantine. On Wednesday, six more students at UVM tested positive for Covid

• Vermonters are encouraged not to travel out of state and reduce social contacts in state.

Closing/delayed/suspended: Ludlow Veteran’s Day Parade cancelled

4. CONSTRUCTION 131 UPDATE: Paving of gravel pipe crossings will be completed by tomorrow (11/6). Paving of a shim layer of asphalt in the soil nail section (between Lindberg Dr. and Brook Rd.) and the box culvert near Glimmerstone mansion is scheduled for next week, weather permitting.  Shoulder reconstruction and widening at various locations throughout the project is scheduled for completion by Friday, 11/6. Included in this work is stone fill for pipe inlets. Clearing of overhanging branches and brush along the ditch line has been completed for this season. Some minor clearing may need to occur next spring when the project resumes.  Crews will be upgrading an existing storm drain and removing a storm drain just west of the Town of Cavendish Highway Department garage next week. Please expect alternating one-way traffic in the vicinity of this operation. Work is anticipated to begin to wrap-up for the season next week. A cleanup crew will likely be on project the week of 11/9 for general cleanup and restoration of pull-offs used for staging sites this summer.

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected in the vicinity of paving and storm drain operations. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic. Minor delays should be expected.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 7 (SATURDAY): Harvest Dinner 3:30-5:00 in front of CTES. No reservations. 100 meals will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. See article in Section 2, Cavendish Info.

NOVEMBER 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm

NOVEMBER 14 (SATURDAY)-29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service website.  

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 10/20/20: Halloween/131 Construction/Covid

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3)- Drop off your completed ballot today or Monday at the Town Office. The town’s polling place is the Proctorsville Fire Dept (Cavendish’s official polling place) for Tuesday from 10-7, where you can vote in person or drop off a ballot. Please bring your ballot with you. If you’ve lost it, no worries you can still vote, it will take another short step. Special thanks to Cavendish’s town clerk Diane McNamara, as well as the town office staff-Jen Leak, Ginny Garrow and Brendan McNamara-for their incredible efforts at making sure early voting has taken place smoothly in Cavendish. 

10/30/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Cavendish Halloween

3. Covid-19 Update

4. Construction Update 131

5. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• "Twenty Mile Stream Grave Robbery," a story from Mary Churchill with information about the practice of grave robbing to assist students at Woodstock Medical College in learning anatomy. Happy Halloween from the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS).

• Resources for Home Learners: CHS has posted their November update for the Carmine Guica Young Historians Program that includes lots of resources to help plan activities in November, including Thanksgiving, the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower and Native American History Month.

• Planet Axis of Proctorsville Announces Virtual Premiere: Planet Axis is premiering its film about Vermont’s community resiliency through the pandemic. “Community Through Crisis: a Vermont story” is the first and only documentary about Vermont’s response to Covid-19, through the eyes of 10 small businesses. “Community Through Crisis: a Vermont story” is in the final stages of post-production with a scheduled virtual premiere Oct. 30, 2020 via coordinated Facebook Live and YouTube channels. Other virtual viewings will be Nov. 2 and Nov. 5. To view a trailer, go to www.youtu.be/r6tXiDHtekc or www.youtu.be/4UFnl7iv2vU.

2. CAVENDISH HALLOWEEN-What’s happening where: It’s exciting to see the new and creative ways Cavendish is celebrating Halloween this year. The Cavendish Baptist Church features a Candy Catapult from 5-7. From 4-7, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum will have an expanded CHS Cabinet, where people can load up with books, puzzles, craft supplies etc. for the months ahead, along with picking up some special Dia de los Muertos treats. The Cavendish Fire Department will be handing out treats from 4-7 and you can place last minute orders for their Gourmet Classics Cookie Dough, with delivery in time for Thanksgiving.

Proctorsville Fire Department will be hosting trick or treaters starting at 4:30 and invites locals to come to PFD with their vehicles and decorate them and pass out candy in the firehouse parking area.

Gethsemane Church (off Depot Street) has just completed a community labyrinth, which will be lit by luminaries Saturday night and is open to anyone that wishes to walk it starting at 6:30 pm. Bring a flashlight, wear a mask and make space between you and others. It is there for anyone In the community who wants to use it, anytime. The labyrinth is behind the church.

Many families will be offering new and unique trick or treat opportunities in both villages. A Cavendish Trick or Treat Map is available at the Cavendish Connects website. If you would like your home or organization added to the list, send an e-mail to cavendishconnects@gmail.com We will be updating the list until 3 pm on Saturday.

Social distancing and masks required. The CHS Museum and the Cavendish Fire Department have free masks and are hand sanitizer stations. The Cavendish Baptist Church has a public bathroom available.

3. COVID UPDATE: What a week in Covid world! Cases in Vermont are rapidly rising, with numbers not seen since April. From 10/22-10/29, VT has had 155 new cases. Currently there are six people in hospital, two requiring ICU care. This is significantly increased from the previous week, where there was a total of 84 new cases. At the rate we’re going, estimates are that VT could reach 50 new cases a day in November. Talk about a wake up call.

The virus is spreading through community transmission. The outbreak at the ice skating rink in Montpelier has now resulted in 57 people becoming infected, with many of them having little to no contact with the initial incident. “What we’ve been experiencing recently are different outbreaks among relatively unrelated groups and individuals, spreading from the original cases, to their contact, and contacts of those contacts, crossing situations and geographic regions of the state,” said health commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. Note that this outbreak was not connected to actually playing hockey or broomball, but more to the activities associated with sports, such as team activities and carpooling. Levine noted that it’s small social gatherings, at which people take off their masks to eat or drink that are leading to the infections.

The outbreak at St. Michael’s College is up to 37 cases. The campus is in quarantine and new cases are primarily being picked up in those already is isolation. The wedding outbreak in Cambridge is responsible for 18 cases.

As the Governor and his team made very clear on Tuesday, as fast as the numbers go up, they can come down. It’s up to Vermonters to practice the safer six (social distance, mask, hand wash & disinfect frequently, stay home when sick, work remotely if possible and avoid unnecessary travel). Get a flu shot to help reduce twin pandemics this winter.

NH is Yellow & Red: As of Tuesday, all of NH falls in the yellow or red zone, which means they are subject to VT’s travel restrictions. You can still go to Claremont and the Upper Valley for “essential purposes” without having to quarantine. Essential travel includes travel for personal safety, medical care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medicine, to attend preK-12 school and college if commuting daily, or to perform work for businesses that are currently allowed to operate. For more information about which businesses may operate and how they may operate, view the Work Safe Guidance. VT Cross State Travel Information

Hospitals Restricting Visitors: With increasing cases, hospitals throughout the state, including Springfield and Rutland Regional Medical, are banning visitors with exceptions for pediatrics, labor & delivery and end of life patients. Call ahead if you want to visit someone in the hospital.

Population density and Covid: There is a popular myth circulating that the reason VT’s incidence of Covid is so low is because we have low population density. VT is ranked 37th of all states for population density and has a low positivity rate and still maintains the lowest per capita fatality ranking in the country. The Dakotas, who are among the lowest states for population density-only Montana, Wyoming and Alaska are lower-are currently staggering under the weight of Covid cases.

VT has taken the “Swiss cheese stacking” approach. The more slices you pile on top-the more prevention strategies- the less likely you’ll encounter a hole-virus getting through.  Readily available testing, strong contact tracing, combined with citizens willing to wear masks, socially distance, frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds etc. makes the difference. VT also has a strong program to support those who become infected, thereby reducing the number of people that require hospitalizations and ICU care.

CHS Cabinet to Go: Be it weather, sickness, or finding it difficult to get out, we can drop off books, puzzles, art supplies or even masks, to help you and your family stay safe and entertained. Please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with your requests. All items will be placed on the porch, mail box or a designated spot.

Press Conferences

• Scott and health officials presented the state’s plan  to distribute a vaccine which has been submitted to the CDC. It is expected that this will be a two dose vaccine. The first round of the vaccine will go to health care workers and first responders.

• DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak provided more details on the new round of hazard pay grants announced Thursday. There are 26 fields that are now eligible for the $22 million, including grocery stores, funeral homes, essential child care. Eligible employees had to work between March 13 and May 15 and have hit 68 hours. They also need to make less than $25 an hour, with some exceptions. It’s a first-come, first-served basis, and the state expects the money to run out with a high demand.

• There have been updates in the school daily health check guidelines. Checks will now include travel screening. three-foot distancing requirements now apply through grade six instead of grade five. Plexiglass barriers are still allowed, but can’t be used to reduce spacing requirements. There was also new guidance on opening windows on school buses. They can now be closed when needed for weather safety reasons. Indoor music activities can begin again with a lot of limitations, including one student practicing per room with masks. Winter sports guidance will be coming out next week.

• The CDC has revamped the definition of “close contact,” thanks to a VT health dept investigation among a prison staff member.

• On Monday, the state issued new guidance limiting youth and adult sport leagues  to in state activities and limits spectators to a maximum of 75 for youth events and none for adult events. Only one spectator allowed per family. ACCD Update to Sports and Organized Sports

• Vermont will participate in Covid vaccine trial: A phase 3 trials for Oxford Universty and AstraZeneca, the University of Vermont Medical Center will recruit 250 volunteers and will prioritize Vermonters over age 65, frontline workers and people with pre existing conditions, as well as racial and ethnic groups that have been disproportionately affected.

Closing/delayed/suspended: Strolling of the Heifers; Boston Marathon 2021 delayed until the fall; Brattleboro Retreat will cut 85 positions and eliminate their addiction hub, addiction management program and two educational programs.

4. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: It is anticipated that crews will finish the installation of under drain runs by the end of the day 10/29. Weather has delayed the paving of gravel pipe crossings. Paving is currently scheduled for early in the week of 11/2. Inclement weather can alter the paving schedule. Shoulder reconstruction and widening at various locations throughout the project will continue for one more week. Included in this work is stone fill for pipe inlets. A clearing crew has begun cutting overhanging branches and clearing brush along the ditch line. It is anticipated that this work will wrap up next week.  A crew is expected at the box culvert site next week to perform the permanent replacement of the town sewer line over the culvert as well as finalize earthwork and turf establishment items at this location. 

Look Ahead: Work is anticipated to wrap up for the season at the end of next week. A cleanup crew will likely be on project the week of 11/9 for general cleanup and restoration of pull-offs used for staging sites this summer. 

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected in multiple locations throughout the project. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic . Minor delays should be expected.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): ELECTION DAY! Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. The Town Office Will be Closed.

NOVEMBER 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 via Zoom

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service website. 

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 10/23/20: SB Mtg/ATVs/Halloween

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

Voting Reminder: The Post Office recommends sending in your ballot no later than this Saturday, October 24. After that, drop your ballot at the town office. You can still vote in person on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3) or drop off your completed ballot at the Proctorsville Fire Dept (Cavendish’s official polling place) from 10-7.

10/23/20

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/19/20

2. Cavendish Info

3. ATVs: Not allowed on town roads

4. Cavendish Halloween

5. Covid-19 Update

6.Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/19/20: The Zoom meeting is now available at the Okemo Valley TV website.. The Vermont Journal also contains an article on the meeting.

• Approved

-       Renewed ‘Tax Anticipation Note’ in the amount of $175,000.

-       Appointment of Doug McBride to the Planning Commission

-       Hiring Bazin Brothers for paving of Cavendish Gulf Rd and Stone Way for $99,600. Note work has begun on the Gulf Rd. Please use caution.

• Roads

-       Town highway department will be working with the Crown Point team at Mack Molding in completing the culvert project on Mill St/parking lot project.

-       Ditching is being completed and preparations are underway for winter. At this point, the sand has been delivered and “we’re as ready as we can be.”

-       The mesh along the embankment on 131 is being left there with the expectation that the vegetation will begin to cover it in the spring. If it doesn’t, VTrans will hydro seed it then.

-       Curbing for Cavendish Village is being explored.

• Town Wi-Fi Hotspots: Due to recent outages of TDS and VTel, it is apparent that the town needs “hotspots” for Internet connection during such events. TDS was down for several days due to a cable cut in New York. Cavendish Baptist Church and Proctorsville Fire Department are considered good options. David McGuire of Cavendish offered to donate wi-fi option points. Town Manager, Brendan McNamara, will follow up.

• The electric vehicle station, slated for the Proctorsville Green is moving forward with a final site visit this week and work beginning next week. 

• Taxes are coming in at a reasonable rate despite concerns of financial impacts due to Covid.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CHS Newsletter Now online: The fall 2020 edition of the Cavendish Historical Society is now available at their blog.

• 6th Grade Calendar Raffle: Once again the CTES 6th grade will be doing a calendar raffle for the month of November. Tickets are $10 and you have 31 chances to win (there is a bonus day in December). Lots of great prizes, including $50, free range turkey, restaurant gift certificates, Scratch tickets and so much more. Tickets can be purchased at Community Fletcher Library, Brewfest Beverage (Ludlow), a 6th grade parent or contactless pay. For the latter, PayPal the teacher Lindsay.turgeon@trsu.edu Checks should be payable to CTES 6th grade.

• GMUSD Board Sets Graduation Date as State Cuts Required Days: The last day of school is set for Thursday June 17, 2021. This should be a secure date as snow days, unless there’s a power outage, will be remote learning days.  Graduation has been set for June 18, 2021. Teacher and Support staff negotiators brought recommendations to the board that replace sick days for teachers with “absence” days that can be used for a variety of reasons and can be accumulated and a “one step” raise that amounts to around 2 percent. Support staff will receive four days of paid professional development, new policies around a sick leave bank and a “one step” raise that represents about 1.68 percent. Dennis Reilly of Cavendish was voted to fill the remaining term of Doug McBride who resigned several months ago. Chester Telegraph

• Black River Valley Senior Offering Curbside Meal Pickup: The Black River Valley Senior Center is closed for usual activities, but are open every day, but Tuesday, during the week for Meals on Wheels delivery or curbside pickup. Books are also available from the Senior Center’s lending library. Call the Senior Center 802-228-7421 to arrange meal pickup, to obtain a menu or to arrange a time to browse the lending library.  For Meals on Wheels call Senior Solutions at 802-885-2669.

• Okemo Opening Day-Nov. 21

• $2.3 million program offers Vermonters free classes at state and community colleges: Free college classes and trainings are now available to any Vermonter whose job was trimmed or eliminated because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Legislature approved using $2.3 millions of federal money for the new Vermont State Colleges initiative. More than 100 courses are being offered across the four schools — Community College of Vermont, Castleton University, Vermont Technical College, and Northern Vermont University campuses in Lyndon and Johnson. The classes focus on high-demand careers, such as early childhood education, health care, manufacturing and business.

3. ATVS-Not allowed on town roads: With an influx of new property owners in VT, combined with COVID limiting opportunities, more people are using ATVs (all-terrain vehicle) and it’s creating problems in various parts of Cavendish.

ATV users please be aware of the following:

• ATVs are not allowed on state or town highways or roadways. While municipalities can sanction town roads for ATV use, Cavendish’s Select Board has made no exception and drivers need to be aware that in Cavendish no ATVs are allowed on town roads.

• You can only travel on any public land or body of water that has been designated for ATV use by the Secretary of Natural Resources. Cavendish has several natural resource areas, none of which have been approved for ATV use.

• You cannot operate an ATV within a cemetery, public or private

• You can cross a public highway at an angle approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a safe and quick crossing.

• You can ride on your own property or property where you have permission by the landowner.

• ATVs registered for agricultural purposes may be operated beside a public highway no closer than three feet from the traveled portion and only within the confines of the farm.

• The Vermont All Terrain Manual is a handy resource.

• Vermont’s ATV Sportsman’s Association provides helpful information about enjoying your sport including how to join VASA and use of the VASA trail systems.

• ATV Trail maps for VT, NH and Maine

As the ATV season draws to a close, if you like to snow mobile, please consider joining the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. Their website and Facebook Page can help ensure a fun and safe winter season.

 Whether its by ATV or snowmobile, please enjoy the scenery and be respectful of our landowners and wildlife.

4. CAVENDISH HALLOWEEN: Unlike previous years, CTES will not be hosting a Halloween party nor will there be a particular “town wide” event. Instead the Select Board has asked that the community follow the state’s Halloween guidelines which suggest the following ways to celebrate & trick or treat:

6-Foot Spaces: Keep a safe 6-foot distance between your family and other people who don’t live in your household. Bring a flashlight so you’re visible in the dark. You can get creative if you’re giving out candy. Some ideas are to have bags ready to grab on your front steps, or slide the treats down a candy slide.

Masks on Faces: Make sure you and your family are wearing a face mask or covering when you go out. Find a fun way to make it part of your costume. But don’t wear a costume mask over your face mask, which could make it harder to breathe.

Uncrowded Places: Keep your group small, and consider skipping crowded indoor parties.

Both Cavendish and Proctorsville fire departments will be “trick or treating.” Ludlow is planning a Trunk or Treat at the Ludlow Community Center, Main St. Ludlow from 4-7.

5. COVID UPDATE : Springfield Hospital has implemented a no visitor policy effective Oct. 16 due to an upswing in local Covid-19 cases that appear to be community acquired. Patients are still welcome for outpatient appointments, including lab and diagnostic imaging. However, no accompanying visitors are allowed unless the patient is a minor, at end of life care; or cognitively impaired.

Since last week, there have been 84 new cases, for a total of 1,987 cases in VT. There have been no deaths since July 23rd and there was only one case in the hospital for one day this past week.

 Press Conferences

• Due to the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center hockey outbreak, which has spread to 34 people and exposed one college, three K-12 schools and five workplaces, the Governor ordering Vermont ice rinks not to take any new reservations until Oct. 30. They are able to maintain current schedules.

• Cases of in-school transmission have been reported at the Union Elementary School in Montpelier. The school has moved to remote learning.

• New waivers will allow every VT student to receive free school meals.

• The state will be handing out $25-million in federal Lost Wage Assistance benefits later this month to about 3,400 people. These benefits can be up to $300 per person. It replaces the $600 that went away at the end of July.

• Winter Farmers’ Markets will be allowed to open according to new guidelines issued by the Agency of Agriculture.

• $76 million more in small business grants are coming to the hardest hit by the pandemic. This third round of grants will not be on a first-come, first-served basis this time. The state is looking at more than one month of losses this time around -- from March through September. The maximum grant size will be $300,000 but previous grant money will be factored into what businesses get this time. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applicants and there will be a two-week application process.

• The number of people allowed to visit VT without quarantine has been reduced from 1.8 down to 1.6 million. Only 3% of the country would qualify under VT’s criteria for admission to the state without quarantine.

• Levine talked about a new study on the drug Remdesivir that showed little or no effect on survival in COVID patients. He said the medical community hasn’t lost faith in it because it helps with symptoms in really sick people, but acknowledged the study showed it doesn’t help with mortality. The drug was just approved by the FDA as the first treatment for Covid-19.

• The state colleges have updated their spring semester colleges as of Oct. 15. They are very similar to the fall guidelines. Classes will not resume until Feb. 1.

Travel Restrictions: Quarantine is now required for nonessential travel between Vermont and New Hampshire’s Grafton County. This includes Lebanon and Hanover. The Canadian border is closed until Nov. 21; Mexican border continues to be closed

Going Remote: St. Michael’s College due to eight new positive Covid cases

Outbreaks: A wedding in Cambridge VT is responsible for seven Vermonters becoming infected and several non-residents.  

6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Drug Take Back Day from 10-2. Closest drop-off sites: Chester Police Department; 556 Elm St.; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); 5024 Vt. Rt. 106 in Perkinsville; Springfield Police Department; 201 Clinton St.; Ludlow Police Department; 19 West Hill Road. FMI: (802) 457-5211. PLEASE NOTE: The following having “drop boxes” that are available year round: Ludlow Police Dept., Ludlow Pharmacy; Chester Police Dept., Springfield Pharmacy, Green Mountain Pharmacy and Springfield Police Department. 

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): ELECTION DAY! Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service website. 

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

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