June 04, 2021

Cavendish Update 6/4/21 Construction/Grievance/Water/

June 04, 2021/ Cavendish Connects

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SLOW DOWN! There have been some close calls on the Cavendish backroads as motorists, avoiding the Route 131 construction, are going 50 MPH on roads meant for 35 MPH at best.

6/4/21

1. Route 131/Bridge Construction June 7th

2. Cavendish Info

3. Trail Walk in Cavendish

4. Covid update

5. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION/91 BRIDGE: Week of June 7th

RT 131: VTrans has provided a handout to help explain the Roadway Reclaim Project. It’s available on-line. It provides a timeline for the remainder of the project, the contact at VTrans, and answers the most frequent questions.

The contractor will continue grading the roadway and placing gravel on the pulverized subbase in order to shape the road to the new profile. It is anticipated that roadway grading adjustments will be completed at the end of next week or early the following week. This process will involve graders and rollers. The second pass reclaim, with cement stabilization, will begin next week at Downers Corners and progress west. This work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks to complete. Expect long delays.

Exit 8 I91 Bridge (131 Impact): The removal process on the upper portions of Abutment 1 has been completed. Crews will begin forming and pouring the wingwall caps next week. Wing walls are adjacent to the abutments and act as retaining walls. The remaining lower portion of Abutment 2 and pier repair will continue into next week. Once this has been completed, concrete will be poured into repaired areas (see photo). The backwall portion of the expansion joint has been set in place and adjusted to grade. It will be cast into the backwall (using concrete) next week. The other half of the expansion joint (attached to the bridge deck) will be cast during the deck pour later in the summer. Crews are finalizing the deck forms this week and it is anticipated that they will begin installing the reinforcing steel (rebar) next week. Travel will be reduced to one lane of travel within the construction zone. Traffic has been switched to the crossovers on the interstate. This pattern will remain in place throughout the construction season, into the Fall.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Town of Cavendish: Notice to Tax Payers: On June 11th, starting at 9:30, the town listers will meet remotely to hear grievances. If you wish to grieve you must submit a grievance in writing by 4 pm on Thursday, June 10. Applications for Grievance can be emailed to Cavendish2021@nemrc.com or mailed to PO Box 126, Cavendish VT 05142. Grievance Applications are available by clicking here or they can be mailed by request. To arrange for a grievance appointment call 802-321-8025

• Proctorsville RC Track Opening Day: On Saturday June 5th 11am, the RC track will open to the public at Greven. Field in Proctorsville. The track is 1/10 scale. Burgers and hotdogs, drinks and chips will be for sale. All proceeds benefit the club for track maintenance. Bring any 1/10 scale truck you have. A few trucks will be available to try out if you don’t have a truck. The most important thing is to have some fun with family and friends and meet some good people from the community.

• BRAT Swimming Hole Checking: Once again Black River Action Team (BRAT) is testing local swimming holes every Wednesday. Results are posted to the Cavendish Facebook page and included in the Update. It is recommended that people stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain, and anytime the bacteria level is at or above 235 cfu. June 2, 2021 results are as follows:

- Buttermilk Falls in Ludlow, sponsor Okemo Mountain Resort: 33 CFU

- Cavendish Gorge in Cavendish, Green Mountain Power: 68 CFU

- Greven Field in Cavendish, Betty McEnaney of TPW Realty: 308 (Unsafe)

- Tolles Power Dam off Maple Street in Weathersfield, Endyne: 27 CFU

- Twenty-Foot Hole on the North Branch in Reading 11 CFU

When visiting these or any Vermont waterway, please check the chart posted on-site to get a sense of the trends. Look for consistency in the numbers and stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain or any time it appears cloudy. Check all swimming holes around the region for historic as well as current conditions at the “Is It Clean?” website maintained by the Connecticut River Conservancy, .

• Do you have a Cavendish Village Ghost Story?: The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is collecting ghost stories about houses/properties in Cavendish village. We will be doing a Mid- Summer Night's eve ghost walk on June 19 (Saturday). Meet in front of the Museum at 8 pm. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. Catch up on the latest from the Cavendish Historical Society by reading the June News Brief. Ghost stories can be e-mailed to margocaulfield@icloud.com or mailed to PO Box 472, Cavendish VT 05142

• GMUSD wrestles with April Meeting Backlash, Discuss CTES Schedule

• Local Area Summer of Pride Activities: List includes Rural Pride of Claremont and Windsor County, as well as the Upper Valley, Bennington, Rutland, Brattleboro and statewide organizations.

3. TRAIL WALK IN CAVENDISH: The Cavendish Association of Trails is holding a guided nature walk on Hardy Hill, an in-progress hiking trail located in Cavendish. The walk will take place on Saturday, June 12, starting at 10 a.m. hosted by the land owner, Pieter Van Schaik. Trail parking will be located at East Road and Susannah Johnson Lane in Cavendish, just west of Caton Place Campground. The walk will last about two hours and light refreshments will be served. Please reserve your spot by emailing erickrasnauskas@protonmail.com to say how many people will be walking.

Hardy Hill covers approximately 215 acres located on the east side of Cavendish and adjacent to the Lord State Forest. The long-term conservation goal for this land is to permanently conserve it through the State of Vermont. Before that happens though, the Cavendish Association of Trails is installing a trail network, much of it handicap accessible, that allows the public to access both the historic and natural features of the land. One of the primary features to explore on this walk is a large beaver pond, in which several great blue heron pairs have nested and who take up residence each year. The walk will also include the Upper Loop trail, which has several interesting specimens of orchid and lady slipper, as well as a large porcupine nest and a vernal pool. Binoculars are recommended for good viewing of the herons. Please wear tick protection and decent walking/hiking boots.

Coming soon is community hike of the new Proctor Piper trail system in the Proctorsville section of Cavendish. Date.. The Cavendish Association of Trails is part of the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association. For more information about CCCA please visit CavendishCCCA.org or email Cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had no new Covid cases this past week and remains at 30 total. As of June 3, vaccinations of Cavendish residents 12+, with at least one dose, is listed as 51-60%, which is well below the state average of 78.5% (June 2). Vaccination rates in surrounding towns are as follows: Weathersfield 31-49%; Springfield 51-60%; Chester 71-80% and Ludlow 81-90%.

The much anticipated announcement that Vermont has reached the 80% mark for vaccinations, when the state will completely reopen, is projected to occur between June 7-11, depending on when the remaining 8,226 people are vaccinated.

In the interim to reflect the change in the pandemic, the Governor is reducing press conferences to once a week on Tuesdays and data for new cases, hospitalizations and deaths will be limited to week days only. Vaccination information is provided Tuesday-Friday with town vaccination data posted on Thursdays and Town incidence data on Friday.

Vaccinations: Find the closest walk in clinics (no appointments necessary) on-line ; make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or call 855-722-7878. The VDH Facebook page also provides notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

JUNE 5 (SATURDAY): Opening Day for the RC Track at Greven Field, 10 am.

JUNE 7 (MONDAY): Annual meeting of Cavendish Fire District #2, 7 pm at the Cavendish Fire Hall.

JUNE 9 (WEDNESDAY): Free Walk in Vaccine clinic, 10-1 in the Okemo Marketplace Plaza (57 Pond St in Ludlow), Johnson & Johnson vaccine for those 18+

JUNE 11 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Grievance Day

JUNE 12 (SATURDAY): Guided Nature Walk on Hardy Hill in Cavendish. Hike begins at 10 am. Trail parking will be located at East Road and Susannah Johnson Lane in Cavendish, just west of Caton Place Campground. The walk will last about two hours, and light refreshments will be served. Reserve your spot by emailing erickrasnauskas@protonmail.com to say how many people will be walking. FMI: CavendishCCCA.org or email cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm

- Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.

JUNE 15 (TUESDAY): Last day to pay Cavendish Property Taxes before delinquent fees apply

JUNE 17 (THURSDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 18 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation-will be held outside

JUNE 19 (SATURDAY): Mid-Summer Night’s Eve Ghost Walk of Cavendish Village. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society, meet at the CHS Museum on Main St. 131 at 8pm. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

JUNE 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Vermont Art Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Fletcher Farm School will be one of the spots.

JUNE 26 (SATURDAY): Birds in Bloom, market gathering of local art, decorated bird houses, and plants sponsored by Cavendish Streetscapes from Noon to 5 on the Proctorsville Green.

JULY 3 (SATURDAY): Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

JULY 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

JULY 7 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists Break Maids (glam-stomp music)

JULY 14 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco).

JULY 21 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Silverbacks (blues and rock)

JULY 28 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Rick Davis and friends

JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

AUGUST 4 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Gypsy Reel (Irish/Celtic)

AUGUST 11 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Gully Boys (Rock/Jam)

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

CA❤︎ENDSH VACCINATES TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

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June 03, 2021

Route 131-Roadway Reclaim Project

June 03, 2021/ Cavendish Connects

To help answer questions, and to have a better understanding of the Route 131 project, VTrans has provided the following handout on June 3, 2021.

ROUTE 131 CAVENDISH-WEATHERSFIELD

Roadway Reclaim Project

Overview: dRehabilitation of Vermont Route131 in Cavendish and Weathersfield, beginning at the intersection with Vermont Route 103 and extending easterly for 9 miles to the intersection with Vermont Route 106. This project also includes improvements to areas that sustained substantial damage as a result of Tropical Storm Irene.

Overview of the Reclaim Process: Full-depth reclamation of asphalt pavement, also referred to as FDR, is a rehabilitation method that involves recycling an existing asphalt pavement and its underlying layer(s) into a new base layer. The process begins with milling a desired depth of the existing asphalt surface, pulverizing the remaining asphalt pavement and a portion of underlying base, subbase, and/or subgrade, grading the roadway and adding gravel. Then a second reclaim pass is made, uniformly blending the roadway subbase and added gravel with an additional stabilizing material (such as cement) to provide an upgraded, homogeneous material. Finally, the stabilized material is compacted in place with rollers, and then the new roadway subbase is paved with one base layer of recycled asphalt pavement, an intermediate layer of asphalt pavement and a final(wearing course) layer. Pavement treatments may vary by project depending on traffic volumes and the types of traffic present (light, heavy, truck, etc..)

“Why do they use so much gravel?” The amount of gravel varies from project to project and is used for a variety of reasons. The primary use of additional gravel is to raise the road surface and adjust for banking in curves to meet current design standards for the posted speed. Gravel can also be used to supplement a lesser quality existing road base to provide a stronger internal structure that prolongs the life of the road.

“Why can’t the road be done in sections? Why does the whole length of the project have to be torn up?” In order to maintain the integrity of the subbase of the roadway, the entire length of the roadway must be done at the same time. Otherwise, the integrity of the roadway will be compromised at the “joint” of each section. Segmenting the roadway would also lead to longer project durations and higher costs as some operations take longer than others and could not be evenly staggered leading to additional mobilization.

“How long will the road be torn up?” The remaining work for this project is scheduled for completion in October of 2021. Remaining work includes:

•Adding gravel to the roadway subbase (June)

•Grading and correcting roadway elevation deficiencies (June)

•Second-pass reclaim (June-July)

•Paving of base courses of asphalt (Late June-July)

•Paving of the intermediate course of asphalt (Late July)

•Paving of the final (wearing) course of asphalt (mid-late August)

•Signage, roadway markings, guardrail and remaining project work (late August through October

“Who Should I contact if I have Questions?” Please contact Natalie Boyle, Public Information Consultant, with questions or concerns, to receive project updates and alerts, and to remain informed of the progress on the project and what to expect.

Contact Information: Natalie Boyle

nboyle@eivtech.com

802-855-3893

June 03, 2021

Area Summer of Pride 2021 Activities

June 03, 2021/ Cavendish Connects

Below are local resources where you can learn about Summer of Pride activities for 2021

• Rural Pride Claremont NH & Windsor VT Events will be held June 16 to Saturday June 19

• Upper Valley Rainbow Connection

• Bennington Summer of Pride 2021

• Rutland VT Summer of Pride 2021

• Pride Center of VT

• Outright VT: For GlBTQ youth ages 13-22

• Out in the Open: Based in Brattleboro

• LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont

• VINE’s Vegan Challenge: Eat the Rainbow Month

May 28, 2021

Cavendish Update 5/28/21: Concerts/News/Mem.Day/Covid

May 28, 2021/ Cavendish Connects

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

Welcome to the first weekend of summer! Happy Memorial Day. The CHS Annual Plant sale kicks off this evening at 5:30 with the early bird special, on the Museum grounds. It goes until 7:00 pm. The sale is Saturday, from 8:30-noon. Rain or shine. The Ludlow Memorial Day parade will take place at 9 am on Monday.

5/28/21

1. What Memorial Day Means to Me by Miles Glidden

2. Cavendish Info

3. Summer Wednesday night Concert Series

4. Covid update

5. Events

1. WHAT MEMORIAL DAY MEANS TO ME by Miles Glidden: Proctorsville resident and 7th grader at GMUHS, Miles Glidden, is this year’s winner of the “What Memorial Day Means to Me” essay contest. Normally, Miles would have read his essay at various town Memorial Day celebrations. Due to Covid, Cavendish will not be hosting a parade, a program at CTES or cemetery/river wreath laying

Thank you Miles

When most people think of Memorial Day, they think of a three-day weekend or a day to have a barbeque, and not about the courageous and valiant men and women who put themselves into the living hell that is war in order to preserve our way of life and to insure that future generations prosper. In the darkest times of our history, these men and women stepped forward to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of the people currently living in the mighty United States of America.

Many of my family members have been in the military, my great uncle in Vietnam, another uncle who was in the guards in the late 70s, as well as others. I remember hearing my great uncle talk about some of the things he did while in the military and some of the hardships that he faced in day-to-day life on base or in the field. He spoke of the great friendships that he made and how war is a barbaric thing that should not have to be done, but it is essential to make sure peace is a possibility. The things that I have heard have made me question multiple times the meaning of war and why we do it, but what is certain to me is that while all of the people in the military are completely different, they all have one thing in common: the willingness to fight for their country no matter the risks and the sacrifices that they will have to make and are willing to make.

If you think about it, the first breath you took was only possible because thousands and thousands of courageous men and women died for you. They died to keep our way of life preserved, they died so that the next generations could have a better life than they did, they died for you and your mother, father, and siblings, they died for all of the people in your family and country. They fought for all of us living today and some of them are still fighting at this very moment. No matter if you chose to think about it or not, at least one person died so that you could live your life the way you want to.

When I walk in the Memorial Day parade, I walk with my head high and show as much respect as possible for the fallen men and women who died in the line of duty, for the soldiers who never got to see their family again, for the bravest and most courageous men and women to ever step foot in this fair country of the United States of America. The land of the free. The land that broke away from the British, survived the Civil War, came to the rescue of Western Europe twice.

The land that in almost every conflict that it faced has emerged battered and bloody but victorious because of the men and women who gave their country their all and their lives for the greater good. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England during World War II, said that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” All of the men and women who have fought and are fighting have or have had that courage to continue to fight for their country and for all of the people that they know and love.

The next time it is Memorial Day, please think about the men and women who risked it all for you and for everyone you know and love. I’ll leave off with a verse from a song by Toby Keith titled “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”

My dad served in the army
Where he lost his right eye, but he flew a flag out in our yard

Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CVFD Vaccine Clinic a Big Success: When the EMS team pulled in with their special Covid-19 trailer this past Saturday, they weren’t expecting a big turnout. They didn’t know Cavendish. While they had only vaccinated 4-5 people at the various clinics in the previous days, they were just trying to reach 10 people. Not only were they kept busy, but they vaccinated 32 people. Thank you to Cavendish Fire Department, and to the fire fighters from both Cavendish and Proctorsville who staffed the clinic and made sure it ran smoothly.

• Cavendish Historical Society News: The Annual Plant Sale gets underway this evening with a wide array of plants, veggie containers and hanging pots. The Carmine Guica Young Historians Update for June is available at the CHS blog. The spring newsletter is also available at the blog.

• Lloyd George Stillwell, 1929-2021: The Memorial for Lloyd will be held Saturday, May 29, 1 pm at Gethsemane Church.

• Birds and Blooms on the Proctorsville Green

• GMUSD Board Meeting-Move to oust GM vice chair Brown fails in a tie; Elimination of CTES’s shortened Tuesday schedule discussed: Among the issues discussed at the recent Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) meeting was whether to do away with CTES’s Tuesday early dismissal. Superintendent Fierman wanted to see it eliminated. Cavendish’s three board members argued against her recommendation. This is being tabled until the next meeting. Chester Telegraph

• GM board member wants much less detail in meeting minutes, destruction of notes, recordings

3. WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES: The Wednesday night concert series in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) kicks off July 7 at 6 pm. The schedule for the summer is as follows:

• July 7 Break Maids (glam-stomp music)

• July 14 Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco

• July 21 Silverbacks (blues and rock)

• July 28 Rick Davis and friends

• August 4: Gypsy Reel (Irish/Celtic)

• August 11: Gully Boys (Rock/Jam)

This series is organized and sponsored by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) in conjunction with area businesses. Murdock’s Restaurant, Singleton’s Market and Outer Limits Brewery will be serving take out food. Concerts are free and open to the public. Masking and social distancing are encouraged. For More Information.

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had one new case of Covid this past week for a total of 30 cases.

With daily cases dropping into the single digits, at least one day this past week, the number everyone is tracking is the vaccine rate. The Governor has promised that the day Vermont hits 80% of those 12+ with at least one dose, he will reopen the state. We’re very close and the anticipation is that we’ll be there by mid-week. Yesterday the state was at 77.6% with 13,474 more people needing to be vaccinated. If 2,695 Vermonters are vaccinated daily, we will reopen Memorial Day, May 31.

The latest modeling shows that cases are down 85% since April 1

If you are not vaccinated: You must continue to follow mandates to mask and social distance. If you are having concerns about being vaccinated, check out COVID-19 Vaccines-Separating myths from reality

Covid-19 Immunity Could last for Years: In a study published Monday in the journal Nature, scientists found that certain immune cells may survive in the bone marrow of people who were infected and later vaccinated. Those immune cells may create antibodies whenever needed. In another study published on the bioRxiv pre-print server, researchers found that these memory B cells can grow and strengthen for at least 12 months after an initial infection. "The papers are consistent with the growing body of literature that suggests that immunity elicited by infection and vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 appears to be long-lived."

Vaccinations: Anyone 12+ who is in Vermont, regardless of residency status, can be vaccinated. If you want a vaccine, you can find one pretty quickly. Note, those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer vaccine and will require a parent/guardian permission. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine or by calling 855-722-7878. Also check the VDH Facebook page for notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.

Note there will be a free walk in clinic for Okemo Valley Hospitality employees on June 9 (Wednesday) from 10-1 in the parking lot of the Okemo Marketplace Plaza at 57 Pond Street in Ludlow. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine (the one and done shot) is free to anyone 18+.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MAY 28 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale early bird special, 5:30-7 pm on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required if unvaccinated. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 9-2 on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required if unvaccinated. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 31 (MONDAY): MEMORIAL DAY. Legal holiday. Town office closed. The Memorial Day Parade will take place in Ludlow at 9 am.

JUNE 7 (MONDAY): Annual meeting of Cavendish Fire District #2, 7 pm Cavendish Town Office.

JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.