Cavendish Update 8/5/22: Cyanobacteria/SB special mtg/ News/Events

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8/5/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid update

3.    Events

PLEASE NOTE THAT KNAPP POND 2 HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES DUE TO CYANOBACTERIA (Blue/Green Algae). Cyanobacteria can make you sick. Stay away from water that is green, blue, brown, red or looks cloudy. Stay away from thick foam or mats that may be on the shoreline. When in doubt, stay out. FMI. 1-800-439-8550 or the VT Dept. of Health website

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: Wednesday’s water testing results were all below the EPA CFU level of 250 for safe recreating. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain.

Cavendish Gorge-14 CFU

Greven Field -112 CFU

Buttermilk Falls (Ludlow)- 22 CFU

Twenty Foot Hole (Reading)-17 CFU

Tolles Dam (Perkinsville )-26 CFU

West Hill Road Rec Pond (Ludlow)-9 CFU

• Special Select Board Meeting 7/25/22: A special select board (SB) meeting was held to deal with a dog(s) issue. Ron Hagenow stated that Susan Ladmer’s dogs have been present and defecating on his Proctorsville property. Brendan McNamara, town manager,  said that he has spoken with Ladmer and advised her of the Town’s animal control ordinance. On July 7, 2022, Hagenow filed an Animal Bite Report at Brattleboro Memorial Health Center stating that Ladmer’s dogs attacked and bit him. Another occurred on July 3rd (reported on July 7th) and another on July 11th, with the most recent being on July 22nd. As of the SB meeting, 4 of the 5 dog bites were registered. The SB all voted in favor of the following action, the Select Board recommends Susan Ladmer’s dogs are kept tethered, and a kennel will be constructed by August 1st, 2022, and it will be inspected by the Town Manager, and if other instances occur the dogs will be removed. SB Minutes

• CHS Cavendish Gorge Hike/Newsletter: On August 14 (Sunday), the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will lead a hike to the Cavendish Gorge. Once a major recreational area, a power dam is located there, and at one time the site of the Fitton Mill. Meet at the Museum at 2 pm. Wear good shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. In the event of rain and/or high heat index, the hike will be rescheduled for August 21 at the same time. The CHS summer newsletter is now available at the CHS blog. FMI: 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Cavendish Library BBQ: On Aug. 11 (Thursday), the Cavendish Library will be holding its Annual Free BBQ at 6:30 pm, along with a magic show. It is also a time to say goodbye to Kata and to welcome Amy, the new librarian.

• Village Clipper Has a New Owner: A new stylist is assuming ownership of the Village Clipper. Hannah Zimmer was raised in Cavendish and has previous experience in salon management and running her own business. She plans to keep the salon small and family friendly offering colors and styling for both men and women. She begins bookings soon.

• Monkeypox: At the end of July, the VT Dept. of Health announced that VT had its first case of HMPXV, popularly known as Monkeypox. Yesterday, the Biden administration declared the HMPXV outbreak a public health emergency. HMPXC is an Orthopoxvirus genus that also includes smallpox and cowpox viruses. The virus has been spreading in the U.S. and globally. Vaccine and treatment after an exposure are available on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Health Department and CDC. Vermont currently has a limited supply of vaccine from the federal government. The state has received 86 doses of 426 allocated to Vermont to date by the federal government. The CDC is working to rapidly increase available vaccine doses, and more vaccine in Vermont is expected in the coming weeks and months. Health officials are working to determine how to use vaccine for those at highest risk to help prevent further spread of the virus and will share more information when it is available. For more information about the virus, visit healthvermont.gov/hMPXV

2.COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Free Test kits are available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807.

State: The current VT Dept of Health Weekly Report July 24 to July 31, continues to report statewide community levels as low, with  Bennington and Rutland counties being rated as medium.

• New hospital admissions with Covid: 49 (increase from 33 last week)

• Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by patients with Covid: 2.72% (increase from last week’s 2.06%)

• Wastewater Monitoring: The following are showing an increase Bennington, Brighton, Essex Junction, Morrisville, St. Albans City, Troy/Jay. The only decrease reported was for Johnson.  

• Outbreaks: As of Tuesday, there were 12 active outbreaks of Covid, same number as last week, including 6 (increase by 2 from last week) in long-term care facilities, 3 correctional facilities, and two each non-Long Term Care Facility and other. There are 2 active outbreaks listed for Windsor County, down one from last week.

• Deaths: No new deaths reported. Since the pandemic began, 693 Vermonters have died from Covid.

3.EVENTS

AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY): Statewide Primary. Town office Closed. Voting is from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY): Summer concert series concludes featuring the Gully Boys..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 15 (MONDAY): 1ST Quarter Property Taxes Due

AUGUST 31 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY): Labor Day, Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 10 (SATURDAY): Tenth Anniversary of the Vermont Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn. https://www.goldenstageinn.com/vermont-honey-festival

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Cavendish Update 7/29/22: Scam/Tag Sale/News/Events

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TOWN WIDE TAG SALE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 9-2. The on-line web page will continue to be updated today as new vendors are added.

7/29/22

1.    Scam alert

2. Cavendish Info

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. SCAM ALERT! Several people in town have reported a “smishing” scam involving the US Postal Service (USPS) and Text messages. The following is from the USPS. Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires a response from you?  If you never signed up for a USPS tracking request for a specific package, then don’t click the link! This type of text message is a scam called smishing.

Smishing is a form of phishing that involves a text message or phone number. Victims will typically receive a deceptive text message that is intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information. These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims.

The criminals want to receive personally identifiable information (PII) about the victim such as: account usernames and passwords, Social Security number, date of birth, credit and debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), or other sensitive information. This information is used to carry out other crimes, such as financial fraud.

The Postal Service offers tools to track specific packages, but customers are required to either register online, or initiate a text message, and provide a tracking number. USPS will not send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will NOT contain a link. So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don’t click the link!

For more information about these services and other products, please visit USPS TEXT TRACKING FAQs. To protect yourself and others from consumer frauds, visit our fraud prevention page.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: Wednesday’s water testing results were all below the EPA CFU level of 250 for safe recreating. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain.

Cavendish Gorge-28 CFU

Greven Field -82 CFU

Buttermilk Falls (Ludlow)- No data yet

Twenty Foot Hole (Reading)-5 CFU

Tolles Dam (Perkinsville )-47 CFU

West Hill Road Rec Pond (Ludlow)-8 CFU

• Justice of the Peace Petitions Due 8/12/22: If you are interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace, a petition to be placed on the ballot for the General Elections in November is due in the Town Office by August 12, 2022. Please see the Vermont Guide for Justices of the Peace below for information on the duties the JP’s perform and contact the Cavendish Town Office if you are interested in running. View JP Guide

• Upper Valley Electric Vehicle Driving Guide

• Beecharmer Aug. 3 Concert:  On Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m., weather permitting, Vermont based troubadours, Beecharmer, will perform at the Cavendish summer music series on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville, Vt. Beecharmer is Jes Raymond and Ben Kogan, an acoustic duo from Wilder, Vt. They have distilled ten years of international touring into a sound that is part-festival and part-mountain top, combining skillful flatpicking, clawhammer banjo, virtuosic fiddle, and upright bass. Their time polished harmonies and award-winning songwriting presents bluegrass, old time jazz, and pop that draws from the deep well of American Roots music. The Concert is free and open to the public.

3. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

State: The current VT Dept of Health Weekly Report July 17 to July 23, continues to report statewide community levels as low, with  Bennington, Essex and Rutland, being rated as medium.

• New hospital admissions with Covid: 33 (increase from 21 last week)

• Percent of staffed inpatients occupied with Covid: 5.29% (increase from last week’s 1.39%

• Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by patients with Covid: 2.06%

• Wastewater Monitoring: Bennington County has reported a significant uptick, with about a 165% rise in viral count over the past month. Seven other state wastewater sites showed a decline. Note there is no facility close to Cavendish testing wastewater.

• Outbreaks: As of Tuesday, there were 12 active outbreaks of Covid, up one from last week, including 4 (decrease by 2 from last week) in long-term care facilities, 3 correctional facilities, and two each non-Long Term Care Facility and a school/childcare. One was listed for “other.” There are 3 active outbreaks listed for Windsor County, including Cedar Hill and Springfield’s Southern Correctional Facility.

• Deaths: Four new deaths were reported this past week, bringing July’s total to 9. Since the pandemic began, 693 Vermonters have died from Covid.

Summer boosters for people under 50 shelved in favor of updated boosters in the fall: The Biden administration is scrapping plans to let more younger adults get second COVID-19 boosters this summer. Instead, officials are planning to speed up availability of the next generation of boosters in the fall.

Officials boost access to a drug that can protect the immunocompromised from COVID-19: The federal government is trying to make it easier for immunocompromised patients to access a treatment that can protect them against COVID-19 by allowing individual health care providers to order small amounts — up to three patient courses at a time. In addition, Evusheld will be available through a subset of federal pharmacy partners, including Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Star Market, and Vons, CPESN, Hy-Vee, Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Managed Healthcare Associates and Thrifty White.

4. EVENTS

JULY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish’s Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, 9-2.

JULY 31 (SUNDAY): The Cavendish Association of Trails will hold a guided nature trail walk on the Hardy Hill trail in Cavendish at 10 a.m. Binoculars, tick protection and boots are recommended. Meet at the trail head, which can be found at the intersection of Susannah Johnson Lane and East Road in Cavendish, just west of Caton Place campground. All are invited to attend. RSVP to Eric Krasnauskas at erickrasnauskas@protonmail.com to let him know that you are coming and how many are in your party. FMI: call 802-259-2327.

AUGUST 3 (WEDNESDAY: Summer concert series continues featuring Beecharmer, an acoustic duo from Wilder..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY): Statewide Primary. Town office Closed. Voting is from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY): Summer concert series continues featuring the Gully Boys..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 15 (MONDAY): 1ST Quarter Property Taxes Due

AUGUST 31 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY): Labor Day, Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 10 (SATURDAY): Tenth Anniversary of the Vermont Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn.

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Cavendish Update 7/22/22: SB Mtg/News/Tag Sale

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Check out Beat the Heat in Cavendish and stay cool.

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 7/18/22

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Town Wide Tag Sale

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1• CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 7/18/22: A video of Monday’s Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV website

Items discussed/voted on

• Animal Control/ Vicious dog hearing within 7 days: Cavendish does not have an animal control officer so the administrative side falls to the town manager, Brendan McNamara. He raised the following question to the board, “Who is responsible for taking a dog when it needs to be removed from the community?” McNamara is not trained to do it, and the state police nor sheriff will do it.  There are animal removal businesses, which are being considered when such a need arises.  In the mean there is an issue with a vicious dog in Cavendish that requires a hearing within seven days. Note: Meeting has been set for Monday, July 25 at 5 pm via zoom.

• Brook Road Signage: Looking for more signage by Brook Rd/East Rd. In the last rerouting of traffic, a gas truck was stuck on the bridge by this intersection. This resulted  in damage to the bridge. Seems that more trucks are taking that route and the bridge is too narrow for some of them.

• Discussion regarding speed study on main street in Cavendish. Regional Planning did a speed test study June 15-27. This will be one of two studies, with the second being set up by the Town Garage shortly. Average speed was 34 MPH. Data could be skewed as the test was done during the search for Don Gurney, whereby drivers may have slowed down due to  police presence.

Town Manager Report:

-Hydro seeding/stone lining on Felchville Gulf. Looks good and will be doing more on Davis where there is erosion. Considering the possibility of purchasing a hydro seeder for the town.

- Looking for more bids for Tarbell Hill project. Getting close to being ready for paving. Completion date would be before Halloween.

-Replacing Culvert on High St [Project was completed this week.]

- Testing of old town garage site is underway and should have results soon. Will reestablish a water connection for the Museum. Hope to move the tank down to the new garage in August.

- 131 scenic management plan is being worked on. Needs a review before the winter.

- The board approved the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association VT 26-3 use of the Proctorsville Green for their August 6 Poker Run awards program.

SB Member Comments/Concerns

-       ATVs: Having dedicated roads is becoming an issue in Ludlow and SB members have been contacted about it. This has been informally discussed, but no decisions have been made in Cavendish.

-       The town plan portion on energy has been tabled, though it’s been discussed for the last 4 years. The SB directs the Planning Commission and if the SB wants it they can require it. There needs to be a resolution. McNamara will ask  that Peter Labelle and Etienne Ting come and discuss it with the SB.

-       Would like to see pressing issues such as affordable housing, the school, economics, addressed by the Planning Commission.

-       There are sink holes on the Proctorsville Green.

-       Would like to see a 25 MPH sign for the school through the intersection of  131/103.

-       ARPA funding and water meters. Looking at various options.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: Wednesday’s water testing results were all below the EPA CFU level of 250 for safe recreating. However, the Greven Field site continues to be on the higher side and Kelly Stettner, the head of the Black River Action Team, is conferring with the Basin Coordinator. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain.

Cavendish Gorge-28 CFU

Greven Field -172 CFU

Buttermilk Falls (Ludlow)-20 CFU

Twenty Foot Hole (Reading)-1CFU

Tolles Dam (Perkinsville )-20 CFU

West Hill Road Rec Pond (Ludlow)-1 CFU

• Karen (Ascenzia) Marini (1949-2022): It is with sadness that we report the passing of Karen Mairini on July 12, who was known to many through her work with Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. Our condolences to Joe, her family and her many friends. Per her wishes, there will be no calling hours, and services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Proctorsville Fire Department, Rescue Snowmobile Fund, PO Box 81, Proctorsville, VT 05153.

• Memorial for Jim Fisher: James A Fisher, Jr, age 68, died Wednesday, June 15, 2022. A Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Themed Celebration of James' Life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 5 pm at Bailey's Mills Bed & Breakfast (1347 Bailey's Mill Road, Reading, VT) with a BBQ to follow. Live stream available through James' obituary on www.knightfuneralhomes.com

• Guided Trail Walk in Cavendish: The Cavendish Association of Trails will hold a guided nature trail walk on the Hardy Hill trail in Cavendish on Sunday, July 31st at 10 a.m. This trail is the gift of Pieter Van Schaik to the community and his intention is for it to be handicap accessible. The trail is not yet open to the public, but Pieter will be offering guided walks during the year. Along the trail there’s a large beaver pond hosting several Great Blue Heron nests, specimens of wild orchid and lady slipper, porcupine nest and vernal pools. Binoculars, tick protection and boots are recommended. Meet at the trail head, which can be found at the intersection of Susannah Johnson Lane and East Road in Cavendish, just west of Caton Place campground. All are invited to attend, no matter town or city of residence. For planning purposes, please RSVP to Eric Krasnauskas aterickrasnauskas@protonmail.com to let him know that you are coming and how many are in your party. FMI: call 802-259-2327.

• Bags That Give Back: Reduce single-use plastic in the environment and give back to a worthy cause in the local community, all while running routine weekly errands at the Ludlow Shaw’s. The all-volunteer Black River Action Team has been selected by local Shaw’s store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Give Back Where it Counts Reusable Bag Program for the month of August! . Every $3.00 reusable Bag sends a $1 donation to a non-profit local to the Shaw’s in which it was purchased.

3. CAVENDISH TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: The sale is just around the corner- Saturday, July 30th from 9-2. Along with a lot of individual vendors, various organizations will be participating. Both fire departments will be offering BBQs. Birds N Bloom (Cavendish Streetscapes) will be set up on the Proctorsville Green. You will be able to meet CTES’s new principal, Amy Bohren, and pick up some free children’s books on the Proctorsville Green. A very large sale-office furniture, new/slightly used snow sports clothing and gear, plus lots more- is taking place at the Academy Building next to the Cavendish Village Green.

Please check the Tag Sale web page frequently as new vendors are being added daily. Note that there are some who have so much stuff you’ll need to go to their residence. Addresses are provided. Also, check the Cavendish Facebook page as we’re posting pictures of items for sale.

The Cavendish Historical Society’s Cares closet is open 24/7, but for the sale, there will be books and various items on the steps-all for free.

KN95 masks and hand sanitizer are available for free from the Cavendish Fire Dept, the CHS Cares Closet (next to the Museum steps) and at the Proctorsville Gazebo. If you have questions, stop by the Cavendish Connects booth at the Gazebo.

4. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

State: The current VT Dept of Health Weekly Report July 10 to July 16, continues to report statewide community levels as low, though three counties, up by one from last week, Bennington, Essex and Rutland, are rated as medium.

While hospitalizations are considerably lower, it doesn’t mean that people aren’t getting infected, particularly since much of the country is experiencing another wave due to the BA.5 variant. There are two reasons public health officials are concerned: 1) The more times people are infected, the greater the risk of long Covid, illness, hospitalizations and even death. 2) The more people who become infected, the greater the chance of a new variant forming.

• New hospital admissions with Covid: 21 (decrease from last week’s 33 cases)

• Percent of staffed inpatients occupied with Covid: 1.39% (decrease from last week’s 1.77%

• Wastewater Monitoring: As of the time of this report, no NWSS wastewater trend data were available for Vermont or any other New England states.

• Outbreaks: As of Tuesday, there were 11 active outbreaks of Covid, up by 9 from last week, including 6 (up by 2 from last week) in long-term care facilities, 3 correctional facilities (up by 1), and one each non-Long Term Care Facility and a school/childcare. There are 3 active outbreaks listed for Windsor County, including Cedar Hill and Springfield’s Southern Correctional Facility.

The CDC endorses Novavax, a more traditional COVID vaccine, for adults

Area pharmacists wary about becoming frontline in dispensing COVID antiviral: Pharmacists can now prescribe the COVID antiviral medication Paxlovid without a doctor’s approval. The move is intended to get the highly effective treatment to more people, faster. But staffing and reimbursement issues are creating barriers to putting the plan into practice in this area.

5. EVENTS

JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) Summer concert series continues featuring Sammy Blanchette..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

JULY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish’s Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, 9-2.

JULY 31 (SUNDAY): Hardy hill Walk.

AUGUST 3 (WEDNESDAY: Summer concert series continues featuring Beecharmer, an acoustic duo from Wilder..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY): Statewide Primary. Town office Closed. Voting is from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY): Summer concert series continues featuring the Gully Boys..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 15 (MONDAY): 1ST Quarter Property Taxes Due

AUGUST 31 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY): Labor Day, Town Office Closed

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Cavendish Update 7/15/22 News/Events

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7/15/22

1.    Cavendish Protecting Self & Community

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

 1. CAVENDISH PROTECTING SELF AND COMMUNITY : The BA.5 variant of omicron, is sweeping the country including Vermont. Why the Omicron offshoot BA.5 is a big deal. It’s been very successful in dominating as its able to infect those who have been vaccinated as well as those who may have had previous infections. If you had Covid, even if it was just a month ago, you can be reinfected with this strain.

There is new research showing that the more you become infected with Covid, the more likely you are to develop long covid, other illnesses, along with increase chances of hospitalization and even death.

We have the tools in our community to fight Covid:

-       Free KN95 masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7 @ the CHS Cares Closet next to the steps of the CHS Museum

-       Free Test kits, masks and hand sanitizer are available @ the Cavendish Fire Dept, 9-4 Monday-Friday. Test kits are limited, so only request them when you no longer have a kit at home and suspect you, or a family member, is infected. Each kit has 2 tests. If you are in need of these supplies on the weekend, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com and we will arrange a drop off. You can also call 802-226-7807

-       Free Test Kits and masks are available at the Springfield-VT Dept of Health. Located at 100 Mineral St., Suite 104. They are open Monday-Friday from 7:45-4:30. They are located in the same building as the DMV. Go past the DMV to the end of the hall for the Dept. of Health Office.

-       Test kits are available at the Ludlow Rite Aid.

-       PCR testing is available at Rite Aid and the Ludlow Health Center

-       Vaccinate/Boost: The vaccines continue to protect against severe cases of illnesses, but as the time lengthens between vaccination/booster, protection is reduced.  If you are 50+ and/or immunocompromised, and your last boost was over six months ago, consider getting boosted again with the current vaccine to keep your protection strong. This can be done at the Ludlow Health Center or Rite Aid.

Wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 Mask when you are indoors and you’re not able to socially distance from people outside of your household. 

If you test positive: Call your medical provider who can prescribe medication, that if taken within five days of infection, significantly reduces the risk of serious disease, hospitalization and death. Paxlovid and Lagevrio require a prescription from a healthcare professional. You must have tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms must have started no later than within the last 5 days. Lagevrio is prescribed for those 18 and up, while Paxlovid, is for those 12 and up, weighing at least 88 pounds. Note that the FDA has recently authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid. The drug is free.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• July 20 Concert Morning Dudes: The next in the annual summer music series will take place on Wednesday, July 20 at 6 p.m. at the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville, featuring The Morning Dudes, who play songs from the wide and varied repertoire of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, including folk, blues, country, bluegrass, and improvisatory rock. Note concerts are being recorded and are available at the Okemo Valley TV website.

• Cavendish Planning Commission: The July 6 meeting is now available to watch at the Okemo Valley TV website.

• Cavendish Ballot for Primary A sample ballot for the Aug. 9 primary is now available at the Municipal website. You can arrange for a mail in ballot by contacting Diane McNamara, Cavendish Town Clerk 802-226-7291. The polls-Proctorsville Fire Hall-are open 10-7 on Aug. 9. Please note that Chris Morrow has withdrawn from the State Senate race in the Democratic Primary.

• Cavendish 1927 Flood: The VT Journal recently posted at article on the 1927 flood and its impact on Cavendish. The Cavendish Historical Society, open Sundays 2-4 and by appointment, has a number of photographs and information about the 1927 flood, including copies of letters to President Calvin Coolidge, who was very concerned about his family living in Proctorsville.

• Heavy rain, winds wallop Chester

• Forum for candidates to U.S. Congress in Ludlow: Five candidates seeking their party’s nomination for the Vermont seat in the United States House of Representatives will participate in a candidates’ forum in the Ludlow Town Hall’s Heald Auditorium on Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m. VT Journal

3. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Long Term Care Facilities: Cedar Hill in Windsor currently has an outbreak

State: The current VT Dept of Health Weekly Report July 3 to July 9, continues to report statewide community levels as low, with two counties (Bennington & Rutland) reporting medium levels.

Now that the PCR testing sites are closed, the VT Dept of Health (VDH) is relying on hospitalizations and other measures to determine how the virus is spreading:

• New hospital admissions with Covid: 33 (decrease from 53 last week).

• Percent of staffed inpatients occupied with Covid: 1.77% (decrease from last week’s 2.08%)

• Waste Water Treatment: Of the seven sites reporting data, six are showing an increase Bennington; Essex Junction; Johnson; Morrisville; St. Albans; and Winooski. The only decrease was in Troy/Jay. However, the reporting of this data has been problematic. See article below.

• Deaths: There has been one additional death, bringing July’s total to 4. Current total for VT is 688.

• Outbreaks: As of Tuesday, there were nine active outbreaks of Covid, up by one from last week, including 4 long-term care facilities, two correctional facilities, and one each non-Long Term Care Facility and a school/childcare.

Where’s the Waste Water Data?: As has been noted in previous posts, the VT Dept. of Health must rely on other data sets now that the PCR testing sites have been closed, and most are doing tests at home and not reporting results. . Hospitalizations, ER visits with Covid symptoms, deaths and municipal waste water treatment data continue to be studied. Waste water is potentially the best indicator of what the actual incidence of Covid might be and would be a good warning system when the virus was on the rise. Unfortunately, Springfield, the closest system testing, has dropped out of the program as it required more testing and reporting than they had time and staff to perform. However, the data is not appearing or is confusing in the weekly surveillance reports from the state. No one seems to know exactly why the data isn’t available. Vermont’s missing Covid wastewater data is a mystery to government officials and contractors

4. EVENTS

JULY 20 (WEDNESDAY): Summer concert series continues featuring Morning Dudes, celebrating the repertoire of The Grateful Dead.  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) Summer concert series continues featuring Sammy Blanchette..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

JULY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish’s Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, 9-2.

AUGUST 3 (WEDNESDAY: Summer concert series continues featuring Beecharmer, an acoustic duo from Wilder..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY): Statewide Primary. Town office Closed. Voting is from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY): Summer concert series continues featuring the Gully Boys..  Music starts at 6:00 pm on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville. In case of rain, check the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page for postponement and rescheduling information. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

AUGUST 15 (MONDAY): 1ST Quarter Property Taxes Due

AUGUST 31 (WEDNESDAY): First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY): Labor Day, Town Office Closed

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