The Dish
The Dish features a round-up of local happenings and events in Cavendish, Vermont.
Have something noteworthy to share? Contact us at cavendishconnects@gmail.com; we would love to hear from you.
Cavendish Update 3/18/20: Yes the Transfer Station is Open
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Maintain Social Distance by Jane Hart.
CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.
3/18/20: Yes the Transfer Station is Open Today
1.What’s Happened in the Last 24 Hours
2. Non Cavendish Resources to Help You
3. Sanity Tip for the Day
4. Hunkering Down at the International Space Station
1. WHAT’S HAPPENED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS: Does it seem like we are told one thing only to have it completely reversed in less than a day? Well that’s how fast things are changing and it’s definitely nerve wracking. I made myself a tad nuts yesterday trying to figure out why none of the numbers at the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) website were making sense, but they’ve straightened out that glitch. Now we know how many residents versus non-residents have tested positive. As of last night, 10 Vermonters have the virus along with 7 non-residents. Learn more.
If you have noticed some new art work on the Facebook page, it’s coming from our incredibly talented Jane Hart (Pets by Hart). For those of you who remember Irene, she did lots of wonderful art projects with the kids in the shelter. Jane is “doing her part, Staying home and making art!” Enjoy them and follow the recommendations she depicts.
Note to our Cavendish Second Home Owners: You are one of us and your health and safety matters. During Irene, you really helped us out and we’ll never forget it. We’re in a bit of a different situation now. Our health care resources are really limited, and are more designed for people with a broken bone than those who might require a ventilator. Since your doctors and specialists are where you regularly live, you’re better off hunkering down there, as you’ll ultimately get better care if you were to contract Covid-19. We want you in good shape for the summer season. However, if you do decide to come, please bring your own toilet paper, along with medical records as well as several months of any prescription meds you are taking. Remember social distancing is critical at this time and we do have people in quarantine.
• The Cavendish Resource List is now available in handout format at The Dish. Note that it includes a date at the top. We will be updating this weekly so you can stay current. We’ll let you know when it’s being updated.
• Both Crows Bakery (7-5) and Murdock’s (5-8) are doing take out. They’re working through the details and doing a terrific job. Picked up dinner at Murdock’s last night, and it smells wonderful. Good reminder that life goes on. We’re very lucky they’re doing this. Big shout out to American Pie in Ludlow, (Proc residents own it), thanks for displaying the Prevention Flyer.
• Dollar General (there is one in Chester) is dedicating its first shopping hour for seniors. Please take hand sanitizer with you and use it after opening doors, handling money, swiping a credit card, and wipe down cart handles. Most importantly, exercise social distancing and stand 6 feet away from other people, be it while standing in line or strolling the aisles. Finally, wave to friends. No handshakes or other physical contact.
• Kata Welch, of the Cavendish Library is doing read “a louds” at the Cavendish Library’s Facebook page. She’s currently reading “And Then There were None,” by Agatha Christie. Can’t wait for today’s installment. Thank you Kata!
• If you missed Denise’s, dg Bodyworks, class Monday night, it’s both at the dg Bodyworks Facebook page as well as Cavendish Facebook page. You’ll have to scroll down to see. Denise is offering another free class tonight, Wed, via Facebook Live at 7 pm tonight. Don’t miss it. Thank you Denise!!
• This almost falls into the “believe it or not” category given the issues we’ve had with Internet, however, thank you TDS for doing your bit. TDS Announces Free Broadband Access for New K-12, College Student Households and More For 60 Days
• Governor Phil Scott is tightening restrictions -All child care centers will be closed except those that serve children of "essential workers" including health care workers and emergency responders.
2. NON CAVENDISH RESOURCES TO HELP YOU: Now that we’re all realizing we’re going to be hunkering down here together-but apart-for some of us it means lost jobs and income. Below are resources and thinks to check out, along with resources in other towns-like free sanitizer from the distillery in Windsor.
• WIC: You may now be eligible for nutrition programs designed to help in unexpected situations like this. WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, and breastfeeding support. If you're pregnant, a caregiver or a parent with a child under five, consider WIC. text VTWIC to 855-1.
• 3Squares VT: call 855-855-6181, or text VFBSNAP to 85511.
• Meal Programs for Older Vermonters: People age 60 and older are especially encouraged to stay at home in order to protect themselves from COVID-19, but staying well-nourished is also critical. To help, you may be able to pick up meals to go or have meals delivered to your home. For more information, please call the Helpline at 1-800-585-2265.
• Sign up for VT unemployment: This has been a real challenge for people trying to get through on-line or by phone. Learn more.
• Sevca is now offering appointments by phone.
• Silo Distillery in Windsor is offering free hand sanitizer as are other distilleries in the state. Learn more about the product and the dates and hours of availability. You’ll need to bring your own containers.
3. SANITY TIP FOR THE DAY: The news media has been designed to grab your attention. In short, it can make you terrified and will hook you in. Keep staring at the TV and the next thing you know, you’re a set of jumbled nerves and you missed Denise’s Facebook Live exercise class. Seriously, a news restricted diet is going to help you lose some of the jitters.
4. HUNKERING DOWN AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: And people are getting a bit twitchy thinking about all the time frames being given for “social distancing.” Made me think of what it must be like to live for a year at the International Space Station. This is a mesmerizing video of what it’s like. As a big fan of gravity, not so sure this would work well for me, but certainly wouldn’t mind a week there. Watch this mesmerizing video Departing Space Station Commander Provides Tour of the Orbital Laboratory.
Be smart. Do your part. Stay home or 6 feet apart.
Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.
Cavendish Update: 3/17/20 Happy St. Patrick's Day
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CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.
3/17/20: Happy St. Patrick’s Day
1.Meet the Cavendish Covid-19 Team
2. What’s Happened in the Last 24 Hours
3. Volunteers Needed
4. A poem from Ireland this St. Pat’s Day
1.THE CAVENDISH COVID-19 TEAM: Yesterday was the first in person meeting of the Cavendish Covid-19 Team (CCT). We met outside in the parking lot of the town office standing more than six feet apart, and there are pictures on Facebook to prove it. The CCT includes, alphabetically:
• Margo Caulfield: That would be me-Cavendish Connects/Cavendish VT Facebook page
• Doris Eddy: Health Officer
• Bob Glidden: Town Emergency Coordinator, Deputy Chief Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Dept.
• Abe Gross: Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept Chief, Pastor Cavendish Baptist
• Peter LaBelle: Black River Good Neighbor, Town Auditor
• Brendan McNamara, Town Manager
• Diane McNamara: Town Clerk, Treasurer
We’re in daily contact and meeting in person as needed, six feet apart and outside. I had hoped to have the Hunkering Down Resources Handout for you this AM, but the team has to approve it so we’ll have it up later today. In the meantime, we have updates under Item 2.
The town’s response is being coordinated out of the Town Office, which is fully staffed but closed to the public. In short folks-we got this! Take a deep breath and know that CCT is on the case.
2. WHAT’S HAPPENED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS: If it feels like we’re being shut down, and it’s making you feel a bit frightened or scared, that’s okay. Totally normal as our brains are wired for fear. A great device to keep the humans alive on the African savannah. However, it’s back firing in today’s society, where we are blasted 24/7 with some variation of “if it bleeds it leads.” That would be like the early hunters and gatherers having to deal with a tiger ready to pounce on them continuously. We wouldn’t have made it as a species if that were the case. So hold on to the good in your life and let the fear go. Thinking there isn’t much good? Well thanks to social distancing, I can eat garlic and go to a meeting without offending anyone.
• Gotta give a shout out to Denise of dg Bodyworks. Not only did she do a drive by TPing-as one of our residents was without toilet paper yesterday, but she held a free Facebook live class at 7 pm last night!! You rock! Love our Cavendish Tough Girl.
• Cases are rising in Vermont and yesterday’s were all “community acquired.” In other words, they had no risk factors. If the account and the amount is of interest to you, read more, otherwise move on. Being obsessed by numbers can make you nuts. We know the virus is here and we have people in quarantine, but remember 80% of those will have very mild or no symptoms. That noted, don’t assume anyone is safe and practice the 4 S’s-Social Distancing; Soap & Sanitize; Stay Home; & Safely Cough. In a nut shell- Be smart. Do your part. Stay Home or 6 Feet Apart.
• Ludlow Ambulance has requested the following If you are currently self-quarantined. Put a note on your front door notifying first responders of your situation. If you need emergency services notify the dispatcher of the situation at the time of your initial call. Please do not show up at any emergency services building, your primary care office or the emergency department, please call first so we can be prepared for your arrival. And only utilize these services for life threatening illnesses or injury. We’ll work on a special snazzy sign that you can post.
• They would do this on St. Patrick’s Day. Really now. Just no respect. All bars and restaurants must close by 2 pm today. To Go and Delivery only. Fortunately, Murdock’s and American Pie are offering To Go Services. Murdock’s hours will be 5-8. Credit or debit cards only. Please call ahead to place your orders. (802) 554-0126. Singleton’s is kicking it old school- Place your order 8-7 by calling 802 226 7666. Your order will be ready within a half hour and you can pick it up at the back door.
• Canada is closing the border to non-Canadian citizens and permanent residents though it is leaving an exception for United States citizens. Land border points of entry, like those along the Vermont and Quebec border will remain open.
• Both Cavendish and Ludlow Libraries are closed. However, there is free Wi-Fi, no password required at either location. Cavendish has free books, movies in the entry way and special Busy Kits for kids.
• Black River (Ludlow area) has cancelled their Community Meals but will do deliveries. Community Meal participants have been directed to call the Sr. Center if they would like a meal delivered. 228.7241
3. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need volunteers who can help with a number of tasks including shopping, delivering items, making check in calls and more. If you can help, please call 226-7291. All volunteer coordination-if ya need it or can do it-will be out of the Town Office.
4. AN IRISH POEM: Will be posting some Irish music on Facebook to celebrate the day and hope you made some of Brenda’s mother’s Irish Soda Bread (recipe in yesterday’s Update).
The following is from Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland, who wrote this poem about coronavirus.
Lockdown by Brother Richard:
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighborhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing
Be smart. Do your part. Stay home or 6 feet apart.
Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.
Covid 19 Update: 3/16/20 Cavendish Hunkers Down
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CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.
3/16/20: Cavendish Hunkers Down
1. Hunkering Down
2. What’s happened in the last 24 hours
3. How you can help
4. Brenda Gregory’s Irish Soda Bread
1. HUNKERING DOWN: Everybody needs an Uncle Tony to keep them on the right track. Fortunately we have Uncle Tony in Dr. Anthony Fauci, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. He deeply cares about Americans, and knows exactly what’s been happening in other parts of the world, particularly Italy, and he doesn’t want that to happen here.
His message was heard loud and clear yesterday: hunker down America to flatten the curve. The fewer people who get sick, the better the U.S. healthcare system can treat them. “I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,” said Dr. Fauci. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions should already be hunkering down — but other Americans, too, should consider “much more” restrictions on outside activity, from work and travel to possibly eating at restaurants. “Everybody has got to get involved in distancing themselves socially.”
So that’s what Cavendish and the state of Vermont are doing. Before we provide you with the daily update-a sense of humor about things can make it more bearable. Consequently, some post items will have a few twists. It’s going to be St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow so prepare by making Brenda Gregory’s mother’s Irish Soda Bread-see Item
Expect to be “hunkered down” for about the same length of time the schools are closed and the state is under emergency conditions- April 6 but be prepared for longer.
While places are closed and events are cancelled, Cavendish is very much open. Get out and enjoy the fresh air. Wave to your neighbors- keeping 6 feet apart. This is the perfect time to do some early spring cleaning and put aside items for the July 25 (Saturday) Town Wide Tag Sale.
This will not last forever. We will get through it and we will be better for the experience.
1. WHAT’S HAPPENED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
• All schools will be closed in VT until April 6 by order of Gov. Scott. Provisions for students who depend on the school for food will be made. As soon as we’ve heard from the TRSU about the program and scheduling we’ll post it. Note that while the Governor has given the date of March 18 (Wednesday) for all schools to be closed, CTES and GMUHS’s doors are already shut, along with BRHS, LES, CAES and Mt. Holly. Read more.
• Schools are closing in NH
• Three news cases of Covid-19 were added to Vermont’s total count. Two cases are associated with Ludlow and one of those testing positive yesterday is listed as being a 50 year old man from Suffolk County, Mass who is self-isolating in his Windsor County, VT home. Learn more
• We’re going from manual to speedier testing-not quite warp speed- this week, so expect lots and lots of positive cases to be splashed across the headlines. Just don’t look if it’s going to make you crazy. Hunkering down means not having to look at scary stuff. For those that are first responders, medical providers, elderly or have a pre existing condition, you will soon be available for priority testing, particularly once drive-through testing is here.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now advising against gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. No large events and mass gatherings that includes "conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies."
• The toilet paper situation in Ludlow is dire and the lines are even longer at Shaw’s. Try shopping in Claremont in the off peak. Really what are people doing with all that toilet paper? We have one resident who is writing “The Toilet Paper Cookbook,” so maybe he needs a lot of cases to test his recipes. However, we’ve received one very practical suggestion, We have an outhouse . We have tons of old 100 percent cotton bed sheets . Planning to rip them up into squares and the cotton decomposes in the ground completely. Yankee ingenuity at its finest.
• Green Mountain Power to suspend collections amid Covid-19 outbreak. See there is some good news.
• VT National Guard Ready to Assist in Covid-19 Pandemic. See more positive news.
• There is a lot of misinformation about Covid-19 including ”the hold your breath test” (not true) and children don’t get it (yes they do, it’s often milder). VT Digger has done a nice job of separating fact from fiction. Remember, for factual information, listen to Uncle Tony (Dr. Fauci).
• There are a lot of closings and changes, so please call ahead before venturing out. We should have a “Hunkering Down Resource Guide” for you tomorrow, but in the meantime, note the following:
- Black River Good Neighbor has closed the thrift store, but you can still get help from them by calling (802) 228-3663
- Wi-Fi is available at both the Cavendish & Ludlow Libraries. Ludlow will be closing at 2 today for the duration. You can still access Wi-Fi from their parking lot. It doesn’t require a password. Cavendish Library’s board will be making a decision today about their availability today. Cavendish’s Wi-Fi requires a password, which you can get by calling the library 226-7503 or the town office 226-7291.
- Cavendish Town Office is closed to the public but staff is reporting to work. Call 802-226-7291 or use their website.
- Post office is keeping normal hours.
3. HOW YOU CAN HELP: The posters from WWII, with their amazing art work and short slogans got the point across-“Do your bit and knit;” Rosie the Rivieter’s “We can do it.”
For our school kids, folks working from home or anyone who has a little bit of time, we need our own messages to remind us to stay vigilant about the 4Ss (Ssing it):
Social Distancing:
- Stay 6 feet away from other people
- Stay away from large crowds
- Avoid sick people
- Don't shake hands-opt for Namaste bow, jazz hands, wave, the gong shou gesture, or the Vulcan Live long. Note that leg shakes, fist and elbow bumps violate the 6 feet rule.
Soap (hand washing) & Sanitize (clean surfaces)
Stay Home
- if you are sick
- your child is sick
- you can telecommute (work from home)
Safely Cough
- Into a tissue
- Your arm
Any type of art work that promotes "Ssing It," we'll be posted on-line and used in handouts, with the artist getting full credit. We need all types of art and from all ages- Photographs, videos, drawings, sculptures, poems, short essays. There is no set timeline, so e-mail it to Cavendish Connects or post to Cavendish Facebook Page.
4. BRENDA’S MOTHER’S IRISH SODA BREAD: Brenda Gregory’s mother was from County Cork, Ireland. If you don’t know Brenda, she lives in Cavendish and is the most wonderful story teller. Among my favorite stories is about how she grew up during WWII. While working her family’s Victory Garden, and helping out by being a plane spotter, she managed to acquire patches from many of the American military divisions. She sewed them on two different jackets and wore them constantly. They’re amazing.
4 cups white flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 cup sugar (I use unrefined, raw or turbo sugar)
• Blend the above.
• Cut in small lumps of butter 1 and ½ sticks and blend. Will have the consistency of a pie dough.
• Add 1 cup currants and 1 and ½ cups buttermilk and ¼ cup caraway seeds. (You can substitute rasians and it’s okay to omit the caraway seeds)
• Blend until mixed.
• Form a large ball and divide in half to form two smaller balls
On a large baking sheet (use parchment paper) lay each half. Not too close together as they spread. You can use two cake pans or cast iron skillets.
Can brush tops with a mix of 1 egg yolk plus 2 T of water and then sprinkle with sugar. (I don’t do this). Use a sharp knife to cut an “X” into each loaf. This is important because it lets the fairies out.
Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes
Do your part ………………………..Stay a Part (by six feet)
Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.
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