Cavendish Update 5/11/20: Plant Sale/News/Events

Angela kept the news on full time, so she couldn’t be blindsided

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

5/11/20

1. What’s Been Happening

2. Events

Masks are available by e-mailing cavendishconnects@gmail.com. Children masks will be going home this week via the school for those that completed the survey.

Cavendish Municipal Water Users Please Watch Use: Gotta keep the water usage down so everyone has enough for the basics.

CHS Plant Sale Moved to May 30: Due to the unseasonable cold, it’s been a bit challenging for the plants, so the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) plant sale has been changed to May 30 from 9-noon. Farmer’s Market guidelines apply, which means everyone needs to wear a mask and be 6 feet apart. We will not be able to carry items to cars. Contact CHS for presale information 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com There most likely will be evening hours on May 29 (Friday) from 6-7 pm. Unfortunately, the Museum will not be open that day.

Green-Up Day has been postponed. No formal Green-Up Day this year. Instead, stop by the Town Office and pick up a green-up bag from the foyer. Filled bags can be taken to the Transfer Station free of charge. FMI: cavendishrecreation@hotmail.com, or 226-7291.

Cavendish Town Office Open by Appointment: Starting today, the Cavendish Town Office will be open to the public for land records research BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Researchers will be limited to one at a time during normal business hours.  All researchers must bring and wear their own masks; the Office will provide gloves for use when handling materials. No public restroom will be available.  Please call the Town Office at 802-226-7291 with any questions and to schedule an appointment.

Food Drive Continues for BRGN: Through the end of May, Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Baptist Church are sponsoring a food drive to help Black River Good Neighbors as they help many in the Okemo Valley. Drop off items  at the Cavendish Baptist Church. From the side of the building, enter the door closest to the parking lot-has a roof over the door-and leave donations in the designated box. Donations can also be left at the front door of BRGN (you will not be able to enter the building)  in Ludlow from 10-3, Monday-Friday.  If you prefer not to shop, you can donate at their website or send a check to BRGN 37 B Main St. Ludlow, VT 05149. Remember all items should be non-perishable and in date.

As the spigot turns: Vermont continues to track much better than expected for new cases, hospitalizations, and in people seeking treatment of Covid symptoms, which, if continued, 50% of the workforce can return to the workplace, though working remotely is being encouraged . With the “stay at home” order expiring at the end of the week-May 15, Gov. Scott announced on Friday that child care facilities can open June 1. However, most will be required to operate at reduced capacity. Summer camps, day and overnight, can also open, again with strict guidelines. More guidelines will be forthcoming for camps and day care on Monday.

In person graduations, for the most part, will not be possible due to the large numbers of people they attract. Guidelines are available at the state website. In person school is being planned for the fall.

Harvard Global Health estimated that VT needs to test 350 people per day to ensure safety during the reopening phase. VT now is testing over 550 per day and has the capability to test 1,000 a day, 7 days a week. Currently, VT has less than 2% of recent tests coming back positive.

If VT is to continue reopening and remain open, social distancing -staying 6 feet apart, while wearing a mask-hand washing, and following state guidelines are  critical for all Vermonters to practice.

Check out the following article from WCAX, which contains a good timeline of how things closed and how they are reopening.

 With the reopening of Vermont, we need to recognize we’re entering into a new normal where we can embrace things as they are, and what works to keep us as all safe as possible, or look back with longing for what was, while being angry and fearful about what lies ahead. Think I’m going for option A as it ultimately seems a lot less stressful.

1.WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

• Erskines is closing their iconic grain store

• Vermonters support, and follow, Covid-19 shutdown measures, research finds

• 'We All Have To Redefine What Normalcy Is': Vt. Hospitals Begin Expanding Operations

2. UPCOMING EVENTS: Go to dgBody Works for classes that are being posted via Facebook live. Take a new one, do an old one. Stay fit and healthy.

MAY 11 (MONDAY): Ludlow Community Blood Drive 12:30-5:30 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer. For an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767

• Cavendish Select Board Meeting, agenda call in  information  available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

MAY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Plant Sale, 9-noon in front of the Museum. Face masks and social distancing required. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

Staying home for Patty; Bob Kirkbride; Singletons; Dave Norton;  Deb Hryckiewicz;  Ludlow Ambulance Service; the Cavendish Water/Waste Water Treatment Team; Rocky and the Cavendish Transfer Station Crew; Cavendish Town Crew; Mt. Ascutney Hospital; Cavendish/Proctorsville firefighters & first responders; Mack Molding employees; Shaw’s Ludlow employees;  the healthcare workers who have died of Covid-19; Black River Good Neighbors;  family and friends we have lost to Covid-19; and our children

 Have a Heart -stay home or 6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.  

                        Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/8/20: 131/Water/News/Updates

True even in a pandemic: Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down.

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

5/8/20

1. Food Drive for Black River Good Neighbor

2. What’s Been Happening

3. Events

We’re staying home today for our children.

Masks are available by e-mailing cavendishconnects@gmail.com. Please note that children’s masks will be going home via CTES for those that completed the school’s survey.  

Road Construction: Yahoo! The most important news first-Work has begun on 131. Beginning in Cavendish at the intersection of VT Route 103 and VT Route 131 it will continue East for 9 miles into Weathersfield and ending at the intersection of VT 131 and VT 106. Projects for this season include: drainage work, a box culvert replacement located near Glimmerstone Mansion, slope stabilization, ledge removal and river bank work. Work to be performed in 2021 includes course milling, full-depth reclaim of the roadway, paving, guardrail replacement, pavement markings and new signage. So work is beginning but the big changes we want to see alas must wait for 2021. Learn more.

Cavendish Municipal Water Users Please Watch Use: Given the numbers of people at home, there is a lot of demand for water. Please use wisely-it can save you money- by taking shorter showers; turn off water while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing hands; check for drips and leaks; wash full loads for dishwasher and washing machines; don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket (each flush takes 5-7 gallons of water); keep water in the frig so you don’t run water to cool it for drinking; don’t wash cars at this time; and clean driveways, sidewalks and steps with a broom and not water.

Crows and Murdock’s are now open for takeout: Crows Bakery and Murdock’s are open for take out. Be sure to check their respective Facebook pages for menus and other information.

Looking for Mother’s Day Gifts?: Today, from noon until 5, stop by 381 Main St.(near Singleton’s), you can purchase red tulips and help raise money for the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS). Lily Calabrese Pottery in Proctorsville is offering curbside pickup of that perfect pottery item for Mom.

Stay Home Rules Now allow small gatherings, play dates, golf and outdoor recreation: Vermonters may leave home and resume some get-togethers, preferably outside and 6 feet apart. “Play Smart and Play Safe Addendum 6 to the Executive Order (Stay Home/Stay Safe), is hereby amended to make clear Vermonters may leave home to get fresh air and exercise and resume limited social interactions and gatherings of 10 or fewer, preferably in outdoor settings, provided that physical distancing and protocols for hygiene consistent with guidance from VDH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are observed. To keep disease from spreading this means:

• Always staying home and away from others if you are sick with COVID-19, have recently been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, or just don’t feel well.

• Keeping a 6-foot distance from others when you meet people outside of your household.

• Frequently washing your hands (hand sanitizer is acceptable when soap and water are not available).

• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow (even if you are wearing a facial covering).

• Wearing a facial covering over your nose and mouth, as set forth further in Section 2 below.

Vermonters may leave home to participate in outdoor recreation and outdoor fitness activities that require low or no direct physical contact. With respect to these limited social interactions or gatherings of 10 or fewer:

• Vermonters must prioritize protecting those at higher risk for severe illness.

• Continue to limit non-essential travel; all travel should be limited to Vermont to the extent possible and when you do travel, limit non-essential stops. Anyone who leaves Vermont for more than one day for non-essential travel is required to quarantine at home for 14 days upon their return.

Older adults (age 65 and over), and people with underlying medical conditions, like heart and lung disease or diabetes… should continue to shelter in place, and family and friends should do everything they can to help keep them safe.

Read the Addendum for more information.  Please note the information about public mask use. All Vermonters are encouraged to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth any time they are interacting with others from outside their households, including in congregate outdoor settings. Masks are not recommended for strenuous outdoor activity. Businesses and non-profit and government entities may require customers or clients to wear masks.

Covid and kids New data is emerging to show that children can develop multi-syndrome inflammatory syndrome . The illness may come as a "post-immune reaction to COVID," meaning the body seemingly overcompensates and essentially keeps fighting a disease that is no longer attacking the body — possibly even weeks after having contracted a virus like COVID-19. Symptoms to look out for include: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, low grade fever, rash, conjunctivitis or cracked lips.  VT pediatricians are now testing children for Covid.

Health Services Opening: Outpatient procedures and surgeries, in person clinic visits and diagnostic imaging services (x-ray, MRI, CT scan) can now resume. Elective surgeries that require overnight stays (e.g. knee or hip replacement) still need to wait. Enhanced safety protocols will be put in place including screening all individuals entering for Covid symptoms as well as requiring a face mask. Providers are releasing specific guidelines for their respective practices. Rutland Regional Medical Center.

706 Vermonters Have Recovered: VDH is adding a new stat to their data, number of people who have recovered. To date of 908 confirmed cases, 52 have died, but 706 Vermonters have recovered. The rest may still be recovering and/or haven’t checked in with VDH.

Summer camps are still up in the air waiting for guidelines. However, 10 of the states 35 camps that belong to the VT Camp Association have already announced they will be closed.

Take Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force Outreach Survey: The Local Support and Community Action Team of the Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force needs your help prioritizing high impact ideas and actions identified by diverse stakeholders for COVID-19 recovery. Take the survey by May 12 (Tuesday). 

1. FOOD DRIVE FOR BRGN: Black River Good Neighbor (BRGN) has been doing an incredible job making sure the people of the Okemo Valley, including Cavendish, are being fed. Here is an opportunity to help them in helping others.

Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Baptist Church are sponsoring a food drive for the month of May.  Drop off items (see below) at the Cavendish Baptist Church. From the side of the building, enter the door closest to the parking lot-has a roof over the door-and leave donations in the designated box. Donations can also be left at the front door of BRGN (you will not be able to enter the building)  in Ludlow from 10-3, Monday-Friday.

If you prefer not to shop, you can donate at their website or send a check to BRGN 37 B Main St. Ludlow, VT 05149.

 All items should be non-perishable and in-date. Items needed:

• Canned: fruits, vegetables, baked beans. meat, tuna, soup, stews

• Pasta

• Mac & Cheese

• Cereal

• Coffee (this is a big plus)

• Baking items: sugar, flour, salt, pepper

• Condiments: Ketchup, mayo and mustard

• Peanut Butter

• Jelly

• Paper Products: Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex

• Cleaning Products: Dish detergent; laundry detergent

2. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

• GMUSD looks for 10-15% cut from recently approved 2020-21 budget

• Judge rules Springfield Hospital can apply for SBA loan: After Springfield Hospital was told it couldn’t get a Small Business Administration loan, a judge ruled Monday that the organization can apply for the federal funds despite bankruptcy proceedings.

• Retesting challenges keep some inmates in ‘surge’ facility longer than expected: A l Cormier of the Vermont Department of Corrections has called some of the results of the retesting of inmates and staff to determine if they still have the coronavirus “bizarre.” He said each inmate had to obtain two negative tests to show they no longer had the virus in order to leave the “surge” facility set up at the St. Johnsbury prison. “We’ve had a number of inmates that have been tested three times, we’re actually going on a fourth test for some of these guys,” Cormier said. “They’re testing positive, then they’re testing negative, then they’re positive again.” VT Digger

• Scott has ‘concerns’ with expanded mail-in voting for general election

• Summer tourism looks bleak; Scott tells visitors to stay away, for now

• Darn Tough introduces new socks to raise money for VT food bank

• TAKE THE 2020 CENSUS.

3.. UPCOMING EVENTS: Go to dgBody Works  for classes that are being posted via Facebook live. Take a new one, do an old one. Stay fit and healthy.

MAY 11 (MONDAY): Ludlow Community Blood Drive 12:30-5:30 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Wear a facemask and use hand sanitizer. For an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767

• Manufacturing and construction can return to work

• Cavendish Select Board Meeting, agenda call in  information  available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

Staying home for Patty; Bob Kirkbride; Singletons; Dave Norton;  Deb Hryckiewicz;  Ludlow Ambulance Service; the Cavendish Water/Waste Water Treatment Team; Rocky and the Cavendish Transfer Station Crew; Cavendish Town Crew; Mt. Ascutney Hospital; Cavendish/Proctorsville firefighters & first responders; Mack Molding employees; Shaw’s Ludlow employees;  the healthcare workers who have died of Covid-19; Black River Good Neighbors;  family and friends we have lost to Covid-19; and our children

  Have a Heart -stay home or 6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.  

                     Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/4/20: Water/News/Events

Everybody had to laugh at Aubrey’s internet jokes

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

5/4/20

1.    What’s Been Happening

2.    Events

MESSAGE FOR THOSE ON CAVENDISH MUNICIPAL WATER: Please be mindful of water usage. With people staying at home, there has been a bigger demand for water. This is not the time to wash cars or fill swimming pools (not that anybody is going to be swimming for a while).

With another turn of the spigot manufacturing and construction of 10 or fewer employees can reopen today. If trends remain low, “manufacturing, construction, and distribution operations may restart with as few employees as necessary to permit full operations while continuing to maintain health and safety,” by May 11. Read More.

It’s all about the trends. Instead of focusing on numbers, it’s the overall decline in rates that are what’s being monitored, be it new cases, deaths or hospitalizations. As long as we stay on the same trajectory we’re on, more will be opening and the Stay at Home order will be lifted mid-month. In the months ahead, until there is a vaccine or effective treatment, expect people and even locations to be quarantined, as with more testing more cases will be found.

How Data is Kept It’s important to understand how data is being kept as in March and early April, it was as changeable as the weather. Like spring, which appears to finally have settled in, the only data that is being reported is for Vt residents.  As of May 3, 897 VT residents  have tested positive and 52 have died, including two residents of the Okemo Valley. Does VT test non-residents? Yes they do, but they are counted in the state where they reside, not in VT.

Data by Town: When you look at the newly revised data by town,   no Cavendish resident has tested positive to date, while Ludlow, Chester, Reading and Plymouth are all listed as having 1-5 cases. However, it doesn’t mean that people haven’t been quarantined here for exposures nor does it tell us if an infected 2nd homeowner or visitor was here. In short, don’t go by the numbers on the town map to assure yourself Covid isn’t an issue for us. Not the case at all, the state’s town map is only giving us one view.  Please continue to practice social distancing -6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.

Symptoms for Covid-19 Have Expanded to include all of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, loss of sense of taste or smell, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat. Anyone with these symptoms can be tested, along with anyone who has had a direct exposure to someone who is positive.

Testing is key and VT has expanded testing. Pediatricians are being asked to test kids and teens with flu like symptoms. VT is also part of a CDC project for multiple rounds of testing at elder care facilities with positive cases. If you think you need a test, you can now get one. You will need a doctor’s order. If you don’t have a primary care provider, call the Ludlow Health Center 802-228-8867.

Our neighboring states are still having significant outbreaks. This is very concerning for the Governor, who is fearful  that “an ember,” an infected visitor, could “spark a wild fire” in VT. He mentions this in all of his press conferences, often more than once.  Justifiable concerns, Mass has had 66,263 cases, 3,846 deaths and people are still dying daily in the triple digits. NY, has had 18,909 deaths with 313,000 people testing positive. While CT is thinking they’ve reached peak-they had 97 deaths and more than 500 new confirmed cases on Saturday, with total numbers of 2,436 deaths and 29,287 cases. NH has had 2,429 cases with 84 deaths.

Scott is looking at “regional” openings particularly for recreational purposes. Whether people are returning home to VT after a winter elsewhere, or are coming to their 2nd home for the summer,  they are required to quarantine for 14 days. It should be noted that VT’s  Agency of Transportation study, which has manually logged license-plate data in as many as 43 border checkpoints since April 1, has found “nothing that’s raised to the level of thinking we’re seeing a huge influx or a major change in inbound visitors." Read more

Good news-Greenhouse Gas Emissions Predicted to fall nearly 8%. The International Energy Agency, along with the plants and animals, are doing the happy dance, as the lower emissions will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. Learn more. 

If you can’t find  masks or hand sanitizer or need help with shopping, please call 226-7291 or 7292. You can also e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com

1.WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

• Green Mountain’s Virtual Graduation Walk: Each day from May 2 until June 18, The Chester Telegraph will spotlight one member of the Green Mountain High School’s class of 2020. While nothing can replace the thrill of walking across the stage to receive your diploma at your high school graduation, we hope this moment “on stage” in front of your family, friends and community will give you some small joy and a memory to take with you.

• Protest outside Springfield prison leads to inmate disturbance inside

• New Hampshire extends stay-at-home order; restricted business openings allowed: Outdoor seating at restaurants, drive-in theaters, golf and haircuts will be allowed — under strict guidelines — under a new stay-at-home order issued Friday by Gov. Chris Sununu. Campgrounds, manufacturing services and state parks can open immediately if they follow the guidelines. Golf courses, barbers and hair salons, retail stores and drive-in theaters can open May 11, under certain conditions.

• DHMC repurposes unit for COVID-19 intensive care: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center’s new neurocritical care unit on the third floor of the hospital’s inpatient tower has been transformed into a COVID-19 intensive care unit during the pandemic. The unit sees a daily average of 10 to 30 patients with COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19. Patients who don’t require intensive care are moved to the second floor of the tower. “We are fortunate that only one D-HH patient has died, given that the mortality rate for intubated patients is quite high.”

• UVM Health Network projects $152 million loss this year due to Covid-19

• TAKE THE 2020 CENSUS.

2.. UPCOMING EVENTS: Go to dgBody Works  for classes that are being posted via Facebook live. Take a new one, do an old one. Stay fit and healthy.

MAY 5 (TUESDAY): GMUSD Finance Committee will meet using Zoom at 6 pm. Zoom information is included on the Agenda.

MAY 11 (MONDAY): Ludlow Community Blood Drive 12:30-5:30 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Wear a facemask and use hand sanitizer. For an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767

• Manufacturing and construction can return to work

Staying home for Patty; Bob Kirkbride; Singletons; Dave Norton;  Deb Hryckiewicz;  Ludlow Ambulance Service; the Cavendish Water/Waste Water Treatment Team; Rocky and the Cavendish Transfer Station Crew; Cavendish Town Crew; Mt. Ascutney Hospital; Cavendish/Proctorsville firefighters & first responders; Mack Molding employees; Shaw’s Ludlow employees;  the healthcare workers who have died of Covid-19; Black River Good Neighbors; and family and friends we have lost to Covid-19

Have a Heart -stay home or 6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.  

                        Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/1/20 Plant Sale/Market Update/News

The quarantine—surprisingly—was making Duncan calmer. 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.

5/1/20

1.    What’s Been Happening

2.    CHS Plant Sale

3.    Market Update by Mark Huntley

4.    Events

We’re staying home today for our mask makers.

It’s been a hopeful week all things considered, with Vermont keeping the number of new cases low, even had no new cases on Wednesday, more businesses re opening, with a promise of more today, and some strides are being made on the treatment front.

Town Data: On Monday, the VT Department of Health (VDH) released data by town for the first time. Instead of providing actual numbers, they gave a range. Cavendish, Ludlow and surrounding towns, which comprise the Okemo Valley,  each showed they had <6 cases a piece. Given that there were two deaths to Covid-19, with numerous people in quarantine as a result of being in contact with one or both of these individuals, as well as the very limited amount of testing that was available at the time, we can assume the actual number of Covid cases was/is higher for the Okemo Valley. The state admits this was an “ad hoc” attempt to answer repeated questions about specific town incidence and are in the process of over hauling it.

Criteria for lifting “Stay at Home” : VT’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine, stated that there are four criteria being used to “open the state:”

• A sustained reduction in cases over 14 days.

• Health care system remains safely under capacity.

• Widespread testing is possible.

• Active monitoring of the population

We are achieving the first criteria and consequently hospitalizations have significantly dropped to the point that the state is reviewing plans to allow hospitals to start providing non emergent care, such as elective surgeries.

VT is ramping up its testing in order to test 1,000 people a day-7,000 a week-with strong contact tracing. They will need to hire more staff and will be expanding both in the coming weeks as more people return to work. Hopefully, both will be well in place when the “Stay at Home” order is slated to end on May 15.

Expect to see increases in new cases with more testing. Containment, which will include the use of an App to help insure people are being followed daily by VDH, will be implemented.  South Korea adopted this approach immediately and as a result, kept their economy going, sluggish though it may be, and their incidence and mortality has been low. For more on this topic, click here.

There is confusion about "flattening the curve." There are those that think we “dodged a bullet,” similarly to how we missed getting hit by a nor’easter. Nope, viruses have a mind of their own and they don’t care jack about who you are. If they can latch hold, they do. The virus was in our community, but thanks to quick action by leadership and Vermonters, who really get “hunkering down,” it was contained and as a result, we’ve been less impacted then other parts of the country.

Some people believe that since VT is doing so well, and the hospitals are sufficiently equipped with PPE and vents,  just open everything up. Not so fast.

If we return to “business as usual,” we will see a significant increase in cases and once again have the potential to overwhelm the health care system. With healthcare accounting for about 20% of the US economy, caring or prepping for Covid-19 has resulted in massive revenue losses. The bread and butter stuff, which is where healthcare makes its money e.g. hip replacement, elective surgeries etc.,  hasn't been functioning for close to two months. Estimates are health care revenue has been reduced about $500 billion across the country. The two federal stimulus bills will only provide about $175 billion -- or 35 percent -- of that lost revenue.

As much as we need to flatten the curve to save lives, it’s also needed for researchers to develop treatments and/or vaccine, as well as allow the healthcare industry to return to business as usual so they can try and recoup massive revenue losses  If we don't keep doing what we’re doing, an already fragile healthcare system could be pushed over the edge.

Will there be a “round two?” Most epidemiologist think there will be. However, by implementing the type of testing, contact tracing and quarantine, along with the continuing practice of social distancing, we could significantly reduce its impact in VT.

What about “herd immunity?: This implies that a sufficient number of people have had a disease or been vaccinated against it so the virus can’t spread. Unfortunately, scientists don’t know if humans develop immunity to COVID-19, and if it does, how long it might last. According to Uncle Tony (Dr. Fauci), “We really can’t depend on herd immunity until we get either enough people infected, or enough people vaccinated.” Getting infected is not recommended as it could easily backfire landing you in the hospital or worse.

Scott has mentioned more than once the pressure he is receiving to reopen VT. However, he is being guided by the science and data and a concern about VT’s proximity to New York and Massachusetts, which are still hot spots. It’s not clear how the latter  will be addressed because Vermont’s economy is heavily based on tourism

This week brought some welcome news on the treatment front-Remdesivir has been found to have an impact on Covid by reducing the length of recovery time for from 15 to 11 days. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but this is not an approved antiviral drug, so it’s got a ways to go before it becomes mainstream. Fortunately, DHMC is one of the hospitals participating in the Remdesivir Trials.

It’s Friday, so “spigot turning” day. The Governor’s press conference at 11 will announce what will be opening up. Have a good weekend and see ya Monday.

If you can’t find masks or hand sanitizer or need help with shopping, please call 226-7291 or 7292. You can also e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com 

1. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

• Vail Resorts offers passholders impacted by COVID-19 credits for 2020: Vail Resorts is offering credits at between 20% and 80% for next year's Epic Pass, to anyone who held a pass this past season, along with free pass insurance that covers a pandemic. 

• COVID-19, a Hypnopotamus, and You: Local hypnotherapist Dr. Linda Thomson and illustrator Jane Hart team up on this new story book, to teach children about COVID 19 and how to stay safe. There are two versions, one showing the words on the page  and the other just illustrations

• Bottom falls out of Vermont’s education fund, massive tax increases loom

• VSCS Chancellor and Castleton University president resign: After a five-year tenure, Jeb Spaulding stepped down from his role as Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System on Wednesday.  Castleton University president Dr. Karen Scolforo also resigned during Wednesday's board meeting.

• Killarney’s will be open today from 4-8 for take-out only. They recommend ordering ahead. You can order on Facebook or calling (802)228-7797.

• State emergency plan would expand broadband to all Vermonters: The Vermont Department of Public Service is crafting an emergency Covid-19 broadband plan that, if enacted, would provide internet connection to all Vermont residents at a cost ranging from $85 million to $293 million. 

• TAKE THE 2020 CENSUS.

2. CHS ANNUAL PLANT SALE: Because Vermont’s Farmer’s Markets are opening on May 1, and garden centers are already open, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) is hoping to hold the plant sale May 23 (Saturday) using Farmer Market guidelines, in front of the Museum. The Museum will not be open that day.

We are  taking orders now for tomato plants, salad buckets and herb pots. If you have ideas for other veggies you'd like in a grow pot, let us know and we'll see what we can work out. Tomatoes are $10 (Early girl, Cherry, and Sun Gold)  and come in five gallon food grade buckets. Salad buckets and herb pots (include a variety of herbs) are $15 a piece. These can last you the whole summer and well into the fall.

To order, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com with the type and quantity of tomato plants you want as well as other items. If you are in the Okemo Valley, we will be doing deliveries prior to the sale. You can also call 802-226-7807.

 We understand that some people are in high risk groups and are reluctant to leave home but still want to work in their garden. If you are in that situation and want plants other than those described above, please let us know what you are looking for and we will try to deliver.

3. MARKET UPDATE by Mark Huntley:  We are here to offer a quick update regarding the stock market, investments and the economy.

So, did you open your retirement plan statement? Or did you gingerly put it back in the drawer?

The Dow’s worst bear market was from 1929 to 1932 where it lost 86% of its value during that bear market (better known as the Great Depression). This 2020 market plunged over 30%, although it has somewhat repaired itself in almost the same amount of time it took to bring it down. A similar thing happened in the 2008 correction, except it took considerably longer to get back to its high. The Dow’s low in 2008/2009 was March 3rd of 2009, at which time, it was 6625. Today the Dow is close to 24,000.

Please consider that many believe (ourselves included) the S&P 500 is a fairer representation of our economy. The Dow is only 30 companies vs. 500 in the S&P

Our feeling is the potential “lows” of March may be retested in late June—this could be because of a reappearance of covid or earnings or any number of reasons. We would draw an analogy that the market might follow the virus’s path. Our recommendation is always the same: patience, balance, diversification to avoid duplication, a healthy cash position, and market hedges to protect the downside.

So, will it be (as the saying goes) “Sell in May and go away?” We shall see…

As always, please do not attempt to fly this plane, ride this roller coaster, or drive this cruise ship without the help and guidance of a highly trained professional.

May you all be safe.

Mark is a Cavendish resident and owns Huntley Wealth Management in Ludlow.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS: Go to dgBody Works  for classes that are being posted via Facebook live. Take a new one, do an old one. Stay fit and healthy.

MAY 1 (FRIDAY) : Farmer’s Markets open for the season

MAY 11 (MONDAY): Ludlow Community Blood Drive 12:30-5:30 at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Wear a facemask and use hand sanitizer. For an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767

Staying home for Patty; Bob Kirkbride; Singletons; Dave Norton;  Deb Hryckiewicz;  Ludlow Ambulance Service; the Cavendish Water/Waste Water Treatment Team; Rocky and the Cavendish Transfer Station Crew; Cavendish Town Crew; Mt. Ascutney Hospital; Cavendish/Proctorsville firefighters & first responders; Mack Molding employees; Shaw’s Ludlow employees;  the healthcare workers who have died of Covid-19; Black River Good Neighbors; family and friends we have lost to Covid-19; and our local mask makers.

Have a Heart -stay home or 6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.   

                        Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS