Cavendish Update 9/25/20: SB Mtg/131 Construction/News/Events

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

PLEASE NOTE: A BURN BAN IS IN PLACE FOR CAVENDISH. Due to dry conditions, winds and falling leaves there is a high risk for brush and other types of fire.

9/25/20

1. Cavendish SB Meeting 9/14/20

2. Cavendish Info

3. Construction Update 131

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/14/20: The Cavendish Select Board (SB) continues to meet via Zoom, with meetings recorded and available from the Okemo Valley TV website, minutes are available at the Town’s website.

Actions/Items Discussed

• Several community members requested a discussion on ATV use on town roads

• Former Town Garage site: Pole barns and fuel tanks may be moved off the site by next year. Money is available for Streetscapes to work on the project, who plan to have the grading, seeding and mulch in place before winter.

• Two companies have submitted quotes for two options to repave Cavendish Gulf Road and Stone Way. Quotes (from Atlantic Paving and Bazin Brothers) for a shim/overlay option were approximately $25,000 for Cavendish Gulf Road and $67,000for Stone Way. Quotes for reclaiming (removing, grinding and relaying the existing surface) were approximately $28,000 for Cavendish Gulf Road and $75,000 for Stone Way. Quotes were very close to each other. Will know in the next several weeks if paving will be possible this year.

• Property tax revenue is starting to come in as expected with no noticeable drop due to Covid-19.

• Update on 131 project, which is now winding down. (See Item 3)

• Continued discussion of loose dog on Cavendish Gulf Rd, which is a long standing problem.

• Approved accepting the Solar Bond anticipated note with Berkshire Bank in the amount of $275,000 at 2.75% interest for a term of one year

• Outer Limits Brewery made a request to use the Proctorsville Village Green for a fall festival on Oct. 10th. Due to the town ordinance prohibiting alcohol consumption on town property, the town manager will relay to Outer Limits that it was not possible to hold this event.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

•  New Program from the Cavendish Historical Society: CHS has started a new program to support our in school and home learners. The Carmine Guica Young Historians Update is posted on or about the 25th of each month to support parents, teachers and students with information about upcoming events and dates of historic interest with related activities and resources. If you would like to receive this by e-mail, send an e-mail to margocaulfield@icloud.com with "subscribe CGYH" in the subject heading. The current issue is available at the CHS blog.

• Green Mountain Power encourages eligible customers to apply for Covid-19 assistance: GMP is encouraging customers with unpaid bills to apply for financial assistance through an $8 million Covid-19 arrearage assistance fund. Green Mountain Power said that 23,000 of its customers have outstanding balances older than 60 days, which may make them eligible for the financial support, while only 2,000 people have applied for arrearage assistance, the company added. The deadline to apply is November 30. More information is available on the Department of Public Service website. 

• Springfield Shopping Plaza welcomes Ollie’s Bargain Hunt: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will be replacing Peebles and will expand into additional square footage in the shopping plaza. Ollie’s is a leading American retailer offering Vermonters deep discounts on major brands of consumer goods.

• How VTel’s Phone/Internet Outage Happened: While this primarily impacted Chester, Andover, Springfield, some Cavendish residents and businesses were impacted by the outage last week. Chester Telegraph

• Springfield Hospital Files Plan to split from clinics in exit from bankruptcy

• Ludlow-Scarecrows on Main St: Ludlow Parks and Recreation is holding a scarecrow-making contest to be displayed on Main Street. Families and businesses can register their scarecrow at the Recreation Department or online at www.ludlowvtparksandrec.com. You will receive an entry number to place near your scarecrow in a visible spot. Scarecrows will be put in place beginning Saturday, Oct. 3 and must be removed no later than Monday, Nov. 2. All scarecrows must be self-supporting, weather proof, and non-political. Judging will take place Columbus Day weekend and winners will be announced on the Ludlow Parks and Recreation website Oct. 13. Categories include scariest, most creative, best use of recycled materials, and Best on Main for businesses.

• Timberframe in Springfield rebuilds after last year’s fire.

3. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131- Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed. There are new gravel crossings that have opened since the paving was completed. The traveling public should expect new areas of gravel crossings until the next round of paving is scheduled. Previously existing gravel pipe crossings as well as any areas that were heavily damaged as a result of work in the ledge removal areas have been paved. River bank restoration has begun at the Cavendish/Weathersfield town line. The traveling public should expect one-way alternating traffic in this area.

 4. COVID UPDATE: On Tuesday, the United States passed 200,000 deaths from Covid. On Thursday, the FDA approved the first point-of-care (POC) antibody test for COVID-19, under an emergency use authorization (EUA). The antibody test uses finger stick blood samples. With the new POC authorization, the test can be performed in physicians' offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency departments. The test eliminates the need to send samples to a central laboratory for testing. The FDA said it's unclear how long antibodies persist following SARS-CoV-2 infection and whether antibodies confer protective immunity. Patients and providers "should not interpret results from a serology test as telling them they are immune, or have any level of immunity, from the virus," the agency cautioned. On Wednesday, the head of the CDC, Robert Redfield, told a U.S. Senate committee that he expects COVID-19 vaccinations to take place over many months and that most Americans could be vaccinated by July of 2021 at the latest.

 From the Governor’s Press Conferences

• New hospitality guidelines now allow counter service at bars and restaurants; parties must remain 6 feet apart and businesses must have a barrier separating customers and staff; Lodging establishments may now rent all of their rooms.

• The state is moving to step 3 of opening the public schools. As a result, starting Saturday, public schools will be allowed to start holding sports competitions, and using common areas such as cafeterias and gyms. Only a few cases of Covid have been identified at schools, with no transmission of the virus in schools.

• VT’s Health Commissioner, Mark Levine, expressed concern over the CDC’s eliminating language from its Covid guidance that warned of airborne transmission of the virus. On Tuesday, Levine called the CDC’s decision “yet another public relations fiasco, with overtones of politicization.” He was very clear that VT would be guided by science and data, not politics. As Levine noted numerous studies have indicated that the coronavirus can be transmitted via “aerosols” that can travel much farther than large respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. And he said he and other health officials across the country “have been calling for the risk of airborne transmission to be recognized by health authorities.”

• The less invasive anterior nares testing swabs are now in stock making the Covid test easier than the “brain tickling” nasopharyngeal swabs.

Canceled: Okemo Mountain Ski Swap. A virtual sale will be held instead. Donations can be dropped off from now until Oct.19 by appointment only. There will not be any consignment this year. Due to the nature of the virtual sale, we are only accepting skis, snowboards, and competition specific gear that is less than 5 years old e.g. GS suits, shin guards, back protectors. The online sale begins Nov. 2 and continues through Nov. 27 with pickup by appointment only. FMI: www.okemomountainschool.org/skiswap.

Outbreaks/Numbers: This past week there have been 19 new cases, down from 44 from the previous week,  bringing the state total to 1,724 cases. There have been no deaths since the July 28 and two people are hospitalized with Covid.

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are also available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790 For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 27-28 (SUNDAY-MONDAY)-: Yom Kippur

OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY): Black River Good Neighbors is extending their shopping days to 6 days a week.

OCTOBER 6 (TUESDAY): Vermont Mask Day Founded and organized by Masks4Missions.org Vermont Mask Day is a one-day, state-wide celebration of Vermonters coming together virtually and in mask-protected socially-distant gatherings to celebrate our shared commitment to healthy communities.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): From Smallpox to Covid-19: The Impact of Pandemics/Epidemics on the American Indigenous Peoples. Will be held at the Cavendish “Stone” Universalist Church on Main St. in Cavendish Village. Parking is available across the street at the Cavendish Baptist Church (2258 Main St.). Masks and social distancing required.

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly Columbus Day). Legal Holiday. Town Office Closed.

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

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/18/20 : Election/ Construction/Fire Depts

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

9/18/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Letter Regarding November Election

3. Construction Update 131

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

Cavendish Fire Dept. defends automatic mutual aid decision: The Cavendish Fire Dept (CFD) has recently ended a longstanding automatic mutual aid agreement with the Proctorsville Fire Dept (PFD). CFD will now manually call on PFD if they deem it necessary. Assistant Fire Chief Abraham Gross has defended the decision with a formal statement saying, “In the judgement of the new chief, Rebecca Nareau, pursuit of an improved relationship through automatic aid is, at this time, untenable, and not in the best interest for the public safety of the district we serve. Our priority is to maintain and increase our roster of highly trained and certified volunteers and supplement our staffing needs with paid personnel.” VT Journal

Thank You Students, Volunteers, BRAT, American Pie and Community: Once again our students did an incredible job helping to care for the Black River by participating in RiverSweep. In the morning, CTES grades 5 & 6 tackled Greven Field. Because water levels are so low, they were able to do a good check of the river and banks for items that don't belong there. They then proceeded to tackle the Knot Weed. Greven is particularly prone to flooding, so knot weed can easily be deposited there and it can also be a source for it down the river. In the afternoon, our home learners cleaned the Mill St. Bridge area-found a part of a dumpster, which the town removed on Wednesday, the estuary by the water plant and the most frequented swimming hole, below the power dam. We're thrilled to report that care continues at the popular swimming hole and we have had very little to clear out of there the last two years. Thank you to: Black River Action Team (BRAT), for organizing this event, our teachers, staff and volunteers for helping to do this annual clean; and a special thanks to American Pie for once again providing a delicious lunch of pizza for everyone to enjoy. Last but not least, we want to thank our community for taking the time to keep our streams and rivers clean so they are safe for recreation purposes.

Sean Whalen Withdraws from WDR-2 Race: Whalen, who was running as a progressive/independent for VT State Rep for Weathersfield/Cavendish has withdrawn from the race. His name will still appear on the ballot. The candidates running to replace Annemarie Christianson are John Arrison (D) and Mike Kell (R).

2. LETTER FROM CAVENDISH TOWN CLERK REGARDING NOV. VOTE: There has been some confusion around the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2020 and I would like to provide clarification as to the voting process for Cavendish and Proctorsville voters.

The Secretary of State’s Office is automatically mailing ballots to all residents who were registered voters as of September 1, 2020. Mailing of ballots will take place beginning September 21, 2020 with all ballots delivered by October 5th. These ballots will be mailed to the address on record in the election management system unless you requested a different mailing address. Anyone who registered to vote after 09/01/2020 will automatically be mailed a ballot by the Town Clerk.

The Secretary of State’s office will be posting a daily listing beginning 09/21/20 as to which towns have been mailed ballots. You can access their website at sos.vermont.gov. You can also track the status of your ballot here by registering on My Voter Page.

Your ballot can be returned by mail, delivered to the Town Office during office hours or brought to the polls on election day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Anyone can return your ballot for you.

If you prefer to vote in person on 11/03/20, you will be able to even if you do not bring the ballot that was mailed to you. You will be required to sign an “Affidavit of No Ballot Cast” so that you can receive a new ballot. Both the State of Vermont and the Town of Cavendish have measures in place to prevent any person from voting more than once.

 If you are not currently registered to vote, you can do so at the Town Clerk’s office, by mail or online at the Secretary of State’s website, sos.vermont.gov. We have same day registration in the State of Vermont so you can register to vote and vote on Election Day at the polling location.

 If you have any questions or concerns about voting on November 3, 2020, please call the Town Clerk’s office at 226-7292. This year, it is not “voting as we know it” and all of us here at the office are happy to answer your questions and assist you in making sure your vote is counted!

Diane McNamara Cavendish Town Clerk

3. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131-Week of Sept. 21 Planned Construction Activities: Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed.

All remaining gravel pipe crossings as well as the roadway area located at the culvert replacement near Glimmerstone Mansion will be paved by the end of this week. Any roadway areas within the ledge area that were damaged will be paved with a shim coat of asphalt.

River bank restoration has begun at the Cavendish/Weathersfield town line. The traveling public should expect one-way alternating traffic in this area.  Minor delays should be expected.

4. COVID UPDATE: On Tuesday, Dr. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke to Vermonters via the Governor’s bi-weekly press conference. “The message that I’d like all of the citizens of the state to hear is that this virus is a formidable foe, you give it an opportunity to reemerge its ugly head, whether you’re in the beautiful rural area of Vermont or in the middle of Manhattan or the Bronx, that virus is going to take advantage of that. This becomes particularly important as we enter the colder season of the fall in the winter. Let’s everybody keep our guard up and not be complacent.” To the question of a “second wave,” Fauci noted “I don’t think you inevitably are going to have a second wave. It’s going to be challenging as you get into the fall and the winter but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to have a problem — if you do the kind of prudent public health measures that you’ve been doing.” When it came to the question of a vaccine and it’s safety, it summed it up by saying, “I, for one, would not hesitate to take it,” he said. Earlier this week, Dr. Fauci reported nationally that about 40-50% of infections are asymptomatic. Fauci’s portion of the Governor’s Press Conference is available on uTube.

 From the Governor’s Press Conferences

• Governor Phil Scott on Friday extended the state of emergency to October 15

• if the state’s COVID numbers continue to look good with schools reopening and college students returning, the spigot might turn even more, possibly by Sept. 18 and most likely affecting the hospitality industry.

• The state is predicting good numbers ahead as it continues to maintain its status as having the lowest incidence in the country. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says the CDC acknowledged Vermont as having the best contact tracing in the country.

• Levine reminded Vermonters to get their flu shots because getting the flu along with COVID could be “devastating.” For the record, Dr. Fauci was asked during an Instagram Live program when he gets his flu shot. He gets the vaccine “towards the middle and end of October.” “I wouldn’t necessarily get it now, in September, because there is evidence that, in fact, the immunity might wear off when you get to February and early March...,” he said, calling the advice his “unofficial” suggestion on timing. 

Halloween: The candy displays are definitely reminding us that Trick or Treating is arriving soon. This past Friday, Dr. Levine said that, as long as health precautions are followed, Vermonters can likely still look forward to Halloween. Check out some interesting ways to celebrate. If you have some ideas we could do town wide, please e-mail them to cavendishconnects@gmail.com

Covid 19 Vaccination Interim Playbook: Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense on Sept 16th held a call with reporters and then released documents on the distribution plans that it is sending to the states and local public health officials. "Our goal at Operation Warp Speed, is that 24 hours after (regulatory authorization) is issued, we have vaccine moving to administration sites," one of the officials said. The federal government will allocate vaccines for each state based on the critical populations recommended first for vaccination by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Closing: Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts until June 2021

Schools reporting Covid in the last week: Hartford High, Crossett Brook Middle School (Duxbury)

Canceled: Ludlow Rotary Annual Chili Cook Off; Lake Placid Bobsled & Skeleton Championships 2021

Outbreaks/Numbers: This past week there have been 44 new cases, bringing the state total to 1,705 cases. There have been no deaths since the July 28 and two people are hospitalized with Covid.

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the new CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790 For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 18-SEPTEMBER 20 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Rosh Hashanah

SEPTEMBER 27 (SUNDAY): Yom Kippur

OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY): Black River Good Neighbors is extending their shopping days to 6 days a week.

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/11/20: Construction 131/Gage/Covid/News

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

9/11/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3. Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• New Hours for Cavendish Library: The library hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00-6:30 and Saturday from 10:00-4:00. Patrons must wear a mask and social distance to visit the library.

• Please Return Equipment to DG BodyWorks: During the lock down phase of Covid-19, DG Bodyworks ran daily free exercise classes via their Facebook page and offered the community their equipment to use during this time. With-in person classes resuming, the equipment is needed. If you borrowed equipment, you can return it Friday mornings before or after the 10 am Bootcamp class or Monday/Wednesday before or after the 6 pm Boot Camp class. FMI 802-554-0006.

• GMUSD schools seem more prepared for reopening than NEA statewide grades indicate: The Vermont NEA – the union that represents public school teachers in the state – released a “report card” for “overall preparation for safe start of school” as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The Chester Telegraph conducted its own survey of the Green Mountain Unified School District (CTES, Chester Andover Elementary and GMUHS) and assigned them an overall grade of B+.

• GMUSD Approves hiring two positions as schools prepare to open

• Okemo Valley TV changes and upgrades

• Okemo Outlines Covid 19 Changes for Ski Season

• SWCRPC Changes Name: The Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC), of which Cavendish is part of, has changed its name to Mt. Ascutney Regional Planning Commission (MARC) effective Jan. 1, 2021.

• Ballots will be mailed to every "active, registered" voter in Vermont between Sept. 21 and Oct. 1 according to the Secretary of State. And it's changing the way campaigns are conducting outreach.

• Financial sustainability behind Vermont PBS and Vermont Public Radio merger

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: Week of Sept.14- Planned Construction Activities: Mesh installation and clean-up of the ledge removal area of the project has been completed. The temporary traffic signal and barrier are being removed today. Temporary line striping in this area will occur tomorrow (9/11).

Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed.

All remaining gravel pipe crossings as well as the roadway area located at the culvert replacement near Glimmerstone Mansion will be paved next week. Any roadway areas within the ledge area that were damaged will be paved with a shim coat of asphalt.

The contractor is scheduled to begin river bank restoration at the Cavendish/Weathersfield town line next week. The traveling public should expect one-way alternating traffic in this area. . Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic . Minor delays should be expected.

 3. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK & TALK Each year the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) holds a "walk & talk" on the famous accident in Cavendish that ushered in the field of neuroscience and a clearer understanding of how the brain functions. This year's emphasis will be on the "walk" portion, as the program will be held entirely outside. On the 172nd date of the accident, September 13 (Sunday), meet at 2 pm at the CHS Museum, 1958 Main St (Route 131). Included in the walk will be the boarding house where Gage stayed, the site of the accident, Dr. Harlow's surgery and more. 

While blasting for the new railroad, Phineas Gage had a tamping rod blow through his head, yet lived for 12 more years. Thanks to the pains taking work of Dr. John Harlow, the Cavendish physician that treated him, the accident and Gage's injuries and recovery continue to be studied.

The site of the accident is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked for close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.

This event is free and open to the public. Masks and social distancing are required.

.

4. COVID UPDATE: There are lots of reasons to wear a mask. It’s way better than concealer for acne or skin blemishes. Didn’t have time to brush your teeth or use mouth wash? The mask has you covered. Don’t feel like smiling at people, wear that frown all day. Whose to know you aren’t little Miss Sunshine. Oh and lipstick. Why bother with that expense. It offers the perfect disguise for loading your shopping cart with junk food or snagging the last role of TP in the store. Now this is a little gross, but our allergy sufferers already know how wonderful a catcher a mask can be when you forgot to take your antihistamine. In short, there are lots of positives to masking, with the most important one being it reduces Covid transmission.

From the recent press conferences:

• VT is prepared to distribute Covid vaccine if it is available by November. State epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says they’re working on identifying which people need the vaccine first because they estimate when it is ready, they will only get small shipments to start. “There’s lots of work going on, we’re pretty well-prepared to begin with, and we’ll be ready when the vaccine is,” she said. This week the AstraZeneca’s Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial ground to a halt when a participant experienced neurological symptoms consistent with a rare but serious spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis. It has been confirmed that this patient was injected with the company’s vaccine and not placebo. The AstraZeneca vaccine is one of nine that have either started or are about to start being tested in large number of volunteers around the world.

• Numbers out Friday show that despite thousands of college students returning to Vermont, there have been very few COVID-19 cases on campus.

• The governor announced updated recreational sports guidance for kids and adults. It lines up with the guidance that they’re already requiring for schools this falls about masks and distancing.

• Projected increases for new cases in VT for September will be due to students returning to school and more people returning to work.

• Once school opening has gone well, the Governor said the next sector to open further will be the hospitality industry.

• The VT Department of Health released new options for being tested and receiving results for COVID-19. Kinney Drugs is now partnering with VT in providing tests and it will now be possible to get test results e-mailed to you. Learn more at VDH's testing website.  In VT, if you want a test, you can get one. Note testing is free but you may be asked for insurance information for the Kinney Drug tests.

• The state has received $35.8 million from the federal government to pay a $300 supplement per week to unemployment insurance claimants. The money is intended to go part of the way in replacing the $600 federal unemployment insurance supplement that ended in late July. Lawmakers were considering an additional $100 to bring the supplement up to $400. Checks could start going out as early as next week. But they will only cover the first three weeks of August.

• The state created child care program is using $12 million from the VT’s share of the federal Covid-19 CARES act in order to provide up to 9,000 child care spots to assist working parents whose children are participating in hybrid learning programs. Once the schools return to five day a work in person classes, this system will be dismantled.

• An online system has been launched to take care of temporary registrations and license plates for private vehicle sales.

Cancelled: Black River Good Neighbor Services’ Stick Season Social

Closing: Thomas Dairy

Outbreaks/Numbers: The number of cases connected to the Killington outbreak rose to 18 Vermonters as of Tuesday. This past week there have been 24 new cases, bringing the state total to 1,661 cases. There have been no deaths since July 28 and only one person with Covid is in the hospital

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the new CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790. They will also be available at the Honey Festival this Saturday. For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn, from 10-4. Face masks are required by state law. Social distancing will be practiced. In accordance with Vermont regulations, the number of guests allowed into the festival at any one time will be regulated. The VT Dept of Health cloth masks, as well as surgical masks and cloth masks for children, will be available.

- RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. Masks and social distancing required. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

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

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

-       Hazardous Waste Collection, 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website.

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/4/20: Cabinet/131 Constructions/News/Events

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

9/4/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3. CHS Cares Cabinet Open 24/7

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: This is the last week for water testing. All levels are fine, including Little Ascutney which has run high all summer. Thank you Black River Action Team (BRAT) for helping to keep our river safe and available for recreational use this summer. Special thanks to the “water dippers” who did the weekly testing and to the sponsors who helped fund this initiative. See ya next summer.

• High Speed Chase in Cavendish: On August 26, 2020 at approximately 2:34 pm a white Ford Mustang Cobra led a high speed chase from Chester through Cavendish. Chester and state police pursued the Mustang down back roads and ultimately terminated the pursuit on High Street in Cavendish due to the erratic operation. The vehicle was later found abandoned by the Cavendish Revolutionary Cemetery. Jake B. Sweeney (32) of Claremont, NH and Timothy J. Arbuckle (39) of Chester, Vermont are wanted for questioning in this matter. If anyone has information or knows the whereabouts of either of them, they are asked to call the Chester Police Department at 802-875-2035 or dispatch at 802-875-2233.

• News Analysis: Is GMUDS No Raises for anybody stance in flux?  Two recent resignations appear to point to some dissension over the Green Mountain Unified School District’s (GMUSD) position in bargaining with its teachers. Until recently, the board had taken a “no raises” stance due to the budget uncertainty brought on by the economic damage done by the Covid-19 pandemic. Disagreement within the GM board on its no-raise position that ended up with board member Doug McBride, Cavendish representative, and negotiator Marilyn Mahusky resigning one day apart. McBride, who has long advocated containing the growth of the school budget and critical of paying for Chris Leopold, an education attorney, to attend all of the bargaining meetings, resigned his position on the GM board. McBride would not comment on his resignation. Teacher salaries follow a schedule in the form of a step chart based on education and years of experience and for the 2019/2020 school year ran from $41,400 for a starting teacher with a bachelor’s degree to $89,400 for a teacher with a certificate of advanced graduate studies and 28 years of experience. Not included in those numbers are a benefit package of  medical and dental coverage and a Vermont state pension plan. Chester Telegraph

• Black River High School Building to house childcare hub and BRIS: Two separate education tenants, including a childcare center run by the TRSU afterschool program leader, were approved to take over the first and second floors of the former Black River High School building by the Ludlow Selectboard. The town of Ludlow purchased the building for one dollar from the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) last year after Black River High School closed. The Black River Independent School was approved to occupy the second floor of the building with a two-year lease TRSU afterschool program director Venissa White has requested to lease the first floor on a month-to-month basis for a childcare center in response to Gov. Phil Scott’s push to establish 73 childcare hubs throughout the state. The program will serve 70-75 kids on Wednesdays, which is the established remote learning day for all TRSU schools. The schedule may change in the future depending on whether more remote learning days are needed due to flexible response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first day for the program is Wednesday, Sept. 16. VT Journal

• Vt. utilities and police warn of widespread scam calls: Officials say scammers are saying they are calling from Green Mountain Power, Burlington Electric Department, VGS, Vermont Electric Cooperative, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority, and Washington Electric Cooperative, and then demand immediate payment and threaten to cut off power. Customers also are encouraged to report this scam to the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 (in state) or 802-656-3183 or online at https://ago.vermont.gov/cap/.

• $30 ‘Buy Local’ coupon signups start Tuesday: Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11:00 a.m., residents can sign up online to be “matched” with participating local businesses through the #BuyLocalVermont program.  The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is launching the program to help businesses that have suffered losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The program will use $425,000 of funding from the federal CARES Act. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is inviting eligible businesses to sign up for the program now. To be eligible, businesses must be based in Vermont and must have suffered losses due to Covid-19. A separate proposal by the Scott administration to provide Vermonters $150 gift cards to use locally is under consideration by the Legislature.

• Mail-In Ballots to be sent out the last 2 Weeks in September

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: The box culvert near Glimmerstone has been installed and the roadway was reopened to traffic ahead of schedule. Work remains to be completed at this site and motorists should expect one-way alternating traffic in the vicinity of the Glimmerstone Mansion.

Mesh installation has been completed and general site clean-up along this area of the project will continue next week. This work will be completed behind the barriers located within the signalized portion of the project between Lindberg Drive and Brook Road. It is anticipated that the temporary signals and traffic barrier will be removed by the end of next week.

Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed.

Previously completed pipe crossings will remain as a gravel surface for several weeks until paving is scheduled. The traveling public is urged to use caution when traveling on gravel surfaces at the location of any pipe crossings that remain unpaved.

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected at various locations along the project during work hours (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) There will be several work zones throughout the project and the traveling public should expect longer than average delays when traveling through the project. Each work zone will keep traffic flowing as freely as possible; however it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans/schedules.

3. CHS CARES CABINET NOW OPEN 24/7: Due to Covid restrictions, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) has been looking at a variety of ways to continue to offer programs and activities for the community. Needing a place to put things-like directions for walking tours and hands on history projects-the idea of an outdoor cabinet or mini library was discussed.

Thanks to Dave Gallagher and Ana for building, from recycled items, a unique and one of a kind cabinet. Open the doors and pick up a mask (cloth or surgical), books (children and adult), DVDs, CDs and information. Lift the chest lid for puzzles, games, hands on history projects, craft supplies, toys and more. Installed next to the steps of the Museum, everything is free for the taking.

A few ground rules:

-       Please close all doors and the lid of the chest after use

-       Do not leave anything there. If you have something you wish to donate, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807.

-       Be Covid smart and use hand sanitizer before and after using the Cabinet.

Right now the “library” part of the cabinet has some wonderful DVDs and CDs, including a number of CDs from the Great Courses. The toy chest contains some Tonka trucks, puzzles (adult & children) and more.

 If you are looking for one of the state’s free cloth masks, they are on the upper shelf on the left side. Available 24/7, take what you need. The Cabinet is checked daily and we’ll be regularly stocking and posting contents to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

4. COVID UPDATE: With schools opening in just a few days and wild reports that the number of deaths from Covid-19 are way less than what’s being reported, people are getting their freak on in new ways. The virus isn’t going to “woosh” and magically disappear. Rather it will  take a vaccine, lots and lots of testing, contact tracing and good old Covid prevention-mask, social distance, frequent hand washing, and so forth. So before the latest and greatest, a reality check on facts.

• Covid is three times more contagious than seasonal flu with a higher rate of mortality. To avoid a Covid/flu combo, please get your flu shot, which should be available the end of this month.

• Hydroxychloroquine is not useful nor approved for Covid.

• Herd immunity-at risk people are protected from infection because they are surrounded by immune people-needs to be around 60-70% for Covid. At least one poll has shown that 67% of Americans will be happy to be vaccinated, so come on vaccine! The CDC is asking States to Plan for Potential Vaccine Distribution in Late October. While this may be an unrealistic timeline, by pushing health departments to prepare now for widespread vaccination, chances are they’ll actually be prepared when it’s more realistically available after the first of the year.

• If you’ve had Covid, do you have immunity and for how long? Health experts generally believe people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don't know how much protection, or how long it would last. This is important because if immunity wears off, it could pose a challenge for vaccines. Some experts say booster shots may be needed. It's also unclear whether reinfected people would be able to spread the virus to others. That's another reason scientists say people should continue to wear masks, social distance and practice good hygiene.

• Wearing masks is an effective way to control Covid and no, you aren’t going to suffer adverse effects from wearing one. While we’re discussing masks-face shields are not as effective as masks. Neck gaiters and bandanas not so much.

• The US has had over 180,000 deaths from Covid, and not 9,000. The latter figures represents those whose death certificate only listed Covid as cause of death. It’s standard practice to list all the underlying conditions a person had on a death certificate.  As Dr. Levine, VT’s Health Commissioner noted during the recent press conferences, “armchair epidemiologists” need to stop spreading false information about the COVID-19 death toll. Chronic disease is a major issue, with 40% of all Americans having at least one. Many of those with underlying health conditions could have lived for longer if it weren’t for the virus. “These are people who have died that wouldn’t have died otherwise if there were no COVID on the planet, “ said Levine. Epidemiologist are noting that the death toll in the US is most likely higher as not all cases are being reported.  

From the recent press conferences:

• Gov Scott says the state and regions COVID data will continue to dictate if he can continue to open the economic spigot. “It builds upon that trust to further open up the economy, to further open up in-person instruction in our K-12 schools and so forth. We have to build upon our success to get back to some sort of normalcy.” Currently, 40,000 employees are unemployed, 40 percent fewer visitors are visiting VT and businesses are hurting.

• Starting this week, thousands of front line workers are slated to receive hazard pay benefits. Learn more qualifying for this program.

• 3 Squares VT will increase their maximum food benefits. Current recipients don’t need to do anything different to receive the benefits.

• Strict testing on VT college campuses is much more rigorous than other states and so far is going very well. There have been very low numbers of positive cases.

• While the CDC has made changes to their testing and travel requirements, VT is not changing their approach to either, as Health Commissioner Dr. Levine noted, “The whole strategy of containment-- testing, isolating, contact tracing and quarantining-- has been fundamental to our success in Vermont and needs to continue. And underpinning its success is testing,” .He says Vermont’s travel quarantine policies have served us well and will not be changing.

• The Governor and his administration are considering requiring mandatory flu vaccination of children.

• 12 new education “hubs” have been established in VT to provide child care services, with another 20 in progress. The hubs are designed for students whose schools do not fully open for in-person learning. Many of the new centers are located at schools which will do distance learning or will only partially reopen next week. Parents are expected to pay for the child care service, although some state subsidies are available based on a sliding income scale

• Scott said he will not announce additional steps to relax COVID restrictions on businesses and public gatherings until he sees how the state does with schools reopening next week.

Outbreaks/Numbers: There has been an outbreak of Covid-19 stemming from a private party of 40 at Summit Lodge in Killington on Aug. 19. The number of positive cases was 15 as of Wednesday and is expected to rise as pop up testing started on Wednesday and continues through Friday. Since last week, there have been 51 new Covid cases, bringing the state’s total to 1,637. There have been no new deaths (58 total) with only one person hospitalized.

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the new CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790.  For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): Volunteers needed. Trail clearing for the Piper Proctor Forest. Meet at 9 am at the Proctorsville entrance (off of Pratt Hill). FMI and to confirm. Tim Calabrese <goodearthvt@gmail.com> or 802-345-2781.

-       Annual GFWC Okemo Valley Women's Club tag sale on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School 9-1

SEPTEMBER 7 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Federal holiday-Town, state and federal offices closed. The unofficial start of fall.

SEPTEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY): Schools open

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn

- RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. Masks and social distancing required. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

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

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

-       Hazardous Waste Collection, 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

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

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