Cavendish Update 12/11/20: News/Covid/Events

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12/11/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Happy Birthday Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn/Release of Book 2 of Between Two Millstones: Today, Dec. 11, would be the 102nd birthday of former Cavendish resident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Recently, his book about life in the West, Between Two Millstones 1978-1994 was published in English and covers his time in Cavendish. The Cavendish Historical Society’s blog provides reviews, excerpts and the book launch video.

• New at the CHS Closet: This week’s activity is making origami cranes. Packets of origami paper are available in the chest portion of the closet, which is located next to the steps of the Museum. Learn to make a crane by watching this video.  Lots of new items will be placed in the chest over the weekend, including new puzzles. There are various craft items as well as craft books.  If you have items you would like to donate, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com Do not leave items unless prearranged.

• TRSU Board OKs Half Time Buildings Coordinator

• SMCS and Springfield Hospital Emerge from Chapter 11: The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont has confirmed the Chapter 11 reorganization plans of Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital. Confirmation of their Chapter 11 plans is the final step necessary for the two companies to exit Chapter 11 and the culmination of an 18-month debt-adjustment process. The companies’ Chapter 11 exit plans bring existing debt to a level that the companies can each support and lays the groundwork to preserve their charitable health care mission, business operations, and jobs. Primary care will continue to be available in the communities currently served by SMCS; namely, Springfield, Bellows Falls, Ludlow, Londonderry, Vt., and Charlestown, N.H.

• New owners for Erskine’s, iconic Chester store Bartonsville family keeps 'Erskine' name, products as it targets young clientele

• Target store planned for West Lebanon former Kmart location

• Curtis or Curtis BBQ Has Died: Many people are remembering Curtis Tuff, the pit master and owner of Curtis BBQ in Putney as it was a frequent stop in the summer months for lots of Vermonters, including a number of people from Cavendish.

2. COVID UPDATE: According to the state’s Dec. 4 town data map and table, while Cavendish had no new cases in the last two weeks, Ludlow had 10. For the 11/19-12/2 time period, Windsor County had 59 new cases, with approximately 17% of them attributed to Ludlow. From 12/2- 12/10, Windsor County has had an additional 61 cases. We will know later today if any are associated with Ludlow and the Okemo Valley.

As of Tuesday Dec. 8, no cases have been reported at the Gill Home. This is important as when cases start increasing in the community, it isn’t long before outbreaks occur in long term care and congregate living situations.

The latest data from the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) 12/10/20 shows that VT has 5,413 cases, 89 deaths with 22 people in the hospital, two of which are in the ICU.

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center: While the Governor and his team provide twice weekly updates along with daily stats of cases, there is little reporting on how the hospitals themselves are doing. On Dec. 4, Dr. Joseph Perras, Chief Executive Offer and Chief Medical Officer of  Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHH)  participated in a WOA-TV video chat regarding the situation in Windsor and surrounding communities. While it’s helpful to watch his presentation, his take home points are very important.

There is a “cluster” if not an outbreak of Covid at MAHH; cases are rapidly rising in surrounding communities; and prevalence is so high, regardless of what you’ve done, chances are you will need to quarantine at some point due to an exposure. Therefore be prepared. Note-On Tuesday’s Press Conference, Dr. Levine, Vt’s Health Commissioner, stated that the risk of becoming positive from exposure is 18% in VT.

Perras noted that this surge in cases is far greater than what was experienced in the spring, but it’s largely an outpatient event, putting a strain on some of their programs such as their Respiratory Clinic.

The virus is the enemy. Gang up on it and not each other. For those who insist on blaming the current surge on “flatlanders,” the reality is the buck stops with each of us. The Governor and his team again and again have explained how Vermonters are responsible for the situation we’re in, hence restrictions on social gatherings and traveling out of state. Yes, someone from NY could have the virus and be shopping at one of our stores, just as easily as someone from any other VT town could be doing the same. By making sure you follow the prevention guidelines, you protect yourself and others.

The latest modeling shows alarming increases in New England, with VT data showing a slowing down but much wider spread. Modeling for the week is available at the state’s website.

Take homes from the most recent press conferences

• Mental health, The state has launched Covid Support to assist Vermonters, with trained counselors who can be reached by calling 2-1-1 (866-652-4636), option #2. Counselors are available M-F from 8 am-8 pm. Calls are free and confidential. Free self-care strategies are available every Tuesday at 1pm and 5 pm for an hour of virtual wellness activities via Zoom. Go to the Weekly Wellness Group page for Zoom information. FMI: 802-828-7368 or e-mail info@covidsupportvt.org

• Vaccines are on the way. The first 5,850 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be used in the first clinics around Dec. 21. The priority group for vaccination are health care workers and staff and residents of long term care facilities. Additional doses will be reserved for those 5,850 recipients as two doses of the vaccine are the most effective.  Want to get an idea of where you are in line for a vaccine, check out NY Times calculator.

• Contact tracing has been expanded. VDH will now be texting in certain situations to notify people of an exposure. The call will be from 89-361 and will inform you that you may be a close contact, expect a call from a contact tracer, quarantine right away and check the health dept. website. Note the person with Covid will be providing text numbers. This will be followed by a call within 24 hours from a contact tracer. If you are asked to quarantine due to an exposure, you will need to do so for seven days, at which time you can be tested.

• The state is tracking 144 situations —cases that have caused broader exposure. That includes 27 K-12 settings, six child care settings, 45 health care facilities, and 54 work sites.

Delivery or Curbside Service: There is no need to go inside a store. Check out the following:

- Singleton’s provides curbside and delivery services

- Shaw’s in Ludlow offers delivery service via Instacart

- WalMart in Claremont has curbside pick-up, which has been expanded due to the pandemic

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide:

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

3. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DECEMBER 12-13 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Stuff a fire truck to benefit Black River Good Neighbors’ Food Shelf, 9-4, Shaw’s parking lot.

• Christmas tree sales and greens continue at the Cavendish Fire Dept.

DECEMBER 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm via Zoom

DECEMBER 18 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Last day of Hanukah

DECEMBER 21 (MONDAY): Winter Solstice

DECEMBER 25 (FRIDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS-Town office closed

DECEMBER 26-31 (SATURDAY-THURSDAY): HAPPY KWANZAA

DECEMBER 31 (THURSDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (FRIDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR-Town office closed 

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public & washes hands
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never socializes with those outside their immediate household
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays at least 6 feet apart from others
               Has respect for personal space

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 12/4/20: Crime Watch/News/Covid

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

CRIME WATCH: An older gray Toyota SUV, VT license plate HEF512, is casing the area. This information is coming from multiple sources and has been filed with the state police. Be on the lookout and alert neighbors.

12/4/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Community Fund : On the Friday after Thanksgiving the Cavendish Community Fund held what is hoped to become an annual event. According to Fund president Doug McBride, the drawing, held at Crow’s Bakery in Proctorsville was for several arts prizes and capped off a successful 2020 fund-raising effort in the community. McBride said that this year’s prizes included a wood carving, stained glass, an oil painting and fabric arts all created in Cavendish or Proctorsville by local residents. While 2020 was a slow year for any projects in town, the fund was able to assist three projects – the summer concerts, creation of a bicycle path, and beautifying the old garage site. “With money raised this year, we are confident that we can at least help some organizations in 2021,” said McBride.  FMI: email Doug McBride at cavendishcommunityfund@gmail.com.

• Cavendish Calendars on Sale: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) 2021 Cavendish Community Calendar is now on sale. They can be purchased at Crows Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville or by  ordering  them by mail. Send $20 per calendar plus $3 shipping to P.O. Box 605, Cavendish, VT 05142. This year the calendar celebrates the CCCA Streetscapes Committee. Proceeds benefit CCCA, which coordinates and funds the summer concert series. FMI: Robin 226-7736 or cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

• Letters to Santa: The Cavendish Village post office now has a special box for “letters to Santa.” Drop them off, postage free in the designated box. The post office is open from 7:30-5 Monday-Friday and 7:30-10:30 on Saturday. The spirit of both Christmas and Cavendish are alive and well at the Cavendish PO. Thank you Miguel and family for creating a wonderful holiday moment for our town.

• Cavendish Christmas Ghost Walk Cancelled: Due to the Governor’s new restrictions, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will not be able to hold their planned ghost walk in December. Catch up on the latest news from CHS with their December Briefs.

• CHS Cares Closet: In honor of Hanukkah, begins Dec. 10, there will be dreidels, with directions, in the cabinet, which is located next to the steps of the Museum. Lots of new books, Okemonopoly and much more. Everything is free and available 24/7.

• Stuff A Fire Truck for BRGN: Ludlow Fire Department will be holding a “stuff a fire truck” event for Black River Good Neighbors’ food shelf on Dec. 12 & 13 from 9-4 in the Shaw’s Parking lot in Ludlow.

• GMUSD Budget Shows Small increase, will revisit administration structure: The Green Mountain Unified School District Finance Committee saw some positive budget numbers for the fiscal year 2022 at their Nov. 23 meeting, with the proposed budget of $14,353,882, representing a scant 1.74% increase over last year’s approved budget. The TRSU budget this year will likely be the most contentious, with a proposed 16.25% increase, due to skyrocketing special education costs, which will increase by $768,000, as well as benefit increases. That budget also includes a proposed facilities director position for $39,000, for someone to coordinate and oversee building maintenance and repairs in all five TRSU school buildings. VT Journal

• Counterfeit Currency in the area: Ludlow Police is investigating cases involving the use of counterfeit currency. Specifically, 50 and 20 dollar bills have been passed in various businesses in Ludlow recently especially in the convenience stores. Ludlow is working in partnership with the Secret Service and is seeking any information from the public. In the meantime, Ludlow businesses are asked to be extra careful when accepting bills and report any counterfeit money to the Ludlow Police Department at 802-228-4411.

• State says property taxes could increase for public education: On average, property taxpayers may pay 9% more than what they paid last year for public education. WCAX

2. COVID UPDATE: If you are feeling “numb to numbers” you aren’t alone. There are only so many shouting headlines to comprehend before it reaches a blur and totals, rates, new cases, hospitalizations, new records etc. no longer register.

Like it or not, COVID is in our state, county and town. VT has reached new benchmarks this week

• over 4,000 cases (4,642 as of 12/3), with 46% of all cases occurring in November;

• 11 deaths in November and December has started off with three additional ones (75 as of 12/3);

• the highest one day total yesterday of 178 cases; and

• more SNAFUs than ever before.

It turns out a batch of tests from Barre had to be tossed due to a delay in reaching the testing lab. In addition, UVM Medical, that experienced a cyberattack in late October, failed to report about 50 positive test results. Needless to say, VT’s contact tracers are working overtime.  

In addition, this week, the state has started adding cases that are considered “presumptive positive” for individuals who test positive on the Rapid Test and have symptoms and/or direct exposure. Prior to this week, the only cases counted in VT were those who tested  PCR positive.

Basically the data is a bit of a hot mess at the moment and what’s a possible post-Thanksgiving surge remains to be seen. Today’s press conference should provide more clarification. In addition, for the first time in two weeks the cases by town map will be updated this morning.

Vaccines: VDH is Prepared: With England approving the Pfizer vaccine, it is anticipated that the FDA will approve the vaccine this coming week. The VT Dept. of Health (VDH) is prepared to receive its first shipment of vaccine on Dec. 15. The top priority is direct care health providers (e.g. doctors, nurses, nursing home staff, emergency responders). As more vaccine becomes available, the state will offer immunizations to high risk Vermonters-older adults, teachers, school staff, essential workers and people in group homes. The state is still finalizing its distribution program. However, it’s likely the Moderna vaccine will also be available before the end of the year, which will expand vaccination options.

CDC Shortens Quarantine Time: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced two shorter quarantine options — 10 days or 7 days — for people exposed to COVID-19. Citing new evidence and an "acceptable risk" of transmission, the agency hopes reducing the 14-day quarantine will increase overall compliance and improve public health and economic constraints. People can now quarantine for 10 days without a COVID-19 test if they have no symptoms. Alternatively, a quarantine can end after 7 days for someone with a negative test and no symptoms. The agency recommends a PCR test or an antigen assay within 48 hours before the end of a quarantine. The agency also suggests people still monitor for symptoms for a full 14 days.

VT Testing getting easier: New permanent testing sites, available seven days a week, have been opening all over the state, with ones closest to Cavendish in Springfield, WRJ, Rutland and Brattleboro. Use the state’s testing website to register for a test. If you are unable to do that, call 211 or VDH’s general number 802-863-7200.

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide: Recently updated to include new testing site information.

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

3. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DECEMBER 8 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting

DECEMBER 10-18 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): HAPPY HANUKKAH

DECEMBER 12-13 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Stuff a fire truck to benefit Black River Good Neighbors’ Food Shelf, 9-4, Shaw’s parking lot.

DECEMBER 21 (MONDAY): Winter Solstice

DECEMBER 25 (FRIDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS-Town office closed

DECEMBER 26-31 (SATURDAY-THURSDAY): HAPPY KWANZAA

DECEMBER 31 (THURSDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (FRIDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR-Town office closed

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 11/27/20: Scam Alerts/Holidays/Comcast/Covid

Plaster Items available in the CHS Cares Cabinet (located next to the steps of the Museum)

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

11/27/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Make Way for the Holidays: Keeping it green in Cavendish

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Scam Alerts!: Multiple people in Cavendish are reporting calls from someone claiming to be from Social Security. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR NUMBER. Instead report them to the VT Attorney General’s Office 800-649-2424

Vermonters have reported receiving an email or text message claiming to be from the Vermont Department of Labor, promising to pay “COVID-19 Benefits and Compensation” to eligible workers. This is a phishing scam that attempts to steal your personal information and your money A large sum of money is promised to be paid pending ID Verification. If you receive one of these notices, do not click on any links or attachments. Do not respond and do not send money.  Move this and all scam emails to your junk folder. Block text messages from this number.  Call the VT Attorney General’s office 800-649-2424 if you have responded to this scam or if you need help determining if you have been a victim of a scam.  Learn more about the scam and report it to the Vermont Department of Labor website.  

• Get your Flu Shot: A message from the Ludlow Health Center: With the increase of COVID-19 in our local communities, we are strongly urging ALL individuals to get their flu shot as soon as possible.  Ludlow Health Center has plenty of flu vaccine and we are giving flu shots daily from 8am to 5:30 pm.  We ask that individuals call ahead at 802-228-8867 and we will coordinate a time that works for them to come in and get vaccinated.

• Thank You CTES 6th Grade: The students, faculty and staff have spent three afternoons cleaning in the Proctor Cemetery. Because leaves, left on gravestones can damage the stones, the cemetery was raked and cleaned of branches etc. They'll be back in the spring to help with the preservation of one of the town's oldest cemeteries and to lay flags on the graves of veterans. The Preserve & Serve program is part of the Cavendish Historical Society's Carmine Guica Young Historian's Program.

• Comcast to impose home internet data cap of 1.2TB in Vermont next year: In 2021, Comcast plans to charge home internet customers in the northeast, including Vermont, for going over 1.2TB of data in a month. This cap is already in effect for customers on non-unlimited plans in other parts of the country. According to Xfinity, The 1.2 Terabyte Internet Data Usage Plan provides you with 1.2 Terabytes (TB) of Internet data usage each month as part of your monthly Xfinity Internet service. If you choose to use more than 1.2 TB in a month, we will automatically add blocks of 50 GB to your account for an additional fee of $10 each. Your charges, however, will not exceed $100 each month, no matter how much you use. We're also offering you a courtesy month, so you will not be billed the first time you exceed the limit. This data plan is based on a principle of fairness. Those who use more Internet data, pay more. And those who use less Internet data, pay less. It is important to know that only a very small percentage of our customers use more than 1.2 TB of data and are not likely to be impacted by this plan, so they can continue to stream, surf, and download without worry. To see your actual usage, sign in to My Account To learn more go to the xfinity website.

Nov. GMUSD Board Meeting-Principal Search/No Ski Program: Superintendent Lauren Fierman broached the subject of administrative positions at CTES and GMUHS. CTES is currently operating with a shared principal/Asst principal with Chester Andover while Mike Ripley stepped in as principal when Fierman accepted the position of Superintendent. Changes in either of these positions could have a budgetary impact, as Ripley being principal, with senior staff members sharing some of the duties of the associate principal position was estimated to save about $80,000. Given the logistics required by Okemo Mountain, the decision was made not to run the snow sports program this year. Chester Telegraph

New at the CHS Cabinet: Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum, lots of new stuff. In the chest are new puzzles, a wooden train set, Disney Princess Pop up castle game, craft books, craft items etc. Note if you see an item with a name on it, please leave it as it’s a hands-on history kit for a student.  The cabinet currently includes plaster seasonal items to paint plus masks and books. Everything is free and available 24/7. To learn more about available hands-on history kits, please check the CHS blog.

2. MAKE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Keeping it Green in Cavendish

- Recycling Christmas Cavendish Style: If you haven’t started your holiday shopping or already completed it, keep in mind what can be recycled and composted.

- Buy local and support our businesses. Use the Cavendish Business Directory to arrange for gift certificates for goods and services. Happy shopping

- Donations for CHS Cares Cabinet: If you have gently used toys, art supplies, craft projects, games, puzzles, books etc., and would like to donate them to the CHS Cabinet, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807 to arrange for a drop off/pick up.

3. COVID UPDATE: Given the holiday, data is a bit wonky this week as there has been no reporting for Thanksgiving and there will be no town report today.  Daily cases did decrease, but it’s still much higher than it was several weeks ago.  The Governor is fearful that some Vermonters will ignore staying at home this Thanksgiving season and within two weeks, rates could spiral out of control, well beyond what we’ve recently seen in the state. However, early indicators are that Vermonters are staying at home this holiday. Air traffic at the Burlington Airport is down about 70% for this time of year.

If you do choose to gather with multiple families, the health department is requesting that you quarantine for 14 days, or on day 7 being tested and quarantine you obtain a negative test result.

Some exceptions are now allowed on socializing-those in a dangerous or unhealthy situation can leave and seek shelter elsewhere, taking a walk, hike, or bike with one trusted friend, but social distancing and masking required.

School sports are now postponed indefinitely.

Vaccines: The Pfizer Vaccine could be available in Vermont as early as Dec. 10th. The CDC recommends that health care workers receive the vaccination first, as well as people who are living with chronic disease and those who are 65 and older.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine, the third vaccine and the one being tested at UVM, shows signs that it could last a year, is easier to store and has 70% effectiveness after one dose, and over 90% with a second injection. This is similar to the Pfizer and Moderna  rates, which require two doses.

Bamlanivimab & Remdesivir: VT received a small shipment of Bamlanivmab, recently approved by the FDA. However, the drug, designed for those with mild-moderate Covid at higher risk for hospitalization, has received unfavorable reviews from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Infectious Disease Society of America.

The World Health Organization recommends against Remdesivir, as they have found no evidence that the drug has an impact on mortality rates, ventilation use or time until improvement.

More Testing sites: Five on demand testing sites opened last week (including Brattleboro and Rutland). Five additional ones are opening this week (closest one is Stratton) and five more will open next (including ones in Springfield and White River Junction). These testing are in addition to all of the other testing being done in VT. Testing is free and you can register online at the state’s site. If you gathered with other people for Thanksgiving, the recommendation is to be tested immediately, again at 7 days and quarantine until negative test results are achieved. The state is now testing an average of 6,000 people a day. To schedule a test or to learn about sites, go to the VDH website.

CDC Likely to Recommend Shortening Quarantine Period: Federal health officials are likely to shorten their recommendation for how long people should quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus from the current 14 days to as few as seven. NPR

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 28 (SATURDAY): Christmas tree and greens go on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept. The sale will continue through the week and into the following weekend(s) until all items are gone.

NOVEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season Ends

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 11/20/20: News/Covid

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

Due to the new restrictions, the Cavendish Town Office is only open by appointment. Please call 802-226-7291.

11/20/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Tree Sales at Fire Departments: The following message is from the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department, “I regret to inform you that PFD will not be doing Christmas tree sales this year. The price per tree has risen drastically and with an increase in shipping cost, it just isn’t feasible. We would have to raise our starting price significantly to even turn a profit for the benefit of our equipment fund, which is the whole point of the fundraiser. Over the last couple years we made small increases but this year we just don’t feel we can overcome that given the time we are in. We understand $35 was hard for many before COVID and to raise our price higher during COVID, just isn’t something we are willing to do. We are working on another fundraising opportunity for 2021. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and we will continue to be there when we are needed in time of emergency.”  

The Cavendish Fire Department will be holding their annual tree and wreath sale starting Nov. 28 (Saturday). Unlike previous years, you will be able to buy during the week and the sale will continue as long as there are items to sell.

• BRGNS postpones Stuff-A-Bus event: Due to growing concerns about Covid-19, Black River Good Neighbor Services has made the difficult decision to postpone its annual Stuff-A-Bus event, which was scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 5. BRGN food shelf encourages other ways to support their goal of filling the food shelf for holiday baskets. Checks and cash can be dropped off at the food shelf or mailed to 37B Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149.

• Chester & Springfield Police Cancelling Fingerprinting: Due to an uptick in overall COVID-19 cases in Vermont, VIN Verifications, Civilian Fingerprinting, and other administrative services are being discontinued.

• Put Your Home on the Holiday Map: The Chester Telegraph is putting together a map — or maps! — of holiday light displays and are asking readers who want to show off their “incandescent” creativity to e-mail them.

• SEVCA Announces Availability of Second Round of EMBRACE Grants: Southeastern Vermont Community Action is pleased to announce a second round of available grants to distribute through its Economic Micro Business Recovery Assistance for the Covid-19 Epidemic program, known as EMBRACE. To determine eligibility and apply for EMBRACE funding, go to www.mbdp.org. Questions may be directed to Denise Mason at dmason@sevca.org.

 • Okemo has postponed opening until Nov. 25 due to weather

• Help for overdue utility bills expanded to include water and sewer charges: A state program to help people catch up on payments has expanded to include water and sewer bills. The program is called VCAAP, short for Vermont Covid-19 Arrearage Assistance Program. It originally covered electric, natural gas, landline telephone and private water systems, and now covers municipal water and sewer systems, too.

2. COVID UPDATE: Simply put, it’s been a hell of a week. Records continue to be set for new cases of Covid. It’s only taken 22 days, for VT to increase their number of cases by a 1,000 and with current rates, another 1,000 will be added in approximately half that time. This week recorded two deaths and yesterday, every single county in the state had new cases.

Cavendish is not exempt. The virus is here and families are in quarantine.  

The surge in cases is caused by Vermonters: On Tuesday, the Governor’s Press Conference repeated the same message from the previous week. Infections are the result of adults getting together with friends, consuming alcohol and eating together. It is not being caused by tourism, 2nd home owners, restaurants, salons, gyms etc. This is why restrictions are on social gatherings and not environments that must follow strict codes of conduct. Parties and cook-outs, hanging out with people you don't know and just to socialize, may be fun, but they're wants, not needs, and they put a lot of people at risk,” said Gov. Scott.

The State’s Objectives: In view of the aftermath of Halloween parties, and the looming Thanksgiving weekend-the highest travel day of the year- the VT Dept of Health (VDH) cannot stress enough the prevention measures of masking, social distancing, hand washing, and staying home.  Their objectives are to keep schools open and people working, not overwhelming the health care system, and ultimately keeping Vermonters as safe as possible until there is a vaccine.

We’re better prepared: Though numbers of new cases are spiraling, Dr. Levine, VT Health Commissioner, made it clear that VT is in much better shape to deal with Covid this time around versus last spring. The amount of testing and contact tracing far exceeds what’s available in the rest of the country and those strategies have helped Vt control outbreaks. While NH is cutting back on contract tracing, VT is adding new members to their team. Treatment of those with Covid has significantly improved and newer meds are on the way. There are now two vaccines showing better than 90% effectiveness and the hope is that by Christmas, VT will be vaccinating front line health care workers.

Changes since Friday’s Press Conference: Additional restrictions were added on Tuesday,  including the return to the no visitation policies for hospitals and nursing homes.

Five new testing centers are opening this week, and will be available seven days a week. Rutland and Brattleboro.are the sites closest to Cavendish.

Be a Patriot: On Tuesday, Scott expressed anger with the virus but also with frustration with skeptics who want to ignore the science. Don't call it patriotic. Don't pretend it's about freedom. Because real patriots serve and sacrifice for all, whether they agree with them or not. Patriots also stand up and fight when our nation's health and security is threatened. And right now, our country and way of life is being attacked by this virus — not the protections we put in place

Be Prepared: Between winter weather and the potential that you may need to quarantine as a result of exposure to Covid, make sure you have a two week supply of food, water, medications and other incidentals Oh, and cool it with the toilet paper and paper towel obsession. Stores are once again running out. You didn’t stock pile enough the last time???

Testing: Testing is free. Use VDH’s website to sign up. There are a variety of options and you don’t need a referral to be tested. Note that if you are heading into quarantine, make your reservation for day seven testing as soon as possible.

Quarantine: With students returning home, it’s important to review quarantine basics. For starters anyone visiting VT must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. After seven days, take a PCR test and remain in quarantine until results are received. Quarantine for students means coming to their home and having hopefully their own bedroom to themselves,” Levine said. Preferably they would have their own bathroom to themselves as well. But if that’s not possible, make sure all touched surfaces are wiped down. When someone does come home they’re not supposed to interact with the rest of the household. That includes eating meals separately. If you have woods out behind your house or you can get away from other people, that is also allowed. This does not mean people can run errands or go shopping. See VDH’s website for more information.

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

3. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 28 (SATURDAY): Christmas tree and greens go on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept. The sale will continue through the week and into the following weekend(s) until all items are gone.

NOVEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season Ends

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