Cavendish Update 4/16/21: Construction update/Principal/News/Events

DUE TO THE SNOW STORM THERE ARE POWER OUTAGES IN CAVENDISH AND SURROUNDING TOWNS. With 3,264 GMP customers reporting it may be a while before power is restored.

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

4/16//21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: 4/15/21

2. Cavendish Internet Survey

3. Thank you from Jim Harrison

4. Covid update

5. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: 4/15/21 : Berm removal and ditching operations will continue next week at various locations and will be proceeding easterly throughout the project.

Guardrail operations will continue next week. Crews are temporarily setting the guardrail back from the roadway in order for reclaim operations to take place. Operations are approximately 2 miles west of the Cavendish-Weathersfield town line and proceeding east. This temporary setback of guardrail is expected to take one to two more weeks to complete.

Milling (grinding of the top portion of the roadway surface) is currently on schedule to begin the week of 4/19. It is anticipated that milling will begin near the east end of Proctorville Village on Monday and progress easterly. Work is anticipated to progress the full width of the roadway at about 1 to 1.5 miles per day. The traveling public should expect slightly longer delays in the vicinity of milling operations, and may want to add extra time to travel plans.

 Once milling begins, Saturday work is likely until the reclaim is done, sometime in July.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Library Reopens: The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is delighted to announce its reopening to the public on Tuesday, April 20.  Patrons will be able to browse the stacks and check out library materials.  Curbside services is still available for anyone who would rather not enter the library. Anyone visiting the library must wear masks, complete a brief health questionnaire, sanitize their hands and social distance.  A 30 minute time limit will be in effect. Lots of new items for browsing and selection. FMI: Kata at 226-7503.

• CTES Host Coin Drive: The Cavendish Town Elementary finished a coin drive last week for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The kindergarten and first grade decorated the collection cans for each classroom (k-6th) and put out information to advertise it. The young kids (K,1st and 2nd grade) used their counting, sorting and math skills to figure out the can totals. There are 69 in-school students currently and after collecting and counting, the amazing total sent to St Jude’s to help children was $503.14. Many thanks to kids, parents and staff.

• CCCA Annual Spring Bird Walk! Join Marianne and Michael Walsh of the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society on Saturday, May 8 @ 7:00am for a 2 hour bird watching amble along 20 Mile Stream Rd. and into the surrounding fields. You will have a chance to identify the various birds by their songs and markings. Meet at Crows Cafe - wear good walking shoes, mask up, and bring your binoculars!  RSVP to Robin at 226-7736. Limit is 10 people. FMI: CCCA website.

• GMUHS Principal Candidate rejection causes conflict Vermont Journal Note: At last evening’s Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) emotionally charged board meeting, the hiring of Keith Hill as principal for one year was passed.

• Six GM board members say what went into principal voting decisions The Chester Telegraph

• Got Drugs-Take Back Day: On April 24 (Saturday), various places in Windsor County will be participating in Take-Back Day, where prescription drugs can be dropped off from 10-2 at the following local locations: Chester, Windsor, Springfield, Ludlow, Hartford, and Woodstock  Police stations; the Weathersfield Transfer Station; and Ludlow Pharmacy (Pond St). Note that drop boxes for prescription drugs are available year round at the Ludlow Police Dept. and the Ludlow Pharmacy. DO NOT flush prescription drugs down the toilet or sink as this contaminates surface and ground water. Drug boxes are an important resources to prevent opiate-related deaths and environmental damage.

3. THANK YOU FROM JIM HASSON:  To all who shared my 95th birthday celebration on March 7, 2021: the motorcade, onlookers, friends and family members were an absolute surprise to me, thanks to my daughter Julie, Mrs. Alex Racicot, Jennifer Harper, and all who arranged the many details with amazing secrecy.

Thanks to the firefighters from Cavendish, Proctorville, and Ludlow, the teachers and students with all the handmade greetings – I received hundreds of cards. I’m humbled by the sentimental comments and I laughed at the amusing ones.

Chief Mark Fountain of the Springfield Police Department, his wife, and daughter honored me with their presence. I had a telephone call from a man that served with me in Vietnam 60 years ago. He saw the parade on Facebook in Germany! A friend’s daughter wrote from southern France. “My prayer is that all your birthdays will be as enjoyable and as full of love and laughs. Be well. Be happy.” Thank you. Sincerely, Jim Hasson Cavendish, Vt.

4. COVID UPDATE: As of 4/7/21, Cavendish had one new cases of Covid in the prior week for a total of 24 cases.. Ludlow had no new cases (total 65), while Chester had 1 (77 total) and Springfield 10 (210).

Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinics cancelled through Friday, April 23 State officials announced Thursday that Vermont will follow the recommendation of the CDC and extend the pause on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for an additional week, which allows the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices the time it needs to gather more data about reported side effects. The committee will meet again next week. Anyone who had an appointment cancelled through the state registration system should call the Health Department at 855-722-7878. The department is working hard to open as many additional appointments as possible for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and expects everyone impacted by this pause will be able to get an appointment by the end of April. Although these side effects are extremely rare, the FDA and CDC recommend that people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

NH Lifting Mask Mandate and Business Restrictions: New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said residents will no longer be required to wear masks as of Friday (4/16). Despite COVID cases now trending up in the Granite State, the governor says the current data makes extending the mandate unnecessary, although he still encourages their use. Restrictions for businesses, like capacity limits, will continue to be in place until May 7th, when they are scheduled to end. Expect that certain towns and stores will continue to require masking. Press Release 4/15/21

MODELING: As of 4/15, Vermont has a case count of, 21,664  with 240 deaths. Vermont Covid cases declined about 23% over the past week compared to the week before and are expected to remain flat or decline in the coming weeks.  Those ages 20 to 29 continue to have the highest per capita case rate. Those numbers, however, dropped this week.. The seven day test positivity rate  has dropped from 2.1% last week to 1.8% this week.

 Over 50% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine, with over 33% fully vaccinated. As can be seen in this week’s modeling, the incidence of Covid continues to decline in groups that have been vaccinated.

 Vermont is on track to meet the May 1 benchmark of reopening, which is contingent on 50-60% of all Vermonters having been vaccinated with a first dose. Step 2 includes: 1 unvaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150, plus any number of vaccinated people for indoor gatherings and events and 300, plus any number of vaccinated for outdoor events. Masks and physical distancing are required when in the presence of those outside your household.

VACCINATION SCHEDULING: All Vermonters 16+ can register for a vaccine starting Monday, April 19.  Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

• Vermonters can Book Vaccine Appointments in NH starting Monday

• Resources to Get Vaccinated Sooner in Vermont: There are two resources to check out if you want to get vaccinated ASAP: Vaccine Spotter or Dan In a Box: Get Vaccinated SOONER Vermont

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you:  Cavendish Resource Guide: and 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:

APRIL 23 (FRIDAY): Green Up Bags will be available in the vestibule of the town office starting today.

APRIL 24 (SATURDAY): Take Back Day, drop off prescription drugs at convenient drop boxes throughout Windsor County. Drop boxes are available year round at Ludlow Pharmacy and the Ludlow Police Dept.

MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day

MAY 8 (SATURDAY): CCCA Annual Spring Bird Walk: Two hour bird watching amble along 20 Mile Stream Rd. and into the surrounding fields. Meet at Crows Café at 7 am - wear good walking shoes, mask up, and bring your binoculars!  RSVP to Robin at 226-7736. Limit is 10 people. FMI: CCCA website

MAY 25 (TUESDAY): Household Hazardous Waste Day 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station.

MAY 28 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale early bird special, 5:30-7 pm on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 9-2 on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

JUNE 26 (SATURDAY): Birds in Bloom, market gathering of local art, decorated bird houses, and plants sponsored by Cavendish Streetscapes from Noon to 5 on the Proctorsville Green.

JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 1th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 4/9/21: Construction Update/News/Covid/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.  

4/9/21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: 4/8/21

2. Cavendish Internet Survey

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: 4/8/21: Installation of erosion control measures throughout the length of the project will continue next week as necessary.

 Berm removal and ditching operations will continue next week at various locations proceeding easterly throughout the project.

 Guardrail operations will continue next week. Crews are currently in the vicinity of Brook Road, and are on schedule to get to Tarbell Hill Road by the end of this week. Crews will be working east of these locations next week. Guardrail operations will be ongoing for several weeks.

 As a look ahead, milling (grinding of the top portion of the roadway surface) is currently on schedule to begin the week of 4/19. Once milling begins, Saturday work is likely until the reclaim is done (sometime in July).

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Ginny Garrow Retires from the Cavendish Town Office: With fire trucks from Cavendish and Proctorsville leading the way, the people of Cavendish drove by the Town Office on Thursday to thank Ginny Garrow for her many years of dedicated service at the town office and to offer congratulations and best wishes on her retirement. Many of us have very fond memories of interacting with her over the years. One of my favorites was during Irene when everyone was putting in long hours and we were all very tired. However, Ginny buoyed our hopes with her efforts to get the Tide Truck to come to Cavendish. Best wishes and thanks Ginny. We’ll see you at the Town Wide Tag Sale where you have the most amazing sale. 

• GM board rejects principal recommendation 4-3: Chester Telegraph

• Great Cavendish Easter egg Hunt: Chester Telegraph

• TRSU developing summer educational programming for recovery help (April 1 TRSU Meeting) VT Journal

• Amtrak to resume Vermont service July 19: Two rail lines serve Vermont. The Vermonter originates in Washington D.C. with daily service to St. Albans and the Ethan Allen Express starts in New York City and ends in Rutland. Service will resume on July 19.

• VT Moose Lottery Expanded to 100 permits: Vermont Fish & Wildlife officials will be issuing 60 either sex permits and 40 antlerless permits for the fall hunt this year limited to Wildlife Management Unit E in the northeastern corner of the state. The deadline to apply at the VT Fish & Wildlife Website is June 30.

• Rental assistance available for Vt. tenants and landlords

3. COVID UPDATE: As of 4/2/21, Cavendish had one new cases of Covid in the prior week for a total of 23 cases.. Ludlow had 4 new cases (total 65), while Chester had 6 (76 total) and Springfield 5 (201).

While VT is posting the highest number of cases since the pandemic began, the majority are in those 29 and younger, and in Orleans, Caledonia, Chittenden and Rutland counties. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says that the Covid-19 variants are responsible for the increase case counts. The UK (B117) and California (B1429) are accounting for more of VT cases. B117 is now the most common variant in the country and it is twice as contagious as the original strain and appears to have a higher rate of sickness and death. This week a third variant, P.1 (Brazilian) was found to be in VT.

Vermont Forward Plan: Reopening VT: On Tuesday, the Governor and his team announced the Vermont Forward Plan. “Our goal with this plan is to give Vermonters a transparent look at how we’ll be able to work our way out of this pandemic, moving forward together at a time when we can manage this virus like we do the flu,” Scott said.

Guiding the Governor’s decision Vermont’s vaccinations. Data from Israel demonstrates that as more and more of the population is vaccinated, the rate of new cases drastically drops. In VT, in those 65+, the number of new cases, to say nothing of mortality and morbidity has significantly declined.

The administration will eliminate capacity restrictions on all businesses, including restaurants and bars, starting May 1. Social distancing and mask requirements will remain in place until July 4. After that they will be strongly encouraged as Covid prevention protocols will no longer be required. However, this is contingent on the state meeting its vaccination goals-85% of Vermonters vaccinated by July 1.

April 9: Unvaccinated Vermonters will no longer quarantine if they travel out of state but must be tested within 3 days of their return. Masking and social distancing required. No restriction on vaccinated visitors.

May 1: Not counting vaccinated people, indoor activities are limited to 150 people  indoors and 300 outdoors. Masking and social distancing required

June 1: All travel restrictions lifted, gathering restrictions raised to 300 indoors and 900 outdoors. Masking and social distancing required

July 1: Gathering restrictions lifted; masking and social distancing encouraged but no longer mandatory

New guidance released for Vermont schools: The guidance, which takes effect immediately, outlines three main goals: End the school year strong and safely; Increase in-person learning to the greatest extent possible; And begin education recovery planning and activities.

Modeling: As of 4/8, Vermont has a case count of, 20,669  with 227 deaths. Even though there were some days with much lower numbers, Thursday, which is generally the day with the highest case count, identified 222 new cases with 30 people in the hospital and 3 in the ICU with Covid. The number of deaths has reached 230, while the seven day test positivity rate  2.1 as of yesterday.

Over 45% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine, with close to 30% fully vaccinated. As can be seen in this week’s modeling, the incidence of Covid in groups that have been vaccinated is rapidly declining.  

Vaccination Scheduling: VT is now vaccinating those 40 +. Vaccination registration for 30+ begins on Monday April 12 at 8:15 and everyone will be eligible for vaccination starting April 19.

Spouses and caregivers of veterans are now eligible for vaccination at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction.  New Hampshire will make Covid 19 vaccine available to everyone age 16 or older regardless of residency starting April 19

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

Should I laminate my vaccination card? We discovered last Friday that area  vaccine clinics were offering conflicting advice. One recommended Staples free lamination while the other clinic was telling people not to laminate. On the one hand you want to protect your card as it’s proof you’ve been vaccinated but on the other “In some locations, a label is placed on the card that talks about the vaccine brand and lot number and those have been printed on thermal printer labels. So what happens is if you put them through a thermal laminator, they will be completely black and illegible.” Whatever decision you chose to make, make sure you have photocopies of your vaccine that you keep on your cell phone. COVID-19 Vaccine Card: What You Need To Know

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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:

MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day

MAY 25 (TUESDAY): Household Hazardous Waste Day 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. FMI.

JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 4/2/21: Rt 131 Construction/Covid/News

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

 Ticks are out and looking to feed. Be tick smart and not a hostess.

4/2//21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: Begins 4/5

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Week of 4/5/21: Please be sure and read these weekly notices so that you can plan your use of route 131 accordingly.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Motorists should expect a one-lane alternating traffic pattern at several locations throughout the project during the week of 4/5/21. A speed reduction from 50 mph to 40 mph will be in place for the 2021 construction season. Fines are doubled for speeding in the speed reduction zone.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Installation of erosion control measures throughout the length of the project will occur next week. Crews will be installing stone along the shoulders throughout the project next week. Work will begin in Cavendish and proceed west. 

Berm removal and ditching operations will begin late in the week next week and continue into the week of 4/12. This work will take place at various locations throughout the project.

Guardrail operations will begin in Weathersfield near the intersection with Route 106 next week and proceed west. Guardrail operations will be ongoing for several weeks.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Easter Egg Hunt: The hunt will be April 3 ( Saturday) 10 am at Greven Field. Please be there by 9:45 to register. Masks and social distancing are required. Different age groups will be spaced and separated. Happy Hunting.

• CHS April Briefs:  Check out the latest from the Cavendish Historical Society.

• Cavendish Community Fund accepting applications for spring 2021 grants: The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for spring 2021 awards. The fund will consider applications filed anytime, but will only award spring grants to those who file by May 8. Applications can be made by letter that describes the organization that is applying, the project proposed, and the overall budget, including the amount requested. It must also describe how the project will benefit the people of Cavendish. Applications, including instructions, can be obtained by emailing CavendishCommunityFund@gmail.com or by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Projects, programs, or events for which funds are sought must directly benefit the Cavendish community in some way. A panel of local citizens reviews all applications and recommends grant awards based on the quality and feasibility of each proposal. Grants are not expected to exceed $1,000 each and will depend primarily on the number of applications received and the amounts requested. FMI: Doug McBride 802-226-7142 or Peter LaBelle 226-7250.

• School community meets, questions GM principal candidates

• GM boys take historic hoops title in tense overtime win: Congratulations GMUHS boys varsity basketball team.

• New Free Wi-Fi in Ludlow

• Rockingham Veterinarian Clinic now in Chester

• Take Down Bird Feeders: Wildlife officials recommend that Vermonters take down their bird feeders by April 1 to avoid attracting bears. Warm weather and melting snows will drive bears to come out of their winter dens in search of food.  “Bringing feeders in at night doesn’t work, because bears will still feed on seed that is spilled on the ground.”

• Green Mountain Club reminds hikers not to hike muddy trails: As the weather warms up, the Green Mountain Club is reminding people to stay off of muddy trails. If you’re hiking and find a muddy trail, they ask that you pick a different one. A muddy trailhead is an indicator of trail conditions. For closed and open trail updates, check with the Green Mountain Club or Vermont State Parks.

• Limited Inventory, Many Out-of-state Buyers Keep Vermont Home Sales Unattainably Brisk

• Standardized testing will happen this year; it just won’t count for much

3. COVID UPDATE: As of 3/23/21, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid in the prior week. The town total stands at 22 cases. Ludlow had 4 new cases (total 61), while Chester had 3 (70 total) and Springfield 2 (196).

March 25 set a record of 251 cases in one day, and yesterday April 1, with 233 cases, wasn’t far behind. This spike in cases is occurring primarily among the unvaccinated. According to Health Commissioner, Dr. Levine, “Our efforts to vaccinate Vermonters is a race against what the virus does best: move easily from person to person. Throughout the country, including up and down the Eastern Seaboard, case numbers are up.” Half of the cases in the prior two weeks were attributed to those under 30, who are more mobile and with warmer weather, increasingly more active. However, the UK variant is in VT and on the UVM campus. This variant spreads a lot more quickly. “No one’s discovered a sort of a magic cure for the fact that variants are around, and we should accept the variant is just another aspect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” Levine said.

Estimates are that by mid-April Vermont will have 250 new cases a day. The state is urging everyone, but particularly youth, to double down on masking, social distancing and other preventive measures.

Spigot Turning: Vaccinated individuals are now allowed to visit hospitals. You will be required to show your vaccination card. To help protect your card, Staple will laminate it for free at their print shop. New school guidelines will allow three foot distance for Vermont’s older students.

 Modeling: As of 4/1, Vermont has a case count of, 19,523  with 227 deaths. The seven day percent positivity rate-number of cases as compared to the number of tests being done-rose from 1.6% last week to 2.1% as of yesterday. Over 38% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine. As can be seen in this week’s modeling, the incidence of Covid in groups that have been vaccinated is rapidly declining.

Vaccination Scheduling: VT is now vaccinating:50 +;  16+ with a qualifying under lying  condition; parents of children with serious medical conditions; BIPOC (black, ingenious, people of color) 16+; health care workers, first responders, corrections, teachers and educational staff.  Other vaccine registration dates, which begin at 8:15 am, are as follows:

40+ April 5 (Monday)

30+ April 12 (Monday)

16+ April 19 (Monday)

CVS (Bennington and Rutland) are offering vaccinations, along with Kinney and Walgreens, as part of the federal pharmacy distribution program. Note that the federal pharmacy programs are slated to receive more vaccine this coming week.  You can register directly with these pharmacies. Please note if you are trying to get the soonest vaccine possible, you will need to check the pharmacy sites more than once a day.

 We’re being asked about the closest vaccine sites to Cavendish. While the Ludlow Dental Center has started vaccinating, it all depends when you register what’s available where.

 Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

 Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Protects for 6 Months or More, Study Shows

 Long Haulers Clinic Coming to DHMC

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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:

APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed

APRIL 3 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Easter Egg Hunt. Greven Field, 10 am. Masks and social distancing required.

APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 5 (MONDAY): Construction begins on 131 and will go until the fall.

MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day

JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/26/21: Internet Survey/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.

3/26/21

1. Cavendish Info

2. Cavendish Internet Survey

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• GMHS principal search entering final phase:  A virtual forum will be held on March 30 so the community can meet the final two principal candidates. Interim Principal Michael Ripley was a candidate for the job but did not make the committee’s final list. When Ripley was given the interim job, Fierman said that if he did not get the permanent position, Ripley would continue in the Associate Principal position he had before being promoted. To attend that forum go to https://trsu.zoom.us/j/82688621740. Chester Telegraph

• GMUHS boys trounce Thetford, head to Division III Championship

• Join the all-organic 2021 community garden: The Ludlow Area Community Garden is open to all residents of Ludlow and neighboring towns and is located in the Fletcher Farm grounds on Route 103. Individual 10-by-10-foot plots are used to grow vegetables, flowers, and some fruits. Waist-high raised beds are available too. This is a “community” garden, and all members are expected to join in and take part in the maintenance of their own plots as well as the common areas of this beautiful garden. VT Journal

• VT State Parks to Host Virtual Summer Job Fair: A virtual job fair will take place April 6 from 6-7 pm. There are 55 VT state parks with a wide array of jobs. No pre-registration is need to sign into the virtual job fair — it will be held on Microsoft Teams, and folks can join through the Vermont State Parks website.

• Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holding Job Fair: A three day job fair March 29 (Monday)-March 31 (Wednesday) will be held from 9-6 at Best Western 818 Charlestown Rd in Springfield. An ongoing job fair is also taking place today through Friday, April 2 from 9-6 at the new location (formerly Peebles) of Ollie’s in the Springfield Plaza. The final day of the job fair is at the Springfield Plaza location on Saturday April 3 from 9-2. Full time and Part time positions are open. You can also apply on-line.

2. CAVENDISH INTERNET SURVEY: With significant one time funding coming to Vermont for broadband, Cavendish Connects is conducting a short survey to better understand what Internet needs still exist in our town. We would like to hear from Internet users, particularly those using TDS or VTel wireless, about their current experience. Please identify

• Your Internet Service Provider (e.g. Comcast, TDS, VTel Wireless)

• Address of your service

• Current speed using https://www.speedtest.net/

• Current Issues

• Other concerns

Please e-mail this information to cavendishconnects@gmail.com All results will be confidential and data will appear in the aggregate. We will use this data to help in securing needed services for Cavendish residents.

3. COVID UPDATE: As of 3/17/21, Cavendish had two new cases of Covid in the prior week bringing the town’s total count to 22. Note that Cavendish has had three new cases in the last two weeks. Ludlow had 1 new cases (total 57), while Chester had none (67 total) and Springfield 9 (194). In spite of vaccinations, more than a third of all Vermonter 16+ have had at least one dose, rates in the state seem to be plateauing. In the last seven days, new cases per day ranged from a low of 89 on Tuesday and Wednesday to a high of 173 yesterday. The percentage of positive cases has increased from 1.3% last week to 1.6% this week.  Some of the increases are due to an outbreak among UVM students both on and off campus.

Spigot Turning: Vermont has expanded its new restaurant guidance to include bars and clubs. The policy took effect on Wednesday, March 24. Bars and clubs will be allowed to sit people of different households together with a maximum of six people per table. Other social distancing and capacity requirements remain in place. Like restaurants, bars will be limited to 50% occupancy. See Work Safe guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Education Change: The CDC has reduced the distancing requirement from 6 feet to 3 feet for students in grades K-12. The six feet will continue to apply when students eat and teachers must remain six feet from students.

Modeling: As of 3/25, Vermont has a case count of, 18,215  with 223 deaths. Over 33% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine. As can be seen in this week’s modeling, the incidence of Covid in groups that have been vaccinated is rapidly declining. In long term care facilities there are very few cases and the trend is projected to continue downwards as more and more Vermonters are vaccinated. Cases are up in the Northeast Kingdom were vaccination rates are lower. In addition, there are a number of new cases at UVM in Burlington, where the UK variant appears to be more prevalent. Infections now are most likely in those 40 and under

Vaccination Scheduling: VT is now vaccinating those 60 +,  16+ with a qualifying under lying  condition; health care workers, first responders, corrections, teachers and educational staff.  Other vaccine registration dates, which begin at 8:15 am, are as follows:

50+ March 29 (Monday)

40+ April 5 (Monday)

30+ April 12 (Monday)

16+ April 19 (Monday)

Yesterday’s 60+ registration got off to a rocky start with the on-line system not working properly and making testing appointments instead of vaccine appointments. If this happened to you, log in to your account and make sure you have the right kind of appointment. Vaccine appointments have a needle icon on the left side. If needed, you can cancel any incorrect appointments and reschedule. If you need help with an online appointment you can contact the call center at 855-722-7878.

Please note that as more vaccine comes into the state, particularly via the federal pharmacy programs, dates could easily move up. As soon as we learn of these changes, they will be immediately posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

CVS (Bennington, Barre, Morrisville) is now offering vaccinations, along with Kinney and Walgreens, as part of the federal pharmacy distribution program. You can register directly with these pharmacies.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different? Very good article from Yale Medicine that provides detailed information on the three vaccines in use as well the next two vaccines up for approval in the US.

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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:

APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females.  Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed

APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day

JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS