Cavendish Update 5/7/21: Pot Holes/131/News/Events

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5/7/21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: Week of May 10

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Week of May 10-To the complaints about the potholes in Cavendish Village, VTrans has provided the following information to explain last weekend’s situation. The Pike supervisor was onsite on Saturday and had hoped to grade the road then, but the worst parts of the road were still oversaturated and the potholes full of water. This pothole issue cannot be fixed in the rain or wet conditions. It is more of a hazard to make three inches of slime everywhere than it is to have potholes in several locations. They were out there at 5:15 this morning to get the road graded and in better shape prior to the AM commute. Please know it is a difficult situation, they are aware, and they are doing the best they can giving the surface conditions. Pike Industries is out early trying to make the roads as passable as possible for the morning commute. The weather isn’t cooperating. Bottom line-avoid traveling 131 if you can.

Construction this coming week: Berm removal and ditching operations will continue next week at various locations and will be proceeding easterly throughout the project.

The pulverization pass for reclaim will continue next week. This is scheduled to be completed by 5/19. The traveling public should expect longer delays where the reclaim operation is taking place, and may want to add extra time to travel plans as the road surface will be gravel. The roadway will not have lines on the gravel surface to delineate travel lanes. Rough road should be expected and the contractor will be grading the rougher areas as needed.

The contractor is scheduled to spread gravel on top of the reclaimed area next week to correct roadway geometry. This is currently scheduled for completion on 5/31.

The traveling public should expect delays where the gravel spreading is taking place and it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CHS Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society’s May Briefs is now available at their blog. This includes information on the upcoming annual plant sale and how to order specific plants.

• Raffle Tickets Available at the Transfer Station: The Proctorsville RC Club is holding a raffle to raise money for various projects. Tickets are available at the Cavendish Transfer Station.  First prize is a Traxxas Slash 2 WD with 2 S lipo battery charger. 2nd prize is a Traxxas hat, t-shirt and sweatshirt. Tickets are $10 with the drawing June 5th. You do not need to be present to win.

• Big Changes Coming to Fox Run Golf Club in Ludlow: VT Journal

• VT Labor Department has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims: The Vermont Department of Labor has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent unemployment claims during the pandemic, according to the state’s labor commissioner. The online portal has been closed for filing claims as 90% of entries were fraudulent. VT Digger

3. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish’s total Covid cases stands at 26, with no new cases this past week. Modeling continues to show declining cases in Vermont, New England and the US. Cases in VT are down 61% since April 1. Hospitalizations have also dropped. While cases in the 40+ group decreased by 22% this past week, it increased by 23% in those 0-39 years of age. This directly relates to 78% of Vermonters 40+ having had at least one vaccination dose, while only 41% of those 0-39 having done so. In fact, the VT Dept of Health (VDH) is specifically targeting the 18-39 year old group with their campaign to “get vaccinated” as your Mother’s Day gift this year.  See the Vaccination section below to learn more about special drive in clinics, requiring no appointments today and tomorrow.

As of 5/6, Vermont has a case count of, 22,824  with 246 deaths, and 19 people in hospital, with six in the ICU. Over 65% of Vermonters, aged 16+, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with over 46% being fully vaccinated. VT now leads the country in vaccinations.

In the midst of such promise, it is important to note the situation in India, which is being decimated by a variant B.1.617 that was first detected in October. The current research indicates that this variant is similar to the South African and Brazilian ones. We live in a global world, so it’s not surprising that the Indian variant has already appeared in the US. The one piece of good news is that the existing vaccinations appear to be effective against these new variants, Nature

To help relief efforts in India, click here. We’ve seen how quickly the UK variant has spread throughout the US, including Vermont. Protect yourself, family and community with vaccination. It’s our best strategy against the mutating Covid virus.

Vermont’s Masking Guidelines: Announced last Friday, the new guidelines only require outside masking, regardless of vaccination status, if it’s not possible to social distance. With the science showing outdoor transmission is rare and poses little risk, the Governor noted “If you’re walking down the street, you don’t need to wear a mask, If you’re at the dog park and you’re not in a crowd, you don’t need a mask. If you’re with people outdoors in accordance with the gathering policy, you don’t need a mask.” Health Commissioner Mark Levine also noted, “if any of your activities turn into a crowded situation, have your mask with you in case you need it.”

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

-       Giving 2 Doses Of Different COVID-19 Vaccines Could Boost Immune Response

-       New Study Estimates More Than 900,000 People Have Died Of COVID-19 In U.S.

VACCINATIONS: Vermont is offering special COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson (one dose)“Drive-In vaccination opportunities this weekend.

-       Friday May 7: Tunbridge Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can register through the Health Department website, or just “drive in,” no appointment necessary.

-       Saturday, May 8, Bear Ridge Speedway no appointment needed 4-7 pm 1058 Kidder Road in Bradford. There will be 150 doses.

-       Saturday May 8 Devils Bowl Speedways: No appointment needed, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 2743 VT-22A in West Haven .There will be 180 slots available.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878.

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:

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 9 (SUNDAY): HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

MAY 10 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, held by Zoom at 6:30 pm. Agenda and call in information will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page as soon as it is received.

MAY 14 (FRIDAY): Estate sale, 8-2, 43 Carlton Rd, Intersection of Carlton Rd and 131). A huge selection of small furniture items, bed frames, furnishings, decor, artwork, Christmas decor, glassware, kitchenware, pool table, hand crafted wood/iron bar, barstools, lawn/garden tools, tent/campsite package, TV, CDs, books, dozens of old National Geographic magazines, and more! Cash/Venmo/Paypal only; no personal checks.

MAY 15 (SATURDAY): Estate sale continues at 43 Carlton Rd from 8-noon

 MAY 22 (SATURDAY): Fabric and Craft Supply Sale, 1-2 in the Fletcher Farm Gift Shop. Lots of fabric, yarn, art supplies, books, frames, raw wood products and more.

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

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

MAY 31 (MONDAY): MEMORIAL DAY. Legal holiday. Town office closed.

JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.

JUNE 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Vermont Art Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Fletcher Farm School will be one of the spots.

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 3 (SATURDAY): Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

JULY 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

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

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

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

2. Mask

3. Social distance

4. Wash hands frequently

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 4/30/21: Construction/Events/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.

Please note that we have expanded the Events Section. We are adding events as we receive them so people will have ample time to plan ahead.

4/30//21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: Week of May 2

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Week of May 3

 Completed: Guardrail operations for this phase of the project and the roadway box cut in Cavendish Village; Milling (grinding of the top portion of the roadway surface) is scheduled for completion Thursday April 29. 

Coming Week Activities: Berm removal and ditching operations at various locations, proceeding easterly throughout the project.

The pulverization pass for reclaim started 4/26 and will continue next week. This is scheduled to be completed by 5/19. The traveling public should expect longer delays where the reclaim operation is taking place, and may want to add extra time to travel plans as the road surface will be gravel. The roadway will not have lines on the gravel surface to delineate travel lanes. Rough road should be expected and the contractor will be grading the rougher areas as needed.

The contractor is scheduled to begin spreading gravel on top of the reclaimed area next week to correct roadway geometry. This is currently scheduled for completion on 5/31.  

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Green Up Day: Saturday, May 1, is Green Up Day. Pick up bags at 9:00 in front of the town office. There will be no BBQ this year due to Covid.

• CHS Young Historians Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) monthly update for students, teachers and families is now available at their blog. This includes upcoming opportunities, special May historical events, as well as workshops and hands on history kits.

• Fletcher Farm School announcements and events: Among the announcements is an Art camp scholarships for local kids at Fletcher Farm.

• Fraud Alert: One person in town has already been impacted by this scam. A letter from the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) may be your first notification that a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim has been filed in your name. VDOL reminds all Vermonters that if you receive a letter from the Department in your mailbox, be sure to open it, to ensure there was not a fraudulent claim filed using your information. FMI: VT Dept. of Labor

• Raffle for Proctorsville RC Club: The newly formed Proctorsville RC Club is holding a raffle to raise money for various projects. First prize is a Traxxas Slash 2 WD with 2 S lipo battery charger. 2nd prize is a Traxxas hat, t-shirt and sweatshirt. Tickets are $10 with the drawing June 5th. You do not need to be present to win. FMI: Proctorsville RC Club Facebook page.

• Koffee Kup Bakery Shuts Down, Lays off more than 200 workers

• 2020 U.S. Census shows Vermont grew almost 2.8% since 2010: The 2020 U.S. Census figures show the Vermont population grew almost 2.8% in the last decade to a resident population of just over 643,000. Vermont continues to be the second least populated state in the country. Only Wyoming has fewer residents. Nationally, the population of the United States grew by 7.4% in the last decade.

• Vermont AG aims to make dent in robocall scourge 

• Vermont reinstates work search requirement for unemployment claims May 9 : As of May 9, the state is requiring that people who receive unemployment benefits prove that they are looking for work. The provision was suspended in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic to limit potential exposure for job-seekers and employers. Learn more at the State of VT Department of Labor UI Claimant Work Search

• VT Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services: The Department of Public Service and Vermont State Housing Authority have $12.7 million available to assist renters through the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services (VERAP-U). Water and sewer bills for eligible renters or landlords are included in this new program. Rental assistance is currently open. Utility assistance is anticipated to be opened by May 1. This program is separate from the Vermont COVID Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) which assisted any utility customer with overdue bills and ended December 15, 2020. FMI: Contact the Consumer Affairs & Public Information (CAPI) Division at psd.consumer@vermont.gov or call 800-622-4496 or 802-828-2332.

3. COVID UPDATE: As of 4/20/21, Cavendish had another case of Covid for a total of 26 cases. Ludlow (total 69) and Chester (79 total) each had two new cases while Springfield had 10 (227).

The impact of vaccines is definitely reflected in this week’s modeling. The seven day test positivity rate is down to 1% compared to last week’s 1.3%. Daily numbers of new cases have dropped into the double digits and hospitalizations are on the decline.

As of 4/29, Vermont has a case count of, 22,824  with 246 deaths, and 19 people in hospital, with six in the ICU. Over 60% of Vermonters, aged 16+, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 42% being fully vaccinated.

Vermont Forward Plan for May 1: On April 6, the Governor announced a reopening plan based on level of vaccinations. Having met the requirement that 60-70% of Vermonters aged 16+ had at least one dose of the vaccine, Step 2 of the reopening plan begins tomorrow. This allows 1 un vaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150, plus any number of vaccinated people, for Indoor gatherings and events. For outdoor functions, it allows 300, plus any number of vaccinated people. Masks and physical distancing are still required when in the presence of those outside your household. As can be seen below, expect to see a change shortly in masking for those fully vaccinated when outside.

CDC New Masking Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals: This week, the CDC updated their guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is 2 weeks after the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer or 2 weeks after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. According to the revised guidelines,  You can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues. It is expected that Vermont will be announcing guidelines, along the lines of the CDC, for vaccinated individuals at either today’s or next Tuesday’s press conference.

COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against New York Variant: More studies are showing that the vaccines currently in use protect against variants. This is the latest study that indicates the mRNAs (Pfizer and Moderna) are effective against the New York variant. Vaccine-induced antibodies appear to cover a broader range of the various parts on the virus, rather than a particular mutation. That could mean vaccines offer better protection against variants with different mutations, as opposed to immunity from natural infection linked with one particular coronavirus strain. “The take-home message is that the vaccines are going to work against the New York variant and the South African variant and the UK variant,” Nathan Landau, virologist

Guidance for end of Year Events including field trips, proms and graduation: In person proms, graduations and field trips, along withprograms for the summer ahead can now be planned in VT. Protocols for end of year activities are now at the state’s website. The Gatherings and Events provisions of the VT Forward plan draws a distinction between participation of vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Schools should utilize some means of determining the vaccination status of individuals attending end of school events.

 VACCINATIONS: All Vermonters 16+, including part time residents and nonresident college students, can now register for a vaccine. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. If you want the earliest appointment possible, continually check the pharmacy websites for available appointments.  Johnson and Johnson is once again being given. You can chose whether you want one of the mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) two shots or J&J, one shot.

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:

MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day. Pick up bags at 9:00 in front of the town office. There will be no BBQ this year due to Covid.

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 14 (FRIDAY): Estate sale, 8-2, 43 Carlton Rd, Intersection of Carlton Rd and 131). A huge selection of small furniture items, bed frames, furnishings, decor, artwork, Christmas decor, glassware, kitchenware, pool table, hand crafted wood/iron bar, barstools, lawn/garden tools, tent/campsite package, TV, CDs, books, dozens of old National Geographic magazines, and more! Cash/Venmo/Paypal only; no personal checks.

MAY 15 (SATURDAY): Estate sale continues at 43 Carlton Rd from 8-noon

 MAY 22 (SATURDAY): Fabric and Craft Supply Sale, 1-2 in the Fletcher Farm Gift Shop. Lots of fabric, yarn, art supplies, books, frames, raw wood products and more.

MAY 25 (TUESDAY): Household Hazardous Waste Day 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. FMI. https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html

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

MAY 31 (MONDAY): Memorial Day. Legal holiday. The Town Office is closed.

JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.

JUNE 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Vermont Art Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Fletcher Farm School will be one of the spots.

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 3 (SATURDAY): Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

JULY 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

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

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

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 4/23/21: SB Mtg/RC Club/Rd Construction/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.

NOTE: The Cavendish Town Office is now closed for lunch, 12-1, due to staffing changes.

4/23//21

1. Route 131 Road Construction: Week of April 26

2. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 4/12

3. Cavendish Info

4. Proctorsville RC Club

5. Covid update

6. Events

1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Week of April 26. Please use caution as you enter 131, be it from an intersecting street or from a driveway. Berm removal and ditching operations will continue at various locations and will be proceeding easterly throughout the project. Guardrail operations will continue. Crews are temporarily setting the guardrail back from the roadway in order for reclaim operations to take place. Operations will be near the Weathersfield town line by the end of this week. This temporary setback of guardrail is expected to be completed by April 30th.

Milling (grinding of the top portion of the roadway surface) will continue. It is anticipated that milling will progress to the Weathersfield town line and is currently on schedule to be completed by April 30. The traveling public should expect slightly longer delays in the vicinity of milling operations, and may want to add extra time to travel plans.

The roadway box cut in Cavendish Village started April 22 and will continue next week. This operation is scheduled for completion by the middle of the week. A box cut is the process of removing unsuitable material in the roadway and replacing it with new gravel.

2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 4/12/21: The Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are covered by Okemo Valley TV and appear on their website. Minutes of the meeting are available at the Cavendish Municipal website.

Items Discussed/Voted on:

• Considered Retroactive request from Charles James for inactive water status for the “Vermont Apple Pie Company.” The board voted to table this item until the Water Board meets and to address it again at the next SB meeting.

• Approved

-       The addition of Jennifer A. Leak as second signer on the General Fund account held at Berkshire Bank.

-       The use of credit cards and debit cards as forms of payment at the Town Office.

-       Liquor licenses for the following: Neals; Cavendish Pointe Hotel

-       Use of Proctorsville Green: Cavendish Streetscapes Birds and Blooms Festival, June 26th from noon to 5 pm; Wednesday Summer concert series starting July 7-Aug. 11, starting at 6 pm. Concerts are organized by CCCA

• Loader: Discussions continue with the Komatsu rep on a new wheeled bucket loader for the Town. The town’s attorney will review the lease terms before accepting it.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for Cavendish: Town Manager Brendan McNamara provided an update on the ARPA funds. Cavendish could receive around $420,000, the first half arriving in May and the second within a few months. These funds are to be used for water/sewer infrastructure and broadband internet, both of which are needed in town. Project completion needs to be by December 2024. Guidelines could change as the funds are allocated.

• Tax Sale: There are seven properties with delinquent taxes that have been turned over to the Town council for a tax sale. They will be advertised for three weeks in the “Vermont Journal,” starting this week and those properties whose delinquent taxes are not paid in full will be auctioned on May 5th, 2021, 10 am, at the Town Office. Note that legal notices appear on the home page of the VT Journal Website in addition to the print paper.

• Town Projects

-       Maple trees on Depot St have been removed

-       Paving Wheeler and Greven Roads by Bazen Brothers is underway

-       Under a class 2 paving grant, bids will be solicited for paving Quent Phelan and as much of Tarbell Hill Rd as possible. State highway funds could be used to pave High St and Ranney Hill Rd if funds allow.

-       A Wifi Booster has been installed at the Town Office as part of the Covid Disaster Relief fund so there is now free Wifi at the Cavendish Green. A second Booster will be added to provide coverage on the Proctorsville Green.   Note: Free Wifi is currently available at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

• Route 131: McNamar is discussing with VTrans the problems with the green netting and the drainage from last summer’s project, near Chubb Hill.

• Continuation of Zoom SB meetings until restrictions are lifted by the Governor on July 1.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Keith Hill-one year principal for GMUHS: Over turning the previous vote, the GMUSD board approved a one year contract for Keith Hill, currently social studies teacher, for Green Mountain Union High School (GMUHS) at the April 15 meeting.  Hill has accepted the contract.

- Hill is confirmed as GM principal after two votes following threats, pleas: VT Journal

- Heated votes, GM board looks at what’s next: Chester Telegraph

- A single vote changes and GM board appoints Keith Hill principal Chester Telegraph

- Keith Hill Accepts 1-Year Contract as GM Principal Chester Telegraph

• Every Day is Earth Day in Cavendish: While April 22 was officially Earth Day, Cavendish has a variety of ongoing efforts to support the planet and all that dwell on her.

• How the $1.25 billion in Covid-19 relief funds were spent in VT: Two dashboards have been releases by the Dept. of Finance and Management that reflect the many ways the relief funds were spent.

4. PROCTORSVILLE VT RC CLUB: What started with Bobby Glidden getting two RC trucks at Christmas for he and his son to enjoy, has turned into an amazing healthy and stress relieving outlet, as well as a new opportunity for Cavendish. A new group has been formed called “Proctorsville VT RC Club.” 

Who knew there was a local track at the old Wild Bills store in Proctorsville? At one time, the inside of  Wild Bill’s used to be artificial turf where they had RC car races. What’s old is new again.

 With the approval of the Cavendish Rec Dept. and the Town Manager, efforts are underway to build an RC race track at Greven Field for the public to use and enjoy. If you are interested in helping out, being a sponsor, or just want to support this community effort, join the club on Facebook. Details for meetings and work parties will be posted there. Various events and activities will also appear via Cavendish Connects (Facebook, website, Update).

4. COVID UPDATE: As of 4/14/21, Cavendish had one new cases of Covid in the prior week for a total of 25 cases.. Ludlow had two (total 67), while Chester had 2 (79 total) and Springfield 6 (217).

The tide is turning and cases are falling in VT thanks to both an increase in vaccinations, approximately 55% of the state has had at least one shot, and the younger community adhering to masking and social distancing. The test positivity cases have continued to drop-from 1.8% Thursday a week ago to 1.3% yesterday.  

As of 4/22, Vermont has a case count of, 22,325  with 243 deaths. This week’s modeling continues to show a downward trend for Vermont and the region.

 VACCINATIONS: All Vermonters 16+ can now register for a vaccine. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

Johnson & Johnson: Today, Federal advisers will consider whether Johnson & Johnson vaccine injections should resume after reports of very rare blood clots. Among the options being weighed is resuming shots with a medical warning or suggesting that certain groups of people -- such as women under 50 -- avoid the J&J shot.

Can We Get to 'COVID Zero'? Experts Predict the Next 8 Months: COVID-19 is likely to follow a seasonal pattern — similar to some other respiratory viruses — with fewer cases come summer 2021 followed by a jump next winter, experts predicted in a Thursday briefing. If that pattern holds, it could mean a need to reinforce the mask-wearing message as the weather gets colder and people once again congregate indoors. The encouraging news is the vaccines appear to be working and more Americans are getting them. "If you look at the data for these vaccines, they are extremely safe, they are extremely efficacious, and they make you basically impervious — for the most part — to getting serious disease, hospitalization, or death.” The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is likely to approve emergency use authorization (EUA) among teenagers 12 to 15 years old "imminently," thereby expanding the pool of people potentially protected by vaccines. Medscape

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. FMI.

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): 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

Earth Day is Everyday in Cavendish

Cavendish has lots of ways you can support the community, the earth as well as save money and resources.

 Use the Cavendish Transfer Station to recycle, compost, and appropriately discard Household Hazardous Waste as well as E waste. Learn more by clicking here.

Learn How to Compost in Cavendish: Watch the Composting Workshop in Cavendish video

Thrift It: There are plenty of nearby thrift stores including Black River Good Neighbors, Chester Andover Family Center Thrift Shop , SEVCA’s Good Buy Thrift Stores. These thrift stores support our community

Think before you buy/Help to Reduce Landfill.  Recycling sounds great, but today there are warehouses of recycled items without a back end that repurposes them for other uses. As a result, many items are ending up in landfills. Before making purchases consider the following:

• Is this a want or a need?

• Have you checked to see if you can obtain the item for free or by borrowing, renting or  used?

• Is it an impulse buy because it’s on sale and/or you’re having a bad day and are engaging in retail therapy?  

• Can you afford it?

• Buy quality so it lasts longer

• Make a plan before you buy about what you will do with the purchase once you no longer have a use for it.

Take part in the Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale: This will be the 11th Annual Tag Sale and always takes place on the last Saturday in July. This year it will be July 31 from 9-2.  Free both space on the town greens. Learn more.  

Participate in Green Up Day: To be held on May 1 (Saturday) this year, get a jump start by going to the Cavendish Town Office (vestibule), starting Friday, April 23, and pick up a “green-up” bag and start collecting in your neighborhood. Take to the transfer station for disposal.

Support local business avoids unnecessary travel and has the added benefit of supporting your community. Check out the Cavendish Business Directory.

Check out the new 2 Car EV Charging Station: Did you know that Cavendish now has a free EV Charging Station that is up and running? It’s on Depot Street in Proctorsville and abuts Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) across the street from the post office.

Learn more about the Cavendish Energy Committee