Cavendish Update 5/28/21: Concerts/News/Mem.Day/Covid

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Welcome to the first weekend of summer! Happy Memorial Day. The CHS Annual Plant sale kicks off this evening at 5:30 with the early bird special, on the Museum grounds. It goes until 7:00 pm. The sale is Saturday, from 8:30-noon. Rain or shine. The Ludlow Memorial Day parade will take place at 9 am on Monday.

5/28/21

1. What Memorial Day Means to Me by Miles Glidden

2. Cavendish Info

3. Summer Wednesday night Concert Series

4. Covid update

5. Events

1. WHAT MEMORIAL DAY MEANS TO ME by Miles Glidden: Proctorsville resident and 7th grader at GMUHS, Miles Glidden, is this year’s winner of the “What Memorial Day Means to Me” essay contest. Normally, Miles would have read his essay at various town Memorial Day celebrations. Due to Covid, Cavendish will not be hosting a parade, a program at CTES or cemetery/river wreath laying

Thank you Miles

When most people think of Memorial Day, they think of a three-day weekend or a day to have a barbeque, and not about the courageous and valiant men and women who put themselves into the living hell that is war in order to preserve our way of life and to insure that future generations prosper. In the darkest times of our history, these men and women stepped forward to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of the people currently living in the mighty United States of America.

Many of my family members have been in the military, my great uncle in Vietnam, another uncle who was in the guards in the late 70s, as well as others. I remember hearing my great uncle talk about some of the things he did while in the military and some of the hardships that he faced in day-to-day life on base or in the field. He spoke of the great friendships that he made and how war is a barbaric thing that should not have to be done, but it is essential to make sure peace is a possibility. The things that I have heard have made me question multiple times the meaning of war and why we do it, but what is certain to me is that while all of the people in the military are completely different, they all have one thing in common: the willingness to fight for their country no matter the risks and the sacrifices that they will have to make and are willing to make.

If you think about it, the first breath you took was only possible because thousands and thousands of courageous men and women died for you. They died to keep our way of life preserved, they died so that the next generations could have a better life than they did, they died for you and your mother, father, and siblings, they died for all of the people in your family and country. They fought for all of us living today and some of them are still fighting at this very moment. No matter if you chose to think about it or not, at least one person died so that you could live your life the way you want to.

When I walk in the Memorial Day parade, I walk with my head high and show as much respect as possible for the fallen men and women who died in the line of duty, for the soldiers who never got to see their family again, for the bravest and most courageous men and women to ever step foot in this fair country of the United States of America. The land of the free. The land that broke away from the British, survived the Civil War, came to the rescue of Western Europe twice.

The land that in almost every conflict that it faced has emerged battered and bloody but victorious because of the men and women who gave their country their all and their lives for the greater good. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England during World War II, said that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” All of the men and women who have fought and are fighting have or have had that courage to continue to fight for their country and for all of the people that they know and love.

The next time it is Memorial Day, please think about the men and women who risked it all for you and for everyone you know and love. I’ll leave off with a verse from a song by Toby Keith titled “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”

My dad served in the army
Where he lost his right eye, but he flew a flag out in our yard

Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CVFD Vaccine Clinic a Big Success: When the EMS team pulled in with their special Covid-19 trailer this past Saturday, they weren’t expecting a big turnout. They didn’t know Cavendish. While they had only vaccinated 4-5 people at the various clinics in the previous days, they were just trying to reach 10 people. Not only were they kept busy, but they vaccinated 32 people. Thank you to Cavendish Fire Department, and to the fire fighters from both Cavendish and Proctorsville who staffed the clinic and made sure it ran smoothly.

• Cavendish Historical Society News: The Annual Plant Sale gets underway this evening with a wide array of plants, veggie containers and hanging pots. The Carmine Guica Young Historians Update for June is available at the CHS blog. The spring newsletter is also available at the blog.

• Lloyd George Stillwell, 1929-2021: The Memorial for Lloyd will be held Saturday, May 29, 1 pm at Gethsemane Church.

• Birds and Blooms on the Proctorsville Green

• GMUSD Board Meeting-Move to oust GM vice chair Brown fails in a tie; Elimination of CTES’s shortened Tuesday schedule discussed: Among the issues discussed at the recent Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) meeting was whether to do away with CTES’s Tuesday early dismissal. Superintendent Fierman wanted to see it eliminated. Cavendish’s three board members argued against her recommendation. This is being tabled until the next meeting. Chester Telegraph

• GM board member wants much less detail in meeting minutes, destruction of notes, recordings

3. WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES: The Wednesday night concert series in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) kicks off July 7 at 6 pm. The schedule for the summer is as follows:

• July 7 Break Maids (glam-stomp music)

• July 14 Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco

• July 21 Silverbacks (blues and rock)

• July 28 Rick Davis and friends

• August 4: Gypsy Reel (Irish/Celtic)

• August 11: Gully Boys (Rock/Jam)

This series is organized and sponsored by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) in conjunction with area businesses. Murdock’s Restaurant, Singleton’s Market and Outer Limits Brewery will be serving take out food. Concerts are free and open to the public. Masking and social distancing are encouraged. For More Information.

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had one new case of Covid this past week for a total of 30 cases.

With daily cases dropping into the single digits, at least one day this past week, the number everyone is tracking is the vaccine rate. The Governor has promised that the day Vermont hits 80% of those 12+ with at least one dose, he will reopen the state. We’re very close and the anticipation is that we’ll be there by mid-week. Yesterday the state was at 77.6% with 13,474 more people needing to be vaccinated. If 2,695 Vermonters are vaccinated daily, we will reopen Memorial Day, May 31.

The latest modeling shows that cases are down 85% since April 1

If you are not vaccinated: You must continue to follow mandates to mask and social distance. If you are having concerns about being vaccinated, check out COVID-19 Vaccines-Separating myths from reality

Covid-19 Immunity Could last for Years: In a study published Monday in the journal Nature, scientists found that certain immune cells may survive in the bone marrow of people who were infected and later vaccinated. Those immune cells may create antibodies whenever needed. In another study published on the bioRxiv pre-print server, researchers found that these memory B cells can grow and strengthen for at least 12 months after an initial infection. "The papers are consistent with the growing body of literature that suggests that immunity elicited by infection and vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 appears to be long-lived."

Vaccinations: Anyone 12+ who is in Vermont, regardless of residency status, can be vaccinated. If you want a vaccine, you can find one pretty quickly. Note, those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer vaccine and will require a parent/guardian permission. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine or by calling  855-722-7878. Also check the VDH Facebook page  for notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.

Note there will be a free walk in clinic for Okemo Valley Hospitality employees on June 9 (Wednesday) from 10-1 in the parking lot of the Okemo Marketplace Plaza at 57 Pond Street in Ludlow. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine (the one and done shot) is free to anyone 18+.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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 if unvaccinated. 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 if unvaccinated. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 31 (MONDAY): MEMORIAL DAY. Legal holiday. Town office closed. The Memorial Day Parade will take place in Ludlow at 9 am.

JUNE 7 (MONDAY): Annual meeting of Cavendish Fire District #2, 7 pm Cavendish Town Office.

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 17 (THURSDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 18 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation-will be held outside

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 7 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists Break Maids (glam-stomp music)

JULY 14 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Yankee Chank (Cajun/Zydeco

JULY 21 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Silverbacks (blues and rock)

JULY 28 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Rick Davis and friends

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

AUGUST 4 (WEDNESDAY): Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Gypsy Reel (Irish/Celtic)

AUGUST 11 (WEDNESDAY):  Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Gully Boys (Rock/Jam)

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

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Wednesday Concert Series 2021

Now that outdoor gatherings are permitted, the Town of Cavendish will present the annual summer music series on Wednesday evenings starting July 7th at 6:00 pm, on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville.

 Things are different now and we must behave differently. We encourage wearing masks and physical distancing. The Green is large and the bands will be loud enough to be heard throughout, so please spread out and maintain distancing. Of course, for those who are fully vaccinated there are fewer restrictions.

 The lineup begins on July 7th with a band that will fix what ails you, The Break Maids. While this is their first time at the Cavendish concerts, the Break Maids are celebrating 10 years of riotous glam-stomp music that spans genres and breaks hearts at 70 paces.

On July 14th, performing traditional Cajun music from the heart of southwest Louisiana, Yankee Chank returns to the Green. Yankee Chank has been performing both Cajun and Zydeco music around Vermont and beyond since 1996.

 On July 21st the Silverbacks, a 5-piece blues and classic rock band from Brandon will play for the first time at the Proctorsville venue. They play “Rockin’ Blues and Bluesy Rock” tastefully rocking, but not heavy. The July 28th concert sees the return of Rick Davis and Friends, who wowed the Proctorsville Green last summer. Rick and his friends have been a staple of the Vermont music scene for many years.

 On August 4th the music genre shifts to perennial local favorite Gypsy Reel who play high energy, stirring music rooted in the Celtic tradition but garnered worldwide. The series finishes on August 11th with the return of the Gully Boys, a professional rock/jam band from the Green Mountains, presenting an amalgamation of style, sound, and personality that makes them unique, but with a comfortable familiarity.

 The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will again coordinate the series. All concerts are free and open to the public, so grab your lawn chair, a picnic and a cold drink, and join your friends and neighbors to enjoy plenty of rollicking good music from the gazebo. Murdock’s Restaurant, Singleton’s Market, and Outer Limits Brewery each serve takeout food, so please support your local businesses.

 The summer concert series has a long history in Proctorsville and many area residents reserve Wednesday evenings to listen to the live music. As always, the concerts will be held unless severe weather threatens. In case of rain, alternative plans will be announced on the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association Facebook page.

 For more information email CavendishCommunityConservation@gmail.com.

Cavendish Update 5/21/21: Construction/Haz Waste/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.  

Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department free walk-in vaccination clinic on Saturday May 22 from 9:30-11:30. Johnson & Johnson vaccine- imited to those 18+-one shot and done. Anyone, resident or not, is now eligible to be vaccinated. To sweeten the deal, a free creemee coupon will be given to participants and Fire chief Becky is making cookies.

5/21/21

1. Route 131 Road/Bridge Construction/: Week of May 24

2. Cavendish Info

3. Household Hazardous Waste Collection/Recycling plastics

4. Covid update

5. Events

1.ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION/91 BRIDGE: Week of May 24

RT 131: The contractor will continue grading the roadway and placing gravel on the pulverized subbase in order to shape the road to the new profile. The crew transitioned to Downers Corners on the east end of the project this week and is working west. Roadway grading adjustments are anticipated to take approximately one more week. This process will involve graders and rollers.

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

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, crews will be off of the roadway by noon on Friday, 5/28/21 and will not be working Saturday, 5/26 through Monday, 5/31. Work will resume on Tuesday, 6/1/21 at 7:00 a.m.

Bridge (I-91 over Rt 131 by exit 8): The removal process on the upper portions of Abutment 1 began this week and is scheduled for completion by the end of next week. All structural steel installation has been completed. The remaining lower portion of Abutment 2 is being repaired as needed. The lower portion of the Abutment 2 work below the approach slab seat will be poured on Friday, 5/21. The upper portion will be poured at a later date. This work will be ongoing for several weeks. Next week crews will continue the partial removal of Abutment 1. Once removed, forming for the future placement of the Abutment 1 curtain wall will begin. Forming for the deck is anticipated to begin next week.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Catalytic Converter Thefts: Three reports of catalytic converts stolen in our area -two fishermen’s vehicles along 131 and the third in Ludlow. One person noted on Facebook, My kiddo and I went fishing down there the other day... He's 5... he knew about the first incident and was super nervous.. He kept checking on the truck every couple of minutes (he's 5 yrs old)... Sad that this is happening in our town.

• No Burn Permits: Due to dry conditions, fire risk is high. Burn permits are not being issued at this time. Please observe the fire safety rules.

• Volunteers Needed to Help Streetscapes: The Cavendish Streetscape crew is cleaning up the gardens in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) starting at 9 am tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. If you can volunteer,  bring a rake. Don’t have a rake, no worries, there are lots of chores to be done. Thank you Streetscapes for caring about our town.

• CHS Newsletter Now On-line: The Spring 2021 Cavendish Historical Society newsletter is now available at the CHS Blog. This issue includes upcoming activities, including the Annual Plant Sale on Fri-Sat May 28 and 29th.

• RC Racing bringing together community with a track at Greven Field

• Amtrak Vermont service to resume July 19: After 15 months, the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express trains will start running. Facial coverings will be required. Same schedules and routes that were in place March 26, 2020.

3. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE/RECYCLING PLASTICS: Tuesday, May 25 is  Cavendish’s Household Hazardous Waste Day from 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station, 135 Fairground Road/100 Recycle Way. Wear a mask and stay in your vehicle. Other towns participating in the hazardous waste day include Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, W. Weathersfied. Be prepared to wait in line - bring something to read - no cell service.

Please note the following for paint: Aubuchon Hardware and LaValley Building Supply in Ludlow; Bibbens Home Center and Sherwin-Williams in Springfield; and Aubuchon Hardware in Windsor accept paint year round. These retailers only accept paint in labeled, non-rusty cans. Bring all other paint cans to a household hazardous waste collection. For a list of what else to bring or not to bring, visit www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org. FMI:  674-9235 or  mobrien@swcrpc.org.

For decades the emphasis has been on recycling plastics. However, only about 10% actually end up serving that purpose. This is largely due to the lack of demand for plastics # 3-7. This results in things like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is now six times the size of the UK, harming of wildlife and humans ingesting quite a bit of plastics.

Single use plastics account for half of the plastics we use each year. With an average useful life of 12-15 minutes, it can take up to 500 years to disappear.

In addition to using the Zero Sort at the Cavendish Transfer Station, consider the following ways to reduce your use of plastics

• Avoid single use plastics such as drinking straws, plates and cutlery

• Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of Tupperware and other plastics

• Recycle plastic bags at Shaw’s, Market Basket or other stores. Learn more about recycling plastics in VT/

• For Coffee drinkers- Carry a reusable coffee cup or flask. Purchase a reusable K cup and fill it with your favorite grounds.

• For tea lovers-Use loose leaf tea with a tea strainer. Teabags are sealed with plastic

• Gum chewers- Did you know that gum is made from plastic? Switch to an all- natural variety

• Carry your own water bottle

• Ditch the cling wrap. Foil is recyclable

• Glitter, made of such a small size it’s especially lethal in oceans and rivers. Use biodegradable glitter instead.

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had no new cases of Covid this past week, Cases continue to drop with the age groups with the greatest decreases being those with the highest rate of vaccinations. The latest modeling shows that cases are down 75% since April 1 and 24% in the last week. Hospitalizations have decreased 34.47% in the last 14 days. As of 5/20, Vermont has 24,026 cases with 255 deaths. Ten people are in the hospital with three in the ICU.

Vermont has adopted the CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, which no longer requires masking indoors or out. Those who are not vaccinated must continue to mask and social distance. Schools continue to adhere to the masking and social distancing mandates. Many stores also require masks. While Walmart has dropped their masking requirement for those vaccinated, their staff and nearly all customers continue to do so.

VACCINATIONS: Anyone 12+ who is in Vermont, regardless of residency status, can be vaccinated. If you want a vaccine, you can find one pretty quickly. Note, those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer vaccine and will require a parent/guardian permission. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Also check the VDH Facebook page  for notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

MAY 22 (SATURDAY): Free vaccinations at the Cavendish Fire Department, 9-11.

-       Volunteers needed for cleaning Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) and CTES gardens. Bring a rake and meet at the park at 9 am.

-       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.

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 if not vaccinated. 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 if not vaccinated. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

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

JUNE 7 (MONDAY): Annual meeting of Cavendish Fire District #2, 7 pm Cavendish Town Office.

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 17 (THURSDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 18 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation-will be held outside

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 VACCINATES TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 5/14/21: SB Mtg/Construction/Tag Sale/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.

The Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department will hold a walk in Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday May 22 from 9-11.

5/14/21

1. Route 131 Road/Bridge Construction/: Week of May 17

2. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 5/10

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid update

4. Events

1.ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION/91 BRIDGE: Week of May 17-

RT 131: The current phase of berm removal and ditching is scheduled for completion this week. These operations will resume later in the summer after the cement reclaim has been completed.

The pulverization pass for reclaim has been completed. This process involved pulverizing the top 8 inches of the roadway subbase in order to allow the process of rebuilding the subbase to proceed.

The contractor is now grading the roadway and placing gravel on the pulverized subbase in order to shape the road to the new profile. This process will be ongoing for several weeks and will involve graders and rollers. The crew is currently in Cavendish Village and working eastward. The traveling public should expect longer delays where the gravel spreading is taking place and it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans.

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.

Bridge: On the Southbound bridge (Bridge 30S), the deck and upper portions of Abutment 2 that support the span of the bridge have been removed. The removal process on Abutment 1 may possibly begin next week. The new span for Girder 2 has been bolted in place. Diaphragms are being installed this week and it is anticipated that all steel work will be completed by the end of next week. Localized paint work has been completed. Painting crews will return after the new deck is completed to repaint the entire steel super structure. The remaining lower portion of Abutment 2 is being repaired as needed.

Crews began installing form work and rebar for the Abutment 2 back wall. This work will be ongoing for several weeks. Next week crews will be working on concrete repairs to Abutment 2 (north end) and installing the new steel. Once all the steel has been bolted on, crews will begin forming the deck.

Expect minor delays and enforcement of 55 mile per hour speed reduction.

2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING MAY 10: Videos of the Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are available at the Okemo Valley TV website, with minutes available at the town’s website . Both the Chester Telegraph and VT Journal have reports on Monday night’s meeting.

Below is additional information on some of the topics discussed and/or voted on by the SB at the May 10 and their special meeting held May 3:

• Road construction on 131 has been delayed in Proctorsville until the end of the school year. The last day of school is June 17.

• Sewer Line repair: A sagging sewer line, that runs between Singleton’s and Depot Street, will be replaced. Similar to water main breaks, which happens periodically throughout the year, the repair itself is a short term project but will coincide with the road repair, saving money and making it more convenient. This will result in one way traffic but not a detour. For those concerned about a “big hole” or odor, not to worry, the hole is filled at the end of each day and there shouldn’t be any unusual smells. Note: The Town Wide Tag Sale (see article 3 below) and concerts will take place. Just be aware that parking on 131 isn’t going to be feasible in various locations.

• 131 is going to be a dirt road this summer: Vtrans has estimated that the 131 project will be ongoing until Oct. 11. Please observe the flaggers and when possible, seek alternate routes and/or allow more time for travel. Flaggers can hold a “stop” for no more than 10 minutes. As many people know, when there are a variety of “stops” it can take a long time to travel the 9 miles between 106 and 103 on 131.  On Thursday we post the construction report from Vtrans on the Cavendish Facebook page and it’s included in Friday’s Cavendish Update.

• ARPA Funds/Broadband: Cavendish will receive about $412,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to be used on water, wastewater and broadband.

As far as Cavendish’s broadband, Cavendish Connects conducted a short survey in March.  While TDS service has significantly improved and Comcast now covers the northwestern part of town, there are spots where TDS is not providing anywhere near close to the federal standard of 25/3 Mbgs. These areas include Hard Scrabble, Newton, parts of Heald and Davis, and Morigiloni roads. The Consolidated Communications area (formerly Fair Point), which is now predominately covered by Comcast, has two areas of poor or no service-Stevens Rd and Birmingham Rd.

There is considerable discussion in Montpelier about how much and how to distribute ARPA funding for Broadband-the Governor requested $250 Million, while the House budget bill offers $150 M and the Senate bill $100M. Until there is agreement, we’re in a holding pattern as far as available funding and how it can be accessed. The Cavendish Telecommunications Committee is working on this issue.

• Actions Taken

-       At the May 3 special SB meeting, Abe Gross was appointed to one of the two vacancies on the GMUSD board. At the May 10 meeting, Julia Gignoux was appointed to fill the second vacancy.

-       Approved a lien on the property of 228 Cavendish Gulf Rd so that the town can fix the driveway, remove the trash from the property, and deal with rodent infestation. The property is in violation of the Health Order

-       Approved the Town Highway Annual Financial Plan

-       Approved the purchase of a loader-May 3 meeting. The new loader has been delivered.

• Tax Sale: Seven Cavendish properties were slated for the town’s May 5 tax sale. Prior to the sale, four resolved their issues with the town. Two of the properties were sold, with the third withdrawn as the exact location of the parcel is unknown.  The town collected $50,000 in delinquent taxes.

• Cavendish Transfer Station: The town is looking at better ways to control flow at the transfer station to ensure that items are: properly disposed of; tipping fees are paid; and the facility is being used by permit holders only.  The town manager is going to be working with a transfer site expert who will provide recommendations. To help in supporting the transfer station for maximum efficiency and useability:

-       Review guidelines for what is recyclable in Zero Sort, belongs in the E-waste building, compostable etc.

-       Purchase a transfer station sticker. Recycling and trash disposal at the transfer station is by permit only. Permits are available to Cavendish residents and property owners and may be obtained in person at the Town Office, at the Transfer Station, or via mail. They are $5 a piece for each vehicle that will be using the transfer station. FMI: Call the town office 802-226-7292

• Other Town Projects: Bill Bigwood has retired from the highway depart and Derek Bruce has been hired. Paving on Greven and Wheeler roads is complete. Parking spaces at the EV charging station will be painted soon.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• TRSU Board Meeting: 2 schools to participate in state Covid testing program-Proms and Graduation to occur: Mt Holly Elementary School and Green Mountain Union High School will be participating in a Covid-19 testing program through the remainder of the school year and during the summer. If all goes well it could be put in place for all schools. Proms will be held during the first week in June, following Covid guidelines that are in place at that time. Outdoor graduation will be on June 18 (Friday). Chester Telegraph

• Families Urged to file taxes soon to claim expanded child benefit

3. TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: In spite of the 131 road construction and the  Proctorsville sewer repair, the Cavendish Annual Town Wide Tag sale will take place on July 31 (Saturday) from 9-2. If you live on 131 and are planning to set up that day, if you don’t have an easily accessible place for parking, please consider locating to one of the town greens this year. For more information, check out the Tag Sale Website.

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish’s had three new cases of Covid this past week, bringing the town’s total to 29 cases. As of 5/13, there have been 23,724 cases of Covid in VT with 252 deaths. Approximately 70% Vermonters, aged 16+, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 51% being fully vaccinated. VT now leads the country in vaccinations.

CDC Issues New Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Individuals: The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings. Fully vaccinated people can:

• Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance

• Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel

• Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States

• Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings

• Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic

• Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible

VACCINATIONS: The newest changes in vaccines for eligibility includes anyone who lives out of state but works in Vermont and youth 12-15, which were just approved by the FDA and CDC for Pfizer vaccination. Vaccination for this latter group began yesterday and will continue with special clinics at schools. Note, those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer vaccine and will require a parents permission.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Also check the VDH Facebook page  for notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.

Less than 1% of COVID cases since January 2021 have been among fully-vaccinated Vermonters. Almost 250,000 people have been fully vaccinated in VT. Of this group, only about 0.06% have experienced a “breakthrough.” As good as the vaccines are at preventing infection, disease and death, it’s not 100%. Since January, there have been 161 vaccine breakthrough among Vermonters. Of those cases, six required hospitalizations and less than 2% of vaccine breakthrough cases have died. To date, vaccine breakthrough cases are more likely to be health workers or residents in a long term care facility. This is expected. These populations are at increased risk of exposure than the general population and are more apt to be tested. While the Covid vaccines are effective, VDH recognizes that a small percentage of vaccinated people will test positive, as vaccinated who become infected are less likely to show symptoms.

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

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. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

MAY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 9-2 on the Museum grounds. 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 17 (THURSDAY): Last day of school

JUNE 18 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation-will be held outside

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 VACCINATES TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

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