Cavendish Update: 9/10/21: Construction/News/Events

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

9/11 Remembrance Weekend: While the annual Honey Festival takes place from 10-4 on Saturday at the Golden Stage Inn, there will be a parade and speakers in Ludlow to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Okemo Valley fire departments, including both Cavendish and Proctorsville, have planned this event. Learn more in the events section, Item 4.

9/10/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: The roadway has been paved with the intermediate course of asphalt and temporary markings have been placed. Traffic speeds have picked up with the smoother surfaces. Please be advised that the work zone speed reduction to 40 mph is still in place. Fines are doubled for speeding in the construction zone.  Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Paving of the wearing course is scheduled to start next week project-wide. Paving will start on the east side of the project and progress to the west. Some modifications are being made in the Town of Cavendish for drive access and sidewalk. 

Bridge @ Exit 8:  The contractor is scheduled to mill the pavement and pave the approaches to the bridge on I-91. Milling and paving should not have any effect on traffic.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Jennie Kolenda: Among the last of her generation, Jennie Kolenda who worked for the town, Kenwood Mills and served 32 years as a ballot clerk for various town elections died on Sept. 4. A funeral mass will be celebrated today at 11 am at the Church of Annunciation in Ludlow. Her obituary is available online.

• Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk: There are probably few readers in our area that aren’t aware of Phineas Gage, the railroad foreman, who on September 13, 1848, had a tamping rod pass through his head as a result of a blasting accident. The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will host its annual Gage Walk & Talk on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury.  The accident site is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.  This program is free and open to the public. Donations welcome. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Cavendish Community Fund Accepting Applications for Fall 2021 Grants: The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for fall 2021 awards. Generally, grants are not expected to exceed $1,000 each. Award amounts will depend primarily on the number of applications received and the amounts requested. The Fund will consider applications filed anytime, but will only award grants this fall to those who file by November 1st. Applications can be made by letter that describes the organization that is applying, the project proposed and the overall budget, including the amount requested. Of utmost importance, the application must also describe how the program, project, or event will specifically benefit the people of Cavendish. Further information on applying can be obtained by emailing CavendishCommunityFund@gmail.com or by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

• BRGN Rummage Sale Returns: Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funds raised will help the cost of utilities, heating fuel, rent, and food for qualified individuals and families in Ludlow, Mount Holly, Belmont, Cavendish, Proctorsville, and Plymouth. Masks will be required for everyone’s safety. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

• St. James Methodist Church Concert: To raise money for the church’s fuel fund, a free concert is being held on Sept. 12, 2 pm (doors open at 1:30). The church is located at 570 Main St.

• Schools open with masks, Ludlow man continues to object Chester Telegraph

3. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had two new case of Covid this past week, bringing the total to 34 cases. There were four new cases each for Ludlow and Chester. Please help our kids, as well as yourself and community by vaccinating and wearing masks.

• Weekly Press Conference: Mask mandates continue to be a hot topic. The state is requesting that all schools keep masks in place until Oct. 4, after which, those schools with a completed vaccination rate of 80%, can make masking optional. All but one district in VT has adopted the state’s recommendation on masking. The state is making this request because of the Delta variant  and wanting to better understand where it’s heading. Those schools with high vaccination rates are eligible for extra funds. School will submit grant requests with student input.

Beginning Sept. 15, all state of VT executive branch employees will have to self-attest that they’ve been vaccinated or must be tested weekly and wear a mask. 

Booster vaccines will most likely be administered in the same manner the initial vaccines were given-by age, underlying conditions. For those who had Johnson & Johnson, information about a booster should be coming in the next 10 days or so.

The Governor also noted, What we also have to acknowledge is that Covid isn’t the only virus taking hold right now. With the Delta wave, has come a wave of divisiveness and anger, a resurgence of polarization that had just started to subside earlier this summer.  If we’re truly going to move forward, we’ve got to reflect on the language we use, the fear and anger these words might stoke and the wounds we’re deepening.  This is the time to rally and pull together because COVID-19 is not going away and we must not let it tear us apart, especially as the risks are being significantly reduced through vaccines.

• By the Numbers: The modeling data this week shows continuing increases with over a thousand this past week. These totals are close to the all-time highs seen in March and April. The un vaccinated case rate has increased 11% in the last 7 days as compared to 1% for vaccinated.  Among those fully vaccinated (426,323 Vermonters) 1,928 (0.45%) have tested positive, with 53 (0.012%) hospitalized for Covid and 18 (0.004%) have died.

To date, 29,588 Vermonters have tested Covid positive. There have been 283 deaths (3 in the last week) and 30 people are currently in the hospital, 7 of which are in the ICU.

• Covid in Schools: The VT Dept of Health is now providing weekly data on Tuesday morning of Covid cases in schools. While 81 cases were reported in the state since schools reopened this fall, with 41 occurring in the last seven days,  none were reported for Cavendish, Ludlow, Chester or Springfield.

•  Literature/Other News

-       Biden Administration Scaling Back Sept. 20 Booster Plan: The Biden administration still plans to offer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots starting Sept. 20, though the rollout may differ from the initial plan. FDA and CDC advisers still need to meet next week to approve a third dose, and even then, only certain people may be recommended to get another shot for now, according to The Associated Press. First announced in August, the plan was to offer Pfizer and Moderna boosters to Americans 8 months after their second dose, the AP reported. But since then, Moderna has requested that its booster be half the dose of the original shots, and the FDA has said it needs more data from Moderna before deciding. Johnson & Johnson also needs to submit an application to the FDA for a booster dose.

-       Biden Lays Out Plan To Mandate Vaccines Or Testing For Millions Of Workers

- Large Study Affirms What We Already Know: Masks Work to Prevent COVID-19

-       COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna): No Serious Health Risks in Large Study

-       Vaccines Cut Risk of Long COVID by Half: Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal

-       How Concerned Should We Be About the Mu Variant?

-       FBI opens criminal probe into 3 Vermont troopers over fake Covid-19 vaccination cards.

• Make vaccination a priority! The free vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept is Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. This will be the Pfizer vaccine. It is unclear if they will have Johnson & Johnson this time.

Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

-       St. James Methodist Church (570 Main St) free concert, 2 pm at the Church. Doors open at 1:30. Donations welcomed to help with fuel costs for the winter months. Public welcome.

SEPTEMBER 13 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

SEPTEMBER 21 (TUESDAY): Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Cavendish. Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer vaccines will be administered.

SEPTEMBER 24-26 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday & Saturday, 10 - 4 and Sunday, 10 - 2. Masks required. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

Oct. 9 (Thursday) 3-7 pm 2nd dose of Pfizer.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/3/21 Crime Watch/131/News/Events

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

Crime Watch: In the last several weeks there have been a variety of incidents in Cavendish/Proctorsville-catalytic converter theft, car and homes broken into, and even gas siphoning from a car. If you have any information, please contact the state police and be sure to keep doors locked.

9/3/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Sept. is Preparedness Month

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Paving of the shim layer of asphalt in Proctorsville is scheduled to be completed next week. Please note that this is not the final layer of asphalt. The shim coat is also referred to as the "leveling course" and serves to level out low areas in the roadway. This work was not able to be completed this week due to mechanical failures with the paver. Paving of shim in Proctorsville will be finished next week prior to the start of paving of the wearing surface.  Paving of the wearing course is scheduled to start next week project-wide. Paving will start on the east side of the project and progress to the west. Some modifications are being made in the Town of Cavendish for drive access and sidewalk. 

Bridge @ Exit 8: Crews will be stripping the bridge deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131. The contractor is scheduled to mill the pavement and pave the approaches to the bridge on I-91. Milling and paving should not have any effect on traffic.

2. SEPTEMBER IS PREPAREDNESS MONTH: As one Cavendish resident noted, “During Irene when the fire department knocked on our door and said, ‘If you hear the siren, you have 10 minutes to get to higher ground,’ I didn’t know what to take.” In keeping with National Preparedness Month, the following resources are being provided to help you better prepare for disasters and emergencies.

Please note that in times of emergency, special bulletins from the Cavendish Update will be sent to subscribers and the Cavendish Facebook page will contain the latest information.

What you Need: Mark Huntley, of Huntley Financial Services, Inc, has offered the following information in response to the request he receives about what things should be in order if something unforeseen should happen. These documents should be in one place that key people would know where it is and how to access [Consider using a file organizer, such as a fireproof document bag,  that can be handily grabbed if you need to evacuate quickly]: Emergency Contacts; Medications and Supplements; Health Insurance; Health Information and History;  Living Will/Advance Directive; Medical Power of Attorney; Durable/Springing Power of Attorney;  Bank Accounts (make sure and add someone on to your checking accounts as this will allow the ability to continue to pay bills etc); Investments; Retirement Accounts;  Safe Deposit Box;  Credit Cards; Mortgages and Loans;  Important Financial Contacts; Personal Insurance Property; Insurance;  Will and Estate Plan; Funeral Arrangements and other Important Information such as Identification Property and Titles; Important Tax Documents; and Online Accounts and Passwords Memberships and Subscriptions.

Keep Smart Phones Current: Your mobile phone and/or tablet can store a lot of the information Mark has identified above, as well provide an invaluable resource to first responders in the event you are unable to speak. However, this is only going to be possible if you take the time to regularly update your device. Use the following resources to help you:

• Use your Smart Phone for Better Health: Includes information on apps and ways to keep health information readily available if a first responder or emergency personnel needs to assist you.

• Smartphone Settings Could Save Your Life: Built in features can help you call for aid quickly. Know how to use them before you need them.

• Mobile Preparedness: Using Smart Phones & Tablets to Expedite Disaster Recovery

• Sign up for VT-Alert

Resources to help you prepare

• Cavendish Connects Emergency Preparedness Page (this includes town, state and regional resources and links)

• VT State’s Preparedness for Individuals & Families

3, CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Gulf Incident: On September 1st, 2021 at approximately 1230 hours, the Charlestown NH Police Department responded to a residential burglary alarm and upon arriving, interrupted a suspect mid burglary. The suspect then fled in a stolen vehicle. Charlestown PD pursued the vehicle which then crossed into Springfield, Vermont and line of sight was lost on the vehicle. It was then reported that a firearm was stolen from the initial burglary. The

Springfield Police Department subsequently observed the vehicle on Spoonerville Road in Springfield and then received another tip that it was near Dean Brook Road in Chester Vermont. Officers of the Chester Police Department responded to that area and located the vehicle which then fled. While attempting to flee on Densmore Road in the Town of Cavendish, due to a crossing train, the suspects intended path of travel was blocked. The suspect attempted turn around and in doing so, crashed into the train which flung the vehicle off the roadway into the woods. The suspect then fled on foot. Another Officer located the suspect on a train trestle further down the tracks and initiated a foot pursuit. Upon closing the distance with the suspect, he was observed to have a firearm in his right hand. After refusing commands, the suspect was hit with a Conducted Electrical Weapon which was ineffective. The level of force was increased due to the suspects noncompliance, which resulted in the suspect dropping his firearm and being taken into custody after a brief struggle. The suspect was identified as Kristopher Royce. Royce was subsequently found to have a warrant for failure to comply with the sex offender registry, as well as a warrant for a furlough violation, with the underlying offense of Occupied Burglary. After processing, Royce was lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility. Chester Facebook page.

• School Opening Measures at Well Attended Forum: At the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) back to school open forum on Aug. 26, Superintendent Lauren Fierman told the 150 people in attendance about how the district will be following the Covid guidelines issued by VT’s Agency of Education for masking, social distancing and vaccination. Chester Telegraph

• CVFD Vaccine Clinic: Wednesday’s free clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department provided vaccinations to 24 people. The next free clinic at the Fire Hall will be Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 pm.

• CHS Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society September news brief is now available at their blog. This update includes upcoming events, including the annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk on Sept. 12, 2 pm starting at the Museum.

• Springfield Hospital’s budget proposal draws skepticism from Vermont board: Green Mountain Care Board officials called Springfield Hospital’s proposed $55 million operating budget for the coming year “aspirational” in a hospital budget hearing last week and urged the hospital’s leaders to rethink their strategy for the future by cutting costs or attracting more patients. VT Digger

• Vt. regulators approve GMP rate hike: Vermont regulators on Wednesday signed off on a rate increase, 4.69%, for Green Mountain Power, the state’s largest electric utility. GMP has sought modifications to its multi-year ratemaking plan to make investments in improved electric transmission and residential power battery storage initiatives. WCAX

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had another new case of Covid this past week, bringing the total to 32 cases, two within the last two weeks.

On Tuesday, the Gill Home issued a statement via their Facebook page,   that they were now dealing with Covid at the facility, We were notified [Tuesday morning] by two different visitors that they had tested positive for Covid-19 out in the community. This prompted us to test our residents and staff. We found that we have a resident that has tested positive for Covid-19 using a rapid antigen test. https://vermontjournal.com/news/gill-odd-fellows-home-takes-covid-19-outbreak-precautions/

Weekly Press Conference: At this week’s press conference, the message was very clear Covid is going to be with us for a long time to come and it was no longer of such an emergent nature that a state of emergency was needed. Without this declaration, the Governor and health department are limited to recommending people and businesses follow the CDC recommendations of vaccination, masking (regardless of vaccination status) when indoors and to socially distance. Gov. Scott noted, Because despite what you might have been reading, we are in a much better place than perhaps any other state because, vaccines have proven to be very effective at preventing cases and even more effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. …If we had Florida’s hospitalization rates, we would have around 500 Vermonters hospitalized instead of 28. But it is not just Florida. If we had Connecticut’s hospitalization rate, for example, which has the 5th lowest rate in the nation, we would be talking about over 75 hospitalized instead of 28. So, the message here is clear: Get vaccinated! Because we have proven they work.

By the Numbers: The modeling data this week included data on August cases who have died by age bracket. Of those 0-18 years of age, none of the 730 cases died. In the 19-49 age bracket, of 1,493 cases to date, two have died. For those 50-69, 6 of the 685 cases died and for 70+, 8 of 297 died. However, since that report was issued, VT had its first death of someone in their 20s. Since the start of the pandemic, VT has had three people in their 30s and seven in their 40s die.

Despite high vaccination rates among seniors, roughly two-thirds of the Delta cases are in residents in long term care.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26, there are now 28,542 cases (145 new cases yesterday), 29 in hospital, eight of whom are in ICU and six more people died this past week bringing the total to 279 deaths. The seven day percent positivity (percentage of people testing positive) is 2.5%, which is more an indicator that VT has significantly increased testing. From, Aug 12-18, 738 new cases of Covid were reported compared to 852 from Aug. 19-25. Aug 26 and 986 from Aug 26-Sept 1.

Moderna's Vaccine Creates Twice as Many Antibodies as Pfizer's: Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine generates more than double the antibodies seen from Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new research letter published Monday in JAMA. The differences could be explained by the higher amount of active ingredient in the Moderna vaccine- Moderna vaccine has 100 micrograms of active ingredient, as compared with 30 micrograms in the Pfizer vaccine. The slightly longer interval between doses could lead to differences as well.

Hospitals across the region grapple with staffing shortage: Hospitals across our region, are facing a crisis. From UVM Medical Center to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the pandemic has exacerbated the long-running problem of staffing shortages, and that’s leading to long wait times for many patients. WCAX

WHO Tracking New COVID-19 Variant Called Mu: The variant, also known as B.1.621, was first identified in Colombia in January. It has now been detected in 43 countries and was added to the WHO's "variant of interest" list on Monday. "The Mu variant has a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape," the WHO wrote in its weekly COVID-19 update on Tuesday.

Make vaccination a priority! The free vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept is Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. This will be the Pfizer vaccine. It is unclear if they will have Johnson & Johnson this time. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 6 (MONDAY): Happy Labor Day. Town Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

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

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 21 (TUESDAY): Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Cavendish. Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/27/21: Irene/SB Mtg/News/Events

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

This weekend we remember the 10th anniversary of Irene. At the Break Maids concert, 5:30 pm at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) on Saturday, Aug. 28, the Cavendish History Society (CHS) will have a table where you can see pictures and artifacts from Irene. These will also be available at the Museum on Sunday 2-4 pm. A special 10th anniversary post is at the CHS blog.

8/27/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Special Select Board Mtg 8/16/21

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com. In observance of the Labor Day holiday, no work will take place Saturday, 9/4 through Monday, 9/6.. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: Placement of curbing has been completed. Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Cold planing (grinding of the top 2 inches of existing asphalt) in Proctorville has been completed. Paving of the shim layer of asphalt in Proctorsville has been completed. Please note that this is not the final layer of asphalt. The shim coat is also referred to as the "leveling course" and serves to level out low areas in the roadway. There will be no paving on this project next week.

Bridge @ Exit 8: All concrete work on Bridge 30S has been completed. Crews will be stripping the bridge deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131.

2. SPECIAL SELECT BOARD MEETING 8/16/21 Minutes of this special select board (SB) are available at the town website. As a continuation of the 8/9/21 SB meeting, the SB met to discuss the paving of the town portion of the CTES parking lot. The board voted 4 to 1 to allow GMUSD permission to pave the portion of the parking lot owned by the town. A second vote, approved $12,000 of town funds for paving the town portion of the school parking lot. George Timko voted against both motions.

CTES principal, Katherine Fogg, suggested the school and town have a Memorandum of Understanding similar to what library has. Fogg would like to put up a sign at the lot because they find non-staff cars parking there especially in winter. She added that people also use the school dumpsters for their  household trash.

Town manager, Brendan McNamara distributed copies of a deed for the mineral rights of the 65 acre property currently owned by Narbut on  Route 131 which is next to the town-owned lot of 47 acres. The property and the potential buyer’s attorney sent a letter requesting the town release  mineral rights before the sale proceeds.

A copy of the town’s current “junk yard ordinance” is available at the Town’s website.

3, CAVENDISH INFO

• Black River Water Testing: Water testing on the Black River showed satisfactory levels on Wednesday with the exception of the Rec Pond on West Hill. It is recommended to stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain or any time it appears cloudy. Test results are posted to Is it Clean?

• GMUSD to follow AOE Guidelines for Masking: At the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Aug. 19 meeting, the issue of masking of students became contentious, when a parent frequently interrupted proceedings. Ultimately, the board voted to allow the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU), Superintendent, Lauren Fierman, authority concerning health matters. Fierman’s plan is to follow the recommendations of both VT Agency of Education (AOE) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which calls for masking in all schools for the first 10 days. Thereafter, those schools that can demonstrate that 80% of the students have been vaccinated, can make masks optional,  Since there is currently no vaccine for students 11 and under, masking will be required at CTES and the other elementary schools in the district. Masks will not be required outdoors. Lunch will take place in the classroom, not in the cafeteria, with social distancing. Masks will be required on school buses.

Among other items discussed at the meeting included replacing the GMUHS’s “Chieftain” mascot. This is being considered in part due to the letter “No, My Son Will Not be a Chieftain.” GMUHS is the last school in VT to hold onto their Native themed mascot. For More Information on the meeting: Vermont Journal: GMUSD Board Authorizes Superintendent to Impose Mask Mandate; Chester Telegraph: Ludlow resident disrupts GM board meeting over masking; Video of GMUSD 8/19 meeting

• Hazardous Waste Collection: There will be a household hazardous waste collection on September 21 (Tuesday) at the Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for residents of Andover, Athens, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, West Windsor, and Windsor. Sponsored by the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District and the host town. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit the website for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

4. COVID UPDATE: The VT Dept. of Health is once again reporting weekly totals of new cases by town. On Friday, Aug. 20, for the first time since May 19, Cavendish had a new case of Covid (31 total). Ludlow had 4 new cases (91 total), while Chester had one new case (112 total) and Springfield 5 (312 total).

Health Department Employee Letter: Yesterday, VT Digger broke the story that 91 employees of the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) had sent a letter to Health Commissioner Levine and others. The signers include a wide range of people who have been working on the state’s response- district office staff, epidemiologists, contact tracers and public health analysts. “We are writing to express our deep concern at what we believe to be a lack of adequate COVID-19 prevention guidance from our Health Department to Vermonters at this unique state of the pandemic.”  The letter highlights some important statistics:

-       Although the rate of COVID-19 infection is lower among vaccinated individuals than unvaccinated individuals, the proportion of cases among vaccinated Vermonters is concerning, Currently four out of ten cases are among vaccinated people.”

-       The rate of Covid among 6-11 year-olds in Vermont is higher than any other age group. This group is currently ineligible for vaccination and could be exposed to COVID-19 by vaccinated family members, teachers, or friends who believe they are doing all they need to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The letter urges leadership to publicly and strongly” recommend universal masking indoors and testing and quarantine for anyone determined to be a close contact to a Covid-19 case — regardless of vaccination status. It also asks them to encourage Vermonters to get tested before and after large social gatherings, to avoid traveling to high-transmission areas, and to test before and after out-of-state travel.

The House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint have issued statements urging Gov. Scott to do more to tamp down viral spread.

 The emergency order, and with it the Covid-19 restrictions, ceased  in June when 80% of eligible Vermonters received at least one Covid vaccine. Despite the damage Delta is doing, the Governor has been reluctant to re instate the emergency order more than recommendations, though he did mention at Tuesday’s press conference that if infection rates do not drop off soon, he would consider additional measures. As it is recommendations are limited and nonbinding leaving decision making and pressure on facilities, school boards etc.

By the Numbers: While cases continue to increase, the rate is slowing down in VT and across the country. According to the weekly modeling report VT should be plateauing soon. The unvaccinated case rate has increased 28% in the last seven days while the vaccinated rate has increased by 18% in the same time period. The data provided by the state on vaccinated cases shows that among 420,672 fully vaccinated people, 915 tested positive (0.22%). Of this group 23 were hospitalized (0.006%) and 10 died due to Covid (0.002%). Unfortunately, there are outbreaks in at least four long term care facilities.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26, there are now 27,504 cases (141 new cases yesterday), 33 in hospital, eight of whom are in ICU and three more people have died bringing the total to 273 deaths-13 of which have occurred in August. Deaths this month have been double the state’s projection. The seven day percent positivity (percentage of people testing positive) is 3.1%. From, Aug 12-18, 738 new cases of Covid were reported compared to 852 from Aug. 19-25.

Cedar Hill Health Care Outbreak has reported a 30 case outbreak (20 residents and 10 employees). Due to the outbreak, visits have been paused. Except for two of the infected employees, all of those who have tested positive are vaccinated. Most everyone is having mild symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccines 66% Effective Against Delta Variant: Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection dropped from about 91% to 66% once the Delta variant became the dominant strain in the U.S., according to a new study published Tuesday by the CDC. The decline points to the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant and underscores the importance of vaccination to prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death.

 The Pfizer vaccine received FDA approval on Monday. This vaccine is one of two, the other being Johnson and Johnson, available at the Cavendish Fire Department’s free vaccine clinics on Sept 1 (Wednesday) 3-7pm and Sept 22 (Wednesday) 3-7 pm.  

Johnson & Johnson Booster Shot: A booster dose of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine prompted a big spike in antibodies among clinical trial participants, when taken six to eight months after the first dose, the company announced on Wednesday (Aug.25).

Masks Save Lives: Here’s What You Need to Know: The GMUSD meeting on masking has resulted in people posting messages that masks don’t work. The research speaks otherwise.

Make vaccination a priority! Free vaccine clinics will be held at the Cavendish Fire Department on Sept 1 (Wednesday) and Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. Both the Pfizer vaccine and Johnson & Johnson will be administered.

Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 28 (SATURDAY): Last Proctorsville Green Concert featuring the Break Maids, 5:30 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Rain location is Gethsemane Church off Depot St.

SEPTEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

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

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 21 (TUESDAY): Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Cavendish. Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit the website for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 9 (THURSDAY): Free Covid Vaccine Clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 3-7 pm Pfizer.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807. 

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Cavendish Update 8/20/21: Scam Alert/Construction/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.

8/20/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Scam Alert

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: A report on the route 131 project was not sent in time for the Update. As soon as it is received, it will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page.

Bridge @ Exit 8 Week of 8/23: Full-depth approach work on both ends of Bridge 30S has been completed. The final pour for F-Barrier is scheduled for today. Once completed, all concrete work on Bridge 30S will be finished. Crews will be striping the deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131.

RT 100 Plymouth: Road closure projected for Aug. 30- Sept. 26. Two culverts along VT Route 100 between Plymouth and Bridgewater are slated for replacement. The official detour, heading north from Ludlow on Route 100, is to take Route 100A through Plymouth and connect with Route 4 to reconnect with Route 100 in Bridgewater. This detour is a total of 12.6 miles and an additional 17 minutes; drivers should plan accordingly for the duration of the project. Routes 100 and 100A are also scheduled for paving this year. The projects have been contracted out to Pike Industries Inc. As of this week, Pike Industries is already working on Route 100A, preparing berm removal, ditching, and improving guardrails. When paving begins, drivers should expect alternating one-way traffic with automated flagger assistance devices.

2. SCAM ALERT: Scammers are Using Cryptocurrency to Steal Your Money The following alert is from the VT Attorney General’s Office. Recently, three Vermonters reported losing just under $1 million in total to cryptocurrency scams. As a peer-to-peer spending source, every type of scam could at any point use cryptocurrency as the preferred form of payment. Cryptocurrency is a peer-to-peer spending source commonly referred to as “Bitcoin.” Scammers like cryptocurrency, because there is no third-party banking institution involved in the transfer of funds and most transactions cannot be reversed.

Known cryptocurrency scams include: Ponzi schemes; investment scams and unlicensed sellers; stock scams; and hackers and computer tech support scams. Computer hackers have drained personal accounts and have compromised entire cryptocurrency systems. Use extreme caution when searching for computer tech support help. Seek guidance and advice from your friends and relatives when trying to locate a tech support company. Never allow remote access to your computer or click links in a strange email or pop-up, doing so can put all your accounts at risk.

As a new currency, cryptocurrency is complex.  Consumers must do thorough research before buying or investing in cryptocurrency.  Learn more about cryptocurrency and scams on the CAP Connection blog.

If you have been impacted by this scam, please contact the Consumer Assistance Program right away.  You can report scams using our online scam reporting form or call the Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424. 

3. CAVENDISH INFO

Last summer concert:  The Town of Cavendish will close its 2021 summer music series with a concert by The Break Maids on Proctorsville’s Svec Memorial Green, Saturday, August 28th at 5:30 pm. This concert was postponed in July due to threatening weather. It will start early so that it can finish before dark.

Back to School Supplies: Benson’s Chevrolet is collecting  back to school supplies for Cavendish, Ludlow and Mt. Holly. Items may be dropped off at Benson’s Sales department, Mon-Fri from 8-5 and from 8-noon on Saturday. Items needed for k-6th include: backpacks, pencils, colored pencils, manual pencil sharpeners, erasers, crayons, Elmer’s Glue, pocket folders, washable markers, tissues, glue sticks, one-subject notebooks, small snap plastic pencil cases, kids’ blunt tip scissors, pens, art supplies, binders, and composition notebooks. Items needed for ESBR (Expeditionary School at Black River) (7-12) include: academic year/day planners, highlighters, sticky notes, statistic calculators, Adobe Suite software, and one-subject notebooks. FMI: 228-4000.

BRGN’s “Back to School Supplies” Project: Pick up an application today for school supplies for your kids! Cavendish families are eligible for this program. Applications are at the thrift store (37B Main St., Ludlow) or on-line https://www.brgn.org/back-to-school-application.  The thrift store is open Mon-Sat from 10-4. FMI 228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com

Census Data for Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow: According to the 2020 census, Cavendish now has a population of 1,417, which is a 1.8% increase (25 people) over 2010’s census. Ludlow’s population increased 10.6% (209 people) for a current population of 2,381. Chester’s population decreased by 3.5% (149 fewer people) to 2,856.

Vermont State Fair: The Annual VT State Fair in Rutland runs from Aug. 17-Aug. 21. Check the Fair’s website to learn about special events and reduce admission days.

4. COVID UPDATE: The dates for the Covid vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept. have been moved up to Sept 1 (Wednesday) 3-7pm Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; Sept 22 (Wednesday) 3-7 pm 2nd dose of Pfizer. Vaccines are free. These dates should help to make it easier for people to get their 3rd dose following recent state and federal guidelines:

• 3rd Dose for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised: Anyone who is moderately or severely immunocompromised, and has received the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) Covid vaccine, should receive a third dose. Qualifying Vermonters can get the third dose from their doctor’s office (Ludlow Health Center is a designated site), pharmacies (Rite Aid in Ludlow) and pop-up clinics (the Cavendish Fire Dept. vaccine clinic on Sept. 1 will be offering free Pfizer vaccine from 3-7 pm). Those qualifying for this shot, distribution, which begins the latter part of this week, will need to meet one of the following criteria:

-       Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood;

-       Organ transplant recipient and taking meds to suppress immune system; -

-       Received a stem cell transplant in the last two years;

-       Taking medications to suppress immune function;

-       Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome;

-       Advanced or untreated HIV infection;

-       Active treatment with high dose corticosteroids.

If you are unsure if you qualify, contact your medical provider.

• Booster Shots for Those Who Received mRNA vaccines: On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. "Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout,"  COVID-19 booster shots are set to become available for those 18+ the week of Sept. 20, subject to FDA and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) review and recommendation. The booster dose should be given 8 months after the date of a person’s second dose. If you had your second shot on Feb. 20, your booster should be scheduled for Oct. 20.

• Johnson & Johnson: VT Dept. of Health stated on Tuesday that people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine would also likely need an additional one to prolong its effectiveness. The J & J vaccine is similar to the AstraZenca vaccine-both use an adenovirus- used in parts of Europe. In Germany, the recommendation has been that the second shot should be one of the mRNAs. Early studies  show the mix generated a robust immune response. San Francisco has been giving a supplemental mRNA dose for those who’ve received J & J. More data will be forthcoming and hopefully will be in time for the launch of booster doses the week of Sept. 20th. In the meantime, be assured that the J & J vaccine is doing what it was designed to do by significantly reducing morbidity and mortality from the Delta variant.

On Tuesday, Gov. Scott stated the following, The data shows vaccines are preventing cases. Yes, there are so-called “breakthrough” cases, but that term is misleading. We always knew vaccines weren’t 100% effective, but they HAVE minimized cases and severity.  Because in the rare cases where a fully vaccinated person does get it, they’re unlikely to go to the hospital and are often asymptomatic.  Since January, only 2% of cases have been fully vaccinated Vermonters. Of 430,000+ fully-vaccinated VTers, 0.1% have gotten COVID, 0.004% have been hospitalized and 0.002% have died, most of whom had other chronic conditions contributing to this outcome. I don't share this to sugarcoat anything, but to reinforce that vaccines are working and to help Vermonters understand their current risk, which continues to be very low for those who are fully vaccinated.

• The Numbers: Yesterday there were 169 new cases (26,663 total cases), with 21 people hospitalized with nine in the ICU. As of Tuesday, no children were hospitalized. This week there have been four deaths bringing the total to 268.

According to Tuesday’s modeling forecast VT should reach its peak in Delta variant cases around mid-September. This would be in keeping with global data, which shows that peak is reached 7-9 weeks after the initial rise in cases, after which it drops off rapidly. While cases continue to increase nationally, regionally and in VT, it’s not increasing as rapidly as it was in July. The increase from the previous week was 41% versus 83% from the previous week. From 1/1/21-8/13/21, of 418,230 vaccinated Vermonters, 630 tested positive. Of that group, 18 were hospitalized and 8 have died.

 • Data by community is provided every other week. The most recent data is up to Aug. 11. Cavendish has had no cases reported since the May 19 reporting-30 cases total- while Ludlow has had 8 cases (total 87); Chester  11 (111 total); and Springfield 24 (total 307) in the May 19-Aug. 11 time period.

• Make vaccination a priority! School starts September 7 (Tuesday), vaccinated the 12-17 year old group with the Pfizer vaccine and have them protected by the start of school. Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website .  

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

AUGUST 28 (SATURDAY): Last Proctorsville Green Concert featuring the Break Maids, 5:30 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Rain location is Gethsemane Church off Depot St.

SEPTEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

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

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 9 (THURSDAY): Free Covid Vaccine Clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 3-7 pm Pfizer.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS