Cavendish Telecommunications 3/15/22

The state considers speeds less than 25/3 Mbgs to be underserved. By that definition, Cavendish would have a relatively small un/underserved population in comparison to other parts of the state- approximately 8% of total addresses.

Of the 969 addresses:

• 756 (78%) have access to Comcast. Covers most of Cavendish with the exception of the following- North Central (Brook, Town Farm, East, Moriglion Rd and South Reading Rd) and North West (parts of Davis Rd, The Hill, Parts of Heald and Twenty Mile Stream and Newton Rd)

• 192 are TDS only. 87% of the town is covered by TDS. Based on spring 2021 survey, 63% of TDS customers have the capability of meeting the state standard of 25/3. Underserved areas include: Hardscrabble, Newton Roads, Davis and Moriglioni Rd

• 21 (2%) are considered unserved. These are primarily in the Consolidated Communications catchment area in the Northeastern section of town. They are using cell coverage, satellite services and a little bit of VTel Wireless.

• 61 (6%) are underserved, having speeds less than 25/3

• VTel wireless is used by a few addresses, in some cases as a backup service to TDS.

In 2021 Legislation was enacted that created the VT Community Broadband Board (VCBB) to oversee the distribution of funds for broadband (approximately $150 M).  Funding was earmarked for CUDs, Communication Union Districts, and only for wiring fiber. This meant that cable companies-Comcast and Consolidated-were not eligible for these funds.

Cavendish did not benefit from this legislation as the town is not part of a CUD, and is unlikely to become one. However, the VCBB did approve independent companies that wire fiber, such as TDS, to apply for funding.

TDS has stated that they will begin wiring fiber in Ludlow, Cavendish, Weathersfield and Baltimore using their own money- $5.4 million-sometime this year. Note that TDS is launching network upgrades across the country using a combination of funding sources from TDS, the Federal Communications Commission’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM), and from several state broadband expansion grants. Also note that even with Connect America Funding, it took TDS over seven years to implement upgrades in our area, which improved service in certain places but had marginal impact in others.

In 2021, the TDS’s spokesperson stated in various meetings that the underserved areas would receive fiber first. However, a recent conversation with TDS found that they will be starting with the more densely populated areas and will be looking to VCBB to fund the more rural sections.

The VCBB has set aside a little over a half a million dollars for wiring Cavendish.

The Northeastern part of town that is covered by Consolidated, and has the largest group of unserved addresses, remains an issue. Rob Fisher of the VCBB has stated that ECFiber is interested in applying for funding to wire this segment of Cavendish, with the adjoining area of Weathersfield. He also noted that Consolidated may be interested.

Unfortunately, it appears that the under/un served parts of Cavendish will be the last to benefit from the funding controlled by VCBB. It is also not clear if the set aside funding is enough to pay for the upgrade to the TDS territory as well as to provide service to the un served parts of town. 

As far as cell service, the governor has proposed a $51.5 million program, with money from the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, to deploy 100 cell towers to reach unserved wireless areas in Vermont. Administered by the Department of Public Service, the Critical Communications Infrastructure Program (CCIP) will fund the deployment of additional cell towers to expand mobile wireless voice and data coverage throughout Vermont. 

While many towns in VT are in favor of progress and technology, they don’t want cell towers in their backyard.

Cavendish Update 3/11/22: News/Events

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS      

3/11/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid update

3.    Events

Day light savings begins this coming Sunday. Move clocks forward an hour and check batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

Winter Storm Warning tonight 10 pm -Sunday 1 AM

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Town Managers Volunteers for CVFD and PVFD: Recently, Brendan McNamara has become a Probationary Firefighter for both Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments.

• Amy Bohren has been hired as the new principal of CTES

• GMUHS basketball coaches praise this year’s teams, expect lessons learned to spill into next season

• SEVCA offers no cost tax prep service: The program, which offers no cost filing of both federal and Vermont state income taxes, is open to anyone who makes less than $57,000 per year. Drop off sites are located in Windsor, Westminster, and Brattleboro. FMI: SEVCA Website or call us 802-722-1603 or 800-464-9951

• Funding available to homeowners for failed wells or septic systems

• People’s United Bank acquisition wins federal approval

• Crown Point Physical Therapy Closing: As of May 1, Crown Point Physical Therapy in Springfield will be closed.

• Rabies Clinic: The Lucy McKenzie Humane Society is holding a rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs on Saturday, March 26 from 9-11 at 4832 Route 44, West Windsor VT. No appointment needed,
$20 per vaccination.  FMI: 802-484-5829

2. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA:

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns  For the week ending March 2: For the first time since September 11, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid (178 total). Ludlow had 2 new cases (333 total); Chester 3 (639 total); Springfield 46 (2,037) and Weathersfield 4 (266).

State: The the March 8 Modeling Report states As Vermont passes the two-year anniversary of its first reported COVID-19 case, the situation in the state continues to improve from the height of the Omicron wave. Over half a million Vermonters have also now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vermont is averaging 140 cases per day on a seven-day average—a 93% decrease since the Omicron peak. The pace of case decline has slowed both in Vermont and New England as infections reach more stable low levels. CDC modeling indicates cases are expected to remain low in Vermont, the Northeast, and across the United States throughout the month of March. Hospitalizations continue to see significant decreases: new hospital admissions are down 36% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); those currently hospitalized are down 21% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); and those currently in the ICU are down 42% this week (down 88% from the Omicron peak). The state has recorded 16 consecutive days of fewer than 10 Vermonters in the ICU for COVID-19. Most fortunately, the seven-day fatality rate is below one for the first time in two months as fewer COVID-19 deaths are occurring. Modeling forecasts COVID-19 deaths will decline steadily in the coming weeks.

 The one age group where cases have actually increased, by 18%, (7 day average) is in those 0 to 24 years of age. Significant decreases have occurred in other age groups, particularly for those 65+, which has decreased by 41%.

On Wednesday, the state reported 195 cases. Middlebury College is currently dealing a Covid outbreak, with 135 active cases. With vaccination rates of nearly 100%, 99% student body and 98% of staff, students are reporting either no symptoms or very mild ones.

While the state media briefings are focusing less on Covid, as this phase of the pandemic winds down, Health Commissioner Mark Levine reiterated the changes coming on March 14, masking no longer recommended, five day quarantine for those infected with Covid, testing recommended for close contacts, he stated, “The decision to wear a mask will be up to each person based on their own circumstances, personal risk assessment and health needs. “This will mean something different for everyone,” he said. “Note, these recommendations may not apply to nursing homes and other health care settings that need to follow federal guidelines, which still include masking. Levine made it clear that people should hold on to their masks as Covid most likely will be returning. He also noted that while the federal government recently announced a new test-to-treat program that would allow high-risk people to pick up antiviral treatments at certain pharmacies and health centers, so far, no pharmacies in Vermont would qualify for the program, and no federally qualified Vermont health center has been told if it will be participating. “The majority of Vermonters will still be able to both test and receive prescriptions for treatment at their primary care practices or other health care settings,” he said

Masks No Longer Required at School as of 3/14/22: Lauren Fierman, Superintendent of the TRSU, issued a statement on March 4 saying masks will no longer be required for students or staff, though those who wish to do so may continue to wear them.

TESTING/ KITS: The Government is offering a second round of free test kits. These can be ordered by going the USPS website or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

At Tuesday’s press conference, concern was raised about the expiration dates, as the first round of free test kits from the government expire in June 2022. Health commissioner Dr. Levin said he thought the FDA was revising the “use by” dates. In Feb., the FDA declared that a million rapid Covid 19 test kits in Florida were deemed usable past their “use by” date.  The shelf life of the tests was originally extended in April, and they expired in September 2021.

Some people are wondering why more test kits are being released now that pandemic winding down. As long as there are parts of the global population that are unvaccinated, expect to see new variants.

OTHER

• Striking new evidence points to Wuhan seafood market as the pandemic's origin point NPR

• Here's how to get free antiviral medicine if you test positive for Covid-19

3.EVENTS

MARCH 13 (SUNDAY): Spring forward. Daylight savings returns. Move clocks ahead one hour.

-       Free dinner and a movie, Monsoon Wedding, at the Cavendish Library, 1 pm

MARCH 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office

MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) March 16: Book Club for Grown Ups, 7-8 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Dog License for Cavendish renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/4/22: Election/Recycling/News/Events

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                      

3/4/22

1.    Tuesday Election Results

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Recycling & Repurposing Your Spring Cleaning

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. TUESDAY’S ELECTION RESULTS: By a margin of 648 to 277, voters in the Green Mountain Unified School District (Cavendish, Chester, Baltimore and Andover) approved a $14,705,015 budget, which is $18,770 per equalized pupil. Of Cavendish’s 1,162 registered voters, only 118 voted on Tuesday.

Chester voters approved retail cannabis. Note that sales are limited to those 21 and up, with public consumption prohibited.

Cavendish’s Town Informational meeting will take place on  Monday March 28 in a hybrid format -7 pm, In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom. Voting by Australian ballot will take place the next day, Tuesday, March 29 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall from 10-7. Town Meeting Warning

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CTES Principal Position offered to Amy Boehrn: At Wednesday’s GMUSD board meeting, the board authorized Superintendent Lauren Fierman to negotiate a contract with Amy Boehrn as CTES's next principal. Boehrn is currently the director of Special Programs for Rescue Union School District in Northern California. According to her letter of January 28th, she has recently relocated to Killington VT with her family. Learn more about her background and references at the TRSU website.

• Black River 100% Campaign for Food, Fuel & Security: Three local organizations – Black River Good Neighbors Services, Senior Solutions, and the Black River Valley Senior Center – have come together to strengthen each household in our communities during the month of March.  Thom Simmons, Outreach Specialist for Senior Solutions, noted that “More than 60% of our local seniors who are eligible for food and fuel benefits do not participate in these programs. The Fuel Assistance program alone can provide up to $3,000 annually to help people with their fuel bills, and that’s a lot of money to be ‘leaving on the table’ during a Vermont winter. We want people to understand that participation in these programs helps strengthen local communities and their economies. More than 9 million dollars is added to the Vermont economy each month through the 3SquaresVT program alone, and that doesn’t even include the multiplying effect of those dollars throughout the community.” The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance programs at the following times and locations: BRGN Food Shelf Wed. March 16 & 30th 10 am to noon; Cavendish Library March 8 (Tuesday) 4-6 and March 26 (Saturday) Noon-2 pm.

• Cavendish Calendar Seeks Entries: The 2023 Calendar theme is “Wildlife in Cavendish.” The deadline to submit photos is June 1st. If you have a wildlife photo taken in Cavendish, and you are a Cavendish/Proctorsville resident or second home owner, submit your entry in one of the following ways: Mail to P.O. Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142, or email as an attachment to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.   All photos must be in landscape format. Print photos should be on 8”x10” non-glossy finish paper, digital photos should be minimum 3MB. All photos become the property of CCCA upon submission. All pictures received will be considered for publication. Actual photos may not be returned and all photos may be used in products created by the CCCA. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

• CCF Accepting Grant Applications:  The Cavendish Community Fund CCF has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for spring 2022 awards. The Fund has given grants twice each year for the past fifteen years. Grants will be awarded for cultural, educational or artistic programs, projects or events that benefit the people of Cavendish in some fashion. Filing date is May 2nd. Applications can be made by letter that describes the organization that is applying, the project proposed and the overall budget, including the amount requested. It must also describe how the project will benefit the people of Cavendish. Application instructions can be obtained by emailing CavendishCommunityFund@gmail.com or by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Projects for which funds are sought must directly benefit the Cavendish community in some way. A panel of local citizens reviews all applications and recommends grant awards based on the quality and feasibility of each proposal. Grants are not expected to exceed $1,000 each and will depend primarily on the number of applications received and the amounts requested. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

• Upcoming Events for the Cavendish Library: March 8 (Tuesday): The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance 4-6 pm. March 16 (Wednesday): Book Club for Grown Ups, 7-8 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. March 27 (Sunday) 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Library.

• Free Easter Dinner: Proctorsville Fire Department, Ludlow Fire Dept. and Black River Good Neighbor are providing an Easter Dinner. Curbside Pickup at Ludlow Fire Dept., Saturday, April 16 from 12-2. Dinner includes ham, potatoes, gravy, corn, roll & dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 5 to reserve your free dinner(s).

• “Eight Oh Brew” Opening in Ludlow

• Dinner for Ukrainian Relief: The Ludlow Rotary Club and the United Church of Ludlow are combining efforts to raise money for humanitarian relief for the people of the Ukraine on Saturday, March 19 at the United Church, located at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets. Lasagna dinner (vegetarian and gluten free options) which will also include salad, breads and dessert. Take-out meals may be picked up at the church between 5 and 5:30pm while in-church dining will be available from 5:30 to 7. Pre-orders for take-out meals can be made by call 802-228-6275 or emailing Thomson131VT@gmail.com.  General donations are also appreciated.  They may be made at the Ludlow Rotary Club’s website, or mailed to Ludlow Rotary, PO Box 216, Ludlow, VT  05149.   Donations are tax-deductible.

• 2-year-old, 80-year-old die in crash on Rt. 103 in Chester

3. RECYCLING & REPURPOSING YOUR SPRING CLEANING: The first day of spring is not that far off, and the occasional warm day and bright sunshine maybe encouraging spring cleaning.  Use the following resources to sustainably rid your home of items that no longer work or you no longer need or want:

• A-Z Recycling and Waste Guide for Southern Windsor County

• Cavendish Transfer Station: Note Cavendish has Zero Sort Recycling; free composting (bring your food scraps); metal recycling; leaves, grass and other yard waste; free E-waste recycling (batteries, electronics, computers, TVs etc.)

• Free Cycle Springfield

• Shaws and area grocery stores will take plastic bags

• Medications: Ludlow Pharmacy and Ludlow Police have drop boxes for unused medications.

• Cavendish Facebook Market Place Cavendish

• Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale: July 30 9-2

4. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA: Note, school data has not been updated for the last two weeks.

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns  For the week ending February 23, Cavendish had 1 new case 178 total; Ludlow 2 (331 total); Chester 2 (636 total); and Weathersfield  2 (262). Springfield had a significant jump in cases from 38 the prior week to 81 (1,991 total) this week. In part this is attributed to an outbreak at the Springfield Correctional Facility.

State: The Governor’s weekly press conference was moved from Tuesday, Town Meeting Day, to Thursday. The big announcement was related to the state adopting the CDC’s new COVID risk guidelines particularly their mask wearing guidelines.

Due to Vermont’s size, the state will not be following the CDC’s county-by-county designation but rather are basing changes on hospital capacity and not number of new cases. “We’ll have to react accordingly as we always have, watching the data and hospitalizations and making determinations based on the information at hand. But we should take advantage of it while we can,” said Gov. Phil Scott.

As of March 14, the following changes will take place:

-       Those who test positive are recommended to isolate for 5 days.

-       Close contacts and not up to date on their vaccines should be tested but do not have to quarantine.

-       Lifting masking recommendations for all indoor public spaces

-       Optional masks in all schools and buses regardless of vaccination levels

-       COVID testing in schools will continue, but those will also be phased out over time.

 Moving to a “flu like” strategy, in the coming weeks, the state’s active response will shift. State-run testing and vaccination will be phased out, with at home testing and vaccinations from pharmacies replacing it. People will need to determine their own risk and act accordingly. “The decision to wear a mask will be up to each person based on their own circumstances and health needs,” according to State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso.

The Modeling Report for March 2 states: COVID-19 cases in Vermont continue to decline, with the state averaging 163 cases per day on a seven-day average. This represents a 91% decrease since the Omicron variant peaked in Vermont in January 2022, with cases now at the same level as September 2021. CDC modeling predicts these favorable trends will continue in Vermont, the Northeast, and across the United States. Hospitalizations have also dropped precipitously as the Omicron wave subsides: new admissions for the virus have dropped by more than a third in the last week while the ICU inpatient census has fallen by half. Hospitalizations continue to be more common among older Vermonters: those over 65  are more than 17 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID than those under 24. Unvaccinated adults are also at increased risk with quadruple the rate of hospitalization compared to their boosted peers. Deaths were unevenly distributed in Vermont during the month of February, with nearly 60% of the 57 fatalities occurring in the first half of the month. Modeling forecasts deaths will continue to slow in the coming weeks.

5. EVENTS

MARCH 8 (TUESDAY) 4-6 pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 13 (SUNDAY): Spring forward. Daylight savings returns. Move clocks ahead one hour.

MARCH 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office

MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) March 16: Book Club for Grown Ups, 7-8 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Dog License for Cavendish renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/25/22: GMUSD/News/Principal/Events

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                    

2/18/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid update

3.    Events

FREE VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10:30-1:30 at the Cavendish Fire Dept. Free KN95s for Kids and Adults available at the clinic.

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Seymour Leven 1923 -2022: It is with sadness that we report the passing of Dr. Seymour Leven on Feb. 15. A WWII vet, he was a valued member of Cavendish. In 2013, he, Carmine Guica and Jim Hasson spoke to the 6th grade at Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) about their war experiences. At that time there were six WWII vets living in Cavendish, and eight from Cavendish who lived elsewhere. Seymour was the last of the 2013 group. A video of his presentation to the CTES students is available by clicking here.

• Changes to GMUSD district may include procedures, schedule, and class size: At the Feb. 17 meeting of the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD), a possible student vaping incident was discussed, along with a weekly early release day for all schools in the district, not just CTES, and a two to three-year plan for right-sizing classrooms at the elementary level with an ideal number of students, roughly 13–18 kids per class. Superintendent Fierman noted  that class sizes of five, six, or seven kids was not a benefit to students nor fiscally feasible for the district. The plan would include multiple-grade classrooms as well as other options. She said they could make an option to move between schools as well. She made the point that, in a broader sense, GMUSD has two elementary schools and that the administration will be “making decisions about how to best use those two schools for all of the members who live in Cavendish, Chester, Baltimore, and Andover. VT Journal

• Meet the Finalists for the CTES Principal: On March 1 (Tuesday), from 6:00-7:30 pm, The Principal Search Committee will be hosting a Meet the Finalists forum in person at CTES and on Zoom at the same time. Ask questions, listen, and get to know each of the candidates. When interviews are completed on Friday, all information about the finalists will be posted on the TRSU website.

• Cavendish Collegiate Honors: Congratulations to the following Cavendish college students who’s GPA qualified for honors: Emery Benoit, Dean’s List Castleton University; Sarah Devereux, Emerson College; Keegan Ewald, President’s List VT Tech; and Annalise Watkins, President’s List Coastal Carolina University.

• Spotlight on Peter LaBelle's Stained Glass: Watch a fascinating video of Cavendish resident and stained glass artist Peter LaBelle, who is interviewed by Ralph Pace. Peter shares his hobby of creating stained glass windows.

• Fletcher Farm School announces classes, quilt winner, and tuition changes

• Poll shows more people dissatisfied with broadband service, even though more have it

• Want to support the people in Ukraine? Here's how you can help

2. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA:

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns  For the week ending February 16, Cavendish continues to see a decrease in Covid cases. Cavendish had 1 new cases, 177 total; Ludlow 5 (329 total); Chester 11 (634 total); Springfield 38 (1,910); and Weathersfield 7 (260).

Schools: This week is winter break with no new data from the TRSU website. As of Feb, 17, cases have been recorded since January as follows: CTES 7 cases; Ludlow Elementary 9 cases; GMUHS 67 cases; Chester Elem 46 and Mt. Holly Elementary 12.

State: According to Tuesday’s Feb. 22  modeling report cases continue to drop and cases are the lowest since early November. Test positivity has also decreased to 4.9% yesterday versus 5.9% from Feb. 17.

At Tuesday’s press conference, health commissioner, Dr. Levine noted that the  focus needs to be on hospitalizations,  ICU admissions and deaths, as the number of positive cases are skewed as many people are learning their status via a home rapid test and not necessarily reporting results. Hospitalizations hit a new low yesterday with 37 hospitalizations and only 6 ICU admissions.  A total of 57 additional deaths have been reported in February, though some of them are delays in reporting from January. The current total of deaths is 593.

Dr. Levine noted that the pandemic is moving in the right direction and as case counts, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and death continue to drop, there will be a roll back in Covid 19 guidelines. While future variants could require the state to reinstitute stricter public health guidance, Levine said Vermonters should prepare for “deliberate and phased transitions” to a new COVID norm. “As we move forward in our planning, we will gradually shift toward fewer broad-based public health recommendations to a more individualized approach based on one’s own circumstances and health needs.” While eliminating masking in schools with 80% vaccination rates signals the beginning of that change, another change will come in the form of the state’s PCR testing. This will likely be reduced in favor of more distribution of home rapid antigen tests. “And when virus transmission decreases, Vermonters will not need to get tested as often, such as before and after social gatherings, as overall risk will be much lower.”

BA-2: One area of concern was the omicron sub-variant BA-2. There have been 10 confirmed cases in VT through Jan. 29. “We are still learning a lot about this variant, and any possible impact on transmissibility and severity, and there is not yet any definitive word,” Levine said.

 Cases of BA-2 are roughly doubling each week in the US. While this is a small and slower increase, some experts warn that relaxing mitigation measures could help the subvariant to take hold. Data from Denmark suggests that BA.2 can reinfect people who have recovered from Omicron.

FREE VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC: The Cavendish Fire Department will once again host a vaccine clinic on Feb. 26 (Saturday) from 10:30-1:30. Free KN95s for adults and kids will be available at the clinic. They are also available Monday-Saturday from 9-4 at the Cavendish Fire Dept.

OTHER NEWS

• Vermonters with long Covid still face barriers to care

• More contagious version of omicron spreads in U.S., fueling worries

3.EVENTS

FEBRUARY 26 (SATURDAY): Free vaccine/booster clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept., 10:30-1:30

FEBRUARY 27 (SUNDAY): A visit with David Rosenfelt, 1 pm Cavendish Library. FMI: 802-226-7503

MARCH 1 (TUESDAY) Mardi Gras.

-       Voting Day on school budgets for GMUSD (includes CTES & GMUHS) 10-7 pm at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

-       Meet the Finalists for the CTES Principal. 6-7:30 pm via zoom or in person at CTES.

MARCH 13 (SUNDAY): Spring forward. Daylight savings returns. Move clocks ahead one hour.

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi purpose room or via zoom.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING, BOOSTING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS