Cavendish Update 12/11/20: News/Covid/Events
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12/11/20
1. Cavendish Info
2. Covid update
3. Events
1. CAVENDISH INFO
• Happy Birthday Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn/Release of Book 2 of Between Two Millstones: Today, Dec. 11, would be the 102nd birthday of former Cavendish resident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Recently, his book about life in the West, Between Two Millstones 1978-1994 was published in English and covers his time in Cavendish. The Cavendish Historical Society’s blog provides reviews, excerpts and the book launch video.
• New at the CHS Closet: This week’s activity is making origami cranes. Packets of origami paper are available in the chest portion of the closet, which is located next to the steps of the Museum. Learn to make a crane by watching this video. Lots of new items will be placed in the chest over the weekend, including new puzzles. There are various craft items as well as craft books. If you have items you would like to donate, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com Do not leave items unless prearranged.
• TRSU Board OKs Half Time Buildings Coordinator
• SMCS and Springfield Hospital Emerge from Chapter 11: The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont has confirmed the Chapter 11 reorganization plans of Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital. Confirmation of their Chapter 11 plans is the final step necessary for the two companies to exit Chapter 11 and the culmination of an 18-month debt-adjustment process. The companies’ Chapter 11 exit plans bring existing debt to a level that the companies can each support and lays the groundwork to preserve their charitable health care mission, business operations, and jobs. Primary care will continue to be available in the communities currently served by SMCS; namely, Springfield, Bellows Falls, Ludlow, Londonderry, Vt., and Charlestown, N.H.
• Target store planned for West Lebanon former Kmart location
• Curtis or Curtis BBQ Has Died: Many people are remembering Curtis Tuff, the pit master and owner of Curtis BBQ in Putney as it was a frequent stop in the summer months for lots of Vermonters, including a number of people from Cavendish.
2. COVID UPDATE: According to the state’s Dec. 4 town data map and table, while Cavendish had no new cases in the last two weeks, Ludlow had 10. For the 11/19-12/2 time period, Windsor County had 59 new cases, with approximately 17% of them attributed to Ludlow. From 12/2- 12/10, Windsor County has had an additional 61 cases. We will know later today if any are associated with Ludlow and the Okemo Valley.
As of Tuesday Dec. 8, no cases have been reported at the Gill Home. This is important as when cases start increasing in the community, it isn’t long before outbreaks occur in long term care and congregate living situations.
The latest data from the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) 12/10/20 shows that VT has 5,413 cases, 89 deaths with 22 people in the hospital, two of which are in the ICU.
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center: While the Governor and his team provide twice weekly updates along with daily stats of cases, there is little reporting on how the hospitals themselves are doing. On Dec. 4, Dr. Joseph Perras, Chief Executive Offer and Chief Medical Officer of Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHH) participated in a WOA-TV video chat regarding the situation in Windsor and surrounding communities. While it’s helpful to watch his presentation, his take home points are very important.
There is a “cluster” if not an outbreak of Covid at MAHH; cases are rapidly rising in surrounding communities; and prevalence is so high, regardless of what you’ve done, chances are you will need to quarantine at some point due to an exposure. Therefore be prepared. Note-On Tuesday’s Press Conference, Dr. Levine, Vt’s Health Commissioner, stated that the risk of becoming positive from exposure is 18% in VT.
Perras noted that this surge in cases is far greater than what was experienced in the spring, but it’s largely an outpatient event, putting a strain on some of their programs such as their Respiratory Clinic.
The virus is the enemy. Gang up on it and not each other. For those who insist on blaming the current surge on “flatlanders,” the reality is the buck stops with each of us. The Governor and his team again and again have explained how Vermonters are responsible for the situation we’re in, hence restrictions on social gatherings and traveling out of state. Yes, someone from NY could have the virus and be shopping at one of our stores, just as easily as someone from any other VT town could be doing the same. By making sure you follow the prevention guidelines, you protect yourself and others.
The latest modeling shows alarming increases in New England, with VT data showing a slowing down but much wider spread. Modeling for the week is available at the state’s website.
Take homes from the most recent press conferences
• Mental health, The state has launched Covid Support to assist Vermonters, with trained counselors who can be reached by calling 2-1-1 (866-652-4636), option #2. Counselors are available M-F from 8 am-8 pm. Calls are free and confidential. Free self-care strategies are available every Tuesday at 1pm and 5 pm for an hour of virtual wellness activities via Zoom. Go to the Weekly Wellness Group page for Zoom information. FMI: 802-828-7368 or e-mail info@covidsupportvt.org
• Vaccines are on the way. The first 5,850 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be used in the first clinics around Dec. 21. The priority group for vaccination are health care workers and staff and residents of long term care facilities. Additional doses will be reserved for those 5,850 recipients as two doses of the vaccine are the most effective. Want to get an idea of where you are in line for a vaccine, check out NY Times calculator.
• Contact tracing has been expanded. VDH will now be texting in certain situations to notify people of an exposure. The call will be from 89-361 and will inform you that you may be a close contact, expect a call from a contact tracer, quarantine right away and check the health dept. website. Note the person with Covid will be providing text numbers. This will be followed by a call within 24 hours from a contact tracer. If you are asked to quarantine due to an exposure, you will need to do so for seven days, at which time you can be tested.
• The state is tracking 144 situations —cases that have caused broader exposure. That includes 27 K-12 settings, six child care settings, 45 health care facilities, and 54 work sites.
Delivery or Curbside Service: There is no need to go inside a store. Check out the following:
- Singleton’s provides curbside and delivery services
- Shaw’s in Ludlow offers delivery service via Instacart
- WalMart in Claremont has curbside pick-up, which has been expanded due to the pandemic
Local Resources
- CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
3. UPCOMING EVENTS:
DECEMBER 12-13 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Stuff a fire truck to benefit Black River Good Neighbors’ Food Shelf, 9-4, Shaw’s parking lot.
Christmas tree sales and greens continue at the Cavendish Fire Dept.
DECEMBER 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm via Zoom
DECEMBER 18 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): Last day of Hanukah
DECEMBER 21 (MONDAY): Winter Solstice
DECEMBER 25 (FRIDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS-Town office closed
DECEMBER 26-31 (SATURDAY-THURSDAY): HAPPY KWANZAA
DECEMBER 31 (THURSDAY): New Year’s Eve
JANUARY 1 (FRIDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR-Town office closed
CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY
Covers mouth & nose
Always masks in public & washes hands
Vermonters keep each other safe
Elbow coughs
Never socializes with those outside their immediate household
Disinfects common surfaces
Is alert for symptoms
Stays at least 6 feet apart from others
Has respect for personal space