Cavendish Update 12/4/20: Crime Watch/News/Covid
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CRIME WATCH: An older gray Toyota SUV, VT license plate HEF512, is casing the area. This information is coming from multiple sources and has been filed with the state police. Be on the lookout and alert neighbors.
12/4/20
1. Cavendish Info
2. Covid update
3. Events
1. CAVENDISH INFO
• Cavendish Community Fund : On the Friday after Thanksgiving the Cavendish Community Fund held what is hoped to become an annual event. According to Fund president Doug McBride, the drawing, held at Crow’s Bakery in Proctorsville was for several arts prizes and capped off a successful 2020 fund-raising effort in the community. McBride said that this year’s prizes included a wood carving, stained glass, an oil painting and fabric arts all created in Cavendish or Proctorsville by local residents. While 2020 was a slow year for any projects in town, the fund was able to assist three projects – the summer concerts, creation of a bicycle path, and beautifying the old garage site. “With money raised this year, we are confident that we can at least help some organizations in 2021,” said McBride. FMI: email Doug McBride at cavendishcommunityfund@gmail.com.
• Cavendish Calendars on Sale: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) 2021 Cavendish Community Calendar is now on sale. They can be purchased at Crows Bakery on Depot Street in Proctorsville or by ordering them by mail. Send $20 per calendar plus $3 shipping to P.O. Box 605, Cavendish, VT 05142. This year the calendar celebrates the CCCA Streetscapes Committee. Proceeds benefit CCCA, which coordinates and funds the summer concert series. FMI: Robin 226-7736 or cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com
• Letters to Santa: The Cavendish Village post office now has a special box for “letters to Santa.” Drop them off, postage free in the designated box. The post office is open from 7:30-5 Monday-Friday and 7:30-10:30 on Saturday. The spirit of both Christmas and Cavendish are alive and well at the Cavendish PO. Thank you Miguel and family for creating a wonderful holiday moment for our town.
• Cavendish Christmas Ghost Walk Cancelled: Due to the Governor’s new restrictions, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will not be able to hold their planned ghost walk in December. Catch up on the latest news from CHS with their December Briefs.
• CHS Cares Closet: In honor of Hanukkah, begins Dec. 10, there will be dreidels, with directions, in the cabinet, which is located next to the steps of the Museum. Lots of new books, Okemonopoly and much more. Everything is free and available 24/7.
• Stuff A Fire Truck for BRGN: Ludlow Fire Department will be holding a “stuff a fire truck” event for Black River Good Neighbors’ food shelf on Dec. 12 & 13 from 9-4 in the Shaw’s Parking lot in Ludlow.
• GMUSD Budget Shows Small increase, will revisit administration structure: The Green Mountain Unified School District Finance Committee saw some positive budget numbers for the fiscal year 2022 at their Nov. 23 meeting, with the proposed budget of $14,353,882, representing a scant 1.74% increase over last year’s approved budget. The TRSU budget this year will likely be the most contentious, with a proposed 16.25% increase, due to skyrocketing special education costs, which will increase by $768,000, as well as benefit increases. That budget also includes a proposed facilities director position for $39,000, for someone to coordinate and oversee building maintenance and repairs in all five TRSU school buildings. VT Journal
• Counterfeit Currency in the area: Ludlow Police is investigating cases involving the use of counterfeit currency. Specifically, 50 and 20 dollar bills have been passed in various businesses in Ludlow recently especially in the convenience stores. Ludlow is working in partnership with the Secret Service and is seeking any information from the public. In the meantime, Ludlow businesses are asked to be extra careful when accepting bills and report any counterfeit money to the Ludlow Police Department at 802-228-4411.
• State says property taxes could increase for public education: On average, property taxpayers may pay 9% more than what they paid last year for public education. WCAX
2. COVID UPDATE: If you are feeling “numb to numbers” you aren’t alone. There are only so many shouting headlines to comprehend before it reaches a blur and totals, rates, new cases, hospitalizations, new records etc. no longer register.
Like it or not, COVID is in our state, county and town. VT has reached new benchmarks this week
• over 4,000 cases (4,642 as of 12/3), with 46% of all cases occurring in November;
• 11 deaths in November and December has started off with three additional ones (75 as of 12/3);
• the highest one day total yesterday of 178 cases; and
• more SNAFUs than ever before.
It turns out a batch of tests from Barre had to be tossed due to a delay in reaching the testing lab. In addition, UVM Medical, that experienced a cyberattack in late October, failed to report about 50 positive test results. Needless to say, VT’s contact tracers are working overtime.
In addition, this week, the state has started adding cases that are considered “presumptive positive” for individuals who test positive on the Rapid Test and have symptoms and/or direct exposure. Prior to this week, the only cases counted in VT were those who tested PCR positive.
Basically the data is a bit of a hot mess at the moment and what’s a possible post-Thanksgiving surge remains to be seen. Today’s press conference should provide more clarification. In addition, for the first time in two weeks the cases by town map will be updated this morning.
Vaccines: VDH is Prepared: With England approving the Pfizer vaccine, it is anticipated that the FDA will approve the vaccine this coming week. The VT Dept. of Health (VDH) is prepared to receive its first shipment of vaccine on Dec. 15. The top priority is direct care health providers (e.g. doctors, nurses, nursing home staff, emergency responders). As more vaccine becomes available, the state will offer immunizations to high risk Vermonters-older adults, teachers, school staff, essential workers and people in group homes. The state is still finalizing its distribution program. However, it’s likely the Moderna vaccine will also be available before the end of the year, which will expand vaccination options.
CDC Shortens Quarantine Time: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced two shorter quarantine options — 10 days or 7 days — for people exposed to COVID-19. Citing new evidence and an "acceptable risk" of transmission, the agency hopes reducing the 14-day quarantine will increase overall compliance and improve public health and economic constraints. People can now quarantine for 10 days without a COVID-19 test if they have no symptoms. Alternatively, a quarantine can end after 7 days for someone with a negative test and no symptoms. The agency recommends a PCR test or an antigen assay within 48 hours before the end of a quarantine. The agency also suggests people still monitor for symptoms for a full 14 days.
VT Testing getting easier: New permanent testing sites, available seven days a week, have been opening all over the state, with ones closest to Cavendish in Springfield, WRJ, Rutland and Brattleboro. Use the state’s testing website to register for a test. If you are unable to do that, call 211 or VDH’s general number 802-863-7200.
Local Resources
- Cavendish Resource Guide: Recently updated to include new testing site information.
- 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 8 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting
DECEMBER 10-18 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY): HAPPY HANUKKAH
DECEMBER 12-13 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Stuff a fire truck to benefit Black River Good Neighbors’ Food Shelf, 9-4, Shaw’s parking lot.
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
Vermonters keep each other safe
Elbow coughs
Never forgets to wash hands
Disinfects common surfaces
Is alert for symptoms
Stays 6 feet apart
Has respect for personal space