Cavendish Update 1/29/21: Town Meeting info/News/Covid
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A wind chill effect (temps as low as -25) has been issues for our area until 11 am today. Please check on elderly neighbors and those who may need help in emergency situations.
1/29/21
1. Cavendish Info
2. Covid update
3. Events
1. CAVENDISH INFO
• Cavendish Select Board Meeting 1/20/21: The Select Board is now meeting weekly to work on the budget, which is up by over $100,000 from last year. Brendan McNamara, town manager said that the Board needs to hold an informational meeting via Zoom within 10 days prior to voting on March 2nd, 2021. The Board agreed to hold it on Tuesday, February23nd at 6:30 p.m. Okemo Valley TV will host it. Unapproved minutes of the meeting are available at the Town website.
• Town Meeting/Voting: This year’s Town/Informational meeting will be held via zoom on Feb. 23, Tuesday, at 6:30 pm. Information will be forthcoming regarding participating in the meeting. Voting by Australian ballot takes place on March 2 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. You can call the town office 226-7291 and request an absentee ballot if you prefer.
• Proctorsville Post Office Closed After Hours: Until recently, the Proctorsville Post Office was open 24/7, allowing box holders to obtain their mail even when counter service was closed. Due to a recent event that took place in the early hours of the morning, the decision was made by the district manager, for safety reasons, to limit lobby access to the times when counter service is available. This PO is open 7-2, M-F and 7:00-10-30 on Saturday.
• Vail denies refunds to out-of-state skiers stymied by VT’s Covid-19 Quarantine Requirements
• 2021 Sammy Pierce Memorial Scholarships open to applicants: This is a scholarship opportunity for Cavendish students.
• In budget address, Scott pitches major investments in pandemic recovery: Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday pitched a state budget that preserves state government programs and makes major investments in affordable housing, broadband, higher education, environmental protection and IT modernization. Scott unveiled a $6.83 billion budget that harnesses $210 million in one-time funding for a variety of initiatives. VT Digger
2. COVID UPDATE: At Wednesday’s Governor's press conference, many were left with the impression that 860 dosages of the Moderna vaccine were disposed of "in an abundance of caution" due to a refrigeration issue at Springfield Hospital. However, while the vaccination clinic scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled, the vaccine remained in storage. On Thursday, Moderna determined that none of the doses were impacted by temperature inconsistencies and can be used with full public confidence. It's important to note that this did not impact the vaccinations of those 75+, which began on Wednesday.
Modeling: The modeling presented on Jan. 27, continues to show a downward trend nationally, regionally and in VT. The current 7 day positivity rate in VT is now down to 2.2%. Regionally it’s dropped to 5.73%. Cavendish had no new cases in the previous week, though Ludlow had 2 cases, Chester 6 and Springfield 22. The current cases for the state, as of Jan 28 is 11,523 with 172 deaths.
Vaccine Registration: The quickest way to make an appointment will be on-line. The only number you can call to make an appointment is 855-722-7878. Note that the on-line registration lists both Kinney Drugs and the Health Department. Southern VT does not have a Kinney Drug so you’ll need to use the Health Dept registration. Currently, appointments are only being made for those 75+. The response has been high (77%) and the state is comfortable that people in this age bracket will be fully vaccinated (2 shots) by the end of February.
VDH has requested that those coming to the vaccination clinics observe the following: Please don't arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment. If you need someone to come with you for assistance, please only bring one person in order to limit the number of people inside the clinics and follow COVID-19 social distancing precautions.
The next age bracket will be those 70+. The Governor has said that the state will be getting more vaccine so it is anticipated that appointments will start to be set up for the next age band sometime in February.
Needle Fears: Between 10-20% of Americans have some type of needle fear (trypanophobia). If this could be a stumbling block in your being vaccinated, click here.
New Variants: There are a number of new Covid variants now in the US, which are thought to be more transmissible and potentially can increase sickness and even death. While the current vaccines appear to be effective against the UK variant, both Moderna and Pfizer are looking into a “booster” for the South African and Brazilian strains.
These new variants create more virus in the nose and mouth of the infected person, making it more likely they are releasing more particulate when they talk, breathe, or cough. Consequently, a new emphasis is being placed on “double masking.”
Double Masking: A mask protects both wearer and the community at large. The 3-ply medical grade surgical mask are being recommended for the average person. If you are using cloth, it must have at least two layers of high-quality cotton material with a relatively high thread count. If you watched the inauguration, you will have noticed that many people are now double masking-a cloth mask over a surgical one. Dr. Fauci is supporting this practice. The N95, the gold standard of masks, is only recommended for health care professionals at this time. Interestingly, Europe is ditching the cloth ones for medical grade covering. Please note that counterfeit versions of the KN95s have flooded the market. There is now a list of knockoffs you can check. Avoid masks with a valve as they allow viral particles out, putting others at risk.
At the end of the day, the best mask is the one that you wear correctly-extending from the top of the nose to the chin without gaps on the sides.
Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you. If you need masks or other items delivered, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-7807.
- Cavendish Resource Guide: Note this has recently been updated to include vaccine registration and small business 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:
FEBRUARY 1 (MONDAY): HAPPY HOT CHOCOLATE WEEK
FEBRUARY 3 (WEDNESDAY): The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library's Spoilers Club. will meet via zoom on Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00 to discuss the modern western "Yellowstone" starring Kevin Costner. All three seasons of which are available to borrow from the library. FMI: 226-7503
FEBRUARY 15 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Town Office Closed
FEBRUARY 23 (TUESDAY): Town Meeting/Informational Meeting via Zoom, 6:30 pm.
MARCH 2 (TUESDAY): Election Day! You can obtain an absentee ballot if you prefer not to vote in person.
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