Cavendish Update 3/12/21 News/Covid Update/Events
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Sugar season has begun!
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY. Spring forward by setting clocks ahead one hour and check batteries in smoke and other detectors.
3/12/21
1.Cavendish Info
2. Covid update
3. Events
1. CAVENDISH INFO
• Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/8/21 Postponed: Due to an unforeseen problem, the monthly Select Board meeting had to be rescheduled for March 15 (Monday) at 6:30 pm. This will be a Zoom meeting.
• March is Irish Heritage Month. The Cavendish Historical Society has a special post "Kindred Spirits" about the potato famine, which brought many Irish to America. Yet, help came to the Irish from a surprising source, the Choctaw Indians. Today, the Irish are providing the Navajo and Hopi through small donations to help with Covid relief.
• Situation in Myanmar Proctorsville resident Commentary: To give a closer to home perspective of the military coup, protests and the Myanmar crisis, Proctorsville resident, Robin Timko, in conjunction with Okemo Valley TV, and her son Aaron Greenberg, who was recently stationed in Myanmar for UNICEF, have created a video. Robin and her son provide first-hand knowledge of the situation and the growing tensions there. Okemo Valley TV is televising this special presentation on their Community Access channel and at their website.
• Divided Sky Foundation rehab facility seeks DRB approval in April: The Divided Sky Foundation, established by Phish front man Trey Anastasio, has purchased the former Green Mountain at Fox Run building with plans for a nonprofit substance use treatment facility. The foundation has a scheduled meeting with the Development Review Board in April to obtain town approval for the project, although the town is waiting for a final site plan document before they can proceed. VT Journal
• ‘Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Federal relief bill to direct $2.7 billion to Vermont: A federal coronavirus relief bill approved Wednesday by the U.S. House would direct more than $2.7 billion to Vermont, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. This includes $731 million worth of direct stimulus payments. Those who earn up to $75,000 may qualify for payments of $1,400. The package also includes $293 million for Vermont’s K-12 system, $152 million for rental assistance, $65 million for colleges and universities and $47 million for child care subsidies and support for childcare providers. VT Digger
Sugar season officially opened yesterday!
2. COVID UPDATE: As of 3/3/21, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid in the prior week for a continuing total case count of 19. Ludlow had 1 new cases (total 54), while Chester had 7 (67 total) and Springfield 6 (184 total). Community data is posted on Friday afternoons at the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) website, with Cavendish and surrounding town data posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page shortly thereafter.
• New Variant: On Monday, 3/8, the VT Dept. of Health confirmed detection of the Covid Variant B.1.1.7 the viral mutation first detected in the U.K. in the fall of 2020. The variant was detected in a specimen taken from a resident of Chittenden County.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine said what is notable about the B.1.1.7 variant is that it can spread even faster than the virus that has been in the state. “The good news is that medical studies indicate the current vaccines are effective against this strain, and Vermonters should have confidence in the vaccines available,” said Dr. Levine. “We are moving to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, and I ask everyone who is eligible for each phase to get vaccinated. But now that we know the variant is here, it is ever more important that everyone follow our guidance to prevent transmission – wear your mask, keep a distance of 6 feet from each other, and absolutely avoid crowded places. These steps continue to be effective against variants.”
• Modeling: While actual numbers have increased in the last week, primarily due to the Newport outbreak, infections per 100,000 residents is down 27% for Vermonters under the age of 70 and down 70% for those 70 and older. Combined with a drop in hospitalizations, the state attributes this to the vaccine program. VT now has 16,500 cases with 27 in the hospital, 3 ICU and has had a slight increase in test positivity-1.7%- from last week. Close to 25% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine.
• Vaccination Scheduling: Due to availability of more vaccine, and fewer people registering in the 55+ with underlying conditions band (Phase 5A)-only 10,000 as of Tuesday- registration began yesterday for 16+ with underlying conditions (Phase 5B). Indications are that the state will continue to follow the age band approach once Phase 5 is close to completion. More information will be available in the coming weeks on how the state plans to proceed.
Education and first responders also had a head start. Scheduled registration was planned for Monday but last week both Kinney Drugs and Walgreens were accepting registrations and administering vaccine for this group.
Please note that vaccination schedules are changing rapidly due to increased availability. Changes are posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page as soon as we learn about them.
Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling 855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.
• New Guidelines for Those Who Have Been Fully Vaccinated: Gov. Phil Scott announced at Friday’s press conference that effective immediately, people who are vaccinated can gather with other vaccinated individuals at their homes. “For example, if eight fully vaccinated individuals wanted to get together at someone’s house for dinner, they’re now able to do so,” Gov. Scott said. “This can also include one other household that is not vaccinated.”
• Another Spigot Turn: On Tuesday the Governor indicated a loosening of social gathering restrictions and restaurant capacity with an announcement expected later today.
• Have Questions about Vaccinations? Like I lost my vaccination card what do I do now?, go to Frequently Asked Questions
• Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you:
- 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:
MARCH 14 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings, set clocks ahead an hour. Check batteries in smoke detectors.
MARCH 15 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm via Zoom
MARCH 17 (WEDNESDAY): Happy St. Patrick’s Day
APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females. Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..
APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed
APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER
CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY
1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn
2. Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible
3. Social distance-6 feet at least
4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer
5. Avoid unnecessary travel
6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.