Cavendish Update 3/26/21: Internet Survey/News/Covid
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3/26/21
1. Cavendish Info
2. Cavendish Internet Survey
3. Covid update
4. Events
1. CAVENDISH INFO
• GMHS principal search entering final phase: A virtual forum will be held on March 30 so the community can meet the final two principal candidates. Interim Principal Michael Ripley was a candidate for the job but did not make the committee’s final list. When Ripley was given the interim job, Fierman said that if he did not get the permanent position, Ripley would continue in the Associate Principal position he had before being promoted. To attend that forum go to https://trsu.zoom.us/j/82688621740. Chester Telegraph
• GMUHS boys trounce Thetford, head to Division III Championship
• Join the all-organic 2021 community garden: The Ludlow Area Community Garden is open to all residents of Ludlow and neighboring towns and is located in the Fletcher Farm grounds on Route 103. Individual 10-by-10-foot plots are used to grow vegetables, flowers, and some fruits. Waist-high raised beds are available too. This is a “community” garden, and all members are expected to join in and take part in the maintenance of their own plots as well as the common areas of this beautiful garden. VT Journal
• VT State Parks to Host Virtual Summer Job Fair: A virtual job fair will take place April 6 from 6-7 pm. There are 55 VT state parks with a wide array of jobs. No pre-registration is need to sign into the virtual job fair — it will be held on Microsoft Teams, and folks can join through the Vermont State Parks website.
• Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holding Job Fair: A three day job fair March 29 (Monday)-March 31 (Wednesday) will be held from 9-6 at Best Western 818 Charlestown Rd in Springfield. An ongoing job fair is also taking place today through Friday, April 2 from 9-6 at the new location (formerly Peebles) of Ollie’s in the Springfield Plaza. The final day of the job fair is at the Springfield Plaza location on Saturday April 3 from 9-2. Full time and Part time positions are open. You can also apply on-line.
2. CAVENDISH INTERNET SURVEY: With significant one time funding coming to Vermont for broadband, Cavendish Connects is conducting a short survey to better understand what Internet needs still exist in our town. We would like to hear from Internet users, particularly those using TDS or VTel wireless, about their current experience. Please identify
• Your Internet Service Provider (e.g. Comcast, TDS, VTel Wireless)
• Address of your service
• Current speed using https://www.speedtest.net/
• Current Issues
• Other concerns
Please e-mail this information to cavendishconnects@gmail.com All results will be confidential and data will appear in the aggregate. We will use this data to help in securing needed services for Cavendish residents.
3. COVID UPDATE: As of 3/17/21, Cavendish had two new cases of Covid in the prior week bringing the town’s total count to 22. Note that Cavendish has had three new cases in the last two weeks. Ludlow had 1 new cases (total 57), while Chester had none (67 total) and Springfield 9 (194). In spite of vaccinations, more than a third of all Vermonter 16+ have had at least one dose, rates in the state seem to be plateauing. In the last seven days, new cases per day ranged from a low of 89 on Tuesday and Wednesday to a high of 173 yesterday. The percentage of positive cases has increased from 1.3% last week to 1.6% this week. Some of the increases are due to an outbreak among UVM students both on and off campus.
Spigot Turning: Vermont has expanded its new restaurant guidance to include bars and clubs. The policy took effect on Wednesday, March 24. Bars and clubs will be allowed to sit people of different households together with a maximum of six people per table. Other social distancing and capacity requirements remain in place. Like restaurants, bars will be limited to 50% occupancy. See Work Safe guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.
Education Change: The CDC has reduced the distancing requirement from 6 feet to 3 feet for students in grades K-12. The six feet will continue to apply when students eat and teachers must remain six feet from students.
Modeling: As of 3/25, Vermont has a case count of, 18,215 with 223 deaths. Over 33% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine. As can be seen in this week’s modeling, the incidence of Covid in groups that have been vaccinated is rapidly declining. In long term care facilities there are very few cases and the trend is projected to continue downwards as more and more Vermonters are vaccinated. Cases are up in the Northeast Kingdom were vaccination rates are lower. In addition, there are a number of new cases at UVM in Burlington, where the UK variant appears to be more prevalent. Infections now are most likely in those 40 and under
Vaccination Scheduling: VT is now vaccinating those 60 +, 16+ with a qualifying under lying condition; health care workers, first responders, corrections, teachers and educational staff. Other vaccine registration dates, which begin at 8:15 am, are as follows:
50+ March 29 (Monday)
40+ April 5 (Monday)
30+ April 12 (Monday)
16+ April 19 (Monday)
Yesterday’s 60+ registration got off to a rocky start with the on-line system not working properly and making testing appointments instead of vaccine appointments. If this happened to you, log in to your account and make sure you have the right kind of appointment. Vaccine appointments have a needle icon on the left side. If needed, you can cancel any incorrect appointments and reschedule. If you need help with an online appointment you can contact the call center at 855-722-7878.
Please note that as more vaccine comes into the state, particularly via the federal pharmacy programs, dates could easily move up. As soon as we learn of these changes, they will be immediately posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.
CVS (Bennington, Barre, Morrisville) is now offering vaccinations, along with Kinney and Walgreens, as part of the federal pharmacy distribution program. You can register directly with these pharmacies.
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.
Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different? Very good article from Yale Medicine that provides detailed information on the three vaccines in use as well the next two vaccines up for approval in the US.
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.
4. UPCOMING EVENTS:
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
MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day
JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
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.