Cavendish Update 4/30/21: Construction/Events/Covid/News
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Please note that we have expanded the Events Section. We are adding events as we receive them so people will have ample time to plan ahead.
4/30//21
1. Route 131 Road Construction: Week of May 2
2. Cavendish Info
3. Covid update
4. Events
1. ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Week of May 3
Completed: Guardrail operations for this phase of the project and the roadway box cut in Cavendish Village; Milling (grinding of the top portion of the roadway surface) is scheduled for completion Thursday April 29.
Coming Week Activities: Berm removal and ditching operations at various locations, proceeding easterly throughout the project.
The pulverization pass for reclaim started 4/26 and will continue next week. This is scheduled to be completed by 5/19. The traveling public should expect longer delays where the reclaim operation is taking place, and may want to add extra time to travel plans as the road surface will be gravel. The roadway will not have lines on the gravel surface to delineate travel lanes. Rough road should be expected and the contractor will be grading the rougher areas as needed.
The contractor is scheduled to begin spreading gravel on top of the reclaimed area next week to correct roadway geometry. This is currently scheduled for completion on 5/31.
2. CAVENDISH INFO
• Cavendish Green Up Day: Saturday, May 1, is Green Up Day. Pick up bags at 9:00 in front of the town office. There will be no BBQ this year due to Covid.
• CHS Young Historians Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) monthly update for students, teachers and families is now available at their blog. This includes upcoming opportunities, special May historical events, as well as workshops and hands on history kits.
• Fletcher Farm School announcements and events: Among the announcements is an Art camp scholarships for local kids at Fletcher Farm.
• Fraud Alert: One person in town has already been impacted by this scam. A letter from the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) may be your first notification that a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim has been filed in your name. VDOL reminds all Vermonters that if you receive a letter from the Department in your mailbox, be sure to open it, to ensure there was not a fraudulent claim filed using your information. FMI: VT Dept. of Labor
• Raffle for Proctorsville RC Club: The newly formed Proctorsville RC Club is holding a raffle to raise money for various projects. First prize is a Traxxas Slash 2 WD with 2 S lipo battery charger. 2nd prize is a Traxxas hat, t-shirt and sweatshirt. Tickets are $10 with the drawing June 5th. You do not need to be present to win. FMI: Proctorsville RC Club Facebook page.
• Koffee Kup Bakery Shuts Down, Lays off more than 200 workers
• 2020 U.S. Census shows Vermont grew almost 2.8% since 2010: The 2020 U.S. Census figures show the Vermont population grew almost 2.8% in the last decade to a resident population of just over 643,000. Vermont continues to be the second least populated state in the country. Only Wyoming has fewer residents. Nationally, the population of the United States grew by 7.4% in the last decade.
• Vermont AG aims to make dent in robocall scourge
• Vermont reinstates work search requirement for unemployment claims May 9 : As of May 9, the state is requiring that people who receive unemployment benefits prove that they are looking for work. The provision was suspended in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic to limit potential exposure for job-seekers and employers. Learn more at the State of VT Department of Labor UI Claimant Work Search
• VT Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services: The Department of Public Service and Vermont State Housing Authority have $12.7 million available to assist renters through the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services (VERAP-U). Water and sewer bills for eligible renters or landlords are included in this new program. Rental assistance is currently open. Utility assistance is anticipated to be opened by May 1. This program is separate from the Vermont COVID Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) which assisted any utility customer with overdue bills and ended December 15, 2020. FMI: Contact the Consumer Affairs & Public Information (CAPI) Division at psd.consumer@vermont.gov or call 800-622-4496 or 802-828-2332.
3. COVID UPDATE: As of 4/20/21, Cavendish had another case of Covid for a total of 26 cases. Ludlow (total 69) and Chester (79 total) each had two new cases while Springfield had 10 (227).
The impact of vaccines is definitely reflected in this week’s modeling. The seven day test positivity rate is down to 1% compared to last week’s 1.3%. Daily numbers of new cases have dropped into the double digits and hospitalizations are on the decline.
As of 4/29, Vermont has a case count of, 22,824 with 246 deaths, and 19 people in hospital, with six in the ICU. Over 60% of Vermonters, aged 16+, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 42% being fully vaccinated.
Vermont Forward Plan for May 1: On April 6, the Governor announced a reopening plan based on level of vaccinations. Having met the requirement that 60-70% of Vermonters aged 16+ had at least one dose of the vaccine, Step 2 of the reopening plan begins tomorrow. This allows 1 un vaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150, plus any number of vaccinated people, for Indoor gatherings and events. For outdoor functions, it allows 300, plus any number of vaccinated people. Masks and physical distancing are still required when in the presence of those outside your household. As can be seen below, expect to see a change shortly in masking for those fully vaccinated when outside.
CDC New Masking Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals: This week, the CDC updated their guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is 2 weeks after the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer or 2 weeks after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. According to the revised guidelines, You can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues. It is expected that Vermont will be announcing guidelines, along the lines of the CDC, for vaccinated individuals at either today’s or next Tuesday’s press conference.
COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against New York Variant: More studies are showing that the vaccines currently in use protect against variants. This is the latest study that indicates the mRNAs (Pfizer and Moderna) are effective against the New York variant. Vaccine-induced antibodies appear to cover a broader range of the various parts on the virus, rather than a particular mutation. That could mean vaccines offer better protection against variants with different mutations, as opposed to immunity from natural infection linked with one particular coronavirus strain. “The take-home message is that the vaccines are going to work against the New York variant and the South African variant and the UK variant,” Nathan Landau, virologist
Guidance for end of Year Events including field trips, proms and graduation: In person proms, graduations and field trips, along withprograms for the summer ahead can now be planned in VT. Protocols for end of year activities are now at the state’s website. The Gatherings and Events provisions of the VT Forward plan draws a distinction between participation of vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Schools should utilize some means of determining the vaccination status of individuals attending end of school events.
VACCINATIONS: All Vermonters 16+, including part time residents and nonresident college students, can now register for a vaccine. Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling 855-722-7878. If you want the earliest appointment possible, continually check the pharmacy websites for available appointments. Johnson and Johnson is once again being given. You can chose whether you want one of the mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) two shots or J&J, one shot.
Local Resources: Cavendish Resource Guide; 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:
MAY 1 (SATURDAY): Green up Day. Pick up bags at 9:00 in front of the town office. There will be no BBQ this year due to Covid.
MAY 8 (SATURDAY): CCCA Annual Spring Bird Walk: Two hour bird watching amble along 20 Mile Stream Rd. and into the surrounding fields. Meet at Crows Café at 7 am - wear good walking shoes, mask up, and bring your binoculars! RSVP to Robin at 226-7736. Limit is 10 people. FMI: CCCA website
MAY 14 (FRIDAY): Estate sale, 8-2, 43 Carlton Rd, Intersection of Carlton Rd and 131). A huge selection of small furniture items, bed frames, furnishings, decor, artwork, Christmas decor, glassware, kitchenware, pool table, hand crafted wood/iron bar, barstools, lawn/garden tools, tent/campsite package, TV, CDs, books, dozens of old National Geographic magazines, and more! Cash/Venmo/Paypal only; no personal checks.
MAY 15 (SATURDAY): Estate sale continues at 43 Carlton Rd from 8-noon
MAY 22 (SATURDAY): Fabric and Craft Supply Sale, 1-2 in the Fletcher Farm Gift Shop. Lots of fabric, yarn, art supplies, books, frames, raw wood products and more.
MAY 25 (TUESDAY): Household Hazardous Waste Day 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. FMI. https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html
MAY 28 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale early bird special, 5:30-7 pm on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com
MAY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 9-2 on the Museum grounds. Masking and social distancing required. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com
MAY 31 (MONDAY): Memorial Day. Legal holiday. The Town Office is closed.
JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.
JUNE 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Vermont Art Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Fletcher Farm School will be one of the spots.
JUNE 26 (SATURDAY): Birds in Bloom, market gathering of local art, decorated bird houses, and plants sponsored by Cavendish Streetscapes from Noon to 5 on the Proctorsville Green.
JULY 3 (SATURDAY): Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.
JULY 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!
JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.
SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free
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.
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