Cavendish Update 9/11/20: Construction 131/Gage/Covid/News

Read the Cavendish VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.  

9/11/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3. Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• New Hours for Cavendish Library: The library hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00-6:30 and Saturday from 10:00-4:00. Patrons must wear a mask and social distance to visit the library.

• Please Return Equipment to DG BodyWorks: During the lock down phase of Covid-19, DG Bodyworks ran daily free exercise classes via their Facebook page and offered the community their equipment to use during this time. With-in person classes resuming, the equipment is needed. If you borrowed equipment, you can return it Friday mornings before or after the 10 am Bootcamp class or Monday/Wednesday before or after the 6 pm Boot Camp class. FMI 802-554-0006.

• GMUSD schools seem more prepared for reopening than NEA statewide grades indicate: The Vermont NEA – the union that represents public school teachers in the state – released a “report card” for “overall preparation for safe start of school” as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The Chester Telegraph conducted its own survey of the Green Mountain Unified School District (CTES, Chester Andover Elementary and GMUHS) and assigned them an overall grade of B+.

• GMUSD Approves hiring two positions as schools prepare to open

• Okemo Valley TV changes and upgrades

• Okemo Outlines Covid 19 Changes for Ski Season

• SWCRPC Changes Name: The Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC), of which Cavendish is part of, has changed its name to Mt. Ascutney Regional Planning Commission (MARC) effective Jan. 1, 2021.

• Ballots will be mailed to every "active, registered" voter in Vermont between Sept. 21 and Oct. 1 according to the Secretary of State. And it's changing the way campaigns are conducting outreach.

• Financial sustainability behind Vermont PBS and Vermont Public Radio merger

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: Week of Sept.14- Planned Construction Activities: Mesh installation and clean-up of the ledge removal area of the project has been completed. The temporary traffic signal and barrier are being removed today. Temporary line striping in this area will occur tomorrow (9/11).

Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed.

All remaining gravel pipe crossings as well as the roadway area located at the culvert replacement near Glimmerstone Mansion will be paved next week. Any roadway areas within the ledge area that were damaged will be paved with a shim coat of asphalt.

The contractor is scheduled to begin river bank restoration at the Cavendish/Weathersfield town line next week. The traveling public should expect one-way alternating traffic in this area. . Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic . Minor delays should be expected.

 3. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE WALK & TALK Each year the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) holds a "walk & talk" on the famous accident in Cavendish that ushered in the field of neuroscience and a clearer understanding of how the brain functions. This year's emphasis will be on the "walk" portion, as the program will be held entirely outside. On the 172nd date of the accident, September 13 (Sunday), meet at 2 pm at the CHS Museum, 1958 Main St (Route 131). Included in the walk will be the boarding house where Gage stayed, the site of the accident, Dr. Harlow's surgery and more. 

While blasting for the new railroad, Phineas Gage had a tamping rod blow through his head, yet lived for 12 more years. Thanks to the pains taking work of Dr. John Harlow, the Cavendish physician that treated him, the accident and Gage's injuries and recovery continue to be studied.

The site of the accident is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked for close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.

This event is free and open to the public. Masks and social distancing are required.

.

4. COVID UPDATE: There are lots of reasons to wear a mask. It’s way better than concealer for acne or skin blemishes. Didn’t have time to brush your teeth or use mouth wash? The mask has you covered. Don’t feel like smiling at people, wear that frown all day. Whose to know you aren’t little Miss Sunshine. Oh and lipstick. Why bother with that expense. It offers the perfect disguise for loading your shopping cart with junk food or snagging the last role of TP in the store. Now this is a little gross, but our allergy sufferers already know how wonderful a catcher a mask can be when you forgot to take your antihistamine. In short, there are lots of positives to masking, with the most important one being it reduces Covid transmission.

From the recent press conferences:

• VT is prepared to distribute Covid vaccine if it is available by November. State epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says they’re working on identifying which people need the vaccine first because they estimate when it is ready, they will only get small shipments to start. “There’s lots of work going on, we’re pretty well-prepared to begin with, and we’ll be ready when the vaccine is,” she said. This week the AstraZeneca’s Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial ground to a halt when a participant experienced neurological symptoms consistent with a rare but serious spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis. It has been confirmed that this patient was injected with the company’s vaccine and not placebo. The AstraZeneca vaccine is one of nine that have either started or are about to start being tested in large number of volunteers around the world.

• Numbers out Friday show that despite thousands of college students returning to Vermont, there have been very few COVID-19 cases on campus.

• The governor announced updated recreational sports guidance for kids and adults. It lines up with the guidance that they’re already requiring for schools this falls about masks and distancing.

• Projected increases for new cases in VT for September will be due to students returning to school and more people returning to work.

• Once school opening has gone well, the Governor said the next sector to open further will be the hospitality industry.

• The VT Department of Health released new options for being tested and receiving results for COVID-19. Kinney Drugs is now partnering with VT in providing tests and it will now be possible to get test results e-mailed to you. Learn more at VDH's testing website.  In VT, if you want a test, you can get one. Note testing is free but you may be asked for insurance information for the Kinney Drug tests.

• The state has received $35.8 million from the federal government to pay a $300 supplement per week to unemployment insurance claimants. The money is intended to go part of the way in replacing the $600 federal unemployment insurance supplement that ended in late July. Lawmakers were considering an additional $100 to bring the supplement up to $400. Checks could start going out as early as next week. But they will only cover the first three weeks of August.

• The state created child care program is using $12 million from the VT’s share of the federal Covid-19 CARES act in order to provide up to 9,000 child care spots to assist working parents whose children are participating in hybrid learning programs. Once the schools return to five day a work in person classes, this system will be dismantled.

• An online system has been launched to take care of temporary registrations and license plates for private vehicle sales.

Cancelled: Black River Good Neighbor Services’ Stick Season Social

Closing: Thomas Dairy

Outbreaks/Numbers: The number of cases connected to the Killington outbreak rose to 18 Vermonters as of Tuesday. This past week there have been 24 new cases, bringing the state total to 1,661 cases. There have been no deaths since July 28 and only one person with Covid is in the hospital

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the new CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790. They will also be available at the Honey Festival this Saturday. For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn, from 10-4. Face masks are required by state law. Social distancing will be practiced. In accordance with Vermont regulations, the number of guests allowed into the festival at any one time will be regulated. The VT Dept of Health cloth masks, as well as surgical masks and cloth masks for children, will be available.

- RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. Masks and social distancing required. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

-       Hazardous Waste Collection, 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website.

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/4/20: Cabinet/131 Constructions/News/Events

Check Cavendish VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.  

9/4/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3. CHS Cares Cabinet Open 24/7

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: This is the last week for water testing. All levels are fine, including Little Ascutney which has run high all summer. Thank you Black River Action Team (BRAT) for helping to keep our river safe and available for recreational use this summer. Special thanks to the “water dippers” who did the weekly testing and to the sponsors who helped fund this initiative. See ya next summer.

• High Speed Chase in Cavendish: On August 26, 2020 at approximately 2:34 pm a white Ford Mustang Cobra led a high speed chase from Chester through Cavendish. Chester and state police pursued the Mustang down back roads and ultimately terminated the pursuit on High Street in Cavendish due to the erratic operation. The vehicle was later found abandoned by the Cavendish Revolutionary Cemetery. Jake B. Sweeney (32) of Claremont, NH and Timothy J. Arbuckle (39) of Chester, Vermont are wanted for questioning in this matter. If anyone has information or knows the whereabouts of either of them, they are asked to call the Chester Police Department at 802-875-2035 or dispatch at 802-875-2233.

• News Analysis: Is GMUDS No Raises for anybody stance in flux?  Two recent resignations appear to point to some dissension over the Green Mountain Unified School District’s (GMUSD) position in bargaining with its teachers. Until recently, the board had taken a “no raises” stance due to the budget uncertainty brought on by the economic damage done by the Covid-19 pandemic. Disagreement within the GM board on its no-raise position that ended up with board member Doug McBride, Cavendish representative, and negotiator Marilyn Mahusky resigning one day apart. McBride, who has long advocated containing the growth of the school budget and critical of paying for Chris Leopold, an education attorney, to attend all of the bargaining meetings, resigned his position on the GM board. McBride would not comment on his resignation. Teacher salaries follow a schedule in the form of a step chart based on education and years of experience and for the 2019/2020 school year ran from $41,400 for a starting teacher with a bachelor’s degree to $89,400 for a teacher with a certificate of advanced graduate studies and 28 years of experience. Not included in those numbers are a benefit package of  medical and dental coverage and a Vermont state pension plan. Chester Telegraph

• Black River High School Building to house childcare hub and BRIS: Two separate education tenants, including a childcare center run by the TRSU afterschool program leader, were approved to take over the first and second floors of the former Black River High School building by the Ludlow Selectboard. The town of Ludlow purchased the building for one dollar from the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) last year after Black River High School closed. The Black River Independent School was approved to occupy the second floor of the building with a two-year lease TRSU afterschool program director Venissa White has requested to lease the first floor on a month-to-month basis for a childcare center in response to Gov. Phil Scott’s push to establish 73 childcare hubs throughout the state. The program will serve 70-75 kids on Wednesdays, which is the established remote learning day for all TRSU schools. The schedule may change in the future depending on whether more remote learning days are needed due to flexible response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first day for the program is Wednesday, Sept. 16. VT Journal

• Vt. utilities and police warn of widespread scam calls: Officials say scammers are saying they are calling from Green Mountain Power, Burlington Electric Department, VGS, Vermont Electric Cooperative, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority, and Washington Electric Cooperative, and then demand immediate payment and threaten to cut off power. Customers also are encouraged to report this scam to the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 (in state) or 802-656-3183 or online at https://ago.vermont.gov/cap/.

• $30 ‘Buy Local’ coupon signups start Tuesday: Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11:00 a.m., residents can sign up online to be “matched” with participating local businesses through the #BuyLocalVermont program.  The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is launching the program to help businesses that have suffered losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The program will use $425,000 of funding from the federal CARES Act. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is inviting eligible businesses to sign up for the program now. To be eligible, businesses must be based in Vermont and must have suffered losses due to Covid-19. A separate proposal by the Scott administration to provide Vermonters $150 gift cards to use locally is under consideration by the Legislature.

• Mail-In Ballots to be sent out the last 2 Weeks in September

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: The box culvert near Glimmerstone has been installed and the roadway was reopened to traffic ahead of schedule. Work remains to be completed at this site and motorists should expect one-way alternating traffic in the vicinity of the Glimmerstone Mansion.

Mesh installation has been completed and general site clean-up along this area of the project will continue next week. This work will be completed behind the barriers located within the signalized portion of the project between Lindberg Drive and Brook Road. It is anticipated that the temporary signals and traffic barrier will be removed by the end of next week.

Drainage work and installation of headwalls has resumed and will continue for the remainder of the construction season until all new structures are installed.

Previously completed pipe crossings will remain as a gravel surface for several weeks until paving is scheduled. The traveling public is urged to use caution when traveling on gravel surfaces at the location of any pipe crossings that remain unpaved.

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected at various locations along the project during work hours (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) There will be several work zones throughout the project and the traveling public should expect longer than average delays when traveling through the project. Each work zone will keep traffic flowing as freely as possible; however it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans/schedules.

3. CHS CARES CABINET NOW OPEN 24/7: Due to Covid restrictions, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) has been looking at a variety of ways to continue to offer programs and activities for the community. Needing a place to put things-like directions for walking tours and hands on history projects-the idea of an outdoor cabinet or mini library was discussed.

Thanks to Dave Gallagher and Ana for building, from recycled items, a unique and one of a kind cabinet. Open the doors and pick up a mask (cloth or surgical), books (children and adult), DVDs, CDs and information. Lift the chest lid for puzzles, games, hands on history projects, craft supplies, toys and more. Installed next to the steps of the Museum, everything is free for the taking.

A few ground rules:

-       Please close all doors and the lid of the chest after use

-       Do not leave anything there. If you have something you wish to donate, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807.

-       Be Covid smart and use hand sanitizer before and after using the Cabinet.

Right now the “library” part of the cabinet has some wonderful DVDs and CDs, including a number of CDs from the Great Courses. The toy chest contains some Tonka trucks, puzzles (adult & children) and more.

 If you are looking for one of the state’s free cloth masks, they are on the upper shelf on the left side. Available 24/7, take what you need. The Cabinet is checked daily and we’ll be regularly stocking and posting contents to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

4. COVID UPDATE: With schools opening in just a few days and wild reports that the number of deaths from Covid-19 are way less than what’s being reported, people are getting their freak on in new ways. The virus isn’t going to “woosh” and magically disappear. Rather it will  take a vaccine, lots and lots of testing, contact tracing and good old Covid prevention-mask, social distance, frequent hand washing, and so forth. So before the latest and greatest, a reality check on facts.

• Covid is three times more contagious than seasonal flu with a higher rate of mortality. To avoid a Covid/flu combo, please get your flu shot, which should be available the end of this month.

• Hydroxychloroquine is not useful nor approved for Covid.

• Herd immunity-at risk people are protected from infection because they are surrounded by immune people-needs to be around 60-70% for Covid. At least one poll has shown that 67% of Americans will be happy to be vaccinated, so come on vaccine! The CDC is asking States to Plan for Potential Vaccine Distribution in Late October. While this may be an unrealistic timeline, by pushing health departments to prepare now for widespread vaccination, chances are they’ll actually be prepared when it’s more realistically available after the first of the year.

• If you’ve had Covid, do you have immunity and for how long? Health experts generally believe people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don't know how much protection, or how long it would last. This is important because if immunity wears off, it could pose a challenge for vaccines. Some experts say booster shots may be needed. It's also unclear whether reinfected people would be able to spread the virus to others. That's another reason scientists say people should continue to wear masks, social distance and practice good hygiene.

• Wearing masks is an effective way to control Covid and no, you aren’t going to suffer adverse effects from wearing one. While we’re discussing masks-face shields are not as effective as masks. Neck gaiters and bandanas not so much.

• The US has had over 180,000 deaths from Covid, and not 9,000. The latter figures represents those whose death certificate only listed Covid as cause of death. It’s standard practice to list all the underlying conditions a person had on a death certificate.  As Dr. Levine, VT’s Health Commissioner noted during the recent press conferences, “armchair epidemiologists” need to stop spreading false information about the COVID-19 death toll. Chronic disease is a major issue, with 40% of all Americans having at least one. Many of those with underlying health conditions could have lived for longer if it weren’t for the virus. “These are people who have died that wouldn’t have died otherwise if there were no COVID on the planet, “ said Levine. Epidemiologist are noting that the death toll in the US is most likely higher as not all cases are being reported.  

From the recent press conferences:

• Gov Scott says the state and regions COVID data will continue to dictate if he can continue to open the economic spigot. “It builds upon that trust to further open up the economy, to further open up in-person instruction in our K-12 schools and so forth. We have to build upon our success to get back to some sort of normalcy.” Currently, 40,000 employees are unemployed, 40 percent fewer visitors are visiting VT and businesses are hurting.

• Starting this week, thousands of front line workers are slated to receive hazard pay benefits. Learn more qualifying for this program.

• 3 Squares VT will increase their maximum food benefits. Current recipients don’t need to do anything different to receive the benefits.

• Strict testing on VT college campuses is much more rigorous than other states and so far is going very well. There have been very low numbers of positive cases.

• While the CDC has made changes to their testing and travel requirements, VT is not changing their approach to either, as Health Commissioner Dr. Levine noted, “The whole strategy of containment-- testing, isolating, contact tracing and quarantining-- has been fundamental to our success in Vermont and needs to continue. And underpinning its success is testing,” .He says Vermont’s travel quarantine policies have served us well and will not be changing.

• The Governor and his administration are considering requiring mandatory flu vaccination of children.

• 12 new education “hubs” have been established in VT to provide child care services, with another 20 in progress. The hubs are designed for students whose schools do not fully open for in-person learning. Many of the new centers are located at schools which will do distance learning or will only partially reopen next week. Parents are expected to pay for the child care service, although some state subsidies are available based on a sliding income scale

• Scott said he will not announce additional steps to relax COVID restrictions on businesses and public gatherings until he sees how the state does with schools reopening next week.

Outbreaks/Numbers: There has been an outbreak of Covid-19 stemming from a private party of 40 at Summit Lodge in Killington on Aug. 19. The number of positive cases was 15 as of Wednesday and is expected to rise as pop up testing started on Wednesday and continues through Friday. Since last week, there have been 51 new Covid cases, bringing the state’s total to 1,637. There have been no new deaths (58 total) with only one person hospitalized.

Mask Give Away: Pick up free cloth or surgical masks from the new CHS Cares Cabinet, located by the steps of the CHS Museum. They are on the top left shelf and are available 24/7. Cloth masks are available from the Cavendish Fire Dept, Mon-Friday, 8-4. Phone # 226-7790.  For other masks, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): Volunteers needed. Trail clearing for the Piper Proctor Forest. Meet at 9 am at the Proctorsville entrance (off of Pratt Hill). FMI and to confirm. Tim Calabrese <goodearthvt@gmail.com> or 802-345-2781.

-       Annual GFWC Okemo Valley Women's Club tag sale on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School 9-1

SEPTEMBER 7 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Federal holiday-Town, state and federal offices closed. The unofficial start of fall.

SEPTEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY): Schools open

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn

- RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. Masks and social distancing required. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

-       Hazardous Waste Collection, 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/28/20: Construction/Volunteers/News/Events

Check CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

8/28/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3. Proctor Piper Trail-Volunteers/Stone Needed

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Water Testing on the Black River: This week’s water samples were drawn on Aug. 26. The EPA’s limit for E.coli is 235 CFU. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain.

Buttermilk Falls 25 CFU

Cavendish Gorge 44 CFU

Greven Field 93 CFU

Little Ascutney (Weathersfield) 649 CFU-Unsafe

Tolles Power Dam (Perkinsville) 71 CFU

Twenty Foot Hole (Reading) 5 CFU

 Thank you Black River Action Team (BRAT) for helping to keep our river safe and available for recreational use.

• TRSU Schools Continue to plan re opening, release parent handbooks: The results of the TRSU’s recent survey of students returning to in person classes versus virtual learning or home schooling, CTES results show that 70% of students will be attending school, while 21% have opted for virtual and 9% home schooling. Superintendent Fierman has told parents who are considering home-schooling to remember that the technology (laptops, tablets etc.) and other services the school system provides will not be available if they are not enrolled. She also noted that parents could take the virtual option while supplementing the online work with a home-school program. This would keep the child in touch with what will be expected of him or her when everyone can return to school. A sizable number of students moving to home-schooling would be difficult for the school system since the state support grants that fund the schools are based on enrollment. The loss of 35 Green Mountain School District students translates in to a reduction of about $600,000 out of a $14 million budget. If the district is unable to make that up with reductions in spending – which is doubtful in the pandemic – it would have to run a deficit which would be made up in the future, with at least some of the money coming through increased taxes. Chester Telegraph

 • COVID-19 pandemic impacts GMUSD budget and staff: COVID-19 related expenses continue to mount for the Green Mountain Unified School district as additional staff and custodians are hired, and required air handling improvements are approved at the GMUSD Meeting Aug. 20. Total impact to the budget is likely upwards of $150,000. The GMUSD board approved Superintendent Lauren Fierman’s request for adding three general educators and aides, one for each of the three schools in the district, to help with coronavirus-related tasks as well as be available as a substitute teacher in each of the buildings, as in-person instruction is set to resume Sept. 8. VT Journal

• Covid 19 Handbooks for Parents and Students

-       CTES

-       GMUHS

• Household Hazardous Waste: The last collection for this year will be on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer station. If you need to properly dispose of HHW before then, "The Rutland County Solid Waste District has a permanent hazardous waste collection facility that is generally open year-round. Visit their website or call 802-775-7209 for more information." Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website

• Vail Announces Plans for the 20/21 Season

• Kingfisher to Open in Ludlow, Free Range to Close in Chester

 • Regional Loan Fund Receives Grant to Help Businesses Impacted by Covid: The Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC) has been awarded a $550,000 federal CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant to capitalize and administer the local Springfield Area Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Southern Windsor County. This includes Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Baltimore, Reading, Springfield, West Windsor & Windsor and Weathersfield. Applications for this special COVID RLF will be available on Tuesday September 1st. These funds are intended for use for COVID-related impact, such as working capital needs or helping to cover equipment or renovation costs. The RLF utilizes funds from the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA).  For more info, contact Paul Kowalski at SRDC,pkowalski@springfielddevelopment.org or 802-885-3061.

2. CONSTRUCTION 131 ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK OF 8/31: Crews will be concentrated to the box culvert replacement site next week. One lane will be closed at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, 8/31 to begin the replacement with one lane alternating traffic controlled by flaggers. The full roadway will close at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, 9/1 and remain closed to through-traffic until 12:01 a.m. on Friday, 9/4. One lane alternating traffic is to be expected Friday (9/4) with crews shutting down work on the project at noon in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

 Mesh installation and general site clean-up along this area of the project will continue for approximately one week. This work will be completed behind the barriers located within the signalized portion of the project between Lindberg Drive and Brook Road.

 Previously completed pipe crossings will remain as a gravel surface for several weeks until paving is scheduled. The traveling public is urged to use caution when traveling on gravel surfaces at the location of any pipe crossings that remain unpaved.

 Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected at various locations along the project during work hours (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) There will be several work zones throughout the project and the traveling public should expect longer than average delays when traveling through the project. Each work zone will keep traffic flowing as freely as possible; however it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans/schedules.

3. PROCTOR PIPER TRAIL-VOLUNTEERS/STONE NEEDED: Thanks to the incredible determination of Timmy Calabrese, there will soon be a new trail for public use in the Proctor Piper Forest. To help make this a reality, volunteer help is needed as follows:

Donate Stepping Stones: These are needed to help with stream crossings. They should be 18" x 18" flat stones that are 2" thick. Can make do with stones as small as 12 X 12. Stones are needed by Sept. 4 (Saturday). These can be dropped off at the Proctor Piper Trail head in Proctorsville off of Pratt Hill.

Volunteer for Trail Work: On Sept 5 (Saturday), there will be a trail clearing activity starting at 9 am and ending around noon. Please bring picks and shovels. If you have a post hole digger bring it along. You will meet at the Proctor Piper Trail entrance in Proctorsville, which is off Pratt Hill. Parking is to the left of the trail sign. Volunteers should check in with Tim prior to Sept. 5. 

If you have stones to donate, can volunteer on Sat. Sept. 5, and/ or have questions, please contact Tim Calabrese <goodearthvt@gmail.com> or 802-345-2781.

 Thank you Timmy for your dedication to this project and offering our community another opportunity for outdoor recreation.

4. COVID UPDATE: Take homes from the most recent press conferences:

• Quidel, the manufacturer of the rapid antigen test (RAT) that detected over 65 cases of Covid in July, stands by their test even though the state’s PCR, the “gold standard” for Covid testing, only found 4 cases and refers to the results as a high number of false positive. The contact tracing and subsequent testing did not point to an outbreak, VT Health Commissioner Mark Levine reported. There was also no community spread after Manchester Medical Center’s positive tests.

 • A $150 “gift card,” may soon be issued to all Vermont residents as part of stimulating the VT economy. The card would only be good in VT.

• FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Convalescent Plasma as Potential Promising COVID–19 Treatment

• The state will be providing personal protective equipment and other resources to support Vermont schools as they prepare to reopen. Items to be sent to schools include: PPE kits, hand sanitizer, cloth face coverings, posters, and other mask campaign resources.

• A new CDC study published Friday found that child-care programs that resumed operation at a time of low community spread and that followed strict protocols, including universal masking for adults were successful at limiting new cases of coronavirus. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report

Opening: Three VT DMV offices-Rutland, South Burlington & Montpelier. Appointments required. A new online service is coming for the DMV. Hard to imagine that having an appointment at the DMV eliminates waiting but they claim that to be the case. The state of emergency does give you a 90-day extension for license renewals and an extra four years to get your photo done.

Outbreaks/Numbers: In the last week, VT has had 49 new Covid cases, which is down from last week. The states total is now 1,586 cases. VT has the lowest incidence and prevalence in the country. There have been no new deaths and four people are currently hospitalized. Thursday evening, the VT Dept. of Health indicated that there is a “situation” in Rutland that appears to be tied to a large gathering.

Mask Give Away: Cavendish now has masks for children and adults. If you need a mask, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807. Please specify number and types needed.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 1-4 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Route 131 closed due to culvert repair by Glimmerstone

SEPTEMBER 5 (SATURDAY): Volunteers needed Trail clearing for the Piper Proctor Forest. Meet at 9 am at the Proctorsville entrance (off of Pratt Hill). FMI and to confirm. Tim Calabrese <goodearthvt@gmail.com> or 802-345-2781.

-       Annual GFWC Okemo Valley Women's Club tag sale on the front lawn of Okemo Mountain School 9-1

SEPTEMBER 7 (MONDAY): Labor Day. Federal holiday-Town, state and federal offices closed. The unofficial start of fall.

SEPTEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY): Schools open

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn

- RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

-       Hazardous Waste Collection, 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. Residents and businesses from all member towns of the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste District (Cavendish is a member town) may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. No pre-registration required for residents. To learn what you drop off, go to the SWWCSWD website

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/21/20: Construction 131/News/Events

Whenever she rode Dobbin in the pandemic, Lady Godiva always wore her mask. Jane Hart

CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

 8/21/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update 131

3.  Covid-19 Update

4.  Events

1.CAVENDISH INFO

• Rebecca Nareau is appointed as Cavendish Fire Chief: The Cavendish Fire District 2 Prudential Committee appointed Rebecca Nareau as the fire chief for Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department last week, replacing Abraham Gross who has been acting chief since Chief Shane Turco resigned in early 2019. Nareau had served as deputy chief during that time. She is one of only three female fire chiefs in the state of Vermont. Nareau is an advanced EMT with both Fire 1 and Fire 2 certifications and has been with the department since 2007. She is also planning on continuing her training with upcoming classes that are fire chief specific and for advanced firefighting. VT Journal

• Blue Green Algae Upper Knapp Pond: Cavendish's Health Officer, Doris Eddy, was notified by the VT Department of Health (VDH) that they had received a report of cyanobacteria (blue green algae) on Upper Knapp Pond this past weekend. They posted this information, along with photographs to the state's Cyanobacteria Public Tracker. Doris did check the pond Wednesday morning but saw no evidence of it. Please be sure to look-out for it. Water may be green, blue, brown, red or appear cloudy like pea soup. Some Cyanobacteria cause illness such as an allergic reaction. Please keep dogs  away from it also..

• Sean Whalen Running to Represent Cavendish/Weathersfield: Sean Whalen of Weathersfield is running as an independent for the State Representative for Cavendish/Weathersfield.

• Survey for Parents of CTES Students: The TRSU is conducting an online survey to find out if you plan to have your child attend school in-person, Two Rivers Virtual Learning Academy or home School.

• Scott Plans to Close $180 million budget without major cuts: Gov. Scott’s proposed state budget includes  using the remainder of the Covid-19 funding Vermont received from the federal government in April for a series of initiatives, including $133 million for additional grants for businesses strained by the crisis.   The budget proposed by the Scott administration relies largely on a surplus from last year to fill the hole caused by the pandemic.  VT Digger

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ON 131: A full closure of Route 131 near the Glimmerstone Mansion will begin at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, September 1st and Route 131 will reopen at midnight on Friday, September 4th in order to replace the culvert at this location.  The closure period has been delayed from the originally scheduled dates due to longer than anticipated concrete fabrication times at the production facility resulting from COVID-19 reduced workforce requirements. A signed detour will be in effect throughout the closure period.

A crew is expected onsite for the coming week to work on preparation activities for the box culvert replacement. Construction activities at this location will include tree clearing and sewer work. Soil nail drilling has been completed.  Mesh installation and general site clean-up of this area of the project will continue for approximately 2 weeks. This work will be completed behind the barriers located within the signalized portion of the project between Lindberg Drive and Brook Road.

Two drainage crews are scheduled to be onsite installing headwalls next week. Work will begin west of the Cavendish-Weathersfield town line and progress westerly. 

 Previously completed pipe crossings will remain as a gravel surface for several weeks until paving is scheduled. The traveling public is urged to use caution when traveling on gravel surfaces at the location of any pipe crossings that remain unpaved.

One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected at various locations along the project during work hours (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) There will be several work zones throughout the project and the traveling public should expect longer than average delays when traveling through the project. Each work zone will keep traffic flowing as freely as possible, however it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans/schedules.

3. COVID UPDATE: Take homes from the most recent press conferences:

• Governor Scott continued the state of emergency until September 15, which provides local towns and cities the opportunity to set new restrictions beyond what is now allowed in state law. Aimed at college towns, it applies statewide and allows towns to shorten the hours bars can operate. Addendum 3 to Amended and Restated Executive order March 13, 2020. The Governor noted, “It appears uncontrolled parties and crowds at bars and clubs are a big part of the problem, so I believe giving our towns, especially the college towns, some additional mitigation measures to work with, is the right thing to do.”

• The projections of new cases of Covid for the coming weeks are for an uptick in cases, largely because of college students returning to campuses and VT’s strict testing and tracking regulations. 

• While it’s not known when a vaccine will be available, VT already has a task force established to deal with distribution and ensure that the state gets its fair shair. Health care workers and high risk groups will become the initial groups to be vaccinated.

• $12 million in federal relief funds are planned to be used to expand child care capacity for school-aged children, including establishing regional child care hubs for students on remote learning days. Hubs will be set up in workplaces, in school buildings, recreational buildings, municipal buildings and summer camp buildings that historically care for children. The plan would eliminate the restriction on in-home providers that prevents them from offering more than 4 hours of care per day to school-aged children. Governor’s Executive Order

• Utility relief is now availability. Developed by the Department of Public Service, the Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program includes federal Coronavirus Relief Fund monies as appropriated by the Legislature. The program will provide 100% of eligible outstanding arrearages that are more than 60 days overdue for regulated utility customers with delinquent balances who may face disconnection of service if arrearages go unpaid. Eligible applicants include residential and nonresidential account holders served by a Vermont electric, natural gas, fixed-line telephone service provider or a private water company. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2020 and grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted or by the program’s end date on December 20, 2020, whichever comes first. For more information about the program and to apply, visit publicservice.vermont.gov or contact the Department at psd.consumer@vermont.gov or 1-800-622-4496.

Outbreaks/Numbers: There have been 53 new cases of Covid in the last week, but fortunately no new deaths. Two people are currently hospitalized and 1,537 Vermonters have been diagnosed with Covid to date.

Border Closed: The Canadian/US Border is closed for another month

Cancelled: Killington World Cup

Mask Give Away: Cavendish now has cloth masks for children and adults. If you need a. mask, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call 802-226-8044 or 226-7807. Please specify number and types needed.

Trying to decide about the coming school year? Use the CDC  "decision tool" to help you in making the decision that is right for your situation.

How to tell a real contact tracer for Covid versus a scammer

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 1-4 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Route 131 closed due to culvert repair by Glimmerstone

SEPTEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY): Schools open

SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival, Golden Stage Inn

• RiverSweep

SEPTEMBER 13 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk, 2 pm at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St. The walk is about a mile and a half. Walking shoes are recommended. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 15 (TUESDAY): Property taxes due

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

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS