Cavendish Update 11/6/20: Election Results/Construction Update/Jobs

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11/6/20

1. Election Results

2. Cavendish Info

3. Covid-19 Update

4. Construction Update 131

5. Events

1. ELECTION RESULTS: Cavendish had a record number of voters.-of 1,113 registered voters, 796 (71%) voted with 506 (45%) voting early. The Chester Telegraph posted an article about the early ballot counting in Cavendish last Friday. Below are returns for Cavendish with the winner’s name appearing first and in bold.

President: Trump (297) Biden (466) 31 voters voted for other presidential candidates with the Libertarian candidates Jorgensen and Cohen getting 8 votes and Green party Hawkins and Walker getting 5

Governor: Scott (R) Scott (565), Zuckerman (177), Hoyt (9), Whitney (7), one each for Billado, Devost and Dickerson

Lt. Gov: Gray (D) Gray (319), Milne (399), Ericson (35), Billado (12), Corbo (7)

State Treasurer: Pearce (D) Pearce (356), Branagan (296), Ericson (68), Wright (33)

VT Attorney Gen: Donovan (D) Donovan (416), Paige (270), Ericson (63)

Sec. of State: Condos (D) Condos (379), Paige (274), Ericson (55), Smith (50)

Auditor of Accounts: Hoffer (I) Hoffer (489), Ericson (191)

State Senate: Clarkson (D)-308, McCormack (D)-264, Nitka (D)-470 Jasinski (262), Stern (146), Williams (264), Wilberding (24), Wade (14)

State Rep: Arrison (D) Kell (363); Arrison (315), Whalen (P) 72

Congress: Welch (D) Becker (17), Miriam Berry (265), Helali (5), Horne (8), Orr (25), Trudell (6) Welch (441)

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Library Book Fair: This year’s CTES Book Fair, Nov. 16-Nov. 29, will be online. Free shipping on orders of more than $25. Shop over 200 new books and premium titles at the Scholastic/CTES Book Fair website.

• Black River Good Neighbor Holiday Baskets: Applications are due for Holiday Baskets by December 1. Applications can be picked up at the Thrift Store/Food shelf Monday-Friday 10-3 at the Food shelf or Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4 at the Thrift Store. Both are located at 37 B Main Street in Ludlow.  Applications are also available at BRGN’s website. FMI: 802-228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com

• Job Opportunities: The state announced new guidelines for ski resorts (see below). Locals looking for part time and/or seasonal work should check out Okemo’s employment page, as the guidelines want to see employees who live locally and not “weekend warriors.”

-       Java Babas (Ludlow) is reopening, with a target date of Nov. 233, and is looking for help in both front or back of house. FMI: javababas@comcast.net

• Harvest Dinner: On Nov. 7 (Saturday), Everyone Eats, in conjunction with Chester Helping Hands, Neal’s, Wellwood Orchards, and Shaw’s will be distributing 100 Free Harvest Dinners in Cavendish. The distribution point is Cavendish Town Elementary School from 3:30-5:00. Pull into the CTES front parking lot and pick up the number of meals that you need. Meals are first come, first serve-no reservations. Donations welcomed

• VT Housing Prices Rose 23% From Sept. 2019.

3. COVID UPDATE: For the first time since the state started publishing Covid cases by town, Cavendish now has confirmed Covid. The only information provided is that Cavendish has between 1-5 cases.

 From 10/29-11/5, VT had 173 new COVID cases, compared to 155 the previous week, bringing the states’ total cases to 2,303. On Thursday, there were 35 new cases, the highest single day total since June 3. While no new deaths, there are now five patients in the hospital with four in the ICU.

 VT is mirroring a national trend of increasing rates. On Wednesday, the US topped 100,000 cases in a single day as the 7- day rolling average also hit a record of 89,859, which is more than double the 7-day average of a month ago.

 Spread due to Montpelier Incident: At last Friday’s press conference, the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) provided data on Covid’s spread statewide due to the Montpelier ice hockey rink incident. This event has led to 112 COVID cases in 18 different towns in four counties in addition to four outbreaks, including St. Michael’s College, which alone has grown to 66 cases. Note-numbers have been updated since the Friday press conference. The spread includes worksites and schools, with hundreds of people in quarantine due to close contact. “This is not something that was localized to a particular geographic area like we experienced with the Winooski outbreak, but spread quickly to other communities throughout the state, and even within smaller communities in certain particular locations as well,” said Commissioner Mike Pieciak of the Department of Financial Regulation.

In studying this outbreak, state epidemiologist, Dr. Patsy Kelso, pointed out that contact tracers for VDH have noticed that people have spent more time with their contacts unmasked, have been less careful to comply with travel restrictions, and have at times gone out despite showing symptoms of Covid.

Both Kelso and Dr. Mark Levine, Health Commissioner, stressed repeatedly, if you receive a call from VDH’s contact tracing team, provide accurate information as quickly as possible.

Face Masks-Science supports their use: “The jury is no longer out” on the role masks play in helping to stop the spread of Covid. In fact, it’s been known for some time now. To be clear, the science supports using masks, with recent studies suggesting that they could save lives in different ways: research shows that they cut down the chances of both transmitting and catching the coronavirus, and some studies hint that masks might reduce the severity of infection if people do contract the disease. The Oct. 6 issue of Nature contains a review article on mask research.

Covid Linked to Increased Risk for Parkinson’s: Buried amidst the politics of this disease, is the very real concern of neurologists that having Covid could increase risk of Parkinson’s Disease. At least three case reports have been published of relatively young COVID-19 patients who developed clinical parkinsonism, either in isolation or with other neurologic deficits, within 2 to 5 weeks of contracting the disease. A fourth case has not yet been published. "Is COVID-19 a Perfect Storm for Parkinson's Disease?," published online October 21 in Trends in Neurosciences.

CHS Cabinet to Go: Be it weather, sickness, or finding it difficult to get out, we can drop off books, puzzles, art supplies or even masks, to help you and your family stay safe and entertained. Please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with your requests. All items will be placed on the porch, mail box or a designated spot.

Press Conferences

• It will be a while before music can once again be taught in schools.

• New guidelines for schools sports along with holiday travel and skiing were issued on Tuesday. No wrestling and indoor track season this winter. Teams can compete in Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, basketball, bowling, cheer, dance and gymnastics, with strict limitations — including no spectators, except for one parent per athlete’s family. FMI on K-12 sports go to The Vermont Principals’ Association website.

• Six Safety measures are being put in place for ski resorts: All visitors must comply with VT travel guidelines; Contact tracing information will be collected from everyone visiting a resort; ski areas must reduce the number of out of state staff; Lift capacity will be reduced; day use lodges are reduced to 50 percent of fire occupancy not to exceed 75 people; Cancelation policies must be loosen so sick people don’t feel pressured to come or lose money. ACCD Ski Resorts Guidelines as of Nov. 3.

• Last Friday, the state reported that UVM only had a handful of Covid cases since it brought more than 10,000 students back to campus this fall. However, on Tuesday, it was reported that one student tested positive, resulting in 30 students being moved into quarantine. On Wednesday, six more students at UVM tested positive for Covid

• Vermonters are encouraged not to travel out of state and reduce social contacts in state.

Closing/delayed/suspended: Ludlow Veteran’s Day Parade cancelled

4. CONSTRUCTION 131 UPDATE: Paving of gravel pipe crossings will be completed by tomorrow (11/6). Paving of a shim layer of asphalt in the soil nail section (between Lindberg Dr. and Brook Rd.) and the box culvert near Glimmerstone mansion is scheduled for next week, weather permitting.  Shoulder reconstruction and widening at various locations throughout the project is scheduled for completion by Friday, 11/6. Included in this work is stone fill for pipe inlets. Clearing of overhanging branches and brush along the ditch line has been completed for this season. Some minor clearing may need to occur next spring when the project resumes.  Crews will be upgrading an existing storm drain and removing a storm drain just west of the Town of Cavendish Highway Department garage next week. Please expect alternating one-way traffic in the vicinity of this operation. Work is anticipated to begin to wrap-up for the season next week. A cleanup crew will likely be on project the week of 11/9 for general cleanup and restoration of pull-offs used for staging sites this summer.

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected in the vicinity of paving and storm drain operations. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic. Minor delays should be expected.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 7 (SATURDAY): Harvest Dinner 3:30-5:00 in front of CTES. No reservations. 100 meals will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. See article in Section 2, Cavendish Info.

NOVEMBER 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm

NOVEMBER 14 (SATURDAY)-29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service 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 10/20/20: Halloween/131 Construction/Covid

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

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3)- Drop off your completed ballot today or Monday at the Town Office. The town’s polling place is the Proctorsville Fire Dept (Cavendish’s official polling place) for Tuesday from 10-7, where you can vote in person or drop off a ballot. Please bring your ballot with you. If you’ve lost it, no worries you can still vote, it will take another short step. Special thanks to Cavendish’s town clerk Diane McNamara, as well as the town office staff-Jen Leak, Ginny Garrow and Brendan McNamara-for their incredible efforts at making sure early voting has taken place smoothly in Cavendish. 

10/30/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Cavendish Halloween

3. Covid-19 Update

4. Construction Update 131

5. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• "Twenty Mile Stream Grave Robbery," a story from Mary Churchill with information about the practice of grave robbing to assist students at Woodstock Medical College in learning anatomy. Happy Halloween from the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS).

• Resources for Home Learners: CHS has posted their November update for the Carmine Guica Young Historians Program that includes lots of resources to help plan activities in November, including Thanksgiving, the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower and Native American History Month.

• Planet Axis of Proctorsville Announces Virtual Premiere: Planet Axis is premiering its film about Vermont’s community resiliency through the pandemic. “Community Through Crisis: a Vermont story” is the first and only documentary about Vermont’s response to Covid-19, through the eyes of 10 small businesses. “Community Through Crisis: a Vermont story” is in the final stages of post-production with a scheduled virtual premiere Oct. 30, 2020 via coordinated Facebook Live and YouTube channels. Other virtual viewings will be Nov. 2 and Nov. 5. To view a trailer, go to www.youtu.be/r6tXiDHtekc or www.youtu.be/4UFnl7iv2vU.

2. CAVENDISH HALLOWEEN-What’s happening where: It’s exciting to see the new and creative ways Cavendish is celebrating Halloween this year. The Cavendish Baptist Church features a Candy Catapult from 5-7. From 4-7, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum will have an expanded CHS Cabinet, where people can load up with books, puzzles, craft supplies etc. for the months ahead, along with picking up some special Dia de los Muertos treats. The Cavendish Fire Department will be handing out treats from 4-7 and you can place last minute orders for their Gourmet Classics Cookie Dough, with delivery in time for Thanksgiving.

Proctorsville Fire Department will be hosting trick or treaters starting at 4:30 and invites locals to come to PFD with their vehicles and decorate them and pass out candy in the firehouse parking area.

Gethsemane Church (off Depot Street) has just completed a community labyrinth, which will be lit by luminaries Saturday night and is open to anyone that wishes to walk it starting at 6:30 pm. Bring a flashlight, wear a mask and make space between you and others. It is there for anyone In the community who wants to use it, anytime. The labyrinth is behind the church.

Many families will be offering new and unique trick or treat opportunities in both villages. A Cavendish Trick or Treat Map is available at the Cavendish Connects website. If you would like your home or organization added to the list, send an e-mail to cavendishconnects@gmail.com We will be updating the list until 3 pm on Saturday.

Social distancing and masks required. The CHS Museum and the Cavendish Fire Department have free masks and are hand sanitizer stations. The Cavendish Baptist Church has a public bathroom available.

3. COVID UPDATE: What a week in Covid world! Cases in Vermont are rapidly rising, with numbers not seen since April. From 10/22-10/29, VT has had 155 new cases. Currently there are six people in hospital, two requiring ICU care. This is significantly increased from the previous week, where there was a total of 84 new cases. At the rate we’re going, estimates are that VT could reach 50 new cases a day in November. Talk about a wake up call.

The virus is spreading through community transmission. The outbreak at the ice skating rink in Montpelier has now resulted in 57 people becoming infected, with many of them having little to no contact with the initial incident. “What we’ve been experiencing recently are different outbreaks among relatively unrelated groups and individuals, spreading from the original cases, to their contact, and contacts of those contacts, crossing situations and geographic regions of the state,” said health commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. Note that this outbreak was not connected to actually playing hockey or broomball, but more to the activities associated with sports, such as team activities and carpooling. Levine noted that it’s small social gatherings, at which people take off their masks to eat or drink that are leading to the infections.

The outbreak at St. Michael’s College is up to 37 cases. The campus is in quarantine and new cases are primarily being picked up in those already is isolation. The wedding outbreak in Cambridge is responsible for 18 cases.

As the Governor and his team made very clear on Tuesday, as fast as the numbers go up, they can come down. It’s up to Vermonters to practice the safer six (social distance, mask, hand wash & disinfect frequently, stay home when sick, work remotely if possible and avoid unnecessary travel). Get a flu shot to help reduce twin pandemics this winter.

NH is Yellow & Red: As of Tuesday, all of NH falls in the yellow or red zone, which means they are subject to VT’s travel restrictions. You can still go to Claremont and the Upper Valley for “essential purposes” without having to quarantine. Essential travel includes travel for personal safety, medical care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medicine, to attend preK-12 school and college if commuting daily, or to perform work for businesses that are currently allowed to operate. For more information about which businesses may operate and how they may operate, view the Work Safe Guidance. VT Cross State Travel Information

Hospitals Restricting Visitors: With increasing cases, hospitals throughout the state, including Springfield and Rutland Regional Medical, are banning visitors with exceptions for pediatrics, labor & delivery and end of life patients. Call ahead if you want to visit someone in the hospital.

Population density and Covid: There is a popular myth circulating that the reason VT’s incidence of Covid is so low is because we have low population density. VT is ranked 37th of all states for population density and has a low positivity rate and still maintains the lowest per capita fatality ranking in the country. The Dakotas, who are among the lowest states for population density-only Montana, Wyoming and Alaska are lower-are currently staggering under the weight of Covid cases.

VT has taken the “Swiss cheese stacking” approach. The more slices you pile on top-the more prevention strategies- the less likely you’ll encounter a hole-virus getting through.  Readily available testing, strong contact tracing, combined with citizens willing to wear masks, socially distance, frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds etc. makes the difference. VT also has a strong program to support those who become infected, thereby reducing the number of people that require hospitalizations and ICU care.

CHS Cabinet to Go: Be it weather, sickness, or finding it difficult to get out, we can drop off books, puzzles, art supplies or even masks, to help you and your family stay safe and entertained. Please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com with your requests. All items will be placed on the porch, mail box or a designated spot.

Press Conferences

• Scott and health officials presented the state’s plan  to distribute a vaccine which has been submitted to the CDC. It is expected that this will be a two dose vaccine. The first round of the vaccine will go to health care workers and first responders.

• DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak provided more details on the new round of hazard pay grants announced Thursday. There are 26 fields that are now eligible for the $22 million, including grocery stores, funeral homes, essential child care. Eligible employees had to work between March 13 and May 15 and have hit 68 hours. They also need to make less than $25 an hour, with some exceptions. It’s a first-come, first-served basis, and the state expects the money to run out with a high demand.

• There have been updates in the school daily health check guidelines. Checks will now include travel screening. three-foot distancing requirements now apply through grade six instead of grade five. Plexiglass barriers are still allowed, but can’t be used to reduce spacing requirements. There was also new guidance on opening windows on school buses. They can now be closed when needed for weather safety reasons. Indoor music activities can begin again with a lot of limitations, including one student practicing per room with masks. Winter sports guidance will be coming out next week.

• The CDC has revamped the definition of “close contact,” thanks to a VT health dept investigation among a prison staff member.

• On Monday, the state issued new guidance limiting youth and adult sport leagues  to in state activities and limits spectators to a maximum of 75 for youth events and none for adult events. Only one spectator allowed per family. ACCD Update to Sports and Organized Sports

• Vermont will participate in Covid vaccine trial: A phase 3 trials for Oxford Universty and AstraZeneca, the University of Vermont Medical Center will recruit 250 volunteers and will prioritize Vermonters over age 65, frontline workers and people with pre existing conditions, as well as racial and ethnic groups that have been disproportionately affected.

Closing/delayed/suspended: Strolling of the Heifers; Boston Marathon 2021 delayed until the fall; Brattleboro Retreat will cut 85 positions and eliminate their addiction hub, addiction management program and two educational programs.

4. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131: It is anticipated that crews will finish the installation of under drain runs by the end of the day 10/29. Weather has delayed the paving of gravel pipe crossings. Paving is currently scheduled for early in the week of 11/2. Inclement weather can alter the paving schedule. Shoulder reconstruction and widening at various locations throughout the project will continue for one more week. Included in this work is stone fill for pipe inlets. A clearing crew has begun cutting overhanging branches and clearing brush along the ditch line. It is anticipated that this work will wrap up next week.  A crew is expected at the box culvert site next week to perform the permanent replacement of the town sewer line over the culvert as well as finalize earthwork and turf establishment items at this location. 

Look Ahead: Work is anticipated to wrap up for the season at the end of next week. A cleanup crew will likely be on project the week of 11/9 for general cleanup and restoration of pull-offs used for staging sites this summer. 

Traffic Impacts: One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected in multiple locations throughout the project. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic . Minor delays should be expected.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): ELECTION DAY! Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. The Town Office Will be Closed.

NOVEMBER 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 via Zoom

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service 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 10/23/20: SB Mtg/ATVs/Halloween

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

Voting Reminder: The Post Office recommends sending in your ballot no later than this Saturday, October 24. After that, drop your ballot at the town office. You can still vote in person on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3) or drop off your completed ballot at the Proctorsville Fire Dept (Cavendish’s official polling place) from 10-7.

10/23/20

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 10/19/20

2. Cavendish Info

3. ATVs: Not allowed on town roads

4. Cavendish Halloween

5. Covid-19 Update

6.Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 10/19/20: The Zoom meeting is now available at the Okemo Valley TV website.. The Vermont Journal also contains an article on the meeting.

• Approved

-       Renewed ‘Tax Anticipation Note’ in the amount of $175,000.

-       Appointment of Doug McBride to the Planning Commission

-       Hiring Bazin Brothers for paving of Cavendish Gulf Rd and Stone Way for $99,600. Note work has begun on the Gulf Rd. Please use caution.

• Roads

-       Town highway department will be working with the Crown Point team at Mack Molding in completing the culvert project on Mill St/parking lot project.

-       Ditching is being completed and preparations are underway for winter. At this point, the sand has been delivered and “we’re as ready as we can be.”

-       The mesh along the embankment on 131 is being left there with the expectation that the vegetation will begin to cover it in the spring. If it doesn’t, VTrans will hydro seed it then.

-       Curbing for Cavendish Village is being explored.

• Town Wi-Fi Hotspots: Due to recent outages of TDS and VTel, it is apparent that the town needs “hotspots” for Internet connection during such events. TDS was down for several days due to a cable cut in New York. Cavendish Baptist Church and Proctorsville Fire Department are considered good options. David McGuire of Cavendish offered to donate wi-fi option points. Town Manager, Brendan McNamara, will follow up.

• The electric vehicle station, slated for the Proctorsville Green is moving forward with a final site visit this week and work beginning next week. 

• Taxes are coming in at a reasonable rate despite concerns of financial impacts due to Covid.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CHS Newsletter Now online: The fall 2020 edition of the Cavendish Historical Society is now available at their blog.

• 6th Grade Calendar Raffle: Once again the CTES 6th grade will be doing a calendar raffle for the month of November. Tickets are $10 and you have 31 chances to win (there is a bonus day in December). Lots of great prizes, including $50, free range turkey, restaurant gift certificates, Scratch tickets and so much more. Tickets can be purchased at Community Fletcher Library, Brewfest Beverage (Ludlow), a 6th grade parent or contactless pay. For the latter, PayPal the teacher Lindsay.turgeon@trsu.edu Checks should be payable to CTES 6th grade.

• GMUSD Board Sets Graduation Date as State Cuts Required Days: The last day of school is set for Thursday June 17, 2021. This should be a secure date as snow days, unless there’s a power outage, will be remote learning days.  Graduation has been set for June 18, 2021. Teacher and Support staff negotiators brought recommendations to the board that replace sick days for teachers with “absence” days that can be used for a variety of reasons and can be accumulated and a “one step” raise that amounts to around 2 percent. Support staff will receive four days of paid professional development, new policies around a sick leave bank and a “one step” raise that represents about 1.68 percent. Dennis Reilly of Cavendish was voted to fill the remaining term of Doug McBride who resigned several months ago. Chester Telegraph

• Black River Valley Senior Offering Curbside Meal Pickup: The Black River Valley Senior Center is closed for usual activities, but are open every day, but Tuesday, during the week for Meals on Wheels delivery or curbside pickup. Books are also available from the Senior Center’s lending library. Call the Senior Center 802-228-7421 to arrange meal pickup, to obtain a menu or to arrange a time to browse the lending library.  For Meals on Wheels call Senior Solutions at 802-885-2669.

• Okemo Opening Day-Nov. 21

• $2.3 million program offers Vermonters free classes at state and community colleges: Free college classes and trainings are now available to any Vermonter whose job was trimmed or eliminated because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Legislature approved using $2.3 millions of federal money for the new Vermont State Colleges initiative. More than 100 courses are being offered across the four schools — Community College of Vermont, Castleton University, Vermont Technical College, and Northern Vermont University campuses in Lyndon and Johnson. The classes focus on high-demand careers, such as early childhood education, health care, manufacturing and business.

3. ATVS-Not allowed on town roads: With an influx of new property owners in VT, combined with COVID limiting opportunities, more people are using ATVs (all-terrain vehicle) and it’s creating problems in various parts of Cavendish.

ATV users please be aware of the following:

• ATVs are not allowed on state or town highways or roadways. While municipalities can sanction town roads for ATV use, Cavendish’s Select Board has made no exception and drivers need to be aware that in Cavendish no ATVs are allowed on town roads.

• You can only travel on any public land or body of water that has been designated for ATV use by the Secretary of Natural Resources. Cavendish has several natural resource areas, none of which have been approved for ATV use.

• You cannot operate an ATV within a cemetery, public or private

• You can cross a public highway at an angle approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a safe and quick crossing.

• You can ride on your own property or property where you have permission by the landowner.

• ATVs registered for agricultural purposes may be operated beside a public highway no closer than three feet from the traveled portion and only within the confines of the farm.

• The Vermont All Terrain Manual is a handy resource.

• Vermont’s ATV Sportsman’s Association provides helpful information about enjoying your sport including how to join VASA and use of the VASA trail systems.

• ATV Trail maps for VT, NH and Maine

As the ATV season draws to a close, if you like to snow mobile, please consider joining the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. Their website and Facebook Page can help ensure a fun and safe winter season.

 Whether its by ATV or snowmobile, please enjoy the scenery and be respectful of our landowners and wildlife.

4. CAVENDISH HALLOWEEN: Unlike previous years, CTES will not be hosting a Halloween party nor will there be a particular “town wide” event. Instead the Select Board has asked that the community follow the state’s Halloween guidelines which suggest the following ways to celebrate & trick or treat:

6-Foot Spaces: Keep a safe 6-foot distance between your family and other people who don’t live in your household. Bring a flashlight so you’re visible in the dark. You can get creative if you’re giving out candy. Some ideas are to have bags ready to grab on your front steps, or slide the treats down a candy slide.

Masks on Faces: Make sure you and your family are wearing a face mask or covering when you go out. Find a fun way to make it part of your costume. But don’t wear a costume mask over your face mask, which could make it harder to breathe.

Uncrowded Places: Keep your group small, and consider skipping crowded indoor parties.

Both Cavendish and Proctorsville fire departments will be “trick or treating.” Ludlow is planning a Trunk or Treat at the Ludlow Community Center, Main St. Ludlow from 4-7.

5. COVID UPDATE : Springfield Hospital has implemented a no visitor policy effective Oct. 16 due to an upswing in local Covid-19 cases that appear to be community acquired. Patients are still welcome for outpatient appointments, including lab and diagnostic imaging. However, no accompanying visitors are allowed unless the patient is a minor, at end of life care; or cognitively impaired.

Since last week, there have been 84 new cases, for a total of 1,987 cases in VT. There have been no deaths since July 23rd and there was only one case in the hospital for one day this past week.

 Press Conferences

• Due to the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center hockey outbreak, which has spread to 34 people and exposed one college, three K-12 schools and five workplaces, the Governor ordering Vermont ice rinks not to take any new reservations until Oct. 30. They are able to maintain current schedules.

• Cases of in-school transmission have been reported at the Union Elementary School in Montpelier. The school has moved to remote learning.

• New waivers will allow every VT student to receive free school meals.

• The state will be handing out $25-million in federal Lost Wage Assistance benefits later this month to about 3,400 people. These benefits can be up to $300 per person. It replaces the $600 that went away at the end of July.

• Winter Farmers’ Markets will be allowed to open according to new guidelines issued by the Agency of Agriculture.

• $76 million more in small business grants are coming to the hardest hit by the pandemic. This third round of grants will not be on a first-come, first-served basis this time. The state is looking at more than one month of losses this time around -- from March through September. The maximum grant size will be $300,000 but previous grant money will be factored into what businesses get this time. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applicants and there will be a two-week application process.

• The number of people allowed to visit VT without quarantine has been reduced from 1.8 down to 1.6 million. Only 3% of the country would qualify under VT’s criteria for admission to the state without quarantine.

• Levine talked about a new study on the drug Remdesivir that showed little or no effect on survival in COVID patients. He said the medical community hasn’t lost faith in it because it helps with symptoms in really sick people, but acknowledged the study showed it doesn’t help with mortality. The drug was just approved by the FDA as the first treatment for Covid-19.

• The state colleges have updated their spring semester colleges as of Oct. 15. They are very similar to the fall guidelines. Classes will not resume until Feb. 1.

Travel Restrictions: Quarantine is now required for nonessential travel between Vermont and New Hampshire’s Grafton County. This includes Lebanon and Hanover. The Canadian border is closed until Nov. 21; Mexican border continues to be closed

Going Remote: St. Michael’s College due to eight new positive Covid cases

Outbreaks: A wedding in Cambridge VT is responsible for seven Vermonters becoming infected and several non-residents.  

6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Drug Take Back Day from 10-2. Closest drop-off sites: Chester Police Department; 556 Elm St.; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); 5024 Vt. Rt. 106 in Perkinsville; Springfield Police Department; 201 Clinton St.; Ludlow Police Department; 19 West Hill Road. FMI: (802) 457-5211. PLEASE NOTE: The following having “drop boxes” that are available year round: Ludlow Police Dept., Ludlow Pharmacy; Chester Police Dept., Springfield Pharmacy, Green Mountain Pharmacy and Springfield Police Department. 

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): ELECTION DAY! Voting takes place from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall.

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service 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 10/16/20: Voting/131 Construction/Covid

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

10/16/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Construction Update for 131

4.  Covid-19 Update

5.  Events 

VOTING: All voters registered to vote by 09/02/2020 should have received their ballots by now from the Secretary of State's office.  All voters registered to vote after that date have been mailed ballots by the Town Clerk. If anyone has not received a ballot by this time, and feels they should have,  call the Town Clerk's office.  If anyone is  concerned whether their ballot has been received, they are free to call the office and we can confirm this for them. Ballots can be mailed, dropped at the Town Clerk's office, or brought to the polls on 11/03. 

1.    CAVENDISH INFO

• How Phineas Gage's Freak Accident Changed Brain Science: Reporters from Wisconsin Public Radio came to Cavendish this summer to learn about Gage and were surprised to learn Solzhenitsyn had lived here as well. Nice intro to Cavendish history.

• From virtual contests to drive thru trunk or treat, communities push for ‘normal’ Halloween: Run down of local Halloween activities from the Chester Telegraph.

• Moratorium on utility disconnections set to expire Thursday

2. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 131:  For the remainder of this week and next week, crews will continue to install the last of the underdrain runs connected to the recently installed catch basins (storm drains). As drainage work continues, the traveling public should expect new areas of gravel crossings until the week of 10/26 when the next round of paving is scheduled. A crew is expected onsite starting next week to work on shoulder reconstruction and widening at various locations throughout the project. This work is anticipated to last for several weeks.

 Traffic Impacts:  One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected in the vicinity of drainage and shoulder widening operations. Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist with the flow of traffic . Minor delays should be expected.

3. COVID UPDATE : Vermont’s state of emergency was extended yesterday to Nov. 15. This is the 8th month of the order, which was first declared on March 13th.

Eight members of the Vermont Air National Guard have tested positive for Covid-19, causing the Guard to temporarily ground F-35 flights. A dozen new cases of coronavirus have been linked to a youth and adult hockey league in the Montpelier area.  Cases in schools included South Burlington, Williston, Windsor, Manchester, Essex and Montpelier. There have been no instances of in school transmission.

With fall, re opening of schools and colleges, plus increased tourism for foliage, VT Department of Health (VDH) has warned Vermonters that we’d see blips of increased cases. As of Oct. 15, VT has 1,903 cases with no hospitalizations. This is an increase of 65 cases in the past week. There have been no Covid related deaths since July 23rd.  VT continues to rank number one for fewest new cases and lowest incidence in the country.

 VDH’s town map continues to show that Cavendish has had no cases of Covid. On Oct. 11 Neal’s, which has been incredibly supportive of our community, posted “Temporarily Closed. One of my family members tested positive for COVID. We will temporarily close until all staff on site have confirmed negative test results before returning to work. Thank you for your understanding. The safety of our team and customers are our top priority!” Our wishes for a speedy recovery to the Neal’s family member, and looking forward to Neal’s reopening in the near future.

Former New Jersey Governor Christ Christie has spent 7 days in the ICU with Covid and has taken a very different stance than the President. “As a former public official, I believe we have not treated Americans as adults, who understand truth, sacrifice and responsibility,” he noted. He also warned that the virus is “something to take very seriously,”

 Press Conferences

• Cases across the Northeast continued to trend upward this week, a 3% increase,  a worrying sign even as Vermont remains relatively low compared to its neighbors. The states weekly total of new cases is running higher than it did this summer. The Governor is now asking that Vermonters limit out of state travel.

• Flu shots are being highly recommended, not only to avoid a twin pandemic, but to also insure there are hospital beds for Covid patients should they be needed. Note-Be sure to call ahead if you plan to get a flu shot at a pharmacy. Some locations are now out of certain vaccines.

• It’s now possible to visit indoors at VT nursing homes. New rules went into effect on Monday. Some of the additional rules include mask wearing, physical distancing, and screening for symptoms. Only two visitors will be allowed at a time, and staff must collect contact information for visitors in the event contact tracing is needed.

• Adult day programs have new guidelines. The state is planning a “soft launch” for programs to allow them time to figure out what works for them.

• Scott says a new federal stimulus package is needed to boost the state’s budget and to help businesses struggling because of the pandemic.

Cancelled/Shutdown: Broadway has extended its closure until May 30, 2021; Killington 2020 World Cup and Brattleboro Harris Hill Ski Jump

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 19 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting will take place at 6:30 via Zoom.

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Drug Take Back Day from 10-2. Closest drop-off sites: Chester Police Department; 556 Elm St.; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); 5024 Vt. Rt. 106 in Perkinsville; Springfield Police Department; 201 Clinton St.; Ludlow Police Department; 19 West Hill Road. FMI: (802) 457-5211. PLEASE NOTE: The following having “drop boxes” that are available year round: Ludlow Police Dept., Ludlow Pharmacy; Chester Police Dept., Springfield Pharmacy, Green Mountain Pharmacy and Springfield Police Department. 

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service 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