Cavendish Update 3/12/21 News/Covid Update/Events

Sugar season has begun!

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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY. Spring forward by setting clocks ahead one hour and check batteries in smoke and other detectors.

3/12/21

1.Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/8/21 Postponed: Due to an unforeseen problem, the monthly Select Board meeting had to be rescheduled for March 15 (Monday) at 6:30 pm. This will be a Zoom meeting.

• March is Irish Heritage Month. The Cavendish Historical Society has a special post "Kindred Spirits" about the potato famine, which brought many Irish to America. Yet, help came to the Irish from a surprising source, the Choctaw Indians. Today, the Irish are providing the Navajo and Hopi through small donations to help with Covid relief.

• Situation in Myanmar Proctorsville resident Commentary: To give a closer to home perspective of the military coup, protests and the Myanmar crisis, Proctorsville resident, Robin Timko, in conjunction with Okemo Valley TV, and her son Aaron Greenberg, who was recently stationed in Myanmar for UNICEF, have created a video. Robin and her son provide first-hand knowledge of the situation and the growing tensions there. Okemo Valley TV is televising this special presentation on their Community Access channel and at their website.

• Divided Sky Foundation rehab facility seeks DRB approval in April: The Divided Sky Foundation, established by Phish front man Trey Anastasio, has purchased the former Green Mountain at Fox Run building with plans for a nonprofit substance use treatment facility. The foundation has a scheduled meeting with the Development Review Board in April to obtain town approval for the project, although the town is waiting for a final site plan document before they can proceed. VT Journal

• ‘Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Federal relief bill to direct $2.7 billion to Vermont: A federal coronavirus relief bill approved Wednesday by the U.S. House would direct more than $2.7 billion to Vermont, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. This includes $731 million worth of direct stimulus payments. Those who earn up to $75,000 may qualify for payments of $1,400. The package also includes $293 million for Vermont’s K-12 system, $152 million for rental assistance, $65 million for colleges and universities and $47 million for child care subsidies and support for childcare providers. VT Digger

Sugar season officially opened yesterday!

2. COVID UPDATE: As of 3/3/21, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid in the prior week for a continuing total case count of 19. Ludlow had 1 new cases (total 54), while Chester had 7 (67 total) and Springfield 6 (184 total). Community data is posted on Friday afternoons at the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) website, with Cavendish and surrounding town data posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page shortly thereafter.

• New Variant: On Monday, 3/8, the VT Dept. of Health confirmed detection of the Covid Variant B.1.1.7 the viral mutation first detected in the U.K. in the fall of 2020. The variant was detected in a specimen taken from a resident of Chittenden County.

Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine said what is notable about the B.1.1.7 variant is that it can spread even faster than the virus that has been in the state. “The good news is that medical studies indicate the current vaccines are effective against this strain, and Vermonters should have confidence in the vaccines available,” said Dr. Levine. “We are moving to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, and I ask everyone who is eligible for each phase to get vaccinated. But now that we know the variant is here, it is ever more important that everyone follow our guidance to prevent transmission – wear your mask, keep a distance of 6 feet from each other, and absolutely avoid crowded places. These steps continue to be effective against variants.”

• Modeling: While actual numbers have increased in the last week, primarily due to the Newport outbreak, infections per 100,000 residents is down 27% for Vermonters under the age of 70 and down 70% for those 70 and older. Combined with a drop in hospitalizations, the state attributes this to the vaccine program. VT now has 16,500 cases with 27 in the hospital, 3 ICU and has had a slight increase in test positivity-1.7%- from last week. Close to 25% of Vermonters 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine.

• Vaccination Scheduling: Due to availability of more vaccine, and fewer people registering in the 55+ with underlying conditions band (Phase 5A)-only 10,000 as of Tuesday- registration began yesterday for 16+ with underlying conditions (Phase 5B). Indications are that the state will continue to follow the age band approach once Phase 5 is close to completion. More information will be available in the coming weeks on how the state plans to proceed.

Education and first responders also had a head start. Scheduled registration was planned for Monday but last week both Kinney Drugs and Walgreens were accepting registrations and administering vaccine for this group.

Please note that vaccination schedules are changing rapidly due to increased availability. Changes are posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page as soon as we learn about them.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

• New Guidelines for Those Who Have Been Fully Vaccinated: Gov. Phil Scott announced at Friday’s press conference that effective immediately, people who are vaccinated can gather with other vaccinated individuals at their homes. “For example, if eight fully vaccinated individuals wanted to get together at someone’s house for dinner, they’re now able to do so,” Gov. Scott said. “This can also include one other household that is not vaccinated.”

• Another Spigot Turn: On Tuesday the Governor indicated a loosening of social gathering restrictions and restaurant capacity with an announcement expected later today.  

• Have Questions about Vaccinations? Like I lost my vaccination card what do I do now?, go to Frequently Asked Questions

• Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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.

3.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH 14 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings, set clocks ahead an hour. Check batteries in smoke detectors.

MARCH 15 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting 6:30 pm via Zoom

MARCH 17 (WEDNESDAY): Happy St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females.  Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed

APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/5/21: Election Results/Hasson/Covid

Jim Hasson surrounded by his fans at CTES after giving a talk on Veterans Day.

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3/5/21

1.Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Voting Results: With few absentee ballots, only 163 registered voters cast ballots on Tuesday. All four of the town articles passed, though it was close for Article 4 (77 Yes, 72 No and 14 blanks) which rescinds the Australian ballot method for the adoption or amending of the town plan. The Select Board will now be responsible for this activity.

With the exception of the three year Select Board position, which was won by the incumbent Mike Ripley (89 votes for Ripley, 58 for Michael Kell and 15 blanks), all elected positions were running unopposed. There weren’t sufficient write-ins for the positions for Town Agent (1 year), Auditor (3 years), Trustee of Public Funds (2 years), and GMUSD Directors (1 year and 2 year terms).

The Green Mountain Unified School District (Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish and Chester) voted 546 to 293 to pass the district’s $14.2 million budget. Cavendish votes are lumped in with the votes from other towns so no information is available as to how Cavendish voted on this item. The budget is about a 1% increase over last year in spite of a 14 percent increase in spending – mostly special education – by the Two Rivers Supervisory Union, which GMUSD is part of.

• Help celebrate Jim Hasson’s 95th birthday: Cavendish resident and WWII through Vietnam veteran, Jim Hasson is known to many in our community. Covid has been very challenging for him as he’s been unable to be with friends. To make his 95th birthday special, March 7 (Sunday), a request is being made to call, send cards and/or participate in a birthday parade.

• Cards can be dropped off at the Cavendish Library today and Saturday. Put them in the “drop box” or ring the bell for the librarian. Kata will be there on Saturday from 10-4.  

• A birthday parade will take place on Sunday, March 7th with line up beginning at 1:45pm. This is being coordinated by the Proctorsville Fire Dept. Line up facing parallel down Main Street in Proctorsville facing Cavendish. We need to keep the front of the Fire Dept and CTES open. You can also line up down Depot Street. Departure from the Proctorsville Fire Department will be at 1:55pm. Jim will be stationed at the Black River Health Center building in Cavendish Village on Main St.

• If you wish to call, they’d like to avoid an overload on that day, so if your last name begins with A - L call Sunday. FMI: cain4vt@gmail.com or (802) 484-7775

• Cavendish Women You Should Know: March is National Women's History Month. To celebrate, CHS has put together a virtual bibliography of "Cavendish Women You Should Know."

• Our Pandemic Year: Above all Else we need to look after one another: Former CTES Principal writes about her experience with Covid, including how organized Cavendish was when the pandemic hit last year. Valley News

• Fletcher Farm School Announces Summer Opening

• Divided Sky Foundation purchases Ludlow Property: Trey Anastasio, the front man for Phish, has made his recovery from addiction no secret, and now he is trying to help others who are trying to get out of the cycle. Anastasio launched the Divided Sky Foundation, and in association with Ascension Recovery Services, recently announced that it purchased a site in Ludlow that will become a nonprofit substance use disorder treatment center. WCAX

• Vermonters should receive new 1099-G forms by Friday

2. COVID UPDATE: As of 2/24/21, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid in the prior week and has a total case count of 19. Ludlow had 3 new cases (total 53), while Chester had 3 (60 total) and Springfield 5 (178 total). Community data is posted on Friday afternoons at the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) website, with Cavendish and surrounding town data posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page shortly thereafter.

Vaccine Roll Out: With the approval of the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, along with increasing dosages of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines being sent to the health department,  individual pharmacies and the Veterans Administration, the roll out is going much faster. Vaccinations begins for those with underlying conditions and teachers on Monday March 8.

• Special Covid vaccine program (SCVP) for teachers, school staff, child care providers and certain first responders (not covered under Phase 1) Using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is one dose and much easier to store, vaccines will be administered by school district and will vary depending on rural settings versus more populated areas. In some cases, vaccine will be brought to the school. Those qualifying for SCVP can also opt to register with Walgreens for the two dose mRNA vaccines. Names of those who qualify for the SCVP will be given to Walgreens. More information about the SCVP will be made available at today’s press conference. Note that coaches, art teachers and similar personnel are included in this group. The first responders include police staff such as sergeants, lieutenants, and others, 911 call takers who are needed to direct personnel to emergencies, and state correctional facilities staff.

 • 16-64 with underlying conditions Due to the large size of this age group 75,000-it will be broken into:

- Phase A-55+ registration begins March 8 (Monday) @ 8:15 AM

- Phase B-16+ registration begins March 15 (Monday) @ 8:15 AM

• The underlying conditions that qualify:

-       Current cancer

-       Chronic Kidney Disease

-       COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis

-       Heart disease, including heart attack, heart failure, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease (angina, acute and chronic ischemic heart disease), cardiomyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension. Does NOT include high blood pressure.

-       Immunocompromised (weakened immune system), due to solid organ transplant, blood, or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, or other causes; or HIV with a low CD4 cell count or not on HIV treatment; prolonged use of corticosteroids or other immune suppressing drugs.

-       Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or above)

-       Pregnancy

-       Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

-       Disabilities including chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome; intellectual disabilities (IQ of 70 or below); disabilities that compromise lung function (neurologic and muscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis).

-       Sickle cell disease

For those registering with underlying conditions, this is being done on the honor system. However, you will be asked for the name of your medical provider. If you currently do not have a provider, the health department may contact you to arrange to network you into care.

• Home bound can register: Starting today, those who are home bound can register for a vaccine by calling 855-722-7878

• Walmart is now becoming a vaccination location. However, unlike Walgreens and Kinney Drugs, to get a vaccine at Walmart, you will register through the health dept. site. As more vaccine becomes available, more pharmacies are likely to come on line.

• National Guard and EMS: To help facilitate vaccine distribution, the National Guard and Emergency Medical Services are helping out. An expanded vaccine option will be starting in Springfield next week.

Please note as additional vaccine becomes available, this process can speed up even quicker. The estimation is that by late spring/early summer the entire state will be vaccinated.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

What if I have a preference for a vaccine? Right now the only group that can opt for a Johnson & Johnson vaccine versus an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) are those in the SCVP group. The recommendation of the VT Dept. of Health is to take whatever vaccine you can get. All of the vaccines are very effective as they almost eliminate deaths and hospitalizations from the disease, even those who have the new mutations.

Modeling: The modeling presented on March 2 continues to show a downward trend nationally, regionally, and in Vermont. The current 7 day positivity rate, as of March 4,  in VT is 1.4%. VT’s case count is now 15,686 with 27 in hospital and five in ICU. Twenty percent of all Vermonters 16 and up have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. Unfortunately, the largest COVID-19 outbreak within a correctional facility-Northern State-since the pandemic began has occurred this week.  127 inmates in Newport tested positive in the last week, as well as 10 staff members.

Variants: New strains of the virus are emerging, including one that has been identified in New York City and elsewhere in the Northeast. One of the mutations in this variant is the same concerning change found in the South African variant. "We observed a steady increase in the detection rate from late December to mid-February, with an alarming rise to 12.7% in the past two weeks," one team, at Columbia University Medical Center reported. Learn more.

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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.

3.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH 7 (SUNDAY): Birthday parade for Jim Hasson. See Item 1 for more information

MARCH 8 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm. Zoom call.

MARCH 14 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings, set clocks ahead an hour. Check batteries in smoke detectors.

MARCH 17 (WEDNESDAY): Happy St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females.  Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed

APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/26/21: Voting/News/Covid/Events

Wall of old Cavendish Mill that was replaced by Gay Brothers (now Mack Molding)

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-March 2 (Tuesday) from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. Absentee Ballots can be arranged by calling the town office. 226-7292.

2/26/21

1. Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Informational Meeting: Due to Covid, town meeting was changed to an informational meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd with approximately 25 people participating. While all of the articles to be voted on where read by the moderator, Mike Ripley, there were few questions or comments. In fact, the meeting itself lasted less than a half hour. The video of the meeting is available on line.

• CVFD’s air compressor is back: The repairs have been made and once again free air, 24/7, is available in front of the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Lloyd Stillwell: It is with sadness that we note the passing of Lloyd who was a stalwart of the Cavendish community. Our condolences to his family and friends.

• GMUSD Board Plans Retreat, Principal Search Continues: A retreat is being planned for July for the Green Mountain Unified School District Board (GMUSD). The search committee for the Green Mountain High principal position had reviewed a number of candidates and decided to re-open the search. The job was re-posted on Feb. 8 and now there are 14 candidates, eight of whom are new and six are reapplications including the current interim Principal Mike Ripley. John Beamon, who handles the physical plant at CTES has resigned as has Asst. Principal Kevin Fay, who serves  both CTES and Chester/Andover. Chester Telegraph

• CHS: Carmine Guica Young Historian Update for March 2021: Whether you are a teacher, student or history enthusiast, the Cavendish Historical Society’s (CHS) update for March related history events is now available on-line.

• People’s United Bank bought by M&T Bank in $7.6 billion deal

• After data breach, new 1099s en route to unemployment insurance claimants: Unemployment insurance recipients affected by the state’s emergency recall of 1099 tax forms can expect new forms to begin arriving in their mailboxes next week, state officials announced at a press conference Tuesday. VT Digger

2. COVID UPDATE: Both the United States and Vermont reached tragic benchmarks in the Covid-19 pandemic this week-over a half a million people in the US have now died of Covid, with 203 of them being Vermonters.

As of 2/17/21, Cavendish had two new cases of Covid in the prior week, bringing the town’s total to 19 cases. Ludlow had 6 new cases (total 50), while Chester had 2 (57  total) and Springfield 20 (173 total). Community data is posted on Friday afternoons at the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) website, with Cavendish and surrounding town data posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page shortly thereafter.

Phase 4, 65+, vaccination registration begins on Monday, March 1 at 8:15, with Phase 5 (underlying conditions) to follow shortly thereafter.  It's best to pre-register if you don't have a number from having a Covid test. This way when your eligible for registering, it will go much quicker. Register at MyVaccine. 

Yesterday, Walgreens (stores in Brattleboro, Manchester, Bellows Falls and Rutland) announced they would start vaccinating those 65+ immediately as they have received an excess shipment of 4,300 doses from the Federal Pharmacy Partnerships. A number of people tried to register and had difficulties. Some received messages that they were living outside the 25 mile zone for one of their pharmacies and therefore didn’t comply. Another message was that all appointments were filled. However, one Cavendish resident, after trying 5+ times, and receiving these messages, was finally able to make an appointment for this Saturday. They noted that it was important to create a Walgreen’s account and to continue to try. Link directly to the Walgreen’s site.

There are an estimated 42,000 people in the 65-69 age band. However, anyone who is included in Phases 1 (health care workers, long term care patients and first responders) through 4 can register at any time. Note those in Phase 1 will need to contact their local hospital for vaccination.

Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling  855-722-7878. Clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule.

For those 16-64 with an underlying condition, please note that Diabetes, type 1 or 2, is now on the list. Other conditions that qualify include: current cancer; kidney disease, COPD (emphysema), various heart conditions, weakened immune systems, severe obesity, Down syndrome, pregnant woman and sickle cell disease. Expect the process for validation to be announced very soon. It is anticipated that Phase 5 will be able to start registering around March 15. There are approximately 75,000 people estimated to be in this band.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine The one-shot vaccine is proving to be effective and safe. Today, the FDA panel meets to decide whether to grant it emergency authorization. The Governor reports that the White House expects the vaccine to be approved, which will initially increase doses to Vermont by 2,000 per week.

Vaccinated Vermonters (14 days after your second dose) can gather with people of one other household at a time, regardless of whether people in that other household have been vaccinated. Those who have been fully vaccinated, travelers as well as Vermonters, do not have to quarantine.

Modeling: The modeling presented on Feb. 23 continues to show a downward trend nationally, regionally, and in Vermont. This is being attributed to both vaccinations as well as people adhering to the prevention standards. State modeling indicates that cases will continue to drop. The current 7 day positivity rate in VT is at 1.6%. VT’s case count is now 14,840. Hospitalizations continue to drop, currently there are 28 inpatients with 11 ICU admissions.

Variants: New strains of the virus are emerging, including one that has been identified in New York City and elsewhere in the Northeast. One of the mutations in this variant is the same concerning change found in the South African variant. "We observed a steady increase in the detection rate from late December to mid-February, with an alarming rise to 12.7% in the past two weeks," one team, at Columbia University Medical Center reported. Learn more.

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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.

3.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH 2 (TUESDAY): Election Day! You can obtain an absentee ballot if you prefer not to vote in person. Town office closed.

MARCH 14 (SUNDAY): Daylight Savings, set clocks ahead an hour. Check batteries in smoke detectors.

MARCH 17 (WEDNESDAY): Happy St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females.  Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

APRIL 2 (FRIDAY): Good Friday, Cavendish Town Office closed

APRIL 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

1. Vaccinate when it’s your turn

2.  Mask-Cover nose and mouth; Double mask if possible

3. Social distance-6 feet at least

4. Wash hands frequently with soap & water, or hand sanitizer

5. Avoid unnecessary travel

6. Test if you have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/19/21 SB Mtg/Town Mtg/News/Covid/Events

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

2/19/21

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 2/8/21

2.Cavendish Info

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 2/8/21: Cavendish Select Board meetings are held via Zoom. Minutes are available at the Town’s Website.

Action/Discussion

• Depot St. Maple Trees: Two silver maple trees on the south side of Depot street near the railroad tracks are now in the Town’s right of way and the Tree Warden, Tim Calabrese, recommended that they be removed. The trees are about 100 years old and starting to rot. He said that a lot of vehicle and foot traffic passes under the trees and falling branches are a concern. Calabrese has received a quote of $5,000 for removal.  The SB agreed the Town manager, Brendan McNamara, should contact landowners and inform the public.

• Liquor License: Singleton’s Store license approved

• Virtual Informational Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 23 at 6:30 via Zoom. People can call into the meeting via telephone. Free Wifi is available at the Cavendish Library and at the Cavendish Baptist Church (obtain the password for the Baptist church by calling 226-7131). For contact information for the Zoom meeting, go to the town website. Absentee Ballots can be obtained until the end of day on Monday, March 1. These can be obtained by phone 226-7292, e-mail d.mcnamara@comcast.net or through the state’s myvoter page.

• Bids for new loader: McNamara and Phon Chambers, Highway Foreman, have begun to solicit bids and hope to have a new loader by mud season. McNamara said he’s looking into a lease option and is expecting bids of about $25,000 for a 5 year lease.

• RFP to replace the sewer line: McNamara and Randy Shrimp, Chief Water/Wastewater Operator, discussed putting out an RFP to replace the sewer line which runs along Main Street in Proctorsville from Singleton’s to Depot Street. The line has a slight sag which causes frequent backups and the goal is to replace it before the Route 131 paving project begins this summer.  

• Sidewalk Plowing: McNamara has spoken with Chambers about using the loader since the trackless has been out for repairs. Bob Glidden has requested that fire hydrants be cleared.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Sample Ballots for Voting: Sample ballots for town meeting voting are available at the town website . All positions are unopposed with the exception of the 3 year position for select board. Michael Kell is running against incumbent Mike Ripley. Vacancies exist for the following positions: 3 year auditor; 2 year Trustee of Public Funds; School board (GMUSD) one year and two year terms; and Town Agent 1 year.

• 2020 Town Report Now Available: This year’s Town Report, while mailed to voters, is also available in PDF format at the Town’s Website.

• Support needed for Proctorsville Fire Dept: Due to the impact of Covid, as well as Rt. 131 construction, not only has there been higher demand for Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) services, but some of their normal fundraisers (coin drop & Christmas Tree sales) weren’t possible. Consequently, they are experiencing a $6,000 shortfall in their budget. So, we are reaching out to you -- the family, friends, and neighbors who are always there for us, grateful for our work and providing the pillars of support that keep a volunteer organization standing strong. We realize that we are not the only ones experiencing financial hardship, but we ask that you please give whatever you are able to help us bridge the gap in our fundraising shortfall. If you are willing and able, you can send a check, payable to the Proctorsville Fire Department, to PO Box 81, Proctorsville VT, 05153, or you can donate HERE on DONATELY!!

• CHS Winter Newsletter now online: The Cavendish Historical Society's Winter 2021 newsletter is now on-line, and features a special article on epidemics/pandemics.

• Black River Good Neighbor Reopens Feb. 20 (Sat): On Saturday, Feb. 13, BRGN posted to their Facebook page they would be closed until further notice. This was followed by a notice on Feb. 16 stating, Out of an abundance of caution the thrift store has temporarily closed. We anticipate opening very soon. Yesterday BRGN Facebook page posted, Good News! The thrift store will reopen on Monday, February 22nd. Regular hours 10 AM-4 PM, Monday-Saturday. For food orders please continue to call 802-228-3663.

• A Second Look: What Actually Happened at Springfield Hospital

3. COVID UPDATE: As of 2/10/21, Cavendish had one new cases of Covid in the prior week, bringing the town’s total to 17 cases. Ludlow had three new cases (total 44), while Chester had six (55 total) and Springfield 11 (153 total). Community data is posted on Friday afternoons at the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) website, with Cavendish and surrounding town data posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page shortly thereafter.

Modeling: The modeling presented on Feb. 16 continues to show a downward trend nationally, regionally, and in Vermont. Over the last month there has been a 70% decrease in average daily cases for those 75 and older. Since January 1, there has also been a 74% decline in new daily deaths per capita. This is being attributed to both vaccinations as well as people adhering to the prevention standards. State modeling indicates that cases will continue to drop. The current 7 day positivity rate in VT is at 1.7%. VT’s case count is now 14,149 with 193 deaths as of 2/18/21. Hospitalizations continue to drop, currently 38, ICU admissions remain relatively high with 13.

Vaccines: Registration for those 70+ began on Feb. 16. Within the first day, 60% of the eligible population had registered for appointments. At the Tuesday press conference indications were given that Phase 4 (65+) and Phase 5 (those with underlying conditions) would shortly be eligible for vaccine very soon. This became more evident when the Governor joined the briefing, after a conference call with the Governors and the White House. More vaccine is slated for VT, though it could be delayed due to weather. Further, it’s likely that Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is just one shot, will be approved at the end of the month, resulting in considerably more vaccine for Vermonters.

Be aware that vaccine doses are being sent directly to pharmacies and Vermonters are reporting that it’s easier to register for vaccination at Walgreens (Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Rutland or Manchester) then through the health department sites. You can link to both Walgreens and Kenny Drugs from the state's myvaccine page.

Reminder: If your group has already been called, you can register for a vaccine at any time.

Note that clinics take place regardless of weather. If you can’t make an appointment, please call 855-722-7878 to cancel and reschedule. If you are making an appointment for the first time, the quickest way is to do it on-line.

Travel: While Gov. Scott is expected to make an announcement today about new travel guidelines for those who’ve been vaccinated, The CDC says fully vaccinated individuals don’t need to quarantine if they’re exposed to the coronavirus. Scott has indicated that travel guidelines will be narrow at first but does want to see increase mobility for Vermonters.

Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you: 

-       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:

FEBRUARY 23 (TUESDAY): Town Meeting/Informational Meeting via Zoom, 6:30 pm. For more information, click here.

MARCH 2 (TUESDAY): Election Day! You can obtain an absentee ballot if you prefer not to vote in person. Town office closed.

MARCH 17 (WEDNESDAY): Happy St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL 1 (THURSDAY): Town Dog License Due. You will need a current rabies certificate. Licenses are $9 per year for spayed/neutered animals, $13 for males/females.  Please call the Town Office at 226-7291 if you have questions or to make arrangements to renew via mail. You may stop by to renew in person as the office is open on a limited basis M-F, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

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.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS