Cavendish Update 8/27/21: Irene/SB Mtg/News/Events

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This weekend we remember the 10th anniversary of Irene. At the Break Maids concert, 5:30 pm at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) on Saturday, Aug. 28, the Cavendish History Society (CHS) will have a table where you can see pictures and artifacts from Irene. These will also be available at the Museum on Sunday 2-4 pm. A special 10th anniversary post is at the CHS blog.

8/27/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Special Select Board Mtg 8/16/21

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com. In observance of the Labor Day holiday, no work will take place Saturday, 9/4 through Monday, 9/6.. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: Placement of curbing has been completed. Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Cold planing (grinding of the top 2 inches of existing asphalt) in Proctorville has been completed. Paving of the shim layer of asphalt in Proctorsville has been completed. Please note that this is not the final layer of asphalt. The shim coat is also referred to as the "leveling course" and serves to level out low areas in the roadway. There will be no paving on this project next week.

Bridge @ Exit 8: All concrete work on Bridge 30S has been completed. Crews will be stripping the bridge deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131.

2. SPECIAL SELECT BOARD MEETING 8/16/21 Minutes of this special select board (SB) are available at the town website. As a continuation of the 8/9/21 SB meeting, the SB met to discuss the paving of the town portion of the CTES parking lot. The board voted 4 to 1 to allow GMUSD permission to pave the portion of the parking lot owned by the town. A second vote, approved $12,000 of town funds for paving the town portion of the school parking lot. George Timko voted against both motions.

CTES principal, Katherine Fogg, suggested the school and town have a Memorandum of Understanding similar to what library has. Fogg would like to put up a sign at the lot because they find non-staff cars parking there especially in winter. She added that people also use the school dumpsters for their  household trash.

Town manager, Brendan McNamara distributed copies of a deed for the mineral rights of the 65 acre property currently owned by Narbut on  Route 131 which is next to the town-owned lot of 47 acres. The property and the potential buyer’s attorney sent a letter requesting the town release  mineral rights before the sale proceeds.

A copy of the town’s current “junk yard ordinance” is available at the Town’s website.

3, CAVENDISH INFO

• Black River Water Testing: Water testing on the Black River showed satisfactory levels on Wednesday with the exception of the Rec Pond on West Hill. It is recommended to stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain or any time it appears cloudy. Test results are posted to Is it Clean?

• GMUSD to follow AOE Guidelines for Masking: At the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Aug. 19 meeting, the issue of masking of students became contentious, when a parent frequently interrupted proceedings. Ultimately, the board voted to allow the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU), Superintendent, Lauren Fierman, authority concerning health matters. Fierman’s plan is to follow the recommendations of both VT Agency of Education (AOE) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which calls for masking in all schools for the first 10 days. Thereafter, those schools that can demonstrate that 80% of the students have been vaccinated, can make masks optional,  Since there is currently no vaccine for students 11 and under, masking will be required at CTES and the other elementary schools in the district. Masks will not be required outdoors. Lunch will take place in the classroom, not in the cafeteria, with social distancing. Masks will be required on school buses.

Among other items discussed at the meeting included replacing the GMUHS’s “Chieftain” mascot. This is being considered in part due to the letter “No, My Son Will Not be a Chieftain.” GMUHS is the last school in VT to hold onto their Native themed mascot. For More Information on the meeting: Vermont Journal: GMUSD Board Authorizes Superintendent to Impose Mask Mandate; Chester Telegraph: Ludlow resident disrupts GM board meeting over masking; Video of GMUSD 8/19 meeting

• Hazardous Waste Collection: There will be a household hazardous waste collection on September 21 (Tuesday) at the Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for residents of Andover, Athens, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, West Windsor, and Windsor. Sponsored by the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District and the host town. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit the website for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

4. COVID UPDATE: The VT Dept. of Health is once again reporting weekly totals of new cases by town. On Friday, Aug. 20, for the first time since May 19, Cavendish had a new case of Covid (31 total). Ludlow had 4 new cases (91 total), while Chester had one new case (112 total) and Springfield 5 (312 total).

Health Department Employee Letter: Yesterday, VT Digger broke the story that 91 employees of the VT Dept. of Health (VDH) had sent a letter to Health Commissioner Levine and others. The signers include a wide range of people who have been working on the state’s response- district office staff, epidemiologists, contact tracers and public health analysts. “We are writing to express our deep concern at what we believe to be a lack of adequate COVID-19 prevention guidance from our Health Department to Vermonters at this unique state of the pandemic.”  The letter highlights some important statistics:

-       Although the rate of COVID-19 infection is lower among vaccinated individuals than unvaccinated individuals, the proportion of cases among vaccinated Vermonters is concerning, Currently four out of ten cases are among vaccinated people.”

-       The rate of Covid among 6-11 year-olds in Vermont is higher than any other age group. This group is currently ineligible for vaccination and could be exposed to COVID-19 by vaccinated family members, teachers, or friends who believe they are doing all they need to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The letter urges leadership to publicly and strongly” recommend universal masking indoors and testing and quarantine for anyone determined to be a close contact to a Covid-19 case — regardless of vaccination status. It also asks them to encourage Vermonters to get tested before and after large social gatherings, to avoid traveling to high-transmission areas, and to test before and after out-of-state travel.

The House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint have issued statements urging Gov. Scott to do more to tamp down viral spread.

 The emergency order, and with it the Covid-19 restrictions, ceased  in June when 80% of eligible Vermonters received at least one Covid vaccine. Despite the damage Delta is doing, the Governor has been reluctant to re instate the emergency order more than recommendations, though he did mention at Tuesday’s press conference that if infection rates do not drop off soon, he would consider additional measures. As it is recommendations are limited and nonbinding leaving decision making and pressure on facilities, school boards etc.

By the Numbers: While cases continue to increase, the rate is slowing down in VT and across the country. According to the weekly modeling report VT should be plateauing soon. The unvaccinated case rate has increased 28% in the last seven days while the vaccinated rate has increased by 18% in the same time period. The data provided by the state on vaccinated cases shows that among 420,672 fully vaccinated people, 915 tested positive (0.22%). Of this group 23 were hospitalized (0.006%) and 10 died due to Covid (0.002%). Unfortunately, there are outbreaks in at least four long term care facilities.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26, there are now 27,504 cases (141 new cases yesterday), 33 in hospital, eight of whom are in ICU and three more people have died bringing the total to 273 deaths-13 of which have occurred in August. Deaths this month have been double the state’s projection. The seven day percent positivity (percentage of people testing positive) is 3.1%. From, Aug 12-18, 738 new cases of Covid were reported compared to 852 from Aug. 19-25.

Cedar Hill Health Care Outbreak has reported a 30 case outbreak (20 residents and 10 employees). Due to the outbreak, visits have been paused. Except for two of the infected employees, all of those who have tested positive are vaccinated. Most everyone is having mild symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccines 66% Effective Against Delta Variant: Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection dropped from about 91% to 66% once the Delta variant became the dominant strain in the U.S., according to a new study published Tuesday by the CDC. The decline points to the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant and underscores the importance of vaccination to prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death.

 The Pfizer vaccine received FDA approval on Monday. This vaccine is one of two, the other being Johnson and Johnson, available at the Cavendish Fire Department’s free vaccine clinics on Sept 1 (Wednesday) 3-7pm and Sept 22 (Wednesday) 3-7 pm.  

Johnson & Johnson Booster Shot: A booster dose of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine prompted a big spike in antibodies among clinical trial participants, when taken six to eight months after the first dose, the company announced on Wednesday (Aug.25).

Masks Save Lives: Here’s What You Need to Know: The GMUSD meeting on masking has resulted in people posting messages that masks don’t work. The research speaks otherwise.

Make vaccination a priority! Free vaccine clinics will be held at the Cavendish Fire Department on Sept 1 (Wednesday) and Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. Both the Pfizer vaccine and Johnson & Johnson will be administered.

Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 28 (SATURDAY): Last Proctorsville Green Concert featuring the Break Maids, 5:30 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Rain location is Gethsemane Church off Depot St.

SEPTEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 21 (TUESDAY): Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Cavendish. Springfield Transfer Station, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. E-mail mobrien@marcvt.org or call 674-9235 for more information or visit the website for a list of what to bring and what not to bring.

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 9 (THURSDAY): Free Covid Vaccine Clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 3-7 pm Pfizer.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807. 

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/20/21: Scam Alert/Construction/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.

8/20/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Scam Alert

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: A report on the route 131 project was not sent in time for the Update. As soon as it is received, it will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page.

Bridge @ Exit 8 Week of 8/23: Full-depth approach work on both ends of Bridge 30S has been completed. The final pour for F-Barrier is scheduled for today. Once completed, all concrete work on Bridge 30S will be finished. Crews will be striping the deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131.

RT 100 Plymouth: Road closure projected for Aug. 30- Sept. 26. Two culverts along VT Route 100 between Plymouth and Bridgewater are slated for replacement. The official detour, heading north from Ludlow on Route 100, is to take Route 100A through Plymouth and connect with Route 4 to reconnect with Route 100 in Bridgewater. This detour is a total of 12.6 miles and an additional 17 minutes; drivers should plan accordingly for the duration of the project. Routes 100 and 100A are also scheduled for paving this year. The projects have been contracted out to Pike Industries Inc. As of this week, Pike Industries is already working on Route 100A, preparing berm removal, ditching, and improving guardrails. When paving begins, drivers should expect alternating one-way traffic with automated flagger assistance devices.

2. SCAM ALERT: Scammers are Using Cryptocurrency to Steal Your Money The following alert is from the VT Attorney General’s Office. Recently, three Vermonters reported losing just under $1 million in total to cryptocurrency scams. As a peer-to-peer spending source, every type of scam could at any point use cryptocurrency as the preferred form of payment. Cryptocurrency is a peer-to-peer spending source commonly referred to as “Bitcoin.” Scammers like cryptocurrency, because there is no third-party banking institution involved in the transfer of funds and most transactions cannot be reversed.

Known cryptocurrency scams include: Ponzi schemes; investment scams and unlicensed sellers; stock scams; and hackers and computer tech support scams. Computer hackers have drained personal accounts and have compromised entire cryptocurrency systems. Use extreme caution when searching for computer tech support help. Seek guidance and advice from your friends and relatives when trying to locate a tech support company. Never allow remote access to your computer or click links in a strange email or pop-up, doing so can put all your accounts at risk.

As a new currency, cryptocurrency is complex.  Consumers must do thorough research before buying or investing in cryptocurrency.  Learn more about cryptocurrency and scams on the CAP Connection blog.

If you have been impacted by this scam, please contact the Consumer Assistance Program right away.  You can report scams using our online scam reporting form or call the Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424. 

3. CAVENDISH INFO

Last summer concert:  The Town of Cavendish will close its 2021 summer music series with a concert by The Break Maids on Proctorsville’s Svec Memorial Green, Saturday, August 28th at 5:30 pm. This concert was postponed in July due to threatening weather. It will start early so that it can finish before dark.

Back to School Supplies: Benson’s Chevrolet is collecting  back to school supplies for Cavendish, Ludlow and Mt. Holly. Items may be dropped off at Benson’s Sales department, Mon-Fri from 8-5 and from 8-noon on Saturday. Items needed for k-6th include: backpacks, pencils, colored pencils, manual pencil sharpeners, erasers, crayons, Elmer’s Glue, pocket folders, washable markers, tissues, glue sticks, one-subject notebooks, small snap plastic pencil cases, kids’ blunt tip scissors, pens, art supplies, binders, and composition notebooks. Items needed for ESBR (Expeditionary School at Black River) (7-12) include: academic year/day planners, highlighters, sticky notes, statistic calculators, Adobe Suite software, and one-subject notebooks. FMI: 228-4000.

BRGN’s “Back to School Supplies” Project: Pick up an application today for school supplies for your kids! Cavendish families are eligible for this program. Applications are at the thrift store (37B Main St., Ludlow) or on-line https://www.brgn.org/back-to-school-application.  The thrift store is open Mon-Sat from 10-4. FMI 228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com

Census Data for Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow: According to the 2020 census, Cavendish now has a population of 1,417, which is a 1.8% increase (25 people) over 2010’s census. Ludlow’s population increased 10.6% (209 people) for a current population of 2,381. Chester’s population decreased by 3.5% (149 fewer people) to 2,856.

Vermont State Fair: The Annual VT State Fair in Rutland runs from Aug. 17-Aug. 21. Check the Fair’s website to learn about special events and reduce admission days.

4. COVID UPDATE: The dates for the Covid vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept. have been moved up to Sept 1 (Wednesday) 3-7pm Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; Sept 22 (Wednesday) 3-7 pm 2nd dose of Pfizer. Vaccines are free. These dates should help to make it easier for people to get their 3rd dose following recent state and federal guidelines:

• 3rd Dose for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised: Anyone who is moderately or severely immunocompromised, and has received the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) Covid vaccine, should receive a third dose. Qualifying Vermonters can get the third dose from their doctor’s office (Ludlow Health Center is a designated site), pharmacies (Rite Aid in Ludlow) and pop-up clinics (the Cavendish Fire Dept. vaccine clinic on Sept. 1 will be offering free Pfizer vaccine from 3-7 pm). Those qualifying for this shot, distribution, which begins the latter part of this week, will need to meet one of the following criteria:

-       Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood;

-       Organ transplant recipient and taking meds to suppress immune system; -

-       Received a stem cell transplant in the last two years;

-       Taking medications to suppress immune function;

-       Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome;

-       Advanced or untreated HIV infection;

-       Active treatment with high dose corticosteroids.

If you are unsure if you qualify, contact your medical provider.

• Booster Shots for Those Who Received mRNA vaccines: On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. "Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout,"  COVID-19 booster shots are set to become available for those 18+ the week of Sept. 20, subject to FDA and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) review and recommendation. The booster dose should be given 8 months after the date of a person’s second dose. If you had your second shot on Feb. 20, your booster should be scheduled for Oct. 20.

• Johnson & Johnson: VT Dept. of Health stated on Tuesday that people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine would also likely need an additional one to prolong its effectiveness. The J & J vaccine is similar to the AstraZenca vaccine-both use an adenovirus- used in parts of Europe. In Germany, the recommendation has been that the second shot should be one of the mRNAs. Early studies  show the mix generated a robust immune response. San Francisco has been giving a supplemental mRNA dose for those who’ve received J & J. More data will be forthcoming and hopefully will be in time for the launch of booster doses the week of Sept. 20th. In the meantime, be assured that the J & J vaccine is doing what it was designed to do by significantly reducing morbidity and mortality from the Delta variant.

On Tuesday, Gov. Scott stated the following, The data shows vaccines are preventing cases. Yes, there are so-called “breakthrough” cases, but that term is misleading. We always knew vaccines weren’t 100% effective, but they HAVE minimized cases and severity.  Because in the rare cases where a fully vaccinated person does get it, they’re unlikely to go to the hospital and are often asymptomatic.  Since January, only 2% of cases have been fully vaccinated Vermonters. Of 430,000+ fully-vaccinated VTers, 0.1% have gotten COVID, 0.004% have been hospitalized and 0.002% have died, most of whom had other chronic conditions contributing to this outcome. I don't share this to sugarcoat anything, but to reinforce that vaccines are working and to help Vermonters understand their current risk, which continues to be very low for those who are fully vaccinated.

• The Numbers: Yesterday there were 169 new cases (26,663 total cases), with 21 people hospitalized with nine in the ICU. As of Tuesday, no children were hospitalized. This week there have been four deaths bringing the total to 268.

According to Tuesday’s modeling forecast VT should reach its peak in Delta variant cases around mid-September. This would be in keeping with global data, which shows that peak is reached 7-9 weeks after the initial rise in cases, after which it drops off rapidly. While cases continue to increase nationally, regionally and in VT, it’s not increasing as rapidly as it was in July. The increase from the previous week was 41% versus 83% from the previous week. From 1/1/21-8/13/21, of 418,230 vaccinated Vermonters, 630 tested positive. Of that group, 18 were hospitalized and 8 have died.

 • Data by community is provided every other week. The most recent data is up to Aug. 11. Cavendish has had no cases reported since the May 19 reporting-30 cases total- while Ludlow has had 8 cases (total 87); Chester  11 (111 total); and Springfield 24 (total 307) in the May 19-Aug. 11 time period.

• Make vaccination a priority! School starts September 7 (Tuesday), vaccinated the 12-17 year old group with the Pfizer vaccine and have them protected by the start of school. Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website .  

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

AUGUST 28 (SATURDAY): Last Proctorsville Green Concert featuring the Break Maids, 5:30 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Rain location is Gethsemane Church off Depot St.

SEPTEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 22 (WEDNESDAY): ): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 9 (THURSDAY): Free Covid Vaccine Clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 3-7 pm Pfizer.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/13/21: SB Mtg/Construction/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.

Heat Advisory continues today. Read Beat the Heat in Cavendish for ways to cool off.

8/13/21

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 8/9/21

2.    RT 131 Construction/Bridge @ Exit 8 Update from VTrans 8/12/21

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 8/9/21: The video of the Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is now available at the Okemo Valley TV website.

Depot Street: Speeding continues on Depot St. in Proctorsville. Recommend using radar traffic signs, which are very effective.

Junk Yard Ordinance: This ordinance, while valid, was adopted in 2006. Consequently, there are issues with the document as it’s now 15 years old and the community needs to be able to review it and provide input. At the Sept. SB meeting, an action plan for town wide review with implementation in spring 2022 will be discussed. Dwayne Warren, who recognizes his property on Main St. in Proctorsville will most likely be sited, stated that he wasn’t going to stand by and be singled out as he feels this was done to him in the past.

Proposal for paving of the parking lot adjacent to CTES. The TRSU has asked if the town would like the area in front of Bidgood Park, adjacent to the school, paved as they are in the process of paving the current school parking lot. The cost to the town would be $12,000. While the park is town property, the parking there is all associated with the school. A motion was not made.

Approved
• Catering Application for Sam’s Steakhouse @ 1589 Main Street, Cavendish for a one-time event.

• Renewal of Solar Bond note in the amount of $256,5000

• The issuing of a notice of compliance and a fine, under the Animal Control Ordinance, to a property owner on Rodgers Drive whose dogs have been a significant problem for years.

131 Paving Project update: There is a discrepancy between sidewalk and road in various locations, possibly as a result of elevation calculations error. The project may now be replacing side walk up to the Black River Commons and in the area near the Stone Church. Pavement is crumbling and/or has been eliminated in some locations by the project.. This is to be addressed with a plan going to town manager, Brendan McNamara, by the end of the week. See item 2 for the current update on the project including starting the work in Proctorsville next week.

Cavendish Gulf Rd Property: Sold at auction. Deed is transferred. Health violation has been rectified with the removal of the trash . There is an issue with the culvert on the driveway. Town will take care of this, at it could damage the Gulf Rd. A lean will be put on the house to recoup costs.

2. RT 131 CONSTRUCTION/BRIDGE @ EXIT 8 UPDATE-8/2/21: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com The updates below are from Vtrans:

Rt 131: Placement of curbing will continue next week. Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Cold Planing (grinding of the top 2 inches of existing asphalt) in Proctorville is scheduled to begin next week. Alternating one-way traffic will be in effect in the vicinity of cold planing operations. Please expect delays.

Bridge @ Exit 8: South end approach work is completed and north end approach work should be finished this week. The second of three pours for F-Barrier to be done this week. F-Barrier is scheduled for completion next week. Formwork on the concrete rail on the south approach slab is scheduled for completion next week.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Black River Water Testing: Water testing on the Black River showed satisfactory levels on Wednesday, and is safe for recreating. Note that no water test was done on Buttermilk Falls It is recommended to stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain or any time it appears cloudy. Test results are posted to Is it Clean?

• TRSU board hears reopening plans, hires GM board member: Superintendent Lauren Fierman is recommending following the state guidance of masking required for elementary schools, with masking the first 10 days for GM and if 80% of the student population is vaccinated, masks would be optional for those vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated must continue to wear a mask. Note that vaccinations are only available for those 12 and above. It will be up to each district make their own choice in this matter. There is no remote option for children this year though the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative is providing classes to high school students. Chester Telegraph

• Cavendish Library Lego Club: A Lego club is coming to the Cavendish Library! Do you have Legos gathering dust in a corner? Please consider donating them to the library for this ongoing activity! FMI: 226-7503

• Vt. independent contractors, gig workers to lose unemployment benefits next month

• Vermont State Police warn about text scam for driver license renewal

4. COVID UPDATE: A Covid vaccine clinic is coming to Cavendish Volunteer Fire Dept. Sept. 19 (Thursday) 3-7pm Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; Oct. 9 (Thursday) 3-7 pm 2nd dose of Pfizer. Vaccines are free.

 Cases are rising, along with clusters, hospitalizations and deaths. VT’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine, recommends “Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.” On Tuesday, Levine said that 75% of those in the hospital were unvaccinated. Yesterday, Aug. 12, VT had 114 new cases (25,883 total cases), the highest one day total so far in the latest surge with 25 people hospitalized, including 8 in the ICU. There was an additional death, bringing the total for August to four (264 total deaths).

As of yesterday, 84.7% of Vermonters, age 12 + have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.

VT Covid Cases in Children: For the month of August, ending on 8/11,  VT has seen 109 (16% of 674 total) new Covid cases among children too young to be vaccinated. As of Tuesday, no children were in the hospital.

FDA Authorizes Third Covid-19 Dose for People with Weakened Immunity. Last evening the FDA amended the emergency use authorization for both Pfizer and Moderna, to allow for an additional dose for certain immunocompromised people, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. The CDC estimates the population to be less than three percent of adults.

Masking: The CDC  recommends that anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who lives where “substantial” or “high” infection rates are occurring, should mask when indoors. According to the CDC’s Covid-19 Integrated County View map  all of the NH counties are now reporting “substantial:” or “high” number of cases.  In Vermont, the only county with “moderate” cases is Grand Isle. Windsor now has “substantial” cases.

Many towns, businesses, stores etc. are following the CDC guidance and requiring the wearing of masks indoors. If you are in need of cloth or surgical masks they are available for free at the CHS Cares Closet next to the Museum steps.

Mandated vaccines: UVM Health Network, all employees; Norwich University; VT state employees at certain locations (prisons, the Vermont Veterans’ Home and state-owned psychiatric facilities)

Note that Vermont no longer has an emergency order in place and the Governor has no plans to enact one. Consequently, while the state can offer guidance and make recommendations about masking and vaccination, they can’t enforce it.

Make vaccination a priority! School starts September 7 (Tuesday), vaccinated the 12-17 year old group with the Pfizer vaccine and have them protected by the start of school. Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.  

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 14 (SATURDAY): 4-6 PM  Ice Cream Social at the Cavendish Library  A community get together. See the new layout of the library and get  to meet new people now residing in our area or even just to reacquaint with others we haven't  seen since the pandemic hit. Free and open to the public. FMI: 226-7503

AUGUST 15 (SUNDAY): What’s in the Cavendish Historical Society Museum’s Medicine Cabinet? Talk begins at 2 pm at the Museum and will feature Dan Churchill who worked at Pollard’s store compounding medicine from 8th-12th grades. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807. Please note that masking will be required regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be provided.

AUGUST 18 (WEDNESDAY): 7pm  Book Club Evening at the Cavendish Library. Discussion of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu  Kawaguchi.  Books available at the library or electronically thru Hoopla. This is a free and open event. FMI: 226-7503

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

SEPTEMBER 19 (THURSDAY): Free COVID vaccination clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department from 3-7 pm. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. Vaccines are free

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 9 (THURSDAY): Free Covid Vaccine Clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 3-7 pm Pfizer.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

Oct. 9 (Thursday) 3-7 pm 2nd dose of Pfizer.  

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 8/6/21: Construction/Covid/News/Updates

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

8/6/21

1.    RT 131 Construction/Bridge @ Exit 8 Update from VTrans 8/5/21

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Pollard Teenage Pharmacist

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. RT 131 CONSTRUCTION/BRIDGE @ EXIT 8 UPDATE-8/5/21: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com The updates below are from Vtrans:

Rt 131: Placement of curbing will continue next week. The roadway has been paved with the intermediate course of asphalt and temporary markings have been placed. Traffic speeds have picked up with the smoother surfaces. Please be advised that the work zone speed reduction is still in place.  Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to begin next week.

Bridge @ Exit 8: Approach work continues on the south end of the bridge, and has started on the north end of the bridge as well. Remaining F-barrier on the bridge is scheduled for installation next week. Next week crews will work on forming and placing the northern approach slab. Substructure repairs on the piers under the bridge will continue throughout the week next week. Formwork on the concrete rail on the south approach slab is tentatively scheduled for next week.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Fire in Proctorsville: In the early hours of Tuesday, Aug 3, there was a motor vehicle fire in front of the Pollard Block (7 Depot St). While it was brought under control quickly by the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Dept., the cause of the fire is suspicious and being investigated by VT State Police. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PFD Chief Glidden at 226-7281 or contact VT State Police.

• Water Testing: Water testing on the Black River showed much lower levels of e-coli levels this Wednesday, and is safe for recreating. Note that there was a problem with the Cavendish Gorge sample and consequently, there is no data for that swimming hole this week. It is recommended to stay out of the water for 24 hours after a heavy rain or any time it appears cloudy. Test results are posted to Is it Clean?

• Concerts on the Green: Last concert on the Green is Aug. 11 and will feature Dr. Tom’s Band, a roots-rock band with a bit of jazz on the side. Concerts start at 6 at Svec Park (Proctorsville Green) with a rain location of Gethsemane Church, just off Depot St. Concerts are free and open to the public. Wearing masks at the concert and physical distancing are required for those who are not vaccinated. The Green is large and the band will be loud enough to be heard throughout, so please spread out and maintain distancing. Thank you CCCA, sponsors, and Sharon Huntley for another great concert season

3. POLLARDS TEENAGE PHARMACIST: The Pollard general store, operated in Proctorsville for approximately 100 years, selling a wide variety of products, including window shades, glazed windows, tobacco, sugar, medicines, footwear, shawls, rope, carpets, petroleum products, and food products.

Serving both humans and animals, Pollards provided a “compounding” pharmacy service, which made customized medications.

Dan Churchill, the owner of “Commercial Radio,” wanted to be a pharmacist as a kid. Around the age of 12-13, he started hanging out at Pollard’s Store and it wasn’t long before he was employed in the pharmacy department. The longer Dan worked for Park Pollard, the more he turned over the day to day operations to him.

The same year Dan headed off to college, 1955, Park Pollard died, and with it the pharmacy service.

While Park was able to become a pharmacist under the apprentice system, by 1948, the American Council on Education declared that the pharmacy degree should be a 6-year program. Without the funds for such an education, Dan had to opt for “plan B” and went into electrical engineering.

However, Dan never lost his interest in pharmacy and when given the opportunity by the Pollard family, he took part of the store’s apothecary section along with the books of prescriptions.

 On Sunday, August 15 at 2 pm, Dan will be speaking at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, 1958 Main St (Route 131) in Cavendish about his experience being a teenage pharmacist at Pollard’s store. This program is free and open to the public. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

4. COVID UPDATE: We received a lot of questions this week and have tried to answer as many as possible in today’s Update. Please keep in mind that as the virus changes, so does data, information and recommendations. Questions can be e-mailed to cavendishconnects@gmail.com.

Is the Delta Variant Responsible for Rises in Vermont Cases?: Yes. 93% of the state’s July samples were positive for the Delta variant.  

There were 282 cases in the past week compared to 171 in the previous one and from Aug. 2 (Monday)-Aug. 5 (Thursday) there have been 223 cases. Hospitalizations are now starting to rise and on Thursday, the state had rates similar to May-11 cases with 6 in the ICU. According to Tuesday state modeling report, the median age of unvaccinated infections in the last week is 30 years old. Cases are expected to rise and peak in the next 4-5 weeks, with 100 cases a day not being unusual by mid-month.

Vaccinations in VT have increased this past week by 14.6% over the last week,  with 84.1% of eligible Vermonters having started vaccination. There are 87,801 eligible Vermonters still unvaccinated.

How many VT cases are “breakthroughs?”: This term is used when people are fully vaccinated and test positive for the virus. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation,  found that of 17,104 cases reported in VT from Jan 1 to July 14, 2021, 276 (1.6%) of these cases were among those that were fully vaccinated. Out of 905 hospitalizations for that same time period, 13 (1.4%) were among the vaccinated. However, the Delta variant has picked up speed since this study was done and as noted above, cases are rapidly rising.

A better understanding of  “breakthroughs” resulting from the Delta variant comes from a July 30 study from the CDC. Findings from 469 Covid-19 cases that occurred in Barnstable County, MA (includes Provincetown) between July 3 and July 17 found that roughly ¾ of those cases were among fully vaccinated people. While five were hospitalized, four of them were fully vaccinated. No deaths were reported.

How many people have died from the vaccine in the U.S? Over 339 million vaccine doses were given to 187.2 million people in the US as of July 19, 2021. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires vaccination providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Only three 3 deaths appear to be linked to the blood clots that have occurred after the J & J vaccine. By comparison, as  of July 23, 2021, more than 610,000 deaths have been attributed to the virus in the US alone.

Why hasn’t the FDA changed the emergency use status of the mRN vaccines (Modernia & Pfizer) to approved? According to a Kaiser Family Foundation report, about 30% of unvaccinated people say they’re waiting for vaccines  to be fully approved by the FDA. As a starting point, the FDA doesn’t have the power to decide on its own to convert products from an emergency-use authorization to a full approval.” Instead, a company like Pfizer or Moderna must first request approval. Pfizer began that process by submitting a biologics license application to the FDA in May, and the agency granted it a priority review. Moderna kicked off the process in June. Reviewing those applications, called BLAs, will take time. On July 16, the FDA accepted Pfizer’s application “under priority review” meaning it will move faster than standard reviews which typically take at least 10 months. There are indications that Pfizer could be approved by Labor Day.

Why Should I vaccinate? According to Health Commissioner, Dr. Levine, “If you are not vaccinated, but could be, you're leaving yourself without protection to an often-serious illness that has actually killed 260 of our friends and loved ones. People who are not vaccinated are the biggest drivers of virus spread, which allows for more mutations like the Delta variant.” Note that the VT Medical Society supports mandated vaccines for all health care workers.  At least five hospitals Brattleboro Memorial, White River Junction VA Medical Center, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Southwestern Vermont Region, which offers care through Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, are requiring some or all of their employees to be vaccinated. VT Digger

What will happen with schools this fall?: The state is recommending in person school, five days per week, with universal masking for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. No physical distancing required. Once 80% of the eligible student population in a school (only applies to those 12 and up) has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the guidance for that school can be changed to masking only for un vaccinated individuals. VT’s guidelines differ from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, both of which call for universal mask mandate for everyone in school facilities. Education secretary, Dan French, said the national guidelines do not account for VT’s high vaccination rate. “Vermont is certainly not an island, but Vermonters know vaccines work, and that understanding needs to be factored into our decision making for schools.”

Does the CDC Mask Guidance Apply in VT?: The CDC  recommends that anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who lives where “substantial” or “high” infection rates are occurring, mask when indoors. The CDC’s Covid-19 Integrated County View map  identifies counties by low, moderate, substantial or high. In VT, no county is listed as having “low” cases. On Aug. 5, the following Vermont counties are at “substantial”: Bennington; Chittenden; Franklin; Grande Isle; and Orleans. In NH, Belknap; Cheshire; Grafton; Hillsborough; Rockingham; and Strafford are registering “substantial cases.” At this time, VT has no state COVID-19 restrictions or requirements for Vermonters or visitors to follow. Please note this could change in subsequent weeks and some stores and towns have reinstated indoor masking requirements. Masks Now Required in the Following Places Regardless of Vaccination Status: Cavendish Community Library; Ludlow Library Youth library (note the adult library requires those who are un vaccinated to mask); Hanover Coop; the town of Hanover; Dartmouth College; Home Depot

A Doomsday COVID Variant Worse Than Delta and Lambda May Be Coming, Scientists Say: Scientists keep underestimating the coronavirus.…. When the damage from Delta starts to subside, what other variants will be lurking just behind it to pull us back down again? The World Health Organization is already keeping an eye on several: Eta, which is now in several countries; Kappa, which arose in India; Iota, which first popped up in New York City—and especially Lambda, which has torn through Peru and shows signs of having unusual success in infecting fully vaccinated people, according to one early study. It has already spread to Argentina, Chile, Ecuador as well as Texas and South Carolina. Newsweek

Make vaccination a priority! School starts September 7 (Tuesday), that’s sufficient time to vaccinated the 12-17 year old group with the Pfizer vaccine and have them protected by the start of school. Those 18+ can be vaccinated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson, which provides protection after two weeks. Vaccination is available locally at the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ludlow (228-8477) or Ludlow Health Center (226-8867). Pop up testing sites are listed at the state’s website.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

AUGUST 11 (WEDNESDAY):  Concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green), 6pm, free and open to the public. Artists: Dr. Tom’s Band (Roots/Rock). Rain location is Gethsemane Church, off Depot St.

AUGUST 12 (THURSDAY): 10-5   Pickle Day at the Cavendish Library.  Come on in and get pickled.  Looking for donations of vegetables or small glass jars that week. Free and open to the public. FMI: 226-7503

AUGUST 14 (SATURDAY): 4-6 PM  Ice Cream Social at the Cavendish Library  A community get together. See the new layout of the library and get  to meet new people now residing in our area or even just to reacquaint with others we haven't  seen since the pandemic hit. Free and open to the public. FMI: 226-7503

AUGUST 15 (SUNDAY): What’s in the Cavendish Historical Society Museum’s Medicine Cabinet? We’ve done a study of the potions, notions and medicines that have been in the Museum’s exhibit. Talk begins at 2 pm at the Museum and will feature Dan Churchill who worked at Pollard’s store compounding medicine from 8th-12th grades. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

AUGUST 18 (WEDNESDAY): 7pm  Book Club Evening at the Cavendish Library. Discussion of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu  Kawaguchi.  Books available at the library or electronically thru Hoopla. This is a free and open event. FMI: 226-7503

AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 7 (TUESDAY): First day of school.

SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free

            • 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Local remembrance by area fire departments. A march will begin at the Ludlow Fire Station at 12:30 pm and end at Veteran’s Park in Ludlow. A ceremony with guest speakers will take place at 1 pm with lunch to follow. This event remembers those who lost their lives that day as well as those who have died from complications from exposures sustained in rescue operations.

·      RiverSweep

SEPT. 12 (SUNDAY): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. The tour is about 1 1/2 miles round trip. Walking shoes are recommended. Included in the tour is the site of the accident. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 3 (SUNDAY): Fitton-the Mill, the Firebug, and Everything in Between. Starting at 2 pm at the Museum, there will be a talk on the Fitton (Spring) Mill, the town that grew up around it-Fittonsville- and the man Robert “Firebug” Fitton who was responsible for its demise and lots of other property in the town of Cavendish. The talk will be following by a walk out to the site where the Mill, boarding house, and other structures once stood. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven terrain. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. FMI: 802-226-7807.

CA❤︎ENDSH VACCINATES TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS