Cavendish Update 9/24/21: Fitton Mill/News/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.

Black River Good Neighbor Rummage Sale starts today and runs through the weekend.

9/24/21

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Fitton: The Mill, the firebug and everything in between

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Construction Report: Will post to the Cavendish VT Facebook Page as soon as it is received, which will most likely be later this morning.

• GMUSD Board Meeting Sept `16: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting Sept. 16 heard recommendations for facility improvements for district schools based on a report by Energy Efficient Investments. According to the report, none of the schools (includes CTES and GMUHS) meet current filtration and dehumidification guidelines. CTES was in the best shape but needs a million dollar plus for repairs. Other issues discussed included proof of vaccination for GMUHS (only 75 of 370 students have provided proof of vaccination). To lift the mask mandate, 80% of students must be vaccinated. Once again Ken Saccardo asked the board to reverse the mask mandate. VT Journal Chester Telegraph

• Ten-digit dialing requirement starting Oct. 24th: Starting Oct. 24,  you will need to dial 10 digits for all calls, even those in your area code. This change is due to a new number-998- being created for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Before Oct. 24, customers should reprogram automatic dialing equipment and other devices now programmed with seven digits. Emergencies requiring immediate assistance- police, fire department, or ambulance, dialing should continue to call 911. FMI: FCC website

• Cavendish Library Programs: The Cavendish Library will be offering the following programs: Oct 2 (Saturday) Open house from 3-5 pm. Discover what your library has for you. Books, magazines, newspapers, videos, games, audible books, and today we have home-made APPLE CRISP w/ Vanilla Ice Cream

-Oct 17 (Sunday)- Author talk with Archer Mayor, 1 pm. He will discuss his new book to be released Oct 12th. Books will be available for purchase.

 - Oct. 20 Book Club 7 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. This month’s book is “Killing Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly and Maretin Dugard. The conspiracy that so few know about. Snacks and wine are provided. No fee but donations are accepted. FMI 226-7503

• Senior Solutions Offers Tai Chi Instructor Training for Fall Prevention A two-day Tai Chi Level One Training, focusing on improving balance and preventing falls, will be held on November 4 and 5, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm each day at Neighborhood Connections in the Mountain Marketplace, Londonderry, VT.   Senior Solutions will cover the full tuition of $300 as well as personal mileage for those attending, and the instructors will be Anne Bower and Laurie Knauer, Authorized Trainers from Tai Chi Vermont, Inc. For registration and questions, please contact Wendi Germain, Nutrition & Wellness Director of  Senior Solutions at  Phone/Text/Video: 802.755.7295, or WGermain@seniorsolutionsvt.org

2. FITTON-THE MILL, THE FIREBUG & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN : At one time Spring Mill, better known as Fitton Mill, was located by the Cavendish Gorge. One of the largest employers in town, the area became known as “Fittonsville,” as boarding  house, tenements and even a school were built.

Operating for about 10 years, it came to an abrupt end when building after building was burned. However, these weren’t the only buildings in Cavendish, or surrounding towns, subject to arson. Believed to be the work of Robert Fitton, know locally as”Firebug Fitton,” he seemed to have some crafty ways to strike a match.

On October 3 (Sunday), the Cavendish Historical Society will host a walking tour of the Mill site, starting at 2 pm. Beginning at the Museum, an overview will be provided, and will proceed to walk to the site, which is in the woods and on uneven terrain in parts. Dress accordingly.

This program is open to the public and free, though donations are appreciated. For more information, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish is up to 41 total cases, 2 for the most recent week. Cases for surrounding towns are on the rise as well. As expected, there are now cases in area schools resulting in some classes going remote. Schools include Chester, Ludlow and Weathersfield elementary schools. Springfield School District has set up a site in the interest of transparency and all four of the schools in their district have been impacted,. The Chester Telegraph posted an article that 10% of the TRSU students are now on remote learning.

Springfield Hospital has set up a drive-through testing site on the hospital campus free of charge for impacted students and families. This drive-through service is  located on the hill to the left of the Hospital’s main parking lot Friday 24th (8am-10:30am). No appointment is needed.

The Gill Home posted on Sept. 20 that they are once again open for visitation from 4-7 either outside or in the dinning room. FMI: 802-228-6850.

• Weekly Press Conference: The VT weekly case count has broken records and The Labor Day spike prompted Governor Scott to push vaccination, as he explained that this is an epidemic of the un vaccinated. Vermont’s un vaccinated account for about 80% of hospitalizations and 83% of ICU cases.

• Booster Shot Registration Begins Today: The VT Dept of Health issued the following statement last evening:  To accommodate expected demand, registration start dates for statewide clinics will be broken up by age groups. Each group can register starting at 8:15 a.m. over the next week, on the following days:

• 80 years of age and older – Friday, September 24

• 75 years of age and older – Monday, September 27

• 70 years of age and older – Wednesday, September 29

• 65 years of age and older – Friday, October 1

At this time, the booster shots are only approved for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It is expected that expanded booster shots will be approved for both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recipients in the coming weeks.

Vermonters will be eligible to receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine if they previously received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Additional information will be issued by the State following CDC's final action, including for those under age 65 with certain high-risk conditions. We await their complete guidance.

When you are eligible, you can get your booster dose anywhere that offers the Pfizer vaccine — a Health Department clinic, pharmacy, or health care provider. Find a map of locations at http://healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. You can also call 855-722-7878.

Moderna has submitted initial data on its booster to the FDA, which contains half the amount of mRNA as the original shots. Clinical testing showed this booster, when given six months after the completion of initial immunization, prompted a strong antibody response to the coronavirus, including the delta variant.

Johnson & Johnson has released more information on a booster, finding that people given a second shot two months after the first one increased protection against moderate to severe disease from about 75% to as much as 100%. The company also noted that a second shot given six months after the first shot increases provides even better protection. Data suggests that waiting longer for the second shot provides stronger protection.

• By the Numbers: Tuesday’s Modeling  showed that after declining the prior week, VT’s 7 day average increased to a new high, with 1,509 new cases. The Labor Day spike has seen an increase in 27% of new cases. At least one child is now hospitalized. September’s data shows a low of 1,046 cases from Sept 2-9 (1,046 cases) but has steadily increased-Sept. 9-16 had 1,404 cases, while Set. 16-23 had 1,446 cases. There have been 24 deaths this month, with hospitalizations reaching a high this week on Tuesday and Wednesday with 48 cases, 19 of which were in the ICU. As of yesterday, those numbers have dropped to 40 hospitalizations with 14 in the ICU.

4.EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 24-26 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday & Saturday, 10 - 4 and Sunday, 10 - 2. Masks required. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 29 (WEDNESDAY): E Bike demonstration, 5:30 pm at CTES. Free and open to the public.

OCTOBER 2 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Community Library will be hosting an open house from 3-5 pm. Discover what your library has for you. Books, magazines, newspapers, videos, games, audible books, and today we have home-made APPLE CRISP w/ Vanilla Ice Cream FMI: 226-7503

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 17 (SUNDAY): Author talk with Archer Mayor at the Cavendish Library, 1 pm. Archer Mayor will discuss his new book to be released Oct 12th. Books will be available for purchase.

OCTOBER 20 (WEDNESDAY): Cavendish Library Book Club, 7 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. This month’s book is “Killing Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly and Maretin Dugard. The conspiracy that so few know about. Snacks and wine are provided. No fee but donations are accepted.

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 9/17/21: SB Mtg/Construction/News/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.

HAPPY CONSTITUTION DAY! Today is the 234th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. It’s also National Citizenship Day. Test your knowledge by taking the sample Citizenship test and/or What’s Your Constitution I.Q? How did you do?

9/17/21

1.    Construction Reports for 9/20/21

2.    Cavendish SB Mtg 9/13

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. The updates below are from Vtrans for the week of 9/20/21:

131 Construction: Paving of the wearing course on side roads and driveways will take place next week. Expect traffic control and delays.  Some modifications are being made in the Town of Cavendish for drive access and sidewalk.  Sign installation will take place next week at various locations throughout the project.

Bridge @ Exit 8:  The contractor is scheduled to complete paving of the approaches to the bridge on  I-91 next week. Paving should not have any effect on traffic.  Guardrail installation and grinding of the bridge deck will occur next week. These operations will have no effect on traffic. The contractor will be repairing facia and applying silane (a sealant) on F-barrier for the bridge. Please expect a one-way alternating traffic pattern on VT Route 131 throughout the week.

2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 9/13: Watch the Select Board (SB) meeting at the Okemo Valley TV’s website or read the minutes at the Municipal website. The VT Journal has also filed a report on this meeting. Additional information on topics discussed appear in italics.

Paving Project: The final paving of 131 is underway, starting at 131/106 and heading towards the 103 intersection. They are also correcting drainage issues in both villages, adjusting guardrails, and replacing a large portion of the sidewalk in Cavendish Village with concrete. A broken paver is why a section of 131 (East bound)  in Proctorsville remains unpaved. Please see Item 1 for the latest report from VTrans.

413 Brook Rd Drainage Issue:   Joe Vullo’s property has had poor drainage that began after Irene when the road was replaced. It would appear this resulted in an incorrect pitch for this area of Brook Rd. Town crew, VTrans and Regional Planning have been working to find a better solution. Vullo voiced concerns about the “half-hearted work” by the town crew, the expenditures he’s had to make, and stated that the drainage situation is the worst it’s ever been. The SB will site visit the area on Wednesday Sept. 22 at 4:30.

Use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding: The Town has received the first installments of these funds-$210,743, anticipated total is approximately $422,000. Funds must be spent by Dec. 2024 in one of the following areas:  broadband, water and/or waste water. Broadband related items, such as equipment to improve participation in meetings via Internet or making land records available on-line, can be covered by ARPA money.. However, there is a major need for two waste water pump systems as well as replacing water meters. Currently, at least a third of the municipal water meters don’t work.

Broadband Note: Vermont has recently created the Vt Community Broadband Board (VCBB), which only provides federal dollars for build out to towns that are part of a CUD (Communication Union Districts). Cavendish is not part of a CUD so therefore not eligible for this funding. In addition, the state has made it impossible for Comcast, the largest Internet provider in Cavendish, to receive this funding. Of 969 addresses in Cavendish, 756 (78%) are covered by Comcast, 192 TDS only and 21 addresses are basically unserved. Given the state’s requirement of speeds of 25/3 MBPs, approximately 61 of  the 192 TDS only customers would be considered underserved. Ultimately, 82 (8%) properties of the town would be considered under or un served. Cavendish could use its ARPA funds to help build out the “last mile,” but it is unlikely to do so as the SB is looking to do projects that benefit the entire community. The Cavendish Telecommunications Committee recognizes that 25/3, while sufficient for today, will not be enough within a few years. Consequently, they are looking for a standard of 100/100 or higher and exploring other options to meet the long term broadband needs of the community.

Covid : Need to look at options for hybrid meetings as people are tired of Zoom. Equipment will be needed, and ARPA funds can be used to help with this. Town manager, Brendan McNamara is working with Regional Planning and Okemo Valley TV to help identify the appropriate equipment.

Impact of rentals on town utilities: There appears to be a trend that single family homes are being reconfigured to take advantage of the AirBnB rental market, which increases water and waste water demand.  McNamara gave an example of one house that has been turned into four AirBnB  units but only has one meter. Ultimately the discussion led to how municipal water is being billed and what options should be considered.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Proctorsville Fire Department honors members: The Proctorsville Fire Department honored three of their members Sunday, Sept. 12 for major service milestones reached over the past year. Firefighter Jeremy Carlisle reached the 20-year milestone with PFD, becoming a lifetime member. Fire Chief Robert Glidden was honored for reaching 50 years of service with PFD. He achieved the honor last year, but the celebration was postponed due to Covid-19 concerns. Firefighter Ray Fitzgibbons reached the milestone of 50 years of service with a combined stint in both the Cavendish Fire Department and PFD. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to our town. VT Journal

• E-Bike Demonstration: Curious about learning how an Electric bike might help you breeze up and down Vermont's hills with less effort? The Cavendish Energy Committee will present a free e-bike presentation on Wednesday, September 29th at 5:30 p.m. with demonstrations of e-bikes by local owners. The workshop will be held outside, in the schoolyard at the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Main Street in Proctorsville. FMI: Mary Ormrod at 802-226-7783 or email Mary.Ormrod@icloud.com.

• Vermont regulators put cash-strapped Springfield Hospital on ice

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish now has 39 total cases, 8 of which have occurred in the last three weeks, with 5 alone (17% increase) for the most recent week of data. Cases are also increasing in surrounding towns. Ludlow and Chester each had 9 new cases per Town, while Springfield had 12. The Gill Home posted on Sept. 14, On Tuesday, we completed PCR testing facility wide for all staff and residents. Results are in and all residents have tested negative, however, one staff member has tested positive. During discussion with the Vermont Department of Health we learned they don't necessarily consider this case to be linked with the original resident cases. The employee last worked on Saturday, September 11th. The Vermont Department of Health does not feel the residents this staff member worked with are at risk of transmission, due to their vaccination status and the fact the staff member was in full facial PPE (N95, surgical mask, and face shield).

Yesterday, Sept. 16, saw the highest one day total of new cases, 314, since the start of the pandemic. The state provided the following information,. While this is technically the largest single day report, as we communicated yesterday, we had an outside vendor IT glitch that delayed the delivery of test results. At this time, we believe the issue has been resolved. We are therefore investigating whether or not the IT glitch and subsequent fix may have impacted today's case count, as well as our previous days' case counts. It is possible – but not confirmed – that we will see older tests come through over the next few days. We are actively working to assess the impacts, monitor the situation, and we will keep the public informed, including providing updated numbers, as we learn more.

Free Vaccine Clinics nearby: A free clinic will be held at the Chester Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9-5. They will be administering the “one & done” Johnson & Johnson vaccine for those 18+. On Wed, Sept. 22 is the free vaccine clinic (Pfizer) at the Cavendish Fire Dept, 3-7 pm. Don’t forget that second dose of Pfizer.

• Weekly Press Conference: There have been complaints about testing availability and turn around for results. The state identified both staffing issues and allowing walk-in patients for testing sites as part of the problem. They recommend calling for an appointment. Note that you can get a Covid test at the Ludlow Health Center if you have symptoms. If you need a routine test, such as required for an event or travel, you will need to use one of the state sites, which include locations in Rutland and Springfield.

Contact tracing has also been a problem for schools and public who are concerned about how long this is taking. Mike Smith, Agency of Human Services secretary, blamed AM Trace. “The contract calls for them to increase their workforce as Covid-19 positive case counts increased. Recently, they failed to do that sufficiently, leaving the state to fill the gap,” Smith said. State employees and the National Guard will now be used to fill this need.  

• By the Numbers: The Sept. 14 state report, appears to be out of sync with yesterday’s new cases. However, Tuesday’s report shows a declining growth rate, and for the first time, a decrease in cases since the Delta serge began in late June.  International and national data suggests that the Delta variant peaks around 7-9 weeks and then drops. VT is now in its 9th week.

The data continues to show the importance of vaccination, with the unvaccinated cases increasing by 7% over the last week and the vaccinated rate decreasing by 2% for the same time period. Hospitalizations are increasing, which is an expected trend as hospitalizations generally occur after people have been infected for a while. On average, 71% of recent hospitalizations have occurred among the unvaccinated. To date 294 people have died, which includes 11 deaths in the last week.

-       Covid in Schools: According to the VT Dept of Health’s weekly data on schools, dated Sept. 12, while 159 cases were reported in the state since schools reopened this fall, 78 occurred in the last seven days, 0 cases for Cavendish, Ludlow, Chester or Springfield.

• Springfield Hospital No Visitors Allowed at This Time: From Springfield Hospital For the health and safety of our patients and staff, NO VISITORS ARE ALLOWED AT THIS TIME, with only the following exceptions: Patients receiving end of life care may have two visitors -  coordinated by nursing staff. Patients under age 18 may have two parents or guardians. Outpatient Clinic appointment patients - may have one vaccinated support person. Must show proof of vaccination. Outpatient Surgery and Endoscopy patients may not have visitors waiting in the hospital, and visitors will be asked to wait outside. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. NO EXCEPTIONS.

• Booster Shots: The FDA is meeting today about vaccine boosters. While those with compromised immune systems are recommended to get a third shot, it’s possible the FDA will only approve a booster for those 60+. Information on the ruling will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook when it’s announced.

•  Literature/Other News

-       CDC data indicates Moderna vaccine more effective against delta variant of COVID-19 than Pfizer, J&J: Moderna vaccine effectiveness has a rate of 95% when it comes to hospitalizations due to the delta variant, while Pfizer sits at 80% and Johnson & Johnson at 60%. The effectiveness rate for Moderna against urgent care and emergency room visits sits at 92%. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have rates of 77% and 65%, respectively.

-       Moderna working on hybrid COVID-19/Flu vaccine: Moderna announced is developing a hybrid vaccine that would provide protection against COVID-19 and influenza. Moderna is also developing four variant-specific booster candidates to the standalone COVID-19 shot, including a formula specifically targeting delta.

-       Doctors Divided About Need for COVID-19 Boosters: Overall, 71% of 575 US physicians who were polled said they thought the available evidence supports giving boosters to people who have already had two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines; 12% disagreed, and 17% said they were unsure. Of 1133 nurses surveyed, 66% said they thought evidence supports boosters, 15% disagreed, and 19% were unsure. The Lancet

-       FDA Could Authorize COVID Vaccine for Ages 5‒11 in October: Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could be authorized for ages 5-11 by the end of October, according to Reuters.

-       New Moderna Vaccine Support Booster Shot after 8 Months: Moderna released new data that i supports the argument for COVID-19 booster shots — specifically showing that people who received a first shot of their mRNA vaccine a median of 13 months ago are more likely to experience a breakthrough infection compared to individuals who received a first shot a median of 8 months ago.

5. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 17 (FRIDAY): Constitution Day!

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 https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html 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 vaccines will be administered.

-       First day of fall!

SEPTEMBER 24-26 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday & Saturday, 10 - 4 and Sunday, 10 - 2. Masks required. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 29 (WEDNESDAY): E Bike demonstration, 5:30 pm at CTES. Free and open to the public.

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 VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

Cavendish Update: 9/10/21: Construction/News/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.

9/11 Remembrance Weekend: While the annual Honey Festival takes place from 10-4 on Saturday at the Golden Stage Inn, there will be a parade and speakers in Ludlow to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Okemo Valley fire departments, including both Cavendish and Proctorsville, have planned this event. Learn more in the events section, Item 4.

9/10/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS: Please direct questions and concerns to Natalie Boyle at Vtrans802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: 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 to 40 mph is still in place. Fines are doubled for speeding in the construction zone.  Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Paving of the wearing course is scheduled to start next week project-wide. Paving will start on the east side of the project and progress to the west. Some modifications are being made in the Town of Cavendish for drive access and sidewalk. 

Bridge @ Exit 8:  The contractor is scheduled to mill the pavement and pave the approaches to the bridge on I-91. Milling and paving should not have any effect on traffic.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Jennie Kolenda: Among the last of her generation, Jennie Kolenda who worked for the town, Kenwood Mills and served 32 years as a ballot clerk for various town elections died on Sept. 4. A funeral mass will be celebrated today at 11 am at the Church of Annunciation in Ludlow. Her obituary is available online.

• Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk: There are probably few readers in our area that aren’t aware of Phineas Gage, the railroad foreman, who on September 13, 1848, had a tamping rod pass through his head as a result of a blasting accident. The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will host its annual Gage Walk & Talk on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury.  The accident site is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.  This program is free and open to the public. Donations welcome. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Cavendish Community Fund Accepting Applications for Fall 2021 Grants: The Cavendish Community Fund has announced that it is now accepting grant applications for fall 2021 awards. Generally, grants are not expected to exceed $1,000 each. Award amounts will depend primarily on the number of applications received and the amounts requested. The Fund will consider applications filed anytime, but will only award grants this fall to those who file by November 1st. Applications can be made by letter that describes the organization that is applying, the project proposed and the overall budget, including the amount requested. Of utmost importance, the application must also describe how the program, project, or event will specifically benefit the people of Cavendish. Further information on applying can be obtained by emailing CavendishCommunityFund@gmail.com or by mailing to the Cavendish Community Fund, P.O. Box 154, Proctorsville, VT 05153. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

• BRGN Rummage Sale Returns: Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funds raised will help the cost of utilities, heating fuel, rent, and food for qualified individuals and families in Ludlow, Mount Holly, Belmont, Cavendish, Proctorsville, and Plymouth. Masks will be required for everyone’s safety. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

• St. James Methodist Church Concert: To raise money for the church’s fuel fund, a free concert is being held on Sept. 12, 2 pm (doors open at 1:30). The church is located at 570 Main St.

• Schools open with masks, Ludlow man continues to object Chester Telegraph

3. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had two new case of Covid this past week, bringing the total to 34 cases. There were four new cases each for Ludlow and Chester. Please help our kids, as well as yourself and community by vaccinating and wearing masks.

• Weekly Press Conference: Mask mandates continue to be a hot topic. The state is requesting that all schools keep masks in place until Oct. 4, after which, those schools with a completed vaccination rate of 80%, can make masking optional. All but one district in VT has adopted the state’s recommendation on masking. The state is making this request because of the Delta variant  and wanting to better understand where it’s heading. Those schools with high vaccination rates are eligible for extra funds. School will submit grant requests with student input.

Beginning Sept. 15, all state of VT executive branch employees will have to self-attest that they’ve been vaccinated or must be tested weekly and wear a mask. 

Booster vaccines will most likely be administered in the same manner the initial vaccines were given-by age, underlying conditions. For those who had Johnson & Johnson, information about a booster should be coming in the next 10 days or so.

The Governor also noted, What we also have to acknowledge is that Covid isn’t the only virus taking hold right now. With the Delta wave, has come a wave of divisiveness and anger, a resurgence of polarization that had just started to subside earlier this summer.  If we’re truly going to move forward, we’ve got to reflect on the language we use, the fear and anger these words might stoke and the wounds we’re deepening.  This is the time to rally and pull together because COVID-19 is not going away and we must not let it tear us apart, especially as the risks are being significantly reduced through vaccines.

• By the Numbers: The modeling data this week shows continuing increases with over a thousand this past week. These totals are close to the all-time highs seen in March and April. The un vaccinated case rate has increased 11% in the last 7 days as compared to 1% for vaccinated.  Among those fully vaccinated (426,323 Vermonters) 1,928 (0.45%) have tested positive, with 53 (0.012%) hospitalized for Covid and 18 (0.004%) have died.

To date, 29,588 Vermonters have tested Covid positive. There have been 283 deaths (3 in the last week) and 30 people are currently in the hospital, 7 of which are in the ICU.

• Covid in Schools: The VT Dept of Health is now providing weekly data on Tuesday morning of Covid cases in schools. While 81 cases were reported in the state since schools reopened this fall, with 41 occurring in the last seven days,  none were reported for Cavendish, Ludlow, Chester or Springfield.

•  Literature/Other News

-       Biden Administration Scaling Back Sept. 20 Booster Plan: The Biden administration still plans to offer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots starting Sept. 20, though the rollout may differ from the initial plan. FDA and CDC advisers still need to meet next week to approve a third dose, and even then, only certain people may be recommended to get another shot for now, according to The Associated Press. First announced in August, the plan was to offer Pfizer and Moderna boosters to Americans 8 months after their second dose, the AP reported. But since then, Moderna has requested that its booster be half the dose of the original shots, and the FDA has said it needs more data from Moderna before deciding. Johnson & Johnson also needs to submit an application to the FDA for a booster dose.

-       Biden Lays Out Plan To Mandate Vaccines Or Testing For Millions Of Workers

- Large Study Affirms What We Already Know: Masks Work to Prevent COVID-19

-       COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna): No Serious Health Risks in Large Study

-       Vaccines Cut Risk of Long COVID by Half: Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal

-       How Concerned Should We Be About the Mu Variant?

-       FBI opens criminal probe into 3 Vermont troopers over fake Covid-19 vaccination cards.

• Make vaccination a priority! The free vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept is Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. This will be the Pfizer vaccine. It is unclear if they will have Johnson & Johnson this time.

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:

SEPTEMBER 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

SEPTEMBER 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

-       St. James Methodist Church (570 Main St) free concert, 2 pm at the Church. Doors open at 1:30. Donations welcomed to help with fuel costs for the winter months. Public welcome.

SEPTEMBER 13 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

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 https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html 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 vaccines will be administered.

SEPTEMBER 24-26 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY): Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its 25th Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow, Friday & Saturday, 10 - 4 and Sunday, 10 - 2. Masks required. FMI: Krey Kellington at Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Store, 37B Main Street, Ludlow at 802-228-3663 or BRGNS@gmail.com.

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.

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 9/3/21 Crime Watch/131/News/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.

Crime Watch: In the last several weeks there have been a variety of incidents in Cavendish/Proctorsville-catalytic converter theft, car and homes broken into, and even gas siphoning from a car. If you have any information, please contact the state police and be sure to keep doors locked.

9/3/21

1.    Construction Reports

2.    Sept. is Preparedness Month

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. The updates below are from Vtrans:

131 Construction: Guardrail work to continue next week. Roadway ditching operations will continue next week. Adjustments to drainage structures is scheduled to continue next week. Paving of the shim layer of asphalt in Proctorsville is scheduled to be completed next week. 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. This work was not able to be completed this week due to mechanical failures with the paver. Paving of shim in Proctorsville will be finished next week prior to the start of paving of the wearing surface.  Paving of the wearing course is scheduled to start next week project-wide. Paving will start on the east side of the project and progress to the west. Some modifications are being made in the Town of Cavendish for drive access and sidewalk. 

Bridge @ Exit 8: Crews will be stripping the bridge deck and removing the forms next week. Expect lane closures on VT 131. The contractor is scheduled to mill the pavement and pave the approaches to the bridge on I-91. Milling and paving should not have any effect on traffic.

2. SEPTEMBER IS PREPAREDNESS MONTH: As one Cavendish resident noted, “During Irene when the fire department knocked on our door and said, ‘If you hear the siren, you have 10 minutes to get to higher ground,’ I didn’t know what to take.” In keeping with National Preparedness Month, the following resources are being provided to help you better prepare for disasters and emergencies.

Please note that in times of emergency, special bulletins from the Cavendish Update will be sent to subscribers and the Cavendish Facebook page will contain the latest information.

What you Need: Mark Huntley, of Huntley Financial Services, Inc, has offered the following information in response to the request he receives about what things should be in order if something unforeseen should happen. These documents should be in one place that key people would know where it is and how to access [Consider using a file organizer, such as a fireproof document bag,  that can be handily grabbed if you need to evacuate quickly]: Emergency Contacts; Medications and Supplements; Health Insurance; Health Information and History;  Living Will/Advance Directive; Medical Power of Attorney; Durable/Springing Power of Attorney;  Bank Accounts (make sure and add someone on to your checking accounts as this will allow the ability to continue to pay bills etc); Investments; Retirement Accounts;  Safe Deposit Box;  Credit Cards; Mortgages and Loans;  Important Financial Contacts; Personal Insurance Property; Insurance;  Will and Estate Plan; Funeral Arrangements and other Important Information such as Identification Property and Titles; Important Tax Documents; and Online Accounts and Passwords Memberships and Subscriptions.

Keep Smart Phones Current: Your mobile phone and/or tablet can store a lot of the information Mark has identified above, as well provide an invaluable resource to first responders in the event you are unable to speak. However, this is only going to be possible if you take the time to regularly update your device. Use the following resources to help you:

• Use your Smart Phone for Better Health: Includes information on apps and ways to keep health information readily available if a first responder or emergency personnel needs to assist you.

• Smartphone Settings Could Save Your Life: Built in features can help you call for aid quickly. Know how to use them before you need them.

• Mobile Preparedness: Using Smart Phones & Tablets to Expedite Disaster Recovery

• Sign up for VT-Alert

Resources to help you prepare

• Cavendish Connects Emergency Preparedness Page (this includes town, state and regional resources and links)

• VT State’s Preparedness for Individuals & Families

3, CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Gulf Incident: On September 1st, 2021 at approximately 1230 hours, the Charlestown NH Police Department responded to a residential burglary alarm and upon arriving, interrupted a suspect mid burglary. The suspect then fled in a stolen vehicle. Charlestown PD pursued the vehicle which then crossed into Springfield, Vermont and line of sight was lost on the vehicle. It was then reported that a firearm was stolen from the initial burglary. The

Springfield Police Department subsequently observed the vehicle on Spoonerville Road in Springfield and then received another tip that it was near Dean Brook Road in Chester Vermont. Officers of the Chester Police Department responded to that area and located the vehicle which then fled. While attempting to flee on Densmore Road in the Town of Cavendish, due to a crossing train, the suspects intended path of travel was blocked. The suspect attempted turn around and in doing so, crashed into the train which flung the vehicle off the roadway into the woods. The suspect then fled on foot. Another Officer located the suspect on a train trestle further down the tracks and initiated a foot pursuit. Upon closing the distance with the suspect, he was observed to have a firearm in his right hand. After refusing commands, the suspect was hit with a Conducted Electrical Weapon which was ineffective. The level of force was increased due to the suspects noncompliance, which resulted in the suspect dropping his firearm and being taken into custody after a brief struggle. The suspect was identified as Kristopher Royce. Royce was subsequently found to have a warrant for failure to comply with the sex offender registry, as well as a warrant for a furlough violation, with the underlying offense of Occupied Burglary. After processing, Royce was lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility. Chester Facebook page.

• School Opening Measures at Well Attended Forum: At the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) back to school open forum on Aug. 26, Superintendent Lauren Fierman told the 150 people in attendance about how the district will be following the Covid guidelines issued by VT’s Agency of Education for masking, social distancing and vaccination. Chester Telegraph

• CVFD Vaccine Clinic: Wednesday’s free clinic at the Cavendish Fire Department provided vaccinations to 24 people. The next free clinic at the Fire Hall will be Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 pm.

• CHS Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society September news brief is now available at their blog. This update includes upcoming events, including the annual Phineas Gage Walk and Talk on Sept. 12, 2 pm starting at the Museum.

• Springfield Hospital’s budget proposal draws skepticism from Vermont board: Green Mountain Care Board officials called Springfield Hospital’s proposed $55 million operating budget for the coming year “aspirational” in a hospital budget hearing last week and urged the hospital’s leaders to rethink their strategy for the future by cutting costs or attracting more patients. VT Digger

• Vt. regulators approve GMP rate hike: Vermont regulators on Wednesday signed off on a rate increase, 4.69%, for Green Mountain Power, the state’s largest electric utility. GMP has sought modifications to its multi-year ratemaking plan to make investments in improved electric transmission and residential power battery storage initiatives. WCAX

4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish had another new case of Covid this past week, bringing the total to 32 cases, two within the last two weeks.

On Tuesday, the Gill Home issued a statement via their Facebook page,   that they were now dealing with Covid at the facility, We were notified [Tuesday morning] by two different visitors that they had tested positive for Covid-19 out in the community. This prompted us to test our residents and staff. We found that we have a resident that has tested positive for Covid-19 using a rapid antigen test. https://vermontjournal.com/news/gill-odd-fellows-home-takes-covid-19-outbreak-precautions/

Weekly Press Conference: At this week’s press conference, the message was very clear Covid is going to be with us for a long time to come and it was no longer of such an emergent nature that a state of emergency was needed. Without this declaration, the Governor and health department are limited to recommending people and businesses follow the CDC recommendations of vaccination, masking (regardless of vaccination status) when indoors and to socially distance. Gov. Scott noted, Because despite what you might have been reading, we are in a much better place than perhaps any other state because, vaccines have proven to be very effective at preventing cases and even more effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. …If we had Florida’s hospitalization rates, we would have around 500 Vermonters hospitalized instead of 28. But it is not just Florida. If we had Connecticut’s hospitalization rate, for example, which has the 5th lowest rate in the nation, we would be talking about over 75 hospitalized instead of 28. So, the message here is clear: Get vaccinated! Because we have proven they work.

By the Numbers: The modeling data this week included data on August cases who have died by age bracket. Of those 0-18 years of age, none of the 730 cases died. In the 19-49 age bracket, of 1,493 cases to date, two have died. For those 50-69, 6 of the 685 cases died and for 70+, 8 of 297 died. However, since that report was issued, VT had its first death of someone in their 20s. Since the start of the pandemic, VT has had three people in their 30s and seven in their 40s die.

Despite high vaccination rates among seniors, roughly two-thirds of the Delta cases are in residents in long term care.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26, there are now 28,542 cases (145 new cases yesterday), 29 in hospital, eight of whom are in ICU and six more people died this past week bringing the total to 279 deaths. The seven day percent positivity (percentage of people testing positive) is 2.5%, which is more an indicator that VT has significantly increased testing. From, Aug 12-18, 738 new cases of Covid were reported compared to 852 from Aug. 19-25. Aug 26 and 986 from Aug 26-Sept 1.

Moderna's Vaccine Creates Twice as Many Antibodies as Pfizer's: Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine generates more than double the antibodies seen from Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new research letter published Monday in JAMA. The differences could be explained by the higher amount of active ingredient in the Moderna vaccine- Moderna vaccine has 100 micrograms of active ingredient, as compared with 30 micrograms in the Pfizer vaccine. The slightly longer interval between doses could lead to differences as well.

Hospitals across the region grapple with staffing shortage: Hospitals across our region, are facing a crisis. From UVM Medical Center to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the pandemic has exacerbated the long-running problem of staffing shortages, and that’s leading to long wait times for many patients. WCAX

WHO Tracking New COVID-19 Variant Called Mu: The variant, also known as B.1.621, was first identified in Colombia in January. It has now been detected in 43 countries and was added to the WHO's "variant of interest" list on Monday. "The Mu variant has a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape," the WHO wrote in its weekly COVID-19 update on Tuesday.

Make vaccination a priority! The free vaccine clinic at the Cavendish Fire Dept is Sept. 22 (Wednesday) from 3-7 PM. This will be the Pfizer vaccine. It is unclear if they will have Johnson & Johnson this time. 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:

SEPTEMBER 6 (MONDAY): Happy Labor Day. Town Office Closed

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 https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/hazardous-waste.html 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

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