Cavendish Update 3/25/22: CTES/News/Events

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

Cavendish Town Informational Meeting Monday night (3/29/22), Zoom or at CTES @ 7 pm. Voting Tuesday (3/30/22) 10-7 @ the Proctorsville Fire Hall. 

TICKS ARE OUT AND THEY’RE HUNGRY!

3/25/22

1.    GMUSD votes down CTES’s Early Release Day

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. GMUSD VOTES DOWN CTES’S EARLY RELEASE DAY: On Wednesday evening the Green Mountain Unified School District  (GMUHS) and the Ludlow/Mt Holly board met to discuss whether all of the schools in the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) should adopt Cavendish Town Elementary School’s (CTES) Tuesday’s early release, which allows the teachers to have weekly educational in-services. As it is, the weekly 2.5 hours per week over the 36 weeks of the school year provides 90 hours of in-service versus the five days of in-service throughout the year, which yields 40 hours.

By having a slightly longer school day, CTES students receive the same instructional hours as the other schools in the district. In addition, CTES has an after school program with high student participation. However, it is the desire of TRSU Superintendent Lauren Fierman to have all schools on the exact same schedule.

CTES has had this schedule for 30 years and regularly performs better on standardized tests than other elementary schools in the TRSU. As Fierman has noted, “If that is a benefit for one of our schools, it should be a benefit for all of our schools. I believe there is a clear benefit for our teachers and therefore for our students from having this.”

At the March 17 GMUSD board meeting, parents voiced concerned over the change for two primary reasons: the cost for child care and missed instructional time. As noted above, CTES students have equal instructional time, as their daily schedule has been adjusted, and an after school program is provided.

By a vote of 8-2, CTES lost the continuation of its early release day as the majority of the GMUSD board voted to end it starting with the fall of the 22/23 school year. The two no votes came from Cavendish board representatives Julia Gignoux and Abe Gross.

The response on the Cavendish Facebook page to the news of the vote centered around the loss of local control by the town for its school. As one Cavendish resident noted,  This is the perfect example as to why the reshaping of school boards was a mistake. Time to go back to each town/school having their own board and then Windsor Southwest over all. I think this has cost us money, not saved it and I don’t see any improvement in the education.

Another former CTES parent wrote, Why did this even come up for a vote by the school board? What has been happening here for about 33 years shouldn’t have even come up for a vote by others who have nothing to do with our town. This was developed to get the school in line with state regulations and keeping it there. It had nothing to do with ski program. It was chosen to be on Tuesday so the teachers knew what would be happening that week it just so happened it was ski day. I helped getting it started along with the PTO. Fifteen minutes was added to each end of the day to make up for time that would be loss, is that going to be 8:15 and 2:45 now?

A Mt. Holly resident noted, As a Mt Holly parent, I'm sad for you all losing this as you have made it work over the years. It's a shame the administration forced the hand that it had to be the same for all, but we sure didn't want it. Our kids need more classroom time, certainly not less.

To the concern of whether this will interfere with the Tuesday ski program, it shouldn’t as all of the TRSU schools participate in the snow sports program.

What is concerning about this vote, and its consequences, is that by being part of the TRSU, the Tuesday early release, that has worked for decades for CTES, with proven results, is being scrapped. Fierman clearly saw the benefits of CTES’s in-service program, and most likely is aware that it’s been adopted in other parts of the country. On the one hand she’s saying, I believe there is a clear benefit for our teachers and therefore for our students from having this, while at the same time she’s overseeing a process where if the other schools don’t want it, it can no longer benefit CTES.

At Wednesday’s meeting both district boards voted unanimously in favor of creating a joint committee to study an improved model of professional development and to make recommendations for the 23/24 school year.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• CTES Singo Fundraiser: Cavendish Town Elementary School is holding a fundraiser on March 31 (Thursday) from 6-9 at Outer Limits Brewery in Proctorsville featuring the game SINGO. This is a new and exciting musical spin on the traditional game of Bingo. Instead of listening for a number, players are listening to their favorite music. Everyone can play, just $10.00 per game for 3 rounds. There will be two games, for a total of 6 rounds. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Grand Prizes up to $200, $100 gas gift card and a one night stay at The Golden Stage Inn. The evening will be filled with fun and laughter. Take a chance on winning gift cards for gas, jewelry and many other great prizes. Money raised will be used to replace and update playground equipment.

• Abe Gross: Vote for Steve, not for me!: Green Mountain school board member Abe Gross wants Cavendish residents to vote him out of office when the town holds its town meeting balloting on Tuesday, March 29. Chester Telegraph

• Carmine Guica Young Historians April Update: As part of the Carmine Guica Young Historians (CGYH) program, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) provides teachers, students, families and the community with information on town, state and national history for the month ahead.

• Cavendish Library Needs Volunteers. The Cavendish Library is looking for help transporting Everyone Eats meals from Killarney to the library on Wednesday mornings in April, May and June. Is anyone interested? If so, call Kata. 802-226-7503

• Ludlow Community Garden Invites Members to Join: The Ludlow Area Community Garden is open to all residents of Ludlow and neighboring towns. It is fenced-in and located in the Fletcher Farm grounds on Route 103, at the border between Ludlow and Proctorsville. Individual 10 foot by 10 foot plots are used to grow vegetables, flowers, and some fruits. Shared plots, double plots, and waist-high raised beds are also available. All members take care of their own plots as well as help maintain the common areas of this beautiful garden. The yearly fee includes the use of all garden tools, hoses, carts, water, compost, some seeds, and other materials. FMI: Michael Lawson at 207-317-0443, Phil Carter 802-228-7445, or Rosa Donohue at 802-228-7496.

• United Church and Rotary fundraiser raises over $12,000 to support Ukraine

• Everyone Eats Program Extended Until July 1: Vermont Everyone Eats, the unique Covid-19 recovery program that provides Vermonters impacted by Covid with prepared meals made by Vermont restaurants using locally grown and produced ingredients, will continue through July 1, 2022. The program had previously been set to end on March 31, but will now continue due to FEMA’s 100% cost share being extended for existing Covid-19 relief programs.

 

3.COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY STATE DATA: The state no longer provides data for schools or towns.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Dr. Mark Levine, Health Commissioner, outlined ongoing changes. In the coming months, Covid vaccines will be administered by health care providers and pharmacies, as state run vaccine clinics will be phased out by mid -April. When vaccines are available for children under 5, they will be provided by pediatricians and family practitioners. “When the time comes, you will make an appointment through your clinician’s office rather than through the Health Department registration system,” Levine said. That noted, the state will continue to offer “small community clinics,” to reach those who do not have a primary care provider. “Should there be some unforeseen circumstance that develops with the virus — which won’t be just here in Vermont, it’ll be all across the country —  … we’re poised to stand things up again,” he said.

The seven-day Covid case average rose about 14% this week compared to last week, according to the latest modeling report. With the second lowest hospitalization rate in the country, VT’s increasing number of Covid cases, attributed to the variant Omicron BA.2, places it fourth highest in the country (26 cases per 100k) for new cases. The current seropositivity, percentage of positive tests, has risen to 5% and 17 people have died in March (total 615)

The BA.2 variant, an offshoot of Omicron, is more contagious than omicron, but the vaccines/booster appear to reduce its impact. Interestingly, Governor Scott noted on Tuesday that about half of hospitalized Covid patients tested positive after coming to the hospital for something else.

4. EVENTS

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

MARCH 31 (THURSDAY): CTES SINGO Benefit, 6-9 pm at Outer Limits

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Dog License renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 to reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY)-APRIL 23 (SATURDAY): Passover

APRIL 16 (SATURDAY): Easter Jazz Concert at St James United Methodist Church Main St Proctorsville at 6PM.

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

JULY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish’s Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, 9-2.

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Cavendish Update 3/18/22: SB Mtg/Tag Sale/Telecommunications

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS                   

3/18/22

1.    Cavendish SB Mtg

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Town Wide Tag Sale

4.    Covid update

5.    Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/14/22: Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are available at the Okemo Valley TV website. Minutes are available at the Cavendish Municipal website and for this particular meeting, The VT Journal has also filed a report.

Discussed/Action Taken

• Approved the following:

-       The use of the town greens for the Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, July 30, 9-2

-       Liquor license applications for Singleton’s, Brook Farm Vineyard, Murdock’s, and Outer Limits

• Update on Cavendish Telecommunications: The state considers speeds less than 25/3 Mbgs to be underserved. By that definition, Cavendish would have a relatively small un/underserved population in comparison to other parts of the state- approximately 8% of the town’s 969 addresses (2% unserved and 6% underserved). While TDS, the town’s largest landline carrier, who also offers Internet, is planning to build out their network with fiber, they will begin with the most densely populated areas, waiting for money from the state to reach the area where many of the underserved live. There is currently no plan to reach the unserved, who are primarily in the northeastern section of the town covered by Consolidated Communications, which has provided landline service only to their catchment area. An in-depth report on Cavendish’s Telecommunications is available at the Cavendish Update blog.

• Town Meeting and Report: With a note of thanks to Jen Leak, the town report is completed and will be mailed out shortly. It is now available at the Town’s Website  and can also be picked up at the Town office. The hybrid Town Informational Meeting will take place at 7 pm on March 28th-In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom. Voting, by Australian ballot, takes place on March 29th from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

• Town Office Walkway: A request for proposal (RFP) will be developed this week to begin the replacement of the walkway, which is in serious need of repair.

• Old Town Garage Site: This is a top priority for summer, with work beginning as soon as weather permits. The goal is to turn it into a park. Soil testing will be needed before that can happen and town manager, Brendan McNamara is currently looking for testing funds. The fuel tank is being removed, along with the pole barns, and relocated to the current town garage site.

• Speed Ordinance: McNamara said he will have a draft by the next meeting

• Roads: A paving grant had been obtained and the priority will be Tarbell Hill followed by Whitesville Rd and High St.

-       SB member Sandra Russo requested that thought be given to speed limits in the village of Proctorsville. Digital signage has been discussed, but because Rt 131 is a state road, different procedures are required.

-       It was suggested that speed tests be conducted in both villages to better understand how fast drivers are going. Again the issue of it being a state road was called into question.

-       Concerns were raised about the quality of the sand on the backroads, if it is too fine, it makes the roads “greasy.” McNamara said that they review each batch with this year’s supply being of good quality approximately 90% of the time.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• The Interstate bridge construction (Exit 8-131 Weathersfield) has recently resumed and is slated for completion October of this year. Periodically traffic on 131 will be one way. There will also be one lane traffic, in either direction, on I-91. Speed limits on I-91 is reduced to 55 MPH with fines doubling in construction zones. There is currently no impact on 131. FMI: Natalie Boyle 802/855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com

• Vermonters urged to remove bird feeders as bears emerge from hibernation earlier than usual

• Weston Playhouse rebrands itself, announces 86th season: With a new logo and an upbeat selection of presentations, the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is rebranding itself as the Weston Theater Company as it enters its 86th season.

• Vt. DMV rolling out new inspection sticker system

• Canada relaxes border testing requirements for Covid: Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer have to take a Covid test before entering Canada starting April 1. 

• Why is Russia invading Ukraine? A Resource for Curious Kids: Kids around the world are asking questions about what is happening and what it means for them. NPR has put together a podcast as well as resources to help children and their parents learn more about war and ways families can help.

 

3. CAVENDISH 12th ANNUAL TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: Once again it’s time to start sorting items for the Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, which will take place on July 30 (Saturday) from 9-2.  Space is available for free on both of the town greens for Cavendish residents, property owners and businesses.

4. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA:

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns: Week Ending March 9. No new cases in Cavendish (178 total) or Ludlow (333).  Chester had 7 cases (646), while Springfield dropped significantly to 8 cases (2,045 total) and Weathersfield had 1 new case (267). Note that the state is discontinuing town counts.

State: According to the March 15 state modeling, Case and hospitalization metrics across the region and nationally improved this week. National forecasts anticipate these trends will continue in the coming weeks. CDC modeling predicts US COVID-19 fatalities will keep falling as these favorable trajectories persist.

The state is moving into a new phase of Covid-19-learning to live with the virus. According to  Commissioner of Health Dr. Mark Levine, “I want to emphasize that the virus is still here, and frankly will be with us for some time to come.” On Monday, new guidance went into effect, which includes:

• masks are optional, including schools, but with the  exception of health care and public transit settings;

• if you test positive, isolate for five days;

• if you have symptoms get tested;

• close contacts who are not boosted should get tested around day five; and

• get vaccinated and boosted.

Levine introduced new testing strategies on Tuesday, The state-run PCR testing clinics will begin to ramp down, and starting this week, Vermonters can make an appointment with the state to pick up either a rapid antigen test, or an rapid at-home PCR test, called a LAMP test. Learn more about the new testing program at the State’s website. Note that you can now get up to four free rapid take home tests for each appointment but only one LAMP per appointment.

As this week’s modeling report also noted, Global cases are up 11% this week, primarily driven by confirmed infections in Europe and Asia. These case increases are possibly due to a combination of factors, including low rates of immunity (Hong Kong, China), the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, and the lifting of COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Wastewater in the United States, including Vermont, is showing an uptick in Covid-19. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the increase after Bloomberg reported that a third of the agency’s wastewater sample sites showed a rise in Covid cases from March 1 to March 10. That was double what it was from Feb. 1 to Feb. 10, when the highly infectious omicron variant that had roared across the country during the holiday season was starting to wane, the Bloomberg analysis of CDC data found.

While numbers have continued downward, Wednesday and Thursday, March 16 and 17, saw an uptick in cases, 377 new cases in the last two days (114,709 total). There have been 3 new deaths, the first since March 7 (611 total). Hospitalizations have increased to 17 with 5 in the ICU.

Flags will be flown at half-mast on Saturday, March 19, to mark the second anniversary of the first Covid related in death in Vermont. Bob Kirkbride was a much loved member of the Okemo Valley community.

OTHER

• Vermont pharmacies aren’t likely able to participate in test-to-treat after all

• The White House says it's running out of money to cover COVID tests and vaccines

• COVID Surge in Western Europe Puts US Health Experts on Alert: Infectious disease experts are watching BA.2, the Omicron subvariant that appears to be more transmissible than the original strain. BA.2 is fueling outbreaks across Europe and is growing in dominance across the U.S.

5. EVENTS

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Dog License renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 to reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY)-APRIL 23 (SATURDAY): Passover

APRIL 16 (SATURDAY): Easter Jazz Concert at St James United Methodist Church Main St Proctorsville at 6PM.

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

JULY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish’s Annual Town Wide Tag Sale, 9-2.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Telecommunications 3/15/22

The state considers speeds less than 25/3 Mbgs to be underserved. By that definition, Cavendish would have a relatively small un/underserved population in comparison to other parts of the state- approximately 8% of total addresses.

Of the 969 addresses:

• 756 (78%) have access to Comcast. Covers most of Cavendish with the exception of the following- North Central (Brook, Town Farm, East, Moriglion Rd and South Reading Rd) and North West (parts of Davis Rd, The Hill, Parts of Heald and Twenty Mile Stream and Newton Rd)

• 192 are TDS only. 87% of the town is covered by TDS. Based on spring 2021 survey, 63% of TDS customers have the capability of meeting the state standard of 25/3. Underserved areas include: Hardscrabble, Newton Roads, Davis and Moriglioni Rd

• 21 (2%) are considered unserved. These are primarily in the Consolidated Communications catchment area in the Northeastern section of town. They are using cell coverage, satellite services and a little bit of VTel Wireless.

• 61 (6%) are underserved, having speeds less than 25/3

• VTel wireless is used by a few addresses, in some cases as a backup service to TDS.

In 2021 Legislation was enacted that created the VT Community Broadband Board (VCBB) to oversee the distribution of funds for broadband (approximately $150 M).  Funding was earmarked for CUDs, Communication Union Districts, and only for wiring fiber. This meant that cable companies-Comcast and Consolidated-were not eligible for these funds.

Cavendish did not benefit from this legislation as the town is not part of a CUD, and is unlikely to become one. However, the VCBB did approve independent companies that wire fiber, such as TDS, to apply for funding.

TDS has stated that they will begin wiring fiber in Ludlow, Cavendish, Weathersfield and Baltimore using their own money- $5.4 million-sometime this year. Note that TDS is launching network upgrades across the country using a combination of funding sources from TDS, the Federal Communications Commission’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM), and from several state broadband expansion grants. Also note that even with Connect America Funding, it took TDS over seven years to implement upgrades in our area, which improved service in certain places but had marginal impact in others.

In 2021, the TDS’s spokesperson stated in various meetings that the underserved areas would receive fiber first. However, a recent conversation with TDS found that they will be starting with the more densely populated areas and will be looking to VCBB to fund the more rural sections.

The VCBB has set aside a little over a half a million dollars for wiring Cavendish.

The Northeastern part of town that is covered by Consolidated, and has the largest group of unserved addresses, remains an issue. Rob Fisher of the VCBB has stated that ECFiber is interested in applying for funding to wire this segment of Cavendish, with the adjoining area of Weathersfield. He also noted that Consolidated may be interested.

Unfortunately, it appears that the under/un served parts of Cavendish will be the last to benefit from the funding controlled by VCBB. It is also not clear if the set aside funding is enough to pay for the upgrade to the TDS territory as well as to provide service to the un served parts of town. 

As far as cell service, the governor has proposed a $51.5 million program, with money from the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, to deploy 100 cell towers to reach unserved wireless areas in Vermont. Administered by the Department of Public Service, the Critical Communications Infrastructure Program (CCIP) will fund the deployment of additional cell towers to expand mobile wireless voice and data coverage throughout Vermont. 

While many towns in VT are in favor of progress and technology, they don’t want cell towers in their backyard.

Cavendish Update 3/11/22: News/Events

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS      

3/11/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid update

3.    Events

Day light savings begins this coming Sunday. Move clocks forward an hour and check batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

Winter Storm Warning tonight 10 pm -Sunday 1 AM

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Town Managers Volunteers for CVFD and PVFD: Recently, Brendan McNamara has become a Probationary Firefighter for both Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments.

• Amy Bohren has been hired as the new principal of CTES

• GMUHS basketball coaches praise this year’s teams, expect lessons learned to spill into next season

• SEVCA offers no cost tax prep service: The program, which offers no cost filing of both federal and Vermont state income taxes, is open to anyone who makes less than $57,000 per year. Drop off sites are located in Windsor, Westminster, and Brattleboro. FMI: SEVCA Website or call us 802-722-1603 or 800-464-9951

• Funding available to homeowners for failed wells or septic systems

• People’s United Bank acquisition wins federal approval

• Crown Point Physical Therapy Closing: As of May 1, Crown Point Physical Therapy in Springfield will be closed.

• Rabies Clinic: The Lucy McKenzie Humane Society is holding a rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs on Saturday, March 26 from 9-11 at 4832 Route 44, West Windsor VT. No appointment needed,
$20 per vaccination.  FMI: 802-484-5829

2. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA:

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns  For the week ending March 2: For the first time since September 11, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid (178 total). Ludlow had 2 new cases (333 total); Chester 3 (639 total); Springfield 46 (2,037) and Weathersfield 4 (266).

State: The the March 8 Modeling Report states As Vermont passes the two-year anniversary of its first reported COVID-19 case, the situation in the state continues to improve from the height of the Omicron wave. Over half a million Vermonters have also now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vermont is averaging 140 cases per day on a seven-day average—a 93% decrease since the Omicron peak. The pace of case decline has slowed both in Vermont and New England as infections reach more stable low levels. CDC modeling indicates cases are expected to remain low in Vermont, the Northeast, and across the United States throughout the month of March. Hospitalizations continue to see significant decreases: new hospital admissions are down 36% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); those currently hospitalized are down 21% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); and those currently in the ICU are down 42% this week (down 88% from the Omicron peak). The state has recorded 16 consecutive days of fewer than 10 Vermonters in the ICU for COVID-19. Most fortunately, the seven-day fatality rate is below one for the first time in two months as fewer COVID-19 deaths are occurring. Modeling forecasts COVID-19 deaths will decline steadily in the coming weeks.

 The one age group where cases have actually increased, by 18%, (7 day average) is in those 0 to 24 years of age. Significant decreases have occurred in other age groups, particularly for those 65+, which has decreased by 41%.

On Wednesday, the state reported 195 cases. Middlebury College is currently dealing a Covid outbreak, with 135 active cases. With vaccination rates of nearly 100%, 99% student body and 98% of staff, students are reporting either no symptoms or very mild ones.

While the state media briefings are focusing less on Covid, as this phase of the pandemic winds down, Health Commissioner Mark Levine reiterated the changes coming on March 14, masking no longer recommended, five day quarantine for those infected with Covid, testing recommended for close contacts, he stated, “The decision to wear a mask will be up to each person based on their own circumstances, personal risk assessment and health needs. “This will mean something different for everyone,” he said. “Note, these recommendations may not apply to nursing homes and other health care settings that need to follow federal guidelines, which still include masking. Levine made it clear that people should hold on to their masks as Covid most likely will be returning. He also noted that while the federal government recently announced a new test-to-treat program that would allow high-risk people to pick up antiviral treatments at certain pharmacies and health centers, so far, no pharmacies in Vermont would qualify for the program, and no federally qualified Vermont health center has been told if it will be participating. “The majority of Vermonters will still be able to both test and receive prescriptions for treatment at their primary care practices or other health care settings,” he said

Masks No Longer Required at School as of 3/14/22: Lauren Fierman, Superintendent of the TRSU, issued a statement on March 4 saying masks will no longer be required for students or staff, though those who wish to do so may continue to wear them.

TESTING/ KITS: The Government is offering a second round of free test kits. These can be ordered by going the USPS website or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

At Tuesday’s press conference, concern was raised about the expiration dates, as the first round of free test kits from the government expire in June 2022. Health commissioner Dr. Levin said he thought the FDA was revising the “use by” dates. In Feb., the FDA declared that a million rapid Covid 19 test kits in Florida were deemed usable past their “use by” date.  The shelf life of the tests was originally extended in April, and they expired in September 2021.

Some people are wondering why more test kits are being released now that pandemic winding down. As long as there are parts of the global population that are unvaccinated, expect to see new variants.

OTHER

• Striking new evidence points to Wuhan seafood market as the pandemic's origin point NPR

• Here's how to get free antiviral medicine if you test positive for Covid-19

3.EVENTS

MARCH 13 (SUNDAY): Spring forward. Daylight savings returns. Move clocks ahead one hour.

-       Free dinner and a movie, Monsoon Wedding, at the Cavendish Library, 1 pm

MARCH 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office

MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) March 16: Book Club for Grown Ups, 7-8 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Dog License for Cavendish renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS