Cavendish Update 12/30/22: Elections/Recycle Trees/News

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12/30/22

1.    Recycling Your Cavendish Holidays

2.    Open Positions for Cavendish elected officials

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Covid/Flu update

5.    Events

   HAPPY NEW YEAR! Cavendish Connects wishes you and yours a healthy, safe and joyous New Year.

Transfer Station Closed on New Year’s.

1. RECYCLING YOUR CAVENDISH HOLIDAYS: Between the Cavendish Transfer Station and area thrift stores there are plenty of ways to recycle/repurpose following the holidays.

Trees/Wreaths/Christmas Greens: Please remove all decorations including tinsel. Ask the attendant where to place it for chipping-Do not put in the burn pile. Fake greens should be stored along with Christmas ornaments.

Food Scraps: If it grows it goes. Ask the attendant if you haven’t brought food scraps before. Note this is just for food. All paper products, bioplastics (PLA/PHA), condiment packets, straws/containers, rubber bands, twist ties, PLU stickers (Price Look-Up codes on fresh produce), packaging/recyclables, dishware/silverware, florist flowers (may contain chemical fungicides) are not acceptable.

Wrapping Paper/Cards/Boxes: Non-metallic wrapping go in Zero Sort. Cardboard boxes are recyclable.

Packaging: The Transfer Station does accept clean, bagged Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap. Please make sure that the materials are in sealed bags or boxes so that the wind doesn't catch and send them flying around the Transfer Station. Air pouches/pillows can be deflated and recycled along with plastic shopping bags at the grocery store.

Clothing: The transfer station does not take clothing. However, Black River Good Neighbor and other thrift stores do.

Electronics: Lights; Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9v, hearing aid, coin cell, button, and rechargeable batteries (ex., tool); Computers; Monitors; Peripherals; Printers; Televisions can be recycled for free at the Electronics Shed

2. OPEN POSITIONS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS: These are the positions which are open for elections at the Annual Town Meeting in March, 2023. If you are interested in being on the ballot for one of these positions, or for more information, please contact the Town Clerk at 802.226.7292.

POSITION                             TERM                         CURRENT OFFICE HOLDER

Town Moderator                               1 year                         Michael J. Ripley     

Town Agent                                       1 year                         Vacant

Auditor                                               1 year                         Joshua Temple (appointed)

Auditor                                               2 years                       Vacant

Auditor                                               3 years                       Vacant

Select Board                                     1 year                         Sandra Russo

Select Board                                     1 year                         Stephen Plunkard

Select Board                                     3 years                       Bob Glidden

Town Grand Juror                            1 year                         Theresa H. McNamara

Library Trustee                                 5 years                       Bob Evens    

Town Clerk                                        3 years                       Diane McNamara

Town Treasurer                                3 years                       Diane McNamara

Trustee of Public Funds                  3 years                       Doris Eddy

GMUSD Director                              3 year                         Julia Gignoux

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• ARPA Advisory Committee Meeting: The following members of the community met on Dec. 27 to discuss how the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds should be used: Brendan McNamara, Peter LaBelle, George Timko, Wendy Regier, Julia Gignoux, Betty McEnaney, Stephen Plunkard and Jen Leak. George Timko was elected as chair with Wendy Regier as vice chair. The committee will meet on the third Tuesday of each month with the next meeting taking place on Jan. 17 at 5:15. The Committee will meet until all funds are appropriated or December 31, 2024. There are specific guidelines on how these funds are to be spent.  Minutes are available at the Town Website

• Cavendish Meals on Wheels Needs Drivers: As of Jan. 4th, Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) will be providing Meals on Wheels (MOW) for Cavendish. Meals will be prepared by various local restaurants, and taken to the Cavendish Library on Wednesdays.   Cavendish Delivery Drivers are needed. If you are interested, please contact Krey at BRGN-802-228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com.  Mileage reimbursement is available. A background check is required 

• Smokin’ Bowls Coming to Town: Smokin’ Bowls will be moving into the  Neals Restaurant space on 103 in Proctorsville. The tentative opening date is Friday Jan. 13. Check out their Facebook page for menus and announcements.

• How to Vermont: Proctorsville’s Chris Mark is featured in the Manchester Journal’s Review of Vermont Almanac III Chronicles, “Jump to June. There you’ll find “How to Vermont,” by Chris Marks, a firefighter and teacher. A Proctorsville firetruck proclaims, “Our family helping your family.” And although Marks was born elsewhere, after 17 years with the Fire Department, he is part of “our family” and believes Vermont has “shown me how to live.” To develop that ethos, the almanac collects the creative efforts of 72 writers, artists and photographers, and organizes entries by month, starting in October 2021 (and ending in September 2022).

• Ban means popular lightbulb soon won’t be for sale in Vermont stores: Starting Feb. 17, 2023, the sale of mercury-containing, screw-based compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or CFLs, will be banned. Even though the ban won’t start until after the new year, stores across the state have already gotten rid of all of their CFL bulbs and replaced them with LEDs. In most cases, screw-based LED bulbs can be used in fixtures that formerly contained CFLs. If you still use CFLs or have them and want to get rid of them, bring them to the Cavendish Transfer Station (electronics barn) or take them to most hardware stores so they can be properly disposed of. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, a ban on the sale of general-purpose four-foot-long linear fluorescent tubes will take effect. WCAX

• Vermont Everyone Eats Program Slated to End March 2023

4. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Prevent Flu & Covid:

-       Vaccinate. Vaccination clinics nearby for Covid and Flu- Fridays at Riverside Middle School in Springfield; 3-6pm, no appointment needed. Shots are free. Note Starting in January, walk-in clinics will transition to more limited hours and close by Jan. 31. 

-       Wear a mask in crowded places, particularly in doors;

-       Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands immediately;

-       Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having the flu, COVID-19. Stay at home and away from others when you are sick

-       Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom and before eating

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Also pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum. Items are on the top upper left hand shelf.

Schools: Schools have been closed for holiday recess.

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 12/18-12/24  report reports low community levels statewide.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 12/11-12/17 reports VT as having high levels of flu statewide. Four outbreaks, up 2 from last week, have been reported in Windsor County

5. EVENTS 

DECEMBER 31 (SATURDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (SUNDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JANUARY 2 (MONDAY): School re opens. Town office closed for New Year’s

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 12/23/22: SB Mtg/Emergency/Meals on Wheels/News

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12/23/22

1.    Cavendish Emergency Information

2.    Cavendish Select Board meeting

3.    Cavendish Info

4.    Meals on Wheels New for Cavendish

5.    Covid/Flu update

6.    Events

              Transfer Station Closed on Christmas and New Year’s.

1. CAVENDISH EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Though we’re in the midst of another serious storm, please consider the following:

• Read and bookmark the  Emergency Preparedness section of the Cavendish Connects Website. It contains phone numbers and contact information

• Download the app for Green Mountain Power or bookmark the outage website  and Facebook page.

A Warming Station is already in place at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St., providing snacks, hot beverages, water, free WiFi, a place to charge electronic devices, and/or take a hot shower. Use the side entrance, the door closest to the parking lot. You do not need to go downstairs, as the beverages and other items are to the left of you as you enter the building.

Depending on duration of outages, hot meals may be offered along with other activities. Emergency information is posted regularly to the Cavendish Facebook page.

The Warming Station/shelter is open to all, including those working to restore power and first responders.

Note that as of 7:20 AM, over 20,000 GMP customers are without power. As the wind picks up in our area, we expect to see that number significantly increase.

                                   PLEASE CHECK ON NEIGHBORS

2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 12/19/22: Okemo Valley TV tapes all Select Board (SB) meetings, which can be seen at their website. In addition, unapproved minutes have been posted to the Town’s website.

Approved at Monday night’s meeting:

• Josh Temple as the new town auditor until Town Meeting in March.

• Stu Lindberg as replacement of Bob Evens on the Cavendish Fire District #2 Prudential Committee (Cavendish Village) until the May 2023 Annual Meeting

• The formation of a town ARPA committee, which will plan how to use the $421,526 federal relief funds

• Adoption of a “Declaration of Inclusion”

• Updates to the Town’s Emergency Management Plan

• A first class liquor license (wine and beer) to The Crow Food Hall LLC, located on Depot St.

Items discussed

• Windsor County Sheriff’s Contract: Currently Cavendish pays for 12 hours per week of a sheriff’s time, primarily for traffic control. The fees for this service, are largely offset by ticket revenue. Ryan Palmer is the newly elected sheriff for Windsor County and town manager Brendan McNamara has already been meeting with him. The big picture of the sheriff’s office is to provide more of a “service package” versus just so many hours a week. They would be able to respond to civil matters, as all too often the VT State Police are not available. The cost for more of a police presence would be considerably more expensive-$60,000-$90,000 versus the current budget of around $18,000. Palmer will be invited to the SB to discuss contracts and services.

• Energy Plan: While the SB recently approved the inclusion of an energy section to the town plan, Etienne Ting, chair of the Planning Commission was on hand to discuss the current activities of the Commission. Currently, the members are having to review the 2022 Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan This is a 305 page document, which the proposed energy section would reference, thereby making the town, and anyone applying for an Act 250 or Section 248 permit subject to it. Ting was clear that the commissioners didn’t want to approve something that could potentially harm the town. While the Commissioners are still reviewing the document, SB member George Timko pointed out that the role of the Planning Commission was to carry out the wishes of the SB (in this case to adopt an energy policy) and if they were unable to do so, the SB had the right to replace them. Sandra Russo, a SB member and former member of the Planning Commission, noted that Ting was an excellent chair and planning commissioner and if he had concerns, the SB needed to listen carefully and review the VT Comprehensive Energy Plan.

• Budget Planning: Budget hearings will take place in January on Mondays and Wednesdays. The first meeting will be Jan.11 (Wednesday) at 6 pm at the cavendish Town Office. The public is invited to attend these meetings.

• Town Meeting: The plan is to once again offer a hybrid meeting-in person and by zoom. McNamara will be talking to Okemo Valley TV about the Zoom capabilities.

• Town Managers Report: Discussed recent storm, the breakdown of the sidewalk tractor, the need to replace it and to hire someone to clean the sidewalks if the tractor cannot be repaired.

• Petitions for Elected Positions: Anyone interested in running for an elected position in March, needs to pick up a petition from the town office.

3. CAVENDISH INFO

• Ex-teacher at school in Chester reaches plea deal, faces 10 years for possessing child sex-abuse materials: A former teacher at Green Mountain Union High School in Chester has pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse materials and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced next year. Norman Merrill II, 46, of Chester entered his guilty plea to the federal charge Tuesday during a video hearing held by U.S. District Court in Burlington. His plea deal with prosecutors calls for Judge Christina Reiss to impose the prison term and a lifetime of supervised release. VT Digger Chester Telegraph’s article.

• Ludlow Police Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Thursday announced the conclusions of their independent review into the shooting of Cavendish resident Michael Mills, 35, by Ludlow Police Ofc. Zachary Paul. Despite efforts by police to de-escalate, the reports says Mills continued to be uncooperative. It says Of. Paul fired his weapon after seeing Mills reposition the gun on his lap toward him. The report concludes that the use of force by Ofc. Paul was “objectively reasonable and justified.” VT Digger

• Winter Storm: The snow storm of last Friday, Dec. 9 left many Green Mountain Power (GMP) Cavendish customers without power, over 300, ranging from a few hours to five days. Friday’s storm was one of the most damaging in recent decades due to the combination of the warm temperatures and heavy snowfall. A Warming Shelter was made available Saturday morning and remained open until Monday night at the Cavendish Baptist Church. The town’s side walk cleaner broke down (transmission) just as the storm was heating up on Friday afternoon. Thank you to all who responded to neighbors and friends needs as well as Cavendish road crew, fire and rescue,  town office, the shelter team, and to the GMP power crews that worked round the clock.

• John Sinclair DDS: Known to many in Cavendish, the dentist, Dr. John Sinclair died on Dec. 14. His obituary is available on-line.

• Ludlow Subway has reopened: The Subway renovations have been completed and have reopened. Hours of operation for the holidays are as follows: Friday 23rd 10am to 9pm; Saturday Xmas eve- 10am -7pm; Christmas - Closed ; 10am to 9pm after Xmas. (Actually might be going back to 9am-9pm after Jan 1. )

• Vermont's Mobile Phone Coverage Report December 2022: A new report from the Vermont Department of Public Service that measured the extent of mobile wireless service across Vermont found big gaps in coverage in rural areas. State employees drove more than 6,000 miles this summer to test cell service along roads. The report shows that the more populated regions have very strong and stable data service, and that data service has improved since the state did a similar test in 2018.

• Dartmouth Coach bus from Upper Valley to NYC struck by gunfire in Connecticut VT Digger

4. MEALS ON WHEELS/DRIVERS FOR CAVENDISH: As of Jan. 4th, Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) will be providing Meals on Wheels (MOW) for Cavendish. Meals will be prepared by various local restaurants, and taken to a designated hub in Cavendish each week. Wednesday is the targeted day. Cavendish Delivery Drivers are needed. If you are interested, please contact Krey at BRGN.  A background check is required. FMI: 802-228-3663 or brgoodneighbors@gmail.com

5. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Prevent Flu & Covid:

-       Vaccinate. Vaccination clinics nearby for Covid and Flu-Fridays at Riverside Middle School in Springfield; 3-6pm, no appointment needed. Shots are free

-       Wear a mask in crowded places, particularly in doors;

-       Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands immediately;

-       Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having the flu, COVID-19. Stay at home and away from others when you are sick

-       Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom and before eating

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Also pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum. Items are on the top upper left hand shelf.

Schools: No cases this past week at CTES or GMUHS

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report 12/11-12/17:  Reports low community levels statewide with the exception of Rutland, Orleans, Lamoille, Caledonia and Bennington counties that are rated as medium. Hospitalizations are double what they were two weeks ago. One Covid outbreak was reported for Windsor County. There have been 10 deaths reported for December.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report 12/4-12/10: Reports VT as having high levels of flu statewide. Two outbreaks have been reported in Windsor County

6. EVENTS 

DECEMBER 24 (SATURDAY): Christmas Eve. Services: St. James Methodist in Proctorsville 4.45 pm

DECEMBER 25 (SUNDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 26 (MONDAY): Town office closed for Christmas holiday

DECEMBER 31 (SATURDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (SUNDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JANUARY 2 (MONDAY): Town office closed for New Year’s

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 12/16/22: News/Events

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

12/16/22

1.    Happening this weekend

2.    Cavendish Info

3.    Covid/Flu update

4.    Events

SNOW DAY Schools as well as other scheduled activities have been cancelled today due to the snow storm. Check Cavendish Facebook for cancellations and any emergencies that may be related to the storm.

1. HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND: Cancellations for any of the events below will be posted to the Cavendish Facebook page. The Christmas tree sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept., continues.

SATURDAY: Stuff a fire truck food drive, 9-5 at Shaw’s Parking Lot, Ludlow. Sponsored by Proctorsvile and Ludlow Fire Depts. Benefits Black River Good Neighbors.

• A.C.T. Christmas Party at Calcutta’s, 87 Fox Lane, Ludlow. Free admission. Santa will be there from 2-8 pm to hand out free gifts to all children. Free Buffet from 4-7 pm. FMI: 413-636-9028 or info@assistingchildrentoday.org

• Ludlow Legion Children’s Christmas Party: The American Legion Post 36 in Ludlow, Vt. will be hosting their Annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday Dec. 17, from 1-4 p.m. There will be a multitude of activities, including cookie and ornament decorating, games, and face painting. There will even be a very special appearance by Santa himself. Stop by the American Legion 133 Main St. Ludlow, Vt. on Dec. 17.

SUNDAY: FIFA World Cup in Ludlow Town Hall: Friends of the Ludlow Auditorium, has been able to acquire the rights to show the final round of the FIFA 2022 World Cup match from Qatar. This match will be screened live in the Ludlow Town Hall auditorium and is free. Broadcast is Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 am. FMI: 802-228-3287

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish SB and ARPA meetings Cancelled: The Select Board and ARPA meetings planned for Monday and Tuesday of this past week had to be cancelled. The SB meeting has been rescheduled for Dec. 19th at 6:30 pm at the Town Office. The agenda is available by clicking here. The ARPA Committee will take place on Dec.20 (Tuesday) at 5 pm at the Town Office.

• Officials urge Vermonters to challenge errors in FCC’s new broadband map: The Vermont Community Broadband Board is asking Vermont residents to check their addresses on the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband map to see if their internet speed and provider availability are reported accurately. State broadband officials have challenged the accuracy of the map, which shows that more than 95% of Vermont households have broadband internet access. VT Digger

• Benson’s Chevy Toys for Tots 2022: Drop off unwrapped items to Benson’s Chevrolet Inc., 25 Pond St. in Ludlow, Vt. They will be collecting toys for children in need until Dec. 22. Donated items include: children’s clothing, toys, books, bikes, games, and craft projects to name just a few. Benson’s is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. FMI: Kim Lampert at 802-228-4000.

• Chester board adopts short-term rental ordinance: Beginning in April of next year, property owners who offer dwellings in Chester for short-term rental will have to register with the town by paying a fee and abiding by a set of health and safety regulations that are already in state law but sparsely enforced. Chester Telegraph

Ludlow Subway Closed for a Week: Due to remodeling, Subway is closed but should be reopening Friday or Saturday.

Holiday Hours for Ludlow Health Center: Ludlow Health Center will be open from 8-noon on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day and returning to normal hours on Monday the 26th. For Dec. 31, the walk in hours will be 8-2, closed on New Year’s Day and reopening Monday, Jan. 2 with normal hours.

3. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Prevent Flu & Covid:

-       Vaccinate. Vaccination clinics nearby for Covid and Flu-Fridays at Riverside Middle School in Springfield; 3-6pm, no appointment needed. Shots are free

-       Wear a mask in crowded places, particularly in doors;

-       Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands immediately;

-       Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having the flu, COVID-19. Stay at home and away from others when you are sick

-       Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom and before eating

Free Covid Test kits/masks & hand sanitizer: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Also pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit. Masks and hand sanitizer are available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum. Items are on the top upper left hand shelf.

Order free Covid test kits: Due to rising cases of Covid across the country, it is possible to once again order free Covid-19 tests by clicking here. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. To order by phone Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Schools: No cases this past week at CTES or GMUHS

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 12/4-12/10  report reports low community levels statewide with the exception of Rutland County that is rated as medium. Hospitalizations however doubled in the last week.  No outbreaks were reported for Windsor County. Omicron subvariants BQ.1 has now been reported in VT. Studies indicate that bivalent booster vaccines are effective at producing an immune response to BQ.1 To date only 28% of Vermonters have been vaccinated with this vaccine. There have been no deaths reported for December so far.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 11/27-12/3 report describes VT as having moderate levels of flu statewide. Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine, has stated that VT will probably be at high status in the next few weeks. Windsor County is reporting 2 outbreaks of flu.

4. EVENTS 

DECEMBER 17 (SATURDAY): See Item 1 above.

DECEMBER 19 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The agenda is available by clicking here.

DECEMBER 20 (TUESDAY): ARPA committee meeting, 5 pm at the Cavendish Town Office.

DECEMBER 24 (SATURDAY): Christmas Eve. Services: St. James Methodist in Proctorsville 4.45 pm

DECEMBER 25 (SUNDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 26 (MONDAY): Town office closed for Christmas holiday

DECEMBER 31 (SATURDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (SUNDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JANUARY 2 (MONDAY): Town office closed for New Year’s

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 12/9/22: Happening this Weekend

Murdock mill proctorsville

READ THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS

12/9/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid/Flu update

3.    Events

1. HAPPENING TOMORROW

• Pop Up Streetscapes Sale: Cavendish Streetscapes will be holding a “pop up” sale at Singleton’s on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1-4. A great opportunity to purchase locally-made bird houses and feeders from Cavendish crafts people.

• Mason House Pottery Open House: 384 Atkinson Rd in Cavendish. Mason House Pottery will be open Saturday December 10 from 10am to 4 pm with 20% off all pottery in the shop. Cash, check and major credit cards accepted.

• Christmas Tree & Wreaths Sale: Saturday and Sunday (9-5) at the Cavendish Fire Dept. 9-4 on weekdays while supplies last.

2. COVID/FLU: For local information on Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

Prevent Flu & Covid:

-       Vaccinate. Vaccination clinics nearby for Covid and Flu-Fridays at Riverside Middle School in Springfield; 3-6pm, no appointment needed. Shots are free

-       Wear a mask in crowded places, particularly in doors;

-       Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands immediately;

-       Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having the flu, COVID-19. Stay at home and away from others when you are sick

-       Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom and before eating

Free Test kits for Covid: Available Monday-Friday at the Cavendish Fire Dept from 9-4. For weekends and off hours, call 802-226-7807. Also pick up free masks and sanitizer when picking up a test kit.

Free masks & hand sanitizer: Available 24/7, 365 at the CHS Cares Closet, next to the steps of the Museum. Items are on the top upper left hand shelf.

Schools: One reported Covid case at GMUHS on 12/7.

Vermont Covid Surveillance Report: The 11/27-12/3 report reports low community levels statewide with no outbreaks in Windsor County. Nationally Covid is on the rise, with an increase in hospitalizations. Omicron subvariants B.Q.1 and B.Q.1.1 are now the dominant strains, which seem to be better at evading previous immunity as compared to other subvariants. The CDC is advising that people should consider wearing masks to prevent Covid, flu and other respiratory viruses, such as RSV. While VT cases are considered low, last week’s hospitalizations increased to 439 cases versus the 273 of the previous week. Total deaths for November were 22, down from October’s 30. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 781 Vermonters have died from Covid, with many more suffering the effects of long-covid.

Vermont Flu Surveillance Report. The 11/20-11/26 reports describes VT as having low levels of flu statewide. However, cases are increasing. Influenza A(H3N1) continues to be reported most frequently.  15.15% of PCR tests run this week were positive, a sharp increase compared to 5.39% the previous week. There are two reported outbreaks of flu in Windsor County. Nationally, seasonal flu activity is high and continues to increase across the country.

3. EVENTS 

DECEMBER 10 (SATURDAY): See item 1

DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office

DECEMBER 13 (TUESDAY): ARPA Committee Meeting, 5 pm, Cavendish town office.

DECEMBER 17 (SATURDAY): Stuff a fire truck food drive, 9-5 at Shaw’s Parking Lot, Ludlow. Sponsored by Proctorsvile and Ludlow Fire Depts. Benefits Black River Good Neighbors.

-       A.C.T. Christmas Party at Calcutta’s, 87 Fox Lane, Ludlow. Free admission. Santa will be there from 2-8 pm to hand out free gifts to all children. Free Buffet from 4-7 pm. FMI: 413-636-9028 or info@assistingchildrentoday.org

DECEMBER 24 (SATURDAY): Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 25 (SUNDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 26 (MONDAY): Town office closed for Christmas holiday

DECEMBER 31 (SATURDAY): New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 1 (SUNDAY): HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JANUARY 2 (MONDAY): Town office closed for New Year’s

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS