8/30/11 SPECIAL POST: Recovery

The Cavendish Connects website now includes much of what was included on this blog as well as a calendar of Cavendish events. The new blog, “The Dish,” includes the Cavendish Update as well as on-going information.

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

As many of you already know, the damage in Cavendish is extensive. Many are saying it is worse than the aftermath of the 1975 flood. It is not possible to go east on Route 131 towards 91 as the Williams Bridge has a section that is gone and so are parts of 131 east of Cavendish Village. While 131 may be open in other areas, drive carefully as sections of the road are gone. Bridges and roads are washed out all over town so getting around is difficult. Also, downed power lines can be an issue in certain areas.

Route 131 to Ludlow and Mt. Holly is now open. A bridge is out so you can’t make it to Rutland on this route. It will most likely be months before you can use the Shaws’ Plaza. You can make it to Chester and to Springfield though for banking purposes and there is a Rite Aid in Springfield.

There is no municipal water at the moment and power is still out in many places. If you need food and water, come to the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Meals will be as follows: breakfast, starting at 7 am; lunch, starting at noon; and dinner starting at 5:30. Snacks will be available throughout the day. A very special thanks to Crows Bakery, Singleton’s, Pleasant Valley Foods and the many people who have come in with donations of food and water.

There is no school at GMUHS or CTES until at least Thursday. Assessment is going day by day. However, as long as water isn’t available at the school, CTES will remain closed.

Damage assessment and repairs are currently underway. The Governor flew over yesterday. Be sure to check on your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or who may have special needs. Rendering aid to those in your immediate area is the best way to help with the clean up. 911 is the number to call in the event of emergency.

Town manager, Richard Svec, said that the damage is in the millions, which will qualify the area for FEMA. These funds will be needed to help with things like repairing route 131, which will take months in some parts.

As more information becomes available today, including where to go to volunteer with clean up, we will be posting it directly to the Cavendish blog and Cavendish VT Facebook Page. Use the latter to let people know what’s going on in your area. You can comment to Facebook by hitting “like” and then use the “write something” feature.

This Saturday, the “Cavendish Chronicles: The Early Years” will be repeated at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. Curtain is at 7 pm. This is a free play, but any donations given will go to the recovery effort. Come and learn some Cavendish history, laugh and celebrate the Cavendish spirit that keeps us all going even in the worst of times.