Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont June 29
Waterlily and Dragonfly at North Hartland Lake, Hartland VT
This past week my paddling club ventured to Grafton Pond in Grafton/Enfield NH.
It was a wonderful sunset paddle. Not many people were out on the pond with us so that was nice. More photos of this paddle: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures/Grafton-Pond/
On Friday, my friend Sharon and I took to the waters of North Hartland Lake and paddled up to the Quechee Gorge.
This paddle has been on our list for over a year and we finally checked it off (I'm sure we'll go back again many times)
We had the water pretty much all to ourselves (one other couple at 9 a.m. and a few paddlers around 1 p.m.-that's it)
We saw eagles, turtles, deer and lots of birds. There was plenty of water for us to paddle (mostly 3-10 feet deep) on Friday but we've heard it can get very shallow so I think we picked the right time to make this adventure happen. More photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures/North-Hartland-Lake-to-Quechee-Gorge/
Heavy Rain Hit Weathersfield on Sunday-How's your road/driveway?
Due to heavy rains Sunday afternoon the 28th of June 2020 we have moderate to heavy ditch damage to Cady Hill and Golden Ridge Road. Our Highway Department will be working in these areas in the next weeks, please use caution when driving.
Vermont COVID-19 Updates
Tune in Mondays ,Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am on WCAX for the Governor's COVID-19 updates.
COVID-19 Modeling for Vermont
Department of Financial Regulation has a whole resource center for COVID-19 Updates and Modeling.
The Travel Map was updated on Friday to include many more counties.
Vermont Department of Health-COVID-19 information
Get Tested, if you want or you suspect you have been exposed
COVID-19 pop-up testing facilities for anyone who wants to be tested but you must reserve a spot- https://humanresources.vermont.gov/popups?mc_cid=8dd0a480da&mc_eid=62773da223
There are spots open in Springfield, VT on July 7.
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
SARS-CoV-2-the virus that causes COVID-19, isn't done with us yet. Please continue to wear facial coverings when in public and stay 6 feet apart for physical distancing. People around Weathersfield have been observed NOT wearing masks and NOT physical distancing.
Do the right thing and protect others from yourself. Even if you don't feel ill, you may still have the virus and you are highly contagious up to two day before you show symptoms!
You are NOT Alone, Please Reach Out!
In either VT or NH dial 211
To access a 24-hour Crisis Text Line people can text VT to 741741
This is a stressful time for everyone. Don't go it alone.
Health Care and Rehabilitation Services 24-hour crisis hotline 1-800-622-4235
HCRS Warm Line for people struggling with COVID-19 related stress and anxiety 1-800-917-1622
Headrest local crisis line 603-448-4400 and Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Also check out Upper Valley Strong
Also check out Upper Valley Strong
Be Smart, Stay Safe friends and neighbors.
Remember to call or check in on your elderly neighbors, bring them some cheer from a proper physical distance.
Remember to call or check in on your elderly neighbors, bring them some cheer from a proper physical distance.
July 4th in the time of COVID-19
I usually spend my 4th of July in Brownsville at their fireworks the night before and their parade in the town center. Then I head up to Hartland for their fireworks.
Also, I usually try not to miss "Old Home Day" in Reading, VT; it can't be beat with their AWESOME chicken BBQ, OX pull, parade and Ducky Derby.
10th Anniversary Ducky Derby July 3, 2016 Reading Vermont
But this year will look a lot different. Most towns have cancelled their celebrations. Others are getting creative with drive-in events. Here's what I could find
FIREWORKS AT KILLINGTON RESORT10th Anniversary Ducky Derby July 3, 2016 Reading Vermont
When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fireworks will be displayed from Snowshed Slope
What You Need to Know: Cars will travel along Killington Road and be parked by attendants to keep 10 feet between each car. Guests may stay in their cars and trucks to watch the show, or they may bring a chair to place within arm’s length of their vehicle. Parking will open at 8 p.m. Presented by The Town of Killington.
For more information: Visit www.killington.com.
FIREWORKS AT SUGARBUSH
When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush Resort in Warren
What You Need to Know: Sugarbush is setting up an online registration system on its website. Guests will need to reserve their parking space on a first-come, first-serve basis. In collaboration with the Mad River Valley Community Fund, a local non-profit designed to assist local Mad River Valley residents, the resort asks guests for a suggested donation of $20 per car. Win Smith’s Family Foundation will match all gifts up to $10,000. Guests will need to furnish a printed copy of their receipt or be able to display it on their mobile phone to gain access to the event.
For more information: Visit www.sugarbush.com.
BROWNSVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND CONTEST
When: July 3-5
Where: Brownsville
What You Need to Know: The Brownsville Independence Day Celebration volunteers and the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Department will decorate the center of town. They also hope displays of red, white, and blue will be celebrated on every road Brownsville/West Windsor. Suggestions include posters, banners, and streamers as well as American Flags on mailboxes, barns, fences, homes, and businesses. Maps will be available, and five $25 gift card prizes will be awarded to individuals who find the greatest number of decorated locations and mark them on their maps.
For more information: Visit the Brownsville Independence Day Celebration Facebook page.
Into Hiking-Weathersfield Hikes are Back!
The 8th Annual Weathersfield Hikes have been announced. They are being held under the auspices of Weathersfield Parks and Recreation. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. They expect a range of hiking speeds and abilities.
Reserve Your Spot on the Hikes
Contact Steve Aikenhead, at 263-5439 or stevea47@tds.net to reserve your spot on the hikes.
Are you new to hiking?
Wear footwear that is broken in and appropriate for our uneven trails. Hikers join at their own risk.
Questions?
Feel free to call Steve, organizer, at 263-5439 or stevea47@tds.net
Experienced hikers are also encouraged to ask questions or comment freely.
COVID-19 Precautions
Please observe COVID-19 precautions: physical distancing, wearing masks etc.. If you don't feel well, please stay home.
The Hikes
Saturday, July 11, 9:00 AM: Cathedral RocksThis hike is on wood roads. Its length has not been calculated, but it descends to the River Road (Route 10) from Stokes Road, which is just short of Wellwood Orchard. We will spot cars at the end of the hike for a ride back to Stokes. There is a nice view near the top of the descent. The rocks are very big. Two hours?
Saturday, July 18 9:00 AM: The Ancient Hemlocks
This route – notice I don’t say “trail” – is over fields and through the woods, up and down a logging road and over a rivulet or brook, including the headwaters of Mill Brook. You won’t have to remove footwear. There is some awkward footing.The last half mile is up Little Canada Road, past the 1791 John Warner house. If Dave Noake, the owner, is home, he enjoys giving a tour. The trees are about 500 years old. Your guide will use instinct to find his way through one section – he’s confident, despite an occasional debacle. Total distance 2 ½ miles?
Saturday, August 1, 9:00 AM: A Felchville Forest Walk
Marianne Walsh leads this hike through beautiful forest on well-maintained logging roads. The distance is about 3.5 miles on moderate terrain. There is a nice view of Ascutney Mountain, but the main attraction is the forest. The previous owner, Fred Hunt, now deceased, was and is famous locally for this forest. The current owners welcome walkers. The location is off Tyson Road, and the property borders the Knapp Brook Wildlife Management Area.
Saturday, August 15, 9:00 AM: Little Ascutney
We will walk up to the ledges – very nice view – on a trail that in part is strenuous. There is first a long steady climb, then a steep ascent, and then a steady climb. We will have gone from the parking lot at 900 feet to the summit of Little Ascutney at 1,709 feet. The hike probably will take over two hours. It feels like 2 miles up.
Saturday, August 29, meet at Downers’ at 9:00 AM: Mt. Tom
Don’t tell Mt. Tom, but this is a hill, not a mountain. The climb is 907’ to reach the summit at 1,357’. That climb, a little steep at first, is on a smooth carriage trail all the way up, passing the Pogue (Scottish for pond) on the way. The view of Woodstock in the valley below and of the surrounding area is lovely. Round trip of 4.6 miles.
Saturday, September 5, 9:00 AM: “Up on the Hill” on conserved land near Charlestown
Marianne Walsh has been here and expects to join us. We will walk on trails by a river, though a forest and through meadows, and up the hill to a view of Ascutney. After looking at the map on the website, my guess is that we’ll do up to 3 miles of walking. I searched “Up on the Hill UVLT” and went to the website.
Sunday, September 20, 5:00 PM: Ferry Road and the Connecticut River
This generally level route with one steep descent heads down shaded Ferry Road and into Skyline Nursery. Soon it follows the river, sometimes with views. At one point the remains of the huge Consul Jarvis sheep barn can be glimpsed. The total length is about 2 miles. Carol Orth is the leader.
September date to be announced, 8:30 AM: Windmill Hill, the Pinnacle
Rated as a moderate climb because of some uphill and some rocks to step over, this well-maintained loop of 3.8 miles goes through a forest to an excellent view at the top. There are informational markers along the way. The car ride from Ascutney Park and Ride will take about 40 minutes.
Saturday, October 10, 9:30 AM: Cooks Pond Loop
This is a route on wooded dirt roads more than on trail. There is a lovely framed view of Mt. Ascutney from the south end of Cooks Pond. Other mountain views occur at later points. Difficulty: easy to moderate, with one long incline and a shorter one. Distance: almost 3 miles.
Saturday, October 17, 8:00 AM: Ascutney Mountain
We will go to the fire tower and the Brownsville Overlook. We will go up the Weathersfield Trail, but people wanting a less strenuous hike (.7 miles up) could drive up and meet us at the top, we hope. I might join that shorter climb. We leave early because parking later is a problem.
Want to Try Yoga? Within Reach Yoga Under the Trees
Weathersfield resident, Lisa Gleeson is hosting outdoor yoga classes under the trees at the Weathersfield Center Church on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Weathersfield Meeting House/Church:
Vinyasa Flow
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 am
Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 am
To stay in the loop for classes and locations, for questions, to register, or to subscribe to our newsletter, please email lisa@withinreachyoga.com. Follow her on facebook for class updates.
Local Restaurants are Re-Opening with Indoor and Outdoor Dining-Call for Reservations.
Local favorites are re-opening for outside and limited inside dining.
Exit Ate is back at it with limited indoor seating (with AC) and outdoor seating. Greg is making homemade bread and potato chips and they now have a variety of salads for your quarantined BBQs: Potato Salad, Tuna Mac, Italian Pasta, and our delicious Cole Slaw.
Exit Ate is back at it with limited indoor seating (with AC) and outdoor seating. Greg is making homemade bread and potato chips and they now have a variety of salads for your quarantined BBQs: Potato Salad, Tuna Mac, Italian Pasta, and our delicious Cole Slaw.
Inn at Weathersfield-dine inside or outside Thursdays, fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. They also offer a take away menu.
Springfield Diner-seating inside/outside daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Ice cream shop open Thursday-Sunday 1-7 pm. Please use ice cream shop entrance for ice cream. Daily specials.
Villagers Ice Cream Hours Noon-8:30 p.m. except Monday
The Hanover Chamber put together this list of Curbside Restaurants: https://www.hanoverchamber.org/upper-valley-restaurants-delivery-curbside-pi
Check to see if your favorite restaurant is open for outdoor and/or indoor dining. Most are requiring reservations so call ahead for their guidelines and business hours.
Food Assistance
Ascutney Union Church Food Cupboard in Ascutney 5243 Route 5 Saturdays 9-10 a.m. call 802-674-2484.
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 2-4 p.m. WFS is located in the 1879 Schoolhouse at 1862 Route 106 in Perkinsville. Donations of non-perishable food are always welcomed and may be dropped off at the facility during open hours or placed in the collection box at Martin Memorial Hall. For more information, call 802-263-5584 or email weathersfieldfoodshelf@gmail.com.
Hartland Food shelf in Hartland. 4 Corners UU Church Fridays 8-10 a.m.
Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf in Reading. Mondays 2-4 p.m. and Thursday 4-6 p.m. Stone School 3456 Tyson Rd, Reading.
Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats and Rabbits only on July 7th
Springfield Human Society is hosting their annual Spay and Neuter Clinic. on Tuesday July 7. Sign ups are starting NOW, so do not delay, call today.To sign up, please call 802-885-3997 with a debit/credit card to pre-pay for your spot. Cash payments are accepted, by appointment only. Please call to set up a time! Pricing is as follows:
Males: $50
Females: $60
Rabbits: $80
Rabies: $10 (required unless proof of current vaccine)
Distemper: $10 (optional, but highly recommended)
Microchip with registration: $25 (must have valid email address)
The clinic is located at the shelter, in our community room! You will receive drop off and pick up instructions upon signing up. We are taking extra precautions currently to keep everyone safe during the covid-19 virus.
DROP OFF: 8:15-9AM & PICK UP: 3PM
-All pets attending clinics MUST be in SECURE cat carriers. Please refrain from using cardboard carriers or mesh, collapsing carriers, as these tend to be less effective.
-All carriers should have a blanket or a towel inside the carrier.
MORE INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN UPON SIGN UP
Males: $50
Females: $60
Rabbits: $80
Rabies: $10 (required unless proof of current vaccine)
Distemper: $10 (optional, but highly recommended)
Microchip with registration: $25 (must have valid email address)
The clinic is located at the shelter, in our community room! You will receive drop off and pick up instructions upon signing up. We are taking extra precautions currently to keep everyone safe during the covid-19 virus.
DROP OFF: 8:15-9AM & PICK UP: 3PM
-All pets attending clinics MUST be in SECURE cat carriers. Please refrain from using cardboard carriers or mesh, collapsing carriers, as these tend to be less effective.
-All carriers should have a blanket or a towel inside the carrier.
MORE INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN UPON SIGN UP