Be Smart, Stay Safe June 15 in Weathersfield, Vermont
I've been out kayaking a lot the last few weeks; photos from my adventures are posted on my website: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures
In the Weird Photo Department
This yellow pond lily was seen at McDaniel's Marsh in Enfield/Springfield, NH last week.
More Kayak Adventure photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures
In the Cool Photo Department
I've been paddling a few times on Mascoma Lake with friends this past week and have seen LOTS of birds including: a bald eagle guarding its nest; and lots of loons on Friday morning.
More Kayak Adventure photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures
Vermont COVID-19 Updates
Tune in Mondays ,Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am on WCAX for the Governor's COVID-19 updates.
Indoor Dining at Restaurants
Indoor Dining at Restaurants
On June 5 Governor Scott announced the resumption of limited indoor seating at restaurants and bars and a data-driven approach to allow travel to and from designated areas without a 14-day quarantine requirement.
Active COVID-19 Cases Near Vermont
Department of Financial Regulation has a whole resource center for COVID-19 Updates and Modeling. Like this heat map of active cases near us, updated June 12, 2020.
Active case numbers ARE down from last week but I don't think almost 9,000 active cases within one hour and 136,000 within a five hour drive means the pandemic is over, do you?
ACCD Guidelines for Businesses
Re-opening businesses must follow the guidelines set forth by the Vermont State Agency of Commerce and Community Development-- guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.Active case numbers ARE down from last week but I don't think almost 9,000 active cases within one hour and 136,000 within a five hour drive means the pandemic is over, do you?
Travel To and From Vermont
Some travel to Vermont is now allowed without the 14 day quarantine. https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel Watch for counties with 400 or less active cases per 1 million people. The State of Vermont has determined that any county with less than 400 active cases of COVID-19 per one million residents meets this criteria. The Agency will publish an updated map and list each Monday by 5 p.m. at accd.vermont.gov identifying quarantine and non-quarantine counties throughout New England and New York. Vermonters must remember to follow any travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for the states they plan to visit.
COVID-19 cases in Vermont by county:
https://vcgi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6128a0bc9ae14e98a686b635001ef7a7
Get Tested, if you want or you suspect you have been exposed
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
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.
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.
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.
Reserve Your Spot on the Hikes
Contact Steve Aikenhead, at 263-5439 or stevea47@tds.net to reserve your spot on the hikes.
Marianne Walsh is happy to lead a bird walk from Dana’s farm on the upper section of Bowen Hill Rd to the wetlands on the Springfield/Weathersfield town line on Skyline Drive. The walk would be during a weekday and would have to be early (6 AM would be best). Marianne walks this section a few times a week in spring, summer and fall.
If interested, contact Marianne at 802-885-9420 or mwalsh@vermontel.net.
The following are Steve's descriptions of the hikes.
Saturday, June 20, 9:30 AM: To the Cabin
We follow Swift’s Logging Road up to the crest of Pikes Peak ridge. Then we follow a trail through the woods to Grace’s skiing trail, head down that, and finish on a woodsy trail to Steve’s cabin. There is a nice view there. We will linger – bring some food? (Sorry – no lunch provided this year.) The distance to the cabin will feel like 2 miles, plus a short walk on the Center Road. Those who wish can do an extra walk to the well that held Herbert White’s body if we can find it – the well, that is.
Not confirmed but maybe Sunday, June 27 , 2:00 PM : Old Roads in Weathersfield Bow
Jeff Pelton would lead our first hike. His description: “Park at the Baptist Church parking lot in Weathersfield Bow. We'll walk north to the old Lyman Tavern, later the Danforth Tavern, thence west along Old Bow Road, thence south along the backside of the pond to the Old Springfield Road. We follow the OSR until we're cut off by the Interstate and then retrace our steps back. At some point we will bear off on a logging road and loop back to the village. As this is a Historical Society walk, your "side-hill cronchers" will have to bear some historical blather here and there – Jeff” (Respond to me – Steve – so I can let you know if this becomes a certain event.)
Saturday, July 11, 9:00 AM: Cathedral Rocks
This 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.
The Hikes
Birding, Late May or early June:Marianne Walsh is happy to lead a bird walk from Dana’s farm on the upper section of Bowen Hill Rd to the wetlands on the Springfield/Weathersfield town line on Skyline Drive. The walk would be during a weekday and would have to be early (6 AM would be best). Marianne walks this section a few times a week in spring, summer and fall.
If interested, contact Marianne at 802-885-9420 or mwalsh@vermontel.net.
The following are Steve's descriptions of the hikes.
Saturday, June 20, 9:30 AM: To the Cabin
We follow Swift’s Logging Road up to the crest of Pikes Peak ridge. Then we follow a trail through the woods to Grace’s skiing trail, head down that, and finish on a woodsy trail to Steve’s cabin. There is a nice view there. We will linger – bring some food? (Sorry – no lunch provided this year.) The distance to the cabin will feel like 2 miles, plus a short walk on the Center Road. Those who wish can do an extra walk to the well that held Herbert White’s body if we can find it – the well, that is.
Not confirmed but maybe Sunday, June 27 , 2:00 PM : Old Roads in Weathersfield Bow
Jeff Pelton would lead our first hike. His description: “Park at the Baptist Church parking lot in Weathersfield Bow. We'll walk north to the old Lyman Tavern, later the Danforth Tavern, thence west along Old Bow Road, thence south along the backside of the pond to the Old Springfield Road. We follow the OSR until we're cut off by the Interstate and then retrace our steps back. At some point we will bear off on a logging road and loop back to the village. As this is a Historical Society walk, your "side-hill cronchers" will have to bear some historical blather here and there – Jeff” (Respond to me – Steve – so I can let you know if this becomes a certain event.)
Saturday, July 11, 9:00 AM: Cathedral Rocks
This 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.
Online Classes are Going LIVE
Within Reach Yoga-Plans to Re-open with in-person classes.
Weathersfield resident, Lisa Gleeson announced in an email to students on Friday that she'll be reopening her classes very soon: "Starting next week, I'll be offering classes outside at the Weathersfield Meeting House. Details to follow" she said. 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.
Want to Learn to Belly Dance-FREE Classes Offered to Try it.
SIGN-UP to reserve your spot and to receive the ZOOM links.
People of all shapes, sizes, ages and ability levels welcome and encouraged.This summer you can learn from the comfort and privacy of your own home or in person.
No special clothing required.
And no – you don’t have to show any skin.
Bring your favorite libation and get ready to giggle and to get some fun exercise.
Monday, June 22, 6:00-7:00 on ZOOM
This is great if you are at a distance (geographically) or prefer not to be in groups, even physcially distanced groups like this class plans to be.
Sign-up to get ZOOM link.
This class will be ongoing.
Outdoor Classes
For in-person classes (outdoors!) bring bug spray (just in case) and bring sandals or light sneakers.Classes will be taught in a private, shaded, outdoor location. As per VT and NH official mandates, masks are optional during group exercise. Students will be physically distanced during the class.
In case of rain, classes will be on Zoom.
Tuesday, June 23, 7:15-8:15 pm in WILDER at Kilowatt North Park
321 Gillette Street, Wilder. Click here for map
Students will be 6+ feet socially distanced as per VT guidance.
Sponsored by Hartford Parks and Recreation.
This class will be ongoing.
Thursday, June 25, 5:45-6:45 pm in HANOVER, Sachem Fields
Meet at the end of the parking lot right next to the Campion Skating Rink at Sachem Fields in Hanover. Click here for map
Students will be 8-10 feet socially distanced as per NH guidance.
Co-sponsored by Hanover Recreation.
This class will be ongoing.
Saturday, June 27, 11 am – noon in LEBANON-CCBA Pavillion
(the Carter Witherell Center, drive behind the building), 1 Taylor Street, Lebanon, NH. Click here for map
Sponsored by Lebanon Recreation and Parks. This class is not ongoing, just a come and try dancing class.
More information contact Gina at (802) 282-2149 or email her at Gina@ginadances.com
Composting 101-Tuesday, June 16
As of July 1, 2020 all food waste and organics must be removed from the waste stream. The Springfield Town Library is hosting an online ZOOM meeting with Cat Buxton Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. . The basics of Vermont's Universal Recycling Law will be discussed. Registration is required using eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zoom-with-cat-buxton-backyard-composting-101-tickets-105265736652
Contact the library 802-885-3108 or springfieldlibrary@hotmail.com with questions.
Restaurants are Cautiously Re-Opening
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.
Local favorites are re-opening for outside and limited inside dining.
Exit Ate reopened June 11 at 7 AM
Springfield Diner-seating inside/outside daily 7-2. Closed on Monday's until further notice. Ice cream shop opened June 11, Thursday-Sunday 1-7pm. Please use ice cream shop entrance for ice cream.
Villagers Ice Cream Hours 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM except Monday
The Hanover Chamber put together this list of Curbside Restaurants: https://www.hanoverchamber.org/upper-valley-restaurants-delivery-curbside-pi
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.