Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont, July 13

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We kayaked on Lowell Lake last week. It's in Londonderry VT and the loon chicks were out and about.
More photos from our kayak adventure: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures/Lowell-Lake/

If you are a fan of Loons, I have a collection page of photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures/Loons/ (I think they might be my spirit animal)


Last week, my Kayak Klub also paddled on Crystal Lake in Enfield NH. It was a lovely sunset paddle and we got to see this busy beaver. More photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Kayaking-Adventures/Crystal-Lake-2020/

Watch Out for Wild Parsnip!


It will BURN you.
Wild parsnips produce a sap, or plant juice, that can cause burns to the skin in the presence of sunlight. In some cases, the burns are like second-degree sunburns that can cause painful rashes and raised blisters.


Here come the College Students and other VT COVID-19 Updates

Guidelines for Returning College Students

College Students return to Vermont Under Guideline

Recovery Grants for Non-profits and Cultural Organizations




Vermont COVID-19 Updates

The governor's weekly press conferences have moved to Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 am on WCAX for the Governor's COVID-19 updates.

Past Press Conferences may be viewed on the ORCA media YouTube channel

Governor of Vermont Press Releases

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 July 10 to include many more counties.


Methodology for Travel document

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.

Vermont Department of Health-COVID-19 information


Face Masks Save Lives-Please Wear One!
Looking or buy a Mask-Check out these businesses


COVID-19 activity by Towns in Vermont 
VT has 1200 confirmed positive with over 75,000 people tested.

COVID-19 activity in NH 
NH has now over 6000 confirmed positive cases.

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

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.

More Local Re-Openings


The Montshire Museum of Science re-opened on Wednesday, July 8. The museum is open for outdoor explorations and adventures only. Appreciate the natural beauty of our 100-acre woodland setting through our outdoor experiences and our nature trails. They've moved some exhibits outside too like their "Bubbles" in an outdoor setting, and learning experiences designed for families. 


They are implementing a timed ticketing system to ensure that our visitors can safely maintain social distancing. You may purchase or reserve your tickets up to three days prior to your visit.
More information: https://www.montshire.org/visit-2020

Did you fill out your 2020 Census yet?

Have you filled out Your 2020 Census Questionnaire Yet?
It's so easy to do online, takes 5 minutes and you won't get a visit from a Census taker.
Do it NOW-CLICK HERE for the easy questionnaire.


Travel Plans this Summer?


Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield

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 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.   

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 

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 Dining



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.

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.
Had a wonderful fish and chips dinner take-away last Thursday. Everyone was wearing a mask and physically distancing. Good On You Villagers!!

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.

We'll get through this together. We're all connected.

#StayatHomeSavesLives
#StopTheSpread

Nancy Nutile-McMenemy is an Upper Valley freelance photographer and writer who loves to attend concerts and local events in and around Weathersfield and the Upper Valley.

If you have anything you think I should post during our Stay At Home Time drop me an email: photosbynanci@comcast.com
Location: Weathersfield, VT, USA

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