Be Smart, Be Safe In Weathersfield Vermont, August 3

Herrick's Cove, Rockingham VT

Weathersfield Historical Society Wants to Hear from You.

During the Covid-19 pandemic people from all over the country are sheltering in place, wearing masks, learning remotely, working from home or dealing with the loss of their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we are sharing many of the same experiences, each of us has a different response.

The Weathersfield Historical Society would like to hear from you and your family. They want to preserve your memories of this critical time in our library so that future generations can read and research them. Please email your contribution (which will be printed and archived) to ellen.clattenburg@gmail.com. Or you may mail paper versions to: Weathersfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 126, Perkinsville, VT 05151. They want to hear from all ages; short and longer contributions welcome.


Public Hearing Aug. 17-Perkinsville School ADA Ramp Project

The Town of Weathersfield received $40,000 from the State of Vermont for a grant under the Vermont Community Development Program. A public hearing will be held on August 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., to furnish information concerning the range of community development activities that have been undertaken under this program, and to give affected citizens the opportunity to examine a statement of the use of these funds.

The VCDP Funds received have been used to accomplish the following activities: Construction of an accessibility ramp to the Perkinsville Schoolhouse that is complaint with the Americans Disability Act (ADA) Standards.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic public safety measures issued by executive order of the Governor of Vermont regarding Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law and limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this public meeting will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. See www.HealthVermont.gov for more information on the Governor’s executive order.

To participate, members of the public may call in at the scheduled time of the meeting by using Phone Number: 646-749-3122 and Access Code: 837-211-861. Those who wish to watch the meeting may do so via TV at Comcast Channel “1087” and VTEL Channel “161” or online through “GoToMeeting: Live/ Real-time” at the scheduled meeting time. Specific information and the general guidelines for “GoToMeeting” remote participation on-line instructions can be found on the Weathersfield website by searching the website for “Guidance to Remote Meetings”. Information on this project may be obtained from and viewed by appointment by contacting Brandon Gulnick, at townmanager@weathersfield.org or by calling 802-674-2626. Should you require any special accommodations to view information or to participate, please detail that information when you contact Brandon Gulnick to ensure appropriate arrangements are made. For the hearing impaired please call (TTY) #1-800-253-0191.


Vermont Primary VOTE Tuesday August 11


Vermont State Primary: Weathersfield Memorial Hall, Downstairs, 5259 Route 5, every year on the 2nd Tuesday in August to vote for party nominations for State officials.

General Election: Weathersfield Memorial Hall, Downstairs, 5259 Route 5 to vote for State officials and Justices of the Peace. To learn more about elections in Vermont go online to: https://www.sec.state.vt.us/electionshttps://www.sec.state.vt.us/elections

If you have any questions, please call the Weathersfield Town Clerk’s Office at 674-9500.


Vermont COVID-19 Updates

Vermont Governor-Schools to Open Sept. 8

On Friday, July 31, Governor Phil Scott has signed a Directive officially setting Tuesday, September 8 as the universal reopening date for Vermont schools.
From the press release:

“Schools should take this extra time to make sure systems are ready and effective, so we can deliver for our children, and build confidence in the public education system’s ability to be flexible and responsive,” said Governor Scott. “I know none of this has been easy, and I appreciate and have faith in educators and school boards, because I know they are 100% committed to giving kids the educational opportunities and support they need.”

Originally announced on Tuesday, the directive requires all public and independent schools to open for in-person or remote instruction on September 8, with an exception for schools primarily serving students with disabilities, which can restart operations prior to September 8. The Secretary of Education will have oversight and authority in the implementation of the order and local school officials and governing bodies are required to consult with, and abide by, the direction of the Secretary of Education.

This start date provides schools with an additional week for staff to prepare and test the systems – both online and in-person – built over the past few months. School districts have developed reopening plans under guidance from the Agency of Education (AOE) and Vermont Department of Health, developed alongside pediatric medical professionals and education stakeholders.

Data has demonstrated younger children are less likely to spread or contract COVID-19 and studies from other countries who have reopened schools have not shown significant transmission of COVID-19 within schools. The Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has called on school districts to prioritize in person attendance for all students preschool through grade five and students of all ages with special needs, as these groups receive the greatest benefit from in-person instruction.

These factors, in addition to Vermont’s low disease prevalence and ability to quickly contain outbreaks with effective testing and tracing, have informed data-driven strategies to promote health and safety of students, teachers and school staff, and allowed schools to open with either a hybrid or in-person model.

“What we continue to hear from public health and pediatric medical professionals is support for a return to school and in-person instruction, especially for kids 10 and under,” added Governor Scott. “They point to Vermont’s low case counts, our proven capacity to contain clusters and outbreaks and our experience with childcare centers and summer camps, as well as studies from countries where kids are already in school. While we know we may see cases in our schools, these factors mean Vermont is in a better position to return to school than any other state.”

Click here to view the full School start date directive.

Click here to view the full July 28 press conference.

Click here to view Agency of Education guidance for reopening schools.

For more information on:
COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
The state’s modeling, visit https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.


You are NOT Alone, Please Reach Out!

We're all stressed out and are wondering about the future. Don't go it alone.
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.


School Updates


COVID-19 Updates https://www.wsesu.net/supervisory-union/covid-19

Mask wearing for Children


Principal Oakman posted a "Social Story" about children and mask wearing. It can be viewed here: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1595976556/wsesunet/psbwhxb1mzbhjaj7zqho/MaskSocialStory.pdf

School Board Meets Aug. 11 and Sept. 8

Weathersfield School Board Meeting Subscribe to Alerts
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Rd, Ascutney, VT 05030, USA


School Supply Drive for WSESU

Kids will be returning to school soon. 
Across our WSESU towns of Hartland, Weathersfield, Windsor, and West Windsor, hundreds of children qualify for free and reduced price school lunch. Their families will struggle to pay for much needed school supplies. Especially in the time of COVID, it’s important that each child have their own supplies and not share with other students.

Old South Church, Mt. Ascutney Hospital, and Sled Dog Disco (a Windsor-based group focused on building developmental assets in youth) are hosting a school supply drive on behalf of WSESU. 

Their goal is to raise $5,000 to purchase supplies for all 455 WSESU children who qualify for free or reduced price school lunch.

The schools have submitted their supply lists, now they need your help to raise the funds to purchase them.

  • A donation of $13 will cover supplies for one Elementary School student
  • A donation of $11 will cover supplies for one Middle School student
  • A donation of $10 will cover supplies for one High School student

Donations in any amount are welcome! 

Please make checks payable to “Old South Church” and put “School Supply Drive” on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to:
School Supply Drive c/o Mascoma Savings Bank
105 Main Street
Windsor, VT 05089

Please donate by August 10th 


Things To Do in and Around Weathersfield

Yard Sale at Ascutney Fire Station Aug. 7-8


AVFA will be having their second yard sale on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th.

They will be taking donations for the yard sale, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please do not just drop off items outside the station. (Unfortunately, they have been receiving many non-salable items that they have to pay to have disposed of and this cuts into their profits of the sale.) 
Drop off appointments can be made by contacting Chief Spaulding at 802-296-1888.


Through Their Eyes Photography Exhibit by WES Students


Weathersfield students have some of their photographs on display at the Main Street Gallery in Windsor. The exhibit runs through August 15. For more information about the exhibit contact Main Street Gallery, 85 Main Street Windsor, VT 05089  info@mainstreetgallery.shop(802) 299-0587

Quilt Exhibit at Billings Farm and Museum


The 34th annual quilt exhibit at the Billings Farm & Museum features the talents of Windsor County resident artists in this favorite showcase. This year, two of the award recipients are WCM mentors (current or recent). Congratulations to Josie Jones, whose quilt won the Staff Choice Award, and to Judi Simon-Bouton, who received one of three Juror's Choice Awards. 

The quilt exhibit continues through August 23rd, and visitors may cast their votes for the People's Choice Award. New this year, the quilt show is also featured online with a virtual tour of the pieces, interviews with jurors, and a video of the opening event and awards ceremony. Find more information at the Billings Farm & Museum quilt show website

The Billings Farm & Museum is open Thursdays - Mondays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Health practices on site, including mandatory face masks, adhere to all CDC and Vermont Department of Health protocols. Online programming is available at the website.


On Going Things to Do

Weathersfield Hikes


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 Aikenheadat 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, 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 Meeting House/Church on Saturdays.
View from my mat

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 am 

Email lisa@withinreachyoga.com to register or with any questions.

COST: $12 drop-in or one punch for those who have purchased punch passes.

Please bring your own mat, props (blocks or blanket/towel) and practice social distancing guidelines.

To stay in the loop for classes and locations, for questions, to register, or to subscribe to our newsletter, please email lisa@withinreachyoga.comFollow her on facebook for class updates.


Learn to Meditate

Sundays, 11 am to Noon
Register before Sunday to get the link if you would like to be on the notification list. Or if you just want to try it once, email whiteriver@shambhala.info to request the zoom link.

Learn to Meditate Class and Dharma talk: For beginners and practitioners. 
This online open house is a great introduction to the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and an opportunity to connect with other practitioners. It features half an hour meditation practice with meditation instruction, followed by a talk by one of our senior teachers, and discussion period. Attendance is free and open to the public. A good class for both beginners and meditators.

If you would like to make a donation to the White River Shambhala Meditation Center for the online class, you can do so on this link to Paypal or by mailing a check to the White River Shambhala Center, PO Box 1254, WRJ, VT 05001.

ALL WELCOME. The class will be led by Shastri Donna Williams of the White River Shambhala Meditation Center.


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. 

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, Saturdays 10 a.m-2 p.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.


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?


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


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