Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont , September 29

Fall Foliage is HERE. 

Be safe out there with all the visiting leaf peepers .

Did you fill out your 2020 Census yet?
Deadline extended until Oct. 31

Have you filled out Your 2020 Census Questionnaire Yet? 
You need to be counted so Vermont can get the Federal money we deserve; it's based on the Census data that is ONLY collected every 10 years!

School lunches. Plans for highways. Support for firefighters and families in need, the list goes on.

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

You NOW have until the end of October.

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.

Paddle Report 



Mill Pond, Windsor, VT

The Hump Day Paddlers (my friends Jan and Sharon and I) revisited Mill.Kennedy/Ascutney Pond in Windsor VT on Wednesday morning.

We had the pond to ourselves most of the day. A few paddlers showed up later and there was even a swimmer in the water with us.

We saw quite a few turtles and a Solitary Sandpiper.

There was also a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds in the reeds.

Quite a few New England Asters were still in bloom and the bees were taking advantage of them.


We paddled around for a couple of hours then loaded the kayaks and visited The Great Dam and old mill. Apparently Crackers were made here in the recent past. Check it out sometime.

We drove to downtown Windsor and decided to explore Paradise Park. It was very hot in the open fields and along Lake Runnemede but the woods were nice a cool.

The dragonflies are dwindling but I did see an Autumn  Meadowhawk during our walk.

We had a wonderful time exploring some of the outdoor things Windsor has to offer.



Knapp Pond II, Cavendish VT

I'm really enjoying my visits to Knapp Brook Ponds. They are close by and usually very quiet.

On Saturday my friends Sharon and Michelle and I met for a fall foliage paddle. We weren't expecting much (Sharon, Jan and I had paddle there only 10 days ago and the foliage was barely beginning.)

WOW-were we in for a treat. The trees were exploding with color. I'm not sure if it is the drought stressing them or the three nights of below 30 we had last week or a combination of both. But WOW. Get out there soon as the forecast is calling for wind and rain mid-week.

We saw a pair of Canadian Geese circling the pond.


And as I said , the colors were just magical.



Go visit and take some photos of your own. 
Look at it this way-this foliage could be the BEST thing about 2020!


Vermont COVID-19 Updates

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 travel maps will be updated on Tuesday now)
New National Case Map Sept. 21

Regional Forecast Through October 10


K-12 Dashboard


Vermont College Dashboard Links


Updated travel map Sept. 22


TRAVELING TO VERMONT

Travel FAQs

Wondering what rules to follow if you visit Vermont? Or, if you’re in Vermont and planning a trip out of state, what to do when you come home? 

If you travel, you may need to quarantine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state. See guidance on this page to find out what you need to do.

New Hampshire COVID-19 Updates


Dartmouth COVID-19 Dashboard up and Running

Dartmouth updates this COVID-19 dashboard on Mondays and Thursdays. For more information on how Dartmouth is working to help keep our community safe, please visit our COVID-19 Information and Resources.


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.


Town of Weathersfield Updates

Select Board Meets on October 5 and October 19

Select Board Sept. 21 Meeting Minutes (DRAFT)

School Updates


School Board

Meets October 13 5:30-9 p.m.

School Dates and Events

School Enters Phase 3 of Re-Opening

What Phase 3 means for Weathersfield School


"1. Grade alike pods can start to do activities together to get to know one another. The students are already mixed together for sports, starting Saturday. Wearing masks and socially distancing will continue.
2. We will be introducing band lessons to grades 5-8 in early October, except for woodwinds.
3. K-5 can be socially distanced from 3 to 6 feet. Grades 6-8 must maintain a distance of 6 feet. Therefore, Ms. Stillson's 8th grade homeroom class will be moved to the band room after school on October 2, 2020. My apologies, but there is no other way around this. We will have 22 in person 8th graders starting on October 5th.

Health checks, bus monitors, hand washing stations, door holders, play structure disinfecting, place based integrated units of study, marked hallways for traffic flow, and the thorough cleaning regiment we have practiced will all continue as usual. Water fountains will remain off. Water will continue to be the drink students enjoy, (the water filling stations are open), with milk and juice being offered at breakfast and lunch. Breakfast and lunch in the classrooms will continue. The modified daily schedule will remain as is for now, with remote afternoon remediation and support starting the week of October 5th. The gym and ap room will remain closed unless used for a special event such as school pictures or faculty meetings. No volunteers will be permitted in the building or on school grounds when school is in session. Drop off and pick up routines will continue as practiced.

If the AOE suggests other changes, the WSESU will roll them out carefully and with great forethought. The intent is to keep you all safe and in good health. Today marks the 12th day of in person school and we have been blessed with a spectacular opening. We want this momentum to continue. I hope this answers the many questions I have received about Phase 3. As we hear more from the AOE, I promise to keep you informed."

Free Lunch and Breakfast extended to Dec. 31

The USDA has extended the summer food service program so anyone under 18 years of age may receive FREE school breakfasts and lunches until December 31, 2020.  Please fill out the application as the school receives title funds for extra support and programs based on those applications. Only numbers are used, never names, that always remains confidential. See application attached in the Sept. 18 newsletter

Flu Clinic for Students and Their Families 

On October 9th at 8:30am the school will be doing a drive up flu shot clinic at Weathersfield School in collaboration with Mount Ascutney Hospital. 
Anyone can participate. 

Please fill out the form included in the Sept 18 Newsletter (scroll down) prior to coming to the clinic and please read the vaccine information sheet also attached in the newsletter. 

If you are unable to print these papers please let the school know and they can send them home with your student. Contact Emily Stevens in the health office as soon as possible to give her the number of people you plan on having get the flu shot on October 9th. 
 

COVID-19 Updates From the Supervisory Union

School Updates

From Dr. Baker September 18 Update



Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield

Gravelin RD-Guess the Pumpkin Weight


Take a ride down Gravelin RD (off Rte 131 or the Weathersfield Center RD) and you'll come across the Creepy Hollow Guess The Pumpkin Weight stand (and pumpkins for sale!)
Take and envelope, put $1 per guess inside along with your name and phone number. Seal it and drop it in the box.
Make your guesses before Halloween Oct. 31 when they'll weigh the ginormous squash.

Good luck to everyone!

And speaking of Squash... Time to Sign Up for Deep Meadow Winter CSA

file photo               

Time to sign up for Deep Meadow's winter CSA. Space is limited.

Their winter CSA:
Nov-Jan/6 pickups at the farm on Rte 5 in Ascutney/ 1st and 3rd Sundays/pre-filled boxes

If interested, send them an email growing1@deepmeadowfarm.net BEFORE OCTOBER 8th

What's in the box?
Early: greens as available and late season field crops (ex. kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots potatoes, onions and more). 
Middle: a mix of greens, squash and root crops (ex. Sweet potatoes, Kale, winter squash, beets, onions, garlic and more). 
Late: mostly root crops (ex. potatoes, parsnips, beets, garlic, onions, turnips, more and always some greens)


West Weathersfield Fire Department BBQ Chicken Dinner

File photo from 2016     


Where: West Weathersfield Fire Station
When: Saturday October 10, 11 a.m.-3p.m. Order in Advance, Take Away ONLY.
Cost:$12 per meal or 2 for $20
Meal includes: BBQ Chicken, Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, Roll and Dessert
Call to reserve your dinner:  802-291-4377 (only a limited number will be sold!)

Trust this reporter when I say this BBQ chicken is delicious. In the past you had to get there early before they sold out-now you can call and have a meal ready for you-works for me!
 

Night Sky ZOOM Class Starts Oct. 12


Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wished you could point out something, anything, interesting?
Beginning Monday, Oct 12 at 4:30 p.m. this course, will cover what sights are currently visible in the night sky. You will adopt a constellation, learn how to find it in the wild, and pick out some points of interest to impress your friends. The course will cover resources for keeping up to date with what’s out, and finish up with astronomy news.
This class is presented FREE, virtually via Zoom. (After you register you will receive a link to the online portion of the class.)
Register: https://claremontmakerspace.org/events/#!event/2020/10/12/what-apos-s-up-with-the-sky-tonight
All ages, all skill levels.
Instructor: Mits Kobayashi
Mits Kobayashi is a mathematician and lifelong astronomy enthusiast. He has taught mathematics at Cal State LA, Cal Poly Pomona, and Dartmouth College. His hobbies involve learning how to do new things: cooking new food, building furniture, and playing musical instruments are some current
projects.
More Info: Brendan Dangelo, Director of Education and Workforce, The Claremont Makerspace (603) 504-3419

Weathersfield Hikes


8th Annual Weathersfield Hikes-Only 2 October Hikes Remain


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, 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, Within Reach Yoga, is hosting indoor yoga classes at the Weathersfield Meeting House/Church on Saturdays. (Safe mat distancing and mask wearing occurs)

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Saturdays, 9-10 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.
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.

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 their page 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.


Watch NCCT Miscast Cabaret Online



Take a little break with the talented folks of NCCT. If you are like me you are really missing live performances. Here's a little show to tide you over. There is NO CHARGE to watch but if you like what you see please DONATE to this wonderful theatre group.
Special Thanks to:
Briggs Opera House
Dan Drye of Roll Films, LLC
Craig Mowery
Director: Lanni Luce West
Accompanist: Gerry Grimo
Production Manager: Beth Zuttermeister
Sound and Lights: Emma Hadden and Ken Munsey
Technical Director: Clif Rogers


Performers (in alphabetical order): Mark Boutwell, Loida Boy, Constance Bryan, Taylor Burgess, Andrew Carmichael, Elizabthe Chambers, Mark Cookson, AJ DeFelice, Amy Fortier, Jacqueline Griggs, Emma Hadden, Isabelle Hall, Lia Hammond, Eli Hoffer, Da-Shih Hu, Margaret Hunton, Katharine Kitchel, Amye Mason, Lori Mather, Whitney Carroll McKinnon, Danny Mello, Ken Munsey, Anna Munsey-Kano, Daniel Naranjo, Julia Pierce, Sam Powers, Cameron Stevens, Olivia Swayze, Darik Velez, Barry Wenig, David Wilson


Sign Up for Zack's Place Annual Turkey Trot Virtually



T-shirt Artwork by Keegan Moriarty 
Zack's Place 2020 Virtual Turkey Trot Register now to support Zack's Place


The Zack's Place Turkey Trot is virtual this year. Organizers are hoping that the community will still get outside and trot on Thanksgiving Day to support Zack's Place, see other people trotting, feel good, burn calories and do something really great.


Zack's Place needs you more now than ever. They need your help raising the money to keep their programs going, so that when it is safe, they are ready to go, in person again. Please join them on Thanksgiving Day for the Zack's Place Virtual Turkey Trot!


To register now click here: Click Here to Register for the Zack's Place Turkey Trot


Visit Our Local Restaurants

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.


REGISTER to VOTE General Election is November 3, 2020
Did you know you can register to vote ONLINE

There is no deadline to register, you may register to vote up to and including the day of the election. However, if you register online the day before the election or on Election Day, your application may not be processed and your name may not appear on the checklist and you may be asked to fill out another application at the polls. To be sure your name appears on the checklist, please register by the Friday before the election
What are the key races in my Vermont?
U.S. president
U.S. House: Incumbent Peter Welch (D) vs. Miriam Berry (R) and Chris Brimmer (P)
Governor: Incumbent Phil Scott (R) vs. Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman (D)
State Senate: All 30 seats
State House: All 150 seats

Travel Plans this Fall?
Check out AAA COVID-19 Guidelines. This map shows restrictions and guidelines to all 50 states and some parts of Canada. https://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c&mc_cid=01b40a6b30&mc_eid=62773da223



We'll get through this together. We're all connected.
#StayatHomeSavesLives
#StopTheSpread
#WearAMask


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 drop me an email: photosbynanci@comcast.com

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