Be Smart, Be Safe Weathersfield Vermont Sept. 21

Loon snuggle time on Grafton Pond, Grafton NH

Did you fill out your 2020 Census yet?

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 ONLY have until the end of September.

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 

Grafton Pond 

A chilly day on Grafton Pond in Grafton NH. Last Wednesday my friend Sharon and I met at grafton Pond for a paddle. It was our third visit to this body of water and it was a strange one. The NH Dam Bureau was drawing down the pond and sending the water downstream to Mascoma Lake.

The landscape almost looked lunar.

We were trying to paddle in places where we paddled earlier in the summer but most of the cut-throughs were now blocked. But new coves had appeared and were begging to be explored.

We were on the water less that a half hour and the loon family found us.



In one of the newly formed coves we spotted a pair of Greater Yellowlegs-I know this because I submitted my photo to iNaturalist and the ID was made.


In another cove we found this sneaker shaped rock. When the water is at normal level you would only have seen the very top of the boulder and has no idea a "sneaker" was below the water.

The low water also exposed a number of freshwater clam/mussel beds. The birds made quick work of eating them.



Knapp Ponds

Wednesday morning paddle on Knapp Pond II followed by some time on Pond I. The Hump Day Paddlers (a couple of friends and I) visited the Knapp Ponds in Cavendish, VT.
It was chilly but as the sun came up the painted turtles came out.




We also saw what I think is called Nodding Beggarticks (ID from iNaturalist!)


The fall colors are starting to show too.




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.
New National Case Map


K-12 Dashboard


Vermont College Dashboard Links


Updated travel map September 18, 2020



TRAVELING TO VERMONT


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 Sept.  21, October 5 and October 19

Select Board Agenda Sept. 21
Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Weathersfield website, at http://cms2.revize.com/revize/weathersfieldvt/covid19_resident_information/guidance_for_remote_meetings.php 

For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so in the following manner: 
Comcast Channel “1087” and VTEL Channel “161” on Wednesday at 7:00PM 
GoToMeeting: “Live/ Real-time” – September 21, 2020 | 7:00PM 
SAPATV.org – Wednesday Afternoon 

In-person attendance is permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real-time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite our best efforts, we will post on the Weathersfield website an audio or video recording, transcript or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. 
1. Call to Order 
2. Executive Session – Written Complaint 
3. Comments from Selectboard/ Town Manager and Citizens on Topics not on the Agenda 
4. Citizens Complaint 
5. Review Minutes from Previous Meeting (s) 09.07.20 
6. Town Manager Report 
7. Motor Grader Finance Options 
8. 2014 Purchase & Sale Agreement Proposals 
9. Appointments: 
a. Budget Committee 
b. Connecticut River Joint Commission 
c. CRJC Mt Ascutney Subcommittee 
d. Fence Viewer 
e. Parks and Recreation Commission 
f. Selectmen Representative to Schoolboard 
g. Southern Windsor County Transportation Advisory Committee 
h. Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District 
i. Tree Warden 
10. Approve Warrants 
11. Any other business 
12. Executive Session – Personnel 
13. Adjourn

School Updates


School Pictures

Wednesday, September 23, 2020, WS will host school pictures. They sent information out in the Covid 19 Newsletter and paper copies home with the boys and girls last week. Don’t forget to have your envelope in to school on or before September 23rd. 
Because of social distancing, there will not be a class picture taken, however, the company is willing to make a collage of sorts using each individual picture.

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

Learn to Belly Dance


Free Live Intro to Belly Dance classes with Gina Capossela, sponsored by Lebanon Recreation and Hartford Parks and Rec:
Zoom – Monday, Sept 21, 6 pm
Zoom - Tuesday, Sept 22, 7:15 pm
Zoom - Thursday, Sept 24, 5:45 pm
Zoom - Saturday, Sept 26, 11:00 am

Within one hour you'll be a Belly Dancer! 
All shapes, sizes, ages and ability levels welcome and encouraged. 
No previous dance experience or special clothing required. 
More info at www.GinaDances.com 
RSVP at Gina@GinaDances.com or call (802) 282-2149 and I’ll send you the exact location and/or zoom link.



Shaker Collections from the Virtual Vault


When: September 24, 2020 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Where: Zoom (online)
Cost: Free

This program is a rare glimpse into some extraordinary Shaker museum collections, from New England to the Midwest. The second edition of our ongoing series exploring collecting, this virtual event brings together colleagues from Hancock Shaker Village, Enfield Shaker Museum, Shaker Museum/Mount Lebanon, and South Union Shaker Village to highlight a selection of objects with compelling provenance. Join us for a view into the virtual vaults to discuss what, why, and how Shaker museums collect. To register, go to:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0udeyprDkiG9EP4W57U7a7ZuMEpCtfBD_p.

Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield, New Hampshire, preserves the historical structures, landscape, and cultural heritage of the Shakers who, in 1793, established a community on Mascoma Lake and prospered for over one hundred years. We share their stories with our multi-generational visitors, members, and the global community.

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.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 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
Secy of State Jim Condos said on Thursday that ballots will go out during the last 10 days of September—and that people planning to mail them in should post them by Oct. 26. The early date's precautionary, he told VTDigger: "We don’t suspect we’re going to see any problems with the Postal Service here in Vermont." 

In all, about 70 percent of Vermont voters cast their ballots by mail in the August primary.
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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