Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont October 5

Fall Foliage at Knapp Pond II and I in Cavendish VT

Be safe out there with all the visiting leaf peepers .

Paddle Report 

Spectacle Pond, Enfield NH

To celebrate the first of October a couple friends and I met at Spectacle Pond in Enfield NH for a paddle. We refuse to put our kayaks away just because it's getting a little chilly and will continue to paddle until the snow flies (if possible!)

Spectacle is a nice pond, about 95 acres; there are homes around it but there is also a good amount of wilderness too. And a couple of marshy areas good for Great Blue Heron viewings.

A couple of loons are still hanging out there. One caught a HUGE crayfish and was having trouble figuring out how it was going to eat it.
Loon with a HUGE crayfish

It finally either got it down or let it go.

The turtles came out once the sun got high in the sky.

And the good news, the fall foliage is still happening. But it won't last too much longer.

Before we headed home, the loons came back to say goodbye.




Knapp Pond II and I

On Saturday, a few friends and I met at Knapp Pond II. 

It was pretty chilly but the sun was burning off the fog and it started to warm up nicely. 

Our area received about 3 inches of rain and as a result, water was flowing down the spillway to Knapp Pond I. And the little inlet stream was flowing again too. The leaves are starting to fall but there was still a lot of color to be seen.

We paddled all around Knapp II, enjoyed a nice lunch and some good conversation, then loaded up the kayaks to explore Knapp I.

We decided to go counter clockwise around Pond I and in one of the back coves, we spotted a beaver. It surfaced right next to Michelle's kayak.

Beaver paddling beside our kayaks.

The foliage is still happening but it's rapidly moving to past peak. If you want to enjoy it-get over to the ponds soon. There are hiking trails but it is archery season in Vermont so wear blaze orange if you do hike.

View of the spillway from Knapp Pond I looking up to Knapp Pond II.

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 Tuesdays now)
New National Case Map Sept. 29


K-12 Dashboard



Vermont College Dashboard Links


Updated travel map September 29




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 Oct 5 Agenda and Meeting Packet

Tenney Tree Update

From the minutes of the Sept. 21st. select board meeting:
Andrea Wright from Vtrans spoke to the Select Board about the Tenney tree at the Park and Ride at their Sept. 21 meeting. Arborist Lee Stevens had originally thought that he could save the tree, but after this summer, he has decided that it cannot be saved.

He prefers to have the State use their own contractors to take it down. Ms. Wright was coming to the Board for feedback on how to proceed next. 

VTrans would prefer to have the tree down before winter, but remains flexible. Mr. Fuller asked to have until the next meeting so that he could reach out to Ginger Wimberg at the Historical Society and the Conservation Commission. 

VTrans remains committed to placing an historic marker at the site as a minimum.

Volunteers Needed to Fill Open Town Positions 

The Select Board is looking for people to step up and fill some empty positions in town. 
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 School board 
g. Southern Windsor County Transportation Advisory Committee 
h. Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District 
i. Tree Warden 
Please contact the Town Manager if interested in serving our town.
 

School Updates


School Board

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

School Dates and Events

Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar

Remote Learning Day Oct. 9

October 9th is a remote learning day for students and an inservice day for teachers. The work students are given on the 9th may be independent work, (asynchronous) or “fix and finish” work. 
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, October 12 and there is no school that day. The school newsletter will be distributed on the 8th .

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. 

No School October 12-Indigenous Peoples’ Day


COVID-19 Updates From the Supervisory Union

From Dr. Baker September 25 Update
  1. It is critical that parents notify the nurses if you or your child is traveling outside of Vermont - even for a day. We ran across a situation this week where we found out that a student visits another state every other weekend. This student should have been quarantining on return. After consultation with the VDH it all worked out and the student is quarantining, but we need to know immediately. Your cooperation is critical.
  2. Along those same lines, it is critical that we pay attention to our school nurses as they check in with both staff and families if symptoms arise. They have been trained to apply an algorithm to determine if quarantining or COVID testing is necessary. They are the coordinators and they have the last word. Principals will always follow their lead. I know it is tough when unplanned absences occur - it is tough on our end when staff have to be out - but we need to do this for all our protection. I applaud the nurses and our recently hired LNA's for stepping up. This has not been easy.
  3. I know that we heard the Governor announce that we are moving to Phase III. As we look at those guidelines, there really are no major changes for us. The biggest change will be for those schools that were NOT going 5 days a week. There still needs to be significant masking, distancing, hand-washing and health checks. So we will stay as we are for now. Our sports teams will be able to start playing other local schools - so that was good news.
  4. We are putting the final touches on an afternoon schedule. We need to provide our staff with a duty free lunch and their contracted planning time. But each school will be adding some learning experiences for children in the afternoon. It will also be a great opportunity to support students who are struggling. Our support staff is ready to go. These schedules will come out from your building principals.


Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield

West Weathersfield Fire Department BBQ Chicken Dinner

File photo from 2016     

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR BBQ

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

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!

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 This Year


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 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. On break November 1, 2020.

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.

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

By now, registered voters in Vermont should have received their ballots in the mail. Follow the easy instructions and mail it in before Oct. 26 if at all possible.



Check out this video from VT Digger if you have questions.
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

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.



Rest in Peace Dave Clark

The Upper Valley music scene will not be the same. 

Quechee, VT – David “Dave” Clark, 67, died peacefully with his wife by his side in their beloved yellow house on the corner of Quechee Main Street and the Riverside Cemetery, surrounded by love and as the Harvest moon rose on the Thursday evening, October 1, 2020.

Dave was an avid music lover and singer/songwriter who loved the Upper Valley and sought to elevate and promote live music, theater, art, and dance in the area. In 2005 he developed a website just for this purpose: www.yellowhousemedia.com where you can also listen to recordings of his music.

A private service will be held in the Hillside Cemetery in Quechee. A wider celebration of his life will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pentangle Arts in Woodstock, VT or Revels North in Norwich, VT, or to any arts organization of your choice. Or just get out there and make the world a better place.

Condolences to Dave’s family may be made at an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhome.com
 
He was the organizer of the Local Legends and many other music showcases.



Party for Dave at Ooodles in WRJ, VT in 2019




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

Blog Archive

Show more