Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont October 19

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First hint of snow on Saturday morning.
Winter is coming



The election is 2 weeks away!
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

Garden Report 

No paddle report and unfortunately no concert report either this week.

This week was spent mostly getting ready for our LONG winter months ahead. I'm working to put away my perennial beds. Towards the end of the summer I was spending quite a lot of time in my kayak and the weeds really took over these beds. Needless to say I have a ton of weeding to do too.

I got the screens off the windows, don't think I'll be opening them for MANY months. So I washed them and put them in the basement. Next I'll wash the interior and exterior of the windows to let in as much light as is possible during the dark times ahead of us.

I got the garlic bed planted on Saturday and surprisingly, our pepper plants are still alive despite the 31 degree temperature on Sunday morning and 39 on Monday morning. We hope to be harvesting them for a few more weeks.
But what I'm most excited about this week is...meteors!

Look Up In The Sky-No Seriously Look UP!
Orionid Meteor Shower

The Orionid meteor shower is a medium strength meteor shower that is active between October 2 and November 7, with the peak coming on the night of the October 20-21, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS.)
This year, the moon will be about 23 percent full on the peak night, which means there will be relatively dark skies and, therefore, good viewing conditions—depending on the weather in your location of course.
In a normal year, the Orionids produce a maximum of 10-20 meteors per hour at the peak, although some exceptional years have seen rates as high as 50-75 per hour.
The AMS has predicted that up to 20 Orionids per hour will be visible on the peak night in 2020 when viewed from rural locations away from city lights.

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 

K-12 Dashboard

Vermont College Dashboard Links


Updated travel map October 13

TRAVELING TO VERMONT

Interactive Travel Map: CLICK HERE

Please notice that Grafton County is now in the YELLOW. 


Vermont Residents
Vermonters may travel outside of Vermont to counties across the Northeast including New England; New York; Pennsylvania; Ohio; New Jersey; Delaware; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; and West Virginia that have a similar active COVID-19 caseload to Vermont (defined as less than 400 active cases per million) and return without quarantining if they do so in a personal vehicle.

Vermonters must remember to follow any travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for the states they plan to visit.

If they travel to a quarantine county or outside of the Northeast (including New England; New York; Pennsylvania; Ohio; New Jersey; Delaware; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; and West Virginia), Vermonters will be required to quarantine in Vermont upon return. Read more about quarantining at the Vermont Department of Health website.

Essential Travel
People traveling for essential purposes, including work, do not need to quarantine. Essential travel includes travel for personal safety, medical care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medicine, to attend preK-12 school and college if commuting daily, or to perform work for businesses that are currently allowed to operate. 

For more information about which businesses may operate and how they may operate, view the Work Safe Guidance. The current State of Emergency requires employers to use remote work and telework whenever possible to avoid unnecessary work travel. Businesses and employees must only travel for work related trips when absolutely necessary. Individuals engaged in a daily commute to and from their job are expressly exempt from the need to quarantine by Executive Order.

Persons should not travel to, from, or within Vermont if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if they meet the criteria for needing to Isolate or Quarantine.







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 19-Agenda 7PM

This meeting of the Weathersfield Select Board will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. 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/covid-19_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” – October 19, 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.

Select Board Meeting Oct. 5 DRAFT Meeting Minutes

School Updates


School Board


School Dates and Events

Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar

Parent-Teacher Conferences 

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held the week of November 9-13 this year. 

1. All conferences will be either over the telephone, in an email exchange, or held remotely through Google Classroom. Parents can select which works best for them.  Email BJ if you need email addresses. The Tech Team is working on the directory for the school website, but they are out straight right now with remote learning and other obligations, so until the website is updated, BJ is happy to help. Her email is bjesty@wsesu.net. 

2. The Middle Level Team, grades 5K-8, plan to meet as a team using remote conferencing, so this medium is highly recommended for middle level parents. Please email all requests for middle level appointments to Diana Stillson, (diana.stillson@wsesu.net). Unified Arts Teachers, (Mr. Shambo, Mrs. Jarvis and Mrs. Berry), plan to sit in on all of the middle level conferences, but if you care to have an individual conference with any school employee, please shoot them an email and they will schedule a time for you. This is the same for Mrs. Cole, Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Shambo, SEI, Mrs. Stevens, School Nurse, Mrs. Perry, BCBA, special educators, the principal, and others, please send them an email and ask for a conference and it will surely happen. 

3. Students are welcome to sit in with their parents and teacher(s) to hear about their progress. 

4. The school is not asking you to fill out conference forms this year. Simply send the teacher an email requesting a date and time, see schedule below, and they will confirm with an email and send you a google hangout invite or schedule a telephone conference with you. 

Conferences times available: 
Mon. - Wed., November 9-11, 2020 2:00 to 3:00pm 
*AM will be regular in person teaching and learning- morning appointments are unavailable 

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 1:30 to 8:00 pm 
*AM will be regular in person teaching and learning- morning appointments are unavailable 

Friday, November 13, 2020 8:00 to 11:00 am 
*AM will be asynchronous, (independent), learning, so appointments up until 11:00 am are available, and the PM will be Fix and Finish time for students
This guidance was developed by public health and health care professionals using proven public health principles at a time when community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 illness in Vermont is extremely low. 

It may be revised in response to changing local and state circumstances. 
What happens if my child has symptoms at home or gets sick in school? 
• If your child has any of the symptoms listed below, keep them home from school and call the school to report their absence.
 • If your child has any of the symptoms listed below while at school, they will be moved to an area set up specifically for students not feeling well and you will be called to come pick up your child as soon as possible. 
• We encourage you sign a consent form that allows information to be shared between your child’s school nurse (when available) and health care provider when your child is sick. 
• While it is strongly encouraged that decisions about when a student may return to school are made with the school nurse, the student’s health care provider, and the family, such decisions must ultimately ensure the health and safety of your child’s school and community. 

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

Creepy Hollow 2020 is ON
Oct. 31, 5-10 pm 

File photo from Creepy Hollow 2015                     


Great news for those who look forward to Weathersfield's own Creepy Hollow. 

Julie posted this on her Facebook page:

Yes! The Creepy Hollow yard and haunt trail will go on as planned! 

Saturday October 31st from 5-10 pm @ 1571 Gravelin Road in Weathersfield.

We will be following guidelines and precautions to keep ourselves and everyone else safe this year.

Maintain a 6 ' distance between yourself and the group in front of you.

Please wear a mask or facial covering.

There will be no admittance into the house this year.
Candy will be handed out in a location yet to be decided.

We will be posting another update as we get closer to Halloween.
Thanks everyone! Julie & Ted


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 Proctor Library

Buy a Raffle Ticket!


The Weathersfield Proctor Library Fundraising Committee is hosting a raffle to benefit the library. The drawing will be held on October 31.

Stop by and get your tickets!
Wednesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. open for those over 60 years old and those with at risk health conditions. 11:00 a.m. to 4: p.m. open to the general public.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Open for those over 60 years old and those with at risk health conditions. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. open to the general public.


WPL on YouTube

Did you know our library has a YouTube Channel? Yup they do! Follow the Library's YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9NePacWIiuqxvRogrMnJMQ

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.

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.

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
#MaskUpVermont

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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