Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont November 2
A Very Hungry Chickadee
Enjoying our first Snowfall of the Season.
The 2020 General Election is on TUESDAY!
Polls will be open November 3
8AM-7PM for in-person voting
At Martin Memorial Hall in Ascutney
The Town Clerk's office WILL NOT be open October 30-November 4.
If you received a ballot in the mail but have NOT sent it in, hand deliver it to the Town Office on Nov. 3.
Weathersfield Food Shelf Holiday Hours
The Weathersfield Food Shelf located in the 1879 School House on Route 106 in Perkinsville is open the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 2-4 p.m.. The food shelf will be CLOSED Thanksgiving and Christmas-they will however, be OPEN Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday Dec. 22 from 2-4 p.m.
Weathersfield Food Shelf Holiday Hours
The Weathersfield Food Shelf located in the 1879 School House on Route 106 in Perkinsville is open the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 2-4 p.m.. The food shelf will be CLOSED Thanksgiving and Christmas-they will however, be OPEN Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday Dec. 22 from 2-4 p.m.
Vermont COVID-19 Updates
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spreading across the country, and other parts of the world, again.
Some people believe that it's not happening but the virus doesn't really care what humans believe. It just exists to replicate and it's doing a pretty good job of it.
Some people believe that it's not happening but the virus doesn't really care what humans believe. It just exists to replicate and it's doing a pretty good job of it.
The world has seen over 46 million cases since last winter.
Of that, 9.2 million have been here in the USA.
This time the numbers of positive cases are higher than we saw in March-June (maybe because we are testing more). Or it could be due to the fact that people were out and about more at the end of the summer and through fall, therefore in contact with more people. Now we're moving inside as the weather turns cold, another way to spread the virus is close contact with poor ventilation.
Thankfully, the death rates are lower now because scientists and doctors are beginning to understand this novel virus better and are better able to treat patients.
But winter is coming and we need to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
I'm going to use the strategy that everyone I encounter is infected.
So I will stay at least 6 feet away from them, wear a mask (that I'll wash daily!), wash my hands A LOT, and stay away from people if I feel AT ALL ILL.
I hope you will practice these things too.
I'm going to use the strategy that everyone I encounter is infected.
So I will stay at least 6 feet away from them, wear a mask (that I'll wash daily!), wash my hands A LOT, and stay away from people if I feel AT ALL ILL.
I hope you will practice these things too.
Now on The Vermont
COVID-19 Testing sites and appointments
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.
(The travel maps will be updated on Tuesdays)
National Third Peak Map
K-12 Dashboard
Vermont College Dashboard Links
TRAVELING To/From VERMONT
ACCD Cross State Interactive Travel Map
NH reported 126 cases on Friday, 205 cases on Saturday and 133 on Sunday. Grafton County is up 17 (Dartmouth College has 4 active cases among faculty/staff but none among students). Lebanon has 5 active cases.
VT reported 15 cases on Friday, 22 on Saturday and 17 on Sunday. Windsor County has 4 new active cases.
Please notice that Grafton and Sullivan Counties both YELLOW-Essential travel to these areas ONLY.
COVID-19 Cases By Vermont Town March 5, 2020 through October 21, 2020
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 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.
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.
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 Monday, Nov. 2 Agenda , Packet
The FY22 Fire Service Contracts will be discussed. As will purchases of laptops and iPads for the town office under a grant from the CARES Act. The Board will also be discussing the tax abatement issue and easement purchase on the Johnson/Abbott property.
Select Board met on October 19-meeting minutes are now posted for your review.
New Guidance from the AOE
The school has received updated guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Education and will be adding the following question to our daily health check:
Have you or your family had non-essential travel outside of Vermont to a red or yellow area in the last 24 hours?
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.
If you have traveled to a red or yellow county outside the state of Vermont for non-essential travel, you will be required to quarantine for 7 days with a negative COVID test or 14 days without a test.
School Dates and Events
Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar
Change in School Calendar
The calendar has changed. There will be no remote days on November 23 and 24th, as these are now teacher in-service days.
No meals will be provided that week.
School Board Meets Nov. 10 and Dec. 8
The school board meets from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM at the Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Rd, Ascutney, VT.
Budget Advisory Committee
Weathersfield School Board is looking for volunteers for the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The purpose of the BAC is to go through the preliminary school budget line by line, making recommendations to the Board.
This takes place during several meetings between now and the end of January. Given current circumstances the meetings will most likely be virtual.
If you are interested in applying, please send your contact information to BJ Esty at school, (674-5400).
Weathersfield School Parent-Teacher Organization Meets Nov. 3
The parent teacher organization is welcoming new members!
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm, with the next one scheduled for Nov. 3. The meetings are currently being held at 1232 Skyline Drive, in the garage, where social distancing can be maintained.
The agenda for 11/3 will include selecting a Secretary, formally organizing as a 501(c)3, becoming a benefactor of the AmazonSmile fundraising program, and other ways they can support the students, teachers, and school community.
Please consider joining the team! For more information, please contact Wendy Allen, President, at wallen@wsesu.net
Class Picture Retakes Nov. 4
Picture retakes will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Please send in your child's portrait package and Lifetouch will retake your child's photo on this day. If you have any questions please contact BJ Esty.
Parent-Teacher Conferences Nov. 9-13
Parent-Teacher conferences will be held the week of Nov. 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
Thanksgiving Recess Nov. 25-27
Thanksgiving Break is Nov. 25-27.
Please follow the school's online calendar for all the dates and events. The school will be conducting REMOTE LEARNING (no in person instruction) Nov. 30-Dec. 4.
WIN Time means-What I Need
The school is offering WIN time for students needing extra help in grades K-8 in the afternoon. Teachers, Melissa Cole, Guidance Counselor, Meg Shambo, Social Emotional Interventionist, Emily Stevens, School Nurse, Vanessa Perry, BCBA, Paraprofessionals, and Behavioral Interventionists are all ready, willing, and able to work with students from 2:15 to 3:15 three to four afternoons a week. Anyone can ask for this extra help, including students and parents. Perhaps when the Track My progress scores are released, parents will reach out to teachers and ask for additional help. We will offer WIN time until the school day is increased. Please feel free to take advantage of this additional support 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Weathersfield Proctor Library
The weather is turning colder, time to curl up with a good book!
Library Hours:
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.
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.
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.
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 and Winter?This map shows restrictions and guidelines to all 50 states and some parts of Canada.
Link: https://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c&mc_cid=01b40a6b30&mc_eid=62773da223
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.
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 and Winter?
This map shows restrictions and guidelines to all 50 states and some parts of Canada.
Link: https://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c&mc_cid=01b40a6b30&mc_eid=62773da223
Link: 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