Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont November 16 edition
Spectacular Sunsets and Sunrises too.
We've been having some pretty spectacular sunsets lately.
I hope you've been able to enjoy a few.
Were you up early Sunday Morning?
If yes, you were rewarded with this.
Happy Stick Season in Vermont.
My Bird Feeders Up, Are Yours?
It's time to do some bird feeder bird watching.
Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Downey Woodpecker
Black Capped Chickadee
News You Can Use
Gov. Scott bans multi-family gatherings in Vermont, closes bars and clubs
At his press conference on Friday, Governor Phil Scott announced new restrictions for public health safety following a week of rising COVID-19 case in Vermont. “Given our recent case growth, we have no choice but to restrict social gatherings, whether at a home, a bar or in a parking lot,” Scott said. He added “multi-household gatherings, both inside and out, whether in public or private spaces, are prohibited.”
New restrictions include:
• Multi-household gatherings — indoor or outdoor, in public or private spaces — are prohibited.
• Effective Saturday at 10 p.m., bars and social clubs are closed to in-person service.
• Restaurants can remain open to in-person service, but must cease in-person service at 10 p.m. nightly. Takeout can continue.
• Restaurants, museums, gyms and other establishments must keep logs for contact tracing.
• Vermonters must comply with health department contact tracers.
• Recreational sports will be put on hold, apart from those sanctioned by the Vermont Principals Association.
College students returning home are required to quarantine for 14 days or seven days after a negative Covid test, he said.
Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont's Health Commissioner, reported 72 cases on Wednesday, 116 on Thursday (adjusted from 109 by the health department) and 84 on Friday. Hospitalizations have also increased in Vermont to 21 Covid cases. Three people are in intensive care units.
Test positivity remains low at 1.1%, compared to the state’s benchmark of 5%, but it is rising. It remained at less than 1% for most of the summer and fall.
Test positivity remains low at 1.1%, compared to the state’s benchmark of 5%, but it is rising. It remained at less than 1% for most of the summer and fall.
“Whether it’s friends or our own family members, we need to limit any social activities to our own households, to protect all people that we can’t even know we put at risk, where we work, where we learn where people live in situations that might make them more vulnerable,” Levine said. “And unfortunately, we need to make these sacrifices. Now. The decisions we make now will truly determine our future as we head indoors in these colder months. If we can act at this critical moment in time, our actions will still make a difference.
“Remember our very basic priorities and goals: keep people working, keep kids in school and save lives and hospitalizations by decreasing the number of cases,” he said.
“Remember our very basic priorities and goals: keep people working, keep kids in school and save lives and hospitalizations by decreasing the number of cases,” he said.
More on COVID-19 in Vermont and NH below.
COVID-19 Updates
National Data
Vermont Data
The Numbers
Deaths remain at 59 and 20 people with confirmed cases (up 1) are hospitalized.
Windsor County gained 5 cases over the weekend and stands at 151 for the pandemic, with 23 of those in the past 14 days. Orange County gained 18 new cases to stand at 91 cumulatively, 53 of them reported in the past 14 days.
In weekly town-by-town totals reported Friday, Hartford now stands at 36 cumulative cases (up 6 over last week). Killington held steady at 20 and Woodstock at 14.
Springfield gained 1, and has now had 12 all told. Hartland remains at 11, while Windsor gained 2 to stand at 11 and Randolph gained 1 case to stand at 10. Norwich gained 1 case and is now at 9 for the pandemic. Chelsea has joined the specific-number set with 6, and Royalton remains at 6.
The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
(The travel maps will be updated on Tuesdays)
For more information on:
COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Health Department Dashboard
COVID-19 Testing sites and appointments
K-12 Dashboard
Vermont College Dashboard Links
TRAVELING To/From VERMONT
The State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.
Leisure Travel
Due to rising COVID-19 case counts across the Northeast, effective on November 10, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.A regional map will continue to be maintained on the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Department of Financial Regulation websites for informational purposes only. The regional map will continue to be updated weekly on Tuesdays.
The regional map is populated with raw data from Johns Hopkins University and uses multiple factors to determine how many active cases are in each county.
Read the complete methodology for how active cases per million residents is being calculated. The aggregated data by county is also available.
Vermont and Non-Vermont Residents
The State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.Anyone returning or traveling to Vermont must follow Vermont’s mandatory quarantine policy. Vermonters returning from an out-of-state trip must complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test.
Vermonters must remember to follow any travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for the states they plan to visit.
Residents of other states must adhere to the quarantine guidelines:
- Travelers arriving to Vermont in a personal vehicle must complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test in their home state and enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.
- Travelers arriving to Vermont who have not completed a pre-arrival quarantine must complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test in a Vermont lodging establishment or with friends and family (travelers must stay in their quarantine location for the duration of quarantine other than to travel to and from a test site).
- Read more about quarantining at the Vermont Department of Health website.
- All out of state travelers utilizing lodging, camping and short-term rental properties in Vermont must sign and complete a Certificate of Compliance or affirm a compliance statement via a digital check box at the time of reservation and check-in to attest that they meet the quarantine requirement or are an essential/authorized worker.
- All out of state travelers are strongly encouraged to register with Sara Alert upon arrival to Vermont to get two weeks of daily reminders to check for common symptoms of COVID-19.
TRAVEL FAQS
Find answers to common questions about cross state travel.Essential Travel
People traveling for essential purposes, including work, do not need to quarantine. Essential travel includes:
- travel for personal safety,
- medical care, c
- are 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.
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.
Guidance for Vermont Lodging Properties
Read the complete guidance for lodging and accommodations.
New Hampshire COVID-19 Update
The Numbers
NH reported 462 positive test results Friday, 384 on Saturday, and 361 yesterday, bringing its total to 14,671.There were 4 new deaths, which now stand at 499; 69 people are hospitalized (up 5). The current caseload is at 3,306 (up 778 over the weekend).
The state is still struggling with its dashboard (it promises a fix tomorrow afternoon), but town-by-town numbers are available: Newport has 39 active cases; Hanover has 18 (up 9 over the weekend); Lebanon has 12 (up 4); Claremont has 10 (up 2), Charlestown has 9 (up 2), Canaan has 7 (up at least 3), as does New London (down 1). Sunapee remains at 6. There are 1-4 cases each in Haverhill, Piermont, Orford, Warren, Dorchester, Lyme, Enfield, Plainfield, Grantham, Unity, Goshen, Newbury, and Wilmot.
Dartmouth COVID-19 Dashboard
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.
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.
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.
Town of Weathersfield Updates
School Updates
School Dates and Events
Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar
Change in Calendar
The school calendar has changed. There will be no remote days on November 23 and 24th, they are now teacher in-service days.
No meals will be provided that week.
School Board Meets Dec. 8
The school board meets from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM at the Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Rd, Ascutney, VT.
PTA Update-Next meeting Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
They have a new email address for the PTA: pta@wsesu.net . Send them an email to join or ask any questions. They also have a Facebook Group and can be found at Weathersfield PTA.
Please join them for their next socially-distanced meeting at 1232 Skyline Drive in Weathersfield on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m..
Budget Advisory Committee
The 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. Our goal is to get a variety of people representing Weathersfield to work with the Board on this important task. This year will be a difficult year due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. If you are interested in applying, please send your contact information to BJ Esty at school, (674-5400).
School Board Vacancy
There is an opening on the WS School Board and they are currently accepting letters of interest. Please send them to BJ Esty at school, who will then share them with the full board for consideration.
For more information, call the school at 674-5400.
Essential Travel Only
Vermont is requiring a 14-day quarantine for every person coming to Vermont, or back to Vermont, for nonessential travel. The quarantine can be cut in half, to seven days, if the person tests negative for Covid-19. Gov. Phil Scott announced the new measure to combat the pandemic at a press conference Tuesday amid a surge in Covid cases and multiple outbreaks spreading across the state.
Great Opportunities
Kids with challenging behavior are tragically misunderstood. It’s time for a more compassionate and effective approach.
Join Jen Aldrich and her team for an overview of the Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach and learn about what science says about what sets the stage for challenging behaviors and what we can do to make a difference for the better. I have attached two flyers about this.
To learn more go to https://thinkkids.org
Within Reach Yoga Under the Trees
Weathersfield resident, Lisa Gleeson, Within Reach Yoga, is hosting online yoga classes on Saturdays via Google Meet.
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Saturdays, 9-10 am (There will be no classes during the week of Nov. 22-28)
Email lisa@withinreachyoga.com to register or with any questions.
COST: $12 drop-in or one punch for those who have purchased punch passes ($60).
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 online yoga classes on Saturdays via Google Meet.
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Saturdays, 9-10 am
(There will be no classes during the week of Nov. 22-28)
Email lisa@withinreachyoga.com to register or with any questions.
COST: $12 drop-in or one punch for those who have purchased punch passes ($60).
Email lisa@withinreachyoga.com to register or with any questions.
COST: $12 drop-in or one punch for those who have purchased punch passes ($60).
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-On break November 1, 2020.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.
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. SEE HOLIDAY HOURS ABOVE 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. SEE HOLIDAY HOURS ABOVE 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. SEE HOLIDAY HOURS ABOVE 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