Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont, November 30 edition
Welcome to the Last Day of November 2020
It's Like an FREE All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield(Safely and Online)
Holiday Music Festival
Dec. 4-15
Celebrate the holidays with music!
Upper Valley Music Center is celebrating the holidays online this year.
Holiday Music Festival events are free and open to everyone. For the full detailed event schedule, click here.
Events Include:
Songs of the Season
Caroling
Messiah Sing
Preparing to Hear Masterworks: Handel's Messiah
'Tis the Session
You will receive Zoom login instructions after you submit the online form.
If you want to RSVP for Pocket Song Singers (Dec 6, 8, 13, and/or 15) please click here.
To RSVP for the UMASS Chamber Music Listening Party, click here.
Their Holiday Student Showcase will be broadcast on the web, YouTube, and Facebook Live- no RSVP required.
Holiday Music Festival events are free and open to everyone. For the full detailed event schedule, click here.
Events Include:
Songs of the Season
Caroling
Messiah Sing
Preparing to Hear Masterworks: Handel's Messiah
'Tis the Session
You will receive Zoom login instructions after you submit the online form.
If you want to RSVP for Pocket Song Singers (Dec 6, 8, 13, and/or 15) please click here.
To RSVP for the UMASS Chamber Music Listening Party, click here.
Their Holiday Student Showcase will be broadcast on the web, YouTube, and Facebook Live- no RSVP required.
Revels North
The Christmas Revels:
All Shall Be Well Again
You can rent our film on Vimeo On Demand for $2.99, or purchase it for $9.99. Click here and watch it today!
Also, you can view "The Christmas Revels: All Shall Be Well Again" for free on CATV - Community Access Television, where it will be broadcast fifteen times through the end of the year, beginning Thanksgiving Day at 2:00pm.
These broadcasts will be followed by a showing of the 2019 production of "The Christmas Revels: An English Celebration of the Winter Solstice," our first at Lebanon Opera House. For more information, please visit https://www.revelsnorth.org.
Finally, the film is available to purchase as a DVD.
May "The Christmas Revels" bring joy, hope, and light to your holidays. Welcome Yule!
"The Christmas Revels: All Shall Be Well Again" is underwritten by Mascoma Bank.
"The Christmas Revels: All Shall Be Well Again" is underwritten by Mascoma Bank.
Northern Stage Performs The Holiday Classic "It's A Wonderful Life" on Vermont Public Radio
As a special gift to Vermonters this holiday season, Northern Stage has partnered with Vermont Public Radio to present a free one-time-only broadcast of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play on Saturday, December 12, at 3 p.m.
More detail on my blog post: https://photosbynanci.blogspot.com/2020/11/northern-stage-performs-holiday-classic.html
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced #vtlightstheway holiday lights around the state. During Friday's COVID-19 update.
"In celebration of the coming holidays, I think it’s time to lift our spirits so I’m asking everyone to help Vermont Light the Way, not only in combating this crisis but to literally brighten our communities by decorating homes and businesses with holiday decorations and lights. Let’s get creative and show the world that Vermonters are here for each other, that we care about one another and that even through these dark and difficult times, Vermont Lights the Way.
Let’s make our streets and side roads special, lit up with decorations and lights all across the state. Some communities are already doing this and there may be others who are way ahead of us and I thank them"
More detail on my blog post: https://photosbynanci.blogspot.com/2020/11/northern-stage-performs-holiday-classic.html
"In celebration of the coming holidays, I think it’s time to lift our spirits so I’m asking everyone to help Vermont Light the Way, not only in combating this crisis but to literally brighten our communities by decorating homes and businesses with holiday decorations and lights. Let’s get creative and show the world that Vermonters are here for each other, that we care about one another and that even through these dark and difficult times, Vermont Lights the Way.
Let’s make our streets and side roads special, lit up with decorations and lights all across the state. Some communities are already doing this and there may be others who are way ahead of us and I thank them"
Look Up In the Sky
November Orionids Until Dec. 6
The November Orionid meteor shower will be active from 13 November to 6 December, producing its peak rate of meteors around 28 November.
Over this period, there will be a chance of seeing November Orionid meteors whenever the shower's radiant point – in the constellation Orion – is above the horizon, with the number of visible meteors increasing the higher the radiant point is in the sky.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Nov. 29
From https://in-the-sky.org/
November’s night sky events close out with a penumbral lunar eclipse – and you know what that means! (There’s a solar eclipse coming up on December 14. The Moon will pass in front of the Sun, creating a total eclipse of the Sun visible from Chile and Argentina between 08:34 and 13:53 EST.)
This month’s penumbral lunar eclipse will begin in the middle of the night. The Moon will pass through the Earth's shadow between 02:33 and 06:54 EST . It will be visible for parts of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, all of North America, and parts of South America. While the Moon won’t be red this night like during a total or partial, you should notice a dimming as the Moon passes through the earth’s penumbra shadow.
Within Reach Yoga Under the Trees
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Saturdays, 9-10 am
Weathersfield resident, Lisa Gleeson, Within Reach Yoga, is hosting online yoga classes on Saturdays via Google Meet.
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.
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.
News You Can Use
Friends and Neighbors, please be safe.
What you can do:
- Wear A Mask (this is not a political affiliation designation, it's a public health-your health safety measure)
- Stay 6 feet Away-assume everyone has been exposed but if you stay six feet away for under 15 minutes, you should be OK
- Avoid Crowds-the more people, the more potentially infected people you will encounter
- Wash Your Hands A LOT-remember your mom telling you this, it's a big DUH! Also try to avoid touching your face.
- Stay Home if You Are Sick-even if you only feel a little "off"
- Keep an EXPOSURE JOURNAL-when you leave your home "pod" keep track of where you go and who you saw and if you want to be proactive-how long were you with them.
Town COVID-19 Response
The Town of Weathersfield has created a Volunteer Network to help during these times of COVID-19.If you are at risk for being exposed to COVID-19 or are currently in quarantine or isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test, please click the link below and fill out the form. These forms are being monitored by Susanne Terrill who will connect you with a volunteer quickly.
CLICK HERE FOR ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the form please contact them and they will walk you through it.
Phone: (802) 674 - 2626
Email: weathersfield@weathersfield.org
CLICK HERE FOR ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the form please contact them and they will walk you through it.
Phone: (802) 674 - 2626
Email: weathersfield@weathersfield.org
COVID-19 Updates
National Data
With the holiday last week, testing and reporting are a bit behind so the numbers won't be clear until later this week. Tune in to the Governor's press conference on Tuesday to get caught up.
Vermont Data
The Numbers
There were 3 new deaths, which now stand at 67, and 16 people with confirmed cases (down 6) are hospitalized.
Windsor County gained 19 cases (52 over the past 14 days) to stand at 203 for the pandemic. Orange County gained 28 cases (with 110 over the past 14 days) and is now at 206 cumulatively.
VT did not report town-by-town numbers as usual on Friday.
The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
(The travel maps will be updated on Tuesdays)
November 24 Slide Show
The State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.
COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Health Department Dashboard with current case map
Cases by Town Map
Note: NOT updated on Nov. 27 due to holiday.
COVID-19 Testing sites and appointments
More info check accd.vermont.gov
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 2,098 additional cases since last Wednesday; its official total is now 20,480.There were 13 new deaths, raising the number to 526; 146 people are hospitalized (up 25), while the current active caseload is at 4,955 (up 644).
Grafton County remains at 107 active cases, Sullivan has 62 (up 18), and Merrimack has 446 (up 55).
In town-by-town numbers, Newport is at 21 active cases (up 4), Hanover remains at 17, Claremont is at 15 (up 5), and Charlestown is at 8 (down 1).
Select Board December 7, 21
Nov 20 2020
Vermont Physician Groups Call on Vermonters to Prioritize their Communities and Protect Schools for our Children
MONTPELIER (November 18, 2020) – The American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, Vermont Academy of Family Physicians and Vermont Medical Society join Governor Scott and the Vermont Department of Health in calling on Vermonters to refrain from any social gathering in order to protect and prioritize essential services like schools, child care, and health care as we see rates of community transmission of COVID-19 rise.
The new restriction on multi-household gatherings is based on epidemiology or systematic observations of how the virus is spreading in our communities. Since October 1, 71% of cases associated with an outbreak are linked to a private party or social gathering. Vermont is not seeing significant transmission in places where prevention policies are followed like schools and child care. That tells us that the prevention policies and mitigation strategies are working and effort should be placed on avoiding unnecessary gatherings so that essential services can remain open, including keeping kids in schools; adults in jobs; preventing infections; and minimizing deaths.
For families with children, this means cancelling playdates and other social gatherings. However, pods which have already been established for education or the care of children are allowable. This includes allowing carpooling for education/child care purposes and formal and informal child care. Safety measures like social distancing, handwashing and masking should be followed. The smaller the pod, the better. Activities should prioritize needs over wants.
Avoiding multi-household gatherings achieves two purposes:
1. It addresses the spaces and situations where we are seeing transmission of COVID-19 in Vermont
2. It limits activities that exacerbate inequities in favor of activities that address inequities like schools and childcare.
READ MORE
"Please do your part to keep COVID-19 out of the schools so we can keep our kids in school and our communities healthy" Oakman wrote.
Education Secretary Dan French said Friday the state is exploring whether to include questions about multi-household gatherings in the daily check staff and students must complete each day in order to attend in-person school. Those health checks currently require, for example, that students answer questions about whether they’ve recently traveled out of state. If they answer that they have, and the quarantine period hasn’t elapsed, they’re sent home.
"Schools aren’t necessarily in a good position to enforce the governor’s latest order", French said. "And their primary function is mostly to educate students and staff about the importance of compliance. But making students and staff answer those questions every day might nevertheless encourage greater compliance", he said.
“We’re aware of the issue and it’s something we’re working on,” he said.
Visit Our Local Restaurants
Inn at Weathersfield-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. 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.
Be Smart, Be Safe
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.
Town of Weathersfield Updates
Town Clerk's Office OPEN by Appointment ONLY
The Town Clerk's office is open by appointment only for attorneys and title searchers. Please call 802-674-9500 for more information.
Upcoming Town Board and Committee Meetings
Select Board December 7, 21
Conservation Commission December 24
Select Board Minutes:
School Updates
School Dates and Events
Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar
Remote Learning Dates:
Holiday Recess: December 24. 2020-January 4, 2021
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.
A Message from Principal Oakman
Posted on the school website
Vermont Physician Groups Call on Vermonters to Prioritize their Communities and Protect Schools for our Children
MONTPELIER (November 18, 2020) – The American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, Vermont Academy of Family Physicians and Vermont Medical Society join Governor Scott and the Vermont Department of Health in calling on Vermonters to refrain from any social gathering in order to protect and prioritize essential services like schools, child care, and health care as we see rates of community transmission of COVID-19 rise.
The new restriction on multi-household gatherings is based on epidemiology or systematic observations of how the virus is spreading in our communities. Since October 1, 71% of cases associated with an outbreak are linked to a private party or social gathering. Vermont is not seeing significant transmission in places where prevention policies are followed like schools and child care. That tells us that the prevention policies and mitigation strategies are working and effort should be placed on avoiding unnecessary gatherings so that essential services can remain open, including keeping kids in schools; adults in jobs; preventing infections; and minimizing deaths.
For families with children, this means cancelling playdates and other social gatherings. However, pods which have already been established for education or the care of children are allowable. This includes allowing carpooling for education/child care purposes and formal and informal child care. Safety measures like social distancing, handwashing and masking should be followed. The smaller the pod, the better. Activities should prioritize needs over wants.
Avoiding multi-household gatherings achieves two purposes:
1. It addresses the spaces and situations where we are seeing transmission of COVID-19 in Vermont
2. It limits activities that exacerbate inequities in favor of activities that address inequities like schools and childcare.
READ MORE
"Please do your part to keep COVID-19 out of the schools so we can keep our kids in school and our communities healthy" Oakman wrote.
"Schools aren’t necessarily in a good position to enforce the governor’s latest order", French said. "And their primary function is mostly to educate students and staff about the importance of compliance. But making students and staff answer those questions every day might nevertheless encourage greater compliance", he said.
“We’re aware of the issue and it’s something we’re working on,” he said.
Maybe more direction will be coming on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Governor's COVID-19 press conference.
Exit Ate 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. 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.
CLOSED Christmas-they will however, be OPEN Tuesday Dec. 22 from 2-4 p.m. 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.
Ascutney Union Church Food Cupboard in Ascutney 5243 Route 5 Saturdays 9-10 a.m. call 802-674-2484.
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville.
CLOSED Christmas-they will however, be OPEN Tuesday Dec. 22 from 2-4 p.m. 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
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.
Be Smart, Be Safe
#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