Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield Vermont November 9
Sunrise in early "stick" season
Biden Named President Elect
By now you've heard, former Vice President Joe Biden was named President Elect on Saturday afternoon. He and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris gave two speeches of unity and moving forward to a packed (masked and physically distanced) crowd in a parking lot in Wilmington, DE.
Biden said "My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.
They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.”
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation -- 74 million.
I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.
For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation -- the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home."
They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.”
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation -- 74 million.
I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.
For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation -- the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home."
There were celebrations around the United States and around the globe for the new USA Team. I found this on TV from Ireland (a land near and dear to my heart!) Joe Biden reads the words of Seamus Heaney.
DHMC Restricts Visitors
On Friday, the hospital system announced that no visitors will be admitted to a D-H facility for inpatient or outpatient visits, except in cases where patients require caregivers or for "pediatric patients, labor and delivery and prenatal patients, perioperative patients, family meetings, patients at the end of life, and D-H employees and volunteers."The restrictions apply to all its facilities, and reflect "rapidly changing conditions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic," the hospital said in a press release.
How The Holidays Will Look This Year
In a community video last week, Dr. Josh White, chief medical officer at Gifford Medical Center, argued that rising case numbers make it easier for health officials to reinforce their stay-close-to-home message for the holidays.VT is urging people to avoid holiday travel; so is Dartmouth for people who will be on campus after Thanksgiving.
Farmers are noting a demand for smaller turkeys from local growers, and calls to the King Arthur hotline on how to bake remotely with family are increasing.
And Speaking of Travel-Get Your Snow Tires SOON!
It's being reported by various news outlets that there may be a shortage in snow tires this winter so make your appointment soon and get those tires changed.You know winter is coming even though we're enjoying these warm temperatures.
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Veterans Day November 11
11 a.m.
Perkinsville, VT
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.
Vermont COVID-19 Updates
The Numbers
VT reported 25 new cases Friday, 22 Saturday, and 43 yesterday (its highest one-day jump since April 9). Its official total is now 2,392, with 410 of those still active (up 53 over the weekend).There was one new death, the first since July; they now stand at 59. Two people with confirmed cases are hospitalized.
Windsor County gained 9 cases over the weekend and is now at 137 for the pandemic, with 17 of those in the past 14 days. Orange County also gained 9 over the weekend to stand at 49 cumulatively, 16 of them reported in the past 14 days.
In weekly town-by-town totals reported Friday, Hartford remains at 30 cumulative cases, Killington at 20, Woodstock at 14, and Springfield at 11. Hartland gained 2 cases and is also now at 11. Randolph gained 1 case to stand at 9, while Windsor remains at 9, Norwich at 8, and Royalton at 6.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spreading across the country, and other parts of the world, again.
TRAVELING To/From VERMONT
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)
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
ACCD Cross State Interactive Travel Map
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 Update
The Numbers
NH reported 209 positive test results Friday, 230 Saturday, and 249 yesterday, with a seven-day average of 184.9, well north of the May peak of 102.The state's official total is now 12,488, and there were 3 new deaths over the weekend; they now stand at 489.
The state's current caseload is at 1,903 (up 357). Grafton County has 95 active cases (up 21). Sullivan County more than doubled and now has 53 active cases (up 28); Merrimack added 29 to stand at 219.
Many of those Sullivan County cases are in Newport, where an outbreak at the Woodlawn nursing home has brought total active cases to 31; Lebanon dropped 2 and is at 11 active cases; Hanover, Claremont, and New London now stand at 5 each. There are 1-4 cases each in Haverhill, Piermont, Orford, Warren, Lyme, Canaan, Grantham, Charlestown, Unity, Goshen, Sunapee, and Newbury. Plainfield is off the list.
The Select Board met on Monday, Nov. 2
Lots of new books available for take out at the library. Or if you prefer E-Books visit the library website and click on the E-Book button
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.
We'll get through this together. We're all connected.
If you have anything you think I should post drop me an email: photosbynanci@comcast.com
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
Upcoming Town Board and Committee Meetings
Select Board November 16
Conservation Commission November 26
Select Board December 7
Conservation Commission December 24
Select Board December 7
Conservation Commission December 24
The Select Board met on Monday, Nov. 2
This meeting's minutes were not posted by Monday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. and will not be reported on or highlighted here.
(I believe Vermont's Open Meeting Law requires them to be posted five days post meeting.)
School Updates
The school is requesting that everyone wear Red, White and Blue on Wednesday, November 11.
This year the school will not celebrating Veteran's Day with a school-wide assembly, however, each teacher
will be honoring our veterans on Nov. 11th in some way in their classrooms.
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).
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.
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