Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield, Vermont. Dec. 21 edition
A visitor during Winter Storm Gail-Male Cardinal
And Speaking of Winter Storm Gail...We Got Some Serious SNOW
How Much Snow Did You Get?
Let Nature Nurture
Try to get outside for 30 minutes of fresh air each day, rain or shine. It's good for both physical and mental health.
Black capped chickadee
White-breasted nuthatch
White-breasted nuthatch
Tufted titmouse
On a recent hike before the snow hit, we saw some very interesting rock formations.
Big Powder Attracts Out-of-State Visitors
Our big snow storm on Thursday, Dec. 17 is attracting a lot of out-of-state skiers and riders. WCAX-TV's Ike Bendavid was at Killington on Friday trying to find Vermonters to interview but wasn't having much luck. Watch his story at: https://www.wcax.com/2020/12/18/big-powder-day-attracts-out-of-state-visitors/
Be careful out there Vermonters!
We'll be having LOTS of out-of-state visitors over the next few months; and not all may be adhering to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.
We'll be having LOTS of out-of-state visitors over the next few months; and not all may be adhering to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.
I know most people celebrate Christmas or Chanukah during December, but I celebrate the Solstice.
Happy Winter Solstice!
Watch the Sunrise "Live" from Stonehenge.
Dec 20 Sunset https://youtu.be/-bEEaA9RzvsDec 21 Sunrise https://youtu.be/K8OXCeRqxdM
Stonehenge visit October 2017
Or watch Live from Newgrange in Ireland by the OPW: https://youtu.be/8anbIH-XfPU
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, two miles (3 km) west of Amesbury. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet (4.0 m) high, seven feet (2.1 m) wide, and weighing around 25 tons. The stones are set within earthworks in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred tumuli (burial mounds).
Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the first bluestones were raised between 2400 and 2200 BC, although they may have been at the site as early as 3000 BC.
Newgrange (we were supposed to visit this past Spring but COVID-19 changed that trip!) (Irish: Sà an Bhrú) is a prehistoric monument in County Meath, Ireland, located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of Drogheda on the north side of the River Boyne. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The site consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. Human bones and possible grave goods or votive offerings were found in these chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front, made mostly of white quartz cobblestones, and it is ringed by engraved kerbstones.
Many of the larger stones of Newgrange are covered in megalithic art. The mound is also ringed by a stone circle. Some of the material that makes up the monument came from as far away as the Mournes and Wicklow Mountains.
There is no agreement about what the site was used for, but it is believed that it had religious significance. Its entrance is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice, when sunlight shines through a 'roofbox' located above the passage entrance and floods the inner chamber. Several other passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with solstices and equinoxes, and Cairn G at Carrowkeel has a similar 'roofbox'.
Newgrange also shares many similarities with other Neolithic constructions in Western Europe, especially Gavrinis in Brittany, which has both a similar preserved facing and large carved stones, in that case lining the passage within. Maeshowe in Orkney, Scotland, with a large high corbelled chamber, and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales have also been compared to Newgrange.
The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
From NASA's website:
Skywatchers are in for an end-of-year treat. What has become known popularly as the “Christmas Star” is an especially vibrant planetary conjunction easily visible in the evening sky over the next two weeks as the bright planets Jupiter and Saturn come together, culminating on the night of Dec. 21.
In 1610, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei pointed his telescope to the night sky, discovering the four moons of Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. In that same year, Galileo also discovered a strange oval surrounding Saturn, which later observations determined to be its rings. These discoveries changed how people understood the far reaches of our solar system.
Thirteen years later, in 1623, the solar system’s two giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, traveled together across the sky. Jupiter caught up to and passed Saturn, in an astronomical event known as a “Great Conjunction.”
Christmas Dinner Take-Away
Woodstock Inn. Woodstock, VT. Turkey or tenderloin, hot and ready to eat. Includes sides and one of these mini desserts: Cinnamon Crumble-Top Apple Pie, Spiced House Pumpkin Pie, or Mincemeat Pie. You can even add cookies or a yule log to your order. Menu. Order by Wed. Dec. 23.
Carpenter and Main. Norwich, VT. Order from their Christmas and New Year’s menu. You can order pre-ordered Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve goodies. Order by Dec. 23
Barnard Inn. Barnard, VT. Order a traditional Christmas Eve meal to go. They offer sides and a choice of butternut squash tortellini or beef tenderloin for an entrée. They have some special desserts like pot du crème, carrot cake, and Swedish cream. Order by Dec. 22.
The Christmas Revels:
"The Christmas Revels," a beloved holiday tradition for the whole family since 1975, is back, and like you’ve never seen it before. This holiday season, Revels North has produced a short animated film called "The Christmas Revels: All Shall Be Well Again."
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.
Finally, the film is available to purchase as a DVD.
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"
Brownsville Community Church Christmas Eve Service
Outdoor Christmas Eve Service NOW
ONLINE ONLY - 7 PM Brownsville Church
On Thursday, Dec. 24, there will be a Christmas Eve Serviceoutside at Brownsville Community Church. The 7 p.m. service will include special music from guest, Ben Fuller, and more.
The service will also be live-streamed on the church’s FaceBook page atwww.facebook.com/brownsvillecommunitychurch/.
More info. please email bcchurchvt@gmail.com or visit the Brownsville Community Church at www.brownsvilleumc-vt.org and www.facebook.com/brownsvillecommunitychurch/
Rev. Christian Huebner, Pastor says All are Welcome.
15+ NH/VT psychotherapists are volunteering to provide free 30-minute telehealth or phone support appointments to people impacted by Covid in the Upper Valley!
Sign up for up to six 30 minute support sessions by going to the website below.
Book an appointment: www.UVCovidRelief.org
Support is available to *any member* of our Upper Valley community impacted
by Covid, including but not limited to:
- Retail and grocery workers
- Teachers and educational staff
- First responders
- All hospital employees
- Nursing home/home health aides
- Postal, UPS and FedEx workers
- Correctional officers
- Stay at home parents
- Elders in isolation
Any questions, email UVCovidRelief@gmail.com
VT reported 96 new cases Friday, 88 on Saturday, and 94 yesterday, bringing its official total to 6,443, with 2,177 of those active (up 30 over the weekend).
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:
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.
NH reported 697 new cases Friday, 676 on Saturday, and 947 yesterday, reaching 36,542 overall.
Open Elected Positions in Town
Select Board Meets: January 4, 18.
Robin and family have moved to a new community. Thank you to Robin Tindal for her years of dedicated service to the Weathersfield School.
Congratulations and welcome to Jacqui who has stepped up to the plate in the middle of a pandemic to ensure that our school is well represented. Jacqui has served on a number of school committees, including the School Board, for many years. are lucky.
Look Up In The Sky
The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
Monday Night
Skywatchers are in for an end-of-year treat. What has become known popularly as the “Christmas Star” is an especially vibrant planetary conjunction easily visible in the evening sky over the next two weeks as the bright planets Jupiter and Saturn come together, culminating on the night of Dec. 21.
In 1610, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei pointed his telescope to the night sky, discovering the four moons of Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. In that same year, Galileo also discovered a strange oval surrounding Saturn, which later observations determined to be its rings. These discoveries changed how people understood the far reaches of our solar system.
Thirteen years later, in 1623, the solar system’s two giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, traveled together across the sky. Jupiter caught up to and passed Saturn, in an astronomical event known as a “Great Conjunction.”
What makes this year’s spectacle so rare, then? It’s been nearly 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night, as it will for 2020, allowing nearly everyone around the world to witness this “great conjunction.”
So get outside and look up!
- Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park. Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.
- An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.
- The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet.
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield(Safely and/or Online)
Christmas Dinner Take-Away
Restaurants Still Taking Orders
Woodstock Inn. Woodstock, VT. Turkey or tenderloin, hot and ready to eat. Includes sides and one of these mini desserts: Cinnamon Crumble-Top Apple Pie, Spiced House Pumpkin Pie, or Mincemeat Pie. You can even add cookies or a yule log to your order. Menu. Order by Wed. Dec. 23.Carpenter and Main. Norwich, VT. Order from their Christmas and New Year’s menu. You can order pre-ordered Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve goodies. Order by Dec. 23
Barnard Inn. Barnard, VT. Order a traditional Christmas Eve meal to go. They offer sides and a choice of butternut squash tortellini or beef tenderloin for an entrée. They have some special desserts like pot du crème, carrot cake, and Swedish cream. Order by Dec. 22.
Caravanserai16th Annual Raqs Salaam Dance Theater Showcase
Streaming Online
Dec 19 - 20, Dec 26 - 27 Jan 2 - 3, Jan 9 - 10Each tickets allows viewing
Saturday noon through Sunday midnightfinal purchase by 8 pm SundayThis virtual 2-hour showcase is a studio fundraiser celebrating the dance and cultures of North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. It's family-friendly and is both educational and entertaining featuring Raqs Sharki (Belly Dance), as well as many folkloric/regional dance styles-Russian Romany dance with skirts, Algerian Kabyle dance, Indian Bhangra, dance with veils, with fire and more! New England's Middle Eastern Band, Zaatar, will also be joining us, offering accompaniment with melodies from Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey.
The online video was filmed in over a dozen different locations and represents a triumph of creativity, resilience and the human spirit.
Your weekend ticket also includes a 10% off take-away at Tuckerbox restaurant (one of our filming locations!) in White River Junction, Vermont. (You must present a full-priced ticket purchased for the weekend that you order Turkish food in order to receive 10% off.)
Relax as you "travel home" with us, and enjoy the fun, entertainment and celebration of our 16th year of shows!
Streaming Online
Dec 19 - 20, Dec 26 - 27
Dec 19 - 20, Dec 26 - 27
Jan 2 - 3, Jan 9 - 10
Each tickets allows viewing
Saturday noon through Sunday midnight
Saturday noon through Sunday midnight
final purchase by 8 pm Sunday
The online video was filmed in over a dozen different locations and represents a triumph of creativity, resilience and the human spirit.
Your weekend ticket also includes a 10% off take-away at Tuckerbox restaurant (one of our filming locations!) in White River Junction, Vermont. (You must present a full-priced ticket purchased for the weekend that you order Turkish food in order to receive 10% off.)
Relax as you "travel home" with us, and enjoy the fun, entertainment and celebration of our 16th year of shows!
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.
"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"
Post your photos and tag them #vtlightstheway
Brownsville Community Church Christmas Eve Service
with Special Guest Ben Fuller
Update 12/23/2021
NOW
ONLINE ONLY - 7 PM Brownsville Church
Unfortunately, the 7:00 PM Brownsville Community Church Christmas Eve Service outdoors has been cancelled due to impending weather. Please join us Christmas Eve at 7:00 PM on Facebook Live.
Facebook
Live https://www.facebook.com/brownsvillecommunitychurch/
66 Brownsville Hartland Rd, Brownsville
On Thursday, Dec. 24, there will be a Christmas Eve Service
The service will also be live-streamed on the church’s FaceBook page atwww.facebook.com/brownsvillecommunitychurch/.
More info. please email bcchurchvt@gmail.com or visit the Brownsville Community Church at www.brownsvilleumc-vt.org and www.facebook.com/brownsvillecommunitychurch/
Rev. Christian Huebner, Pastor says All are Welcome.
Online Classes
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.
Working At Home?
Posture, Ergonomics and Workstations.
Wednesday, January 13 at 6pm in-person and online ZOOM with Upper Valley Aquatic Center and BE Fit Physical Therapy
*POSTURE, ERGONOMICS AND WORKSTATIONS*Want to know a few key exercises to help your standing and sitting posture? Need some tips on setting up that home office to be more ergonomic? Come learn to improve strength and flexibility in order to decrease pain and increase your comfort with daily routines with BE Fit physical therapists.
Please RSVP to confirm availability with BE Fit Physical Therapy 802-359-7400 or Info@BEFit-PT.com
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.
Posture, Ergonomics and Workstations.
*POSTURE, ERGONOMICS AND WORKSTATIONS*
Want to know a few key exercises to help your standing and sitting posture? Need some tips on setting up that home office to be more ergonomic? Come learn to improve strength and flexibility in order to decrease pain and increase your comfort with daily routines with BE Fit physical therapists. News You Can Use
You are NOT Alone, Please Reach Out--Dial 2-1-1
Or Text VT to 741741 to access a 24-hour Crisis Text Line. We're all stressed out and are wondering about the future. Don't go it alone.
Or Text VT to 741741 to access a 24-hour Crisis Text Line. We're all stressed out and are wondering about the future. Don't go it alone.
Upper Valley COVID Relief
Mental Health Support for members of the Upper Valley impacted by Covid15+ NH/VT psychotherapists are volunteering to provide free 30-minute telehealth or phone support appointments to people impacted by Covid in the Upper Valley!
Sign up for up to six 30 minute support sessions by going to the website below.
Book an appointment: www.UVCovidRelief.org
Support is available to *any member* of our Upper Valley community impacted
by Covid, including but not limited to:
- Retail and grocery workers
- Teachers and educational staff
- First responders
- All hospital employees
- Nursing home/home health aides
- Postal, UPS and FedEx workers
- Correctional officers
- Stay at home parents
- Elders in isolation
Any questions, email UVCovidRelief@gmail.com
Don't go it alone
Other Services
This is a stressful time for everyone.
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.
COVID-19 in Our Communities
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
National Data
As of Dec. 14.Track the Vaccine Doses
Want to track the COVID-19 dose distribution?
Benjamin Renton, a senior at Middlebury College who has been tracking data during the pandemic, has launched a new dashboard using local news reports and press releases to track how many vaccine doses each state is being allocated.
The feds have cut way back on their initial promises and have no readily available public data effort like it on their own, Renton updates his dashboard regularly as new information becomes available. Click Here to Track
Benjamin Renton, a senior at Middlebury College who has been tracking data during the pandemic, has launched a new dashboard using local news reports and press releases to track how many vaccine doses each state is being allocated.
The feds have cut way back on their initial promises and have no readily available public data effort like it on their own, Renton updates his dashboard regularly as new information becomes available. Click Here to Track
Northeast Region Data
Vermont Data
The Numbers
There were 6 new deaths, which now total 111, and 23 people with confirmed cases (up 1) are hospitalized.
Windsor County gained 13 cases (87 over the past 14 days) to stand at 338 for the pandemic. Orange County gained 6 cases (with 46 over the past 14 days) and is now at 295 cumulatively.
In town-by-town numbers released Friday, Hartland gained 7 cases over the previous week, Norwich gained 6, Killington and Springfield each gained 5, Thetford and Royalton each gained 4, Randolph had 3 new cases, Bradford and Bethel each had 2, and Woodstock had 1.
The state’s modeling, visit https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.
TRAVELING To/From VERMONT
The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
(The travel maps will be updated on Tuesdays)
December 15 Modeling Slideshow
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
Dec. 18 Map
Cases by Town Map
Town by Town Cases
COVID-19 Testing sites and appointments
K-12 Dashboard
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.
Vermont and Non-Vermont Residents-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.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.
What is 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
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.
New Hampshire Data Dashboard
The Numbers
The state also announced 27 new deaths over the weekend; they now number 656, while 261 people are hospitalized (down 23).
The current active caseload stands at 6,908 (down 20). Grafton County is at 156 cases (down 18), Sullivan has 53 (up 1), and Merrimack has 964 (down 24).
Town by town, the state says that Lebanon has 23 active cases (down 2), Hanover has 18 (down 5), Claremont has 14 (down 4), Newport has 11 (down 1), Enfield is at 9 (up 2) as is Sunapee (up at least 5), New London is at 8 (down 6), Rumney remains at 8, and Charlestown remains at 6.
Travel Plans this 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
Town of Weathersfield
Open Elected Positions in Town
File before Jan. 25, 2021 at 5 PM
Signatures ARE NOT required, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but each candidate must sign a consent form to be put on the ballot for Town Meeting. March 2, 2021.
Upcoming Town Board and Committee Meetings
Minute posting: (2) Minutes of all public meetings shall be matters of public record, shall be kept by the clerk or secretary of the public body, and shall be available for inspection by any person and for purchase of copies at cost upon request after five calendar days from the date of any meeting. Meeting minutes shall be posted no later than five calendar days from the date of the meeting to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or has designated as the official website of the body. Except for draft minutes that have been substituted with updated minutes, posted minutes shall not be removed from the website sooner than one year from the date of the meeting for which the minutes were taken.
Select Board Meets: January 4, 18.
December 21 Agenda Meeting Packet
Select Board Minutes:
December 7 were finally posted on Dec. 17
Library Trustees
Minutes of November 19
Minutes of November 19
Weathersfield School
School Dates and Events
Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar
In-Person Learning Dates:
Dec. 21 and 22
Week of Jan 11-in person class resumes
Remote Learning Dates:
Week of Jan 4 (see Supervisory Union update below)
Holidays/Breaks:
December 24, 2020-January 4, 2021
MLK Day Jan. 12-school closed
Winter Recess-February 15-19
Spring Recess-April 12-16
Last Day of School (tentative) June 10
Remote Week January 4 – 8, 2021 will be a remote week.
The reason is twofold, to use this time to quarantine from Christmas and to give students practice in the remote experience. In person teachers sent their remote schedules in November, (for the Nov. 30 remote week), so please plan to follow their daily remote schedule.
Please know that the school takes attendance during remote times. If it is impossible for a child to attend a google meeting, they can still be counted as present if they are doing the work required.
For more information, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher. There will be no newsletter from the principal that week.
Changes in Procedures
In light of weather changes upon us, the school is changing the way they do their pick up, drop off, and daily health checks.
Starting January 11, drop off in the morning will be the same time and the drop off will follow the same pattern except the first few cars will come into the fire lane in front of the school, (no worries, BJ Esty will direct you), other cars to follow as this is the new drop off point.
Grades K-8 will be using the front door for entrance and exit. There will be three health checkers outside asking the Covid questions as your child(ren) come inside the school.
Once inside, they will be greeted by a number of adults who will check their temp and send them to a hand-washing station.
From there, they will go to class.
In the past several months, the school has had ZERO students come to school with a temperature or symptoms, (thanks to the watchful eyes of our parents), so it is unlikely that anyone will enter the building ill, but if it happens, the school will call their parents on their cell and ask them to return to school, while the student waits for them in our isolation room.
The school has been successful in making sure the buses arrive after the drop offs every day, so the fire lane will be open for the buses to unload at 8:20 am. The end of the day will be similar.
Students will board buses at 12:25 and when the three buses are gone, students will come to the front of the building when called, based on the parents/car line up.
Students are still going outside several times a day, (unless the temperatures drop below 10 degrees). Please make sure they come to school with boots and warm clothing Students will remain in their classrooms on bitter cold days.
School Board
Meeting Dates:Jan. 12
Feb. 9
March 9
Feb. 9
March 9
April 13
The school board meets from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM at the Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Rd, Ascutney, VT.
The school board meets from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM at the Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Rd, Ascutney, VT.
Weathersfield School's New Board Member
Jacqui Antonivich was unanimously voted to fill the seat of outgoing School Board member, Robin Tindall, at the Dec. 8 School Board meeting.
Robin and family have moved to a new community. Thank you to Robin Tindal for her years of dedicated service to the Weathersfield School.
Congratulations and welcome to Jacqui who has stepped up to the plate in the middle of a pandemic to ensure that our school is well represented. Jacqui has served on a number of school committees, including the School Board, for many years. are lucky.
Supervisory Union Office
No new updates.
Dec. 4 Update-Winter Break Calendar Change
It is the administration's thinking that the Winter Break will be even more challenging with respect to multi-household gatherings. It will be more than impossible to ask families and staff to stay isolated during these upcoming Holidays. We certainly avoided any school/POD closures using this remote weeks after Thanksgiving.
Therefore, in consultation with the administrative team, we have decided to modify the calendar for winter break. December 21 and 22 (formerly remote learning days) will now be in-person instruction. December 23 (formerly a remote learning day) will be a Staff Development Day (no school for students) for both faculty and support staff to allow time to prepare for another added remote week after the Winter Break.
The week of January 4th will now be remote for all students. The state may issue a statewide order for remote instruction after the Winter Break, but we did not want to wait to see what they were going to do. Our families need to plan. We think this plan will support multi-household gatherings and family time around the Holidays. The revised calendar can be seen by clicking here.
Visit Our Local Restaurants
Inn at Weathersfield-On break beginning 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
Exit Ate Eat In or Take-Away
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.
Be sure to try some of Greg's Raisin Bread! It was delicious!
Inn at Weathersfield-On break beginning November 1, 2020. 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.
Be sure to try some of Greg's Raisin Bread! It was delicious!
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.
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.
Staying At Home, Looking for Recipes
I recently purchased an Instant Pot and have been experimenting with it. Click on the link or photo for the recipe.
I recently purchased an Instant Pot and have been experimenting with it.
Click on the link or photo for the recipe.
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