Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield, Vermont January 18 edition

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 File photo from GMHA January 2013
(I missing covering events for the newspaper.)

January 18, 2021
MLK Day. A Day of Service

Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
(Safely and/or Online)

Online Classes and Workshops

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.



AARP VT, Ask a Naturalist w/ Audubon Vermont, Tuesday 1/19/21

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021
From 12pm to 1pm Eastern Time
Contact: AARP Vermont
Email: vtaarp@aarp.org

REGISTER
Ask a Naturalist: Winter in Vermont

Based on the new webinar series from Audubon Vermont, Birds of Vermont Museum, and the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, this exciting program will bring naturalists to AARP Vermont to talk directly with you about what is happening outside. While we can talk generally amongst ourselves about what is exciting outside during our long, dark winters, this program will work best if you bring a question or two (tuning in to listen is also ok)!
Questions on migration, hibernation, winter, wildlife, etc are all welcome topics.

Please note that AARP will email you the link to the Audubon Vermont's online platform (Zoom) on which the event will be hosted. Any information you share on that online platform will be governed by the privacy policy of Audubon Vermont.

AARP VT, Virtual Winter Biking & Walking Workshop, Wednesday 1/27/21

Wednesday, Jan 27, 2021
From 9am to 10am Eastern Time
Contact: AARP Vermont
Email: vtaarp@aarp.org

REGISTER

Join AARP Vermont and Local Motion for the first of two Virtual Winter Biking and Mobility sessions.
During the workshop, we will cover topics including:
  • the biggest challenges to biking and walking in the winter
  • discuss important gear for biking and walking
  • basic winter riding skills
  • how to stay safe walking/riding in the winter
  • recreational opportunities
  • what to do when the ride is done - taking care of your bike and your body
The second workshop will be held on February 10


Northern Stage Presents

Their annual festival of new works on Saturday, January 23rd, and 30th at 7:30 PM 

All readings will be streamed live. A post-show conversation will follow each reading. Admission is free (with a $10 Suggested Donation) - more information and tickets can be reserved at https://northernstage.org/new-works-now/

Enough by Celeste Jennings Saturday, January 23, 7:30 PM
In this piece, a family discovers beauty and strength in things not remembered. They realize that some things are meant to be forgotten, and that the relics of resilience occupy their veins and teach them that what they have has always been enough.

Shook: Music and Lyrics by Zoe Sarnak Book by Alexis Sheer Directed by
Maggie Burrows Saturday, January 30, 7:30 PM
Join them for a sneak peek into the original songs and artistic process behind Northern Stage’s first-ever commissioned musical work: Shook. High school thespians have been preparing for the highly anticipated National Shakespeare Competition for months, Shook takes us on a rollercoaster ride through song and sonnet, foes turned friends, kingdoms lost and won…and at least one good showmance.


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. 

Upper Valley COVID Relief

Mental Health Support for members of the Upper Valley impacted by Covid

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

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



COVID-19 Vaccinations in Vermont

From The Governor’s Constituent Services Office Team 

Vaccine Supply: While the state is prepared for any amount of vaccine, it is very important to know that supplies of COVID-19 vaccine provided by the federal government are still currently limited.  Vermont is receiving about 8500 doses each week.  That is why the Administration has developed a vaccine distribution plan that focuses on Vermonters who are at greatest risk of losing their lives, and those who care for them.  The goal is to administer vaccines as quickly as they come into us, ensure all eligible Vermonters who want the vaccine are able to receive it, and prevent as many deaths as possible.

Next Phase of Vaccine Distribution: We are nearly complete with vaccinations in Phase One, which included residents of nursing homes, long term care facilities and other congregate living facilities for the sick and elderly, as well as frontline health workers and first responders.  The next phase will  be for Vermont residents who are 75 years and older. 

Starting January 25, people in Vermont who are 75 years and older can make an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine clinics will start on January 27.  

Based on the number of doses currently available, it could take up to 6-weeks to vaccinate the roughly 49,000 Vermonters who are over age 75.   

You can see how many doses have been sent to Vermont – and how many we have administered – by visiting our vaccine dashboard:  https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard

Registration Details: Details will be released closer to January 25th. In addition to announcements from the Governor and Health Department updates, the state will work with health care practices, pharmacies, employers, and the media to communicate registration details.

There will be options to register online, or by phone. We are strongly encouraging a relative or friend to help their older loved ones register online to leave phone lines open for those who don’t have help, and to avoid overwhelming the call center.

The forthcoming details will be the only way to register and make an appointment. You will not be able to make an appointment by calling any other Health Department phone number, your health care provider, or a hospital. However, if you have questions about whether you should get the vaccine, you should talk to your health care provider.

Stay up to Date: There are ways you can stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including who can get the vaccine and who will be eligible next. Check this website often: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont

Additional resources:

Please continue to be safe during these challenging times. Your support in this effort is greatly appreciated. We will get through this, together.

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.

Weathersfield 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 

National Data

Realtime US COVID Risk Map

Click on the map to access the website COVID ACT NOW
This website tracks cases, infection rate, positive test rate, ICU capacity and Contact tracers hired.




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

Northeast Region Data



Vermont Data

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 Numbers

VT reported 178 new cases Friday, 180 Saturday, and 140 yesterday, bringing its total case count to 10,057 (and becoming the last state to cross the 10K line).  It now has 3,175 active cases (up 167) with 66.8 percent of all cases recovered. 

There was 1 new death; they now stand at 162, while 45 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (up 1). 

Windsor County gained 53 cases over the weekend to stand at 709 for the pandemic (with 265 over the past 14 days). Orange County had 8 new cases and is now at 385 cumulatively (with 60 cases over the past 14 days). 

In weekly town-by-town numbers released Friday, Springfield gained 25 cases over the previous week, Hartford gained 18, Killington added 14, Royalton gained 9, and Windsor added 8. 
(See below for Weathersfield's increased numbers)

January 12 Slideshow





Please Remember



Staying home and with people you live with is still the lowest risk. Gathering with people you do not live with is not recommended for people who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or people who care for them.

If you do gather, the Health Department strongly encourages getting tested 7 days afterwards.
If you gather with anyone from out of state, everyone in both households must quarantine for 14 days, or 7 days with a negative test.


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

 

Town by Town Cases


Last week Weathersfield had 20 cumulative cases, our town has had an increase of nine cases since last Tuesday.









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 
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.


New Hampshire Data Dashboard

The Numbers

NH added 794 new cases Friday, 483 Saturday, and 941 yesterday and now stands at 56,864 total. 

There were 36 new deaths over the weekend; they now stand at 933 total, while 243 people are hospitalized (down 27). 

The current active caseload stands at 6,387 (down 341); 87 percent of all cases have recovered. 

Grafton County is at 215 active cases (down 15), Sullivan has 252 (up 24), and Merrimack has 600 (down 43). 

Town by town, the state says that Claremont has 96 active cases (up 4), Newport has 40 (down 4), Charlestown has 33 (up 2), Lebanon has 23 (up 5), Hanover has 16 (down 11), Unity has 14 (up 7), Enfield has 11 (no change), and Sunapee has 10 (no change).

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

Town of Weathersfield



Open Elected Positions in Town
One Week Left to File
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


Select Board Meets: January 19, February 1, 15

January 19 Agenda  Meeting Packet The meeting packet contains FY22 Budget information.

January 12 minutes were not posted by 7 a.m. 1/18
January 4 minutes (are posted but in a word format not PDF linked format.)
December 21 
December 7 
November 30 
November 16
November 2


Library Trustees


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.

Weathersfield School


School Dates and Events

Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar

New School Hours begin on January, 25 8:15 a.m. -1:15 p.m.


Holidays/Breaks: 
MLK Day January 18
Winter Recess-February 15-19
Spring Recess-April 12-16
Last Day of School (tentative) June 10

School Day Times Change Jan. 25

Starting on Monday, January 25th, our new school hours for K-8 will be from 8:15 am to 1:15 pm, so we can increase instruction time to 4 hours, with lunch and recess making up the 5th hour. 

This means that we are shifting bus schedules, drop-off and pick-up times a little. Parents will continue to follow the same traffic pattern in the mornings, but health checks will start at 7:45 am and end by 8:00 am. 

The buses will pull into the school yard at about 8:00 am and unload by about 8:05 am. All students will go directly to their classrooms after hand washing and temp checks. 

FREE breakfast will be available for all children who ask for it, (same with FREE lunch). 

The principal will lead the school in the pledge over the PA system and school will be begin at 8:15 am. 
At 1:15 pm, the buses will be in the front of the school and students will be loaded. At approximately 1:20 pm, parents can follow the same traffic pattern to pick up their child. 

Please note that since the bus run typically has started at the school at 7:15 am, we are now asking the buses to head out at 7 am. 

You can calculate that the buses will now pick up students 15 minutes earlier every morning starting on January 25th. This means that we are eliminating WIN time. Teachers have created their own new classroom schedules and can share them with you upon request. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions. 

Call 674-5400 ext. 1 or email me at jmoakman@wsesu.net with questions.

K-8 WS Winter Sports 

Due to the rising numbers of Covid cases in the state, WS will not offer a winter sports program at this time. 

The School Board will be revisiting this topic at their February 9th meeting at 6:00 pm. This meeting is remote and open to the public. An agenda will be sent out prior to the meeting with a link to join remotely. 

Track My Progress 

K-8 students will be taking the Track My Progress assessment the last two weeks in January. The school will be sending their scores home after all tests are completed. 

Grade 3 News from Mrs. Durham’s Class 

Students in Ms. Durham's third grade class at Weathersfield School collected food and hygiene products for their first semester community service. They were able to collect 230 items that will be donated to local food pantries. 

Let’s Get Active 


Mrs. Berry, PE Teacher, promotes wellness with her Let’s Get Active challenges. Challenges are online and they are student and family oriented. https://ws.wsesu.net/information/posts/~board/ws-news/post/lets-get-active 

First Panther Challenge-bragging rights go to Callie Breit. She had the highest butt kickers in one minute time. 

Next Panther Challenge-Paper Ball Hits. 
How many times in a row can you hit a paper ball up in the air without dropping or catching it? You can use one or both hands. Log your score on the Google Form by Tuesday January 19th. 

You can log your score as many times as you want to attempt the challenge.

School Board 

Meeting Dates:
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.

Supervisory Union Office


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

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. 
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. 
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.


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 

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