Be Smart, Be Safe in Weathersfield, Vermont. February 15 edition

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Weathersfield Center Meeting House

Winter can be long, dark and cold. If you are lucky you can also see some very beautiful views on the rare warm and sunny day.



Get outside and let nature, nurture!


Lunar New Year was February 12

We bid farewell to the Year of the Rat and say hello to the Year of the Ox.

Friday marked the beginning of the xin chou year, according to the sexagenary cycle. "Xin" represents the heavenly stem for the element metal, while "chou" is the earthly branch symbol for ox, making it the Year of the Metal Ox.

"san tai gin hong" or "shen ti jian kang" (I wish you good health)



Mardi Gras, February 16
Laissez les bons temps rouler


Mardi Gras (/ˈmɑːrdi ˌɡrɑː/), or Fat Tuesday, refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. 

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.

Related popular practices are associated with Shrovetide celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. 

In countries such as the United Kingdom, Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday, which is derived from the word shrive, meaning "to administer the sacrament of confession to; to absolve".

Enjoy your KING CAKES!! I hope you find the baby!


News You Can Use

Vermont Opens COVID-19 Vaccinations Up to 70+ Vermonters
Starting Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.

Vermonters age 70 and older will be able to make an appointment to get the Covid-19 vaccine starting Tuesday, Feb. 16, officials said at a press conference Friday.

Those Vermonters, about 33,000 people, form the next group in the state’s age-banding strategy, which prioritizes older people, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said. The state will next move on to people 65 and older, followed by Vermonters 16-64 with high-risk conditions.

Anyone can set up an account on the Department of Health’s website, starting now, in preparation for the registration process, he said. Vermonters 70 and older can register for an appointment online or by calling a designated phone line, starting Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.

Vermonters can also make an appointment through Walgreens, which is receiving a separate allocation of vaccines from the federal government.

About 38% of people 75 and older have received their first dose of the vaccine through the current process, Smith said. That includes 538 homebound Vermonters, who are receiving doses through local home health agencies and emergency medical services.

In total, 12.5% of Vermonters 16 and older have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, with 37,200 people started and 32,600 people completed, according to the department.

Gov. Phil Scott reiterated his defense of the age-banding process, saying it has allowed Vermont to move smoothly through the process compared to its neighbors who have made broader categories eligible. “Just saying people are eligible, doesn’t mean they actually have the doses to cover them,” Scott said.

“That’s why we’ve seen other states cancel appointments, perhaps scheduled months in the future, even for those in their 70s and 80s,” he said. “Here in Vermont, we’ve taken a different approach for setting realistic expectations based on the supply we know we’re going to receive.”


The Town Reports are Out


Please let the town office know if you did not receive a copy last week.



Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
(Safely and/or Online)
Classes, Workshops and Entertainment


LEBANON OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS


THE UNIVERSITY OF WONDER & IMAGINATION
FEBRUARY 15-20 (multiple start times)
This live interactive Zoom theater experience is suitable for the entire family; each one-hour show is limited to 10 households.
Note: a household is gathered under one roof, using one device. Purchase additional passes and invite friends and family members to join your University tour.
In a unique staging for the COVID age, Cahoots NI broadcasts from an extensive, purpose-built set where magic and illusion have no boundaries. The acclaimed Belfast-based company brings a fun-filled, immersive theatrical experience to a screen near you. The choices you make in the moment will shape your unique journey.
Along the way, you will interact with the liveliest of lecturers, choose your subjects of study, enter themed rooms, and encounter a series of puzzles which unlock your magical powers.
BUY TICKETS

  LOH on Location ONLINE Shows

LOH on Location: KeruBo
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 • 6:00 PM
Live from Winooski (VT), Kenyan-born Afro-jazz singer uses her voice to heal and inspire.
GET FREE TICKETS

LOH on Location: Little Dylan & Stephen Hull
TUESDAY, MARCH 9 • 6:00 PM
Live from Racine (WI) with two fiery next-generation Midwestern blues musicians.
GET FREE TICKETS

LOH on Location: Michael Glabicki & Dirk Miller of Rusted Root
TUESDAY, MARCH 30 • 6:00 PM
Live from Pittsburgh (PA), reimagining the band’s polyrhythmic roots rock—including Send Me On My Way—in a stripped-down duo setting.
GET FREE TICKETS

LOH on Location: Zach Nugent
TUESDAY, APRIL 20 • 6:00 PM
Live from Barre (VT), soulful singer/guitarist pays tribute to the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band.
GET FREE TICKETS


Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center


Winter Concert Series continues with Bow Thayer on Saturday, February 20 at 7pm.

Joined by Boston bass staple Jeremy Dryden, and long-time drummer Jeff Berlin, Bow Thayer will rattle the walls of our theatre with luscious, backwoods folk rock on Saturday, February 20th.

The show will feature Bow’s new album “The Woodshed,” written over the course of the Covid pandemic and recorded at his Central Vermont studio, as well as some old favorites. As always, Thayer will incorporate multiple unique instruments into the set with fresh songs that depict a look of humanity observed from the “green bubble” of Vermont. Sometimes groovy, sometimes dissonant, often thought-provoking and ultimately positive.

In the event that VT guidance shifts to restrict in-person attendance, existing in-person tickets will be changed to livestream. In-person ticketholders will have the option of a credit, refund, or making a donation with the remainder.

Tickets are $25 for in-person attendance or $15 for a livestream ticket
Buy Tickets


Zoom Games with Valley Improv
February 25, 7-7:45 p.m.

By popular demand, a second round of our Virtual Improv Games Workshop! It’s free, interactive, and facilitated by Valley Improv performers. We'll teach some games and then play them together. The games will be the same as the December workshop, but in improv, even the same game is always a totally new experience!

You'll also get a digital handout with descriptions of the games afterwards.
Registration required via this link so we can send you the Zoom invite twenty-four hours ahead of time.
You can also share our Facebook invite!

Register now!


Mexican Culinary Experience Online Classes
¡Buen Provecho!  with Laura y Cecilia

Saturday, February 27: Mole de Olla – Traditional Mexican Beef Stew

Saturday, March 6: Mole Poblano – Mexico’s most famous mole sauce, originating in Puebla. Traditionally served over chicken

Saturday, March 20: Tacos al Pastor – Mexico’s most famous tacos of sliced marinated pork, served on corn tortillas with a garnish of pineapple, onion, and cilantro

Sign up online: https://forms.gle/sLitFpRQmN5FEEqC8


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.


 

Vermont Online Workshops

Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions

The Girlfriend Book Club Live Discussion of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at 7:30pm Eastern Time
Read More »

AARP VT, Virtual Gentle Flow Yoga, 2/17/21
Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021 at 5:30pm Eastern Time
Read More »

Movies for Grownups Screening: BLITHE SPIRIT
Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021 at 8:00pm Eastern Time
Read More »

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Returns for 2021
in Ascutney, Vermont

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax preparation to help anyone FREE of Charge, with special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate incomes.

All tax-aide volunteers are trained and are IRS-Certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tax-Aide has introduced some changes to the process; you will be instructed on these changes when you make your appointment. Call Tax-Aide in Ascutney 802-875-2418 on Tuesdays.




News You Can Use

COVID-19 in Our Communities


What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • 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.

Vermont COVID-19 Vaccination Update

Who is eligible and when can they make an appointment?

If you are age 70 or older, you can NOW make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination.

The best way to make an appointment is through the Health Department’s website: healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. The page currently has information for Vermonters to learn about the process, but you will not be able register until Monday.

What will I need to make an appointment?

You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address, email if you have one, and a phone number. You’ll be asked for your insurance information, but this is not required.

You will also be asked a few medical questions to make sure you can get the vaccine. The video referenced above provides more details about the questions, so you can be prepared to answer them when you make your appointment.

What if I can’t register online?

Once registration opens, a phone number will be released that can connect you with a registration assistant. These assistants will be available Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where will the clinics be?

Vaccinations will be given through the Health Department at clinics around the state. You will see available locations and be able to choose a day and time for your appointment.

You must have an appointment to receive a vaccine at one of these locations. You will not be allowed to walk-in to a location without an appointment. And when you make an appointment, it is VERY important that you keep it – so vaccine is not wasted.

What if I am unable to leave my home to get to a clinic?

We are currently working with home health agencies and first responders to make sure people who are unable to leave their home can get a COVID-19 vaccine.

These in-home vaccine visits are not yet ready, but we will provide an update as soon as possible.

Do I need to live in Vermont to make an appointment?

Yes. You will need to provide your primary address to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, you can still get a vaccine in Vermont if you moved to Vermont within the last 6 months with the purpose of becoming a resident.

If I am not qualified to make an appointment at this time, is there a waiting list I can get on?

No, there is not a waiting list at this time and you should not attempt to register until you are eligible. We will continue to provide updates and announcements as we expand the age range that can be vaccinated.

What should I expect at my appointment?

First, it’s critical to show up on time and keep your appointment.

People who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will receive either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. They will also be given information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions.

How will I receive my second dose?

After getting your first dose, clinic staff will help you make a second appointment to receive the second dose.

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:

These Days are Stressful-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

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.

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 COVID-19 Data

Tracking the COVID-19 Variants

The CDC has just gone live with a map tracking the known cases in the US of the three emerging coronavirus variants that have the world on edge: B.1.1.7 (the one known as the UK variant); the B.1.351 variant first seen in South Africa; and the P.1 variant first seen in Brazil. At the moment, there are cases of B.1.1.7 in NY, MA, and CT, but none reported so far in VT, NH, or ME. Note that the CDC says their numbers are based on sampling, and so "do not represent the total number" of cases that may be arising.

CDC COVID-19 Worldwide Tracking Database  
Last Updated at (M/D/YYYY)
2/8/2021, 6:22 AM

Global cases: 106,220,644  Global Deaths: 2,318,566
USA cases: 27,008,096  USA Deaths: 463,482 

US COVID-19 Risk Levels





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.


National Case Info.

Updated February 8, 2021


Good news, case counts are down 55%.  And hospitalizations are down 34%
The next question will be how many people who ignored the CDC guidelines regarding Super Bowl parties will test positive for COVID-19 over the next 28 days. let's hope they don't continue to overwhelm our health care system.

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

Updated February 8, 2021




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.




Higher Education Dashboard






You can set up your account for vaccination at: https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration

More information at the Health Department’s website: healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.


The Numbers

VT reported 142 new cases Friday, 115 on Saturday, and 118 yesterday, bringing it to a total case count of 13,677. 
There was 1 new death, which now number 189 all told. 

45 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (down 3). 

Windsor County gained 27 new cases over the last three days and now stands at 976 for the pandemic, with 107 over the past 14 days. 

Orange County had 5 new cases and is now at 467 cumulatively, with 30 cases over the past 14 days. 

In town-by-town numbers reported late last week, Springfield added 11 new cases over the week before, Hartford gained 6, Norwich added 4, Hartland and Killington each added 3, Randolph, Woodstock, and Chelsea each gained 2, and Bradford, Bethel, Weathersfield, West Windsor, Cavendish, and Fairlee each gained 1.



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 as of February 14


Town by Town Counts as of February 10



 Weathersfield stands at 39 cases since last March 2020.







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 reported 464 new cases Friday, 441 Saturday, and 292 yesterday for a cumulative total of 70,785. 

There were 16 new deaths in that time, bringing the total to 1,133. 

126 people are hospitalized (down 12). 

The current active caseload stands at 3,365 (up 219). 

The state reports 177 active cases in Grafton County (down 2), 76 in Sullivan (down 15), and 261 in Merrimack (down 2). 

In town-by-town numbers, the state says Claremont has 39 active cases (down 8 over the weekend), Newport has 13 (down 2), Lebanon has 13 (up 1), Hanover has 7 (down 3), and Charlestown has 7 (no change).

Town of Weathersfield



Town Mails Out Postcards for
Online Informational Town Meetings

By now you should have received your postcard and your Town Report from the Town explaining how to access the online informational meeting being held on Saturday, February 27.

The school meeting begins at 10 a.m. and the Town meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. 
Please contact the town office if you did not receive your postcard at 802-674-2626.

VIRTUAL Informational Meeting will be held on February 27.

This year's informational meetings will be held virtually. Follow the directions below or use your postcard to access the meeting online.

Weathersfield School Informational meeting
The School Informational Meeting will be held virtually using Google Meet beginning at 10 a.m. on Feb. 27: meet.google.com/ebi-bpnf-arq or join by phone 1-216-930-0581 (PIN 686-750-022#)

Town Informational Meeting
Town of Weathersfield will be holding Annual Town Meeting remotely on February 27, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.. 

Attendees may either join the meeting via phone by dialing 1-929-205-6099 and entering in Meeting ID # 542-595-4364 Passcode 8021 or by via computer by clicking on this link.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you require training on attending virtual meetings, please do not hesitate to contact the Town Office and ask to speak with Olivia Savage, Principal Clerk, who will either schedule a meeting with you to bring you up to speed or walk you through the steps over the phone.

Australian Ballot Voting-March 2

Town meeting will be held on March 2, 2021. Australian ballot voting will take place from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Martin Memorial Hall. You may vote in-person or by Mail-in-Ballot.

Please remember to request your absentee ballot by Thursday, February 25, 2021. Call the Town Clerks Office at 802-674-9500 to do this. All ballots must be returned by Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

Old News, But Still Good to Know News

Town Meetings are held online using Zoom

Town meetings are now broadcast on Zoom.

For instructions on how to join a Zoom Meeting please visit this website. If you need additional help after reviewing this website please contact the Town Office at 802-674-2626. They can walk you through this process over the phone or setup an in-person meeting to bring you up to speed.

In an effort to simplify access to meetings, they will be using the same meeting format for all Public Meetings. To join any public meeting via your computer, simply click this link.

To join any public meeting via phone, dial (929) 205-6099. When prompted, enter meeting ID 542-595-4364. You will not have a participant ID. Please press # when to skip this section. The passcode for all meetings is 8021.

New Town Website Launched


The Town has a NEW look website.  URL remains the same:  https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/

Vermont Open Meeting Law

Minute posting: 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.

Upcoming Town Board and Committee Meetings

Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes *


Select Board Meets: 

February 1 
January Meeting Minutes
January 26 minutes 
January 19 minutes 
January 12 minutes 
January 4 minutes 

*I have contacted the Town Manager and Mr. Gulnick has assured me that the minutes will be converted to PDFs and in the future all documents will be posted in this format. 
Thank you Mr. Gulnick for your attention to this matter.

Weathersfield School


School Dates and Events

Stay up on all the school events visit: School Calendar

Holidays/Breaks: 
Winter Recess-February 15-19, Classes resume February 22
Spring Recess-April 12-16
Last Day of School (tentative) June 10

From The School Newsletter

Community Coffee Hour 

The town reports are out (see above), along with some flyers regarding the school budget. Principal Oakman is hosting a Community Coffee Hour on Wed., February 24th from 9:00 to 10:00 am.  A link will be sent out on February 22, 2021. This will be a FY 22 Budget and Q and A. 

3rd Grade Invention Convention 

Covid can’t keep Weathersfield’s third graders from doing the invention convention. It will look a little different this year but our  third graders will still be inventing. They are currently hard at work thinking of problems and ways to solve them.  Their inventions will be brought to school on March 1, 2021 and and an invention movie will be created to share. 

Get Ready for the Kids Heart Challenge 

Weathersfield school is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, a very special community service program to raise funds for the American Heart Association. 

It's your child's chance to be a Heart Hero by learning about heart health, spreading the word and raising funds to save other children. 

Have your child go to heart.org/KHC they can take one of the three challenges and email family and friends to ask for donations. Your child will earn a wristband just for registering online and taking the challenge! 

Event Dates: 
K-1 Monday, March 22 Glow Jump Rope & Dance 
2-4  Friday, March 19 Glow Jump Rope & Dance 
5-8  TBA Sport Day 
Donation online & collection envelopes due: March 26th. For more info contact: Mrs. Berry, WS PE Teacher 
Social distancing and all Covid safe and healthy guidelines will be followed during this event

School Board 

Weathersfield School Gains Another New Board Member 

Jaimie Turner was unanimously voted to fill the seat of outgoing School Board member, Sean Whalen, at the February 9, 2021 School Board meeting. Congratulations and welcome to Jaimie, who has also served on the Budget Advisory Committee. Jaimie has a son in Mrs. Breit’s first grade. We are lucky to have such an intelligent and committed parent step forward to serve on this important board.

Meeting Dates:
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

From the desk of Dr. David Baker, Superintendent, Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Feb 6 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers:

Happy Super Bowl weekend! Go Bucs! We have completed two full weeks of our new schedule for K-8 and it is amazing how well the children all adjusted. I am sure it is a challenge to extend the time with masks and distancing, but teachers and parents have done such a great job supporting your children that they have become used to it. It is a long day and exhausting at times, but so much better to have all teaching and learning in-person. I have a few updates for the week:
  • Super Bowl Quarantine: The Super Bowl has historically been a time to gather with friends, eat, and watch the game (or at least the commercials). We have to look out for each other this year and stay within the Governor's restrictions around multi-household gatherings. It will not be easy, but I know we can do it. Please be careful for the sake of those around you.

  • Surveillance Testing: The staff did another round of surveillance testing last week and it went extremely well. I want to thank our nurses for coordinating this at the building level. A big shout out to Angie Ladeau for all the work she puts in - including driving the specimens to be mailed late on Wednesday. I have not heard of any positive results, so that is great news for all of us. We are staying safe and believing in science. Well done!

  • Vaccines: Vermont is using age banding for the dissemination of the vaccine. Right now anyone 75 years or older can register for a vaccination. It will then move to 70; 65; and so on. Unfortunately in Vermont, there are no exceptions and no excuses. Compromised immune systems and health issues will not push you to the front of the line. The vaccine deliveries are improving and the increase in doses is helping. Be patient and we will get there. NH plays by slightly different rules so those who live there may be able to bump up a bit. It is safe to assume that we will be under the current restrictions through the end of the year.

  • Sports Program - Let the HS Games Begin: The Governor has announced that basketball games can start on February 12th for JV and Varsity teams. Larry sent the link to watch the games live. The boys' link is here and the girls link is here. You have to visit the links and subscribe. It will be a shortened season, but it is important to our students that we show our support! Currently we are not offering 7th and 8th grade basketball. We are working on a plan and should have an update soon. We should have more information right after the February break.

  • February Break: The February break is during the week of February 15th. It is critical that we all continue to follow the Travel Restrictions set by the Governor. There are few exceptions to interstate travel. If you have to leave the state, you must notify the school nurse to discuss quarantine and testing requirements. At this time we have no plans to go remote after the break. The success of this in-person instruction after the break will depend on our ability to stay with the travel bans. Let's watch out for each other and keep our children in school.

  • Back To In-Person: You may be hearing a lot of news about school reopening to full time in-person instruction. There are many locations throughout the United States that have not had their students back in school since last March 2020. We also have many schools in Vermont where students are not in school five days a week. None of this applies to our Supervisory Union. To the credit of our teachers, staff, and parents, we have been in school five days a week since the beginning of the year.

  • Two Ply and Double Masks: You have also heard some recent recommendations about wearing two masks or always using a 2-ply mask. Our COVID Task Force meets weekly and we have discussed this. We have our nurses and one doctor on the Task Force. We think the Masking that we are doing right now is sufficient. If someone wants to double mask, that is up to them. But we have been successful and students and staff have been faithful to the current maks regulations. We don't want to change now.
I think that is it for now. Let's have a great week right before vacation. Stay safe and stay well!

Dr. David Baker
Superintendent
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

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-Re-opening April 30, 2021
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.
WFS is located in the 1879 Schoolhouse at 1862 Route 106 in Perkinsville.
Open the  2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 2-4 p.m. COVID-19 policies are in place with groceries delivered to shoppers in their cars.
If you are in need of food and are unable to get to the facility during open hours, food will be delivered to your home.

Call the Weathersfield Town Office to be refereed to a volunteer, visit the Weathersfield Food Shelf Facebook page and leave a message or email weathersfieldfoodshelf@gmail.com

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 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

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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