Be Smart Be Safe in Weathersfield, Vermont Forward May 3 edition

 Paddle Report

Canada Goose

Last Tuesday evening I paddled Dewey's Pond in Quechee, VT. I was the only paddler-just me and the birds. It was a very peaceful paddle. The pond has been on my list for a while. But by the time I get around to seriously thinking about paddling it, the lily pads have taken over. So I hit the pond early this year and had a spectacular evening.

Red winged blackbird

Sparrow

Robin

Canada Goose

Dewey's Pond, Quechee VT


Ottauquechee River heading towards the Quechee Gorge

More photos: CLICK HERE

Hike Report

I'm still training for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon. I try to get in my 6.6 mile woods loop at least once a week. Which is great because I get to see the progression of the wildflowers opening on the trail.
Trout lily

Squirrel corn

Dutchman's breeches

Hobblebush

Red trillium

More photos: CLICK HERE




News You Can Use

VERMONT FORWARD

The State is moving on to STEP 2


Most COVID-19 Restrictions will be lifted July 4th
(Masking and Physical Distancing "Encouraged" after 4th)


HEADLINES

Work-search requirement reinstated for people seeking unemployment benefits

VT Digger reports laid-off workers must actively seek work if they want to qualify for unemployment benefits is being reinstated, Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington announced at Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference Tuesday.

The work-search requirement was suspended after Covid-19 entered Vermont last March, battering the state’s economy. But now, with a growing number of Vermonters receiving Covid-19 vaccinations and the state making plans to reopen the economy, “this means more opportunities for Vermonters to return to work,” Harrington said.

As of May 9, people still collecting unemployment benefits will be required to conduct a standard work search every week.

READ MORE

Mask Requirements Loosen For Vermonters

Vermont will no longer require people to wear a mask in distanced outdoor settings, whether they’re vaccinated or not, officials said at the Governor's  press conference Friday.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published guidance for fully vaccinated people-they no longer have to wear masks outdoors. Gov. Phil Scott said the science shows that outdoor transmission is rare and poses little risk.

“If you’re walking down the street, you don’t need to wear a mask,” he said. “If you’re at the dog park and you’re not in a crowd, you don’t need a mask. If you’re with people outdoors in accordance with the gathering policy, you don’t need a mask.”

Rule of Three-Mask Outdoors Distance
Health Commissioner Mark Levine said Vermonters needed to keep up two of three different restrictions: Wearing a mask, staying outdoors, and maintaining social distancing. So if they’re outdoors and not in a crowded space, they don’t need to wear masks.

“So if you’re outside on a run, or the family is on a hike or up for biking, or your kids have an outdoor play date, or you’re on the sidelines watching a baseball game … you are not required to wear a mask,” Levine said.

Woman, 22, dies after car hits tree on Vermont road

 A 22-year-old New Hampshire woman died early Saturday when the car she was driving hit a tree in the Vermont town of Weathersfield, state police said.

Tess R. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, near the intersection of the Weathersfield Center Road and Wellwood Orchard Road, according to a news release from Vermont State Police. Authorities were called to the crash at about 12:20 a.m., following a report of a single vehicle that had struck a tree.

First responders determined Johnson was the only occupant of the vehicle and she was deceased.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause and circumstances of the crash.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Vermont State Police barracks in Westminster.


Should You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card Laminated?

Congratulations, you've been inoculated against the coronavirus — and you have an official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to prove it.

You should keep the card, which bears your name, date of birth, vaccine type and vaccination date, in a safe place. You may need it in the future. You should also take a photo of the card as a backup, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises.

Here's what you shouldn't do with your vaccine card: Laminate it.
Georges C. Benjamin, 68, executive director of the American Public Health Association, counsels against laminating your vaccination record. That's chiefly because that card has blank spaces to record future shots, whether the second dose of a two-dose regimen or a booster shot should one become necessary. Sealing the card in plastic would prevent the vaccine provider from adding such information to the original card.

READ MORE

Local News You Can Use

Town of Weathersfield

The Chief’s Mother’s Day Flower Sale benefit AVFD
Saturday, May 8 
9 a.m. Ascutney Village Farmers Market
Rte. 5 Ascutney


Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department Chief’s Annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale will be hosted by Ascutney Village Farmers Market. Their greenhouse is loaded with hanging baskets, plants, flowers, and more. Treat Mom to some spring flowers. Proceeds benefit AVFD



Annual Dan Foster House cleanup
Saturday, May 8
8:30-10:30
The Reverend Dan Foster House, 2565 Weathersfield Center Road 

The Annual Inside/Outside clean up day will be on Saturday, May 8 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Commitment: 30 minutes or 2 hours and help clean up around the house/museum. Please bring your own favorite tools — vacuums, dusters, mops, rakes, gloves, shovels.

Inside: vacuuming, mopping and dusting — house and barn.
Outside: lawn and garden care and garlic mustard pulling.

Light refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Town Board and Committee Meetings


Selectboard Members  
David Fuller Chair  
Mike Todd   Vice Chair
Kelly O'Brien  Clerk
Joseph Jarvis Member
Paul Tillman Member

Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month
May 3   Agenda  Packet
May 17

Meeting Minutes
April 19
April 5February 1
According to the Town manager minutes can be posted up to 10 days post meeting during the state emergency 

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 meetingMeeting 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


COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR VERMONT SCHOOLS

The Vermont Agency of Education posted updated information regarding the end of the school year and graduations in a PDF revised on April 23.
In-Person Graduation Ceremonies
• In-person graduation ceremonies are encouraged as long as they follow established the guidelines outlined in the Strong and Healthy Year Guidance and the Vermont Forward Plan.
• In advance of these events, schools should advise participants about the public health requirements for these gatherings including advising potential participants that those people with COVID-19-like symptoms must stay home.
• Facial coverings may be removed while delivering speeches and accepting diplomas.

Participation of Vaccinated Individuals
• The Gatherings and Events provisions of the Vermont Forward Plan draw a distinction between the participation of vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Schools should utilize some means of self-attestation to determine the vaccination status of all individuals attending end of school year events.
• For the purposes of attending an end of year celebration of graduation, a student shall be deemed to be vaccinated if they have received all required doses of a vaccine two weeks prior to an event.

Weathersfield School Dates and Events

Stay up on all the school events visit: 
School Calendar

Holidays/Breaks: 
Memorial Day May 31
Last Day of School June 10
It will be a half day. Students will have lunch and board the buses for the summer.
More details to follow as the day approaches.

From The School Newsletter

Graduation Dates and Times

June 4, 2021 - WHS - 7:00 pm 
June 7, 2021 - Windsor 8th Grade - 7:00 pm 
June 8, 2021 - Weathersfield 8th Grade - 4:00pm 
June 9, 2021 - Albert Bridge 6th Grade at 9:00 am - Hartland at 4:00 pm 
June 10, 2021 - Last Day of School 


Testing of Students

SBAC Testing for Grades 3-8 May 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 Make up dates: May 21 and 28 
VSAT Testing for Grades 5 and 8 May 4, 5 and 6

News About Remote Only for Next Year 

At the start of the new school year this fall, only in person instruction will be offered at WS. Home Study is an option for families who follow the AOE guidelines, but a school sponsored remote option will no longer be available. 

If you have children currently in Home Study and want to return to in person learning at school, please contact Laurie Brown at 674-2144, ext. 107, or at lbrown@wsesu.net so she can register your children for in person learning. 

If you are currently enrolled in a remote option only and do not want to come back to in person learning, you may apply for a Home Study program with the state of Vermont and you will have to follow all of their requirements. 

If your child is currently in remote only learning and you want them back in school for the fall, simply call the school to let them know. 

Class lists and teacher assignments will be created in late May, so we want to make sure we know who will be returning and thus put them on a class list for the fall. 
Please make sure to make this change by May 10th.

PTO Meets Tuesday, May 4 6 p.m.

Kindergarten Screening and Registration May 10-13, 2-4 p.m. 

Meeting Dates:
May 11,  6-9:30 p.m.
June 8, 6-9:30 p.m.

The school board’s month meetings will continue as remote meetings until further notice and will occur the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm. The agenda and the link to each meeting is put out by the Superintendent prior to each meeting and can be found on the WSESU website and the school's website. These meetings are open to the public. 

Please note: During this time of social distancing, all board meetings are taking place online using Google Meet. You can join each meeting live (via phone or Google Meet) by following the connection details listed on each unique meeting Agenda document. 

Minutes:

Supervisory Updates

Dr. David Baker
Superintendent
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
Updates:

COVID-19 in Our Communities


Vermont COVID-19 Vaccination Update
It's NOT over, the virus and variants are still out there.

GET VACCINATED!

ALL Vermonters 16+ Eligible to Sign Up for Vaccine Appointments




Vermonters 16 years old and older can register for Covid vaccine appointments. Four entities are scheduling vaccine appointments: The Vermont Department of HealthKinney DrugsCVS and Walgreens. Each has its own registration system. You may choose to schedule an appointment with whichever is most convenient. However, the Health Department has said you should not book an appointment on multiple sites — please pick one.

The best way to make an appointment is through the Health Department’s website: healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. 

BY PHONE 855-722-7878
Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address, email (if available), phone number, and health insurance information (if available, but not required).

Create an Account

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Track Vaccinations

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

PROTECT YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES

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 Resources:

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questionshttps://apps.health.vermont.gov/COVID/faq/#vaccine

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

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.

Variants in Vermont by County




National Case Info. 

updated April 27



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.

CDC COVID-19 Worldwide Tracking Database  


Northeast Region Data 

updated April 27

Vermont Data


The Numbers

VT reported 125 new cases Friday, 79 Saturday, and 83 yesterday, bringing it to a total case count of 23,126. 
There was 1 new death, with a total of 247, while 17 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (down 2 over the weekend). 

Windsor County gained 22 new cases and stands at 1,359 for the pandemic, with 80 over the past 14 days, while Orange County also added 22 cases and stands at 756 cumulatively, with 72 cases in the past 14 days. 

In town-by-town numbers reported at the end of the week, Springfield gained 12 new cases over the previous week;  and Windsor added 5; Hartford gained 3 apiece;  Reading, and Woodstock added 2 each; and  Weathersfield added 1.

Vermont State COVID-19 Response Information

The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.

The state’s modeling, visit https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.


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.


COVID-19 IN VERMONT COMMUNITIES

Town by Town Counts 

as of April 28

Weathersfield is at 49 total cases (1 new case since last week) since March 2020.




Public School Interactive Map


You are NOT Alone 
Get the Support YOU Need
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 


TRAVELING To/From VERMONT

As of 4/9: CROSS STATE TRAVEL

No quarantine is required for unvaccinated visitors with a negative test within 3 days prior to arrival. Unvaccinated Vermonters must be tested within 3 days upon return to the state.

MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Required when in the presence of those outside your household.

New Hampshire Data Dashboard

The Numbers

NH reported 264 new cases Friday, 293 on Saturday, and 221 yesterday for a cumulative total of 95,377. 
There were 4 new deaths, bringing the total to 1,305, while 79 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (down 8). 

The current active caseload stands at 2,242 2,610 (down 368). The state reports 256 active cases in Grafton County (up 83), 63 in Sullivan (up 11), and 333 in Merrimack (up 111). 

In town-by-town numbers, the state says Lebanon has 24 active cases (up 6), Claremont has 20 active cases (down 2), Hanover has 15 (down 1), Sunapee has 10 (up at least 6), Charlestown has 10 (up 5), New London has 8 (down 1), and Newport has 6 (up 1).

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

Entertainment



LEBANON OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS

LOH on Location ONLINE Shows Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

May 11
Lakota John Register

June 1 
Liz and Dan Faiella Register

June 22
Eugene Friesen, cello Register


Friday, August 13-Sunday, August 15


Lebanon Opera House proudly presents the FREE Nexus Music & Arts Festival in and around Colburn Park, extending to the pedestrian mall and the revitalized rail trail tunnel. Outdoor performances from regional touring artists, LOH’s community arts partners, and student-artists will be featured alongside displays of public art and al fresco dining—flashes of creativity and community at every turn. Necessarily, planning is being done with public health measures in mind.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift in support of Nexus
Thanks to the Osgood-Hilles Charitable Trust, your contribution can have twice the impact! LOH has been challenged to raise $10,000 by May 31 and the Trust will match it dollar-for-dollar.
Support Nexus

Opera North



Lake Sunapee Musical Dinner Cruise with Opera North
Sunday, July 11, 6 pm Sunapee Cruises, 1 Lake Ave, Sunapee, NH
TICKETS

TICKETS
Music of the Knights
Saturday, July 31 7 p.m. 
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney have a lot in common. They are all British-born, they each have an Academy Award and multiple Grammys and they have all been knighted by Her Majesty, the Queen. They are also three of the most successful songwriters of all time, with careers that span decades. From Broadway to the top of the pop charts, these three musical geniuses have created an incredible legacy. Their work is assembled in a theatrical concert that will have you on your feet and singing along to the soundtrack of your lives.

Havana Nights
Dates: July 16 – 7pm, Saturday, July 17 – 2pm, Saturday, July 17 – 7pm, Sunday, July 18 – 2pm
Opera North brings high-flying circus artistry and vocal virtuosity together again under the Big Top (with open sides). Pulsating Latin rhythms blend with circus acrobatics, juggling, and aerial work as Opera North’s Resident Artists bring sultry, sizzling, sensational favorites from Bizet, Lecuona, and Puccini to a joyous crescendo. Once again, the mash-up of song and circus promises to be a fun-filled family outing.

Extraordinary Women
Date: Saturday, July 24 – 7pm
This fusion of Baroque opera heroines showcases our Resident Artists in selections from operas by Purcell, Handel, Monteverdi, and Gluck. Presented in concert with semi-staging and small orchestra, considering this evening a highlight reel of great performances by strong, resilient, unforgettable women who persisted.

La Bohème
Dates: Wednesday, July 28, 7pm; Friday, July 30, 7pm; Sunday, August 1, 2pm
This exquisite story of love and loss sung through Giacomo Puccini’s exquisite, romantic opera lives on in an intimate new production. Under Opera North’s heaven of stars, accompanied by the lush sound of a full orchestra, the coquettish Mimi finds her true love (Rodolfo) while waltzing her way through the beguiling joys of a young romance. Savor “la vie en rose” with the rakish Bohemians of Paris and some of the most beautiful music ever written for the stage. Sung in English, this familiar story endures as a beloved classic.

Pick Now



NORTHERN STAGE
Outdoor Courtyard Theatre


Opening the Courtyard Theater will be the irreverent romp, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), June 9-July 4, 2021. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, and directed by Carol Dunne, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) will feature 37 Shakespeare plays in 97 minutes...outdoors. Three madcap actors in tights weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave audiences helpless with laughter. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare is sponsored by Stave Puzzles, hand-crafted jigsaw puzzles made in Vermont.

The outdoor summer season at the Courtyard Theater will conclude with the roof-raising musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, August 11-September 12, 2021. Million Dollar Quartet takes patrons back in time to December 4, 1956, when icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins gathered for the first and only time at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. That legendary night will
come to life with a score of rock hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog.”

The breathtaking pas-de-deux play HEISENBERG, February 16-March 6, 2022, will bring audiences back into the Byrne Theater for the first indoor, fully produced play since March 2020. An electric encounter between two strangers in a train station grows, over six scenes, into a complex and life-changing relationship. Written by Simon Stephens and starring Northern Stage favorite Jamie Horton, the quietly powerful Heisenberg lays bare the beauty in the natural unpredictability of human connection.

Capping off the 2021/22 season at Northern Stage will be the uproarious MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, April 13-May 15, 2022, in the Byrne Theater. With a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, Monty Python’s Spamalot is lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The outrageous and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”


All Courtyard seating for the 2021/22 Season will be sold as General Admission, but seating locations will be assigned in advance on the day of performance. 
Early Bird Subscriptions cost $135 (more than 35% off the single-ticket price) and are currently on sale for Northern Stage Director’s Circle, Ensemble Members, and 2019/20 Subscribers only. 

Subscriptions for the general public go on sale March 24th. Single tickets cost $45 in the Courtyard Theater, and $34-$59 in the Byrne Theater. $19 tickets are available for all full-time students regardless of age, with a valid photo ID. 
Single tickets go on sale to the general public on April 1st.


Cooking Classes

Mexican Culinary Experience Online Classes

¡Buen Provecho!  with Laura y Cecilia

Saturday, May 22 Carnitas Mexico’s famous preparation of pork to make tacos.

More info about the classes: https://kisaboresdeasa.com.mx/mexican-culinaryexperience

Sunday Brunch sessions will begin at 10:30am EDT and will last approximately 90 minutes.

Sunday, May 16 Huevos Divorciados Similar to huevos rancheros, two fried eggs each served over a corn tortilla, one topped with homemade red sauce and one with homemade green sauce.





Whole Roasted Tro

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.comFollow her on facebook for class updates.

Local RUNS In-Person and Virtual


Sunshine 5K, May 8, 2021 9:30 am ET Registration
Corbin Covered Bridge, Newport NH

Springfield Dam Run, May 22, 2021 8 am ET Registration
Run/Walk Kids Fun Run355 River Street Springfield, VT

Covered Bridges Half Marathon, June 6-13, 2021 Anytime, Anywhere Virtual
Registration


Global BIG Day May 8


Global Big Day is a celebration of birds that anyone can be a part of. During last year's Global Big Day more than 50,000 people across 175 countries collectively reported a record-setting 120,000 eBird checklists. Can we set new records this year, together? All you have to do is spend a few minutes birding on 8 May and eBird what you find.

Here are three easy ways to make the most out of your Global Big Day:

Brush up on local birds. Knowing what birds you could spot makes finding them on the big day more fun. Download the free Merlin Bird ID app and start exploring species in your area today. Merlin can also help you to identify birds on Global Big Day!

Use eBird Mobile. eBird's free app has features such as Mobile Explore and Quick Entry that make it easier to find and share the birds around you. Try eBird Mobile.

Make birding’s biggest team even bigger. Do you have a friend or loved one with a growing interest in birds? Encourage them to join the Global Big Day fun. Share your stories on social media using #GlobalBigDay.

However you choose to participate, please continue to put safety first and follow local guidelines. More Global Big Day tips and resources.





Go Questing!


Questing is a place-based education model of creating and exchanging treasure hunts in order to collect and share your community’s distinct natural and cultural heritage — your special places and stories.

Follow the clues to the treasure box.
Inside the treasure box, you will discover more information about the site, a rubber stamp, stamp pad, a sign-in field journal, and a pencil. Sign your name in the book, adding a few notes or a sketch from your walk, and collect an impression of the stamp as a memento of your journey. Then, carefully re-hide the box exactly where you found it.


If you plan to go on more than one quest, you may wish to create your own “passport book” or field journal into which you will collect your stamp impressions.

You may also wish to create your own personal stamp so that you can leave your mark in each quest’s logbook.

If you are using one of the quests found online, simply print out the clues and the map and take it along with you, otherwise bring your quest book.

Just like any outdoor activity, be prepared for changes in the weather! It is important to bring a good map. Also bring a compass, a water bottle, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. It’s always a good idea to carry a first aid kit if you will be out in the woods. 

Do consider bringing along a field guide to local plants and animals, binoculars and a hand lens for magnification, and your passport book/field journal and personal stamp.

Valley Quest is always looking volunteers to be box monitors and quest testers. Each quest treasure box is checked on a regular basis during the questing season by a volunteer box monitor. These generous, fun-loving people help keep the Valley Quest program alive and running smoothly. If you are interested in becoming a box monitor for a quest in your town, please let us know!

The Valley Quest Google Map




 

Vermont Online Workshops

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

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.


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!

Harpoon Beer Garden and Brewery 802-674-5491
336 Ruth Carney Drive
Windsor, VT 05089

Inn at Weathersfield-Re-opening April 30, 2021 (802) 263-9217
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151


Springfield Diner-seating inside/outside daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Ice cream shop open Thursday-Sunday 1-7 pm. Daily specials.

Villagers Ice Cream Restaurant-11:30 a.m. -8 p.m. CLOSED MONDAYS (802) 795-0063
4261 Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151



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.


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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.com

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