Weathersfield Weekly Blog-Vermont Forward May 10 edition

Paddle Report
Stoughton Pond

After  I finished up some yard and house work on Friday, I threw the kayak up on the car roof and headed to Stoughton Pond for a quick paddle. With all the rain we had during the week I thought I might be able to explore more of the pond before the lily pads and water weeds started to take over. 

I was luck to catch a beautiful Bald Eagle in a pine tree. We watched each other for awhile then he flew across the pond to another pine tree.

A Great Blue Heron flew over and land in a weedy area and caught a fish.

The heron spotted me watching and took off.

Then the eagle flew over me again.

It was a very quiet and peaceful paddle.

I had forgotten that there was a very nice waterfall area across from the parking lot and it was just stunning to watch and listen to.

 

More photos: CLICK HERE



Spring is Arriving to Mount Ascutney

The grass is definitely greening up on the Weathersfield side and...

on the West Windsor side.


Hike Report
Winhall River

Last Wednesday, it was a bit wet to work in the garden so we decided to take a road trip and hunt for White Trillium. 
We found some Painted Trillium but no White ones. (The White ones have a yellow center.)

We saw a lot of Red trillium or Wake Robins as some people call them.


The Trout Lily we up but closed as the sun wasn't out.

The moss on the rocks is greening up.

And we found some unusual brackey fungus-I think it's called an Artist's bracket.

The Winhall River was roaring.



More photos: CLICK HERE

News You Can Use

Town of Weathersfield


Weathersfield School Board to Discuss Consolidation
Looking for Community Input


The following is from an email that was circulated by Ethan McNaughton

(The) Weathersfield school board Meeting this Tuesday, May 11 at 6:00 P.M. https://meet.google.com/xxz-fghh-goj

Efforts (are) underway to further consolidate Weathersfield school into Windsor. While this is not a specific agenda item, the central office continues to pursue these items without any direction from the boards or community.

The voters of Hartland and Weathersfield showed strong disapproval of the central offices attempts to consolidate the high school, blocking that effort. Now the central office is attempting to consolidate at the elementary school level to back door its efforts of consolidation without any local input.

The central office is currently planning to consolidate the summer program into Windsor with a substantial increase in costs to Weathersfield.

Pre-k programs have been pushed through Windsor, depriving Weathersfield of the benefits while apportioning costs to Weathersfield and inflating Weathersfield per pupil costs while subsidizing Windsor per pupil costs.

Sports programs were combined this year despite covid, resulting in exclusion of children who could not obtain transportation to other schools for practices. No school boards, principals or voters were given any voice in this decision, it was simply dictated by our superintendent in the hopes of using sports as a path towards elementary school consolidation. The announcement was intentionally made so late that having a sports season at all could be used as a threat against any push back, despite there being no connection between the plan to regionalize sports (this runs counter to all covid prevention recommendations) and the current pandemic.

The central office is also seeking to consolidate academic , art and music programming and only offer it at Windsor.

Additionally, there is talk of a shortened school day next year and the availability of the after school program PAWS is unclear, causing hardship for working families and increasing the risk of Covid exposure as families are forced to find alternative child care outside of school pods.

Without community involvement and school board action, the central office will continue taking steps towards consolidation and continue to take actions without regard to the interests of the non-Windsor communities it is supposed to serve.


Household Hazardous Waste Collection
May 25, 2021, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Springfield Transfer Station

If you are a resident of: Andover, Athens, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Reading, Rockingham, Springfield, Weathersfield, West Windsor, or Windsor, you are welcome to participate in the household hazardous waste collection on TUESDAY, May 25, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Springfield Transfer Station, 135 Fairground Road/100 Recycle Way

Wear a mask and stay in your vehicle. For a list of what to bring and what not to bring, visit www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org
For more information, call 674-9235 or email mobrien@swcrpc.org.

Be prepared to wait in line - bring something to read - no cell service.

PAINT - The following retailers will accept any brand paint, year-round, during regular business hours: Aubuchon Hardware and LaValley Building Supply in Ludlow; Bibbens Home Center and Sherwin-Williams in Springfield; and Aubuchon Hardware in Windsor. These retailers only accept paint in labeled, non-rusty cans. Bring all other paint cans to a household hazardous waste collection.


Mother's Day Plant Sale
A Benefit for AVFD, HUGE Success


The Ascutney Village Farmers Market hosted the Chief's Annual Mother's Day Plant Sale. Judy's greenhouse was jammed packed with 6-packs and hanging baskets. She also had lots of veggie starters and herb plants available for purchase.

Judy reported that the donations from this year's plant sale were way up over that year's . She also said the greenhouse looks kind of bare right now but will be restocked during the week for gardeners looking for plants next Saturday 10 a.m.-2p.m. during the farmers market.

More photos: CLICK HERE


Dan Foster House Clean Up Day 2021

Volunteers we out in force on Saturday at the Dan Foster House on the Weathersfield Center RD for the annual house and yard clean up.

The gardens were weeded and the barn swept clean.


Volunteers of all ages were on hand to help out.

The curtains were given a shake.

And the floors were vacuumed.

Many hands made quick work.

More photos: CLICK HERE


Raccoon BOLO
Baby Raccoon in one of our old trees-photo from June 2020

Pregnant female Raccoons are exploring potential natal dens where they will soon give birth to four or five young. They choose tree cavities, caves and rock crevices. Offspring won't be seen for another month or two, when they have developed enough motor skills to be able to walk. 
 
Sometime in June or July mother and young ones will venture out of the den at night to loot for food.


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 17

Meeting Minutes
May 3
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

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.

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 

From The School Newsletter

Weathersfield School Alliance 

The school has a new club formed by a group of students with five advisors. 
Purpose statement: The goal of the Weathersfield School Alliance, or WSA, is to create a safer environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff, black and brown students and staff in the school, as well as educate students, teachers, and community members on topics that usually get skipped over. 

They welcome any and all students in grades 6-8 to join, regardless of your sexuality, race, gender identity, or anything else. If you are interested in the club, please contact school counselor, Melissa Cole. 

Recently, four eighth grade students attended the April School Board meeting, presenting an idea to fly the Progress Pride Flag for the rest of the school year. The Board gave us permission to do this. 

The Philly Pride Flag will be raised under the American and Vermont flags on Monday, May 10th at 8:15 am.  Student in grades 6-8 are welcome to join in the flag raising. Adults are welcome outside, too, but please wear a mask. 

After the pledge of allegiance, Mrs. Oakman will call students and anyone in those three grades who are interested can come out to the flagpole. 

On Friday, May 15th, there will be an outside lunch for any student in the grades 6-8 who is interested in hearing about the Weathersfield School Alliance. 

Interested students should notify your classroom teacher and Advisor Cole by May 13th . Everyone is welcome, but if there are parents who wish to opt their child out, please contact Mrs. Cole at 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

School Board 

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

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 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)

Vermont COVID-19 Vaccination Update


It's NOT over, the virus and variants are still out there.
GET VACCINATED!

Vermont ranks 1st nationally in Covid-19 vaccination rate


Vermont is now first in the nation in its Covid-19 vaccination rate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 340,000 residents, or 62% of the population, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to last week’s data from the Vermont Department of Health. About 44% of Vermonters have received both doses.

The state overtook Connecticut for first place in the U.S. within the past week.


State Moves to Vaccinate Children 12-15 and Open Walk-in Vax Clinics

The state is preparing for children from 12 to 15 years old to begin vaccinations after the Federal Drug Administration approves the Pfizer vaccine for that age group, which could happen as soon as next week.

Once Vermont gets approval, it plans to open vaccination to this age group “almost immediately,” Health Department head Mark Levine said in a press conference on Friday. That will include vaccine sites at schools to make it more convenient for students, Smith said.

Vermont is offering more walk-in vaccine clinics than ever as it aims to increase the convenience of getting 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

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


CDC COVID-19 Worldwide Tracking Database

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.

National Case Info. 

updated May 4
 

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.

Northeast Region Data 

updated May 4

Vermont Data

The Numbers

VT reported 100 new cases Friday, 64 Saturday, and 6 yesterday, bringing it to a total case count of 23,486. 

Deaths remained at 249 over the weekend, while 12 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (down 7). 

Windsor County gained 13 new cases over the weekend and stands at 1,392 for the pandemic, with 79 over the past 14 days, while Orange County added 12 cases and stands at 779 cumulatively, with 64 cases in the past 14 days. 

In town-by-town numbers released at the end of last week, Springfield gained 9 cases over the week before; Hartford and Hartland each added 5; Windsor gained 4; Cavendish added 3; Killington and Weathersfield gained 2 apiece; and Woodstock gained 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 May 5

Weathersfield is at 51 total cases (2 new cases since last week) since March 2020.




 

Public School Interactive Map



COVID-19 and YOU

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 213 new cases Friday, 197 on Saturday, and 130 yesterday for a cumulative total of 96,624. 

There were 4 new deaths, which now number 1,315, while 74 people with confirmed cases are hospitalized (down 14). 

The current active caseload stands at 1,577 (down 272). The state reports 94 active cases in Grafton County (down 27), 62 in Sullivan (down 1), and 129 in Merrimack (down 27). 

In town-by-town numbers, the state says Claremont has 22 active cases (down 4), Newport has 15 (up 5). Lebanon has 13 (down 6), Hanover has 9 (down 4), Charlestown has 7 (down 4), and Sunapee has 5 (up at least 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


Pentangle Arts Presents
Music By The River


Friday evenings 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Lawn opens at 5:30 pm
East End Park
217 Maxham Meadow Way
Woodstock, VT 05091

Pentangle Arts is pleased to present our annual Music by the River series of outdoor concerts in July and August. This popular concert series features renowned regional artists whose talents will be showcased in the newly renovated East End Park. Truly a magical setting, this outdoor amphitheater showcases a view of the Ottauquechee River. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a cadre of volunteers, the East End Park features a beautiful riverfront setting and adjacent hiking trail that serves as an inspiration for repurposing land in a thoughtful, innovative way. The relaxed setting is perfect for music lovers of all ages to come together for a happy summer evening of music, food and friends.

Patrons are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Masks may be removed for eating and drinking. Guests may bring their own picnics to enjoy or purchase food and beverages from the Worthy Kitchen.

Limited on site parking; guests are encouraged to car-pool when convenient to save parking space. Additional parking is available at the Woodstock Food Shelf and the Ottauquechee Health Center.

Food and beverages provided by:

Worthy Logo

Paul Asbell Quartet ft. Michael Zsoldos (Americana Folk Jazz) – July 2, 2021

Interplay Jazz (Cool Jazz) – July 9, 2021

Ben Patton Band (Pop Alt Rock) – July 16, 2021

A2VT (African/Western Hip Hop) – July 23, 2021

Myra Flynn & Paul Boffa (Indie Soul) – July 30, 2021

Marcie Hernandez (Latin Indie Folk) – August 6, 2021

Barika (West African Groove) – August 13, 2021

Jay Nash (Folk Jazz) – August 20, 2021



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


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 (10:30am EDT)

Saturday, May 22 – Carnitas y dos salsas – Mexico’s famous preparation of fried pork to make tacos and two types of salsa (5:30pm EDT)

Saturday, June 5 – Tostadas de Salpicón y de Acelgas a la Mexicana – Delicious tostadas prepared two ways, with shredded beef and with Mexican-style chard. Both served chilled (5:30pm EDT)

Sunday, June 13 – Tlacoyos de Frijol “con todo” – A Mexican classic with prehispanic origins. Corn masa patties, stuffed with beans, topped "with everything" (10:30am EDT)
Saturday, June 26 – Mole Verde con la Cosecha de Primavera – Spring Harvest Green "Mole". Served over pork. (Pork can be substituted for another protein or vegetables.) (5:30pm EDT)

Saturday, July 10 РPescado con Calabacitas. Y Chiles en Escabeche РFish with zucchini and summer squash. Plus marinated jalape̱os, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and garlic (5:30pm EDT)

Sunday, July 18 РMolletes con Pico de Gallo. Y Caf̩ de Olla РClassic Mexican comfort food to enjoy for breakfast or dinner: Baguette topped with refried beans and melted cheese, served with fresh sauce made from diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalape̱os, and onion. And traditional Mexican coffee prepared with cinnamon, piloncillo, and cloves (10:30am EDT)

Saturday, July 31 – Tortas de Coliflor. Y Arroz a la Jardinera – Cauliflower pancakes in fresh tomato sauce. And garden rice, made with fresh carrots, peas, and corn (5:30pm EDT)

Saturday, August 7 – Gorditas de Picadillo. Y Salsa Verde y Salsa Roja – Thick pockets of corn masa, stuffed with ground beef, carrots, onions, peas and potatoes. And Mexican green and red sauces made from seasonal vegetables (5:30pm EDT)

Saturday, August 21 – Sopa de Milpa. Y Flor de Calabaza Rellena de Queso de Cabra – Soup made from corn, zucchini, poblano peppers, zucchini blossoms, and epazote. And zucchini blossoms stuffed with goat cheese. (We are planning this session in collaboration with farmers in the Upper Valley (NH/VT). If the zucchini blossoms are not available (either from these farmers or in gardens you may have access to), we will substitute another delicious dish featuring late summer ingredients) (5:30pm EDT)

Saturday, August 28 – ¡Esquites! (dos estilos) – Back by popular demand, Mexican Street Corn. This time, we will prepare it two ways: Boiled and Fried (5:30pm EDT)




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


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


Windsor County Bike Routes



The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission is pleased to provide this guide to encourage residents and visitors to explore our region by bicycle. The guide provides both maps and narrative descriptions of 19 ideal cycling routes. All of the maps identify the towns and villages they pass through, so routes may be selected by location using the individual map panes or the area overview map.
Routes are identified by yellow or orange lines—solid lines denote paved routes while dashed lines denote unpaved routes.

Each route passes through multiple towns and villages, and while they may be started anywhere along the route, likely parking areas are denoted with a parking icon. Open circles on the route lines signify mile markers—simply count the number of circles on the route between your current location and your destination to calculate distance. Bike shops, food, ice cream, breweries and taverns, swimming holes, and covered bridges are all identified on the maps with corresponding icons. Areas with potentially steep grades and rail road crossings are also identified on the maps.

Turn-by-turn cue sheets, GPS tracks, and digital routes via Strava® are available on the '​The Routes' tab of this website for each route. You'll also find printable maps for each route (remember; there are plenty of areas along these rides where there is no cell service).

The Routes





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.


Travel Plans this Spring?

We'll get through this together. We're all connected.

Be Smart, Be Safe
#MaskUpVermont
#GetTheVaccine

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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