Weathersfield Weekly Blog, August 9 edition

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The Sunflower House at Billings Farm and Museum is now open.
More photos from the Sunflower House and other happenings at Billings Farm and Museum see below.

News You Can Use 

Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival Lifts Off for 41st Year Anniversary

In a press release sent out Friday, the Hartford Area Chamber announced that the The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England, will celebrate its 41st anniversary in 2021 when thousands are expected to flock to central Vermont, September 3 – 5, 2021 (Labor Day weekend).

Twenty balloonists headline the event with five flights slated throughout the weekend and additional tethered rides during the day. Attendees can visit with 50 craft vendors, indulge in a variety of fare from 16 food vendors and sit back and enjoy dozens of entertainers for all ages, over the three-day extravaganza. Children’s activities include Bubble Machines, Rock Climbing wall, Bounce House and more. A variety of festival favorites and new food offerings with local healthy options and a beer and wine garden are planned.

“After taking a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, we’re proud to celebrate the 41st anniversary of Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival which truly epitomizes what a community event stands for,” said P.J. Skehan, Executive Director of the Hartford Area Chamber, who hosts and manages the annual event. “Our sponsors, volunteers and the town come together and rally each year to make this a benchmark event. It truly epitomizes what we can achieve when our community comes together.”

Festival-goers have much to choose from during the three-day event. They can start their day at sunrise and watch morning balloon lift-offs while indulging in breakfast pizza and coffee. The afternoon can be spent enjoying stellar entertainment or visiting the various artisans and food vendors. During evening liftoff, you can grab dinner and sit hillside on the Quechee Green or consider waiting until dusk for the balloon-glow show.

Headlining this year’s three-day extravaganza of entertainers are A2VT (Friday), Dave Keller Band (Saturday), and The Tricksters (Sunday).

“The Quechee Balloon Festival is a great boost to our economy and local businesses,” added Skehan. “We are giving the thousands of locals and visitors who support the event many reasons to come to the festival and celebrate with us. This really is just a fun time for everyone.”

Dates for the Quechee Balloon Festival are September 3 to 5, 2021 (Labor Day weekend). Hours are as follows: Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., and Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.

For more information visit: https://www.hartfordvtchamber.com/, call 802.295.7900 or email: info@hartfordvtchamber.com

More  Photos by Nanci Balloon Fest photos: CLICK HERE


Federal UI programs coming to end Sept. 4
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

· If you are self-employed, an independent contractor or sole proprietor you will no longer be able to receive PUA benefits because the program is ending. The final week you will be able to file for benefits is no later than the benefit week ending September 4, 2021.

· If you are an individual with a limited work history filing in PUA, you will no longer be eligible to receive those benefits because the program is ending. You are strongly encouraged to return to work as soon as possible so that you will have enough wages earned in case you become unemployed in the future and need to open a new claim.


Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

· If you have been filing for more than 26 weeks in regular UI, you are likely filing in the PEUC program and will no longer be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits after the benefit week ending September 4, 2021.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

· The FPUC program adds $300 to each weekly benefit payment. The final week the additional $300 will be included in your benefit payment will be no later than the benefit week ending September 4, 2021. After that, your benefit payment will only include your weekly benefit amount.


Why it's important to get back to work

The unemployment insurance program requires you return to work when you have exhausted your benefits to requalify. There are three important requirements you must meet before you can become eligible for benefits again. Reminder: this only applies to the regular UI program, not PUA.

· Earn four times your weekly benefit amount. You must return to work and earn four times your weekly benefit amount after the effective date of your old claim. The wages do not need to be earned at the same employer you were previously separated from.

· Earn wages in at least two quarters. You must return to work and earn at least $2999 in one of the last four consecutive calendar quarters and 40% of that amount in the remaining quarters in the base period. The “base period” is four consecutive calendar quarters that fall within the 18-month period before you filed your initial claim.

· Example 1: If you return to work on July 1, earn $5000 in Quarter 3 (July 1 – September 30) and continue working and earn $2000 in wages up until you are laid off in November (Quarter 4), you will satisfy this requirement to requalify for benefits. Please remember, you must also meet the other requirements outlined in this section.

· Example 2: If you do not return to work and continue to file until PEUC ends (no later than September 4), return to work in a seasonal position (e.g. hospitality or construction) and are laid off in November you will likely not be eligible for benefits because you have not earned sufficient wages within the last two quarters.

· Become eligible for a new benefit year. If you have been filing for more than 26 weeks, you will not be able to file for benefits again until you qualify for a new benefit year. Your benefit year start date is the date you submitted your initial application for benefits. If you have exhausted your 26 weeks since the date your benefit year started, you will not be able to file again until the benefit year expires, and you have met the other requirements outlined in the bullets above.

More info: CARES Act Ends

Vermont Job Listings


Vermont 50 is Looking for Volunteers
Ascutney Outdoors, Brownsville VT


Can You Feel It?
There Was/Is A Nip In The Vermont Air-That Means FALL Is Coming And What Does FALL In Brownsville Vermont Bring-The Vermont 50 Mountain Bike Or Ultra Run.


After time off for COVID-19, the VT50 is BACK and IN PERSON on the last Saturday of September, September 26.
This is their 28th race and they NEED YOUR HELP!

The VT50 race participants say the BEST things about the VT50 are
A. The Race Course and
B. The Volunteers.
Yup, it’s the volunteers that make this race so special.

So if you have some time to VOLUNTEER at this event, which benefits Vermont Adaptive, they'd love to put your special talents and skills to good use.

You can SIGN UP online at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/VT/Brownsville/Vermont50

The Race Committee has implemented quite a few changes to the race because they want you, THEIR VOLUNTEERS, to feel safe during race weekend. These changes may be viewed on their race HOME PAGE.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to drop Amy R., VT50 Volunteer Coordinator an email.

As a small THANK YOU for volunteering with the VT50, you’ll get a sweet Race T-shirt and if you volunteer for a few hours or more, a ticket to the post Race BBQ on Sunday the 26th at Ascutney Outdoors-catered by Brownsville Butcher and Pantry.


See You At The Vermont 50!

Town of Weathersfield



Weathersfield Police Blotter 

Select Board


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 6:30 p.m.
August 16 

Meeting Minutes
July 19 (posted on Monday, July 26 at 8:22 a.m. in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law)
July 6  
April 19
April 5February 1

*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.


Weathersfield School

Weathersfield School Board

Meetings at 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

August 10 (Agenda has not been posted yet)  
September 15 
October 12
November 9
December 14

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney

Meeting Minutes
July 27 Meeting is online: Video
July 27  (Minutes have not been posted in violation of the Vermont Open Meeting Law.)


Fall Athletics
Registrations have been opened since the beginning of June and the school is looking for more athletes and coaches to fill out their rosters.

The school would like to get all athletes registered electronically before the beginning of August so they can have a better picture of how their teams will look this season when they set game schedules. 

Please remember, all athletes must register with Weathersfield first if you’re interested in playing a WS Sponsored sport (Soccer/Cross Country).

Contact Jessica directly with any questions you may have about our offerings this fall.
jessica.kischko@wsesu.net


Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Dr. David Baker, Superintendent Update July 26, 2021

Will Mask Wearing Be Mandated?
Dr. Baker reports that there is "no direction from the AOE with respect to school opening (and mask wearing). I am assuming a normal opening, but there is some concern about the new COVID variants. We also have to keep in mind that almost 50% of our student body and close to 20% of our staff have not been vaccinated." 


Paddle Report



Silver Lake
Barnard, VT

On Wednesday the Hump Day Paddlers (Kate, Jan and I) visited Silver Lake State Park in Barnard, VT.


The morning started out cool but the temperatures rose quickly reaching the high 70s by 10 am-a good time to be on the water.

Silver Lake is a small lake. But it's a great place to paddle or hang out on the beach.

The lake was pretty quiet until the park opened up then lots of people arrived. Most were there to sit on the beach and swim. 

But Zack's Place and Vermont Adaptive were there to paddle. They all looked like they were having a blast.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Concert Report

Jim Yeager and the Rehearsals
Summer Concert Series
Hartland Recreation Department
Hartland, VT


Once again this year, Hartland Recreation Department , in Hartland VT, is hosting their Summer Concert Series. A couple of shows have been canceled and rescheduled, one had 100 people attend in the rain and last night they hosted Jim Yeager and the Rehearsals-no cancellation and no rain.



The group had played a gig in Woodstock, VT earlier in the day and they said-the Hartland audience ROCKED.

They played songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s.


It was perfect way to start off this summer week (or end a summer weekend).



More photos: CLICK HERE

Next up August 15-Still Hill.

Hike Report

Ghost pipes

I've made a few local hikes along the gravel roads and into the woods. On one woods hike I spotted a large patch of Ghost Pipes. They really do look like ghosts rising out of the leaf litter.


Walking along the gravel roads, I've noticed all the late summer/early fall favorites are popping out. The Goldenrod is everywhere. The asters are showing themselves. 

Queen Anne's Lace is open too. As are the Evening Primrose (a sure sign for me that fall is around the corner).


I also came upon this blast from the past. Hey kids, this is a satellite dish, for TV viewing not for communicating with outer space aliens .

Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield


Entertainment, Get Outdoors, Classes, Workshops

Sculpture Fest 2021
Woodstock, VT

The annual outdoor gallery show that is know as Sculpture Fest, hosted by Charlet and Peter Davenport, is open. 

You can visit daily any time from dawn to dusk.
There is no admission fee-it's free for all to enjoy.

Bring a picnic, take a stroll or just take in all the beautiful pieces on display.

Saturday, August 28, 1-4 p.m.:
Opening for Artists on the Land
At King Farm Prosper Brook Trail and lower field.
Park on Prosper Road, NOT at King Farm.
BYO picnic.
Music at both Sculpturefest sites.


Continuing Featured Artists from 2020:
JAMES PAYNE
AMBER GENEVA
BLAZE KONEFAL



You can find SculptureFest on Otocast, a free app available on iTunes and Google Play. The Otocast app is used around the country (and beyond) to produce audio/video guides for public art, historic sites, murals, landmarks, architecture, monuments, and other points-of-interest.



Click for more info about Sculpture Fest

More photos: CLICK HERE


Billings Farm and Museum Happenings

Woodstock, VT
From their website:
Billings Farm was established in 1871 by Frederick Billings, a native Vermonter known for his work as a lawyer, railroad builder, and pioneer in scientific farm management and reforestation. Billings set out to make his 270-acre farm a model dairy operation for farmers in the region, founded on the principles of efficiency, sustainability, and responsible land use.

In 1884 Frederick Billings hired George Aitken, an innovative and successful professional farm manager to oversee his Woodstock operation. Aitken imported cows from the Isle of Jersey, hundreds of Southdown sheep, Berkshire hogs, and other livestock. 

By 1890, the year that Frederick Billings died, the Billings Farm had grown to nearly 1,000 acres and was widely acknowledged for the superior genetics of its premier Jersey herd as well as an extensive butter-making operation that produced 5,000 pounds of high-quality butter annually. Three years later, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, cows from the Billings herd took top honors in the dairy division, with Lily Garfield designated “Champion Heifer of the World.”

Today Billings Farm is known for excellence. There are more than 45 milking Jerseys producing nearly 600,000 pounds of milk annually. The milk is sold to Cabot Cooperative and also sold directly to the public through Norwich Farm Creamery, which additionally makes yogurt, ricotta and other dairy products, including chocolate milk using 100% Billings Farm milk. Their award winning cheddar cheeses are made with Billings Farm milk in partnership with Vermont cheesemaker, Grafton Village Cheese. These delicious dairy products are available for purchase through in their museum shop.

Visitors can typically watch daily milking demonstrations and see the dairy in operation. You will also find milking demonstrations online at Billings Farm at Home.


Farm Animals
Each week in August, Billings Farm & Museum will highlight a different farm animal with daily up-close programs, displays and explorations and a “themed” food recipe.

Meet these farm animals with daily programs at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm:
Check Out the Chickens: August 9-15
Gentle Jersey Cows: August 16-22
Giddy Goats: August 23-27

Learn more about the featured farm animal and their role on the farm. Enjoy a “featured animal” scavenger hunt in the Farm Life Exhibits and pick up a themed recipe from the Learning Kitchen.




More info: Billings Farm

More photos: CLICK HERE

Billings Farm Quilts 2021
Woodstock VT

From their website:

Billings Farm & Museum are hosting their 35th Annual Quilt Exhibition from July 17-August 22, 2021. The juried exhibition features colorful quilts made by quilters of Windsor County.

In addition to the array of juried quilts, test your eagle eyes with their Quilt Exhibition Scavenger Hunt. Explore other quilting genres through interpretive displays on site and online.




A variety of Challenge Quilts are also exhibited. A challenge requires specific style and construction rules agreed upon by quilt guild members, designed to improve their quilting skills while they enjoy comparing results.




Five Historic Quilts from the Billings Farm collection will be on display in 2021. The quilts range from the 1870-1900s and the techniques and patterns used are examples typical of the late 19th century, including Log Cabin, verified Jacob’s Ladder, verified Blazing Star, Grandmother’s Fan, and Crazy Quilt. Some of these traditional patterns have been used by some of the Windsor County Quilters in this year’s show, giving tradition a contemporary twist.


Cast your vote onsite or online for the People’s Choice Award. 
Online voting is open through August 12.


More info: Billings Farm

More photos: CLICK HERE

Billings Farm Sunflower House
Woodstock, VT

From their website:
The Annual Sunflower House is created by the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s Master Gardener, Benjamin Pauly. The Sunflower House is open NOW to mid September. 


There are thousands of sunflowers and over 100 different varieties ranging from 18 inches to 14 feet in height, which bloom at different times over the 6-week period. The sunflower stalks form rooms and hallways in a maze-like structure. In addition to its beauty, the Sunflower House serves as a food source for birds, bees and butterflies.


Take the #SunflowerSelfie Instagram Challenge 
Take a picture in the Sunflower House and post it to Instagram tagging @billingsfarm using #SunflowerSelfie & #VTSunflowerHouse. 
One winner will be selected to receive a 4-oz block of Billings Farm cheese each Wednesday from August 11-September 9.


More info: Billings Farm

More photos: CLICK HERE

One More Week to Donate-School Supply Drive for WSESU, Donate Now until August 13th.


Children will be returning to school soon. Across our WSESU towns of Hartland, Weathersfield, Windsor, and West Windsor, hundreds of children qualify for free and reduced price school lunch. Their families will struggle to pay for much needed school supplies.

Old South Church, Mt. Ascutney Hospital, and Sled Dog Disco -- a Windsor-based group focused on building developmental assets in youth -- are hosting a school supply drive on behalf of WSESU. 

Their goal is to raise $3,500 to purchase supplies for all 347 WSESU children who qualify for free or reduced price school lunch.

The schools have created their supply lists, now your help is needed to raise the funds to purchase them.

A donation of $10 will cover supplies for one Elementary School student

A donation of $16 will cover supplies for one Middle School student

A donation of $22 will cover supplies for one High School student

Donations in any amount are welcome.
Please make checks payable to “Old South Church” and put “School Supply Drive” on the memo line. 
Checks should be mailed to:
School Supply Drive
c/o Mascoma Savings Bank
105 Main Street
Windsor, VT 05089

Please donate by August 13th


Outdoor Activities

9th Annual Weathersfield Hikes

Please call or email Steve if you plan to attend any of the hikes so he can send you directions and weather updates. Weathersfield Hikes for 2021 are being hosted by Weathersfield Parks and Recreation. You can view the schedule HERE. You will need to contact Steve to attend any of the hikes-DO NOT JUST SHOW UP. 

Saturday, August 14th, 9:00 AM: Little Ascutney

Saturday, August 28th, meet at Downers’ at 9:00 AM: Mt. Tom

Saturday, September 4th, 4:00 PM: “Up on the Hill” on conserved land near Charlestown

Sunday, September 19th, 4:00 PM: Ferry Road and the Connecticut River

Saturday, September 25th 9:00 AM: Windmill Hill, the Pinnacle

Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 AM: Ascutney Mountain

Saturday, October 9th, 9:30 AM: Cooks Pond Loop

For more info call or email Steve, the hike organizer, at 263-5439, or EMAIL him. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. We expect a range of hiking speeds.  
You can view photos of past hikes: HERE

Taste of Woodstock

File photo from 2015

On Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, ArtisTree and Purple Crayon will host over 50 vendors along Elm St. for the Taste of Woodstock.
Fun for everyone, including with favorite Vermont provisions, wine, beer, spirits, music, entertainment, arts, crafts, and a kids’ activity tent.

More info:
Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 
802-457-3555
info@woodstockvt.com
www.woodstockvt.com

More photos from the 2015 event: CLICK HERE

Tour de Taste Set for September 12

File photo Tour de Taste 2016

The Upper Valley Trails Alliance (UVTA) fundraiser "Tour de Taste" is back. 
Do you like to bike ride? 
Do you like to eat good, local food? 
Then this event is for you. 

There are three routes to choose from that wind their way along the Connecticut River with stops at local restaurants, farm stands and other popular Upper Valley locations.

You MUST purchase your TICKETS in advance (this event ALWAYS SELLS OUT!)
Registration includes detailed route maps, directions, support vehicles, and an incredible menu of locally-produced foods.

Route Information posted on the UVTA website:

Lake Morey Loop
Lake Morey Loop is great for families with young cyclists, new cyclists, or for those who want a very leisurely bike ride around the lake - 6 miles. Easy. 2 short hills. Minimal auto traffic. Road support. Enjoy several stops along the way, so you can take your time, rest, and relax.
You can even take a short hike on one of our local treasures, the Cross Rivendell Trail!
Includes delicious food provided by local producers. And, be sure to save room for dessert back at the school!

Classic Loop
The most popular route. Travel the scenic Connecticut River Valley on this 21-mile loop. 
Moderate including one long uphill on East Thetford Road into Lyme. Some secondary roads, some state highways. Road support. Visit scenic stops in North Thetford, Lyme, Orford, and Fairlee while you enjoy plenty of delicious food that showcases many local producers.

River Road Extension
An extension of the popular Classic Loop, this 31-mile ride is designed for advanced riders who want a bit more mileage. Moderate, with a few more hills than the Classic, but with an additional stop to refresh yourself while you admire a spectacular, long view of the river. Includes state routes and secondary roads. Road support.

All routes start and finish at the Samuel Morey Elementary School in Fairlee, VT. 
Registration/Check-in is open between 10 and 11 AM only.
All riders must be underway by 11 AM.
Pre-registration IS REQUIRED!
PLEASE NOTE: Riders will NOT be allowed to change routes on the day of the event. If you will be riding with young children, please be sure to carefully read the route descriptions before registering.


More photos from 2016: CLICK HERE

Ascutney Outdoors Events


Ascutney Outdoors, located at 449 Ski Tow RD, Mount Ascutney Ski Area, Brownsville VT 05037, is hosting a number of events this summer. 

Check them out:

VERMONT OVERLAND
August 27 @ 8:00 am - August 29 @ 5:00 pm

OUTDOOR OPEN MIC
September 11 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

VERMONT 50
September 23 @ 8:00 am - September 26 @ 5:00 pm


Brownsville Butcher and Pantry Curbside Cookouts



Brownsville Butcher and Pantry are bringing back their parking lot cookouts. They will be cooking outside every other Friday night.

On these Fridays, the parking lot will be roped off, live music is brought in, draft beer is being brought out, and they're cooking up some tasty summer bites.

Here’s how it works:
At 3PM, their café closes for regular service so they can prepare for the cookout.
Service starts at 5PM outside! Live music starts around this time as well.
No reservations are required, and call-ins aren’t accepted - just come on by.
The whole parking lot is available, as well as the lawn, so feel free to bring a blanket or some chairs.

The schedule has been created, and - weather permitting - they’ll be doing a cookout on the following Friday nights:
August 13
August 27
September 10
September 24
October 1

Check their website for the Friday night cookout menus: https://www.butcherandpantry.com/events-and-specials

More info:
871 VT 44 Brownsville, Vermont 05037
(802) 546-2900 | info@butcherandpantry.com
Store/Café: 7AM - 7PM, Tuesday - Sunday

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

Farmers Markets Are Open

Vital Communities has posted a listing of Upper Valley Farmers Markets.


Under the Tree 5K and 10 K Road Race-August 21

Saturday August, 21, 2021 9 AM
Hartland Recreation Center, State Route 12 Hartland VT.
Hosted by the Hartland Community Project
Flat fast 5k and challenging but reward 10k.
Link to sign up:
https://www.runreg.com/under-the-tree-5k-and-10k-race
All race proceeds go to the Hartland Community Project General Fund



Music in the Air...

The Windsor Exchange CSA pick up and Music Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.

30 Depot Ave, Windsor VT Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

August 11-Adam McMahon
September 8-Rich Thomas


Lebanon NH Recreation, Arts and Parks-Front Porch Concert Series Thursdays 7:00 p.m.

Shana Stack, 2015 show

Colburn Park located across from Lebanon City Hall at 51 N. Park St., Lebanon, NH. 7 p.m.
(Rain Location-First Congregational Church at 10 South Park Street Lebanon, NH.)

August 12 - Boogaloo Swamis, Zydeco

August 19 - Mystery Performer

August 26 - Summer Celebration with The Conniption Fits on the Lebanon Mall

Photos from previous Front Porch Shows: CLICK HERE

Hoisington Field 1800 VT-106
Perkinsville, VT 6-8 PM
Hosted by Weathersfield Rec and Bill Brink.

August 13-Ella Atkinson and Ethan Shipulski

August 20-AliT

August 27-Rik Palieri

September 3-Dan and Faith Senie

September 10-Matt Merserve

September 17-Jake McLaughlin

September 24-TBD

Donations may be made by checks made out to: The Town of Weathersfield  and include a note specifying Summer Music Series donation. Town of Weathersfield at Martin Memorial Hall, 5259 US Route 5, PO BOX 550, Ascutney, VT 05030.

For additional payment questions people may contact the office at (802) 674-2626.

For more information about the event, including the concert schedule and performers, visit the Weathersfield Summer Music Series Facebook page or billbrinkmusic.com.


Pentangle Arts Music By The River Fridays 6 p.m.


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

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.

August 13, 2021 Barika (West African Groove)

August 20, 2021 Jay Nash (Folk Jazz) 

Jackson Gore Summer Music Series Fridays 6-9 p.m.

The Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain
111 Jackson Gore Road, Ludlow, VT 6-9 p.m.

The Jackson Gore Summer Music Series is back. This summer's series of free lawn concerts will take place every Friday evening through the month of August.

Once again, the Jackson Gore Courtyard will be the place to kick off your weekend, thanks in no small part to the support of William Raveis Real Estate - Vermont Properties Team.

They'll fire up the grill with all the usual offerings and Coleman Brook Tavern will be open for full-service dining - indoors and out. 

August 13 - Cold Chocolate

August 20 - Deadgrass

August 27 - Myra Flynn

More Myra Flynn photos: CLICK HERE

Hartland Recreation Summer Sundays Concert Series 5 p.m.

Hartland Rec. Center, State Route 12, Hartland, VT Sundays, 5 PM

August 15 Still Hill

August 29 Gully Boys (rescheduled from rained out Aug. 1 date)

Lebanon Opera House



LOH and Kirschner Concerts-Richard Thompson, Aug. 25th
TICKETS
More photos of Richard Thompson: Click Here

Jason Lyle Black-Friday, Sept. 10 7:30 PM Tickets

Johnny A-Friday, Sept. 17 7:30 PM Tickets

Oshima Brothers-Thursday, Sept. 23 7:30 PM Tickets

Roseanne Cash-Friday, November 12, 7:30 PM Tickets

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones 2022-Tuesday, April 5 2022 Tickets

NEXUS FEST

Friday, August 13-Sunday, August 15

FRIDAY
Katie Rundle, chalk artist noon-8 pm
Twisted Pine 5:30 PM
More Twisted Pine photos: CLICK HERE

Bitter Pill 7 PM
Eric Johanson 8 PM

SATURDAY
Mystic Bowie's Talking Dreads 5:30 PM
More Talking Dreads photos: CLICK HERE

Reckless Breakfast 7PM
Red Baraat 8 PM

SUNDAY
Kat Wright 5:30 PM


Moondance 8 PM
More Moondance photos: CLICK HERE

Support Nexus



Theatre

NORTHERN STAGE-Courtyard Theatre

Barrette Center for the Arts
Courtyard Theatre
74 Gates Street
White River Junction, VT 05001
Box Office: (802) 296-7000
boxoffice@northernstage.org


Million Dollar Quarter August 11-September 12

Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux
Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Ppresely, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Carl Perkins
Directed by Carol Dunne and Kyle Brand
$45 Adults, $19 for Students



Museums and Galleries

Rev. Dan Foster House Open Saturdays and Sundays

The Weathersfield Historical Society announced the reopening of the Rev. Dan Foster House after a year of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The museum is located 2656 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT.
The museum will be open July 3-September 5, 2021
Saturdays and Sundays -- 9 am to 12 noon
Mondays -- 12 noon to 4 pm

Admission is free, donations are accepted. For more information, please contact ellen.clattenburg@gmail.com

Follow the Historical Society on their Facebook Page


Hall Art Foundation Opens for Saturday and Sunday


Hall Art Foundation in Reading, VT is now open for visitors to enjoy their exhibitions, grounds and new café with food provided by the Brownsville Butcher & Pantry.

Open Saturdays and Sundays
11am – 4pm (Entry Times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Closed at 4pm)
Self-guided visits
Admission: $10 pp
Advance reservations are not required, but capacity is limited so you are encouraged to book ahead to secure your spot
544 VT Route 106, Reading, 05062.

On view: “Deep Blue” a group exhibition curated by Katherine Bradford; “Katherine Bradford: Philosophers’ Clambake”; Terry Ekasala and “English Sculpture in Vermont”. Visit their website for more info: http://www.hallartfoundation.org/location/vermont

All guests have access to their café where refreshments including sandwiches, salads, baked goods, snacks, bottled beverages and coffee are available for purchase provided by the Brownsville Butcher & Pantry.

Founded in 2007, the Hall Art Foundation makes available postwar and contemporary art works from its own collection and that of Andrew and Christine Hall for the enjoyment and education of the public. 

In Reading, their campus of converted galleries, situated on a former dairy farm, consists of a 19th-century stone farmhouse, three barns, as well as a reception center and café. 

Their property’s 5 historic buildings make up approximately 6,000 sq. feet of museum-quality exhibition space. The farmhouse and barns sit next to a waterfall on a tributary of the Black River, and are surrounded by approximately 400 acres of pastures, hayfields and extensive woodland. 

Outdoor sculptures by world-renown artists are installed throughout the grounds. Rotating, temporary exhibitions of contemporary art are held seasonally, from May through November.



Cooking Classes

Mexican Culinary Experience Online Classes

¡Buen Provecho!  with Laura y Cecilia

Class list: https://kisaboresdecasa.com.mx/sign-up/

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)



Exercise

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga At The Weathersfield Center Church


Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
In-person, Tuesday mornings at 9-10 am
Weathersfield Center Meeting House
If it's nice out,  practice may be outside, but generally practice will be inside with windows open for fresh air. There may be other pop-up classes so keep your eye on the Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website or your email.

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).



Karate

Okinawan Karate Classes for Adults the Weathersfield Center Church

Mondays, beginning July 19 at 7 p.m.

Hank Kudlinski will be teaching traditional Okinawan Karate classes for adults, free of charge at the Weathersfield Center Church. 
Hank has decades of experience teaching at all levels. Questions email him: Gojugoshin@aol.com



Workshops Online

 

Vermont Online Workshops

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



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 (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.

COVID-19 in Our Communities

VERMONT FORWARD






Vermont is Fully Open, however COVID-19 cases are on the rise.
Most COVID-19 Restrictions have been lifted.
(Masking and Physical Distancing are "Encouraged")


Spread of the Delta Variant





Universal Guidance

Fully Vaccinated People
Effective immediately, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a face covering over nose and mouth or physically distancing, except where required by federal, State or local laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. For the purposes of this section, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Unvaccinated People
Unvaccinated people are not required to wear face coverings over nose and mouth when they are in outdoor public spaces, provided sustained or prolonged close contact with other unvaccinated people from outside their household can be avoided. For the purposes of section, people of all ages, including children, are considered unvaccinated when they have not completed a vaccination series.

State Resources and COVID-19 Response Information


COVID-19 IN VERMONT COMMUNITIES
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://apps.health.vermont.gov/COVID/faq/#vaccine
COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont
Schedule vaccine appointments at: The Vermont Department of Health, Kinney Drugs, CVS and Walgreens. 
The best way to make an appointment is through the Health Department’s website: healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.  
Or call 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.


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Nancy Nutile-McMenemy is an Upper Valley freelance photographer and writer who loves paddle, hike, attend concerts and local events in and around Weathersfield and the Upper Valley.

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