Weathersfield Weekly Blog, December 20, 2021 edition

Creepy Hollow Christmas Lights
1571 Gravelin Road, Weathersfield VT


Happenings in Our Neighborhood

Maple Cream Making at Oxbow Farm
West Windsor VT 
December 19, 2021


For pretty much his whole life, Bill Stillson of West Windsor Vermont has been maple sugaring. At one point he was running 900 taps, now he typically runs 500. In the Spring of 2020 he collected about 75 gallons from his trees (the weather was too weird for him to sugar in 2021). From his maple syrup harvest, he reserves  some gallons to be made into Maple Cream.

Maple Cream can be used on just about anything you can spread butter on: toast, pancakes, waffles, cereal, or sandwiches. Bill even sells some of his Maple Cream to the Brownsville Butcher and Pantry for their Pantry Griddler.

To make his Maple Cream, Bill heats about two (2) gallons of light grade maple syrup to 234 degrees F. He then slowly cools it down to 70 degrees F.

Once the 70 degree temperature is reached the pan is transferred to the "cream machine". The paddles are installed and the pan put in place. The motor gets turned on and away we go.






Once the cream has reached the correct color and consistency the packaging assembly line forms. The cream is scrapped from the pan into containers that get weighed then labeled.


Bill sells out quickly so if you are interested in purchasing some Maple Cream email: reigndrop@gmail.com

Check out this quick video of the cream machine in action.

More photos from the Maple Cream "party": CLICK HERE

Maple Cream and Diabetes
There is a man in Vermont who believes Maple Cream can help regulate blood sugar levels. Darren Celley started a company called Maple Rise; he was even featured on WCAX TV's Made in Vermont feature: MiVT-Maple Rise


Exit Ate in Ascutney SOLD, Greg Cooking Until Dec. 31

Greg Frazer posted on Facebook that the Exit Ate diner property on Route 131 in Ascutney has been sold.  Greg will continue to serve up his delicious meals until December 31, 2021; then it's on to some new (as yet unnamed) adventure for him.

He also wrote in his FB post he wasn't sure what the new owners had planned for the restaurant. Maybe the new owners will post to the Exit Ate Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/exit.ate.58

Good Luck Greg in whatever you choose to do!



Steve Aikenhead Releases His Final Chapter About Weathersfield

Steve Aikenhead has recently complied another collection of our Town's history "Weathersfield Tales (More!): The Last Collection of the Series." The book follows four other collections compiled and published by Aikenhead and Sally Harris of Summer Hill Books. The latest edition comes 12 years after the fourth collection which was titled "The End."

The stories collected include selections of the Weathersfield Historical Society Newsletter as well as the Weathersfield Weekly (not to be confused with this publication-Weathersfield Weekly Blog) and stories, memories and accounts from residents in town.

At the beginning of the book, Aikenhead writes while he omitted a " a multitude of Weathersfield disasters," he includes only the most interesting ones that have not been included in his previous books and "nevertheless, there are plenty of disasters in here, but I think there is enough humor to balance them out." (Some stories may not be suitable for younger readers.)

"Weathersfield Tales" is available for purchase at the Weathersfield Town Hall (802-674-2626) or Blair Books in Chester (802-875-3400).

For more information contact Steve at 802-263-5439.



Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Friday, December 24th 7 p.m.
Brownsville Community Church

Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m., there will be the Brownsville Community Church Candlelight Service. A free-will offering will be accepted at the church on Christmas Eve all of which will go to local non-profits.

COVID guidelines in place at the time will be adhered to. At the time of this writing, both inside and out - if you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional and the practice of social distancing is requested when & where possible. If you are not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask and social distance.

The Brownsville Community Church is located on the Brownsville-Hartland Road, between Albert Bridge School and the West Windsor Town Hall. The Church phone number is 802-484-5944, the email address is bcchurchvt@gmail.com and you can visit the Brownsville Community Church at www.brownsvilleumc-vt.org.

Enjoy the festivities and bring your friends, neighbors and family!  ALL ARE WELCOME!


ICYM (In Case You Missed It)
Fun Stuff
Holiday Lights

The best Christmas lights display I've found so far in Weathersfield belongs to the Pawlikowskis on Gravelin Rd. Creepy Hollow welcomes holiday revelers each day at dusk.


Take your time, there's so much to see.


More Lights photos: CLICK HERE or better still-swing by and see for yourself.


If you feel like a drive to see some lights:
Hartford Vermont: Display List Google Map
Lebanon NH: List TBA



Concert and Theater Shows-Get out there-Safely

Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon
SOLD OUT show at the Lebanon Opera House
Lebanon NH December 13, 2021

Monday night in Lebanon NH,  a SOLD OUT crowd got to see and hear Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon. They are out on tour promoting their album "Noon" which was released in August of 2020.

This is their third album together, their first in 15 years.

Every song on Noon weaves a multi-layered texture of sound, with Kottke’s mesmerizing finger-picking wrapping around, over, and under Gordon’s hypnotic bass lines. 


Many of the songs from the new album and a few other gems were performed on Monday. I hope you had a ticket.


More photos: CLICK HERE



Zack's Place Theatre Guild's Production of Beauty and the Beazt
Woodstock Town Hall Theater December 15, 2021
Woodstock VT

On Wednesday, The Zack’s Place Theater Guild performed “Beauty and the Beazt”. 

A play written by James Sadwith and directed by Sadwith and Dail Frates. 

Assisting the Zack’s Place actors in this delightful play that combined many fairy tale characters and adventures were local Woodstock dignities: Robert Hager, Mary Riley, Alison Clarkson, Charlie Kimbell Jeffrey Kahn, and Chief Blish.


The play opened with a 15-year Anniversary Gala Celebration including a red-carpet strut. Things quickly changed when Chief Robbie Blish and Deputy Ed Lawrence interrupt the gala with the news of an Amber Alert-Bella is missing somewhere in the Black Forest.



The Zack’s Place Search and Rescue Team decide they must go find their friend and off they go to the Black Forest where they encounter a few favorite fairy tale damsels not-so-in-distress.

The almost full house enjoyed the one-hour adventure and left with smiles on their faces.






More photos: CLICK HERE


News You Can Use


ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Ben Fuller at Trout River Brew January 2020

Former Weathersfield resident and singer-songwriter, Ben Fuller has announced that he has signed on with The Provident Label Group

Provident Music Group is part of Provident Entertainment, a division of Sony Music, whose labels include Essential Records, Reunion Records, Essential Worship and Beach Street Records, is home to an artist roster which includes Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, Tauren Wells, Matthew West, Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher, and I AM THEY, among others and now Ben Fuller.


More photos of Ben at Trout River with Johnny O: CLICK HERE



Weathersfield Food Shelf OPEN Tuesday, December 21 2-4 PM
CLOSED Thursday, December 23.


AARP VT, Your ID: Staying Connected & Protected, 1/13/22

AARP VT has launched a series of virtual education sessions on how to avoid becoming the next victim of a scam or identity theft scheme. The next session is scheduled for January 13 at 1 PM

Another presentation on Cyber Crime is scheduled for March 16 at 3 PM.

This first program will cover various identity theft methods and reveal how and why it occurs, provide instruction on protective steps and explain what to do if it happens to you. The presentation outlines the various techniques used by these thieves to steal your identity and what they might do with it once it’s in their possession. Identity theft is widespread and varied. As many ways as there are for fraudsters to poach your identity, there are also many simple steps you can take to help keep them at bay. Join this free event to review your ID protection checklist with simple steps you can start using today to help protect your identity.

This event will be held on Zoom.  REGISTER



Town Manager Appoints an Open Meeting Law Enforcement Officer
Posted on the Town Website Dec. 15
Due to the rising concern of Open Meeting Law violations in Weathersfield the Town Manager Brandon Gulnik has appointed Olivia Savage as the Open Meeting Law Enforcement Officer. 

All boards, committees, and commissions must notify Ms. Savage within 48 hours of a regular public meeting or within 24 hours of a special public meeting. Ms. Savage will ensure public bodies are holding legal meetings and that minutes are posted within statutory requirements. 

An Open Meeting Law training will be held on January 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. The training will be held at Martin Memorial Hall located at 5259 US Route 5, Ascutney, VT 05030. Participants may also attend via Zoom by clicking this link OR:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5425954364?pwd=RlNJQm9ubkpjSkxta2VoR3RnYmRTdz09
Meeting ID: 542 595 4364
Passcode: 8021



Weathersfield has 25 new cases since last week.

First case of Omicron variant confirmed in Vermont

Vermont’s first case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was confirmed on Saturday, the state Department of Health announced.

The specimen was collected on Dec. 8 from a patient in their 30s in Lamoille County, according to a health department press release. That individual was fully vaccinated and had been experiencing mild symptoms, according to the release.

The findings were not unexpected and “we will see more cases identified in the coming days,” Health Commissioner Mark Levine said in the release.

Global research indicates that the Omicron variant spreads faster and more efficiently than Delta, the current dominant strain, the health department said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects that anyone who contracts Omicron can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Scientists continue to research the severity of illness connected to Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines against it.

The health department urged Vermonters to get vaccinated and get their booster shots, citing the likelihood that Omicron would become the dominant strain in the coming months.

“As the effectiveness of the initial vaccines begin to wane, boosters provide the protection you need against bad outcomes, including serious illness, hospitalizations and death, especially for people whose age or health conditions make them vulnerable,” Levine said.


Scott stays the course on vaccine focus as state anticipates holiday surge

Mike Dougherty VT Digger reports:

As Covid-19 transmission remains near record levels in Vermont following Thanksgiving, Gov. Phil Scott’s administration continues to center vaccination efforts ahead of an anticipated Christmas and New Year’s surge.

The state’s seven-day average of daily new cases is 414 — down from a recent high of 485, but still 35% higher than one month ago.

Those case numbers are largely attributable to Thanksgiving gatherings, officials said at Scott’s weekly press conference Tuesday. And with Christmas and New Year’s Day around the corner, the virus is unlikely to recede for at least several more weeks.

This week’s case counts represent a “reprieve” from the Thanksgiving surge, said Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak, who leads the state’s Covid-19 modeling efforts. But an array of forecasts, as well as last year’s data on the effects of holiday gatherings, suggest cases are likely to rise — “probably on the upper end of our projections over the next two or three weeks following those holidays,” Pieciak said.

READ MORE


DHMC Nurses respond to Escalating Covid Cases





COVID-19 Surge Has Pushed Hospitals to Their Limit,
Hurting Patients in the Process


Colin Flanders reports for Seven Days:

Keilani Lime of Vergennes was just two days away from surgery at the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital last week when she learned that it had been canceled.

The New Hampshire hospital, which is part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health network, needed to free up beds and staff amid a surge of COVID-19 patients. That required postponing some upcoming surgeries, including a lumbar shunt procedure Lime has been waiting on for more than five months, in the hope that it will reduce pressure on her spine caused by a congenital defect and several painful cysts.

The pressure has become so intense that it's started to erode the base of her spine, and Lime recently started losing strength in one of her legs. With no idea when her surgery will be rescheduled, the 32-year-old now fears that the condition could worsen to the point where she can no longer walk on her own.

"I feel like the sand is falling rapidly through the hourglass," she said, fighting back tears.

Lime represents the collateral damage of the latest COVID-19 surge, which has clogged New England hospitals with mostly unvaccinated patients in recent weeks, pushing an already overburdened health care system beyond its capacity.

READ MORE


Vermont plans for another pandemic-altered town meeting season

Kevin O'Connor reports for VT Digger:

The Vermont Legislature is set to consider allowing the state’s 246 municipalities to replace March 2022 town meetings with Covid-safe voting or warm-weather gatherings.

Some 80% of communities used a one-year-only state law last winter to temporarily replace shoulder-to-shoulder decision-making with mailable secret ballots. Most of the rest tapped the same legislation to reschedule proceedings until meeting attendees could open windows or move outdoors in the spring.

Cities and towns had hoped to return to in-person gatherings on or around the traditional first Tuesday in March of this coming year, only to see Vermont’s coronavirus cases hit record highs this month, even before the arrival of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.



Town of Weathersfield


Weathersfield Police Blotter 

Select Board


Not sure if anyone has noticed, or not, but the minutes posted on the Town website have the Nov. 1, 2021 listed as posted. 
However, the minutes attached to the link provided are minutes from the October 18, 2021 meeting. 

The November 1 minutes ARE included in the November 15 meeting packet.


All regular meetings are broadcasted live on Comcast channel 1087, VTEL Channel 161, and SAPA.org on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

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. 
December 20 Agenda  Packet

Meeting Minutes

December 6 (Not posted at press time Dec. 13 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
November 1 (Not posted at press time Nov. 8 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. The posted minutes are from the October 18th meeting NOT Nov. 1)
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 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

Early Release December 22 Students will get out at 12:00 PM.

No School December 23, 2021-January 4, 2022-Holiday Break
No School January 17, 2022
No School February 14-18, 2022 Winter Break
No School April 11-15, 2022 Spring Break
June 14, 2022-Tentative last Day of School



Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

Weathersfield School Board will meet on Tuesday, January 11 at 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Link: 
https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney

School Board Meeting VIDEOS
Meeting Minutes
December 14 (Not posted at press time Dec. 20 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )

COVID-19 Plan for School Year

The plan for returning students has been posted online for parents to review. LINK


Drive Thru Dinner a HUGE Success
The school hosted a drive-thru dinner for families to enjoy at home last Tuesday, December 14th before the School Board meeting. They served over 175 meals to families, and are looking forward to doing another one in the near future. 

Principal Brian Martes would like to give a special thank you to the school's food services team for making this event happen: Heather Gokey, Julie Russell and Craig Locarno.  He also sends his thanks to: BJ Esty, Santa Claus, WS PTO and John Arrison, VT State Representative, for serving the meals.


December 17th School Threats Taken Seriously, All Safe and Quiet
There was a nationwide online threat of violence at schools for December 17th. Our school stepped up and took extra precautions to ensure that students and staff were safe at school.

Principal Martes sends his thanks to Chief Daniels of the Weathersfield Police for being an extra presence on the school campus to ensure everyone's safety. It was a safe and quiet day at Weathersfield school.


Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Dr. David Baker, Superintendent Update December 17, 2021


One highlight from the update:
Travel Restrictions: I just wanted to repeat that it is going to be important to be vigilant when traveling over the Holidays. 

If you are traveling outside of Vermont, and you are vaccinated, the VDH recommendation is to get PCR tested 3 to 5 days upon return to Vermont and to pay particular attention to symptoms. 

If you experience any symptoms, then please isolate and contact your PCP or the school nurse. 

For the unvaccinated, the recommendation is to stay home for 7 days upon returning to Vermont, even if you test negative in the first 3 to 5 days. If you do not test, the recommendation is to stay home for 10 days and return if symptom free

For more information you can go to this site. If you have any questions, then please reach out to the school nurses.



Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield

Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops 

Theater


The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Northern Stage Bryne Theater
WRJ VT December 8, 2021-January 2, 2022

Northern Stage returns indoors to the Byrne Theater for a student production this holiday season with C.S. Lewis’ fantastical journey, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, December 8 through January 2. 

I was at one of their  "Preview Shows" on December 9 (no camera just my cell phone)

Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the Story by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be professionally produced and performed by Northern Stage’s student actors. 

The story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe centers around the White Witch, who has trapped Narnia in a perpetual state of winter with no hope of Christmas. 


But all that changes when four siblings venture through an old wardrobe and enter a land of talking animals and ferocious monsters. 





With the help of Aslan, the Great Lion, the children courageously battle the forces of evil and discover that Love is the deepest magic of all.

One of the greatest stories of courage and resilience ever written, Northern Stage’s production of C.S. Lewis’ epic tale will be a highly theatrical and actor-driven adventure. Marking Northern Stage’s return to the Byrne Theater for the first time since October 2020, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a unique opportunity to shine the spotlight on Northern Stage’s talented young performers, while bringing us all together for the holidays.

More info visit Northern Stage

More photos: CLICK HERE

Music and Laughter in the Air...

Lebanon Opera House


Recycled Percussion-Saturday, January 22, 4 and 7:30 p.m. shows Tickets

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival-Tuesday, January 25 & Wednesday, January 26 7:00 p.m. Tickets

Mike McDonald's Comedy Extravaganza-Friday, February 11 7:30 p.m. Tickets

St. Paul and The Broken Bones-Saturday, March 12 7:30 p.m. Tickets

Allman Betts Band-Wednesday, March 16 7:30 p.m. Tickets

Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart-Tuesday, April 5, 2022  7:30 p.m.Tickets

Keystone Revisited-Saturday, April 9 (rescheduled from October 2021) Tickets GA Orchestra and Reserved balcony seats.


COVID-19 Health and Safety rules in effect at LOH:
For entrance to all indoor Lebanon Opera House events, all patrons, staff, and volunteers must show a valid ID and proof of full vaccination – 14 days past their final vaccination shot – or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the event. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this policy.

Face coverings will be required for everyone, regardless of age or vaccination/testing status, at all times while inside the building per City of Lebanon requirements. Masks will be provided to any guests that request them.

Proof of vaccination can be in the form of your physical vaccine card or a photo/scan of your card. We do, however, recommend patrons use the safe and secure Bindle app that’s being adopted by other arts organizations throughout the region. Download “My Bindle” via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Although our general policy is “no refunds/no exchanges” unless the show is cancelled or rescheduled, we acknowledge that the “rules of engagement” are changing and you may be interested in seeking a refund. In those cases you will have options to get a credit for a future show or a refund. Please contact us at boxoffice@lebanonoperahouse.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.


Exercise

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga 

at The Perkinsville Community Church
(while the Center Meeting house furnace gets repaired.)

Indoor Classes are at Perkinsville Community Church-You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa.
Class sizes limited to 7.

Yoga Tuesdays
No Classes Dec. 28 and Jan. 4

*NEW CLASS* 8:15-9:15 a.m.
6-week Tuesday Morning Class 
November 16-December 21

*NEW TIME* 9:30-10:30 am 
Tuesdays-Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Class



Candlelight Evening Class 
Tuesday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Lisa's soothing evening class will continue on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm.
A minimum of 6 participants are needed to hold class - please register at least one day in advance.


Special Class Announced-FULL , with Wait List
New Year's Day--Meditation + Yoga + Acupuncture + Detox
January 1, 2021 10-11 a.m.
Perkinsville Church
Lisa and Sara DeGennaro, MA, LCMHC, MLADC, CS, will be offering a guided meditation, yoga and ear acupuncture (or acupressure) workshop on New Year’s Day.

Enjoy ear acupuncture followed by a guided meditation and restorative yoga. You’ll be given a detox tea to bring with you for your ride home or to enjoy when you get there. 

BENEFITS:
• Increased calmness, better sleep
• Decrease in anxiety and agitation
• Reduced cravings
• Relief from stress & trauma
• Easier connection with counseling & other health & healing treatments

COST:
Pay what you can (suggested donation $10).
Proceeds to benefit local non-profits.


REGISTER:
Space is limited! Please register early if interested by emailing Lisa.

Yoga at Perkinsville Community Church
Please use the side door of the Perkinsville Community Church and leave shoes and coats in the entry way or kitchen (or keep them on your mat). There is a bathroom for changing. 

Please bring props and wear a mask when you are not on your mat. 

Upon feedback received and in an effort to maintain our strong community atmosphere and keep yoga a space of comfort and peace with room for everyone to sink into their own bodies and inner wisdom, please refrain from discussing politics, covid-19, and the vaccine in the sacred space where we practice.

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).



Cooking Classes


TBA


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 Has Been SOLD
Greg will be cooking until December 31st. Stop in and wish him THE BEST in his new adventure!
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

Bistro Midva Midva is open Wednesday-Saturday 4:30-9:30 p.m. (Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) Call (802) 299-1553 or visit their FACEBOOK PAGE for more information.
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-CLOSED for the season 



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.
Tuesday December 21 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Food Shelf will be closed December 23. 
Beginning Thursday, January 13, the regular opening schedule of 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month will resume. 
 The Weathersfield Food Shelf is located in the 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse at 1862 Route 106 in Perkinsville. The Food Shelf has lots of good food to offer!

Call the Weathersfield Town Office to be refereed to a volunteer, visit the Weathersfield Food Shelf Facebook page and leave a message, 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.


Why Get Vaccinated?
Well...Check out these stats





GET VACCINATED
and GET YOUR BOOSTER
Do it for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community


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.

Vaccination rate in Weathersfield as of Dec. 16


Update: On December 9, the FDA expanded their Pfizer booster authorization to include people 16 and 17 years old. The CDC recommended the Pfizer vaccine for this use. Read the CDC press release.

In Vermont, 16 and 17 year olds can register for Pfizer boosters starting on December 11 at 8:00 am. They can also check with health care providers or pharmacies to receive their booster. It must have been at least 6 months since their second dose.

COVID-19 Boosters Available for Vermonters 16+
You should get a booster if you are 16 or older and you received:
your Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago or
your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago

WHERE AND HOW TO GET YOUR BOOSTER SHOT

Getting your booster shot is FREE and easy! Visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine for more information, and to find a location that offers the Pfizer vaccine near you.

To register through the Health Department website:
Visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine
Click the “make an appointment” button.
Log in to your account. Have the information you need to log in ready.
If you are eligible by work or medical conditions, you may need to update your details in the registration system before making an appointment. Go to the Dependent/Household/Client tab and click the UPDATE DETAILS button.
Proceed with making your appointment.

If you have not previously been vaccinated through the state registration system, need assistance or speak a language other than English, call 855-722-7878.

You will not need to show proof that you’re eligible or have to be a Vermont resident, but please bring your vaccination card. You must have an appointment for the vaccine clinic.

Health officials are also reminding Vermonters that it’s time to get your annual flu vaccine, and that there is no waiting period between getting a COVID-19 booster and getting your flu shot.

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, and a booster dose gives your body extra protection. This is especially important as the world continues to face the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson boosters have not yet been authorized by the CDC, and we will keep Vermonters up to date as we await guidance.


Weathersfield has 176 cumulative case of COVID-19 since March 2020.
 
Twenty-five (25) new cases since last week, reported on 12/15/2021


Vermont Current Cases by County

 
Vermont State Resources and COVID-19 Response Information

COVID-19 In Vermont Communities

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/faqs
COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine

Stay Safe
  • Get vaccinated (and boosted!) as soon as you are eligible
  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Get tested if you have any symptoms, may be a close contact, or have taken part in activities that could put you at risk, such as large gatherings
  • Wash your hands regularly

Wearing a mask:
The Health Department currently recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings, because a significant portion of the population remains unvaccinated and the more transmissible Delta variant is spreading.

Wearing a mask helps protect you and the people around you from getting or spreading COVID-19. A mask helps contain your respiratory droplets and can keep them from reaching other people. COVID-19 can spread even if a person does not have any symptoms. This is how we reduce spread of the virus and outbreaks in our communities, schools and businesses.

If you are fully vaccinated – it is still possible to get and to spread the virus, but the risk is lower. Wearing a mask in public indoor settings is recommended, but you can also assess whether a mask is needed based on a space’s size, the number of people in it, the amount of time you’ll be there, and case rates in the county and in the community.

We urge everyone to follow the prevention steps to protect yourself and the people around you, especially if:
  • you have a weakened immune system or are around someone who does
  • you have children who can’t yet be vaccinated
  • you’re traveling to a place with high transmission and low vaccination rates



The Vermont Health Department has posted the following :
  • ISOLATE at home away from other people  
  • How to Isolate: CLICK HERE
  • begin reaching out to close contacts immediately
  • How to Notify Your Close Contact: CLICK HERE 
The Health Department will prioritize contact tracing to people at higher risk. You may not receive a phone call from a contact tracer, but you still need to stay home and away from others, and follow the steps below to stop further spread.

If you are POSITIVE WITH SYMPTONS


If you are POSITIVE WITH NO SYMPTONS

Home COVID-19 Test Kits-How to Use Them
VT Digger-Riley Robinson

A lot of us are thinking about how to celebrate the holidays while feeling a little more Covid-19-safe this year. Testing is one tool for that, and here’s posted by VT Digger a little how-to video on using an at-home rapid test.

Below is a partial transcript of an interview in the video with Dr. Benjamin Lee, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at UVM Medical Center, edited for length and clarity.

Dr. Benjamin Lee: The biggest differences are that more of the at-home tests tend to be what we call antigen tests, so those tests are looking for bits of viral protein. Whereas the state-run tests are typically going to be PCR tests, and PCR tests are looking for tiny little pieces of the genetic code of the virus that can then be amplified.
And that difference means that PCR tests are going to be more sensitive than antigen tests. The PCR tests can detect much lower quantities of virus, so that’s one important difference.

The other important difference is that, with any test, there’s always the risk of operator error.
That being said, most of the available at-home tests are pretty straightforward to use.
Part of the challenge is that everybody has to have a willingness to accept the result.

A positive take-home test should be treated as a true positive. And that would mean isolating for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the positive test results. And letting close contacts know that we’ve had this positive result.

There isn’t any single test result or strategy that’s going to guarantee that there’s no risk for infection. And so I think that it’s important that people recognize that, even with the addition of testing, what we can do is lower the risk, but not eliminate the risk.

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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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A Little Holiday video Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas


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