Weathersfield Weekly Blog January 3, 2022 edition

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022, Goodbye 2021

In our house, nothing says New Year's Day like a homemade pizza and a STAR WARS marathon (Episodes IV and V-I don't get the Ewoks on Return of the Jedi, episode VI.)

And speaking of pizza...




We finally made the trip to Outer Limits Brewing in Proctosville, VT (a village of Cavendish, VT-just outside of Ludlow/Okemo).  We got there about 2:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve Eve and the place was packed with the apres ski crowd (lots of families with little kids!) The bar seats were shoulder to shoulder. So we decided to wait for a table.

While waiting, we ordered a pint of the Spaced Stout (oatmeal stout). It was very good but not the best oatmeal stout we've ever had.

A table opened up pretty quickly and we were seated. The staff was very friendly and attentive even though the place was hopping.


This week's special pizza is the chicken, bacon, ranch so we ordered one to share and Jay switches to the Proctorsville Porter (I switch to water-designated driver!)

Wow, this porter is REALLY special. We have a new favorite local beer! 
(If Harpoon ever brings back their ORIGINAL Baltic Porter we might change our minds but for now-Proctosville Porter it Numero UNO!)

The pizza was delicious. And just the right size for us.

I couldn't resist ordering their pretzels (for dessert). Their pretzels were OK. 

You get two (2) 3oz sourdough pretzels made by sweet surrender bakery (baked using OLB spent grain) and served with housemade dark mild mustard and housemade beer cheese dipping sauce. The sauces were fantastic.


I would definitely make reservations during Ski Season (they us the OPEN TABLE app.)
OLB is located at 60 Village Green, Proctorsville, VT 05153 (802)-287-6100




News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)

Ascutney Market Agrees to Sell Transfer Station Punch Tickets

Ascutney Market will begin selling Transfer Station Punch Tickets on January 1, 2022. 

The market will offer 10-Punch ($35), 5-Punch ($17.50), and 10-Punch-Compost Cards ($10).The agreement came to fruition after discussing additional options for residents to purchase punch tickets. 

Punch tickets are available for purchase with credit/debit or cash. There is no fee associated with debit or credit card purchases at Ascutney Market. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Town Office at (802) 674-2626 or Ascutney Market at (802) 674-9595.

Vermont reports record 1,352 new Covid cases Thursday, sharply raising case average

Erin Petenko reported on Dec. 30 for VT Digger:

Vermont reported a record-setting one-day total of 1,352 Covid-19 cases Thursday, according to Department of Health data.

Following Wednesday’s 937 new Covid-19 cases, the state’s seven-day average has risen to 591 cases per day — a 48% increase from the average four days ago.

Case counts tend to be higher later in the week, as testing rises during the week and declines during the weekends. Testing tends to decline even further on holiday weekends, such as Christmas last weekend, leading to delays in people testing positive for the virus.

State officials also warned Vermonters on Tuesday that antigen tests could skew testing results even further. The department asks Vermonters to self-report positive antigen tests, but it’s unclear how many people who test positive are doing so.

On Thursday, the data included 1,168 positive PCR tests and 184 “probable” cases, which includes any positive antigen test combined with Covid-19 symptoms or exposure to a positive case.


State plans to shake up school Covid-19 testing processes

Peter D'Auria reported for VT Digger:

Under a new Vermont testing protocol, parents of students will be responsible for testing their children if they have been identified as close contacts of a positive Covid-19 case.

The new procedures, which do not yet have a set implementation date, were among a series of safety measures announced on Tuesday during Gov. Phil Scott’s weekly press conference.

“This is part of an overall expansion of testing across Vermont, with increased use of take home and rapid testing modalities to help Vermonters get their results fast,” Ted Fisher, an Agency of Education spokesperson, said in an email. Under the current procedures for “test-to-stay,” contact tracers identify close contacts after a case of Covid-19 at school. If unvaccinated, those close contacts can return to school only if they submit to seven consecutive days of Covid-19 rapid testing.

A negative test means students can attend school that day, while a positive means they must return home. Positive test results are then tallied and recorded by the Vermont Department of Health.

86 Killington Resort employees test positive for Covid-19

Auditi Guha reported for VT Digger:
Eighty-six employees of Killington Resort have tested positive for Covid-19, according to the state Department of Health. Another 22 employees are symptomatic and awaiting the results of testing.

It’s not clear how many customers of Vermont’s largest ski resort have tested positive.

“We became aware of the situation that there were a number of cases there on Monday,” health department spokesperson Ben Truman told VTDigger. “It’s being considered an outbreak as of today.”

Killington’s is the largest known outbreak currently affecting a Vermont business, according to Truman.

In cooperation with resort management, the department is planning three employee testing clinics at Killington, from Sunday through Tuesday. The clinics, staffed by members of Middlebury Rescue, will also offer employees the opportunity to get vaccinated. The clinics will be held from 7 a.m. to noon each day at the Snow Shed Lodge.

READ MORE 


Finding a take-home Covid test at a Vermont pharmacy is hit or miss

Fred Thys reported for VT Digger

Lynne Vezina did not have any over-the-counter Covid tests available at Vermont Family Pharmacy on Thursday and her supplier had not told her when she would get a shipment.

“I have them on a back order and I check three times a day, but it hasn’t been available for, I would say, 10 days,” Vezina said.

The tests can indicate within 15 minutes whether a person is infected with Covid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the tests again at least 24 hours later as the tests do not pick up whether a person is infected in the first few hours of infection. The quick turnaround makes the tests a practical way for people to figure out whether they should get together with others.

But as the Omicron variant causes case numbers to multiply and Vermonters head into celebrations of the new year, supply of the tests is haphazard.

Vezina said decisions by the federal government and the Vermont Department of Health to hand out take-home Covid tests have dried up the supply to pharmacies. 

READ MORE  

Why Get Vaccinated?

Well...Check out these stats


Death by Age and Vaccination Status

Hospitalizations by Age and Vaccination Status


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.




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.

Cases in Vermont



Weathersfield has 189 cumulative case of COVID-19 since March 2020.
 Five (5) new cases since last week, reported on 12/28/2021


Vermont Current Cases by County


December 28, 2021 Slideshow
The state’s modeling, visit https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Regional Cases


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 revised their guidelines on December 30, 2021


If you test POSITIVE (PCR, LAMP or ANTIGEN) Regardless of Vaccination Status:

Stay home and isolate for 5 days
You can leave your home on day 5 if: 
  • You never had symptoms, or your symptoms have improved and you feel better
  • AND you have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers
  • AND you wear a mask around others through day 10.
  • AND, when possible, it is recommended that you have two negative antigen tests performed at least 24 hours apart beginning no earlier than day 4
Health Care workers have different guidelines.

Notify your close contacts that you have tested positive.


If you do an at-home test REPORT your Test result.

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.

READ MORE

Follow the latest USA vaccination and COVID Risk Maps at

 COVID ActNow



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. 
January 3 Agenda  Meeting Packet
January 17
February 7
February 21


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 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

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


Weathersfield School Board

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. )
November 9
October 12
September 15 
August 17 
July 26 

COVID-19 Plan for School Year

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

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 

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

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 Class on 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.

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


Saturday, January 15 - 5:30 PM EST
Caldo de Camarón y Pescadillas
Shrimp Soup and Fish Quesadillas
- $ 15.00

Sunday, January 23 - 10:30 AM EST
Empalmes de Frijoles Puercos
Breakfast Tostada "Sandwich"
- $ 15.00

Saturday, January 29 - 5:30 PM EST
Visita a la Taquería Parada #1: Al Pastor
Virtual Taco Tour Stop #1: Al Pastor
- $ 15.00

Saturday, February 12 - 5:30 PM EST
Mole Rosa con Pollo, Cerdo
o Vegetales
Chicken, Pork, or Vegetables in
Pink “Mole” Sauce
- $ 15.00

Saturday, February 19 - 5:30PM EST
Pipián Rojo con Pollo, Cerdo,
o Vegetales
Chicken, Pork, or Vegetables in
Red “Pipián”
- $ 15.00

Sunday, Februay 27 -10:30AM EST
Burritos de Chorizo Rojo y Verde
Burritos with Homemade
Red and Green Chorizo
- $ 15.00

Saturday, March 5 - 5:30 PM EST
Visita a la Taquería Parada #2: De Bistec
Virtual Taco Tour Stop #2: Mexican Style Beef
- $ 15.00

Saturday, March 19 - 5:30 PM EDT
Paella
- $ 15.00

Sunday, March 27 - 10:30 AM EDT
Mercado de Mariscos Parada #1:
Coctel de Camarón y Pescaditos
Seafood Market Stop #1:
Shrimp Cocktail and “Pescaditos”
- $ 15.00

Saturday, April 2 - 5:30 PM EDT
Chile Ancho Relleno Para Cuaresma
Vegetarian Stuffed Ancho Pepper
- $ 15.00

Sunday, April 10 - 10:30 AM EDT
Mercado de Mariscos Parada #2:
Consomé de Camarón
y Tostadas de Camarón
Seafood Market Stop #2:
Shrimp Broth and Shrimp Tostadas
- $ 15.00

Saturday, April 30 - 5:30 PM EDT
Visita a la Taquería Parada #3:
Alambre de Pollo y Volcanes
Virtual Taco Tour Stop #3:
Chicken with Vegetables
and “Volcanoes”
- $ 15.00


Workshops Online

 

Vermont Online Workshops

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

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



Visit Our Local Restaurants

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.

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

Outer Limits Brewing (802)-287-6100
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays;  Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-8 p.m.; Saturdays noon-8 p.m. with LIVE MUSIC; Sundays noon-6 p.m..
60 Village Green, Proctorsville, VT 05153 

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.
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.


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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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