Weathersfield Weekly Blog August 22 edition

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Sunflowers are in full bloom.
Time to visit Billings Farm Sunflower House.


News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It

Heads Up-Villagers Last Day of the Season is August 28th!

Back to School News

School Starts August 31

Back to School Night/Meet the Teacher
August 29, 2022 5:30-6 p.m.
Community dinner and back to school night.
This is a great opportunity to meet your student's teacher before school starts.

Free Meals for All
Breakfast and lunch will be free for all students this year. Even though all students may receive free meals, we still ask families to fill out a Free and Reduced Application . It is very important that all families fill out this application because having an accurate count of potential recipients opens up opportunities for our school. 
We receive Federal Funds based on our percentage of Free and Reduced Price School Meals. These funds are used for teacher training opportunities and professional development for staff, which have a direct impact on student learning. These funds are also used to help fund Title 1 Interventionists positions in our school.

Student Athletes
If your child is interested in playing a fall sport, (soccer or cross-country) please fill out this form, so that we may generate an interest list.

Bus Routes
The bus routes will be sent out this week in a separate email to parents.

Girl Scouts in Weathersfield
Shirray Johnson, the leader for Girl Scout Troop 59296 here in Weathersfield is reaching out to see if there are any families interested in Girl Scouts along with possibly volunteering to lead meetings.

The current meeting schedule is the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month from 1-3 p.m..

Leader Requirements are pass a background check, register as a leader or volunteer and view an online training. The badge earning has the outline and steps all set up to follow, leaders or volunteers just help implement the steps.

Nurses should drive decisions in schools’ Covid mitigation efforts, Vermont officials say

 Peter D'Auria reporting for VT Digger

When it comes to decisions about Covid-19 in schools during the upcoming school year, nurses will be at the front lines.

Newly released state guidance encourages nurses to play a “pivotal role” in schools’ Covid mitigation efforts, the Vermont Agency of Education and Department of Health said in a Wednesday press release.

The new, three-page guidance memo, signed by Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, is aimed at establishing protocols for what officials described as “endemic” Covid-19 in schools when students return this fall. “We will no doubt continue to see cases of COVID-19 in our communities and in our schools,” French said in the press release. “But with the advent of vaccination and new treatments, the risks from COVID-19 are much lower than they were two years ago. I am very optimistic that the opening of school this year will proceed with minimal interruption from COVID-19.”

Over the past school year, state officials released shifting recommendations, advising schools to implement a series of different Covid-19 testing, isolation and masking procedures.

By the end of the school year, however, most of that guidance had been rescinded.


Officer who shot and wounded Cavendish man in Ludlow was still in training

Alan J. Keays reporting for VT Digger

The Ludlow police officer who shot and seriously wounded a Cavendish man following a pursuit Monday night was a new recruit on patrol with another officer as part of training, according to a press release from Vermont State Police.

Zachary Paul, 21, joined the Ludlow Police Department in July after graduating from the Vermont Police Academy and was accompanied by his field training officer, Jeffrey Warfle, at the time of the shooting, state police said.

Paul shot Michael Mills, 35, of Cavendish, after a police chase in Ludlow in which Mills rammed his vehicle into the two officers’ police cruiser, state police said.

Mills, who police said was critically wounded, remained hospitalized Wednesday afternoon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Hours before the chase, Mills had repeatedly made 911 calls reporting complaints, threats and making suicidal statements, according to state police.

Paul and Warfle were in the cruiser and spotted Mills in a vehicle around 9:30 p.m. Monday when the pursuit ensued, with Mills eventually crashing his car into a tree on South Hill Road in Ludlow, state police said.

Following the crash, Warfle approached the vehicle and opened the front passenger door before yelling “gun” several times, according to an initial report from state police. That’s when Paul fired a single round from his handgun, striking Mills in the head, state police said.


Jim Condos says election certification could take until next week ‘at the latest’

Lola Duffort

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos now says it could be early next week “at the latest” before the results of the Aug. 9 primary election can be certified.

The Secretary of State’s Office said last week it would delay the county and state Senate canvass — the process by which election results are certified — as it works through a problem with its technology vendor. On Tuesday, Condos said it also would delay the canvass for statewide and federal races.

“As secretary of state, I want to assure the public that these administrative delays do not impact the 100% confidence that we have in the accuracy of the vote totals for all the candidates as reported by the town clerks,” Condos said in an afternoon press conference outside his office. He said he was “sincerely sorry” for the holdup, but added that the state was still expected to certify results quickly compared to other states.

“I do want to remind you all that Vermont has one of the fastest certifications in the country. Most (other states) take 14 to 30 days to certify their results,” he said.

Vermont first used its current software system during the 2016 election, according to Will Senning, who leads the election division at the Secretary of State’s Office. At the time, the system was developed by PCC Technology Group, a Connecticut-based firm, which has since been bought out by Civix.

READ MORE
 


Train travel Returns to Vermont-The Vermonter Train-Washington D.C. - Saint Albans

Travel north on the Vermonter line from Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Hartford, or stops in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to one of nine vibrant Vermont communities offering an array of enticing attractions and events. Take in scenic vistas and charming New England villages and downtowns bursting with arts, culture, and history.
Check out the full map of stops as well as the daily schedule.

The Vermonter now offers carry-on bike service and many stops offer an array of amenities to support a car-free vacation.

Find local travel information for each of the train stations in Vermont. Experience the Green Mountain State's renowned recreational opportunities including world class ski resorts, mountain bike and cycling networks, and vast hiking trails.

Concert Report

Session Americana
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee VT
On Thursday evening we drove up the interstate to Fairlee, VT for a FREE concert hosted by Lake Morey Resort, the final show in their summer concert season.

The band we saw was Session Americana with special guest Kris Delmhorst.


We had seen Session Americana a couple of times before in the Upper Valley, once opening for Lake Street Dive at Lebanon Opera House in 2016 and once at the Briggs Opera House in 2017.

Having Kris Delmhorst join them in Fairlee was a treat.


More photos: CLICK HERE

Adventures


Oysters and Beer
Harpoon Beer Garden, Windsor VT

A couple of friends and I hit Harpoon's Beer Garden on Sunday for their Oyster Extravaganza. Pop-up Oyster Bar Co. was shucking oysters and we enjoyed three trays of them.



We did not leave hungry or thirsty.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Local Events and Happenings

WPL Drop in Scrabble

Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)

Mondays at 1 p.m.
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details @ 603-252-0936



Weathersfield Summer Hikes UPDATES

Please contact Steve (stevea47@tds.net) if you plan to attend ANY or ALL of the hikes.
In your email-include you phone number.

Let him know which hikes you are interested in, and he will contact you about a week before for just those, or you can say “ALL” and he will contact you for each hike. 

“Contact” means confirmation and directions. Do not show up for a hike without eventually signing up – changes often occur. Hike start PROMPTLY– we wait only 5 minute.  Let him know if you want us to observe Covid precautions: masks as we gather, maintain distance as we walk unless your companions agree not to.

The hikes are being organized under the auspices of Weathersfield Parks and Recreation. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. We expect a range of hiking speeds.

Are you new to hiking? Wear footwear that is broken in and appropriate for our uneven trails. Hikers join us at their own risk. 

Feel free to call Steve, organizer, at 263-5439. Experienced hikers, too, please ask questions or comment freely.

Birding:
Marianne Walsh is happy to lead a bird walk from the upper section of Bowen Hill Rd to the wetlands on the Springfield/Weathersfield town line on Skyline Drive. The walk would be during a weekday and would be early (6 AM ?). Marianne walks this section in spring, summer and fall. If interested, contact her at 802-885-9420 or mwalsh@vermontel.net.

Saturday, September 10th, 4:00 PM:  Ferry Road and the Connecticut River            
This generally level route with one steep descent of about ten yards heads down shaded Ferry Road and into Skyline Nursery. Soon it follows the river, sometimes with views.  At one point the remains of the huge Consul Jarvis sheep barn can be glimpsed. (Used to be – high corn last year!) The total length is about 2 miles. Carol Orth is the leader.

Saturday, September 24th, 9:30 AM:  Cooks Pond Loop
This is a route on wooded dirt roads more than on trail. There is a lovely framed view of Mt. Ascutney from the south end of Cooks Pond. Other mountain views occur at later points.  Difficulty: easy to moderate, with one long incline and a shorter one. Distance: almost 3 miles, unless a hiker goes only as far as the pond and then back up, less than 2 miles.

Saturday, October 1st, 8:00 AM:  Ascutney Mountain
We will go to the fire tower and the Brownsville Overlook. We will go up the Weathersfield Trail, but people wanting a less strenuous hike (.7 miles up) could drive up and meet us at the top, we hope. I expect to join that shorter climb. We leave early because parking later is a problem.  

Other days in October are open for rescheduling, maybe Mt. Cardigan, and a hike at your request. That last one could be earlier in the season.

Things to Do...

Events
Farmers Markets

News You Can Use

Town of Weathersfield



Weathersfield Police Blotter 

Select Board


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  
Mike Todd  Chair
David Fuller Vice Chair 
Kelly O'Brien  Clerk
Wendy Smith Member
Paul Tillman Member

Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m. 
September 5, 19

August 17-Emergency Meeting-Golden Cross Contact (5 Year Term)
June 16
May 18 Special Meeting (to sign the Warrant from the May 16th meeting)
May 2 (posted now but not posted at press time May 9 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
April 18 (posted now, but not posted at press time April 25 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
April 4
March 21
March 7-(The March 7th meeting minutes are now the March 7th meeting minutes not the Feb. 7th's as originally posted)
Special Meeting March 3-Select Board organization
Town Meeting Minutes
February 21
February 7
January 20
January 3

*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

School's Out For Summer

Weathersfield School Board

Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

Weathersfield School Board will meets on Tuesdays
Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13
January 10, 2023
February 14, 2023
March 14, 2023

School Board Meeting VIDEOS
Meeting Minutes
June 9
May 19
April 5 
March 8
February 26
February 15
February 11 Special Meeting  (Not posted at press time February 21 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
February 8  video link  (Now posted, not posted at press time February 14 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
January 11

Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops 

Music and Singing in the Air...

Lebanon Opera House

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.


One Night of Queen, Wednesday, August 31 TICKETS Almost SOLD-OUT

Mystic Bowie's Talking Dreads, Friday, September 9 TICKETS (reserved Seated Balcony, GA Orchestra Seating)

Lorrie Morgan, Sunday, September 11 TICKETS

An Evening with the Cowboy Junkies, Tuesday, September 20 TICKETS 

Comic Hypnotist Frank Santos Jr. Friday, September 30 TICKETS

Comedian Bob Marley, Saturday October 22 TICKETS

CHICAGO-High School Edition-Trumbull Hall Troupe November 4, 5, 6  INFO

Exercise

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga 

at Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House

You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa.

Class sizes limited to 7.

Three Year Anniversary Celebration
*YOGA WITH BUNNIES class in collaboration with Easy Winds Farm on Thurs. August 18 at 5:30pm. This will be a gentle 75 min class with time to snuggle young bunnies who will join us in an outdoor fenced in area. Space will be limited. Bring your own props/mats/towels and email Lisa to register. 
$16 per person with 50% class proceeds benefitting The Humane Society of the United States as they work to save 4000 beagles from lab testing.

*A RAFFLE for some wellness goodies including a 6-class pass. Each time you come to class this month, you'll earn a ticket. At the end of the month, we'll draw the winners. The more yoga you fit in, the more chances you have to win! (Isn't every yoga class a win anyway?!)

*FREE recorded class sent the first week of August from Lisa while she's in Maine (no classes that week!)


Candlelit Gentle Flow Mondays
Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
August 22, 29
~Location Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House~

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Tuesdays
Tuesday Options: 9:00 am
August 23, 30
~Location Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House~


Walk-ins can register up to 24hrs ahead by emailing Lisa and are available on a first-come, first served basis (classes fill early!). 

Please arrive 5 minutes early with your own props and mats.

Workshops Online

 

Vermont Online Workshops

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



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.
131 Main Street Windsor, VT

Daily Grind Café 
Call ahead for take out 674-9859
93 Pleasant St. Claremont, NH (in the space formerly occupied by Dusty’s Café)
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Exit Ate  (802) 674-4299 
Wednesdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
202 VT 131, Ascutney

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-(802) 795-0063 Last Day August 28th.
Tuesdays-Sundays 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. (they stop cooking at 7:30 p.m.)
4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
Unicorn Sundae at Villagers Rtes. 131 and 106, Downers Four Corners, in Perkinsville

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.

Vermont State Resources and
COVID-19 Response Information

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


Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Information Page.

Mt. Ascutney Hospital Open for Walk-Ins M-F 1-5 PM
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is now offering walk-in service on weekday afternoons for people ages 2 and older, according to a news release.

The visits are available for urgent, but non-emergency medical needs Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Patients can check in at the hospital’s central registration, through the main entrance.

Some of the conditions appropriate for care through walk-in services are minor cuts and burns; urinary tract infections; strains and sprains; minor fractures; rashes; and ear, sinus and eye infections. In addition, X-ray and lab services are available on-site.

A nurse will be on hand to determine if a patient’s condition calls for transfer to the emergency department.


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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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