Weathersfield Weekly Blog September 5 edition
FDA backs Omicron-based booster, paving the way for shots in Vermont (this) week
Erin Petenko
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Covid-19 booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna on Wednesday that are targeted to the newest variants of the virus.
The Department of Health plans to start distributing an initial shipment of 17,000 doses on Sept. 6 or 7, assuming that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approves it later this week, said department spokesperson Ben Truman.
Vermont state epidemiologist Patsy Kelso told Vermont Public on Tuesday that boosters will be available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
The new shots contain viral material from SARS-CoV-2’s original strain as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants, the FDA reported, giving people who get it “increased protection against the currently circulating omicron variant.”
Anyone 12 years and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, while the Moderna vaccine is only available to those 18 years and older, the agency reported.
This is the second booster dose the FDA has made eligible to the general public, after authorizing the first booster dose in 2021. It recommended another booster dose in March for high-risk people and people 50 years and older.
When asked if the new boosters would also be available at the state’s remaining walk-in clinics, Truman said information specific to that would be posted soon on the department’s website.
Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger
An animal hospital at the Vermont-New Hampshire border is warning dog owners about a new contagious respiratory illness detected in New England.
Veremedy Pet Hospital, which has locations in White River Junction and Woodstock, this week emailed clients an alert about the disease, which appears to have originated in kennels in southern New Hampshire.
“It may be spreading to other parts of New England, including our area,” Veremedy wrote. “At the moment, the causative agent has not been found, and we have had reports of affected dogs testing negative to all the usual canine respiratory diseases.”
Linda Waite-Simpson, the executive director of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association, wrote in an email that she had not been notified by the state about the disease. “It may be an emerging situation and they just haven’t notified us yet,” she said.
Dr. Brian Collins, a senior lecturer at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said dogs who contract the disease “are requiring more intense treatment than what they would typically expect from some of the more common respiratory diseases,” including hospitalization. He equated the severity to canine influenza.
Suleiman ‘Sule’ Kangangi died after a high-speed crash at the Vermont Overland’s 59-mile dirt road bicycle race on Saturday.
The circumstances leading to Kangangi’s crash and death remain unknown, according to Ansel Dickey, owner of Vermont Overland.
Kangangi crashed while riding down Long Hill Road in South Woodstock, “a well-maintained, straight, downhill section of dirt and gravel, with good visibility,” Dickey wrote in a statement Wednesday.
Riders trailing Kangangi quickly came to his aid, according to Dickey, and local EMTs responded to the scene. Kangangi later died while en route to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
“I have no doubt that everyone in the cycling community and the 1100 riders who completed the Overland are completely perplexed about how something this horrifying could have happened to such a high-caliber rider,” Dickey wrote.
Kangangi was captain of Team AMANI, an international group of East African cyclists.
The Vermont Overland race includes nearly 7,000 feet of climbing and utilizes unmaintained Class 4 roads in and around Brownsville.
A GoFundMe page for Kangangi has raised over $65,000 in donations to support his family.
Vermont State Police are investigating the death of an incarcerated person Sunday at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, three days before he was set to ask a federal judge to release him.
Ronald Roy, 71, of Errol, New Hampshire, was in the prison infirmary when he was found unresponsive, according to a press release Monday afternoon from the state Department of Corrections. State police, per protocol, are investigating Roy’s death. In an earlier press release Sunday night, they said the death “does not appear suspicious.” An autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death will take place at the state's chief medical examiner’s office.
Roy is the sixth incarcerated person to die in the state’s prison system this year, and the fourth at the Springfield prison. Over the previous five years, a total of 15 people died in state prisons, according to the corrections department, including 12 at the Springfield prison.
Vermont State Police said the man who tried to escape from the prison in Springfield last month did so by slipping between the top of the fencing and the razor wire above it.
Police on Thursday identified Dustin L. Deberville, 33, as the person who they say tried to flee Southern State Correctional Facility on Aug. 24.
Deberville is set to be arraigned on a felony charge of attempted escape later this month. He has been moved from the Springfield prison to the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans.
According to a state police press release, corrections officers at the Springfield prison saw an incarcerated person climbing the interior fence around 9:35 a.m. that day before slipping under the wire. The person was later identified as Deberville, police said.
A corrections officer took Deberville into custody while he was still on prison grounds, according to the release. He would have needed to pass over two other fences to escape the facility.
VT Digger launches general election debates with US Senate event in Manchester on Sept. 8
By VTD Editor
Vermont’s Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate nominees are set to face off next month in their first debate of the general election.
The event, part of the 2022 Digger Debate Series, is scheduled to take place Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester. A limited number of tickets are available now by clicking here. The event will also be livestreamed. The debate will feature Republican nominee Gerald Malloy, a businessman and veteran of the U.S. Army, and Democrat Peter Welch, a member of the U.S. House. The two are competing for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
This debate is sponsored by the Necrason Group.
The 2022 Digger Debate Series began in April and has featured events focused on the competitive primaries for U.S. House, lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. In the coming months, VTDigger plans to host at least four general election debates — some in person and some online-only.
Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022
Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester and online
Featuring Republican nominee Gerald Malloy and Democratic nominee Peter Welch
Register now
Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022
Online only
Featuring Democratic nominee Becca Balint, Republican nominee Liam Madden and Libertarian nominee Ericka Redic
Register now
Gubernatorial Debate
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022
Main Street Landing in Burlington and online
Featuring Republican nominee Phil Scott and Democratic nominee Brenda Siegel
Register now
Lieutenant Gubernatorial Debate
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022
Online only
Featuring Republican nominee Joe Benning and Democratic nominee David Zuckerman
Register now
Concert Report
Jaded Ravins
at the Wellwood Orchard Harvest Festival
Weathersfield, VT
In your email-include you phone number.
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.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.
News You Can Use
Town of Weathersfield
Select Board
Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes
All regular meetings are broadcasted live on Comcast channel 1087, VTEL Channel 161, and SAPA.org on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.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. 19
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboardAugust 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 4March 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
Kelly O'Brien Clerk
Wendy Smith Member
Paul Tillman Member
April 18 (posted now, but not posted at press time April 25 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
April 4
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 LawMinute 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 Police Blotter
Weathersfield School
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE
Weathersfield School Board will meets on TuesdaysVirtual Link: https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD AscutneySeptember 13 Agenda
October 11
November 8
December 13
January 10, 2023
February 14, 2023
March 14, 2023
School Board Meeting VIDEOSMeeting MinutesFebruary 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
October 11
November 8
December 13
January 10, 2023
February 14, 2023
March 14, 2023
January 11
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.
*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!)
Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
September 6 (Labor Day Monday) Tuesday Sept. 6 at 5:30
September 12, 19, 26
~Location Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House~
Tuesday Options: 9:00 am
September 6, 13, 20, 27
~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.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
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 93 Pleasant St. Claremont, NH (in the space formerly occupied by Dusty’s Café)
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
202 VT 131, Ascutney
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
4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
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.
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville.
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.
GET VACCINATEDand GET YOUR BOOSTERDo it for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community
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.
Scan this QR Code to see all the latest photos in my Galleries
or visit: www.photosbynanci.com
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.
or visit: www.photosbynanci.com