Weathersfield Weekly Blog July 13 Special Edition

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SPECIAL EDITION
It's High Summer in the garden
Sunny Day after the rains. But don't be fooled...

ALERT-More rain on the way.

This is a special edition of the Weathersfield Weekly Blog. 

I hadn't planned on publishing on July 17 because I was going to be busy volunteering at the Vermont 100 Endurance Ride or Run.    The Vermont 100 has been cancelled.
 
With more rain coming, I thought I should post something about flood safety and recovery.

The regularly Weekly Blog will return on July 24th.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Please stay safe!

Devastating Floods Hit Vermont

Flood Coverage through VT Digger: CLICK HERE

Steve Melanson speaks with WCAX: CLICK HERE

Ludlow

Weston

Vermonters should monitor media reports, follow instructions from Vermont Emergency Management, never attempt to walk or drive through flood waters, and familiarize yourself with your best flood evacuation routes. 

Some key resources
2-1-1: For help getting connected to resources and services such as shelter, disaster response, and more, call 2-1-1.

9-1-1: For emergency situations, always call 9-1-1.

Language Translations for Flood Resources: https://www.healthvermont.gov/emergency/prepare/stay-safe-flood

Vermont Emergency Management:
Twitter: @vemvt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

VT-Alert: VT-ALERT is used by the state and local responders to notify the public of emergency situations. Those include, but are not limited to, evacuation information, chemical spills, shelter-in-place alerts, severe weather advisories, boil water advisories, and roadway interruptions. NOTE: Residents can tailor the alerts to specific locations, types of alerts, and on which devices they will be notified.Sign up to receive VT-Alerts, here: https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert

Follow VT-Alert on social media for quick updates:

Best Practices for Safety
  • Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.
  • Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely.
  • If rising water is approaching, leave.
  • If you need to evacuate, do so over high ground. Plan that route as soon as possible.
  • If your home floods, have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home.
  • If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.
  • Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.
Emergency Updates
For additional updates, you can find below some recommended social media accounts to follow:

Information for Local Farmers

This is a challenging time for many farmers, and we’re thinking of everyone who has been impacted, big or small, by the latest storm. We wanted to send out a reminder of the resources available to you through Farm First. 

Free access to a Farmer Peer. 
Peers are trained in active listening, troubleshooting, and accessing resources. You can find one by location or discipline at: https://farmfirst.org/peer-support-network

Free access to a counselor. 
While your immediate needs are in the fields, if you need support processing your response you can access a counselor by reaching out to Eva Griffin, the Farm First Resource Coordinator.
During daytime working hours (8am-4:30pm M-F) call: 802-318-5538
Outside of daytime work hours call: 877-493-6216
Email Eva at evag@farmfirst.org

Free access to resources. On the FarmFirst website, there is a searchable database of resources that can assist you with a variety of services or accessing resources.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Get help for your animals
NOFA is collecting info on impacts
Vermont Emergency Management Website
New England 511 Road Closures
Vermont River Levels & Forecast
Vermont Alert Emergency Notification System

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me to learn more or get support! If you have other helpful resources that we should be sharing please send them my way as well.
Stay safe out there
Valerie & the Farm First team
www.HoneyFieldFarmVT.com

How to Help with the Recovery Efforts
At a press briefing about the floods on Tuesday morning, Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison also plugged a state website, vermont.gov/volunteer, where Vermonters can register to volunteer.

"For now, please focus your volunteer efforts on the hyperlocal level," Morrison said. "Check on your neighbors and the most vulnerable in your neighborhood."

The Vermont Community Foundation announced on Tuesday the creation of the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 to coordinate and distribute support to hard-hit communities. The foundation also recommended other organizations to donate to, including the American Red Cross of Northern New England; BROC Community Action; Capstone Community Action; Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity; Northeast Kingdom Community Action; and Southeastern Vermont Community Action.

Vermont Flooded, Iceland Erupted

Follow Isak's LIVE Streams: CLICK HERE

Mark Your Calendars

July 17 Public Hearing Agenda
Town Highway #95 discontinuance, Cook's Pond Rd

August 7 Public Hearing Agenda 
6:45 p.m. Martin Memorial Hall, Planning Commission, Zoning Definitions 

Weathersfield Garden Club Meets July 18


The next meeting of the Weathersfield Garden Club will be held on July 18, 2023, 5-8 p.m. a the 
Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House, Weathersfield Center Road. 

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. with some weeding around the Dan Foster House (home to the Weathersfield Historical Society) across the street from the Center Meeting House.

Followed by the monthly meeting at 6 p.m.


The Weathersfield Garden Club will meet on May 16th at the 1879 Schoolhouse in Perkinsville at 6 p.m.
New members and guests are always welcome. The club plans to meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Any questions? please email weathersfieldgardenclub@gmail.com

Related-The Dan Foster House is OPEN for the Season.



The Weathersfield Historical Society hosts this historical house museum will be open regularly through Labor Day on Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm.

Donations are welcome and help them with upkeep of the buildings.

WPL Annual Summer Evening with Friends and Neighbors July 29th


The Weathersfield Proctor Library has announced the date for their 11th annual Summer Evening with Friends and Neighbors. 

The evening will feature music by UNREEL, a Silent Auction and some yummy desserts all at the Weathersfield Center Meeting House on Weathersfield Center RD on Saturday, July 29, 2023  at 6- p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the WPL Capital Campaign.


Frippery is back-August 18 and 19


Weathersfield Historical Society Announces

Frippery 

Is back!!
August 18th and 19th.
Their location for 2023 is 5357 US Route 5 in Ascutney.

Please consider donating items for this special event. They are looking for small appliances, furniture, jewelry, linens, coffee table books and those select quality items you’re ready to part with for a good cause.

Volunteers will be at the location on 8/5 and 8/12 to accept donations. They are more than happy to pick up items if that makes it easier.

Please call Maureen (603) 252-0936 with any questions.


Area Summer Concert Series

Mondays


Wednesdays


Thursdays


Lake Morey Summer Concert Series
Lake Morey Inn hosts Free Thursday Night Outdoor Community Concerts. 
Food and Drinks Available. 
Gates Open at 7:15pm | Shows Start at 8pm
July 13 Della Mae
July 20 Uprooted
July 27 Kat Wright
August 3 TBA
August 10 Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band
August 17 Enter the Haggis
August 24 Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Discounts available for Lodging Room Rates
Lake Morey Inn
82 Clubhouse RD Fairlee VT

Fridays
Music by the River, Summer Concert Series
Pentangle Arts hosts Music by the River FREE concerts Friday evenings 6-7:30 p.m. at East End Park in Woodstock, VT.
July 21 The Tricksters
July 28 Bombajazzeando
August 4 The Freese Brothers Big band with Sabrina Brown
August 11 Wesli
August 18 Jay Nash and Friends
August 25 Houston Bernard

Lawn opens at 5:30 pm
East End Park
217 Maxham Meadow Way
Woodstock, VT 05091

Rain Location:
Woodstock Town Hall Theatre

Sundays

Hartland Rec Center Summer Concert Series
Summer Concert Series at the Hartland Rec Center Gazebo Sunday evenings
Sundays at 5pm July 16 - August 13
July 16 The Gully Boys
July 23 Still Hill
July 30 Ali T
August 6 Carlos Ocasio
August 13 Jim Yeager

All concerts are free and open to the public. Sponsored by Mascoma Savings Bank.

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

Town/School News


The Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union (WSESU) Summer Meals Program begins this week.

WHO: For ALL youth up to age 18 including those who haven't started school or who have graduated; WSESU students from Hartland, Weathersfield, West Windsor, and Windsor.

WHAT: FREE Food for most of the summer; breakfast and lunch offerings, food offerings vary by week but includes balanced meals with drinks, fruits/veggies, proteins, etc.

WHEN: Runs Monday - Friday, from July 10 - August 11, 2023

WHERE: Windsor School, 127 State Street Windsor VT 05089

HOW: 7:30am - 9:00am drive-thru pick up option (on the way to camp or daycare)
9:00am - 11:00am pick up inside or kids can eat their meals in the dining hall.

Town Volunteer Vacancies
There were no appointments made at the April 17th meeting but Selectboard Chair Mike Todd read the available vacancies  
a. Budget Committee (5 Vacancies) 
b. Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies) 
c. Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy) 
d. Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy) 
e. Lister (1 Vacancy) f. Parks and Recreation (2 Vacancies) 
g. Veterans Memorial Committee (4 Vacancies) 
h. Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 Vacancies)

Anyone interested in serving should contact the Town manager Brandon Gulnick at 802-674-2626

New book to be published about the Perkinsville School

Schoolhouse Maypole

Steve Aikenhead has announced that he is publishing a new book about the Perkinsville School and would love to hear from folks about their memories of time spent at the school.
1956 from Betsey Child collection

Here are a few examples of what he's collected so far.

From Jonathan Titcomb:
My parents started me in Perkinsville in 1955 at age 5, and I think I was a little young for first grade. Later my mother thought so, too. One of the first things to happen was the earliest vaccinations for polio, and we were all marched down to the Grange Hall for our first shots. It seemed like those were awfully big needles. The next vaccinations were moved up to the school, and the needles seemed smaller. Dennis Reynells and I spotted a wastebasket full of used syringes and all that we saw were squirt guns! They were fantastic squirt guns, so easy to fill and then shoot. We were really enjoying our play and then something called a principal came along and rained on our parade. That trove of squirt guns had all been thrown away and they were OURS.

From Barbara Volta:
My most memorable experience when I went to Perkinsville School was the afternoon I gave Dottie Richardson a ride almost all the way to her house on my bike. As we came down the Route 106 hill from school, going fast, my front wheel started wobbling. I saw a car approaching, so I moved closer to the side of the road where the bike hit soft dirt. The bike fell over. I had given Dottie a cushion to sit on, and she and the cushion slid off nicely, but I went face forward and hit the bike handlebars. My face was all blood. ... My nose has been crooked ever since.

 1972 School Bus crash

Steve started working on this project after the renovation of the school was completed last year. 

There is still has room for more stories and Steve would love to hear from anyone with stories about the Perkinsville School. Stories can be told to Steve over the phone or sent to him at the email address below. 

His collection of stories and photos will continue through July.

The book will be available also from the Weathersfield Historical Society or directly from me. (steve@vermontel.net, or 263-5439.)

(Photos and excerpts courtesy of Steve Aikenhead)
 


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  and Term 
Mike Todd Chair 2024
Paul Tillman Vice Chair 2026
David Fuller Member 2025
Kelly O'Brien Clerk 2025
Wendy Smith Member 2024
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m. 
July 17
August 7, 21

*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 Police Blotter


Weathersfield School


SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER


Weekly Newsletter: June 14

Save the Dates
August 28th Welcome Back BBQ and Open House
August 30th First Day of School

Weathersfield School Board

Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney 

The June Board Meeting is the annual Board Retreat and July there is no Board Meeting. The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting for August 8th at 6:30 PM.

School Board Meetings
Meeting Minutes
May 9
April 18 
March 14
February 14
January 10, 2023  
December 13 
November 8
October 11


Weathersfield Proctor Library
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)


WPL Drop in Scrabble
Mondays at 1 p.m.

Please call Maureen Bogosian for details
@ 603-252-0936

Weathersfield Historical Society
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Garden Club


The Weathersfield Garden Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at rotating venues around town at 6 p.m.

New members and guests are always welcome.  

Any questions? please email weathersfieldgardenclub@gmail.com

Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Local and State News

Summer is Here — Swim Safely!

Swimming, playing, and relaxing in the water might be one of the best parts of the summer. Wherever you swim, keep these safety tips in mind:
  • Assign an adult to be a Water Watcher to pay close attention to every swimmer. Drowning is swift and silent, not loud and splashy like in the movies.
  • Stay out of lakes and ponds if you see cyanobacteria blooms (blue-green algae), which can make people and pets sick.
  • Don't go swimming if you've had diarrhea in the last two weeks. Don't swallow the water, and don't poop or pee in it. Take lots of bathroom and diaper changing breaks.
  • Be extra careful in swimming holes. Avoid drop-offs, enter the water feet-first and don't swim if there are storm clouds, high winds or after heavy rainfalls.
  • When boating, check the water depth and flow before you launch. Check the weather forecast and always wear a life jacket.
Happy swimming, and don't forget your sunscreen! Get more summer tips – like where to find cooling sites when it's hot outside – at https://www.healthvermont.gov/summer-safety-tips

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


Andy Warhol in Vermont
Hall Art Foundation, Reading VT

The Hall Art Foundation is pleased to announce an exhibition by famed American artist Andy Warhol to be held in its galleries in Reading, Vermont from 13 May – 26 November 2023. 

Cultural icon, celebrity and provocateur, Andy Warhol produced works that are instantly recognizable and have inspired a generation of artists. Seriality and appropriation were signature aspects of Warhol’s painting and sculptural practice. 

He often made many different versions of the same subject, perhaps most famously with his iconic multi-part work, Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) which depicts 32 different versions of a Campbell’s soup can. Shortly after completing these works, Warhol began to make paintings using silk-screens, a process that greatly facilitated his explorations of image multiplicity. 

For any given subject, Warhol might use several different source images, producing multiple versions of each picture, sometimes in different sized formats, or sometimes using different color combinations for the silkscreen inks and paints, or sometimes both. 

In other cases, he would use the same exact silkscreen and the same color silkscreen inks and paints, allowing the randomness of the screening process itself to introduce variations in tonality and color saturation in the individual paintings.


Volunteers in Action (ViA) is seeking volunteers

Volunteers in Action (ViA), a neighbor helping neighbor organization, is seeking immediate volunteer support for two Meals on Wheels routes in Windsor. Details:
  • Open shifts available Monday through Friday, help when you have time
  •  Roughly 2-hour commitment (10am – Noon) on volunteer days
  • Individual training available upon sign-up
  • Minimal driving, low mileage routes.
  • There are additional needs in Weathersfield as well, if people are interested.
For more information: Call (802) 674-5971 Email via@mahhc.org
Melanie P. Sheehan, MPH
Director of Community Health



Local trails to explore: CLICK HERE

Also Hiking Close to Home: CLICK HERE
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

Arrival from Sweden-The Music of ABBA, August 8 TICKETS

NEXUS August 11, 12, and 13-FREE  Learn More

Bizet's Carmen July 16-21, 2023 TICKETS
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel July 27-30, 2023 TICKETS

Yoga and Massage

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga 

at the Weathersfield Meeting House (Center Church)

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


March Classes Mondays and Tuesdays

Candle Glow Gentle Flow-On hold until the Fall

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore 
Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.
No Class July 4
July 18, 25

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

Please arrive 5-15 minutes early with your own props and mats.

REFRAIN FROM: Wearing ice cleats (into the building), shoes, perfume, or cologne in the practice space. Do not come to class if you are feeling ill.



One Love Bodhi Works has a massage made just for you. 
Each person is unique and so are their massage needs.
Anne will identify and address your barriers and help you to live relaxed and pain-free.

Sign up with Anne S. today and you'll thank yourself tomorrow BOOK an appointment.

One Love Bodhi Works is located at 289 Putnam Road, Springfield, VT 05156

10% of profits go back to the community. Giving back has never felt so good.


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.

The Copper Fox 56 Main St., Ste. 1 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-1031
Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm  Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

Daily Grind Café 
Call ahead for take out (802) 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.

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

Maebellines (802) 591-4311
12 Clinton Street, Springfield, VT Open for breakfast and lunch, daily except Sundays.

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 Open for the Season
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




The Vermont Creemee Database: Vote for your favorite

Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger

Nothing goes better with a hot Vermont summer day than a cold, sweet, creamy cone of soft serve ice cream.

Wait, soft serve? What are you talking about? There’s only one type of ice cream that reigns supreme in the Green Mountain State: the creemee.

A creemee is not quite synonymous with soft serve, but they share some similarities. Both take prepared ice cream “bases” that vendors can mix flavor into and serve from the same machine, according to E.B. Flory, dairy chief of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Creemees, however, are supposed to contain a higher percentage of butterfat — a minimum of 14%, versus 10%-14% for soft serve, Flory said. Creemees are often sold in maple, black raspberry, vanilla and chocolate flavors, or as a twist of two flavors. They can come with toppings or be dipped into chocolate or other sauces to create a hard outer coating.

How many creemee stands are there in Vermont? Until recently, this seemed an unanswerable question. But then Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts revealed on Twitter that his agency maintains a licensing system that tracks this sort of thing.

So VTDigger did what VTDigger does: We filed a public records request.

The data we obtained shows that roughly 400 Vermont establishments have active licenses to operate “frozen dessert” machines. That count, however, includes vendors who sling creemees, as well as those who dish out soft serve.

About a quarter of the licensees were chains such as McDonald’s, Cumberland Farms and Walmart. There were also some oddball spots, such as universities, movie theaters and hospital cafeterias.


Food Assistance

Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville.
The food shelf is open 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. 
 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.

VT Digger Coronavirus Report: CLICK HERE

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.

Scan this QR Code to see all the latest  photos in my Galleries



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