Weathersfield Weekly Blog August 7 edition


US Senator Bernie Sanders and singer-songwriter Grace Potter
hosted a Town Hall Style Meeting in WRJ Saturday
discussing Arts in Vermont
(more photos and info below)


Mark Your Calendars

And speaking of Arts...
LOH Presents NEXUS August 11-13
This wildly popular multi-stage event returns for a third year! Discover your new favorite artist in their signature line-up of eclectic national, regional, and local performers.

FREE performances ALL weekend. 
I'm excited to see all these bands but especially excited to see Jaded Ravins, Hans Williams, Ali McGuirk and Grace Wallace.



Frippery August 18 and 19 
Route 5 Ascutney (Claire Murray Building) 
Item Drop-off Aug. 5 and 12 or by Appointment


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.


WPL Announces Summer Reading Finale August 26, 1 PM



Area Summer Concert Series

Mondays in Lebanon NH



Wednesdays in Hartford VT


Thursdays in Lebanon NH


Thursdays in Farilee VT
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
August 10 Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band
August 17 Enter the Haggis
August 24 Big Head Todd and the Monsters
August 30 Della Mae (rescheduled from rain out July 13)

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


Fridays in Woodstock VT

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.
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


Fridays in Springfield VT
Concerts at Comtu Park-Hosted by Springfield on the Move
Springfield, VT 6 PM
August 11 Beartracks band
Also at this show Claflin Family Food will be serving up their yummy fare, Uplift Acrobatics will be performing during intermission, there will be gift certificate giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle

August 18 Mello Yellow
Also at this show Claflin Family Food will be serving up their yummy fare, Dance Factory students will be performing during intermission, there will be gift certificate giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle

August 25 Moxley Union
These guys ROCK!!! Don't miss this show.
Also at this show 
Claflin Family Food will be serving up their yummy fare, the Springfield Rotary Club will be having their memorial butterfly release during intermission, there will be gift certificate giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle

More info on Concerts at Comtu Park check out their FB Events Page


Sundays in Hartland VT

Hartland Rec Center Summer Concert Series
Summer Concert Series at the Hartland Rec Center Gazebo Sunday evenings
Sundays at 5 pm July 16 - August 13
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.


Westminster Barracks / DUI #4 and Criminal DLS Weathersfield Center Road

On 8/2/2023, at approximately 9:36 AM, the Vermont State Police-Westminster Barracks received a report of a single motor vehicle crash on Weathersfield Center Road in the town of Weathersfield, Windsor County, Vermont. 

Troopers responded to the scene and the operator, identified as 65-year-old Ronald Gallant, was transported to Mt. Ascutney Hospital. Further investigation showed signs of impairment. 

Gallant was given a criminal citation for suspicion of driving under the influence and Criminal DLS. 

Gallant was released to Mt. Ascutney Hospital staff and is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division, on September 26th, 2023, at 8:00 AM to answer to the above charges.


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
 



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


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. 
August 7 Agenda Packet
August 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 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 Police Blotter



Weathersfield School


SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER


Weekly Newsletter: 

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


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
August 8
June Retreat



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. Locations TBA.

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

Phil Scott unveils new ‘We are Vermont Strong’ license plate designs
The governor’s housing commissioner also spoke about the particular challenges facing manufactured home owners and urged them not rush to demolish their homes.
By Lola Duffort reporting for VT Digger

Gov. Phil Scott has unveiled two new “Vermont Strong” license plate designs that the state will soon sell to help residents impacted by July’s catastrophic flooding.

The plates are a re-do — with a twist — of the limited-edition “I am Vermont Strong” license plates issued after Tropical Storm Irene by Gov. Peter Shumlin.

“We wanted to make sure it was clear that we are all in this together,” Scott told reporters during a press briefing Tuesday morning. “Time and time again Vermonters are showing their willingness to step up to help neighbors and unite for a common cause. That’s why I thought it was important to change ‘I am Vermont Strong’ to ‘We are Vermont Strong.’”




There will be a next time’: Ludlow emergency management director gears up for future calamities
Angela Kissell, a firefighter and town clerk, stepped forward to take Ludlow’s emergency management job this spring. Ten weeks later, Ludlow was pummeled by a major storm that caused millions of dollars in damage.
By Tiffany Tan reporting for VT Digger

Sometime in the afternoon of July 9, Angela Kissell and her husband began knocking on doors in this southern Vermont town, telling residents to prepare for a possible evacuation. She’d been following forecasts of a storm that could bring as much as 5 inches of rain to Ludlow in the next two days, and the possibility of flash floods.

About 12 hours later, at 4:30 a.m. on July 10, Kissell joined other members of the Ludlow Fire Department in evacuating people from a manufactured home park as the Black River engulfed it.

And then, Kissell — who’d been Ludlow’s emergency management director for just two months — asked the municipal government to activate the Ludlow Community Center as an evacuation center.

Within the next 36 hours, dozens of people fled to local emergency shelters as Ludlow was pummeled by the statewide storm, momentarily becoming the storm’s epicenter. Some parts of Ludlow got nearly 8 inches of rain, which caused a massive mudslide downtown, spawned millions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes, businesses, roads, bridges and a state park, and temporarily cut off land access to and from the center of town.

READ MORE



Vermont Adaptive widens access to the outdoors
Whether it’s with MacGyvered solutions or new technology, verbal instructions or visual demonstrations, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports makes outdoor sports accessible to people with disabilities all year round.
By Hannah Cho reporting for VT Digger

As the Wednesday morning sun reflected brightly against Silver Lake, a small eagle circled above a pair of floating loons, dragonflies hopped along the water and an aqua damselfly zipped almost imperceptibly around a two-seater kayak.

“It’s a loon!” exclaimed Debbie Rhodes, a 62-year-old woman who has a cognitive disability.

The loon was having breakfast, explained her instructor, Liz Mead, who sat behind her, paddling to match Rhodes’ rhythm. The two followed the same path they’ve taken every summer for the past three years: straight on from the shoreline to a red box-like house, then right toward the bridge, before looping back. On occasion, Mead gently gave reminders: angle the paddle up against the water, keep it nice and straight.

In other words, it was a typical Vermont summer day. That is precisely the point for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, an organization that, as its name suggests, adapts outdoor sports education for people with disabilities.

Since its founding in 1987, Vermont Adaptive has grown to provide year-round opportunities to learn skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, tennis and more. In 2022, the group organized 4,651 outings across the state, with 930 unique participants instructed by 367 volunteers. This includes both group experiences, like the Silver Lake paddling excursion, as well as individual ski lessons.


Full disclosure-I've been a Vermont Adaptive volunteer since 1987.



Stoughton Pond on Sunday 7/30

Recreational Water Safety After a Flood Recreational Water After a Flood  

While rivers and lakes can have hazards and contamination under normal conditions, severe storms and flooding can increase the risk of getting hurt, sick, or drowning at these bodies of water. 

Stay out of any body of water for at least 48 hours following heavy rains, and longer if it has flooded. 

Rainstorms and Floods Create Hazards 
• Swollen rivers and fast-moving currents can create dangerous conditions at swimming holes and rivers for days after a heavy rain event. 
• Severe rains may bring bacteria or microorganisms that can make you sick into the water from overwhelmed wastewater systems and runoff. 
• Sharp objects, like glass or metal fragments, and spilled fuel or chemicals can also be carried into swimming areas by stormwater runoff and flooding. 

Stay Out to Stay Safe 
• Stay out of rivers and streams until the water is clear and calm – usually several days after a storm. Watch the currents and listen for the sound of unusually loud rushing water. Natural waters can have hidden dangers below the surface, like formations that create suction. 
 • After heavy rains, stay out of any body of water for at least 48 hours to avoid the risk of getting sick from contaminated water. In a public swim area, you can swim if the water has been tested and it’s safe. • After a flooding event, it may take several days before water is safe for swimming and recreation. 

What to Know Before You Swim 
• Check with the park manager or town to see if the swim areas are open and whether they have tested the water quality. 
 • Look for and obey any posted signs at beaches and parks. 
• Never swim alone. Water is stronger than you think, and accidents can take only an instant. 
 • Watch for cyanobacteria in the water, since extra nutrients from the floodwater may cause blooms. They can make the water appear dark green, and look like pea soup or spilled paint. 
• Don’t swallow beach water or swim with open wounds that can get infected. 
• Shower after swimming, and wash your hands before eating. 

More swimming tips:


Concerts and Adventures

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Plymouth Memorial Hall
Plymouth MA, August 2, 2023

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band are out on a 57 stop summer tour and the closest they came to Weathersfield was Plymouth MA and Lowell MA.

We hit both shows.

First up Plymouth, the home to the famous "rock". We didn't see the "rock in a cage" but we're OK with that.

We went to Plymouth for music and that's what we got. Close to three hours of the Large Band sound and Lyle's haunting vocals.



More photos: CLICK HERE 


Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Boarding House Park-Lowell Summer Music Series
Lowell, MA August 3, 2023

We probable should have just followed the tour buses north after the show in Plymouth but we stayed over then drove to Lowell the next morning.

This venue has been on Lyle's summer tour list for years but we've never tried it mostly because it's GA Lawn except for the green chairs (reserved seating and quite expensive). And with GA you can put down a blanket/lawn chair in the early morning and return at show time to get your spot. Traveling from Vermont, this seat saving would not work well and weather is always an issue.


But this year the weather forecast looked good and we were on the road anyway so we took a chance.


And we're glad we did. It was a mighty fine Lyle and Large Band show. Lyle even took a few requests from the audience.






More photos: CLICK HERE

Next-Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt in the Fall-stay tuned.

Billsville House Concerts at Levity Mountain Barn
Manchester VT August4, 2023

Back home in the green mountains, we had MORE rain. Which forced our favorite Vermont venue, Billsville House Concerts to move their Friday night show from their front lawn to the Levity Mountain Barn down the road.

Upstate (formerly Upstate Rubdown) brought their crazy good harmonies  and foot stomping tunes to the barn for the sold out, standing room crowd.









More photos: CLICK HERE
Show videos: CLICK HERE


Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Arts in Vermont
Lyman Point Park
Hartford (WRJ) VT August 5, 2023

On Saturday morning, dozens of people gathered in White River Junction to listen to US Senator Bernie Sanders and Grace Potter talk about the importance of arts and arts programs in our communities and schools.

The Town Hall Meeting included performances by three of the Kingdom All Stars: Liza Morse on keyboard, Jack Luna on bass and Jazmine Bogie on Guitar. The trio played a few original songs and a couple of covers.



Bernie arrived and spoke with some of the crowd and posed for selfies.

Grace Potter took the stage and spoke about what arts meant to her growing up and how she's still on a journey exploring the world around her through various media.



After Grace sang a few songs, the Town Hall Q&A session was opened.


Cat Viner, from Shelburne, VT closed the event with some originals she wrote (she started writing songs when she was eight years old.)


She had the attention of both Grace and Bernie during her set.


More photos: CLICK HERE
More videos of Grace Potter: CLICK HERE


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


Grateful Jam-Flood Relief Concerts 6-10 PM
August 11, 18, 25 and Sept. 8
One Heart Wellness Cooperative 64 Main St, Windsor, VT


More info visit the event's FB page.
Enjoy some local LIVE music and support our neighbors

Grateful Jam-Friends Play Dead Session I
A Benefit for Vermont Flood Relief
One Heart Wellness Co-op
Windsor, VT July 28, 2023

You have four more chances to catch "Friends Play Dead" and to help raise money that will go to help out our neighbors after the July Flood.

Weathersfield's own Glenn Selwitz on bass

Jon Scott

Rich Meijer

Pete Meijer

Steve Drebber


More photos and a few video clips: CLICK HERE

Break out your Birkenstocks and tie-dye and come groove to the jam.



2023 UVTA Tour de taste

2023 UVTA Tour de Taste
Sunday, September 10, 10 AM
Samuel Morey Elementary School School St Fairlee, VT 05045


Join Upper Valley Trails Alliance for their scenic, pedaling picnic through the Connecticut River Valley. Bring your bike to enjoy the autumn foliage and beautiful scenery at your own pace. Along the way you will meet local food producers and community members at food stops as you taste the delicious harvest bounty from local farms and restaurants.

Choose one of our three routes: the family-friendly Lake Morey Loop (6 miles), the Classic Loop (19.5 miles), or the River Road Extension designed for advanced riders (31 miles). Please see below for a synopsis of the three routes (when registering you will be required to identify which route you will be riding).

Your registration includes detailed route maps, directions, support vehicles, and, of course, an incredible menu of locally-produced foods! More info: CLICK HERE

Early Bird discount ends today, July 31



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

Final Bow...For Now August 9 4 pm more info and to RSVP

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

Brian Glowacki LOH on Location in Windsor, VT October 13 TICKETS

Newberry and Verch LOH on Location in Enfield, NH October 27 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


Classes are Mondays (on hold until the Fall) and Tuesdays

Monday Evening-Candle Glow Gentle Flow-On hold until the Fall

Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.-Slow Flow, Rest + Restore 
August Tuesday classes: August 8, 15, 22, 29

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.


Post Flood Information

Flood Clean UP-What to know
Those cleaning their homes after the flood should put their debris near the public road (*not common household trash). 
Towns will either pick up the debris or work with a contractor to haul it away. 

It is important that you sort out any household hazardous waste like cleaning supplies, fuel, paint, etc. Those items will be collected at a later date. 

Guidance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/debris-removal-guidelines-help-you-and-your-community, you needn't make six piles but hazardous materials should be stored away.

Front Porch Forum-Disaster Response Board-CLICK HERE
you need to sign in to access the board.


A guide to the FEMA aid process for flooded Vermont homes

Since historic flooding swept through the state last week, Vermont Public and VTDigger have been working to gather information on what you can expect when applying for federal aid. Here’s what we know so far.
By Carly Berlin reporting for VT Digger

Who’s eligible for federal assistance right now?

Residents of six Vermont counties — Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor — are eligible for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as of July 20. Other counties that also faced flooding could be approved as FEMA continues to assess damage on the ground.

You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen (including refugees and people granted asylum) to apply.


What is Individual Assistance? What should I expect from the application process?

Individual Assistance can cover such expenses as repairing damage to your primary residence, rental support if you’re displaced from your home, and loss of personal property (belongings in your home), among other things. It’s sometimes referred to as the Individuals and Households Program.

It’s meant to help with costs not covered by insurance — but it’s not a replacement for insurance. FEMA aid likely won’t replace everything you lost. It’s meant to meet basic needs and “make homes habitable, safe and sanitary again,” said FEMA spokesperson Briana Summer Fenton in a phone interview.

You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA app, by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or in person (more on that below).

When you register, you’ll be asked for identifying information like your Social Security number, an address where the disaster happened and where you’re currently staying, and a description of the damage you experienced. That’s why it’s important to document your damage before you start cleaning up.

After you apply, FEMA will determine what kind of assistance you’re eligible to receive. An inspector may get in touch with you to assess the damage; you can ask to see their government ID to confirm they’re not a scammer.
How much money are we talking about here?

The maximum amount FEMA provides for housing-related assistance is $41,000, though financial assistance to rent temporary housing and for “accessibility-related real property costs” aren’t subject to that cap.


READ MORE
When should I apply?--The deadline to register is Sept. 12


Disaster resources available for Vermont residents and businesses
Federal grants and loans can help provide relief to individuals and businesses in eligible counties.
By Hannah Cho reporting for VT Digger

At a press conference Monday morning, federal and state officials gave a rundown on disaster help available for Vermont residents and businesses as they recover from last week’s flooding.
Assistance for individuals

So far, residents of Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties are eligible for federal grants to help cover uninsured or under-insured losses resulting from last week’s flooding.

More counties are likely to be added to the list as federal assessments of the damage continue, and state officials said residents should wait until their county is approved before applying. As part of that data collection, state officials are encouraging residents to continue reporting damages by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting vermont211.org.

The aid is available through the Individual and Households Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

“This assistance can be for home repairs, or rent support for displaced individuals while repairs are made, and for other disaster-related expenses such as medical, dental, funeral, moving and storage and personal property losses,” said FEMA branch director Chelsey Smith.

The agency will accept applications through Sept. 12 on its website and at its call center, said Smith. Staff will be available at recovery centers and on the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to answer questions.

Once a person registers for FEMA assistance, staff members, who will be carrying badges, will visit that property to learn more about the damage, Smith said. To date, the agency “has received 882 valid registrations for assistance,” with about $56,000 in recovery funding disbursed so far, she added.
READ MORE



Unemployment relief, rebuilding help offered after Vermont floods
The federal government has approved disaster unemployment assistance benefits and eased restrictions for homeowners in flood-ravaged regions seeking financial help.
By Paige Fisher reporting for VT Digger

The Vermont Department of Labor will make federal disaster unemployment benefits available to Vermonters who were left without work due to last week’s catastrophic flooding, while the U.S Department of Agriculture has made it easier for rural residents to recover and rebuild.

The benefits are available to people in the counties for which the Biden Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration have made major federal disaster declarations. So far there are six: Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties. Additional counties may be added to the list in the future, the agency has said.

Individuals living, working, or scheduled to work in these counties may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program is available to low-income flood victims.


When Flood Warnings/Watches are posted-What should I do?

Vermonters should monitor media reports, follow instructions from Vermont Emergency Managementnever 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 EnglandBROC Community ActionCapstone Community ActionChamplain Valley Office of Economic OpportunityNortheast Kingdom Community Action; and Southeastern Vermont Community Action.


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.


Don't freak out but I had a Pistachio Creemee at the Brownsville Butcher and Pantry
And it was excellent!

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.

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