Weathersfield Weekly Blog September 18 edition
A visit to York Beach, Maine.
More photos below.
Heads Up-No Weathersfield Weekly Blog on September 25
I'll be busy volunteering to help clean up after the Vermont 50.
Mark Your Calendars
Town Caucus Time
Weathersfield Republicans Sept. 19 at 6 PM
All Republican Voters of the town of Weathersfield, County of Windsor are hereby notified, in accordance with 17 V.S.A. § 2303, to meet in caucus on Tuesday, Sept 19th at 6:00 pm, at the Martin Memorial Hall.
The Agenda for this Caucus is as follows:
I. Election of Town Committee
II. Election of Officers by the Town Committee
III. Election of County Committee Members
IV. New Business
For information or questions can be sent to: weathersfield.gop@gmail.com
Weathersfield Democrats Sept. 24 6:30 PM
The Weathersfield Democrats are holding our annual Caucus Meeting on Sunday September 24 at the Weathersfield Center Meeting House.
They'll have a potluck dinner at 5:30, and meeting at 6:30. Please bring a dish to share; they'll provide tableware and beverages. Also, please bring a friend who may not have attended a town caucus before. They'll meet outdoors if the weather allows, so bring a chair as well.
The meeting agenda includes electing officers, electing county committee delegates, and conducting new business.
Questions? Email julielannen@gmail.com
Mark Your Calendars
Town Caucus Time
Weathersfield Republicans Sept. 19 at 6 PM
All Republican Voters of the town of Weathersfield, County of Windsor are hereby notified, in accordance with 17 V.S.A. § 2303, to meet in caucus on Tuesday, Sept 19th at 6:00 pm, at the Martin Memorial Hall.
The Agenda for this Caucus is as follows:
I. Election of Town Committee
II. Election of Officers by the Town Committee
III. Election of County Committee Members
IV. New Business
For information or questions can be sent to: weathersfield.gop@gmail.com
The Weathersfield Democrats are holding our annual Caucus Meeting on Sunday September 24 at the Weathersfield Center Meeting House.
Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" Reading Group at WPL Tuesday evenings 6:30-8 PM
William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night features shipwrecked identical twins, unrequited love, drunken debauchery, and unbridled ambition! What could go possibly wrong?
Come and find out!
Join the revelry at the Weathersfield Proctor Library on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00, as we read and discuss one of Shakespeare's most popular plays.
Sept. 12 through Oct. 24, 2023
Weathersfield Proctor Library, U.S. 5, Ascutney, VT
Weathersfield Proctor Library, U.S. 5, Ascutney, VT
WS PTO Paw Drop Friday, September 22, 5-8PM Weathersfield School
WS PTO Paw Drop
Friday, September 22, 5-8PM
Weathersfield School
The PTO is kicking off the school year with an evening of FUN for students, friends, families, & community.
Activities will be happening all evening, culminating in a PAW drop & glow dance
party.
PAWS are on sale NOW for $1/each. Unlimited # of PAWS available for purchase.
Cash, check, & Venmo accepted.
Reach out to the PTO to purchase.
Prizes will be listed on the website & Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WSPTO)
Follow the event on their Instagram account too: https://www.instagram.com/weathersfieldschoolpto/
You don't have to be present to win.
Community Contra Dance Sept. 23
Join us for the next contra dance in Weathersfield Center!
Saturday, September 23, 6:30–9:30 pm
Weathersfield Center Meetinghouse 2579 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT
Doors open at 6:30
Dancing 7–8:30; Social 8:30–?
No special clothing, footwear, or experience required. You're welcome to dance, listen, sit or chat and enjoy that cold beverage you brought along.
Caller Mary Wesley teaching and guiding everyone through the dances. Wonderful live music provided by Naomi Morse ~ fiddle & Amy Englesberg ~ piano.
Contra Dance (noun) A traditional New England folk dance style, similar to square dancing, in which couples dance in two facing lines, following the instructions of a caller.
Potluck snacks/dessert after the dancing.
Feel free to bring simple finger food to share.
Bring a beer, a wine, seltzer, or whatever you fancy.
Adults: $10, Children: $5, Families: $20
Parking in the field across the road.
ALL ARE WELCOME ~ ALL DANCES TAUGHT
~ Masks welcome but not required
More info: https://fb.me/e/16JrvJxiP
Flapjack Frolic at the Weathersfield Proctor Library, October 13 and 14
Friday, October 13--Families drop off stuffed animals.
Saturday, October 14, 9:00 am--Pancake breakfast for stuffed animals and families.
Flapjack Frolic Guide:
On Friday, October 13, 2023, Library Bear will host a sleepover for his Weathersfield stuffed animal friends. Overnight activities will include story time, pizza, games, and a movie.
Stuffed animal parents can drop their animals off at the Weathersfield Proctor Library on Friday, October 13 with a permission slip that lists bedtime and any food allergies.
The Friends of the Library will host a pancake breakfast at 9:00 am, Saturday, October 14 for families to share with their stuffed animals as they pick them up.
Participants will receive photos of all activities.
Flapjack Frolic: Sign up required. Email The Library or sign up in person.
Frippery is BACK with a Barn Sale October 7
They are back at it! Please come visit us at 5357 US Route 5 in Ascutney.
This special event supports the Weathersfield Historical Society. They will be on site on Friday October 6 from 9-noon to accept last minute donations. Questions call 603 252 0936.
Frippery (meaning) noun. Showy or unnecessary ornament in dress, architecture, or language. This is a Weathersfield Historical Society event.
Frippery is BACK with a Barn Sale October 7
They are back at it! Please come visit us at 5357 US Route 5 in Ascutney.
This special event supports the Weathersfield Historical Society. They will be on site on Friday October 6 from 9-noon to accept last minute donations.
Questions call 603 252 0936.
Frippery (meaning) noun. Showy or unnecessary ornament in dress, architecture, or language.
This is a Weathersfield Historical Society event.
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News
Weathersfield School announces gel blasters or orbeez guns, are banned from all Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union Schools
In a letter dated September 15, Principal Martes wrote" Each year there seems to be a social media trend that impacts schools across the nation. The intention is usually to have fun and at the same time it can lead to problems and fears for schools. This year is no different.
I am writing this to let you know that effective immediately all gel blasters, more commonly known as orbeez guns, are banned from all Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union Schools, including Weathersfield School. This includes parking lots and athletic fields during school time as well as before and after school hours. Consequences for students bringing these to the campus could range from loss of privileges to school suspension."
New Covid-19 vaccines are coming to Vermont
Single-shot vaccines geared toward protecting people from new coronavirus strains could become available in Vermont as early as this week.
By Peter D'Auria
Vaccines that protect against new Covid-19 variants are arriving in Vermont, with shots possibly becoming available as early as this week, Vermont’s top health official said.
The single-shot mRNA vaccine — available in two versions, by Moderna and Pfizer — is intended to provide protection against new strains of the coronavirus that have been circulating in recent months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the updated vaccines Tuesday. They are recommended for anyone age 6 months and older.
“It’s really being provided universally to people,” said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine. “No matter what your estimation of your risk is, what your age is or anything. It’s really for everyone.”
Rather than Covid-19 boosters, Levine encouraged Vermonters to think of the vaccines as more akin to flu shots, offered annually to protect from an ever-mutating virus.
Police: Naked woman arrested after auto theft, crash, leap from interstate in Hartford
By Valley News
This story, by Patrick Adrian, was first published by The Valley News on Sept. 14.
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A naked woman stole a vehicle on Thursday morning from an auto repair shop off Route 5, drove onto Interstate 91 and collided with a cement truck and fled the scene by jumping off the overpass onto another highway before she was detained, according to the Hartford police.
The woman suffered “significant” though not life-threatening injuries and was transported to Dartmouth Health for treatment. According to a Hartford police report, the woman was suspected of experiencing a mental health crisis and, for that reason, police have declined to name her.
Hartford Sgt. Will Furnari said police were first notified of the woman’s behavior when they received a report of an individual at Bob’s Service Center on Ballardvale Drive who was “jumping on top of a vehicle.” Furnari said the woman was clothed when she showed up at Bob’s Service Center but removed her clothing while on the property.
A short time later, around 8:30 a.m., employees at Jasmin Auto Body — which is across Ballardvale Drive — were caught off-guard when a naked woman described as being in her mid- to late 20s entered the shop through the back door. She exited through the front entrance and got into a customer’s black SUV, owner John Jasmin said in an interview. Because the vehicle had a keyless ignition and the fob was in close proximity, the woman was able to turn on the vehicle.
READ MORE
Sign Up for Vermont’s Weekly Fall Foliage Report
Each week, this email will provide real-time information to update you on the progression of Vermont’s renowned fall foliage throughout the season. Emails will also include travel planning resources, including itineraries, fall events, attractions, and more ways to experience the season.SIGN UP: CLICK HERE
Inspiration for your next Vermont Adventure: CLICK HERE
Take the Climate Impact Survey
The Town of Weathersfield will be updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) in 2023. The purpose of this planning effort is to identify natural hazards and vulnerabilities, assess risk, and identifies mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate future losses resulting from those hazards.
This survey provides an opportunity for you to share your opinions and participate in the planning process. The information you provide will help us better understand your hazard concerns and can lead to mitigation activities that reduce the risk of injury or property damage in the future.
This survey consists of 16 questions and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
History Lesson-George Washington lays the Capitol cornerstone
On September 18, 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone to the United States Capitol building, the home of the legislative branch of American government. The building would take nearly a century to complete, as architects came and went, the British set fire to it and it was called into use during the Civil War. Today, the Capitol building, with its famous cast-iron dome and important collection of American art, is part of the Capitol Complex, which includes six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings, all developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
As a young nation, the United States had no permanent capital, and Congress met in eight different cities, including Baltimore, New York and Philadelphia, before 1791. In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act, which gave President Washington the power to select a permanent home for the federal government. The following year, he chose what would become the District of Columbia from land provided by Maryland and Virginia. Washington picked three commissioners to oversee the capital city’s development and they in turn chose French engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant to come up with the design. However, L’Enfant clashed with the commissioners and was fired in 1792. A design competition was then held, with a Scotsman named William Thornton submitting the winning entry for the Capitol building. In September 1793, Washington laid the Capitol’s cornerstone and the lengthy construction process, which would involve a line of project managers and architects, got under way.
READ MORE
Town Volunteer Vacancies
The vacancies are as followed:
Budget Committee (5 Vacancies)
Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies)
Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Lister (2 Vacancies)
Budget Committee (5 Vacancies)
Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies)
Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Lister (2 Vacancies)
Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (1 Vacancy)
Parks and Recreation (1 Vacancy)
Planning Commission (1 Vacancy)
Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)
Village Wastewater Committee (3 Vacancies)
Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 Vacancies)
Parks and Recreation (1 Vacancy)
Planning Commission (1 Vacancy)
Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)
Village Wastewater Committee (3 Vacancies)
Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 Vacancies)
Anyone interested in serving should contact the Town manager Brandon Gulnick at 802-674-2626
Select Board
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.Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboardAugust 21 (published in a Word document)May1 (minutes were not posted within 5 days, a violation of the Open Meeting Law)
Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
August 21 (published in a Word document)
May1 (minutes were not posted within 5 days, a violation of the Open Meeting Law)
*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
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT
Weathersfield School
September 18th-29th Bike Trailer
September 22nd PTO PAW Drop
September 29th Hats for Cats
Meeting Agendas may be found HEREOctober 10 AgendaNovember 14 AgendaDecember 12 Agenda
Weathersfield School Board meets on TuesdaysIn Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
School Board Meetings MinutesSeptember 12 Agenda
WS PTO
Newsletter August 18
Weathersfield Proctor Library
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
WPL Drop in Scrabble
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details
@ 603-252-0936
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details
@ 603-252-0936
@ 603-252-0936
Weathersfield Historical SocietyFollow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety
Weathersfield Historical Society
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsocietyWeathersfield 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 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 HouseFollow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch
Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurchAdventures
Long Sands BeachYork, MaineSeptember 14-15, 2023
Adventures
Every September my friend rents a place on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. I visited her last week and had a blast watching the waves roll in from Hurricane Lee.
Surf was definitely up. And the surfers, locals and from as far away as parts of Canada, were taking advantage of the sweet curls.
The sunset Thursday night was amazing.
The waves coming in on Friday were HUGE.
We also took a quick trip to visit Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine. A beautiful little fising village.
After breakfast we hit Long Sands Beach again to watch the surfers tackle the even bigger swells.
The surf was getting pretty intense.
I headed back to Vermont Friday evening to avoid the hurricane. On Saturday morning, my friend reported only light rain then clearing skies by noontime.
A huge thank you to Gidget and her mom for letting crash at their place.
More photos from Day 1: CLICK HEREDay 2: CLICK HERE
The sunset Thursday night was amazing.
The waves coming in on Friday were HUGE.
I headed back to Vermont Friday evening to avoid the hurricane. On Saturday morning, my friend reported only light rain then clearing skies by noontime.
A huge thank you to Gidget and her mom for letting crash at their place.
More photos from
Day 1: CLICK HERE
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops
Star Parties Planned at Hoisington Field
They are posting a list of potential star party dates, so that interested people can pencil them in on their calendars. They will also send out notices closer to the date when it looks like we will have clear skies for an upcoming Friday. All of these dates are weather dependent.
They are planning for this to start with a cookout at Hoisington Field — a Star-B-Q. Grills will be provided. Bring your own food to grill, and a small side to share. If this is a success, we may make it a regular feature of our star parties.
Below is the list of Friday nights with crescent moons or no moon for the rest of the year.
Friday Night Star Party Possibilities:
September 22, 1st Quarter sets at 11:40 pm
October 6, 3rd Quarter sets in daylight
October 13, No Moon
October 20, Waxing Crescent sets at 10:35 pm
November 3, 3rd Quarter sets at 9:19 pm
November 10, Waning Crescent sets in daylight
November 17, Waxing Crescent sets at 9:32 pm
December 1, Waning Gibbous rises at 9:27 pm
December 8, Waning Crescent sets in daylight
December 15, Waxing Crescent sets at 8:27 pm
14th Vermont 50 FREE Kids FUN Races-REGISTRATION is OPEN
Friday is the last day for online registration.
~~14th VT 50 Kids Fun Trail Run or Mountain Bike Ride~~
(For Children 14 And under)
Saturday, September 23, 2023 Noon-4 PM
Location: Ascutney Outdoors, 450 Ski Tow Rd. Brownsville, VT
Bib Pick up/Walk up Registration noon-1:45 PM
Register (one form per child) : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-IG_ELgZT-EBIkkwtOZJrzCzXiFrWbwkOi2djkCVz6mBvDg/viewform
Or scan this QR code.
Bike Ride* meets at 2 PM
1 mile Bike Ride*
2 mile Bike Ride**
*Helmets are required for ALL Bike Rides
**2 mile bike ride is for children who are able to bike independently.
1 mile Bike Ride*
2 mile Bike Ride**
*Helmets are required for ALL Bike Rides
**2 mile bike ride is for children who are able to bike independently.
Kids Fun Runs meets at 2:30 PM
1/2-mile Run
1 mile Run
2 mile Run
1/2-mile Run
1 mile Run
2 mile Run
The course will be a loop at the start/finish of the VT50 race.
These FREE fun races give the kids a chance to feel like they’re part of the Vermont 50 and are held during Vermont 50 race check-in and bib pick up Saturday noon-1:45 p.m.
ALSO--FREE Hay Bale Treasure Hunt for The Wee Ones ~3 PM Toddlers-10-year-olds
SPREAD The Word About Running and Mountain Biking for OUR NEXT GENERATION!These races are FREE, however they accept DONATIONS for Vermont Adaptive (https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/VT/Brownsville/Vermont50) or look for the donation jar at the Kid’s Race Table on Saturday.
More info. please visit: https://vermont50.com/kids-fun-run/
30th Vermont 50 Needs Volunteers September 23 and 24.
30th Annual Vermont 50 Race is happening Sunday, September 24 at Ascutney Outdoors 5:30 am-6:30 pm, 450 Ski Tow RD in West Windsor, Vermont.
Race registration fees from their races: 50 Mile Mountain Bike, 50 Mile Run, 50 Mile Team Relay and 50 Km Run benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (which started at Ascutney Mountain!) a Vermont nonprofit that provides four season programs for people of all abilities.
The race couldn’t happen without the generosity of local landowners and race volunteers.
They need volunteers! Before, during and after the race!
Register to help out: https://runsignup.com/Race/
They are still looking for volunteers to help on Saturday (parking, racer bib pick-up, vendor fair, kids’ FREE fun rides and runs) and Sunday, Race Day at the finish line and aid stations and MONDAY-race clean-up.
Volunteers get a cool t-shirt, meal ticket to our Sunday BBQ catered by Brownsville Butcher and Pantry! and some pretty sweet memories and maybe some new friends
Sign Up today! More info: https://vermont50.com/vt-50-
More info about the races: https://vermont50.com/
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), 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.
Melanie P. Sheehan, MPH
Director of Community Health
Local trails to explore: CLICK HERE
Also Hiking Close to Home: CLICK HERE
The opera house in Lebanon is CLOSED for renovations but the SHOW must go on, LOH is taking the SHOW on the Road.
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
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
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.
Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.-Slow Flow, Rest + Restore September 19, 26
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.
Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.-Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
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
Post Flood Information
FEMA extends deadline for Vermonters applying for flood aid
Residents of nine counties included in a federal disaster declaration now have until Oct. 12 to apply for individual assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday. State officials requested an extension earlier this week.
By Paul Heintz reporting for VT Digger
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that it has extended by a month the deadline for Vermonters to apply for individual assistance related to this summer’s flooding.
The new deadline is Oct. 12.
Earlier this week, state officials called on FEMA to extend the deadline beyond Sept. 12, and the agency’s federal coordinating officer in Vermont, Will Roy, promised a “very prompt response” at a Wednesday press conference.
Individual assistance is available to homeowners and renters in nine counties included in the federal government’s major disaster declaration: Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor. Residents of other counties hit hard by summer flooding, such as Addison, have so far been excluded.
According to FEMA, those who qualify for individual assistance may be able to receive help with housing or driveway repair, temporary housing, hazard mitigation, the replacement of damaged household items or vehicles, and disaster-related child care and medical expenses. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest loans to individuals for similar needs. (See VTDigger’s and Vermont Public’s guide to FEMA aid for flooded homes.)
FEMA extends deadline for Vermonters applying for flood aid
Residents of nine counties included in a federal disaster declaration now have until Oct. 12 to apply for individual assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday. State officials requested an extension earlier this week.
By Paul Heintz reporting for VT Digger
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that it has extended by a month the deadline for Vermonters to apply for individual assistance related to this summer’s flooding.
The new deadline is Oct. 12.
Earlier this week, state officials called on FEMA to extend the deadline beyond Sept. 12, and the agency’s federal coordinating officer in Vermont, Will Roy, promised a “very prompt response” at a Wednesday press conference.
Individual assistance is available to homeowners and renters in nine counties included in the federal government’s major disaster declaration: Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor. Residents of other counties hit hard by summer flooding, such as Addison, have so far been excluded.
According to FEMA, those who qualify for individual assistance may be able to receive help with housing or driveway repair, temporary housing, hazard mitigation, the replacement of damaged household items or vehicles, and disaster-related child care and medical expenses. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest loans to individuals for similar needs. (See VTDigger’s and Vermont Public’s guide to FEMA aid for flooded homes.)
Residents of nine counties included in a federal disaster declaration now have until Oct. 12 to apply for individual assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday. State officials requested an extension earlier this week.
By Paul Heintz reporting for VT Digger
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that it has extended by a month the deadline for Vermonters to apply for individual assistance related to this summer’s flooding.
The new deadline is Oct. 12.
Earlier this week, state officials called on FEMA to extend the deadline beyond Sept. 12, and the agency’s federal coordinating officer in Vermont, Will Roy, promised a “very prompt response” at a Wednesday press conference.
Individual assistance is available to homeowners and renters in nine counties included in the federal government’s major disaster declaration: Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor. Residents of other counties hit hard by summer flooding, such as Addison, have so far been excluded.
According to FEMA, those who qualify for individual assistance may be able to receive help with housing or driveway repair, temporary housing, hazard mitigation, the replacement of damaged household items or vehicles, and disaster-related child care and medical expenses. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest loans to individuals for similar needs. (See VTDigger’s and Vermont Public’s guide to FEMA aid for flooded homes.)
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 October 12
A guide to the FEMA aid process for flooded Vermont homes
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
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 October 12
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
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.
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
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
Workshops Online
Vermont Online Workshops
Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions.
Visit Our Local Restaurants
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)Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
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.
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 Daily Grind Café
Call ahead for take out (802) 674-985993 Pleasant St. Claremont, NH (in the space formerly occupied by Dusty’s Café)
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151
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
4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
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.
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 CLOSED 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
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!
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.
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.
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 VACCINATEDand GET YOUR BOOSTERDo it for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community
GET VACCINATED
and GET YOUR BOOSTER
Do it for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Information Page.
This summer has shown some of the lowest COVID-19 numbers nationwide since the start of the pandemic. However, recently there has been a small increase in cases seen nationwide and in Vermont, and a new variant — EG.5, which is a member of the omicron family.
There’s also a new booster coming this fall.
So it seems COVID-19 is starting to be on people’s minds again. Many of you had questions — and so did we.
We talked to state experts to help answer some of these new and recurring questions to help you take stock of the current state of COVID-19, fall vaccines and testing.
This summer has shown some of the lowest COVID-19 numbers nationwide since the start of the pandemic. However, recently there has been a small increase in cases seen nationwide and in Vermont, and a new variant — EG.5, which is a member of the omicron family.
There’s also a new booster coming this fall.
So it seems COVID-19 is starting to be on people’s minds again. Many of you had questions — and so did we.
We talked to state experts to help answer some of these new and recurring questions to help you take stock of the current state of COVID-19, fall vaccines and testing.
We talked to state experts to help answer some of these new and recurring questions to help you take stock of the current state of COVID-19, fall vaccines and testing.
What’s causing the current uptick in COVID-19 cases?
These new COVID-19 cases are starting to be comprised of a new variant, EG.5, which Dr. Tim Plante — a general internist, epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine — said is on its way to being the dominant strain in the U.S. The variant is related to others in the omicron family.
These new COVID-19 cases are starting to be comprised of a new variant, EG.5, which Dr. Tim Plante — a general internist, epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine — said is on its way to being the dominant strain in the U.S. The variant is related to others in the omicron family.
"It's thought to evade antibodies from prior vaccines and prior infections," Plante said recently on Vermont Edition, which is leading to more cases after a quiet stretch.
And new variants are expected — it’s just the nature of COVID-19 and a lot of other diseases, and they aren’t necessarily a cause for concern according to John Davy, a Vermont Department of Health epidemiologist.
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
or visit: www.photosbynanci.com
Have an Event/Announcement you want Advertised?Drop me an Email (at least two (2) weeks before)and you'll get your Event Listed Here.
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
Have an Event/Announcement you want Advertised?
Drop me an Email (at least two (2) weeks before)
and you'll get your Event Listed Here.