Weathersfield News Sept 10 #weathersfield #VT
Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
photosbynanci@comcast.net
What a crazy weekend I had. Friday I photographed a lovely wedding up in West Fairlee-wonderful family. I followed that up by photographing the SOLD-OUT opening night of "The 39 Steps" at the King Farm Barn, Woodstock (see below.) The play is being performed by BarnArts in collaboration with Sculpture Fest and was so entertaining. Saturday before the rain I headed up to Killington to shoot the annual Hay Fest-area businesses create sculptures out of hay bales-always a fun event for families.
I closed out the weekend with a trip to Fenway Park. The husband and I had a yummy lunch at the Yard House-Chicken Mac & Cheese for me, Turkey Club with fries for him. Then into the park we went. Our seats were two rows behind the Red Sox dugout beside the camera pit. Young families with children sat beside and in front of us so our line of sight to home plate was perfect. All was going great until I got hit by a foul ball. YUP, when they say Watch Out for Foul Balls-They Hurt, they mean it. I was keeping score and doing pitch counts on my score sheet and had just recorded the foul. It was heading towards the dugout and I thought it was going INTO the dugout but it took a bad hop and hit me on the hand! Bill H. of Fenway Security was immediately at our seats asking if I was OK. He asked if I needed an ice pack and where the ball went. Our whole section was hunting for the ball but couldn't find it. He returned with the ice and again asked if I was OK and gave me a ball to take home-nice guy.
In my garden-The cucumber harvest continues so the freezer is being filled with freezer pickles. I'm running out of ways to prepare zucchini-HELP any suggestions?
Music to my ears-No music shows this week but I did attend a performance of "The 39 Steps" performed by BarnArts at the King Farm Barn in Woodstock. Oh my, what a fantastic show. The physical comedy and rapid dialogue reminded me of a Monty Python skit. Performances continue Sept 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sep 7 and 14 at King Farm Barn. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for students. For reservations please call 802-332-6020 or email info@barnarts.org To purchase tickets online and for more information visit www.barnarts.org.
More images from "The 39 Steps": http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/BarnArts/The-39-Steps
Taste of Weathersfield-Each week I'll highlight a Weathersfield treat or meal that I've found in my travels around town. This week I picked Wellwood Orchards Cider Donuts. They are available ONLY on weekends so treat yourself after a long work week with these delicious cake like donuts covered in sugar and cinnamon. If think you've had donuts because you've eaten them out of a box or purchased them through a drive-thru-NO WAY, you have to try these and you won't go back! Wellwood Orchards is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. but the Cider Donuts are only out on Saturday and Sunday. They are so popular that they make the up ahead of time by the bag full!
Taste of Weathersfield-Each week I'll highlight a Weathersfield treat or meal that I've found in my travels around town. This week I picked Wellwood Orchards Cider Donuts. They are available ONLY on weekends so treat yourself after a long work week with these delicious cake like donuts covered in sugar and cinnamon. If think you've had donuts because you've eaten them out of a box or purchased them through a drive-thru-NO WAY, you have to try these and you won't go back! Wellwood Orchards is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. but the Cider Donuts are only out on Saturday and Sunday. They are so popular that they make the up ahead of time by the bag full!
OK now for some news-Vermont State Police are investigating a vandalism incident at Mount Ascutney State Park in Windsor. Police say unknown persons spray painted on the rocks and brush at an observation point at the top of the mountain. Words sprayed painted include "Sara", "Baby Jace", and "Gokey". Anyone with information is asked to contact Vermont State Police at (802)-875-2112.
Obituaries
Alva Pratt "Bill" Estey of Ascutney died on Wednesday, Sept 3, at Cedar Hill Care Facility in Windsor after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was 87. He was born in Windsor on August 24, 1927, the son of Alva Peck and Marion Pratt Estey. He attended schools in Windsor, Plainfield, N.H., and Springfield, graduating from Springfield High School. He married Eda Frances Bickford on June 15, 1947. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary earlier this year. They made their home in Springfield until 1970, when they moved to Weathersfield. Funeral services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Springfield Humane Society. The Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, N.H., is in charge of arrangements.
Town Boards and Commissions
Select Board: The Board discussed the aesthetics of cell tower in Ascutney behind Strobel’s Service Station. The company is in violation of their permit because the cell tower in Ascutney does not look like what was promised. A previous attempt to communicate with the company (when the pole was white) was unsuccessful (no response was received). The Select Board directed the Town Manager to write a letter to the company that is constructing the tower inquiring (a) about the differences in the appearance of the proposed and constructed towers and (b) if they are finished with the tower. Pictures of the proposed and constructed towers are to be included with the letter. A copy of the letter is to be sent to the Public Service Board.
The board also discussed whether to discontinue Town Highway #81 – a Class 4 highway adjacent to Gravelin Road; they will view the premises of Town Highway #81 on October 6, 2014 at 6:30 PM. The Select Board will conduct a public hearing at Martin Memorial Hall on the proposed discontinuance of Town Highway #81 immediately following the site visit on October 6.
Perkinsville Schoolhouse Committee:
BJ Esty, Committee Vice Chair reported to the Select Board that the Committee has met several times since it was formed. The outside of the school has been cleaned up nicely and the plywood has been removed from the inside of the windows, making the building look much inviting and pleasant. Many people have been using Hoisington Field all summer. The Committee would like to pursue: Energy audit for the building; Remediation of the mold issue in the basement; Code issues; Fundraising and grant procurement. If funds are available from the demolition of the 1954 and 1969 additions, the Committee feels that finishing installation of the water and electrical systems and replacement of the handrail on the ramp would be eligible projects to be funded as they are directly related to the demolition of the other buildings. The Parks & Recreation Commission has agreed to fund construction of a new, handicapped bathroom that would be accessible from the outside of the building. The Historical Society is soliciting donations from its members to help pay for the projects. Many volunteers are waiting to help. The Committee is planning fundraising events and applying for a Historic Preservation grant. There is a balance of $16,431 from the demolition project. However, spending of those funds must be in accordance with the article that was voted on. Mr. Fuller stated that the Board should consider putting an article on the ballot for March Town Meeting to “get it done”.
Weathersfield Elementary School: 135 Schoolhouse Road Ascutney, VT 05030 802-674-5400
New Faculty and Staff: Dennis White, Bus Driver, (taking Chet Stone’s route); Rebecca Wood, Music Teacher; Caitlin Flanigin, Art Teacher, (2 days a week); Tara Ordway Smith, Library Media Teacher, (4 days a week)
Program Director Needed The school has been able to secure a grants to start an afterschool program. They need to hire an Afterschool Program Director to create the program, work on licensing and secure more funding for sustainability of the program. If you have an interest or want to know more about the job, please contact Principal Oakman at 674-5400.
Town Events:
Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Saturday, Sept. 13 Weathersfield Transfer Station 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Only district residents may participate. Up to 10 gallons = free 11+ gallons = $4/gallon. For more information, visit www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org Or call 674-9235 These events are sponsored by the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District in cooperation with the host towns. They are accepting LATEX PAINT this year!
A Sense of Place-Free Potluck
Thursday Sept. 18 6 p.m. Weathersfield Meetinghouse, Weathersfield Center RD.. Hosted by the Weathersfield Land Preservation Association, this potluck will celebrate land use and stewardship. The event is designed so folks will share stories about their personal land use experiences. Call 263-5217 for more information.
Weathersfield Community Forum and Dinner
Thursday, Sept 25 from 6-8 p.m. Weathersfield Elementary School.
The Weathersfield School Board, Superintendent Baker, and Principal Oakman would like to welcome you to a community dinner and conversation on This event is open to the public. Pizza and salad will be served. Babysitting will be made available. The Board is very interested to hear your opinion on a variety of topics, some of which may include, (but not limited to); WS Busing, WSESU Programs and the Strategic Plan, Athletics, Foreign Language, Afterschool Programs, How to keep the climate and flavor of our hometown school with so many state and WSESU mandates, Budget Pressures, Vision for the Future, Emergency Preparedness. And any other topics of interest to YOU! The board is hoping for a nice attendance mix of community members, parents and school personnel to make this a balanced and rich conversation.
Weathersfield Hikes:
Crown Point Road Hosted by the Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Group. For more information call Steve at 263-5439.
Sunday, Sept 14 10 a.m. Crown Point Road, from the Country Club to Reservoir Road. The section from the club to the orchard is about 1.3 miles, easy, and has a nice view as you emerge from the woods. The next section is about 2.3 miles and has a pleasant view if we take a short bypass. Both are downhill and on both sections the ancient road feels evident much of the way. Some stops and commentary will occur.
Monday, Sept 15 9 a.m. Crown Point Road, from Grout Cemetery to the top of Greenbush Road (where Tarbell Hill Road meets Tarbell Hill Road). Note the shorter options. This hike passes the only two original mile markers (miles 10 and 11) on the CPR. It crosses Branch Brook (about 6 inch depth) and includes at the end a climb of over 500 feet in over a mile and a half. (Strenuous.) The total distance is about 4 miles. This walk has no viewpoints, but is historic. Option 1: To the brook and back, about 1 ½ miles total. Option 2: Cross the brook, see the original marker, and head out to Branch Brook Road. Total distance: about 1 mile.
Ongoing:
Wildlife Photo Contest-2nd Annual Contest Sponsored by the Weathersfield Conservation Commission. Requirements: Limited to native wildlife (animals, birds, or insects); Limited to amateur photographer; Must be photographed locally (within a 50 mile radius.) One submission per person must be on a 8 x 10 glossy. There will be up to three places should there be sufficient entries. Judging will be done by 3 interested persons. Submitted photos can be dropped off at the Weathersfield Town Office in an envelope plainly marked Conservation Commission photo contest. There is a drop box at the Town Office for after hours. Please include with the photo: Name, phone number, address, and location where photo was taken. Winning photos will be mounted and framed, then displayed for one year at either the town office, library, or school, then returned to the owner. Submission deadline: Nov. 15.
Food Shelf
The Weathersfield Food Shelf is located at 7303 Route 131 - the former "World of Discovery" daycare. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, the Weathersfield Food Shelf will now be open every Thursday from 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Senior Exercise Program in Ascutney-FREE sponsored by RSPV- Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. in basement of Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney, VT. Classes are led by Geraldine Rudenfeldt. If interested call 674-5254 for more information.
Weathersfield Proctor Library-FREE Computer Tutor - Fridays 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Do you want to learn how to use a computer? Sign up for email or facebook or learn more about internet safety? Did you know the library offers downloadable eBooks and audiobooks? Sign up required. BYOL (bring your own laptop or smartphone if you have one).
Need to Find a Business in Weathersfield: http://www.weathersfielddirectory.org/
Sunday, Sept 14 10 a.m. Crown Point Road, from the Country Club to Reservoir Road. The section from the club to the orchard is about 1.3 miles, easy, and has a nice view as you emerge from the woods. The next section is about 2.3 miles and has a pleasant view if we take a short bypass. Both are downhill and on both sections the ancient road feels evident much of the way. Some stops and commentary will occur.
Monday, Sept 15 9 a.m. Crown Point Road, from Grout Cemetery to the top of Greenbush Road (where Tarbell Hill Road meets Tarbell Hill Road). Note the shorter options. This hike passes the only two original mile markers (miles 10 and 11) on the CPR. It crosses Branch Brook (about 6 inch depth) and includes at the end a climb of over 500 feet in over a mile and a half. (Strenuous.) The total distance is about 4 miles. This walk has no viewpoints, but is historic. Option 1: To the brook and back, about 1 ½ miles total. Option 2: Cross the brook, see the original marker, and head out to Branch Brook Road. Total distance: about 1 mile.
Ongoing:
Wildlife Photo Contest-2nd Annual Contest Sponsored by the Weathersfield Conservation Commission. Requirements: Limited to native wildlife (animals, birds, or insects); Limited to amateur photographer; Must be photographed locally (within a 50 mile radius.) One submission per person must be on a 8 x 10 glossy. There will be up to three places should there be sufficient entries. Judging will be done by 3 interested persons. Submitted photos can be dropped off at the Weathersfield Town Office in an envelope plainly marked Conservation Commission photo contest. There is a drop box at the Town Office for after hours. Please include with the photo: Name, phone number, address, and location where photo was taken. Winning photos will be mounted and framed, then displayed for one year at either the town office, library, or school, then returned to the owner. Submission deadline: Nov. 15.
Food Shelf
The Weathersfield Food Shelf is located at 7303 Route 131 - the former "World of Discovery" daycare. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, the Weathersfield Food Shelf will now be open every Thursday from 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Senior Exercise Program in Ascutney-FREE sponsored by RSPV- Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. in basement of Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney, VT. Classes are led by Geraldine Rudenfeldt. If interested call 674-5254 for more information.
Weathersfield Proctor Library-FREE Computer Tutor - Fridays 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Do you want to learn how to use a computer? Sign up for email or facebook or learn more about internet safety? Did you know the library offers downloadable eBooks and audiobooks? Sign up required. BYOL (bring your own laptop or smartphone if you have one).
Need to Find a Business in Weathersfield: http://www.weathersfielddirectory.org/
One VIP ticket for Sunday $70
email me if interested!