Weathersfield Weekly Blog, January 16
Petition for Taxpayers to Vote on Municipal Fire Department Budget Gets Required Signatures.
A petition has been circulated around town by Dave Fuller, and others, to move the proposed Municipal Fire Department budget out of the General Fund budget (similar to the Highway and Solid Waste Budgets, which are voted on by separate articles by Australian Ballot at Town Meeting -this year on March 5). The petition was turned in to the Town Clerk's office Tuesday afternoon with 141 signatures (122 are required-5% of the voter checklist).
The article to appear on the ballot will read:
Shall the Town vote to spend $265,070 of which $245,070 to be raised by taxes, for a new Municipal Fire Dept FY 2019-2020 ?
It was unclear at press time how this will affect the budget presented by the town manager, Ed Morris to the select board on Thursday, Jan.10 at the board's special meeting. The board was scheduled to approve the final budget and town related articles for Town Meeting on Monday, Jan. 21.
News You Can Use
Weathersfield select board and town news: Grand List up 7%, Municipal Fire Department Discussion ContinuesIn a special meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 10 the board reviewed the FY20 proposed budget and the articles for the March 2/5 Town Meetings presented to them by Mr. Morris. The grand list shows an increase of 7.3% (over $200,000 in new revenue). The proposed budget also shows a municipal tax rate increase of 1.4%. It is assumed that this tax increase will be used to offset the increased spending in many departments (Land Use, Municipal Fire and Highway).
The board will also be asking the voters to approve the borrowing of $250,000 to pave the Center Road (from Route 131 to the Springfield town line) in a separate article on the March 5 ballot.
In Municipal Fire Department discussion, Mr.Morris presented his proposed Fire Chief Hiring Procedure document which included drafting a job description; nationwide advertisement and forming a hiring committee: three members from the two existing fire departments, three citizens at large and two select board members. This committee would oversee application review and interviews with the town manager making the final applicant decision and the select board making the formal job offer.
A chart of the fire department hierarchy included: the fire chief, two deputy chiefs, two captains and eight lieutenants. After discussion it was generally agreed that two lieutenants would be more appropriate. All officers, except the fire chief, would be volunteers.
The fire commission was not listed on the chart. And when asked about it, the select board and town manager said that the function of the fire commission will need to be assessed. When reminded that the fire commission was created by a town vote and would need to be dissolved by a town vote, the select board acknowledged this and would revisit it in the future.
Select board chair, Kelly Murphy asked that the current fire department members to “step outside the muck” to help make this transition process work with the town’s best interests in mind. She also spoke to the rumors and misinformation in town and hoped that the voters would follow the select board minutes and SAPA-TV coverage rather than conjecture.
Other articles to appear an the March ballot are two open select board positions, two library trustees, one lister and town moderator. Petitions need to be filed with the Town Clerk by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17.
More information about the select board and the town contact Town Manager, Ed Morris, at 802-674-2626 or townmanager@weathersfield.org.
Weathersfield School news: Mary Jo Bojoko has asked Congressman Peter Welch to skype with WS students on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 1-1:30 p.m. The 7th and 8th graders are creating questions in history class to ask Congressman Welch, 30-minute conversation will happen in the AP Room. This event is open to the public. All WS classes have been invited to attend. For more information school news, please call the school at 674-5400.
Adventures and Assignments
Hartland Fitness and Wellness Celebrates One Year in Hartland, Vermont
Hartland Fitness and Wellness Center in Hartland three
corners and owner Stacey Mello, owner of the center, celebrated one year of
operation on Saturday, Jan. 12. The center is open three mornings a week, four
nights a week and on weekends. Classes include: spinning; Zumba, Tabata; kick
boxing, personal training, weekend warrior and couch to 5K.
More photos: CLICK HERE
Winter Concert Series Opens in Reading, Vermont
On Saturday evening Jan. 12, the first concert of the newly
formed “Winter Concert Series” opened in Reading, Vermont. The idea for the
series came about when Reading resident and musician, Niles Franc approached
the Reading Recreation Commission and suggested the series to increase the use
of Robinson Hall.
 |
| Still Hill performs |
The first band to perform was Franc’s own band Still Hill.
The band generously waived their performance fee so all proceeds from the
evening would go directly to the non-profits. About 100 adults and children
attended. The other shows will be held on Feb. 9, March 9, and April 13. Keep
an eye on Stephen D’Agostino’s town column for details.
Amateur sleuths gathered to figure out whodunit? and why?
Three Murder Mystery Weekends are planned for this year: March 1-3, June 14-16 and Oct. 25-27. The weekend includes two nights at the Inn, dessert reception on Friday, dinner Saturday, full breakfast each morning with awards and prizes on Sunday.
The next Deadly Fun Events Murder Mystery Dinner is being held on Feb. 11 at the Windsor Mansion Inn. Call (802) 674-4112 to get in on this “moiderous mayhem.” But don’t wait too long once word gets out, this event will sell-out fast.
More details about the event please visit my blog
More photos: CLICK HERE
Get Out and About Events
Tubing and Rope Tow Open at Mt. Ascutney in Brownsville this weekend.Tubing Hours: Saturday: Noon-4 p.m., Saturday Night: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Tubing Rules. Skiing Hours:Thursday Night Classic Race Series: 5:30-7 p.m., Friday Night: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sat & Sun Noon-4 p.m.. Please visit ascutneyoutdoors.org, for more information on winter activities.
UU Coffeehouse in Springfield on Saturday, Jan. 19 7-9 p.m. Bill Brink performs for the January Coffeehouse. Known as the Weathersfield "Town Troubadour," Bill plays an entertaining style of guitar that will appeal to all ages. Refreshments are available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 for this family-friendly evening of music and fun. The UU Church is at 21 Fairground Road.
3D Pen Creation in Windsor at Windsor Library, Saturday, Jan. 26 10 a.m.-noon. Learn to use 3D pens to create unique objects you can take home. Ages 7 and up (age 6 with adult). Sign up to reserve your spot by calling the library at 802-674-2556.
Chinese Take-Out Cooking Class in Perkinsville, Saturday, Feb. 2 10:30-1 p.m.. The Inn at Weathersfield is hosting a cooking class by Denise Atland. Learn to make: Shrimp toast, Vietnamese style soup with soba noodles, veggies with peanut paste, Sweet and Soup Pork, General Tao Chicken, Fried Rice & Soy-ginger Edamame Salad. Call (802) 263-9217 to reserve your spot.
Ninth Annual Chocolate Tasting in Springfield on Saturday, Feb. 2 noon-4 p.m... Visitors will be able to sample fine chocolates and chocolate confections from: Aroma Catering, Daily Chocolate, Heritage Bakery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Red Kite Candy, Springfield Food COOP, Vermont Country Store, a Shaw’s cake featuring a historic photo of the 1907 Bank Block, where VAULT resides today and more. The Chocolate Tasting is free, donations are greatly appreciated. VAULT is located at 68 Main Street in downtown Springfield, next to the Copper Fox Restaurant. For more information call 802-885-7111 and visit www.galleryvault.org.
3D Pen Creation in Windsor at Windsor Library, Saturday, Jan. 26 10 a.m.-noon. Learn to use 3D pens to create unique objects you can take home. Ages 7 and up (age 6 with adult). Sign up to reserve your spot by calling the library at 802-674-2556.
Chinese Take-Out Cooking Class in Perkinsville, Saturday, Feb. 2 10:30-1 p.m.. The Inn at Weathersfield is hosting a cooking class by Denise Atland. Learn to make: Shrimp toast, Vietnamese style soup with soba noodles, veggies with peanut paste, Sweet and Soup Pork, General Tao Chicken, Fried Rice & Soy-ginger Edamame Salad. Call (802) 263-9217 to reserve your spot.
Ninth Annual Chocolate Tasting in Springfield on Saturday, Feb. 2 noon-4 p.m... Visitors will be able to sample fine chocolates and chocolate confections from: Aroma Catering, Daily Chocolate, Heritage Bakery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Red Kite Candy, Springfield Food COOP, Vermont Country Store, a Shaw’s cake featuring a historic photo of the 1907 Bank Block, where VAULT resides today and more. The Chocolate Tasting is free, donations are greatly appreciated. VAULT is located at 68 Main Street in downtown Springfield, next to the Copper Fox Restaurant. For more information call 802-885-7111 and visit www.galleryvault.org.
Fondue Night in Ascutney Saturday, Feb. 9 5;30 p.m. The Weathersfield Proctor Library is hosting a Fondue party with appetizers, main course samples and desserts. For more information call 802-674-2863.
Music and Performances
Inn at Weathersfield Live Music Fridays in Perkinsville 7-9 p.m. Jan. 11 Johnny O; Jan. 18 Ali T; Jan. 25 Peter Neri; Feb 1. Steve Ellis.The Engine Room in WRJ. Jan. 19 The Wheelers 9p.m.; Jan. 26 Heartless Rocks 9 p.m.; Feb. 1 The Conniption Fits 9 p.m.; Feb. 3 Super Bowl party 5 p.m.; Feb 27 Girls Night Out 8 p.m..
Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon NH. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Jan 30 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 7 p.m.; Jan. 31 The Three Musketeers 10 a.m.; Feb 1 Moondance; Feb 8 Lula Wiles; Feb 9 Mike McDonald’s Comedy Extravaganza; March 14 The Very Hungry Caterpillar 10 a.m.; march 17 John 5 and the Creatures 7p.m.; April 12 A sick Day for Amos McGee 10 a.m.; April 18 Stand Up America-50 years of Jethro Tull; May 17 Dan Zanes and Claudia Eliaza 10 a.m..
Taverne On The Square in Claremont. Jan. 12 Conniption Fits 8 p.m.; Jan 18 Diamond Special band 8 p.m..
Skinny Pancake in Hanover NH. Jan. 11 Strangled Darlings 8 p.m.; Jan. 12 Ryan Leddick 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 18 The Conniption Fits 9 p.m.; Jan. 25 Barika 9 p.m..
Windsor Station in Windsor. Jan. 11 Turner Round 9:30 p.m.; Jan. 17 Still Hill 7 p.m.; Jan. 18 The Party Crashers 9:30 p.m.; Jan. 19 The Road Trash Band 10 p.m.; Jan, 25 Mister Burns and the Hounds 9:30 p.m., Jan 26 Adwela and the Uprising 9:30 p.m..
Ongoing Events
Low cost spay/neuter clinics in Springfield. Springfield Humane Society is hosting low cost spay/neuter clinics in 2019: Feb. 19, April 30, May 28, June 18, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept.24, Oct. 29, and Nov. 26 at the Springfield Humane Society, on Route 143. Cost is $50 for female cat and $40 for male cat. Weathersfield residents may be reimbursed up to $50 for the surgery with a limit of three pets per year. Get your SNAP form from the town office. Please call Springfield Humane Society for an appointment at 802-885-3997.Senior Exercise Program in Ascutney: Free. Sponsored by RSVP. Mondays and Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. in basement of Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney. Classes are led by Sandy Lemois. If interested call 674-5254 for more information.
Twin State Depression Support Group in Weathersfield. Free peer-led Depression Support Groups to all, the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm, 5259 Route 5, Ascutney, VT (Martin Memorial Hall - downstairs) and the 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm, 7 Morgan Street, Springfield, VT (Turning Point) Both venues are accessible. TwinStateDepressionSupportGroup.org or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TwinStateDSG/. More information call 802-795-0098
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. Route 106 at the old Perkinsville Elementary School.
Need to Find a Business in Weathersfield: weathersfielddirectory.org.
Have anything you want included in this news and events column? Email Nancy at photosbynanci@comcast.net two weeks prior to your event.