What To Do In and Around Weathersfield Vermont
Montshire Unleashed This Friday
Looking for a fun ADULT only thing to do...look no further than
Montshire Unleashed in Norwich Friday, January 10 6:30 p.m. The Montshire Museum of Science is hosting their annual monthly winter Unleashed evening program for adults only. Adults have the run of the museum to explore all the exhibits. Jasper Murdock Ale and wine from the Norwich Inn will be available for purchase, as well as food from the evening’s featured local vendor. Call 802-649-2200 for more info. Read more about this event on my blog. Tickets There are three more UNLEASHED nights: February 7, 2020, March 13, 2020, and April 10, 2020.
If you've ever wanted to explore the museum, kid free, this is the event for you!
Get Out and About
Friday January 10
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike and Astronomy Program- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park on Friday January 10th for a nighttime hike under January’s full “Wolf” moon. Learn all about the moon and its different phases and take a look through one of the high powered telescopes. Please dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear. Snowshoes will be provided along with light refreshments. Meet in the Forest Center at the park.
Montshire Unleashed in Norwich 6:30 p.m. The Montshire Museum of Science is hosting their annual monthly winter Unleashed evening program for adults only. Adults have the run of the museum to explore all the exhibits. Jasper Murdock Ale and wine from the Norwich Inn will be available for purchase, as well as food from the evening’s featured local vendor. Call 802-649-2200 for more info. read more about this event on my blog.
Montshire Unleashed in Norwich 6:30 p.m. The Montshire Museum of Science is hosting their annual monthly winter Unleashed evening program for adults only. Adults have the run of the museum to explore all the exhibits. Jasper Murdock Ale and wine from the Norwich Inn will be available for purchase, as well as food from the evening’s featured local vendor. Call 802-649-2200 for more info. read more about this event on my blog.
Annual Christmas Tree Burn Party 6-9 p.m. at Main Street Museum 58 Bridge St. WRJ. No need to leave the tree up until Easter. Come burn it on our pile of trees at the Museum. Enjoy Live Music, Gumbo, Treats, and a King Cake by the warmth of a winter bonfire. $10, to burn a tree and food. BYOB.
Saturday January 11
The Old Boys at Reading Town Hall in Reading VT. 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets: $10 at the door, children under 15 FREE. Donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged for the Reading/West Windsor Food Shelf. Ticket price includes dinner food provided by the beneficiaries.The Reading Winter Concert Series returns with the Old Boys, whose music is influenced by old-time/traditional folk music and punk rock. At this concert, the band will be performing songs from their upcoming debut album. Band members include Kevin Wright from Cavendish (slide guitar, vocals), Eric Wright from Toronto, ON (cello, tenor banjo, vocals), Julia Wright from Cavendish (fiddle, vocals), Justin Park from Barnard (mandolin, guitar, vocals), and Niles Franc from Reading (upright bass, vocals). Eric Wright is also a member of the Fretless, and he won a Juno Award in 2017 with this band for Instrumental Album of the Year. There will be a dinner buffet as well. This concert is the first of four benefit shows happening through April. Proceeds from all concerts will benefit the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, the Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf, the Reading Green Spaces Committee, and the Reading Recreation Commission. For more information, contact me at stephen.d.dagostino@gmail.com.
Lebanon Recreation and Parks host their 14th Annual dinner. The whole family can travel by snowshoe, ski, or snowboard at Storrs Hill Ski Lodge. Local sponsoring restaurants will offer light food and hot beverages as you get out and enjoy the snow and some delicious food. All proceeds benefit Lebanon Recreation and Parks and Lebanon Outing Club. This is an eco-friendly event - please help reduce waste by bringing your own mug, spoon and bowl. Purchase your tickets online with Lebanon Recreation and Parks-this event usually sells out.
The Aurora, Curtains of Light
A talk about the Northern lights hosted by Hartland Winter trails featuring Dr. Neal Brown who has presented his program all over the country. More info https://www.hartlandwintertrails.org/
Saturday January 18
T-Bar Dedication at Ascutney OutdoorsAscutney Outdoors will be celebrating its new T-bar 12- 4 pm. Following a short dedication ceremony starting at noon, free skiing will be offered to everyone until 4 p.m. Brownsville’s own Butcher and Pantry will be on hand serving up an awesome chili bar at a cost of $10 per person. There will be music and other activities, and the tubing lift will also be in operation with its’ regular purchased tickets. There is no snowmaking at the mountain, so just like the old days, the area relies on mother nature - a real commitment to Protecting Our Winters. The event will take place even if conditions aren’t acceptable – we’ll have a snow dance and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun!
Snow Ga at The Climb Fitness Center in Brownsville at 6 p.m. Join yoga instructor Linda for a relaxed snowshoe hike with pauses to enjoy the surroundings and yoga poses. Your hike will finish around the fire pit where s'mores and good company will be provided.Snow shoes are available for use but feel free to bring your own. $7 per Adult
Saturday, January 25
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Ascutney beginning at 9:30 a.m.. The Weathersfield Proctor library is hosting a Chinese New Year celebration with craft making 9:30-make your own chopsticks, 10-make your own dragon puppet and 11-practice writing Chinese characters. More info. call 802-674-5863.
Saturday, February 1
Winter Wildlife Tracking at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn how to identify the tracks and signs of the many critters that share your backyard and national parks. Begin with a 1 hour indoor presentation exploring tracks and animal movements, then head out into the park for several hours to explore. Participants may have the chance to trail exciting predators such as fisher, coyote, or bobcat. Dress warmly and bring lots of questions. Please pre-register as space is limited. To register or learn more call (802) 457-3368 x 226, or email us at leah_marshall@partner.nps.gov. Be sure to tell us how many are coming. More information can be found on our website: https://www.nps.gov/mabi/learn/nature/working-woodlands-workshops.htm
Tuesday, February 4
Beer and Oysters 101 at the Harpoon Riverbend Taps and Beer Garden at the Harpoon Brewery
Take a plunge into the exciting life of oysters and how they are sustainably grown by tasting raw oysters from different harvest regions along with beer pairings. Get your hands dirty with a shucking lesson from an expert shucker, and take an inside look into sustainable aquaculture farming methods. You'll get to keep a professional grade oyster knife, learn pro tips on preparing and serving oysters at home, and learn new recipes and ways to enjoy oysters with confidence. Get tickets at https://beerandoysters101.splashthat.com/fbTickets are $65 and include:
- 8 oysters per person with lemons, mignonettes, hot sauce, etc
- 1 house made pretzel with 2 house made dipping sauces
- 1 professional oyster knife to take home
- 1 shucking lesson and oyster education
- 1 beer flight and beer education
- 1 welcome pint
- Take home recipe card
- Conversation with Oyster Shucker Corey Burleigh and Brewer Fred Wills
Saturday, February 8
Full Moon Fiesta Storrs Hill Lebanon NH-RESCHEDULED from Jan. 11
Lebanon Recreation and Parks host their 14th Annual dinner. The whole family can travel by snowshoe, ski, or snowboard at Storrs Hill Ski Lodge. Local sponsoring restaurants will offer light food and hot beverages as you get out and enjoy the snow and some delicious food. All proceeds benefit Lebanon Recreation and Parks and Lebanon Outing Club. This is an eco-friendly event - please help reduce waste by bringing your own mug, spoon and bowl. Purchase your tickets online with Lebanon Recreation and Parks-this event usually sells out.
Lebanon Recreation and Parks host their 14th Annual dinner. The whole family can travel by snowshoe, ski, or snowboard at Storrs Hill Ski Lodge. Local sponsoring restaurants will offer light food and hot beverages as you get out and enjoy the snow and some delicious food. All proceeds benefit Lebanon Recreation and Parks and Lebanon Outing Club. This is an eco-friendly event - please help reduce waste by bringing your own mug, spoon and bowl. Purchase your tickets online with Lebanon Recreation and Parks-this event usually sells out.
Saturday, February 22
Fondue Night at the Library. The Weathersfield Proctor Library is hosting their 2nd annual Fondue Night at 6:30 p.m. at the library in Ascutney. More info. call 802-674-5863.
Cold Comfort: Winter Wildlife Adaptations at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park 10 a.m.-noon. Vermont wildlife knows how to get creative when it comes to the winter months. NPS Science Communication Specialist Ed Sharron will begin with an indoor discussion that explores how animals meet their basic winter needs for food, water, and shelter. Then, head outside for a snowshoe hike investigating different habitats. Event open to all ages. Please dress appropriately for outdoor activity, and bring a water bottle and snowshoes if possible. Adult and children’s snowshoes are available if needed. Event will continue snow or shine. Please pre-register as space is limited. To register or learn more call (802) 457-3368 x 226, or email us at leah_marshall@partner.nps.gov. Be sure to tell us how many are coming. More information can be found on our website: https://www.nps.gov/mabi/learn/nature/working-woodlands-workshops.htm
Classes and Tastings at the Inn at Weathersfield
Hidden Kitchen Cooking Classes. Saturdays. Classes fill up fast. Jan.11 Duck Butchery 10:30-3 p.m.; Jan 18 A Vermont Winter party 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m; Feb. 8 Valentine's Dinner for Two (or one with leftovers) 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Feb. 29 Learn to Make Charcuterie 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; March 7 Irish Party 10:30 p.m.-1 p.m.; March 14 Short and Long Braises 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m."Toast" Wine Dinners at 7 p.m.
Jan. 25 Paired dinner with Winebow-Italian Wines
Feb 22 Paired dinner with Selection Naturel James Hull
March 21 Tastings and Kitchen Nibbles 6 pm, wines from the Alsace region. Dinner 7-9 p.m.
More info and to make reservations call 802-263-9217
Music and Performances
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JAGFEST 4.0 at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction Feb. 7-8, Feb. 9 at the HOP/Dartmouth College. Every February for the past four years, JAG Productions has invited African-American theatre artists to spend a week in White River Junction, Vermont to further the development of a new play or solo performance. Over the course of the one-week residency, three-five projects receive an intensive workshop, constructive feedback, and a staged reading for the public at Briggs Opera House.
More info: https://www.jagproductionsvt.com/
Adam Boyce and Merve Comes at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock Feb. 27 1-2 p.m. Fiddler Adam Boyce and guitarist Merve Comes play old-time tunes following the senior meal at Thompson Senior Center. 99 Senior Ln, Woodstock, Vermont 05091.
Crown Point Country Club in Springfield. Jan 11 HeartFire 6 p.m.; Jan 30 Ali T 6 p.m. Feb 15 Day After Valentines Day 7 p.m.;
Inn at Weathersfield Live Music Fridays in Perkinsville 7-9 p.m. Jan 10 Jon Clinch; Jan 17 J. Michael Kelley; Jan. 24 Ali T; Jan 31 Rowland Hazard; Feb 7 Steve Ellis; Feb. 14 Rowland Hazard Feb 21 Ali T; Feb 28 J. Michael Kelley.
The Engine Room in WRJ. Jan. 17 Aliens vs Cowboys 9 p.m.; Feb 2 JG3 Acoustic Trio 5 p.m.
Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon NH. Shows at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Jan. 11 The Old New Worlds; Jan. 12 Juneberry Sings Bird by Bird 4 p.m.; Jan. 24 Recycled Percussion; Jan 25 recycled Percussion 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 28 Banff Centre Mountain FIlm Festival 7 p.m.; Jan 29 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 7 p.m.; Feb. 7 Johnny Gandelsman,7 p.m.; Feb 15 Mike McDonald's Comedy Extravaganza; March 15 Jason Lyle 4 p.m., March 28 A Bowie Celebration; April 5 Penguins 3 p.m.; April 6 Penguins; April 15 Kurt Vile w/ Cate Le Bon; May 8 Sewam American Indian Dance 10 a.m.
Neal's Restaurant and Bar in Proctorsville. Jan. 26 Bill Brink 5-8 p.m
Public House in Quechee. Feb. 1 Ethan Lawrence; Feb. 8 Live at Public House Pub 7 p.m.; Feb 14 Kind Bud 7 p.m.; Feb 15 Rust and Ruin 7 p.m.; March 27 Bill Brink 7 p.m.
The Skinny Pancake Hanover Jan 10 Allison Fay brown 7 p.m.; Jan. 25 Green Mountain Roots 8 p.m.; Feb. 1 Love v. Hate Drag Party 9 p.m.
Taverne on the Square in Claremont NH. Jan 17 Clubsoda Band 7:30 p.m. Jan 31 Senie Hunt 7 p.m.
Tuesday Acoustic Jams in White River Junction. Here In the Valley hosts Acoustic Jam Sessions every Tuesday night at 7 pm at The Filling Station Bar and Grill, 70 Gates St. WRJ. More info on FB Jam Sessions
Trout River Brewing in Springfield. Jan 10 Trivia Night with Simply Asian 6:30 p.m.
Windsor Station in Windsor. Jan 7 Greg & Pete 7 p.m.; Jan 9 Sensible Shoes 7 p.m.; Jan. 10 Cable Junction 9 p.m.; Jan 11 The Wheelers 9:30 p.m.; Jan 14 Ali T 6 p.m.; Jan. 17 Baked Shrimp 9 :30 p.m., Feb 8 Dark Star Project 9:30 p.m.; March 20 Cable Junction 9 p.m.
World Under Wonder in Ascutney. Jan. 20 Tanu larp Quest Night 6-10 p.m., Feb. 17 Tanu Larp Quest Night 6-10 p.m., March 16 Tanu larp Quest Night 6-10 p.m.
Food Assistance
Ascutney Union Church Food Cupboard in Ascutney 5243 Route 5 Saturdays 9-10 a.m. call 802-674-2484.
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 1-3 p.m. WFS is located in the 1879 Schoolhouse at 1862 Route 106 in Perkinsville. 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. NOTE-Beginning Jan 9 hours will be 2nd and 4th Thursday 2-4 p.m.
Rachel’s Kitchen in Windsor. Free breakfast 7-10 a.m. Mon-Fri at the Rachel Harlow Church 165 Main Street Windsor.
Windsor Community Dinners in Windsor. Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall 4 Court Street, Windsor.
Veggie Van Go in Windsor. Free fresh produce provided by the Vermont Food Bank. 2nd Tuesday of the month 10-11 a.m. Mt. Ascutney Hospital 289 County Road, Windsor.
Hartland Food shelf in Hartland. 4 Corners UU Church Fridays 8-10 a.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.
Other Ongoing Events
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
Nancy Nutile-McMenemy is an Upper Valley freelance photographer and writer who loves to attend concerts and local events in and around Weathersfield and the Upper Valley.
If you have an event you'd like listed please email it to: photosbynanci@comcast.com