Weathersfield Weekly Blog April 25 edition

-
Fireside Beverage-Now OPEN on Rte. 5 in Ascutney


News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)

This week saw two new businesses open in Ascutney...
Well, not new but expanded new space. Fireside Beverage opened on Wednesday and expanded their retail space by 10 fold.

They are located at 6220 Route 5 in Ascutney and are open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. They have something for everyone in their bright, new, beautiful store.

There are toys and games for children.

Snacks, soda, and ice cream.


Manager Gardner Sinclair says they will getting more camping and RV supplies and they will be selling firewood too.

And they sell beverages, heck it's in their name, adult beverage that is. Beer, Wine and Liquor.




Their selection of Vermont Breweries' and Distilleries' offerings is quite extensive and Gardner says that if his distributor carries it-he can get it for you. He also plans to offer kegs soon now that Fireside has a MUCH, MUCH large cooler.

He also hopes to offer wine tastings in the future, for those that like the "grape". 

Me, I was just drooling over his selection of Single Malts.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Batteries, Plus Opens
6220 Route 5, Ascutney-two doors down from Fireside Beverage

They have all kinds of batteries from heavy duty car batteries to button batteries. And everything in between.

The "PLUS" is some pretty cool stuff. Light bulbs of all colors and types.

Flashlights and head lamps.

Colored light strips.

Key fobs.

Even lights for your pups!
Batteries Plus opened a week ago and will have store hours everyday, seven days a week, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

They can repair your cell phones and your watches. They can refill your battery when it gets low. They have motorcycle batteries, golf cart batteries, lawn and garden batteries and well-LOTS of batteries.

More photos: CLICK HERE


AVFA Mother's Day Flower Sale at Ascutney Village Farmers Market
Saturday, May 7, 2022 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
5585 Route 5, Ascutney

Don't forget about MOM, stop by the greenhouse at Ascutney Village Farmers Market , which will be stuffed with flowers, hanging baskets and plants, all on sale to benefit Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association on Saturday May 7. 

Music by Richie B, and vendors too. Rain or shine.

Want to be a vendor-Message Ascutney Village Farmers Market on Facebook or email ascutneyfarmersmarket@comcast.net

Villager's Ice Cream Restaurant Reopens April 29

This ice cream lover cannot wait!
Peace, Love and Ice Cream, baby!

While Vermont hunters search for turkeys, scientists prowl for ticks
Talia Heisey reporting for VT Digger.

Vermont turkey hunters this year are being asked to also be on the prowl for lone star ticks.

For the first time, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets volunteers will inspect turkeys for lone star ticks at the start of this year’s turkey hunting season, according to a press release from the agency.

Chris Bernier, lead turkey researcher at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, said they’re hoping to confirm the existence of the lone star stick in Vermont — which has yet to be identified in the state — by examining the harvested birds. The tick has “eluded capture through standard surveillance methods,” including dragging a white cloth through forest underbrush and vegetation, according to the release.

While the first objective this turkey season is to try to find lone star ticks, Bernier said, “the second objective is to test this system, its viability for monitoring for this tick species.”

Volunteers will staff several reporting stations around the state during the upcoming Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend (April 23 and 24) and opening day of the 2022 spring turkey season (May 1), according to the release.

READ MORE

Former Vermont State Trooper Cited for Animal Cruelty
A former trooper with the Vermont State Police, Zachary Gauthier, 31, of Weathersfield, was cited Tuesday morning on suspicion of animal cruelty and perjury. According to an affidavit of probable cause, in December 2021, Gauthier punched his family’s dog and broke a knuckle on his hand in doing so.

While under oath during a February 24, 2022, court hearing in an unrelated proceeding, police say Gauthier lied about suffering the injury to his hand. Investigators also determined he lied while under oath about the presence of alcohol in a car he was driving that crashed on October 30, 2021.

Additionally, the Springfield Police Department on Tuesday cited Gauthier on a charge of violating an abuse prevention order. Following consultation by the Vermont State Police with the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office, Gauthier was cited to appear at 12:30 p.m. on April 19 in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in White River Junction. The case was handled by a detective sergeant assigned to State Police headquarters with help from the Attorney’s Office, to ensure investigators were from outside the area where Gauthier used to work. Gauthier had been assigned as a detective trooper at the Westminster Barracks. He was placed on paid relief from duty earlier this year and resigned the week of April 11.

The Vermont State Police is unable to comment further on the case. The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the court and made public following Gauthier’s arraignment.

Windsor Community and the American Red Cross are hosting upcoming blood drives.

Please join their lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today
 
Holiday Inn Ballroom (at Ascutney Mountain) 
485 Hotel Drive, Brownsville, VT, 05037
Wed Apr 20, 2022
Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00: PM
Blood Program Leader Name: Lanie Wadelton
Click here to make an appointment

Donors in and around Windsor and Reading Communities the Holiday Inn is hosting, and every eligible donor is welcome to come donate at any of the upcoming drives: 
Wed. 5/18, Wed. 6/15, Wed. 7/13, Wed. 8/17, Wed. 9/14. 

More dates to be confirmed soon. Make sure you choose a date that is 8 weeks after your last whole blood donation or 16 weeks after your last power red donation. 

Plan like you do for an oil change or a haircut. Make your appointment in advance. They look forward to seeing you!

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.


ICYMI
Things to Do


You can print your town road map found here: 
https://vtrans.vermont.gov/content/planning/maps/town-maps/highway-maps

It will give you total miles of town roads - we are not including State or US highways in this for safety and legal reasons. Challenge your families, schools, sports teams, scouts, Rotaries, Lions Clubs, church groups etc. to sign up for a section of road. I will share your good work on our social channels on Green Up Day and beyond so text me when you have it all covered or updates along the way - I will share it. 802-522-7245. Photos are great too. People love a good challenge - have fun with this!

Utilize the App

Green Up Vermont in iPhone app stores and greenupvermont on Google Play. People can build teams, watch the competitive leader board and drop pins in your town to let you know where the bags are. I am working on building a cheat sheet to explain more and will send that along once I have completed it.

Collect the Data

Even if you don’t have all the answers, try to collect as much as you can and email it in to greenup@greenupvermont.org after Green Up Day. This is super helpful when applying for grants and other funding that might get us some help with tire disposal, recycling and more educational programing into schools. Do your best, doesn’t have to be perfect or complete. Your best is much appreciated! (Data form attached)

Text your pictures and short detail to 802-522-7245

Concert Report
Get Out and Support Live Music

Rooney & McCaffrey
Guest Artist Patti Casey
Sharon VT April 22, 2022

Seven Stars Arts Center continued their monthly music series hosted by Jim Rooney and Colin McCaffrey with special guest Patti Casey.


Native Vermonter Patti Casey has been called ”...the voice of Vermont contemporary music” by the Times Argus/Rutland Herald. With a voice that’s strong and sweet, a catalog of timeless songs, and a history of penning classics that have found their way into the folk music world across the United States.


Jim Rooney, Grammy winning record producer, is best known for his work with Nanci Griffith, John Prine, Iris DeMent, and Hal Ketchum, to name a few. For over 50 years Jim partnered with the legendary banjo player Bill Keith, recording several landmark recordings together.

And yes, that guitar is upside down and backwards.


Colin McCaffrey, Vermont producer and award- winning songwriter has become a regional “one-stop-shop” for high quality audio production, as well as heading up longtime Vermont favorite band The Stone Cold Roosters and winning various song competitions including the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

More photos: CLICK HERE  

Town of Weathersfield



Burn Permits are Required

With the nicer weather arriving and folks eager to complete spring clean-ups, our volunteer firefighters wanted to remind Weathersfield residents that burn permits are required for any open burning.

You can obtain a burn permit by calling one of the below members. 
(Leaving a voicemail does not grant you permission to burn.)
Darrin Spaulding (802) 296-1888
Josh Dauphin (802) 356-0623
Mychael Spaulding (802) 356-0038
Shawn Brown (802) 299-8096
Thank you for your support and cooperation

Weathersfield Police Blotter 

Select Board


All regular meetings are broadcasted live on Comcast channel 1087, VTEL Channel 161, and SAPA.org on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Selectboard Members  
Mike Todd  Chair
David Fuller Vice Chair 
Kelly O'Brien  Clerk
Wendy Smith Member
Paul Tillman Member

Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m. 
May 2
May 16

Meeting Minutes

April 18 (Not posted at press time April 25 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
March 21
March 7-(The March 7th meeting minutes are now the March 7th meeting minutes not the Feb. 7th's as originally posted)
Special Meeting March 3-Select Board organization

*Vermont Open Meeting Law
Minute posting: Minutes of all public meetings shall be matters of public record, shall be kept by the clerk or secretary of the public body, and shall be available for inspection by any person and for purchase of copies at cost upon request after five calendar days from the date of any 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 School


Weathersfield's Got Talent Show
Monday, June 6  6-7:30 p.m.

WGT Auditions
Auditions will be April 26 during WINN time and April 27 during lunch and recess in the music room. Talent show applications notifications were sent home electronically. There is also an option to fill out the form online.


Early Release Day May 27, 2022
No School May 30, 2022
Last day will be an early release day on Friday, June 17th

From Principal Martes, his weekly newsletter 4/22/2022
Testing season has officially started. 
 Fifth and eighth grade started with the Science portion of the test. They had two testing periods and all of the students did their very best on the test. 

 Grades 3rd through eighth grade will start on May 3rd with English Language Arts and then the following week with the Math portion of the test. 

 There are a total of four testing periods that students will undertake during those two weeks. 

 We test on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and leave the remainder of the days for makeup testing. It is important for students to get a good night’s rest and be ready for the test. We will start promptly at 9:00 AM on the testing days.

Registration for Kindergarten 2023 is Open
Download the Form

 

Weathersfield School Board

Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

Weathersfield School Board will meets on Tuesdays
Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)

May 10
June 14

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney

School Board Meeting VIDEOS
Meeting Minutes
April 5
March 8
February 15
February 11 Special Meeting  (Not posted at press time February 21 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
February 8  video link  (Now posted, not posted at press time February 14 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
January 11

Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Dr. David Baker, Superintendent Update April 8, 2022

Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield

Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops 

"Lace Up for Laura" 5K race Saturday, June 25 8:30 a.m.


The Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5k walk/run is a way to come together the last Saturday in June each year in remembrance of Laura Cody McNaughton who died in a tragic car accident on June 28, 2018.  It is intended to be a fun activity families can participate in together with runners and walkers of all ability. 

The event will consist of two races held on Saturday, June 25, 2022: an approximately 1/3 mile kids 12 and under fun run starting at 8:30 A.M. followed by a 3.1 mile (5km) race starting at 9:00 A.M for all ages and abilities. 

The starts for both races will be located near the intersection of Plains road and Reservoir road. 

The 3.1 mile race will be an out and back race on the scenic dirt road known for its lack of change in elevation. 

The kids race is at 8:30. The first 50 kids will receive custom wooden medallions, the adult winners and runners up in each age category will have custom medals again as well.

Proceeds from the Memorial run will benefit the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial fund and its annual scholarship which will be awarded to a graduating senior who exemplifies Laura’s leadership and giving spirit, and, is pursuing further education and training in a field where these principles may be put into practice.

 

Weathersfield Proctor Library Drop in Scrabble

Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)

Mondays at 1 p.m.
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details @ 603-252-0936



The Dogs of Chernobyl: 36 years later
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 6 p.m. 
REGISTER

Old Trees, Mature Forests
Tue, May 17, 6 p.m.
REGISTER

Coffee Filter Butterflies
Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.
REGISTER

Majesty and Mystery of “Crop Circles”
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 7-8:30 p.m.--On Sale Jul 11 at 8 a.m.
Event INFO

Deep Meadow Farm
Open Enrollment for their Farm Direct Program

Are you looking for a CSA that works for your schedule and preferences?
Deep Meadow Farm, in Ascutney VT, now has open enrollment for their “Farm Direct” program until May 1st.
They offer:
  • A full season of vegetables, plants, honey and additional items
  • Pickups all week from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm. May-October.
  • No limits or minimums on items chosen
  • Complete customer choice on items
  • Additional pickup sites at farmers markets
  • Weekly discounts at our Farm-Stand
  • Tiered pricing for all levels
Their farm-stand will be open on the weekends beginning Mothers Day weekend, until Memorial Day weekend, when we will begin our regular hours Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm

All produce offered is certified organic and grown on the farm. Enjoy amazing fresh produce in season. For more information or to enroll, visit deepmeadowfarm.net

Music and Laughter in the Air...

Lebanon Opera House

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.


City Center Ballets-Cinderella May 7, 1p.m, 7 p.m. May 8 1 p.m. Tickets

Bob Marley (comedian)-Friday, May 13 Tickets

"If I Could Ride" (film premiere) Sunday, May 15 Noon and 4 p.m. Tickets are FREE but a reservation is required. Donations to Helping Hooves accepted at the door. 

If I Could Ride is based on the book of the same name by local author Don Miller. This heartwarming tale–filmed in Upper Valley locations including Plainfield, Windsor, South Woodstock, and North Hartland–follows two teenagers: Jodie, a girl with physical disabilities whose family struggles, and Bridgett, a girl whose family lives a very lavish lifestyle. Witness how fate unites two seemingly different young girls to prove the existence of true friendship through physical and emotional trials. A family-friendly movie suitable for all ages!

If I Could Ride is donating all proceeds from the film screening to Helping Hooves at Willow Brook Farm in Plainfield, NH, which offers Equine-Facilitated Mental Health counseling services to children and teens.

A suggested $10 donation per ticket is requested at the theater entrance. Checks are payable to Willow Brook Farm/Helping Hooves. We appreciate your support in this effort!

Bach's Mass in B minor Sunday, May 29 4 p.m. Tickets Reserved seating and GA
Upper Valley Baroque presents J.S. Bach’s monumental Mass in B minor. Called “a cathedral in sound,” it is one of the greatest masterpieces in all classical music. UVB’s Chamber Choir & Orchestra — an ensemble of professional musicians who excel at Baroque works — bring this music to life and create an unforgettable experience for listeners.

Frank Santos, Jr. R-Rated Hypnotist Friday June 24 Tickets
Prepare to be amazed when you, your friends, and strangers across the room become the stars of this rollicking R-Rated show. Comic hypnotist Frank Santos, Jr. will make you believe you can sing, dance, and much more – muhahaha!
Ages 18 and up!

Opera North Blow Me Down Farm Cornish--Sing On

Opera North's "Carnevale" July 8, 9, 10  Tickets

Opera North Cosi fan Tutte July 21, July 23 7 p.m. Tickets

Opera North-Bette, Babs and Beyond Saturday, July 30 7 p.m. Tickets

Opera North's La Traviata July 27, July 29 and July 31 Tickets

NEXUS 2022 August 12, 13 and 14
FREE Concerts and Arts Festival 
Around Downtown Lebanon NH



SPAMALOT
Experience the legend of King Arthur as you’ve never seen it before through the lens of the Monty Python team. Based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this uproarious show pokes fun at anything and everything. From show-stopping song-and-dance numbers to a battle of baguettes to a flying cow, this Best Musical Tony winner will delight audiences and inspire you to “always look on the bright side of life.” Now through May 15.

I went to the Sunday matinee 4/24 and it was hilarious!

Exercise

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga 

at Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House

Indoor Classes were at Perkinsville Community Church-Classes will be moved back to the Weathersfield Center Church beginning April 18. 

You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa.

Class sizes limited to 7.


Candlelit Gentle Flow Mondays
Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
April 25 
~Location TBA~

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Tuesdays
Tuesday Options: 9:00 am
April  26 
~Location TBA~


Walk-ins can register up to 24hrs ahead by emailing Lisa and are available on a first-come, first served basis (classes fill early!). 

Please arrive 5 minutes early with your own props and mats. Covid guidelines are being upheld with distancing and masks required anytime you're off your mat. An air purifier runs during class. Please do not attend if you feel sick.

Workshops Online

 

Vermont Online Workshops

Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions.



Visit Our Local Restaurants

Bistro Midva Midva is open Wednesday-Saturday 4:30-9:30 p.m. (Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) Call (802) 299-1553 or visit their FACEBOOK PAGE for more information.
131 Main Street Windsor, VT

Daily Grind Café 
Call ahead for take out 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.

Exit Ate  (802) 674-4299 (I hope to highlight them in next week's edition!)
202 VT 131, Ascutney

Harpoon Beer Garden and Brewery 802-674-5491
336 Ruth Carney Drive
Windsor, VT 05089

Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 
Mud Season Break March 26-May 5
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151


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-CLOSED for the season 
Re-Opens April 29!  11:30 a.m.
Opening Day is Getting Closer!


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.
Beginning Thursday, January 13, the regular opening schedule of 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month will resume. 
 The Weathersfield Food Shelf is located in the 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse at 1862 Route 106 in Perkinsville. The Food Shelf has lots of good food to offer!

Call the Weathersfield Town Office to be refereed to a volunteer, visit the Weathersfield Food Shelf Facebook page and leave a message, email weathersfieldfoodshelf@gmail.com
Donations of non-perishable food are always welcomed and may be dropped off at the facility during open hours or placed in the collection box at Martin Memorial Hall. For more information, call 802-263-5584 or email weathersfieldfoodshelf@gmail.com.

Hartland Food Shelf in Hartland. 4 Corners UU Church Fridays 8-10 a.m., Saturdays 10 a.m-2 p.m.

Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf in Reading. Mondays 2-4 p.m. and Thursday 4-6 p.m. Stone School 3456 Tyson Rd, Reading.

Vermont State Resources and
COVID-19 Response Information

GET VACCINATED
and GET YOUR BOOSTER
Do it for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community

Starting April 1, 2022, registration for state clinics through the Health Department will no longer be available. We encourage you to get vaccinated through your health care provider, a pharmacy or anywhere you get other vaccines. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is still free at any location and widely available across the state, including second booster doses! 
Find a vaccine near you at Vaccines.gov.
Walk-in vaccine clinics are still being added regularly. See what's new in the list below!
If you cannot get vaccine through any of these options, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240 and select option 8.

Booster Update: On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people 50 years of age and older and certain immunocompromised individuals. Read the press release. The CDC has also updated its recommendations. Learn more about where to get vaccinated.

Vermont reports 50 Covid hospitalizations and 341 cases

Vermont reported 341 new Covid-19 cases, 50 hospitalizations and no additional deaths Thursday, 4/21.

The state’s seven-day average for new infections is 262, the same as on Wednesday, according to the Vermont Department of Health dashboard.

Vermont’s seven-day average test positivity rate was 11.5% on Thursday, up from 11.3% on Wednesday. The test positivity rate includes only PCR tests, not at-home antigen tests.

The health department reported that 50 people were hospitalized with Covid as of Thursday, up from 45 on Wednesday. That includes three people in intensive care, up from two on Wednesday.

On Friday, April 22 the state reported 331 new cases reported today, with 57 hospitalized (5 in ICU)
with an 11.5% seven-day test positivity rate.

Most recent death was reported on April 21, totaling 629 deaths statewide since the start of the pandemic.

88% of Vermonters age 5+ have received at least one vaccine dose
67% of vaccinated Vermonters have received a booster dose




COVID Cases in Vermont





Mt. Ascutney Hospital Open for Walk-Ins M-F 1-5 PM

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is now offering walk-in service on weekday afternoons for people ages 2 and older, according to a news release.

The visits are available for urgent, but non-emergency medical needs Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Patients can check in at the hospital’s central registration, through the main entrance.

Some of the conditions appropriate for care through walk-in services are minor cuts and burns; urinary tract infections; strains and sprains; minor fractures; rashes; and ear, sinus and eye infections. In addition, X-ray and lab services are available on-site.

A nurse will be on hand to determine if a patient’s condition calls for transfer to the emergency department.


Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.  

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

Blog Archive

Show more