Weathersfield Weekly Blog April 4 edition
Weathersfield K9 Police Officer AJ
Meet Weathersfield K9 Police Officer AJ, a Belgian Malinois with a Wicked Nose
On Thursday I got to spend some time with K9 Police Officer AJ and his human partner Officer Ryan Prince of the Weathersfield Police Department.
I know, I know, I've heard the rumors and questions too, why does Weathersfield, little Weathersfield, need a police dog? I was curious too, so I decided I needed a little talk with Officer AJ. I wanted to get his side of the story.
Officer Ryan Prince and K9 Officer AJ (being a goofy dog)
Officer Ryan Prince and K9 Officer AJ-ready to go back on duty
First let me tell you, AJ is a Belgian Malinois, a breed that, according to the American Kennel Club, is smart, confident, and a world-class working dog who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner.
AJ is 6 1/2 years old and was born in France. He was trained as a puppy by K9 Crime Stoppers, a non-profit group in Tolland CT that has donated trained animals to communities all around the United States. It takes a special dog to be a working police K9, or search & rescue K-9; usually Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, or a mix of the two are chosen to become these future officers.
From the K9 Crime Stoppers website: dogs are raised and trained one, two or three at at time, learning the skills they need to work patrol, detection and developing their overall stability of character. To fully train a dog to the point that he/she is ready for donation can take as much as a year and cost thousands of dollars. The receiving police department, SAR organization, or Military Veteran that receives the dog will be saving thousands of dollars and given a dog that is ready to do his/her job.
His tracking skills training included locating missing persons and tracking criminals that may have fled a crime scene. His training also included suspect apprehension. And he is trained in narcotics detection. AJ can sniff out five drugs-heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ecstasy.
His nose is so sensitive to illegal drugs that he can detect trace amounts that may be found even on a car door handle. The a drug dealer may have touched the handle not knowing they were putting tiny amounts of the drug on the car. AJ will "sniff" a car stopped by Officer Prince or other law enforcement officer; the officers may suspect that there are drugs in the car but without a warrant officers cannot remove items/evidence from the car.
This is where AJ takes over. He circles the car and his if nose detects even the tiniest amount of an illegal substance, he'll sit and Office Prince will know there are drugs in the car and officers can impound the vehicle until a warrant is obtained. AJ is that good and hasn't been wrong yet.
AJ and Officer Prince started working for Weathersfield on June 1, 2021. Since that time he has made 53 calls, he's brought $8,795 in seized drug money to the town, found 3 guns, 781 bags of heroin, 1.5 ounces of meth. and 3 ounces of crack.
In his career as an Officer, AJ has responded to 225 calls and has made 50 drug arrests leading to over $60,000 in drug seizure. "He loves his job" said Officer Prince. AJ is up as soon as Officer Prince's alarm goes off and AJ can't wait to get out the door. "He really doesn't like days off" Prince said.
AJ lives with Officer Prince and Prince's family and Prince pays for AJ's care and feeding. AJ doesn't look it but he eats four cups of dry dog food a day. And he's still a lean mean K9 machine at almost seven years old.
AJ's K9 patrol car is outfitted with a cage that was donated by the K9 Academy. Weathersfield Police Chief William Daniels and Officer Prince installed it at no cost to taxpayers.
Occasionally, AJ will get called out to assist other towns but Prince says Weathersfield always gets priority. At times the calls are demanding because there are only three local K9 teams-Brattleboro, Hartford and Weathersfield.
People in town wonder why we have a canine team, well after speaking with Officer Prince, it sure sounds like we got a two for one deal. The Town hired Prince and we got AJ as a bonus.
AJ has located lost hikers, an elderly woman with dementia who had walked away from her house, located evidence used for burglary arrests, apprehended bank robbers and apprehended many drug dealers. AJ is trained in apprehension but once Prince calls him off-he's just a dog again.
Prince relayed a story to me about a stop he made where the person, who was a suspected drug dealer/user, fled the scene. AJ tracked the suspect to a house the suspect had broken into. The suspect was hiding in the bedroom. AJ went and grabbed and held the suspect until the officers could make the arrest. Prince called AJ off and AJ proceed to sit down next to the suspect asking to be petted.
In another incident, AJ tracked a missing person who was in crisis. AJ found the person under a porch and prevented that person from harming themselves.
When AJ is working he's laser focused on the task at hand but when he's not on active duty he's just a loveable, excitable, happy dog.
AJ does public service visits and demonstrations at the Weathersfield School and the children love him. Just last week AJ was at the school. This reporter heard that AJ got so excited about being in school that he "pooped" on the stage. And Office Prince, being a responsible dog caretaker, cleaned it right up. I'm sure AJ was the talk of the school all afternoon.
Dog owners know that their canine companions need regular medical attention. AJ is no different. The town budget has a modest amount of money in it for veterinarian bills but not enough to cover any injuries. And AJ doesn't have insurance coverage if he should get hurt on the job. He does have his Kevlar Vest and his own NARCAN kit to help keep him safe. But sometime in the future, those tools may not be enough to keep him safe.
In 2019, AJ was very sick. The Police Academy helped with some financial support and some money came from the Vermont Police K9 Association-they raise funds through their Challenge Coins.
AJ has his own challenge coin.
Challenge coins are made by Combatbet, and feature several of Vermont Canine Police Academy K9 teams. These coins have been donated and all proceeds will benefit the K9 on the coin sold.
Coins can be purchased by visiting: https://www.vtk9.com/store/p81/Challenge_Coin.html
Select Team AJ.
Our town may not need or want a K9 team but we have one and we should be happy that we do because after hearing all that AJ does, it makes this reporter think we got a sweet deal when we hired Officer AJ, ummm I mean Officer Prince.
More photos: CLICK HERE
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Perkinsville Church ceiling collapsed on last Monday evening.
Lisa Gleeson photographs.
Liz Sauchelli Reporting for the Valley News
Yoga instructor Lisa Gleeson was nearing the end of a Monday evening class in the basement of the Perkinsville Community Church when she and her students heard a loud noise.
“It started as a smaller rumbling, and it sounded kind of like a thunderstorm or a truck driving by,” Gleeson recalled in a phone Tuesday morning. “Then it sounded like somebody was hurling pianos across the room upstairs.”
Then one of her students saw the ceiling tiles overhead begin to shake.
“We all locked eyes with each other and said we need to get out and fast,” Gleeson said. “As soon as you heard the sound you knew it was destructive. You knew that it was not a good thing.”
They exited the room as the smoke alarm went off and called the fire department.
Yoga instructor Lisa Gleeson was nearing the end of a Monday evening class in the basement of the Perkinsville Community Church when she and her students heard a loud noise.
“It started as a smaller rumbling, and it sounded kind of like a thunderstorm or a truck driving by,” Gleeson recalled in a phone Tuesday morning. “Then it sounded like somebody was hurling pianos across the room upstairs.”
Then one of her students saw the ceiling tiles overhead begin to shake.
“We all locked eyes with each other and said we need to get out and fast,” Gleeson said. “As soon as you heard the sound you knew it was destructive. You knew that it was not a good thing.”
They exited the room as the smoke alarm went off and called the fire department.
Adam Sullivan reporting for WCAX. His VIDEO coverage of the story.
The church before the ceiling collapse. Facebook file photo.
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
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
An Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association firetruck was involved in a crash in Weathersfield.
The crash took place Thursday on I-91 at around 3:45 p.m.
The crash took place Thursday on I-91 at around 3:45 p.m.
While responding to a separate crash report, police say a firetruck with Weathersfield Fire Department (Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association) entered the southbound lane at Exit 8 on Interstate 91 with its emergency lights activated.
The firetruck, driven by Darrin Spaulding, 57, of Weathersfield, then merged into the left lane and slowed to utilize a U-turn.
Gail Golec, 44, of Walpole, NH, was traveling in the left lane and hit the rear end of the firetruck as it turned into the U-turn.
Police say Golec’s vehicle suffered minor front-end damage.
No injuries were reported from the crash.
Hopefully, I'll get to the bottom of this soon.
Vermont Communities Receive Significant Funding To Bolster Local Economies Through Outdoor Recreation
$331,809 Town of Bethel
Planning and building an interconnected network of parks, greenways, and multi-use trails. Upgrading trails and developing improved mapping/signage to enhance the accessibility of the network, including community outreach to understand signage needs. Developing better local and regional partnerships.
$262,088 Ascutney Outdoors (Town of West Windsor)
Ascutney Outdoors, Ascutney Trails Association, and the town of West Windsor are collaborating to build a trail between the Village and the mountain, construct new mountain bike trails at the ski area, upgrade the rope tow, provide free equipment rentals for the children’s ski program, and strengthen marketing efforts.
$190,500 Town of Ludlow
Redeveloping the Dorsey Park Skatepark, which will enable the town to host camps and Okemo Mountain School to do off-season training.
Regional Partnerships
$150,000Vermont Outdoor Business Association
Providing technical assistance to outdoor recreation businesses in Washington, Caledonia, and Rutland Counties. Partnering with outdoor recreation organizations, trail builders, and education institutions to develop professional training programs based on needs identified by partner businesses in target communities. Professionals who graduate from these programs would be prime candidates for hire by partner businesses.
Towns of St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Montpelier, Randolph, Poultney, Killington, and Castleton
$293,478 Vermont River Conservancy (White River Partnership)
The Vermont River Conservancy and White River Partnership are collaborating to improve white water access infrastructure at multiple sites, coordinate site stewardship efforts, and pilot the Vermont River Access Collaborative. This network will allow for improved resource and information sharing with the goal of increasing access to flowing water for all.
Towns of Sharon, Richmond and Statewide
$141,488 Town of Randolph (VT Huts Association)
Collaborating with Vermont Huts Association to complete a master planning process for the Velomont Trail. Developing trail wayfinding and signage.
Town of Randolph, Statewide
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Cannabis Control Board officially launched its pre-qualification process for prospective cannabis license holders earlier this month. Yesterday, the board told WCAX they have received over 400 prequalification applications to date, 427 to be exact.
Control Board Commissioner James Pepper said in Monday’s meeting that the Control Board had received the applications for all license types, including testing facilities, all three tiers of product manufacturers, and that probably around half were cultivators. “So that’s really exciting,” he said. On Monday, they had received 395 prequalification applications.
During Monday’s meeting, the Board discussed reducing insurance burdens for small cultivators. They also discussed economic empowerment applicants and the order of review for applications. The order of review for applications will be priority, which includes social equity applicants, then expedited, including economic empowerment applicants and existing dispensaries, then finally general applicants (everyone else).
“I think it’s important to remember there are some advantages as well to applying as an economic empowerment applicant,” Pepper said.
Economic empowerment applicants include women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQA-owned, and other historically disenfranchised groups. These groups will be given expedited priority in application processing.
“If you put in an applicant and you are identified as an economic empowerment applicant we will be connecting those folks with technical assistance. That’s a program that is still in the works but will be available,” said Control Board member Julie Hulburd.
The application process for licenses this Friday, opening first for small growers and testing facilities on April 1, all cultivators on May 1 and eventually retailers on Sept. 1.
Windsor Community and the American Red Cross are hosting upcoming blood drives.
Please join their lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today
The Library is looking for volunteers to help fill the eggs and to donate candy or small trinkets for the eggs.
Come to the Weathersfield Proctor Library on Saturday, April 9 from noon to 3:00 to lend a hand.
For more information, or to donate candy or trinkets, please contact us at 802-674-2863 or at weathersfieldproctorlibrary@gmail.com
Lucy Mac Cabin Fever Take-Out Dinner on Saturday, April 9
Weathersfield School is having a High School Fair on April 20th from 6-7 p.m. Please join them in-person to see what the area High Schools can offer your child. All families are welcome to attend
Killdeer Returning To Breeding Grounds
Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) today announced twenty-four recipients of the VOREC Community Grant Program. In announcing this round of grant recipients, the Governor restated his support for outdoor recreation as an important means for economic recovery and development.
“Vermont’s natural beauty, combined with outdoor recreation opportunities, are economic engines for our state and a driving force for why people visit and live in Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “These grants will help continue to connect trails to downtown centers, develop new recreation assets and promote all we have to offer.”
The VOREC Community Grant Program was created to help Vermont communities fully leverage their local outdoor recreation assets to become true ‘outdoor recreation friendly communities.’ Governor Scott established the VOREC Steering Committee by executive order in June 2017 to bring together a broad set of outdoor recreation stakeholders to promote stewardship of state recreation assets and market Vermont’s outdoor recreation values and attributes to effectively foster economic growth. Establishing a grant program that would provide funding to local communities was one of the first priorities the VOREC steering committee identified.
“Vermont’s natural beauty, combined with outdoor recreation opportunities, are economic engines for our state and a driving force for why people visit and live in Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “These grants will help continue to connect trails to downtown centers, develop new recreation assets and promote all we have to offer.”
The VOREC Community Grant Program was created to help Vermont communities fully leverage their local outdoor recreation assets to become true ‘outdoor recreation friendly communities.’ Governor Scott established the VOREC Steering Committee by executive order in June 2017 to bring together a broad set of outdoor recreation stakeholders to promote stewardship of state recreation assets and market Vermont’s outdoor recreation values and attributes to effectively foster economic growth. Establishing a grant program that would provide funding to local communities was one of the first priorities the VOREC steering committee identified.
Windsor Country Recipients
$331,809 Town of Bethel
Planning and building an interconnected network of parks, greenways, and multi-use trails. Upgrading trails and developing improved mapping/signage to enhance the accessibility of the network, including community outreach to understand signage needs. Developing better local and regional partnerships.
$262,088 Ascutney Outdoors (Town of West Windsor)
Ascutney Outdoors, Ascutney Trails Association, and the town of West Windsor are collaborating to build a trail between the Village and the mountain, construct new mountain bike trails at the ski area, upgrade the rope tow, provide free equipment rentals for the children’s ski program, and strengthen marketing efforts.
$190,500 Town of Ludlow
Redeveloping the Dorsey Park Skatepark, which will enable the town to host camps and Okemo Mountain School to do off-season training.
Regional Partnerships
$150,000Vermont Outdoor Business Association
Providing technical assistance to outdoor recreation businesses in Washington, Caledonia, and Rutland Counties. Partnering with outdoor recreation organizations, trail builders, and education institutions to develop professional training programs based on needs identified by partner businesses in target communities. Professionals who graduate from these programs would be prime candidates for hire by partner businesses.
Towns of St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Montpelier, Randolph, Poultney, Killington, and Castleton
$293,478 Vermont River Conservancy (White River Partnership)
The Vermont River Conservancy and White River Partnership are collaborating to improve white water access infrastructure at multiple sites, coordinate site stewardship efforts, and pilot the Vermont River Access Collaborative. This network will allow for improved resource and information sharing with the goal of increasing access to flowing water for all.
Towns of Sharon, Richmond and Statewide
$141,488 Town of Randolph (VT Huts Association)
Collaborating with Vermont Huts Association to complete a master planning process for the Velomont Trail. Developing trail wayfinding and signage.
Town of Randolph, Statewide
More than 400 Prospective Licensees Seek Prequalification for Vermont Cannabis Retail Market
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Cannabis Control Board officially launched its pre-qualification process for prospective cannabis license holders earlier this month. Yesterday, the board told WCAX they have received over 400 prequalification applications to date, 427 to be exact.
Control Board Commissioner James Pepper said in Monday’s meeting that the Control Board had received the applications for all license types, including testing facilities, all three tiers of product manufacturers, and that probably around half were cultivators. “So that’s really exciting,” he said. On Monday, they had received 395 prequalification applications.
During Monday’s meeting, the Board discussed reducing insurance burdens for small cultivators. They also discussed economic empowerment applicants and the order of review for applications. The order of review for applications will be priority, which includes social equity applicants, then expedited, including economic empowerment applicants and existing dispensaries, then finally general applicants (everyone else).
“I think it’s important to remember there are some advantages as well to applying as an economic empowerment applicant,” Pepper said.
Economic empowerment applicants include women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQA-owned, and other historically disenfranchised groups. These groups will be given expedited priority in application processing.
“If you put in an applicant and you are identified as an economic empowerment applicant we will be connecting those folks with technical assistance. That’s a program that is still in the works but will be available,” said Control Board member Julie Hulburd.
The application process for licenses this Friday, opening first for small growers and testing facilities on April 1, all cultivators on May 1 and eventually retailers on Sept. 1.
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 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. 4/20, 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.
If your appointment of 3/23 was canceled, please reschedule.
Search at redcrossblood.org, Zip Code 05037.
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.
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
Weathersfield Proctor Library Announces Their Easter Egg Hunt
April 16, 10:30 a.m.
Things to Do
The Library will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Please bring a basket to collect all your eggs. A special area will be set aside for children 3 and younger.
The Library is looking for volunteers to help fill the eggs and to donate candy or small trinkets for the eggs.
Come to the Weathersfield Proctor Library on Saturday, April 9 from noon to 3:00 to lend a hand.
For more information, or to donate candy or trinkets, please contact us at 802-674-2863 or at weathersfieldproctorlibrary@gmail.com
Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in West Windsor is hosting their annual Cabin Fever Dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal of homemade baked mac & cheese, tossed salad with homemade vinaigrette on the side and scrumptious dessert of anise and almond biscotti from Bella Biscotti.
Each meal is $15, and you have the option of rounding up to $20 per meal with the additional $5 going towards the Lucy Mackenzie Pet Pantry!
You can choose from three pick-up locations on April 9th (all three locations will have pick-up outdoors)
- Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, 4 - 6 PM (4832 Route 44, West Windsor, VT 05089)
- The Thompson Senior Center, 4 - 5 PM (99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT 05091)
- Tracy Hall in Norwich, VT, 4 - 5 PM (300 Main Street, Norwich, VT 05055)
Meals must be purchased and paid for in advance. Purchase your meals online at https://www.lucymac.org/?post_type=dd_events&p=10041. You can also call Lucy Mac at 802-484-5829 and place your order over the phone.
Orders must be received by 5PM Wednesday, April 6
This special take-out dinner is to benefit the animals at Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society and the Lucy Mackenzie Pet Pantry. Their on-site Pet Pantry, which is open to all in the community, is routinely stocked with dog and cat food, kitty litter, small animal supplies and much more.
You can choose from three pick-up locations on April 9th (all three locations will have pick-up outdoors)
- Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, 4 - 6 PM (4832 Route 44, West Windsor, VT 05089)
- The Thompson Senior Center, 4 - 5 PM (99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT 05091)
- Tracy Hall in Norwich, VT, 4 - 5 PM (300 Main Street, Norwich, VT 05055)
Meals must be purchased and paid for in advance. Purchase your meals online at https://www.lucymac.org/?post_type=dd_events&p=10041. You can also call Lucy Mac at 802-484-5829 and place your order over the phone.
Orders must be received by 5PM Wednesday, April 6
This special take-out dinner is to benefit the animals at Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society and the Lucy Mackenzie Pet Pantry. Their on-site Pet Pantry, which is open to all in the community, is routinely stocked with dog and cat food, kitty litter, small animal supplies and much more.
In addition, they help supply cat and dog food to local food shelves including the the Reading/West Windsor Food Shelf, The Haven and the Springfield Food Shelf.
They'd like to thank Cabot and Bella Biscotti for being such generous sponsors of this event.
They'd like to thank Cabot and Bella Biscotti for being such generous sponsors of this event.
High School Fair at WS
by Mary Holland
Killdeer are among the first migratory birds to return in the spring. Finding food this time of year can be challenging for this member of the Plover family, especially with the temperature fluctuations we’ve been having, so the Killdeer’s broad diet of invertebrates (grasshoppers, earthworms, beetles and snails, among others) serves it well. When foraging, a Killdeer will often pat the ground or mud in shallow water with one quivering foot in hopes of scaring up a meal.
Active both day and night, you can often hear their “kill-deer” call overhead at night, especially in early spring and in late summer. If you live in or near a town, you may well observe them foraging at night over parking lots and lighted ball fields.
Naturally Curious is supported by donations. If you choose to contribute, you may go to http://www.naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com and click on the yellow “donate” button.
Concert Report
This is the fourth time we've seen Mary-Elaine Jenkins at a Billsville House Concert show but the first time we've seen her as a headliner. She rocked!
Weathersfield Police Blotter
Select Board
Weathersfield School Board will meets on Tuesdays
May 10
June 14
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.
Weathersfield Proctor Library Drop in Scrabble
The Dogs of Chernobyl: 36 years later
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 6 p.m.
Killdeer are among the first migratory birds to return in the spring. Finding food this time of year can be challenging for this member of the Plover family, especially with the temperature fluctuations we’ve been having, so the Killdeer’s broad diet of invertebrates (grasshoppers, earthworms, beetles and snails, among others) serves it well. When foraging, a Killdeer will often pat the ground or mud in shallow water with one quivering foot in hopes of scaring up a meal.
Active both day and night, you can often hear their “kill-deer” call overhead at night, especially in early spring and in late summer. If you live in or near a town, you may well observe them foraging at night over parking lots and lighted ball fields.
Naturally Curious is supported by donations. If you choose to contribute, you may go to http://www.naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com and click on the yellow “donate” button.
Concert Report
Get Out and Support Live Music
Billsville House Concerts at The Coffee Bar
Bennington, VT April 2, 2022
A little bit about her from her website: Mary-Elaine Jenkins is a Brooklyn-based songwriter, singer, and guitarist. A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, her sound combines manifold influences with a distinctly southern sensibility. After graduating from college in Washington, DC, she spent two years in Madrid, a time that would prove creatively transformative. Upon making her home in NYC, she surrounded herself with a creative network that would eventually include Thom Beemer, who produced and engineered "Hold Still,” her full-length debut.
MEJ has been named among “5 Up-And-Coming Women Musicians You Should Know About” (Bust Magazine), described as "standing righteously above other young pretenders" (Glide Magazine), and her voice has been called "a mix of cloves, sage, ash, thorns, and honey” (The Deli NYC). She is a fixture in the New York music scene, has toured Europe, and has supported artists such as Martha Wainwright, Birds of Chicago, and Courtney Marie Andrews. She and Beemer are currently at work on a new record.
MEJ has been named among “5 Up-And-Coming Women Musicians You Should Know About” (Bust Magazine), described as "standing righteously above other young pretenders" (Glide Magazine), and her voice has been called "a mix of cloves, sage, ash, thorns, and honey” (The Deli NYC). She is a fixture in the New York music scene, has toured Europe, and has supported artists such as Martha Wainwright, Birds of Chicago, and Courtney Marie Andrews. She and Beemer are currently at work on a new record.
It was such a treat to see Mary-Elaine perform again. She played two sets for about one hour and fifteen minutes. She played a number of songs from her CD "Hold Still" and she introduced us to a few songs to be released on her upcoming CD (some songs she wrote during the pandemic).
She even did a few covers-"Cry Me A River" an Ella Fitzgerald song and "Make Me A Pallet on Your Floor" a Mississippi John Hurt song.
More photos: CLICK HERE
Mary-Elaine is quite the songwriter, she weaves her words with skill and her guitar playing is equally impressive. Check her out if you see her playing near you.
More photos: CLICK HERE
More videos: CLICK HERE
Billsville House Concerts has temporarily moved from Manchester, VT to Bennington, VT. The Coffee Bar has hosted five Billsville shows (we missed Mile Twelve). Photos and videos from these shows-CLICK HERE.
Town of Weathersfield
Weathersfield Police Blotter
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.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. April 18March 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
Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes
David Fuller Vice Chair
Kelly O'Brien Clerk
Wendy Smith Member
Paul Tillman Member
Kelly O'Brien Clerk
Wendy Smith Member
Paul Tillman Member
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
April 18
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 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 School
Coming Soon-Weathersfield's Got Talent Show
Details to come.
No School April 11-15, 2022 Spring Break
Early Release Day May 27, 2022
No School May 30, 2022
Last day will be an early release day on Friday, June 17th
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE
Weathersfield School Board will meets on Tuesdays
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
May 10Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/nfo-qttm-bgg
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
June 14
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
School Board Meeting VIDEOSMeeting MinutesApril 5February 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
January 11
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.
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.
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.
Follow along on FACEBOOK Lace Up For Laura
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Mondays at 1 p.m.Please call Maureen Bogosian for details @ 603-252-0936
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details @ 603-252-0936
AARP Tax Aide Returns to Weathersfield Proctor Library
The Weathersfield Proctor Library announced that they will be hosting the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide assistance on Tuesdays at the library at 5181 Route 5 Ascutney, Vermont.Please call 802-875-2418 to make your appointment.
Decoding the Mysteries of Cats, or Why Cats Do What They Do
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 6-7 p.m. on ZOOM
REGISTER
DIY Creative Notebook
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 5-6:30 p.m. on ZOOM
REGISTER
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 6-7 p.m. on ZOOM
REGISTER
DIY Creative Notebook
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 5-6:30 p.m. on ZOOM
REGISTER
How to Prevent Math Gaps in Your Child's Learning
Thursday, Apr 14, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Apr 14, 5:30 p.m.
Conservation Kids with VEEP
Friday, April 22, 2022 3:30 p.m.
The Dogs of Chernobyl: 36 years later
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 6 p.m.
REGISTER
Coffee Filter Butterflies
Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.
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.
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
Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart-Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Tickets
Opera North Blow Me Down Farm Cornish
at The Perkinsville Community Church
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Tuesdays
Tuesday Options: 9:00 am
April 19, 26
~Location TBA~
Sunday, April 10 - 10:30 AM EDT
Mercado de Mariscos Parada #2:
Consomé de Camarón
y Tostadas de Camarón
Seafood Market Stop #2:
Shrimp Broth and Shrimp Tostadas
- $ 15.00
Saturday, April 30 - 5:30 PM EDT
Visita a la TaquerÃa Parada #3:
Alambre de Pollo y Volcanes
Virtual Taco Tour Stop #3:
Chicken with Vegetables
and “Volcanoes”
- $ 15.00
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217
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
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.
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:
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
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.
Alash ( Tuvan throat singing)-Wednesday, April 6 6:30 p.m. Reserve-FREE TICKETS
Keystone Revisited-Saturday, April 9 (rescheduled from October 2021) Tickets GA Orchestra and Reserved balcony seats.
Jake Shimabukuro-Friday, April 15 Tickets
Fly Fishing Film Tour-Thursday April 21 7 p.m. Tickets
RunNation Film Festival-Saturday April 23 6:30 p.m. Tickets
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!
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!
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. TicketsOpera North's La Traviata July 27, July 29 and July 31 Tickets
Exercise
Yoga
Whole Roasted Tro
Whole Roasted Tro
Within Reach Yoga
at The Perkinsville Community Church
Indoor Classes were at Perkinsville Community Church-Classes may 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 18, 25
~Location TBA~
Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
April 18, 25
~Location TBA~
Tuesday Options: 9:00 am
April 19, 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.
Cooking Classes
Sunday, April 10 - 10:30 AM EDT
Mercado de Mariscos Parada #2:
Consomé de Camarón
y Tostadas de Camarón
Seafood Market Stop #2:
Shrimp Broth and Shrimp Tostadas
- $ 15.00
Saturday, April 30 - 5:30 PM EDT
Visita a la TaquerÃa Parada #3:
Alambre de Pollo y Volcanes
Virtual Taco Tour Stop #3:
Chicken with Vegetables
and “Volcanoes”
- $ 15.00
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.
Exit Ate Eat In or Take-Away Has Been SOLD. Waiting to see an OPEN flag.
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
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151
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.
Ascutney Union Church Food Cupboard in Ascutney 5243 Route 5 Saturdays 9-10 a.m. call 802-674-2484.
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.
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 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
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.
Walk-in vaccine clinics are still being added regularly. See what's new in the list below!
COVID Cases in Vermont
Cases by Town in Vermont
The town map of recent case rates is no longer being published. Due to various factors, including the increased use of at-home tests, we are continuing to transition away from COVID-19 case data as a means to measure the impact of the virus in our communities. See the final map for March 11, 2022.
Cases by Town in Vermont
The town map of recent case rates is no longer being published. Due to various factors, including the increased use of at-home tests, we are continuing to transition away from COVID-19 case data as a means to measure the impact of the virus in our communities. See the final map for March 11, 2022.
COVID-19 In Vermont Communities
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/faqs
COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine
COVID-19 In Vermont Communities
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/faqs
COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine
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.
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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
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