Weathersfield Weekly Blog December 19 edition

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What a difference a day (or two) makes.
Mount Ascutney Thursday, December 15 (below) and December 17 (above) after our Nor'easter.

More views of Mount Ascutney CLICK HERE



Mark Your Calendars

Holiday Caroling-Outdoors at the Center Church, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. ALL Welcome

Other Holiday Happenings December 24

Ascutney Union Church hosts a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 6 p.m.
5243 Route 5 Route 5, Ascutney VT
On Dec. 24, we will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service starting at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.



Candlelight Service Brownsville Community Church, 7 p.m.
At 7 pm on Christmas Eve, there will be the much-anticipated and beautiful Brownsville Community Church Candlelight Service.

The Brownsville Community Church & Pavilion are located at 66 Brownsville-Hartland Road, between Albert Bridge School and the West Windsor Town Hall. 

Contact the Brownsville Community Church at for more information on the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. bcchurchvt@gmail.com.


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

Town News

Transfer Station Holiday Hours

The Transfer Station will be closed on Sunday, December 25th & Sunday, January 1st per policy. Otherwise, the station will open during its regular hours.
Regular hours (when there’s not a holiday):
Wednesday: 12pm – 5pm
Saturday: 7am – 4pm
Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Selectboard to discuss fire truck purchase at Monday night's board meeting (see agenda below)
At the March 2022 Town Meeting the voters approved the purchase of a new fire truck, the cost not to exceed $325,000 with $270,000 to be financed for not longer than seven years. M&T Bank will loan the town the money over seven years with a 4.28% interest rate.

The Selectboard will need to make and approve a motion to approve the loan and sign the associated documents. Discussion at tonight's Selectboard meeting (see agenda below).

Habitat for Humanity has purchased Ascutney properties with plans to build housing units, also on Monday night's Selectboard agenda

According to the Selectboard packet, Habitat for Humanity has purchased properties located at 5771, 5803, and 5805 on Route 5 in Ascutney. 

The non-profit group plans to build up to eight (8) housing units in a mix of single-family, duplex, and triplex buildings. 

Habitat for Humanity will elaborate more in their presentation at Monday’s Selectboard meeting. 

The group is requesting a $20,000 ARPA grant from Weathersfield for predevelopment funding (surveying, mapping underground utilities, developing a new septic design, environmental assessment, site engineering, conceptual building plans, and preparing zoning, planning & state permits). 

Additional funding for the $50,000 project should come from a VHCB grant and participating in the EPA Brownfield Program.

Local and State News

WSESU Looking for Substitute Teachers
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union is currently looking for substitute teachers to work at our Hartland, Weathersfield, and Mount Ascutney School Districts. 

Substitutes would be responsible for carrying out sub plans for students in grades PK-12 and communicating with the absent teacher any feedback from the day. 

Interested candidates should fill out an application and/or submit their resume to Teena Canfield, HR Director at teena.canfield@wsesu.net. Employment is subject to passing a criminal background check. WSESU is an EOE.

Ascutney Outdoors (AO) announces a new Executive Director

From AO's newsletter
"As we gear up for the winter, we are especially pleased to announce that Jonathan Nichols has accepted our offer to become Executive Director. Jonathan has worked alongside Glenn for several months, and is well versed in what's required to run Ascutney Outdoors. Most of his time will be spent on day-to-day operations. We are fortunate to have accomplished and professional Board members who are willing and capable to handle many of the administrative functions.

Jonathan spent his career in the TV and film business as a professional camera man before deciding to move to the area for a more rural lifestyle. Since then, he has done freelance camera work and, when not behind a lens, is likely to be found on his bike in the summer and nordic skis in the winter. Jonathan lives at the base of Ascutney with partner Sofia and good 'ol Cappy (dog)."

And AO Thanks to Glenn Seward
"Glenn has done yeoman's work as our pro-bono Executive Director, and more, for the past six years. Thank you Glenn for all you have done for Ascutney Outdoors and our community! By the way, if you know Glenn, you know he's going to stay actively involved. We're pleased to say that Glenn is going to rejoin our Board where he'll be Jonathan's primary contact, but please, no more climbing towers in winter!"     

Vermont Covid levels remain ‘low,’ but hospitalizations spike

Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger

Vermont’s Covid-19 levels are “low,” the state Department of Health reported this week — but hospitalizations for the virus nearly doubled in a single week.

The department reported 60 new hospital admissions for Covid in the past week, compared to 31 the week before. As of Wednesday, 34 people were hospitalized with the virus, including three in intensive care.

The statewide surge in Covid hospitalizations comes amid a national rise in hospitalizations and case counts related to the virus, according to The New York Times. Cases are rising more slowly than during the early phase of the Omicron surge at this time last year, but all but four states have reported a recent increase in hospitalizations.

Vermont is also reporting “moderate” levels of flu activity, up from “low” levels last week, according to the health department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts have warned that influenza, along with Covid and other respiratory illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), may continue to pose a threat in the coming weeks.

For the first time this week, Vermont’s health department reported the presence of the BQ.1 Covid subvariant, the strain that has already become dominant at a national level. Experts say the strain’s ability to evade previous immunity to the virus is partly responsible for its rise.

Studies from Pfizer and Moderna suggest their bivalent booster vaccines are effective at producing an immune response to BQ.1, although the sample sizes of both studies are small. Only 28% of Vermonters age 5 and older have received the bivalent booster, according to the health department.

The department also reported 448 Covid cases in the past week, a slight increase from 439 the week before. Case data relies primarily on PCR testing and does not include at-home antigen testing.

READ MORE

You can order FREE COVID test kits online at Covid.gov/tests

How do you feel about your child’s education? Vermont state officials want to know.

Peter D'Auria reporting for VT Digger

If you have a child in a Vermont school, state education officials want to hear from you.

Vermont’s Agency of Education is convening a standing body of parents and guardians to advise officials on school matters, officials announced this month. Applications are accepted through this weekend.

The group, called the Family Engagement Council, will advise Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French on state policy and “topics of interest to parents in Vermont,” according to a Dec. 2 press release.

“We have partners representing almost every other group in education,” French said in the press release. “From superintendents and school board members, to educators, school counselors and facilities managers, we have groups organized to provide a voice for their members at the state and local level. There is no organization providing a similar voice for parents.”

READ MORE

Senator Leahy says goodbye to D.C.



From the senator's email blast:
During the 48 years I've had the privilege to represent our state of Vermont in the United States Senate, Marcelle and I have often gone to the top of the Capitol Dome and admired the view of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Institution, and so much of our nation's capital.

I've treasured the time I have served as a Senator because of what I could do for the benefit of Vermont, our country, and the world. I'm especially grateful and humbled by the trust our Vermont friends and neighbors have given me for 48 years. Now we gratefully return to Vermont with the unique memories of those decades—and the great joy of being home.

Our warmest holiday wishes to all
Patrick and Marcelle Leahy



Windsor County sheriff reflects on career that spanned 6 decades

Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger

When Michael Chamberlain, Windsor County’s sheriff, first took on the job in 1976, deputies had to buy their own uniforms and handguns.

“I actually created the first payroll system,” Chamberlain, 74, recalled. “Back in those days, deputies would work and get paid at the end of the evening.”

After losing a reelection bid in November, Chamberlain’s ready for retirement. The Republican won 36% of the vote, losing to Ryan Palmer, a Democrat and a Ludlow police officer, who received 57%.

Palmer spent more than $25,000 of his own money to sway voters, and pitched himself as a reformist. His campaign motto, “end policing for profit,” referred to the 5% of all department contracts that sheriffs are able to keep. Palmer said he hoped to provide more police services for towns rather than the traffic enforcement common in the Windsor County department.

Chamberlain had seldom faced opposition since he was first elected sheriff. After roughly 50 years working in law enforcement in Windsor County, he’s found silver linings in his defeat.

“It’s gone fast,” Chamberlain said of his time. “I have a grandson, 10 years old. I want to spend some time with him, which I haven’t been able to do.”

In 1971, Chamberlain became a police officer in Woodstock. The town, often chosen as one of America’s prettiest, didn’t look quite the same. Autoshops dotted Route 4 as you entered its borders. The fire station — and police dispatching — happened in the village next to the post office. But for the most part, Chamberlain said, the village's brick buildings remain untouched.

READ MORE
 

Theatre

The Snow Queen
Yoh Theatre Players
Woodstock, VT

"The Snow Queen" is an original fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published 21 December 1844. This past weekend the Yoh Theatre Players performed "The Snow Queen" with a little Steampunk twist.

This version was written by Kirsten Brandt and Rick Lombardo, with music by Haddon Kime.

Unfortunately the Nor'easter canceled the Friday show and a power outage canceled the Saturday show. But the Players rallied and put on two shows on Sunday.

The show opens and we meet Gerda and Kai, friends and next door neighbors. They read about a queen who rules over snow bees-snowflakes that look like bees from one of Gerda's grandmother's old books.

Kai falls under the Queen's spell and Gerda sets out to rescue him.

Gerda has many challenges placed before her on her quest to save Kai. Gerda eventually meets a crow who tells Gerda that Kai is in the princess's palace. (But he isn't)

Gerda is captured by a group of robbers and eventually escapes with the help of a reindeer. And travels north. 

She finds Kai and kisses him, saving Kai with the power of love. Her warm tears fall on Kai and melt his frozen heart.

It's quite the fairy tale and seeing it in Steampunk costumes made it even more special.
More photos: Click Here

Next up for Yoh:
The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical, March 10-12, 2023
Twelfth Night, May 6-7, 2023

Town of Weathersfield


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.  
December 19 Agenda Packet
*January 3 (Tuesday-Monday, Jan. 2 is considered a Town Holiday)*

November 21
November 14 Special Meeting (Generator for Martin Memorial Hall)
August 17-Emergency Meeting-Golden Cross Contact (5 Year Term)
June 16
May 18 Special Meeting (to sign the Warrant from the May 16th meeting)
May 2 (posted now but not posted at press time May 9 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
April 18 (posted now, but not posted at press time April 25 in violation of Vermont's Open Meeting law. )
April 4
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
Town Meeting Minutes
February 21
February 7
January 20
January 3

*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 Police Blotter

Weathersfield School



Weekly Newsletter: December 16

Save the Dates
December 21 School Sing-a-long
December 21 Early Release Day
December 22-January 3 Winter Break No School
January 4 All Students Back in School
January 10 School Board Meeting

P.R.I.D.E. Assembly Rescheduled for Wednesday, December 21st
We have to reschedule the P.R.I.D.E. assembly for Wednesday because of the snow day. The first part of the assembly will begin at 8:10 AM on Wednesday. We will finish the rest of the assembly after the school sing along.


School Sing along
We have a school sing along scheduled for Wednesday, December 21st. It will start right after the P.R.I.D.E. assembly in the gym. Kindergarten through 5th grade students will be signing holiday classics. Everyone is welcome to join us that day..

Student Council Events
Monday December 19th - Ugly Sweater Day
Tuesday December 20th- Winter Head Wear Day
Wednesday December 21st- Pajama Day


The Little Mermaid Auditions Coming Soon
The school announced that  auditions for The Little Mermaid Jr. for grades 4-8 after school on January 5th and 6th. Students will be taught a song and asked to read from the script. Erica Yuengling will direct, with Samuel Francis as music director. The performances will be March 24-25. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.

Friday Spirit Day
Remember to wear your Weathersfield clothing on Fridays. Show your school spirit by wearing red and black.

Winter Activities Sign Up is OPEN
Use this form to register your child/children


Current Employment Opportunities at Weathersfield School
If you or if you know of anyone that has always wanted to work in a school setting, now is the time to apply. 
WS currently has three different opportunities for employment. 
If you are interested, please apply on https://www.schoolspring.com/
World Language Teacher
Paraprofessional

Weathersfield School Board

Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)

Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney 
January 10, 2023
February 14, 2023
March 14, 2023

School Board Meetings
Meeting Minutes
December 13 (minutes not posted at press time)
November 8
October 11
September 13
June 9
May 19
April 5 
March 8
February 26
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


Weathersfield Proctor Library


WPL 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

Weathersfield Historical Society
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops 

The Kaskadenac Nordic Ski Club gets ready to Open January 1


Kaskadenac Nordic Ski Club welcomes everyone to ski with them, beginning January 1st.
The Nordic ski season is about to begin and local families are invited to take part in the Kaskadenac Nordic Ski Club, which is a FREE community recreational activity.

Kaskadenac Nordic Ski Club has Nordic skis, boots and poles in a variety of sizes; several miles of groomed trails that intersect with VAST trail 506 which is maintained by Weathersfield Pathfinders; and 2 weekly guided ski sessions for kids and families.

Guided Ski Lessons
The guided ski sessions are led by Sean Whalen and Ashley Hensel-Browning, and go from 3:00-4:30 each Thursday and Friday, when safe skiing conditions prevail. 

They teach essential skills for safety, comfort and enjoyment of Nordic skiing. They are on a Weathersfield School bus route, and kids may be dropped off there (3057 Weathersfield Center Road) after school on ski days, by arrangement between parents, school, and the club. 
Beginners are welcome and will find easy trails for learning.

Outside of the guided adventures, skiers are welcome to ski the trails any time they're open. 
(*see note about waiver, below). The trail system is well connected and you can find your own level. 

Snacks are also part of the experience. On the guided ski days they offer hot cocoa and healthy snacks starting around 4:00. 

Waiver
To ski the trails here, you'll have to sign a waiver that says you won't sue them if you or your child gets hurt. This is standard practice for ski clubs. Waivers are available and can be signed at the clubhouse.

Please stop at the clubhouse at 3057 Weathersfield Center Road to sign a legal waiver before enjoying the trails; after that, you're good to go.

Donate, Volunteer
Kaskadenac Nordic would love to accept donations of ski equipment, volunteer time, money and other in-kind gifts. All of that will keep this wonderful free community activity going. 

If you're in a family that skis with them and would like to contribute healthy snacks to Kaskadenac Nordic, please do contact them. They are looking for donations of fresh or dried fruits, baked goods, and milk for the cocoa. 

Gas in the snowmobile, cocoa on the hob, parts on the groomer, skis on the rack.

For more information contact Sean Whalen and/or Ashley Hensel-Browning, 3057 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT 05151  (802)263-5253

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


Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Tuesday, December 20 TICKETS

2023 Shows (so far!)

Recycled Percussion, Saturday, January 28, 3 and 7:30 p.m. TICKETS

Saved by the 90s, February 3 TICKETS

New England School of Arts Benefit, Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m. TICKETS

Mike McDonald's Comedy Extravaganza, Friday, February 10 TICKETS

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, Friday, February 17, 7 p.m. TICKETS

NCCT Teens Anything Goes March 3-5 TICKETS

David Sedaris, March 31 TICKETS

Guster, Sunday, April 2, 7 p.m. TICKETS

Youth Education Serie: Dance of Hope, April 6, 10 a.m. TICKETS

Dance of Hope, April 6, 6:30 p.m. FREE TICKETS
(you must reserve a seat to attend)

Paul Reiser, Saturday, May 20 TICKETS

Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Wednesday June 7 TICKETS



Cavalcade July 7-9, 2023 TICKETS
Bizet's Carmen July 16-21, 2023 TICKETS
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel July 27-30, 2023 TICKETS


Northern Stage’s joyous holiday tradition returns with the world premiere production of The Railway Children, a new American adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s beloved British classic children’s novel with new music and lyrics by Jane Shaw and Mark Hartman (A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie; The Wanderers at Roundabout), November 22, 2022 – January 1, 2023, in the Byrne Theater at the Barrette Center for the Arts in White River Junction, Vermont.

Performance times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

Ticket prices range from $19 to $69 — $19 for students of all ages, $20 for those under the age of 25, and $34 for preview performances (November 22, 23, and 25). 

Access for All tickets (for EBT card holders) are $5 and are available for any performance while ticket supplies last. The Byrne Theater at the Barrette Center for the Arts is located at 74 Gates Street, White River Junction, VT. 

For tickets and information, call (802) 296-7000 or visit www.northernstage.org. 
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: Northern Stage will NOT be requesting vaccination status OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Masks are not required but are encouraged inside the Barrette Center for the Arts.

Exercise

Yoga

Whole Roasted Tro

Within Reach Yoga 

at Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House

You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa. 
(Class sizes limited to 7.)

~Location 1879 Schoolhouse in Perkinsville~

January Classes TBA

Slow Flow, Rest + Restore 


Walk-ins can register up to 24 hrs. 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.

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 
Wednesdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
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 
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-(802) 795-0063 CLOSED For the Season
Tuesdays-Sundays 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. (they stop cooking at 7:30 p.m.)
4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
Unicorn Sundae at Villagers Rtes. 131 and 106, Downers Four Corners, in Perkinsville

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


Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Information Page.

COVID-Vaccine Clinics 


VT Digger Coronavirus Report: CLICK HERE

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.

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