Weathersfield Weekly Blog January 16 edition
Weather is warm, diving is great. Wish you were here.
Mark Your Calendars
Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE
Website Coding: HTML
Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Monday Evening Book Club: Breath by James NestMonday Evening Book Club: Breath by James Nestor
Mon, Jan 16, 6:00 PM
Monday Evening Book Club: Breath by James Nest
Monday Evening Book Club: Breath by James NestorMon, Jan 16, 6:00 PM
Website Coding: HTML
Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 3:00 PM
The Weathersfield Proctor Library invites everyone to come celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year on Saturday, January 21 beginning at 10 a.m.
- learn to use chopsticks (10:00)
- hear stories and sing Chinese children's songs (10:30)
- make a rabbit craft (11:30)
- practice brush writing (10:30 and after)
More information-contact the library (802)674-2863 weathersfieldproctorlibrary@gmail.com
High School Fair at WS January 24
The WS annual high school fair is happening on Tuesday, January 24th from 6-7 p.m. in the AP room. Area high schools will be here to share information on their school and what they can offer to best meet the needs of your student.
WS Family S.T.E.A.M. Night February 1
Family S.T.E.A.M. Night is Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 5-7 p.m.. Dinner will be served from 5-6 p.m. and S.T.E.A.M. activities will be from 6-7 p.m. It will be an evening of free fun, exploration and demonstrations, highlighting opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics fields.
Little Mermaid Jr. March 24-25 at WS
The WS students will be performing the play The Little Mermaid Jr. on March 24 and 25. Rehearsals began on January 10 after a record number of students auditioning for positions.
Congrats Ben Brown-Bonnie Cabbage Growing Contest Winner
TOWN
Absentee Ballots
By law, all dogs and wolf hybrids six months of age (if first rabies vaccine 3 months) or older must be licensed by April 1st each year in the town where the dog resides. Licenses are only available through the Town Clerk's Office and may be purchased in person or by mail if there is a current rabies certificate on file. Licenses are available after mid January each year.
The Ascutney Mountain in West Windsor, Vermont, has always been a major part of Shelley Seward's life.
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town News
Selectboard continues budget discussion at Tuesday night meeting
The Selectboard will continue discussing the FY 24 budget with the clocking ticking to get the information for the Town Report to the printers on January 20th.
The General Fund proposed tax revenue for FY24 is up 16% an increase of over $214,000. Overall departmental revenues are projected to be up 10%. With the largest increase coming from the tax revenue.
While a couple of department expenses are near level funded, many departments are requesting an increase of 6% or more.
The library and land use departments are asking for 6% increases each; the town clerk's department is asking for 8% increase; police department a 13% increase; Ascutney Fire and West Weathersfield Fire are both asking for 10% increases and the General Fire Services is asking for 87% increase.
In addition, the fire departments are asking to two special articles to pass for an additional $50,000 total. (see below in the Town Meeting Warning)
In regards to the town solid waste budget, the town manager (TM) is suggesting that transfer station stickers remain at $50 but the the punch card fee will need to increase. The TM's projections say the town will need to raise an additional $14,230, resulting in a 30 cent increase on the punch cards.
(from the School Newsletter)
Huge shout out and congratulations to Ben Brown, Grade 4, for winning Bonnie Cabbage growing contest for Vermont.
Last year the 3rd graders were given seedlings provided by Bonnie Plants (https://bonniecabbageprogram.com/) as one of their promotions of showing kids how to grow their own food and to become gardeners.
The class discussed the process of organic and chemical fertilizer and we had two cabbages that were in the school garden for the purpose of seeing how the effects of certain substances would enhance growing. The organic one was chomped down by a critter followed by our "growing really well" fertilized one. A lot was learned. One, we need a fence and two, you are what you eat, which lead to more composting discussions and the use of organic materials.
The students took them home to nurture and grow over the summer with a certain deadline for harvesting. The contest was to see who could grow the largest cabbage in their state. According to Ben's parents and family, he babied his cabbage and took wonderful care to get it to a great size this fall! Ben was the ultimate winner for the state of Vermont and he won a $1000 scholarship!
Huge shout out and congratulations to Ben Brown, Grade 4, for winning Bonnie Cabbage growing contest for Vermont.
Last year the 3rd graders were given seedlings provided by Bonnie Plants (https://bonniecabbageprogram.com/) as one of their promotions of showing kids how to grow their own food and to become gardeners.
The class discussed the process of organic and chemical fertilizer and we had two cabbages that were in the school garden for the purpose of seeing how the effects of certain substances would enhance growing. The organic one was chomped down by a critter followed by our "growing really well" fertilized one. A lot was learned. One, we need a fence and two, you are what you eat, which lead to more composting discussions and the use of organic materials.
The students took them home to nurture and grow over the summer with a certain deadline for harvesting. The contest was to see who could grow the largest cabbage in their state. According to Ben's parents and family, he babied his cabbage and took wonderful care to get it to a great size this fall! Ben was the ultimate winner for the state of Vermont and he won a $1000 scholarship!
To see the photo of his winning cabbage: CLICK HERE
Elected Positions Open on Town Meeting Day, March 7, 2023
Moderator/Town-1 YEAR
Select Person-3 YEAR
Select Person-2 YEAR
Lister-3 YEAR
Lister-3 YEAR
Trustee of Public Funds-3 YEAR
Cemetery Commissioner-5 YEAR
Library Trustee-3 YEAR
SCHOOL
Moderator/School-1 YEAR
School Director-3 YEAR
School Director-1 YEAR
School Director-1 YEAR
Petitions and Consent of Candidate forms available through the Town Clerk's office
Select Person-3 YEAR
Select Person-2 YEAR
Lister-3 YEAR
Lister-3 YEAR
Trustee of Public Funds-3 YEAR
Cemetery Commissioner-5 YEAR
Library Trustee-3 YEAR
SCHOOL
Moderator/School-1 YEAR
School Director-3 YEAR
School Director-1 YEAR
School Director-1 YEAR
Petitions and Consent of Candidate forms available through the Town Clerk's office
802-674-9500 Website
Absentee Ballots
Please call the Town Clerk's office to request an Absentee Ballot to be sent to you.
The Town Clerk will not be sending out ballots to ALL VOTERS on the voter's checklist, ONLY TO THOSE WHO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT.
Please call Flo-Ann Dango, Town Clerk at 802-674-9500
The Town Clerk will not be sending out ballots to ALL VOTERS on the voter's checklist, ONLY TO THOSE WHO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT.
Please call Flo-Ann Dango, Town Clerk at 802-674-9500
Town of Weathersfield, Vermont Warning for the Annual Town Meeting
Saturday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 7, 2023
The legal voters of the Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Road in Ascutney, in the Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, on Saturday, the 4th day of March 2023, at 12:30 P.M., to act on the following articles:
Article 1 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield accept the reports of the Town’s officers for the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022?
Article 2 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield, in accordance with 17 V.S.A. § 2664 and 22 V.S.A. §, authorize the Proctor Library Trustees to expend such grant monies, gifts, or bequests which may be received by the Proctor Library, in accordance of said grants, gifts, or bequests?
Article 3 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow money, if necessary, to pay current expenses in anticipation of taxes in accordance with the provisions of Title 24, Section 1786 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?
Article 4 To transact any other business deemed proper when met.
Article 5 To elect all town officers as required by law. Moderator/Town - One Year Select Person - Three Years Select Person - Two Years Lister – Three Years Lister – Three Years Trustee of Public Funds - Three Years Cemetery Commissioner - Five Years Library Trustee - Three Years
Article 6 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $1,621,928 for the support and operation of the Town’s General Fund? $1,307,678 shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Selectboard to set the appropriate tax rate.
Article 7 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $1,172,494 for the support and operation of the Town’s Highway Fund? $945,983 shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Selectboard to set the appropriate tax rate.
Article 8 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $334,769 for the support and operation of the Town’s Solid Waste Management Facility? These monies shall be raised by non-tax revenues.
Article 9 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of $40,000 to be deposited into the Fire Apparatus Acquisition Reserve account? [Not in Budget]
Article 10 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be deposited into the Fire Protection Water Supply Construction Reserve account? [Not in Budget]
Article 11 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield exempt from Town property taxation the land and building owned by the West Weathersfield Fire Department, Inc., located at Map No. 03, Block No. 02, Parcel No. 26.00, for a period of five years in accordance with the provisions of Title 32, Section 3840, of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?
Article 12 Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield amend the purpose of the Veterans Memorial Reserve Fund to include use for the maintenance and repair of the Veterans Memorial Park and for the costs of events held to honor veterans?
Hey Weathersfield Dogs
Officer AJ says, don't forget to renew your dog's license before April 1
By law, all dogs and wolf hybrids six months of age (if first rabies vaccine 3 months) or older must be licensed by April 1st each year in the town where the dog resides. Licenses are only available through the Town Clerk's Office and may be purchased in person or by mail if there is a current rabies certificate on file. Licenses are available after mid January each year.
Weathersfield does not currently license cats.
In order to license your dog you must present the following items:
In order to license your dog you must present the following items:
A copy of a valid rabies certificate (unless one is already on file).
Proof of Spay/Neuter certificate (if applicable)
Cash or a check made payable to "Town of Weathersfield"
Fee Before April 1st:
Neutered/Spayed: $5.00 + $5.00 state = $10.00
Male/Female: $9.00 + $5.00 state = $14.00
Fee after April 1st:
Neutered/ Spayed: $7.00 + $5.00 state = $12.00 Male/ Female: $13.00 + $5.00 state = $18.00
Proof of Spay/Neuter certificate (if applicable)
Cash or a check made payable to "Town of Weathersfield"
Fee Before April 1st:
Neutered/Spayed: $5.00 + $5.00 state = $10.00
Male/Female: $9.00 + $5.00 state = $14.00
Fee after April 1st:
Neutered/ Spayed: $7.00 + $5.00 state = $12.00 Male/ Female: $13.00 + $5.00 state = $18.00
Local and State News
The resurgence of a Vermont ski area is bringing hope to rural communities
Chris Conte reportingThe Ascutney Mountain in West Windsor, Vermont, has always been a major part of Shelley Seward's life.
She started skiing at Ascutney at the age of two. Her father also worked at the mountain as a ski patroller.
The mountain first started welcoming skiers in the winter of 1935. Seventy-five years later it went into foreclosure.
The closure of Ascutney Mountain led to a loss of jobs and revenue for the area.
“There was a real palpable, almost depression in the community, especially from an economic perspective," Seward said. "We lost our way."
The town of 1,400 people was determined to climb its way out of economic uncertainty. It all started with the installation of a rope tow a few years back.
A group of volunteers got together and managed to get a power company to donate electrical poles. Old car rims make up the pully system. Once the rope tow started operating, the rebirth of this rural economic driver was well underway.
“It’s easy terrain to maintain so we can ski with a minimal amount of snow,” explained Glenn Seward, who once worked as the director of mountain operations.
Through volunteer efforts and donations, the town came together to buy back the failed ski area in 2015. Residents, all volunteers, handle everything from lift operations to ticket sales. There's no longer a private company running the mountain.
“Many of the people who volunteer here don’t ski, they don’t bike, they just want the community to be successful,” Shelley Seward said.
The group formed the nonprofit now known as Ascutney Outdoors. They’ve helped reopen the mountain and turn it into a year-round destination for everything from mountain biking competitions to snow tubing. A lift ticket costs just $20.
READ MORE and View Video: CLICK HERE
Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to perform in Vermont
Maggie Reynolds rpeorting for VT Digger
In the midst of Russia’s continued attacks on neighboring Ukraine, an esteemed Ukrainian orchestra has continued performing — and it’s coming to Vermont this month.
The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine is the first show of 2023 in the KCP Presents Series, a collaboration between two arts organizations in the Northeast Kingdom.
The Lviv Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center.
“The idea that we could show some solidarity with the people in Ukraine and also present this exciting piece of music became a real keystone to our series this year,” said Jay Craven, artistic director at Kingdom County Productions, which is presenting the event alongside Catamount Arts.
The Lyndon Institute is one of the orchestra’s first stops on its United States tour, which includes big-city venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
For Craven, the Lviv Orchestra’s performance is an opportunity to bring more orchestral music to the Northeast Kingdom. “Orchestras are sort of new to us,” he said.
He said he was initially interested in presenting the orchestra prior to Russia’s February 2022 invasion because it would perform Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony.
Shortly after Craven began negotiating a date with the Lviv orchestra, Russia invaded Ukraine, and the group became in much higher demand. The orchestra was booked immediately by Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and Craven decided to book them too, he said.
Becca Balint sworn into Congress after days of chaos over speaker vote
Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint was sworn into office Saturday morning, more than three days after she was expected to take her seat as Vermont’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Balint is now officially the first woman and the first openly gay person to represent the state in Washington, D.C.
Balint anticipated taking the oath of office on Tuesday. But the historic Republican stalemate that impeded the election of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker delayed proceedings until shortly after midnight on Saturday. House members could not be sworn in until after a speaker was elected.
“We were three days in with no end in sight,” Balint told VT Digger on Friday morning. “And I want to get to work. I want to actually get stuff done, and we can't. We're just in this limbo, and that doesn't feel good for any of us.”
READ MORE
By Layla Kalinen reporting for the Eagle Times
In the early morning of Tuesday, January 3, 2023, a two-vehicle collision occurred on the bridge intersection of Route 131 and Route 12, involving a propane truck being struck by a pick-up truck.
The pick-up truck became engulfed in flames, but this was reportedly not as a result of the collision into the propane delivery truck.
According to Weathersfield Police Chief William Daniels, the accident occurred at approximately 5:35 a.m. on Vermont Route 131/12 in Ascutney, part of the township of Weathersfield.
According to Daniels, members of the Weathersfield Police Department, Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department and Golden Cross Ambulance were dispatched for a report of a tractor trailer versus truck accident with possible fire.
Ascutney Fire arrived on scene and extinguished the vehicle fire.
RELATED
The State is considering a rotary at the Route 5 and 131 intersection according to the minutes of the January 3rd Selectboard meeting as relayed by Ascutney Fire Chief Darrin Spaulding.
Alan J. Keays reporting for VT Digger
Ezra Miller, the actor who has played such leading roles as “The Flash” in Justice League movies, formally entered a guilty plea Friday to a reduced charge of unlawful trespass, resolving a break-in case in southern Vermont without doing jail time.
In exchange for Miller’s guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge, prosecutors in Bennington County Superior criminal court agreed to dismiss other charges of felony burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and misdemeanor petty larceny.
As part of the plea deal reached ahead of Friday’s hearing, Miller received a sentence of 89 to 90 days in jail, all suspended, and will be placed on probation for one year. They will also be fined $500.
Miller, 30, of Stamford, was accused of breaking into a nearby home in May and stealing three bottles of alcohol containing gin, vodka and rum. Miller pleaded not guilty in October to the original charges in the case.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
During Friday’s 30-minute hearing, Judge Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady outlined the rights Miller was agreeing to give up by entering the plea agreement, including a right to a jury trial.
Miller told the judge they understood those rights and agreed to waive them to enter the plea deal.
Alan J. Keays reporting for VT Digger
Staff members and people in custody at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield reported high rates of suicidal thoughts, while morale among employees continued to lag, according to a new study released this week.
“What we've seen, at least in this 2022 data, is just it's an environment that's very stressful for staff and incarcerated (people),” said Abigail Crocker, a co-founder of the University of Vermont’s Justice Research Initiative, who helped lead the university’s participation in the study.
“The things that really stand out from the results,” Crocker added, “are mental health, the physical health, social health impacts, of working or being incarcerated in a facility.”
One of the “alarming” results of the survey, according to Crocker, is the rate of suicidal ideations for both staff and incarcerated individuals –- measured at 30% and 37% respectively, she said.
“Those are really high in general and they’re high for incarcerated and correctional staff populations as well,” Crocker said.
The UVM’s Justice Research Initiative and the Washington-based nonprofit Urban Institute conducted the survey in June, with the results released last week.
The Urban Institute’s Prison Research and Innovation Initiative looks at conditions for people living and working in specific prisons, with Vermont being one of five states chosen to take part in the study.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
A similar survey was conducted last year in Vermont. Many of the numbers in this year’s survey mirrored results of last year’s survey, with slight declines in some areas.
Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger
Police have arrested a fourth suspect in connection to the November raid in Springfield in which local, state and federal law enforcement descended on the town, drawing praise from the governor.
Michael Cotter, 32, was arrested last week in Charlestown, New Hampshire, according to an arrest warrant filed on behalf of the FBI. He was booked into Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Monday, where he’s currently being held.
In November, police arrested Jonathan “Jose” Castro, Anibal “Papi” Castro Sr. and Derek Arie, alleging they conspired to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl in Vermont between March and November.
At the time, two other names were redacted from court documents. Cotter’s name has since been unredacted, and he too faces charges of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
“Law enforcement was unable to locate Mr. Cotter when they executed search warrants in Springfield” in November, Fabienne Boisvert-DeFazio, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont, told VTDigger on Tuesday, explaining Cotter’s delayed arrest.
A motion for Cotter’s detention indicates that last October, he was arrested by Massachusetts State Police after they found 1,000 bags of suspected fentanyl in his possession. Cotter later told law enforcement he intended to bring the drugs back to Springfield, which is right across the Connecticut River from Charlestown.
Less than two weeks before the raid, Cotter was allegedly caught selling fentanyl in Springfield, court documents suggested.
The State is considering a rotary at the Route 5 and 131 intersection according to the minutes of the January 3rd Selectboard meeting as relayed by Ascutney Fire Chief Darrin Spaulding.
Vermont’s walk-in Covid vaccination clinics to close by end of month
Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger
The state Department of Health plans to end walk-in Covid and flu vaccine clinics by Jan. 31.
The clinics have given out between 500,000 and 1 million Covid vaccine doses over the course of the pandemic, through multiple rounds of campaigns for different age groups and boosters, according to health department data.
But in an announcement on the health department website last month, officials said there hasn’t been enough attendance in recent months to keep clinics going during the most recent iteration of the vaccine, the bivalent booster dose, which targets the Omicron variant.
“Demand is starting to peter off. We gave out about 20,000 doses of vaccine in the month of December, which is real, real low,” said Monica Ogelby, immunization program chief for the health department.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
Those low numbers come despite the health department expanding evening clinics right before the holidays to try to encourage more Vermonters to come out. “Not gonna lie, I was really hopeful that that would be the case,” she said.
Ogelby said the department also believes that the state is reaching the “tail end” of the optimal time to get vaccinated, since respiratory illnesses like Covid tend to follow a seasonal pattern.
“Really, people should be getting vaccinated earlier than the end of January in order to protect themselves and their loved ones and those around them,” Ogelby said.
The vaccine will remain available through doctor’s offices and pharmacies along with some community-run clinics, like the health equity clinic, she said. Asked if the health department would consider restarting its walk-in clinics for future vaccination campaigns, she pointed to those other options.
The state Department of Health plans to end walk-in Covid and flu vaccine clinics by Jan. 31.
The clinics have given out between 500,000 and 1 million Covid vaccine doses over the course of the pandemic, through multiple rounds of campaigns for different age groups and boosters, according to health department data.
But in an announcement on the health department website last month, officials said there hasn’t been enough attendance in recent months to keep clinics going during the most recent iteration of the vaccine, the bivalent booster dose, which targets the Omicron variant.
“Demand is starting to peter off. We gave out about 20,000 doses of vaccine in the month of December, which is real, real low,” said Monica Ogelby, immunization program chief for the health department.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
Those low numbers come despite the health department expanding evening clinics right before the holidays to try to encourage more Vermonters to come out. “Not gonna lie, I was really hopeful that that would be the case,” she said.
Ogelby said the department also believes that the state is reaching the “tail end” of the optimal time to get vaccinated, since respiratory illnesses like Covid tend to follow a seasonal pattern.
“Really, people should be getting vaccinated earlier than the end of January in order to protect themselves and their loved ones and those around them,” Ogelby said.
The vaccine will remain available through doctor’s offices and pharmacies along with some community-run clinics, like the health equity clinic, she said. Asked if the health department would consider restarting its walk-in clinics for future vaccination campaigns, she pointed to those other options.
‘Good luck to you,’ judge tells actor Ezra Miller after accepting plea deal in break-in case
Alan J. Keays reporting for VT Digger
Ezra Miller, the actor who has played such leading roles as “The Flash” in Justice League movies, formally entered a guilty plea Friday to a reduced charge of unlawful trespass, resolving a break-in case in southern Vermont without doing jail time.
In exchange for Miller’s guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge, prosecutors in Bennington County Superior criminal court agreed to dismiss other charges of felony burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and misdemeanor petty larceny.
As part of the plea deal reached ahead of Friday’s hearing, Miller received a sentence of 89 to 90 days in jail, all suspended, and will be placed on probation for one year. They will also be fined $500.
Miller, 30, of Stamford, was accused of breaking into a nearby home in May and stealing three bottles of alcohol containing gin, vodka and rum. Miller pleaded not guilty in October to the original charges in the case.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
During Friday’s 30-minute hearing, Judge Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady outlined the rights Miller was agreeing to give up by entering the plea agreement, including a right to a jury trial.
Miller told the judge they understood those rights and agreed to waive them to enter the plea deal.
Survey results continue to paint a grim picture at Springfield prison
Alan J. Keays reporting for VT Digger
Staff members and people in custody at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield reported high rates of suicidal thoughts, while morale among employees continued to lag, according to a new study released this week.
“What we've seen, at least in this 2022 data, is just it's an environment that's very stressful for staff and incarcerated (people),” said Abigail Crocker, a co-founder of the University of Vermont’s Justice Research Initiative, who helped lead the university’s participation in the study.
“The things that really stand out from the results,” Crocker added, “are mental health, the physical health, social health impacts, of working or being incarcerated in a facility.”
One of the “alarming” results of the survey, according to Crocker, is the rate of suicidal ideations for both staff and incarcerated individuals –- measured at 30% and 37% respectively, she said.
“Those are really high in general and they’re high for incarcerated and correctional staff populations as well,” Crocker said.
The UVM’s Justice Research Initiative and the Washington-based nonprofit Urban Institute conducted the survey in June, with the results released last week.
The Urban Institute’s Prison Research and Innovation Initiative looks at conditions for people living and working in specific prisons, with Vermont being one of five states chosen to take part in the study.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
A similar survey was conducted last year in Vermont. Many of the numbers in this year’s survey mirrored results of last year’s survey, with slight declines in some areas.
New arrest made in connection with November drug raid in Springfield
Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger
Police have arrested a fourth suspect in connection to the November raid in Springfield in which local, state and federal law enforcement descended on the town, drawing praise from the governor.
Michael Cotter, 32, was arrested last week in Charlestown, New Hampshire, according to an arrest warrant filed on behalf of the FBI. He was booked into Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Monday, where he’s currently being held.
In November, police arrested Jonathan “Jose” Castro, Anibal “Papi” Castro Sr. and Derek Arie, alleging they conspired to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl in Vermont between March and November.
At the time, two other names were redacted from court documents. Cotter’s name has since been unredacted, and he too faces charges of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.
![](https://ads.empowerlocal.co/error/blank.gif)
“Law enforcement was unable to locate Mr. Cotter when they executed search warrants in Springfield” in November, Fabienne Boisvert-DeFazio, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont, told VTDigger on Tuesday, explaining Cotter’s delayed arrest.
A motion for Cotter’s detention indicates that last October, he was arrested by Massachusetts State Police after they found 1,000 bags of suspected fentanyl in his possession. Cotter later told law enforcement he intended to bring the drugs back to Springfield, which is right across the Connecticut River from Charlestown.
Less than two weeks before the raid, Cotter was allegedly caught selling fentanyl in Springfield, court documents suggested.
READ MORE
Winter Activities Begin Jan. 20-Early Release Day
Winter activities are starting up on Friday, January 20th. Remember all students have an early release day, so that they can attend their Winter Activity.
Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
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
4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
VT Digger Coronavirus Report: CLICK HERE
Town of Weathersfield
Select Board
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. February 6February 20 (President's Day)
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboardNovember 21
November 14 Special Meeting (Generator for Martin Memorial Hall)
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.
February 6
February 20 (President's Day)
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
November 21
November 14 Special Meeting (Generator for Martin Memorial Hall)
November 14 Special Meeting (Generator for Martin Memorial Hall)
*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 Police Blotter
Weathersfield School
Weekly Newsletter:
Save the Dates
January 24 High School Fair
February 1 Family S.T.E.A.M. Night
January 24 High School Fair
February 1 Family S.T.E.A.M. Night
Winter Activities Begin Jan. 20-Early Release Day
Winter activities are starting up on Friday, January 20th. Remember all students have an early release day, so that they can attend their Winter Activity.
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.
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
World Language Teacher
Paraprofessional
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE
Weathersfield School Board meets on TuesdaysIn Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney February 14, 2023
March 14, 2023
School Board MeetingsMeeting MinutesJanuary 10 (minutes not posted at press time)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
March 14, 2023
January 11
Weathersfield Proctor Library
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
WPL Drop in Scrabble
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details
@ 603-252-0936
Please call Maureen Bogosian for details
@ 603-252-0936
@ 603-252-0936
Weathersfield Historical SocietyFollow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety
Weathersfield Historical Society
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsocietyWeathersfield Center Church and Meeting HouseFollow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch
Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurchThings to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Get Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops
The Kaskadenac Nordic Ski Club needs a snow dance!
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
Upper Valley Spike Hikes
The Upper Valley Trails Alliance's Kaitie Eddington checks in with a little gift: a compilation of trails and trail networks good for winter walking and hiking that also have easily accessible parking.
Eight suggestions, from Hanover's Britton Forest to Woodstock's Ottauquechee River Trail to Eastman's northern trails in Grantham, plus plenty of others. And an added bonus: an updated list of stores in the region that sell spikes for your boots (and other hiking stuff).
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
Exercise
Yoga
Whole Roasted Tro
Whole Roasted Tro
Within Reach Yoga
at the 1879 Schoolhouse in Perkinsville, VT
You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa. (Class sizes limited to 7.)
January Classes Mondays and Tuesdays
Candle Glow Gentle Flow
Monday evenings 5:30-6:30 p.m.
January 16, 23, 30
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.January 17, 24, 31
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.
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.
January 17, 24, 31
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.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.
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 93 Pleasant St. Claremont, NH (in the space formerly occupied by Dusty’s Café)
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
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-(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.
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
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Information Page.
COVID-Vaccine Clinics
Visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/cdf6b5c920a54a5f960ca73bda5943c2/ to find a clinic near you.
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.
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