Weathersfield Weekly Blog April 24 edition
April Showers, Bring May Flowers!!
The Daffodils are in full bloom. So nice to see bright colors again.
Mark Your CalendarsJust AnnouncedCommunity Contra Dance Saturday, May 6, 6:30-9 p.m.
Community Contra Dance & Social in the Weathersfield Center Historic District
Saturday, May 6, 7–9 pm Doors open at 6:30; Beginner session at 6:40
Weathersfield Center Meetinghouse, 2579 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT
Parking in the field across the road.
No special clothing, footwear, or experience required. You’re welcome to dance, listen, sit or chat and enjoy that cold beverage you brought along.
Caller Steve Zakon-Anderson teaching and guiding everyone through the dances.
Wonderful live music provided by Naomi Morse, fiddle & Amy Englesberg, piano.
Contra Dancing is a traditional New England folk dance style in which couples dance in two facing lines, following the instructions of a caller.
ALL ARE WELCOME ~~~ ALL DANCES WILL BE TAUGHT
Potluck snacks at the break. Feel free to bring simple finger food to share. Bring a beer, a wine, water, or whatever you fancy.
Adults: $10, Children: $5, Families: $20
Masks welcome but not required
Mark Your Calendars
Just Announced
Community Contra Dance Saturday, May 6, 6:30-9 p.m.
Community Contra Dance & Social in the Weathersfield Center Historic District
Saturday, May 6, 7–9 pm Doors open at 6:30; Beginner session at 6:40
Weathersfield Center Meetinghouse, 2579 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT
Parking in the field across the road.
No special clothing, footwear, or experience required. You’re welcome to dance, listen, sit or chat and enjoy that cold beverage you brought along.
Caller Steve Zakon-Anderson teaching and guiding everyone through the dances.
Wonderful live music provided by Naomi Morse, fiddle & Amy Englesberg, piano.
Contra Dancing is a traditional New England folk dance style in which couples dance in two facing lines, following the instructions of a caller.
ALL ARE WELCOME ~~~ ALL DANCES WILL BE TAUGHT
Potluck snacks at the break. Feel free to bring simple finger food to share. Bring a beer, a wine, water, or whatever you fancy.
Adults: $10, Children: $5, Families: $20
Masks welcome but not required
Saturday, May 6, 7–9 pm Doors open at 6:30; Beginner session at 6:40
Weathersfield Center Meetinghouse, 2579 Weathersfield Center Road, Weathersfield, VT
Parking in the field across the road.
No special clothing, footwear, or experience required. You’re welcome to dance, listen, sit or chat and enjoy that cold beverage you brought along.
Caller Steve Zakon-Anderson teaching and guiding everyone through the dances.
Wonderful live music provided by Naomi Morse, fiddle & Amy Englesberg, piano.
Contra Dancing is a traditional New England folk dance style in which couples dance in two facing lines, following the instructions of a caller.
ALL ARE WELCOME ~~~ ALL DANCES WILL BE TAUGHT
Potluck snacks at the break. Feel free to bring simple finger food to share. Bring a beer, a wine, water, or whatever you fancy.
Adults: $10, Children: $5, Families: $20
Masks welcome but not required
Mother's Day Plant Sale, Saturday May 13
Ascutney Village Farmers Market is hosting their annual Mother's Day Plant sale to benefit the Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, May 13. The Market is located at 5585 Rt 5, Ascutney VT 05030.
Lots and lots of hanging flower baskets, patio pots, box annuals and more,Children's Fishing Derby June 10th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Children's Fishing Derby June 10th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lace up for Laura Saturday, June 24th. 8:30 A.M. kids race, 9:00 5k run/walk-Registration is OPEN
The Annual Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5k Walk/Run and kids fun run has been announced and race registration is now open.
Lace up for Laura Saturday, June 24th. 8:30 A.M. kids race, 9:00 5k run/walk-Registration is OPEN
The Annual Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5k Walk/Run and kids fun run has been announced and race registration is now open.
The race is held in memory of Laura Cody McNaughton who died in a tragic car accident on June 28, 2018 and raise funds for the scholarship fund in her name.
Energy at this event is fun, supportive and full of smiles as individuals and families participate in something Laura loved to do all for a meaningful cause.
The event will consist of two races held on Saturday, June 24, 2023: 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 the Plains and Reservoir Roads. 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.
Plenty of post-race snacks and swag will be offered!
(Contact them if you'd like to become a sponsor or make a donation to the raffle).
Proceeds from the event 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.
Race Co-Chairs: Ethan McNaughton and Lisa Gleeson.
Media contacts, please visit our website to get in touch. https://www.laceupforlaura.com/
More photos from the 2022 race: CLICK HERE
Springfield Library Events
Springfield Library Events
43 Main Street - Springfield, VT 05156Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE
LEGOs and Laughs
Wed, Apr 26, 4:00 PM
STL Garden Prep to Raise Food for the Community (and the Bees)43 Main Street - Springfield, VT 05156
Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE
LEGOs and Laughs
Wed, Apr 26, 4:00 PM
Wed, Apr 26, 4:00 PM
Thu, Apr 27, 3:00 PM
Individual Computer Assistance Sessions
Mon, May 1, 8 and 22nd 2:30 PM
Ask Our Police Chief: A Community Conversation
Mon, May 1, 6:00 PM
Mon, May 1, 6:00 PM
Free Comic Book Day! Zine Making Workshop! Pokémon Card Show and Tell!
Sat, May 6, 10:30 AM
Sat, May 6, 10:30 AM
An Introduction to Creating and Working with Spreadsheet
Mon, May 15, 1:00 PM
Mon, May 15, 1:00 PM
Monday Evening Book Discussion: Subtle Acts of Exclusion
Mon, May 15, 6:00 PM
Thu, May 18, 1:00 PM
Garden GabWed, May 24, 6:00 PM
Ask Our Town Manager: A Community Conversation
Mon, Jun 5, 6:00 PM
Senior Solutions - Dinner, Dance, & Silent Auction April 28
Join the Dinner, Dance, and Silent Auction at the American Legion Post 67 in Chester VT on Friday, April 28, 2023. They are also providing (dance only) tickets to community members so that they may join at no cost. The Deadline is April 6th at 5pm.
The Household Hazardous Waste Depot opens on May 2 for the season.
Ice Cream Lovers Rejoice-Villagers Opens for the Season THIS Friday, April 28 at 11 AM
Before you make an appointment with us, ask your family, friends, and neighbors if they would like your items. Otherwise, bring them to the Depot. It is a convenient way to dispose of bathroom cleaners, nail polish remover, paint, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, etc.
We will be open Tuesday and Thursday mornings through the end of September.
Call Mary T. O'Brien at 802-674-9235 for an appointment and directions to the Depot. You drive in, we unload your vehicle, you pay $10 in cash or by check, and you drive away - all in less than 5 minutes (unless you stay to chat). It's easy. (Confirmed by more than one customer.)
SWWCSWMD residents only
$10/car for up to 10 gallons of HHW (no charge for paint)
Visit https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/ for a list of what we accept and don't accept.
We will be open Tuesday and Thursday mornings through the end of September.
Call Mary T. O'Brien at 802-674-9235 for an appointment and directions to the Depot. You drive in, we unload your vehicle, you pay $10 in cash or by check, and you drive away - all in less than 5 minutes (unless you stay to chat). It's easy. (Confirmed by more than one customer.)
SWWCSWMD residents only
$10/car for up to 10 gallons of HHW (no charge for paint)
Visit https://www.vtsolidwastedistrict.org/ for a list of what we accept and don't accept.
Want to play at Do Good Fest 2023? 
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Zilly Zonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wednesday, May 10 at 5:30 PM
If you haven't been to a Zack's Place performance, you'll want to attend this one. The shows are always well done and are a great community resource.
Here are some photos from previous performances: Zack's Place Theatre Guild
Weathersfield Historical Society Announces
the return of the Frippery this August!
the return of the Frippery this August!
Questions please call Maureen at 603.252.0936.
Concerts
Little Steven and The Disciples of SoulRed Bank NJ April 19, 2023
You might not know his name but you may recognize his face. Steven Van Zandt starred in the Netflix series Lillehammer and also was Tony Sopranos consiglieri in the hit HBO series The Sopranos. But before all the TV work, Van Zandt co-founded the band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and is a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.
His band the Disciples of Soul, which had not performed together since 2019, got together at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, April 18-19. We saw the April 19th show.(He’ll be back on the road with Springsteen from late April to December.)
The two nights were being filmed for a concert film to be released later this year. For a band that just recently got back together, the played almost 3 hours and were super tight.
There are 15 musicians in all (counting Van Zandt), including two, saxophonist Eddie Manion and percussionist Anthony Almonte, who are also part of this year’s E Street Band tour.
It was a LONG drive to Red Bank, NJ but it was so worth it to see this band again.
More photos: Click Here
More videos: Click Here
Della Mae is a bluegrass band that formed in Boston MA in 2009.
The band is made up of founder and fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith, guitarist Avril Smith, bassist Vickie Vaughn, and mandolinist Maddie Witler (Maddie was not at this show).
They are winding down the northeast leg of their tour then heading south and west for a few shows.
But they will be returning in July for the Grey Fox bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, NY on July 14th. They will also be performing at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring NC in September and making an appearance at the Bourbon & Beyond Fest in Louisville KY in mid-September.
We've been follow lead singer Celia Woodsmith Boyd for years and her voice and guitar playing really shine with this band.
Kimber's fiddle playing is electric.
Maya de Vitry opened the show and joined the Dellas on stage for two encores- Shining in the Distance and Sabrina-two songs from de Vitry's former band The Stray Birds.
More photos: Click Here
More videos: CLICK HERE
But they will be returning in July for the Grey Fox bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, NY on July 14th. They will also be performing at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring NC in September and making an appearance at the Bourbon & Beyond Fest in Louisville KY in mid-September.
Kimber's fiddle playing is electric.
More photos: Click Here
More videos: CLICK HERE
Help! I Need Your Votes
I've entered a couple of photos into the Little Cayman Beach April Photo Contest and I'd appreciate your vote for one or both of them.
Glowing Vase Sponge VOTE
Spawning Barrel Sponge VOTE
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School News
Do you enjoy being on the water? If you own a small paddle-powered or motor-powered boat and can commit to getting out on your lake or pond once every 10 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, then being a lake monitor could be for you,
Volunteers from the Black River Action Team will be tackling lakes and ponds around Windsor County, but there are several still in need of a person to take on the role of lake monitor. All training and equipment are provided. All that’s required is your enthusiasm for healthy water and an hour or so every 10 days. Water temperature and clarity data as well as visual observations will be collected during each visit, and samples will be collected and need to be delivered to a prearranged drop site in a timely manner.
The water bodies in need are Knapp Brook Pond Number One and Knapp Brook Pond Number Two in Cavendish/Ascutney, Stoughton Pond in Weathersfield, and Amherst Lake in Plymouth.
To learn more or to volunteer, please contact B.R.A.T. Director Kelly Stettner right away at blackrivercleanup@gmail.com, or by leaving your contact information at 802-738-0456.
Volunteers from the Black River Action Team will be tackling lakes and ponds around Windsor County, but there are several still in need of a person to take on the role of lake monitor. All training and equipment are provided. All that’s required is your enthusiasm for healthy water and an hour or so every 10 days. Water temperature and clarity data as well as visual observations will be collected during each visit, and samples will be collected and need to be delivered to a prearranged drop site in a timely manner.
The water bodies in need are Knapp Brook Pond Number One and Knapp Brook Pond Number Two in Cavendish/Ascutney, Stoughton Pond in Weathersfield, and Amherst Lake in Plymouth.
To learn more or to volunteer, please contact B.R.A.T. Director Kelly Stettner right away at blackrivercleanup@gmail.com, or by leaving your contact information at 802-738-0456.
The Selectboard announced that there will be three public meetings on April 25, June 22, and July 13 to discuss the Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan .
All these meetings will at 6:30 p.m.and held at the 1879 Schoolhouse. The results of the meeting will be presented at a future Select Board meeting.
The public is invited to attend.
How should the ARPA Funds be used?-Meeting announced for May 4
At the Select board meeting on April 17th it was announced that The SLFRF Compliance Report has been submitted to treasury.
At the Select board meeting on April 17th it was announced that The SLFRF Compliance Report has been submitted to treasury.
A team has been assembled to meet at the 1879 Schoolhouse to discuss possible projects to be funded using the ARPA funds.
This meeting will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to join. Following this meeting, a proposal will be submitted to the Select Board for review.
CORRECTION; The Town manager emailed me Tuesday 4/25 evening around 9:30 p.m. to let me know that the meeting has been scheduled for April 26th.
There will be a May meeting scheduled and announced at a later date.
There will be a May meeting scheduled and announced at a later date.
"Residents should also know that they are welcome to come visit me in the
office to discuss ideas too, in the case neither of these meetings work for
someone." Mr. Gulnick wrote.
Hoisington Field needs works according to Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Commission.
The estimated cost of the project is $95,000. Parks and Recreation told the board that they needed financial assistance to get through the first two phases of the three phase project; they requested $35,000 in ARPA monies to start the process.
Selectboard member Dave Fuller expressed concerns over the property's deed as the field was originally donated to the school for recreation purposes. He also stated that there may be set backs requirements in place that will need to be looked into. The board agreed to that an investigation into the deed, survey, and other legal matters but agreed that this project was a good candidate for possible ARPA projects.
Town Volunteer Vacancies
There were no appointments made at the April 17th meeting but Selectboard Chair Mike Todd read the available vacancies a. Budget Committee (5 Vacancies)
b. Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies)
c. Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
d. Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
e. Lister (1 Vacancy) f. Parks and Recreation (2 Vacancies)
g. Veterans Memorial Committee (4 Vacancies)
h. Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 Vacancies)
Anyone interested in serving should contact the Town manager Brandon Gulnik at 802-674-2626
Man who told corrections staff he had trouble breathing dies at Springfield prison
Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger
A 46-year-old man who told prison staff he felt unwell and had difficulty breathing died at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield on Monday morning, according to Vermont State Police.
David Mitchell, 46, of Rutland, “was found unresponsive in his cell during a check at 9:27 a.m.,” police said. “Corrections staff provided emergency medical care and called first responders to the prison. Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and the inmate was pronounced dead at Southern State at 10:10 a.m.”
“Preliminary information obtained by VSP indicates the inmate had recently experienced health problems and told staff Monday morning that he was feeling unwell and had difficulty breathing,” police said.
An autopsy performed at the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington will determine the cause and manner of death, according to police, and an investigation is ongoing.
Since January 2022, 12 people who were in custody at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield have died, according to state police and corrections department reports. The prison includes an infirmary and a housing unit for elderly and chronically ill people.
In 2022, a total of nine people died in the state’s prison system, including six at the Springfield prison. An average of three people per year died in Vermont’s prisons from 2017 through 2021.
Haley Sommer, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, declined to comment on Monday’s death or the circumstances around it.
In an email, she pointed to the department’s general policy, which says that when a “Corrections Officer is notified of a medical emergency, medical staff will respond and provide the individual with the necessary care.” The policy “would have been adhered to in this circumstance, as well,” she said.
READ MORE
Witness says man who died at Springfield prison pleaded for help, was threatened by corrections officer
Ethan Weinstein
A person who was lodged near a man who died in the Springfield prison this week said the man was twice seen by medical staff and begged for help with breathing problems before he died, but was told to stop complaining by a guard who threatened to send him to solitary confinement.
David Mitchell, 46, of Rutland died after he had “difficulty breathing” while incarcerated at Southern State Correctional Facility on Monday morning, according to Vermont State Police.
An autopsy is pending to determine his cause of death, and the state police, Department of Corrections and the Defender General’s Office are investigating, as is standard procedure.
John White, who said he was lodged in a tier above and one cell over from Mitchell in Springfield at the time of his death, said Mitchell had ongoing respiratory problems and twice received medical attention Monday morning, including a check of his vital signs.
In the hour before his death, Mitchell complained that he couldn’t breathe, White said, his pleas growing in intensity even after he was seen by medical staff.
“It got to the point where he was panicking and crying, begging to be taken to the hospital,” said White, who spoke to VTDigger by phone on Wednesday.
A corrections officer told Mitchell to “go in your cell and lay down, you’re fine,” according to White, who was transferred to Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Tuesday.
White said the officer told Mitchell that if he kept complaining, he would “go to the hole,” which refers to solitary confinement.
Nick Deml, commissioner of the Department of Corrections, denied any misconduct in Mitchell’s death.
Local and State News
‘It’s been rocky’: Vermont schools struggle to administer a new standardized test
Peter D'Auria reporting for VT Digger
At Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools, standardized testing this month — never an enjoyable or soothing experience — was even worse than usual.
The test, a new system called Cognia, appeared rife with technical issues, and some classes struggled to sit for the test at all, according to Superintendent Libby Bonesteel. The district’s sixth-graders were simply unable to log in to the computer-based testing program last week, forcing administrators to find new testing dates. And multiple fifth-grade students were repeatedly and inexplicably ejected from the program, she said, to the point where some began to cry.
“They got incredibly frustrated, and some were in tears around it,” Bonesteel said.
Frustrations over the rollout of the Cognia standardized test are not limited to Montpelier Roxbury. Last week, the state’s organizations of superintendents, principals, teachers and school boards expressed concerns that the test rollout was becoming a mess.
The organizations were “seriously concerned with the administration of the test, which begins this week, and the affirmative harm to students and staff that is likely to occur,” leaders wrote in an April 11 letter to the state’s top education official.
“The bottom line is students and schools should not be penalized for results of a test with questionable validity that has been hastily implemented,” the groups wrote.
A federal mandate
Schools across the U.S. are required to administer a series of annual standardized tests to students in elementary, middle and high schools.
Students must take annual standardized tests in language arts and mathematics in grades three through eight, as well as once in grades 10 to 12. Schools must also administer science tests three times between grades three and 12.
Vermont previously contracted with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), an organization of public education entities, to administer tests. In October, Vermont announced that it was contracting with Cognia, a Georgia-based accreditation and testing nonprofit, to provide standardized testing after the expiration of the Smarter Balanced contract.
Peter D'Auria reporting for VT Digger
At Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools, standardized testing this month — never an enjoyable or soothing experience — was even worse than usual.
The test, a new system called Cognia, appeared rife with technical issues, and some classes struggled to sit for the test at all, according to Superintendent Libby Bonesteel. The district’s sixth-graders were simply unable to log in to the computer-based testing program last week, forcing administrators to find new testing dates. And multiple fifth-grade students were repeatedly and inexplicably ejected from the program, she said, to the point where some began to cry.
“They got incredibly frustrated, and some were in tears around it,” Bonesteel said.
Frustrations over the rollout of the Cognia standardized test are not limited to Montpelier Roxbury. Last week, the state’s organizations of superintendents, principals, teachers and school boards expressed concerns that the test rollout was becoming a mess.
The organizations were “seriously concerned with the administration of the test, which begins this week, and the affirmative harm to students and staff that is likely to occur,” leaders wrote in an April 11 letter to the state’s top education official.
“The bottom line is students and schools should not be penalized for results of a test with questionable validity that has been hastily implemented,” the groups wrote.
A federal mandate
Schools across the U.S. are required to administer a series of annual standardized tests to students in elementary, middle and high schools.
Students must take annual standardized tests in language arts and mathematics in grades three through eight, as well as once in grades 10 to 12. Schools must also administer science tests three times between grades three and 12.
Vermont previously contracted with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), an organization of public education entities, to administer tests. In October, Vermont announced that it was contracting with Cognia, a Georgia-based accreditation and testing nonprofit, to provide standardized testing after the expiration of the Smarter Balanced contract.
Ethan Weinstein reporting for VT Digger
A 46-year-old man who told prison staff he felt unwell and had difficulty breathing died at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield on Monday morning, according to Vermont State Police.
David Mitchell, 46, of Rutland, “was found unresponsive in his cell during a check at 9:27 a.m.,” police said. “Corrections staff provided emergency medical care and called first responders to the prison. Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and the inmate was pronounced dead at Southern State at 10:10 a.m.”
“Preliminary information obtained by VSP indicates the inmate had recently experienced health problems and told staff Monday morning that he was feeling unwell and had difficulty breathing,” police said.
An autopsy performed at the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington will determine the cause and manner of death, according to police, and an investigation is ongoing.
Since January 2022, 12 people who were in custody at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield have died, according to state police and corrections department reports. The prison includes an infirmary and a housing unit for elderly and chronically ill people.
In 2022, a total of nine people died in the state’s prison system, including six at the Springfield prison. An average of three people per year died in Vermont’s prisons from 2017 through 2021.
Haley Sommer, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, declined to comment on Monday’s death or the circumstances around it.
In an email, she pointed to the department’s general policy, which says that when a “Corrections Officer is notified of a medical emergency, medical staff will respond and provide the individual with the necessary care.” The policy “would have been adhered to in this circumstance, as well,” she said.
Witness says man who died at Springfield prison pleaded for help, was threatened by corrections officer
Ethan Weinstein
A person who was lodged near a man who died in the Springfield prison this week said the man was twice seen by medical staff and begged for help with breathing problems before he died, but was told to stop complaining by a guard who threatened to send him to solitary confinement.
David Mitchell, 46, of Rutland died after he had “difficulty breathing” while incarcerated at Southern State Correctional Facility on Monday morning, according to Vermont State Police.
An autopsy is pending to determine his cause of death, and the state police, Department of Corrections and the Defender General’s Office are investigating, as is standard procedure.
John White, who said he was lodged in a tier above and one cell over from Mitchell in Springfield at the time of his death, said Mitchell had ongoing respiratory problems and twice received medical attention Monday morning, including a check of his vital signs.
In the hour before his death, Mitchell complained that he couldn’t breathe, White said, his pleas growing in intensity even after he was seen by medical staff.
“It got to the point where he was panicking and crying, begging to be taken to the hospital,” said White, who spoke to VTDigger by phone on Wednesday.
A corrections officer told Mitchell to “go in your cell and lay down, you’re fine,” according to White, who was transferred to Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Tuesday.
White said the officer told Mitchell that if he kept complaining, he would “go to the hole,” which refers to solitary confinement.
Nick Deml, commissioner of the Department of Corrections, denied any misconduct in Mitchell’s death.
READ MORE
Full Disclosure: What lawmakers’ ethics forms reveal about their lives outside the Legislature
Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger
More than 40% of Vermont state senators and at least one-third of House members draw income from retirement savings and Social Security, in addition to legislative pay, according to ethics disclosure forms filed by lawmakers over the past year.
By comparison, only 22% of the adult Vermont population is retired, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
As part of its Full Disclosure series, VTDigger compiled hundreds of ethics disclosure forms filed by legislators to build a database showing what they do — and how they make money — outside the Statehouse. Reporters then combed through the data, looking for trends.
Because the reporting requirements for legislators are limited, the number of retired legislators might be even higher. But the data does demonstrate what Vermonters have long known: The state’s “citizen legislature” does not always mirror its citizenry.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve, but under our current structure, really only the privileged can serve,” said Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky, Chittenden-Central P/D, who runs a social work practice, working nights and weekends during the legislative session.
Vyhovsky said lawmakers tend to “intellectualize” issues such as affordable housing and the livable wage debate because they don’t have much first-hand experience. “The people that we're talking about can't afford to be here to speak to their experience,” she said.
Full Disclosure: What lawmakers’ ethics forms reveal about their lives outside the Legislature
Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger
More than 40% of Vermont state senators and at least one-third of House members draw income from retirement savings and Social Security, in addition to legislative pay, according to ethics disclosure forms filed by lawmakers over the past year.
By comparison, only 22% of the adult Vermont population is retired, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
As part of its Full Disclosure series, VTDigger compiled hundreds of ethics disclosure forms filed by legislators to build a database showing what they do — and how they make money — outside the Statehouse. Reporters then combed through the data, looking for trends.
Because the reporting requirements for legislators are limited, the number of retired legislators might be even higher. But the data does demonstrate what Vermonters have long known: The state’s “citizen legislature” does not always mirror its citizenry.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve, but under our current structure, really only the privileged can serve,” said Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky, Chittenden-Central P/D, who runs a social work practice, working nights and weekends during the legislative session.
Vyhovsky said lawmakers tend to “intellectualize” issues such as affordable housing and the livable wage debate because they don’t have much first-hand experience. “The people that we're talking about can't afford to be here to speak to their experience,” she said.
READ MORE
Phil Scott signs bill raising the legal age for all marriages in Vermont to 18 years old
Olivia Q. Pintair rpeorting for VT Digger
Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law on Thursday, raising the legal age for marriage in Vermont from 16 to 18 years old, making Vermont the eighth state in the United States to ban child marriage.
“The governor believes that it's more appropriate for such an important life decision to happen when someone achieves the age of majority,” said Jason Maulucci, the governor’s press secretary.
Before the law was enacted, minors who were 16 years or older could legally get married in Vermont with the written consent of at least one parent.
According to data from the Vermont Commission on Women, nearly 300 children were married in Vermont between 2000 and 2021. Of those, 80% were girls, nearly half of whom were married to individuals more than four years their senior, most often grown men, according to the commission.
At a Feb. 16 hearing, Rep. Carol Ode, D-Burlington, the bill’s sponsor, and Fraidy Reiss, a child marriage survivor and founder of the Unchained at Last nonprofit, said that even with required parental consent, child marriage often involves coercion and harm.
Youth “deserve to be free from marriage before they grow up,” Ode told the House Judiciary Committee.
Proponents of the new law say that raising the age of marriage to match the age of consent for sexual activity is a necessary step in supporting youths’ well-being and ability to exercise agency over their lives and relationships.
“The governor has always felt that consistency is important. So consistency in (regard to the legal age of consent) makes sense, as well,” Maulucci said.
Phil Scott signs bill raising the legal age for all marriages in Vermont to 18 years old
Olivia Q. Pintair rpeorting for VT Digger
Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law on Thursday, raising the legal age for marriage in Vermont from 16 to 18 years old, making Vermont the eighth state in the United States to ban child marriage.
“The governor believes that it's more appropriate for such an important life decision to happen when someone achieves the age of majority,” said Jason Maulucci, the governor’s press secretary.
Before the law was enacted, minors who were 16 years or older could legally get married in Vermont with the written consent of at least one parent.
According to data from the Vermont Commission on Women, nearly 300 children were married in Vermont between 2000 and 2021. Of those, 80% were girls, nearly half of whom were married to individuals more than four years their senior, most often grown men, according to the commission.
At a Feb. 16 hearing, Rep. Carol Ode, D-Burlington, the bill’s sponsor, and Fraidy Reiss, a child marriage survivor and founder of the Unchained at Last nonprofit, said that even with required parental consent, child marriage often involves coercion and harm.
Youth “deserve to be free from marriage before they grow up,” Ode told the House Judiciary Committee.
Proponents of the new law say that raising the age of marriage to match the age of consent for sexual activity is a necessary step in supporting youths’ well-being and ability to exercise agency over their lives and relationships.
“The governor has always felt that consistency is important. So consistency in (regard to the legal age of consent) makes sense, as well,” Maulucci said.
READ MORE
Graduation Dates Across the SU
Here are the upcoming graduation dates and times across the Supervisory Union.
Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
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.
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217
Maebellines (802) 591-4311
VT Digger Coronavirus Report: CLICK HERE
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.Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m. May 1
Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
*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
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT
Weathersfield School
Weekly Newsletter: April 7
Save the Dates
April 26- Spring Pictures (Optional for Purchase)
April 28- Kindergarten Screening
May 2-19 VTCAP Testing Grades 3-8
April 26- Spring Pictures (Optional for Purchase)
April 28- Kindergarten Screening
May 2-19 VTCAP Testing Grades 3-8
Here are the upcoming graduation dates and times across the Supervisory Union.
WINDSOR 12TH: June 2nd 6:00 p.m.
ABS 6TH: 6/15 during day 9:00 a.m.
HARTLAND 8TH: 6/13 4:00 p.m.
WEATHERSFIELD 8TH: 6/14 6:00 p.m.
WINDSOR 8TH: 6/15 6:00 p.m.
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 May 9 Agenda
School Board MeetingsMeeting MinutesApril 18 (not posted at press time 4/24/2023)
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
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
City Center Ballet presents-Alice in Wonderland May 5-7 INFO and Tickets
Silent Film-Safety Last! May 12 TICKETS
Zach Nugent's Dead Set May 19 TICKETS
GA Orchestra Seating and Reserved Balcony Seating
Paul Reiser, Saturday, May 20 TICKETS
Ali Siddiq June 4 6 p.m. TICKETS
Meet and Greet Tickets available, hosted by Hartford Dismas House
Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Wednesday June 7 TICKETS
LOH-Hootenanny June 10: Beecharmer, Cold Chocolate, Jacob Jolliff Band
4-8:30 p.m. Gates at noon, River Park West, Lebanon NH
LOH PRIDE Picnic 6 p.m. June 16 Learn More
with a Silent Disco 9-11 p.m. HEADPHONES
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.)
March Classes Mondays and Tuesdays
Candle Glow Gentle Flow
Monday evenings 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 24
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.April 25
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 5-15 minutes early with your own props and mats.
REFRAIN FROM: Wearing ice cleats (into the building), shoes, perfume, or cologne in the practice space. Do not come to class if you are feeling ill.
Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
Tuesday Morning 9-10 a.m.
April 25
Workshops Online
Vermont Online Workshops
Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions.
Visit Our Local Restaurants
The Copper Fox 56 Main St., Ste. 1 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-1031
Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Daily Grind Café Call ahead for take out (802) 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) 674-4673 Daily 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant
202 route 131, Ascutney, VT, United States, Vermont
exitaterestaurant@gmail.com
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 Daily Grind Café
Call ahead for take out (802) 674-985993 Pleasant St. Claremont, NH (in the space formerly occupied by Dusty’s Café)
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant
202 route 131, Ascutney, VT, United States, Vermont
exitaterestaurant@gmail.com
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151
12 Clinton Street, Springfield, VT Open for breakfast and lunch, daily except Sundays.
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.
Vermont Covid levels ‘low’ as state announces 9 deaths
Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger
Vermont’s Covid-19 community levels were “low” in the past week, the state Department of Health reported Wednesday.
The department reported 17 hospital admissions for the disease in the past week, the same as the week before. Overall, hospital admissions have fallen from a peak of about eight admissions per day in mid-December to between three and four per day in recent weeks.
There were 142 Covid cases reported in the past week, similar to the 139 cases reported the week before, according to the department. Case data is mainly based on PCR testing and does not include at-home antigen tests.
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 Re-Opens Friday, April 28th at 11 AM
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
Weathersfield Food Shelf in Perkinsville.
The food shelf is open 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. 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.
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.
The food shelf is open 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
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 Covid levels ‘low’ as state announces 9 deaths
Erin Petenko reporting for VT Digger
Vermont’s Covid-19 community levels were “low” in the past week, the state Department of Health reported Wednesday.
The department reported 17 hospital admissions for the disease in the past week, the same as the week before. Overall, hospital admissions have fallen from a peak of about eight admissions per day in mid-December to between three and four per day in recent weeks.
There were 142 Covid cases reported in the past week, similar to the 139 cases reported the week before, according to the department. Case data is mainly based on PCR testing and does not include at-home antigen tests.
The health department reported nine additional Covid deaths, bringing April’s total to 11 deaths so far from the disease. If that trend continues, it would put April on track to exceed March’s 15 deaths.
In total, 957 people have died of Covid in Vermont since the beginning of the pandemic.
In total, 957 people have died of Covid in Vermont since the beginning of the pandemic.
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