Weathersfield Weekly Blog December18 edition
PURA VIDA!!
Just back from Costa Rica
Will be posting my travel blog over the next week or so,
Will be posting my travel blog over the next week or so,
Come along for the adventure!
https://photosbynanci.blogspot.com/
https://photosbynanci.blogspot.com/
Mark Your Calendars
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
at the Weathersfield Center Church
Dec 24th at 4 PM
Will Hunter will be leading the service, with readers from the community sharing the Christmas story. Carols will be sung together with additional music from the ClearSprings singers under the direction of Tina Wood.You are invited to join together with your neighbors indoors for this lovely heart warming event on a cold dark night. It will be an especially joyous gathering after a three year Covid- coerced hiatus. Masks are optional, but strongly encouraged, so we may protect the vulnerable.
The total collection from this service will go equally to benefit The Weathersfield Food Shelf, the Weathersfield Town Fund for those in need and the Springfield Family Center.
Come light a candle together instead of 'cursing the darkness’ of these times. Please join if you can and bring your friends.
All are welcome.
Brownsville/West Windsor
Festival of Nine Lessons, and
Candle Light Service
Sunday, December 24 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
At the Brownsville Community ChurchFestival of Nine Lessons at 9:30 a.m.
At 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. The Church will be adorned with an abundance of poinsettias shared by members of the congregation for all to enjoy at this special service.
Contact the Brownsville Community Church at bcchurchvt@gmail.com with questions.
Bring your friends, family & neighbors to usher in the Christmas Season! All are welcome at these Brownsville, VT community holiday events!
Vocal Sound Healing, Breath & Reiki & Restore, Aura & Chakra Readings on December 26
Jessica Otieno of Many Paths Wellness has put together two special offerings while she's
home for the holidays! Now living in Georgia, Jess is an experienced teacher and healer across many modalities.
On December 26, she will offer:
9-10:30am: Vocal sound healing workshop: In vocal sound healing, we're tuning into our own instrument - ourselves - to uncover and listen to what the body can tell us. We will incorporate a chanting meditation and gentle yoga. $35 ~REGISTER NOW~
4-5:45pm: Breath, Reiki, & Restore Workshop: Each practitioner will experience a bit of pranayama (breathwork), Reiki energy healing, and restorative poses. $45 ~REGISTER NOW~
Individual Aura & Chakra photos scheduled throughout the day. These interactive mini sessions take 20 mins and you will receive some guided interpretation of your individual subtle body energies along with a print out of your face with aura and full body aura and chakra report on email. Jess can also do a session for your dog!
home for the holidays! Now living in Georgia, Jess is an experienced teacher and healer across many modalities.
9-10:30am: Vocal sound healing workshop: In vocal sound healing, we're tuning into our own instrument - ourselves - to uncover and listen to what the body can tell us. We will incorporate a chanting meditation and gentle yoga. $35 ~REGISTER NOW~
Reiki Restore: https://fb.me/e/10nCP0Mgr
Aura Readings: https://fb.me/e/49qgVu9qg
Vocal Sound Healing: https://fb.me/e/KKvAO0dL
Introduction to Acupuncture hosted by Springfield Town Library
Where: 43 Main St, Springfield, Vermont
Introduction to Acupuncture
Have you thought about trying acupuncture, but are unsure how it can help?
Have your friends told you about acupuncture, but you want to know more?
Come to a presentation by Kerri Casey Lic. Ac. from Black River Acupuncture and hear a brief history and description of acupuncture. Kerri can answer your questions so you may determine if acupuncture is right for you, or just to learn more about something unfamiliar.
Kerri Casey is a licensed Acupuncturist with the VT Medical board, and nationally certified by the NCCAOM. Kerri received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Boston College, and a Master's degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota in 2006.
This event is free and open to the public call (802) 885-3108 with any inquiries.
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News
School Announces Auditions for "Beauty and the Beast Jr."
Disney's Beauty and The Beast Jr. auditions will be held on January 8 & 9 from 2:45-4:00. Please prepare 16 bars (a short selection) of a Broadway or Disney song to sing from memory. If you have questions or would like recommendations of songs, see Mrs. Yuengling or Ms. Towne. This is open for 4th - 8th grade students.
School Winter Break Begins at noon on Wednesday, December 20th Early Release Day
All student will be dismissed at noon.
Winter Break-December 21st - January 2nd
New details in state’s lawsuit against Meta allege concerted effort to target Vermont teens, avoid public scrutiny
Attorney General Charity Clark’s office released the full text of its complaint against the tech giant on Thursday, which asserts that Meta misled the public about the harmful impacts of its social media platform Instagram on young users.
By Shaun Robinson
By Shaun Robinson
New details released Thursday in the Vermont Attorney General’s lawsuit against Meta describe how the tech giant studied teenagers in Vermont as part of efforts to make its social media platform Instagram more addictive — and how top company leaders allegedly ignored repeated warnings that the popular app is harmful to young people.
The details come in a recently unsealed version of the lawsuit, which Attorney General Charity Clark’s office filed in Chittenden County Superior civil court in October. The suit alleges that Meta violated Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act by engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices — namely, by lying to the public about the safety of Instagram despite knowing its adverse impacts on young people.
Vermont selects sports betting operators, allowing for pre-registration ahead of January launch
By Sarah Mearhoff
With legal, regulated sports betting on track to launch in Vermont next month, the Scott administration has awarded state contracts to three vendors to host mobile sports wagering platforms.
DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbook were selected through a competitive bidding process by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, according to a press release issued by Gov. Phil Scott’s office on Tuesday.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel have opened pre-registration for Vermonters already in preparation for wagering to start in January, spokespeople for the respective companies told VTDigger via email. Fanatics Sportsbook has not as of Tuesday afternoon, vice president of communications Kevin Hennessy told VTDigger via email, but called the Scott Administration’s announcement “exciting.”
The bidding process opened in July, one month after Gov. Phil Scott signed H.127 into law. But the debate over legalizing sports betting in Vermont — and regulating the black market which surely already existed — began years prior. Vermont was the last state in New England to legalize online sports betting.
DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbook were selected through a competitive bidding process by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, according to a press release issued by Gov. Phil Scott’s office on Tuesday.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel have opened pre-registration for Vermonters already in preparation for wagering to start in January, spokespeople for the respective companies told VTDigger via email. Fanatics Sportsbook has not as of Tuesday afternoon, vice president of communications Kevin Hennessy told VTDigger via email, but called the Scott Administration’s announcement “exciting.”
The bidding process opened in July, one month after Gov. Phil Scott signed H.127 into law. But the debate over legalizing sports betting in Vermont — and regulating the black market which surely already existed — began years prior. Vermont was the last state in New England to legalize online sports betting.
READ MORE
The Vermont Department of Corrections announced Thursday that Michaela Merrill will serve as Southern State Correctional Facility’s superintendent.
Merrill, who has been serving as interim superintendent, filled the post following the retirement of Mike Lyon this August.
Merrill joined the department of corrections in 2003, beginning her career as a correctional officer. Following a series of promotions, she became an assistant superintendent at the Springfield prison in 2015, according to an announcement to staff written by Nick Deml, the department’s commissioner. Merrill also served as interim superintendent at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland.
In a press release, the department cited Merrill’s work on Springfield’s incarcerated coffee shop run by inmates and the prison’s “honor unit,” a less-restrictive housing unit.
The owner of five restaurants and a golf course in Ludlow was arrested in New York on Thursday after being indicted on charges alleging he bribed a project manager at a Fortune 500 company with a $33,000 payment in order to win a $3.5 million construction contract, according to federal prosecutors.
From February 2021 to September 2023, 56-year-old Troy Caruso allegedly paid “kickbacks to an employee of a global and publicly traded commercial real estate services company … in exchange for assistance and preferential treatment” for a New York City construction company he owns, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.
A powerful property owner in Ludlow, Caruso, who has addresses in Vermont and New York, owns the Fox Run Golf Club as well as restaurants severely damaged by July’s flooding, including Mr. Darcy’s and Sam’s Steakhouse. Local news outlets have celebrated Caruso’s presence in town, and following July’s floods, he became a frequent source for outlets reporting on damages to businesses.
The Ludlow Selectboard signed off on a flood buyout for Sam’s Steakhouse, but denied a similar request for Mr. Darcy’s, according to Nov. 6 meeting minutes.
By Kevin O'Connor
Overlooking a smorgasbord of area hotels, restaurants and shops, Okemo Mountain Resort promises townspeople and travelers an experience that, according to its website, “becomes effortless.”
Unless you’re hungry for the region’s sole supermarket, which a perfect storm of complications is forcing into a potentially long winter hibernation.
Locals rewind back to the July 10 lunch hour when their central village — then reporting the most rainfall in a spreading statewide downpour — morphed into an island as flooding closed the lone Route 103 artery between Rutland and Springfield.
“We were the hardest hit in southern Vermont,” recalls Municipal Manager Brendan McNamara, who estimates damage to his Windsor County town at more than $20 million, with $15 million of that ravaging the municipal wastewater treatment facility.
After five months of rebuilding, the community is again welcoming skiers and snowboarders who multiply its year-round population of 2,172 as much as 10 times on a holiday weekend.
Nearly 2,000 of the world’s most promising young winter athletes will take part in the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held Jan. 19-Feb. 1, 2024. The games will be held in the Province of Gangwon in the Republic of Korea, which hosted the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
Department of Corrections names new Springfield prison superintendent
Michaela Merrill had been serving as interim superintendent at Southern State Correctional Facility since Mike Lyon retired from the position in August. She formerly served as an assistant superintendent.
By Ethan Weinstein
By Ethan Weinstein
The Vermont Department of Corrections announced Thursday that Michaela Merrill will serve as Southern State Correctional Facility’s superintendent.
Merrill, who has been serving as interim superintendent, filled the post following the retirement of Mike Lyon this August.
Merrill joined the department of corrections in 2003, beginning her career as a correctional officer. Following a series of promotions, she became an assistant superintendent at the Springfield prison in 2015, according to an announcement to staff written by Nick Deml, the department’s commissioner. Merrill also served as interim superintendent at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland.
In a press release, the department cited Merrill’s work on Springfield’s incarcerated coffee shop run by inmates and the prison’s “honor unit,” a less-restrictive housing unit.
Owner of multiple Ludlow businesses arrested following indictment on federal bribery charges
Troy Caruso owns five restaurants and a golf course in Ludlow. He’s charged in New York state with bribing an official in order to receive a $3.55 million contract.
By Ethan Weinstein
By Ethan Weinstein
The owner of five restaurants and a golf course in Ludlow was arrested in New York on Thursday after being indicted on charges alleging he bribed a project manager at a Fortune 500 company with a $33,000 payment in order to win a $3.5 million construction contract, according to federal prosecutors.
From February 2021 to September 2023, 56-year-old Troy Caruso allegedly paid “kickbacks to an employee of a global and publicly traded commercial real estate services company … in exchange for assistance and preferential treatment” for a New York City construction company he owns, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.
A powerful property owner in Ludlow, Caruso, who has addresses in Vermont and New York, owns the Fox Run Golf Club as well as restaurants severely damaged by July’s flooding, including Mr. Darcy’s and Sam’s Steakhouse. Local news outlets have celebrated Caruso’s presence in town, and following July’s floods, he became a frequent source for outlets reporting on damages to businesses.
The Ludlow Selectboard signed off on a flood buyout for Sam’s Steakhouse, but denied a similar request for Mr. Darcy’s, according to Nov. 6 meeting minutes.
The once-flooded ski town of Ludlow is back in business. Just bring your own groceries.
Five months after record rains damaged more than $20 million in local property, a perfect storm of complications might keep the Okemo Mountain region’s sole supermarket from reopening until well into next year.By Kevin O'Connor
Overlooking a smorgasbord of area hotels, restaurants and shops, Okemo Mountain Resort promises townspeople and travelers an experience that, according to its website, “becomes effortless.”
Unless you’re hungry for the region’s sole supermarket, which a perfect storm of complications is forcing into a potentially long winter hibernation.
Locals rewind back to the July 10 lunch hour when their central village — then reporting the most rainfall in a spreading statewide downpour — morphed into an island as flooding closed the lone Route 103 artery between Rutland and Springfield.
“We were the hardest hit in southern Vermont,” recalls Municipal Manager Brendan McNamara, who estimates damage to his Windsor County town at more than $20 million, with $15 million of that ravaging the municipal wastewater treatment facility.
After five months of rebuilding, the community is again welcoming skiers and snowboarders who multiply its year-round population of 2,172 as much as 10 times on a holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Founder and clinician Crissy Webster began the practice by offering specialized services, including anger management groups and juvenile firesetter assessments and interventions. The practice was initially a supplement to her full-time clinician role elsewhere, operating out of various rented spaces around town. In 2018, Webster made the decision to transition to full-time private practice, marking the beginning of substantial growth. Currently, Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC boasts two locations, with a dedicated team of eight clinicians, one billing specialist, a case manager, and a part-time office assistant.
The range of services provided by Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC sets it apart from other smaller private practices. The team offers counseling services, case management, psychosocial evaluations, group sessions, parenting work, and contract work, catering to clients of all ages, including children and families.
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive mental health services to our community, addressing the diverse needs of our population,” says Crissy Webster. “What makes us unique is the variety of services we offer, going beyond the conventional offerings of smaller practices. We believe in the benefits of these services for all our clients.”
Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC actively contributes to the community by addressing mental health needs and offering specialty groups such as trauma-informed parenting groups. These groups focus on the individual struggles of participants, providing a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all parenting program.
Looking ahead, Crissy Webster has ambitious plans for the future, expressing the hope to expand the practice further and potentially establish another fully operational location in southwest Florida.
When asked why she chose the Springfield area for the second location, Webster shared, “Springfield is a great community, but like most rural areas, there are not many services available to families who live in nearby smaller service areas. I was born and raised in this community, so it feels great to give back to the same community.”
For more information about Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC and its range of services, please visit www.crissywebstercounseling.com.
Crissy Webster Counseling Services opens location in Perkinsville
Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC, a leading mental health service provider, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location in Perkinsville, Vt., situated at 7290 Vermont Route 131, Suite 4. The expansion is a testament to the significant growth and success of Crissy’s private practice, which initially started in 2014 as a part-time endeavor, and has now evolved into a large multi-practitioner office.Founder and clinician Crissy Webster began the practice by offering specialized services, including anger management groups and juvenile firesetter assessments and interventions. The practice was initially a supplement to her full-time clinician role elsewhere, operating out of various rented spaces around town. In 2018, Webster made the decision to transition to full-time private practice, marking the beginning of substantial growth. Currently, Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC boasts two locations, with a dedicated team of eight clinicians, one billing specialist, a case manager, and a part-time office assistant.
The range of services provided by Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC sets it apart from other smaller private practices. The team offers counseling services, case management, psychosocial evaluations, group sessions, parenting work, and contract work, catering to clients of all ages, including children and families.
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive mental health services to our community, addressing the diverse needs of our population,” says Crissy Webster. “What makes us unique is the variety of services we offer, going beyond the conventional offerings of smaller practices. We believe in the benefits of these services for all our clients.”
Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC actively contributes to the community by addressing mental health needs and offering specialty groups such as trauma-informed parenting groups. These groups focus on the individual struggles of participants, providing a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all parenting program.
Looking ahead, Crissy Webster has ambitious plans for the future, expressing the hope to expand the practice further and potentially establish another fully operational location in southwest Florida.
When asked why she chose the Springfield area for the second location, Webster shared, “Springfield is a great community, but like most rural areas, there are not many services available to families who live in nearby smaller service areas. I was born and raised in this community, so it feels great to give back to the same community.”
For more information about Crissy Webster Counseling Services LLC and its range of services, please visit www.crissywebstercounseling.com.
KMS 16-year-old Ella Andrews named to 2024 U.S. Youth Olympic Freeski Team
U.S. Ski and Snowboard recently selected the Freeski Slopestyle/Big Air Team to represent the United States at the next Winter Youth Olympic Games. Ella Andrews (from Killington, Vermont and racing with Killington Mountain School) was the only East Coast racer to be named to the Freeski Slopestyle/Big Air Team roster. She will be joined by Ellie Derosier (from Bend, Oregon racing with Park City Ski & Snowboard), Kathryn Gray (from Crowley Lake, California, and racing with Mammoth Mountain Freeski Team) as well as Jack Rodheaver and Henry Townsend (both from Park City, Utah). They will be coached by Leah Stroud.Nearly 2,000 of the world’s most promising young winter athletes will take part in the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held Jan. 19-Feb. 1, 2024. The games will be held in the Province of Gangwon in the Republic of Korea, which hosted the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
Kahan, fresh off a Grammy nomination, played his viral hit “Stick Season” for young patients and their families, plus many hospital staff members, on Friday morning.
By Shaun Robinson
Noah Kahan has performed on some of music’s biggest stages this year, from Lollapalooza to Red Rocks Amphitheatre to Saturday Night Live. On Friday, the Strafford-born singer opted for a different kind of venue: a sunny hallway in the children’s hospital wing of the University of Vermont Medical Center.
“It means the world to be in Vermont,” said Kahan, whose moody, folk-pop songs about life in small-town New England have earned him international fame and, last month, a Grammy nomination. The 26-year-old now lives just outside of Boston.
Kahan played the title track from his latest album, “Stick Season,” for about 20 patients and their families as well as dozens more doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. The UVM Children’s Hospital mascot, a bipedal, break-dancing moose named Monty, had a front-row seat — little wonder, it seemed, as Kahan said Monty was “my biggest fan.”
The performance was clad in branding from the coffee chain Dunkin’, which helped organize the event, including a hat on Kahan’s head and logos on the holiday-themed set flanking him as he played. Dunkin’s mascot — a large, white coffee cup named Cuppy — stood among the crowd, too.
Kahan and Dunkin’ together donated $2,000 worth of toys to UVM Medical Center that will go to young patients and their families, hospital officials said Friday.
By Shaun Robinson
Noah Kahan has performed on some of music’s biggest stages this year, from Lollapalooza to Red Rocks Amphitheatre to Saturday Night Live. On Friday, the Strafford-born singer opted for a different kind of venue: a sunny hallway in the children’s hospital wing of the University of Vermont Medical Center.
“It means the world to be in Vermont,” said Kahan, whose moody, folk-pop songs about life in small-town New England have earned him international fame and, last month, a Grammy nomination. The 26-year-old now lives just outside of Boston.
Kahan played the title track from his latest album, “Stick Season,” for about 20 patients and their families as well as dozens more doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. The UVM Children’s Hospital mascot, a bipedal, break-dancing moose named Monty, had a front-row seat — little wonder, it seemed, as Kahan said Monty was “my biggest fan.”
The performance was clad in branding from the coffee chain Dunkin’, which helped organize the event, including a hat on Kahan’s head and logos on the holiday-themed set flanking him as he played. Dunkin’s mascot — a large, white coffee cup named Cuppy — stood among the crowd, too.
Kahan and Dunkin’ together donated $2,000 worth of toys to UVM Medical Center that will go to young patients and their families, hospital officials said Friday.
Vermont’s semi-professional soccer team is drawing national attention
Vermont Green Football Club has qualified for a preeminent national tournament and was recently named “organization of the year” out of all 122 teams in its league.
By Shaun Robinson
Vermont Green Football Club’s 2023 season was, in a word, bittersweet.
The Burlington-based, semi-professional soccer team won 13 of its 17 matches, several of them by emphatic five- or six-goal margins. In just its second season, the club drew an average of more than 2,200 fans to its home games at the University of Vermont.
But as the season came to a close in mid-July, the team fell just short of a key goal: to qualify for its league playoffs, and duplicate or even surpass its breakout postseason run in 2022.
“It felt a bit agonizing, right?” recalled Patrick Infurna, one of the club’s co-founders. “It felt a bit unfair to not get into the playoffs with how well we performed on the field.”
By any other measure, Infurna said he sees 2023 as a “massive success.” And this month, the club — which also focuses on promoting social and environmental justice causes in the state — is seeing recognition for its efforts on a national stage.
By Shaun Robinson
Vermont Green Football Club’s 2023 season was, in a word, bittersweet.
The Burlington-based, semi-professional soccer team won 13 of its 17 matches, several of them by emphatic five- or six-goal margins. In just its second season, the club drew an average of more than 2,200 fans to its home games at the University of Vermont.
But as the season came to a close in mid-July, the team fell just short of a key goal: to qualify for its league playoffs, and duplicate or even surpass its breakout postseason run in 2022.
“It felt a bit agonizing, right?” recalled Patrick Infurna, one of the club’s co-founders. “It felt a bit unfair to not get into the playoffs with how well we performed on the field.”
By any other measure, Infurna said he sees 2023 as a “massive success.” And this month, the club — which also focuses on promoting social and environmental justice causes in the state — is seeing recognition for its efforts on a national stage.
State agency recommends requiring Vermont sheriffs to hold top police certification
Under current state law, Vermont’s 14 county sheriffs do not need to be certified law enforcement officers.
By Tiffany Tan
By Tiffany Tan
The Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs is recommending that sheriffs be required to hold the state’s top police certification.
Under current state law, sheriffs do not need to be certified law enforcement officers. But in a November report to state legislators, the department proposed changing the Vermont Constitution or state statute to mandate that sheriffs obtain a Level III law enforcement certification, the highest police certification in the state.
Among Vermont’s current crop of 14 sheriffs, 12 hold Level III certifications. Two sheriffs possess Level II certifications, though Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore is expected to officially lose his certification next week due to a use-of-force violation.
The proposed Level III qualification would bring a certain level of professionalism and skill to the sheriff’s seat, said Annie Noonan, the department’s labor relations and operations director. She said it would also ensure that sheriffs have some accountability to the Vermont Criminal Justice Council — which awards and revokes the certification — and not just to the people who elect them.
Theater, Music and Adventure
Robin Hood, The Musical
Yoh Theatre Players
Woodstock, VT
Robin Hood, the Musical by Greg Banks, with music by Thomas Johnson was performed this past weekend in Woodstock Vermont by the Yoh Theatre Players under the direction of Marcia Bender and Assistant Director Claire McKey Berkman.
The play told the classic tale of the bow and arrow hero "who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor". With a modern twist of punk/goth costumes and Reggae/Ska music.
The stage was the entire theater, with elaborate balconies, cat walks over some seats, even a Sherwood Forest feel, at times the audience was encouraged to participate.
It's hard times in England, the poor are starving, the government is run by a corrupt monarch supported by a corrupt sheriff. Gathered around a fire, town folk hear the tale of Robin Hood, was he real or just a hyped legend?
Robin Hood (Finn Farrell) and his Merry Men listen to Maid Marian (Tegan Miller) as she explains why she agree to set a trap for Robin with the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Robin Hood confronts John Little-Little John (Weathersfield's own Kamron Yuengling)
For this performance almost 50 students, ranging from grades seven to twelve, were in the cast. The play as written called for four actors, but Bender wanted to fill the stage and theater with talent and she surly did.
More photos: CLICK HERE
Next up for the Yoh Players: Little Women
Friday, March 8th, 7pmSaturday, March 9th, 7pm
Sunday, March 10th, 2pm
Beg Steel Borrow
Seven Stars Arts
Sharon, VT
We hit the ground running after our Costa Rica adventure and headed to Sharon VT for a bluegrass concert at the Seven Stars Arts Center.
As part of the Fridays with Rooney and McCaffrey series, Beg Steal or Borrow were performing.
The quintet formed in 2013 as a tribute to Old & In the Way, a 1970s bluegrass supergroup that counted David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan and others among its members. But over the years, covers of "Pig in a Pen," "The Hobo Song" and "Wild Horses" gradually gave way to original material.
Colin McCaffrey and Jim Rooney joined the band for a few songs.
More photos: CLICK HERE
Videos will be posted later today: CLICK HERE
Seven Star Arts: ScheduleTravel Blog-Costa Rica
Dec 2-3 The Adventure Begins: https://photosbynanci.blogspot.com/2023/12/costa-rica-rainforests-volcanoes-and.html
Some of the cool animals we saw on our first day
A caiman
Next up: Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour and afternoon kayak in the park.
Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
Summerfest 2024
Enjoy performances of the highest quality each summer at Blow-Me-Down Farm, a beautiful, outdoor setting on the banks of the Connecticut River in Cornish, NH.
Opera North is an American opera company based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and is the region’s oldest professional opera company. The company presents an annual summer season of three fully staged and orchestrated productions ranging from classical and contemporary opera to musical theater.
April 8, 2024Vermont’s location within the path of totality makes it an ideal place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event.
The last time Vermont had a “front row seat” for a total solar eclipse was in 1932, when it was hailed as a “grand celestial spectacle.”
The Copper Fox 56 Main St., Ste. 1 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-1031
Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217
Maybelline's (802) 591-4311
VT Digger Coronavirus Report: CLICK HERE
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.
Town Volunteer Vacancies
The vacancies are as followed (updated Dec. 4, 2023):
Appointments
a. Budget Committee (5 Vacancies)
b. Conservation Commission (1 Vacancy)
c. Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
d. Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
e. Lister (2 Vacancies)
f. Parks and Recreation (1 Vacancy)
g. Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)
h. Village Wastewater Committee-Ann Marie Christensen, John Arrison, Mark Richardson
i. Zoning Board of Adjustment (3 Vacancies)-Andrea Murray
Anyone interested in serving should contact the Town manager Brandon Gulnick at 802-674-2626
Select Board
Select Board
FY25 Budget discussion has begun. Follow along in the meeting minutes posted on the Selectboard page of the Town Website.
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.
Selectboard Members and Term as listed on the town websiteMike Todd Chair 2024
August Murray Member 2026
Kelly O'Brien Clerk 2025
Wendy Smith Member 2024
David Fuller Member 2025
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
January 2, 2024 (Monday is a holiday)January 16, 2024 (Monday is a Holiday)
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboardSeptember 5 Canceled no explanation givenAugust 21 (published in a Word document)May1 (minutes were not posted within 5 days, a violation of the Open Meeting Law)
FY25 Budget discussion has begun. Follow along in the meeting minutes posted on the Selectboard page of the Town Website.
Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes
Selectboard Members and Term as listed on the town website
| Mike Todd Chair 2024 August Murray Member 2026 Kelly O'Brien Clerk 2025 Wendy Smith Member 2024 David Fuller Member 2025 |
Select Board Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month 6:30 p.m.
January 2, 2024 (Monday is a holiday)
January 16, 2024 (Monday is a Holiday)
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
September 5 Canceled no explanation given
August 21 (published in a Word document)
May1 (minutes were not posted within 5 days, a violation of the Open Meeting Law)
*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
December 20th Holiday Sing-a-long
December 21st - January 2nd Winter Break No School for Students
December 21st - January 2nd Winter Break No School for Students
Meeting Agendas may be found HEREJanuary 9
Weathersfield School Board meets on TuesdaysIn Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
School Board Meetings Minutes
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.
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
Weathersfield Garden Club
Weathersfield Garden Club
The Weathersfield Garden Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Weathersfield Proctor Library from 6-8 p.m.
No Garden Club Meetings in November or December.
They will reconvene on January 16th at Weathersfield Proctor Library. New members and guests are always welcome. Any questions? please email weathersfieldgardenclub@gmail.com
The Weathersfield Garden Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Weathersfield Proctor Library from 6-8 p.m.
No Garden Club Meetings in November or December.
They will reconvene on January 16th at Weathersfield Proctor Library.
New members and guests are always welcome.
Any questions? please email weathersfieldgardenclub@gmail.com
Weathersfield 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 WeathersfieldGet Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops
Lebanon Opera House
The opera house in Lebanon is CLOSED for renovations but schedule to reopen in February 2024.
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
2024
Sasha Velour-The Big Reveal Show, March 4, 2024 TICKETS
The Capitol Fools, March 9, 2024 TICKETS
Red Barat-Festival of Colors, March 16, 2024 TICKETS
The String Queens, April 4, 2024 at 10 a.m. TICKETS (YES-Youth Education Series)
Summerfest 2024
Enjoy performances of the highest quality each summer at Blow-Me-Down Farm, a beautiful, outdoor setting on the banks of the Connecticut River in Cornish, NH.
Opera North is an American opera company based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and is the region’s oldest professional opera company. The company presents an annual summer season of three fully staged and orchestrated productions ranging from classical and contemporary opera to musical theater.
Summerfest 2024 Subscriptions-TICKETS
Summerfest 2024 productions include:
Orpheus in the Underworld
Summerfest 2024 productions include:
Orpheus in the Underworld
Thursday, July 11 at 7pm
Friday, July 12 at 7pm
Sunday, July 14 at 5pm
Friday, July 12 at 7pm
Sunday, July 14 at 5pm
Thursday, August 1 at 7pm
Friday, August 2 at 7pm
Saturday, August 3 at 5pm
Sunday, August 4 at 5pm
Friday, August 2 at 7pm
Saturday, August 3 at 5pm
Sunday, August 4 at 5pm
Yoga
Yoga
Whole Roasted Tro
Whole Roasted Tro
Within Reach Yoga
at the 1879 Schoolhouse in Perkinsville
You must Register for each class at least a day ahead by emailing Lisa.
No Classes on Tuesday, December 19-January Classes to be announced soon.
Tuesday Morning 9-10 AM-Slow Flow, Rest + Restore
Tuesday Evening-Candle Glow Gentle Flow 5:30-6:30 PM
Payment: Cash/Check/Venmo @Lisa-Gleeson-6. Sliding scale available - please inquire if needed. 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!).
Tuesday Evening-Candle Glow Gentle Flow 5:30-6:30 PM
Payment: Cash/Check/Venmo @Lisa-Gleeson-6. Sliding scale available - please inquire if needed. 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.
Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website
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.
Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website
Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024Vermont’s location within the path of totality makes it an ideal place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event.
Time to start planning, sign up for solar eclipse updates by email.
Road rules were changed to allow for the minutes of darkness and bulletins advised drivers to pull over and turn off headlights so as to preserve the natural phenomenon.
Volunteers in Action (ViA) is seeking volunteers
Volunteers in Action (ViA), a neighbor helping neighbor organization, is seeking immediate volunteer support for two Meals on Wheels routes in Windsor. Details:
Melanie P. Sheehan, MPH
Director of Community Health
Volunteers in Action (ViA), a neighbor helping neighbor organization, is seeking immediate volunteer support for two Meals on Wheels routes in Windsor. Details:
- Open shifts available Monday through Friday, help when you have time
- Roughly 2-hour commitment (10am – Noon) on volunteer days
- Individual training available upon sign-up
- Minimal driving, low mileage routes.
- There are additional needs in Weathersfield as well, if people are interested.
Melanie P. Sheehan, MPH
Director of Community Health
Vermont Online Workshops
Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions.
Visit Our Local Restaurants
Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)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.
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.
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.
Outer Limits Brewing (802)-287-6100
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-8 p.m.; Saturdays noon-8 p.m. with LIVE MUSIC; Sundays noon-6 p.m..
60 Village Green, Proctorsville, VT 05153
Springfield Diner-seating inside/outside daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Ice cream shop open Thursday-Sunday 1-7 pm. Daily specials.
Villagers Ice Cream Restaurant-(802) 795-0063 CLOSED for the Season
Tuesdays-Sundays 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. (they stop cooking at 7:30 p.m.) 4261 Route 106 in Perkinsville, Downers Four Corners to the locals.
Unicorn Sundae at Villagers Rtes. 131 and 106, Downers Four Corners, in Perkinsville
Food Assistance
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.
Winter Tips
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Be Ready for Winter Storms
Steps you can take now, to prepare for storms:
Keep your cellphone charged
Download the GMP app to help you report an outage and track restoration times
Have some bottled water and non-perishable food on hand
Have flashlights and fresh batteries where you can easily find them
Make a plan for where you can go if power is out for an extended time
Storm safety reminders:
Pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions
Stay far away from any downed lines
Always assume downed lines and trees are energized – you cannot tell by looking at them
Call GMP to report downed lines
Call 911 for medical emergencies
Call Vermont 211 for help with emergency housing and more
More storm preparation and safety tips are available on GMP's website at: https://greenmountainpower.com/safety/
%20copy.png)
Be Ready for Winter Storms
Steps you can take now, to prepare for storms:
Keep your cellphone charged
Download the GMP app to help you report an outage and track restoration times
Have some bottled water and non-perishable food on hand
Have flashlights and fresh batteries where you can easily find them
Make a plan for where you can go if power is out for an extended time
Storm safety reminders:
Pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions
Stay far away from any downed lines
Always assume downed lines and trees are energized – you cannot tell by looking at them
Call GMP to report downed lines
Call 911 for medical emergencies
Call Vermont 211 for help with emergency housing and more
More storm preparation and safety tips are available on GMP's website at: https://greenmountainpower.com/safety/
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.
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is now offering walk-in service on weekday afternoons for people ages 2 and older, according to a news release.
The visits are available for urgent, but non-emergency medical needs Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Patients can check in at the hospital’s central registration, through the main entrance.Some of the conditions appropriate for care through walk-in services are minor cuts and burns; urinary tract infections; strains and sprains; minor fractures; rashes; and ear, sinus and eye infections. In addition, X-ray and lab services are available on-site.
A nurse will be on hand to determine if a patient’s condition calls for transfer to the emergency department.
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Nancy Nutile-McMenemy is an Upper Valley freelance photographer and writer who loves paddle, hike, attend concerts and local events in and around Weathersfield and the Upper Valley.
Scan this QR Code to see all the latest photos in my Galleries
or visit: www.photosbynanci.com
Have an Event/Announcement you want Advertised?Drop me an Email (at least two (2) weeks before)and you'll get your Event Listed Here.
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
Have an Event/Announcement you want Advertised?
Drop me an Email (at least two (2) weeks before)
and you'll get your Event Listed Here.