Weathersfield Weekly Blog February 25 Town Meeting Preview
Is this the last of our snow? Temps could reach 60 on Wednesday
Mark Your Calendars
Weathersfield School BoardSPECIAL MEETING, Monday, February 26Agenda
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024 @ 12:00 noon
Place: Google Meet (Virtual Only)
Google Meet https://meet.google.com/vnf-sxnu-xoq
By Phone: (US) +1 484-424-4784 PIN: 195-154-094#
I. Call to Order (Introductions if Needed
II. Changes/Additions to the Agenda
III. Items for Discussion Followed by Motions (if needed)
a) Vote to rescind the FY25 budget and postpone the FY25 budget information meeting
originally set for Saturday, March 2, 2024. (See article below from Annemarie Redmond
IV. Executive Session (1 V.S.A. § 313) - If needed
V. Adjournment
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024 @ 12:00 noon
Place: Google Meet (Virtual Only)
Google Meet https://meet.google.com/vnf-sxnu-xoq
By Phone: (US) +1 484-424-4784 PIN: 195-154-094#
I. Call to Order (Introductions if Needed
II. Changes/Additions to the Agenda
III. Items for Discussion Followed by Motions (if needed)
a) Vote to rescind the FY25 budget and postpone the FY25 budget information meeting
originally set for Saturday, March 2, 2024. (See article below from Annemarie Redmond
IV. Executive Session (1 V.S.A. § 313) - If needed
V. Adjournment
Town Meeting 2024
Citizen's Guide to Town Meeting
Annual School Meeting-Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. Weathersfield School
(maybe, maybe not, see below)
Annual Town Meeting-Saturday, March 2 12:30 p.m. at Weathersfield School
Australian Ballot Voting-Tuesday, March 5 Martin Memorial Hall 8 a.m-7 p.m.
School Vote May Be Delayed
Guest Article by Annemarie Redmond, Chair of the Weathersfield School BoardMore likely than not Weathersfield school voting and the informational meeting will be delayed this year. The implementation of Act 127 didn’t work out as planned.
Without guidance from the Agency of Education (the Secretary of Education retired over a year ago and still has not been replaced by Gov Scott), school districts and boards were left to figure it out on their own.
School spending increased at a higher rate than normal for many reasons, including: a lack of incentive in the new law to cut spending (making cuts didn’t reduce property taxes), wage increases, a 16.4% increase in health insurance costs, the end of federal COVID funds, less money in the state Education Fund, and inflation.
This issue of the 5% cap in Act 127 leading to large increases in spending first became apparent in November 2023 but wasn’t able to be addressed by the legislature until they reconvened in January.
School spending increased at a higher rate than normal for many reasons, including: a lack of incentive in the new law to cut spending (making cuts didn’t reduce property taxes), wage increases, a 16.4% increase in health insurance costs, the end of federal COVID funds, less money in the state Education Fund, and inflation.
This issue of the 5% cap in Act 127 leading to large increases in spending first became apparent in November 2023 but wasn’t able to be addressed by the legislature until they reconvened in January.
They got right on it, creating a fix for this issue. H850 removes the 5% cap from Act 127, giving school districts a chance to affect their tax rates. H850 just passed this week and is now law.
School districts will be able to delay the school vote if they want to take advantage of the opportunity to revise their budget.
Weathersfield school board has indicated that they will do so. There will be an emergency meeting early next week to make it official. They will then get to work with the help of the Budget Advisory Committee to revise the FY 25 school budget.
In a related story:
Gov. Phil Scott signs law aimed at driving down education spending
H.850 repeals a controversial cap on homestead property tax rate increases and allows school districts to push back their budget votes.By Ethan Weinstein
Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday signed into law H.850, a bill that repeals a controversial property tax cap and allows school boards to push back budget votes in an attempt to lower education spending and, in turn, property taxes.
“The changes made in this bill are a necessary step as Vermonters face a projected 20% increase in property tax bills, and in some communities, it could be even higher,” Scott wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “But to be clear, this bill does not solve our property tax problem. These changes will only reduce rates if school boards adjust their budgets accordingly and local voters support those changes.”
On Wednesday, the Senate expedited the passage of H.850, acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of the legislation.
During debate on the Senate floor, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central, said the legislature would need to come up with “groundbreaking” new ways to contain public education costs this year.
In his letter, the governor harkened back to 2017 and 2018 proposals that he said “would have put us on a better path to a sustainable public education system.”
READ MORE
Annual Town Report
By now you should have received your Annual Report. In case you have not, here's a preview.
2023 Service AwardCongratulations to Candy Fuller, the 2023 Service Award recipient (page 4).
Weathersfield School WarningThe report has the School Warning (beginning on page 8) along with the reports from the School Board, the Superintendent, the Principal, the Hicks Nichols Committee, and the WPTO (Weathersfield Parent Teachers Organization). It also lists all the school staff and curriculum reports.
There is a brief report from the Budget Advisory Committee which states that they approve of presenting the budget to the voters.
School Budget and Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union Budgets are included too.
Annual Town ReportThe Town Annual Report begins on page 51.The polling time listed on the cover page say polls are open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (page 6), however the Board of Civil Authority adjusted the time to 8 a.m. -7 p.m. (page 6) to account for the Presidential Primary, which falls on Town Meeting Day this year in Vermont.
Dedication PageThis year's Town Report is dedicated to Loraine "Cookie" Shand and Edith Stillson.
Elected OfficialsThe report lists the Elected Officials, the many volunteer opportunities in the town, the appointed officials, and the town staff.
WarningThe Town Meeting Warning is found on pages 64 and 65. You can also read the articles below.
Some questions: (that might be a question to ask at the Informational Meeting on Saturday, March 2 at 12:30p.m.)->Why do the Articles jump from 5 to 8 -> Why is there no dollar amount listed in Article 15-support for SEVCA (see below)-> Why did the Council on Aging support jump from $450 to $2000 (see below)-> Why is it that some agencies are listed as "in budget" but are also listed in the Warning Articles with no change to their requests?
Page 66 lists the petitions taken out for elected town positions. If you'd like to read about the candidates for Selectboard and School Director -in Their Own Words, please CLICK HERE.
Reports-Selectboard and Town managerNext are the reports from the Selectboard and the town manager followed by budget comparisons from FY14-FY25.
General FundThe Comparative Budget-General Fund (page 72-80) show the budgets from FY21 through the proposed budget of FY25.
Highway and Solid WasteFollowing the comparative budget pages are the budgets for the Highway Fund and Solid Waste Fund along with reports from the Police, Highway and Library.
Delinquent TaxThe Delinquent Tax Report in on page 90. It appears that as of January 8 there is $171,647.79 in delinquent taxes including interest and penalties.
Trustee of Public FundsPage 91 and 92report on the status of the Public Funds (individual's bequeathed or otherwise donations to the Town) the balance is $1,988,809.39.
Town Department ReportsThe remainder of the Annual Report includes the reports from: the Town Clerk , the Justices of the Peace, Dog Licensing, CARE (Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies), VT-Alert, County Clerks, Births Deaths and Marriages, Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association, West Weathersfield Fire Department. Weathersfield Food Shelf, Golden Cross Ambulance, Forest Fire Warden, Weathersfield Historical Society, Library Trustees, Listers, and Friends of Weathersfield Proctor Library.
Town Commission and Organization ReportsThere are also reports from town commissions and organizations-Veterans Memorial Committee, Cemetery Commissioners, Salmond Covered Bridge, Emergency Management and Parks and Recreation Commission.
Reports from Social Service GroupsThe Annual Report closes with reports from town supported agencies and organizations. These are social service groups that request annual funds from the taxpayers of Weathersfield. The report states that "if approved by voters, agencies' funding will automatically be included in the General Fund for taxpayer support for the budget year 2021 through 2025. This will remain so unless the agency asks to change their appropriations amount. The social services listed as "in budget" have been approved by the voters for FY24."
All are listed as "in budget" except Volunteers in Action (not in budget).
However, Articles 12-19 are asking for funds for agencies listed as in budget on page 111 but are not included in the budget on 75. And Volunteers in Action listed as "not in budget" on page 111 but is listed in the budget on page 75. (another question for the Informational Meeting?)
Article 12-$1000 for Friends of the Meeting House-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.Article 13 $2683, Health Care and Rehab (HCRS)-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 14-$2000 Council on Aging changed their request from $450 to $2000
Article 15-$?? Support for SEVCA-no amount listed, $1500 FY2021-2024
Article 16-$750 for Blind and Visual Impaired-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 17 $12,100 for VNA-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 18 $500 WISE -this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 19 $500 Vermont Family Network-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 12-$1000 for Friends of the Meeting House-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 15-$?? Support for SEVCA-no amount listed, $1500 FY2021-2024
Article 16-$750 for Blind and Visual Impaired-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 17 $12,100 for VNA-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 18 $500 WISE -this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
Article 19 $500 Vermont Family Network-this was in the FY2021-FY2024 budget.
2024 Warnings for Town and School
Meet the Candidates-in their own words
CLICK HERE for their responses
Selectboard Candidates
Nathan McNaughton-2 year
Wendy Smith- 2 year
Nathan McNaughton-2 year
Wendy Smith- 2 year
Rika Henderson- 3 year/2 year remaining
August Murray-3 year/2 year remaining
Michael Todd-3 year
School Director Candidates
Deborah Richardson-1 year
Mark Yuengling-1 year
Sara A. Steele-3 year
School Warning
(Note-vote may be delayed)
Free Tax Prep Offered by AARP
at the Library in February on Last Week by appointment
The AARP Taxaide program will once again offer free, in-person tax preparation to anyone, free of charge. Volunteers will be preparing returns by appointment at the Weathersfield Proctor Library in Ascutney on Tuesdays beginning in February.
You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of the service. Taxaide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the US tax code. There are, however, some situations that are considered out of scope for the volunteer preparers.
To schedule an appointment, contact Mary Beth Adler at 802-875-2418 and leave a message. Calls will be returned and appointments scheduled in the evenings.
PTO Comedy Show
March 16, Common Man Claremont, NH
18+ COMEDY FUNDRAISER
March 16, 2024, Common Man Claremont, NH
Doors open at 6pm. Light snacks and cash bar!
ORDER TICKETS: https://weathersfieldptocomedy.cheddarup.com
PTO March Madness is Back
CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE
$10/each! Unlimited available to purchase. When you purchase a calendars, you are purchasing chances to win, not an actual calendar. Purchaser's names will be added to a master list, and we use RANDOM.ORG to select winners each day in March.
More info: PTO on Facebook
Email the PTO: WSPTO@wsesu.net
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News
Senate passes property tax cap repeal, calls for ‘groundbreaking’ reimagining of education financing and spending
Gov. Phil Scott is expected to sign the legislation, which will allow school districts to reopen their budgets and push back budget votes.
By Ethan Weinstein
By Ethan Weinstein
The Senate on Wednesday expedited its passage of a bill that would allow school boards to postpone their budget votes, while also repealing and replacing a controversial property tax rate increase cap.
Property taxes are projected to rise an average of 20% this year, driven by a nearly 15% expected increase in education spending.
Lawmakers called the “time-sensitive” bill, H.850, a “Band-Aid” in addressing property taxes. But in a spirited floor session Wednesday, many acknowledged the changes wouldn’t be enough.
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central, said the legislature would need to come up with “groundbreaking” new ways to contain public education costs this year.
H.850 would repeal the 5% homestead tax rate increase cap created by Act 127 — Vermont’s most recent education funding law — and replace it with a tax discount system limited to districts that lost taxing capacity under the new pupil weighting system created by the law. The bill also would allow school districts to alter their budgets as lawmakers hope removing the property tax cap would spur school boards to remove spending, thus lowering property taxes.
READ MORE
How Vermont’s education funding landscape has changed
Use these tools to view your local district and see if it gains or loses weighted pupil share under the Act 127 reforms.By Erin Petenko
Rural areas of the state, such as the Northeast Kingdom, stand to gain the most from a law that changed the way students are counted for the statewide education fund, according to new Agency of Education data presented to lawmakers earlier this month.
For school districts and homestead property tax payers, Act 127 goes into effect for the first time this coming fiscal year. The law, passed in 2022, is intended to even the playing field between districts by giving more weight to low-income students, English language learners and students at rural schools, on the understanding that these groups are more expensive to educate.
Every year, towns in Vermont send money raised through property taxes to the state education fund. The fund in turn distributes money back out to school districts to pay a large portion of the annual school budgets approved by each school districts’ voters.
The Agency of Education recently provided data to legislators on how every school district's share of weighted pupils statewide has changed as a result of Act 127.
READ MORE
Phil Scott directs Vermont Emergency Management to ease applications for state flood hazard mitigation dollars
Vermont has $100 million to hopefully soften the blow of the state’s next natural disaster.By Sarah Mearhoff
In hopes of expediting the distribution of $100 million in flood hazard mitigation funding, the governor’s office announced on Wednesday that it is simplifying the application process for municipalities affected by last summer’s catastrophic flooding to receive state assistance.
The state has tallied more than $1 billion in total damages sustained statewide from the summer floods. With two federal major disaster declarations approved by the White House (and another requested), the feds have funneled millions in recovery dollars from Washington to help Vermont rebuild and brace itself for its next natural disaster.
The state’s $100 million Hazard Mitigation Program is meant to supplement those federal dollars and finance projects that would hopefully lessen the blow of future floods in Vermont. That could include buying out flood-prone homes, elevating and improving roads and bridges, redesigning flood plains, and more.
According to a press release issued by his office, Republican Gov. Phil Scott wants that state money distributed faster. He has directed Vermont Emergency Management to simplify the application process for municipalities seeking aid from the state’s $100 million pot and to provide more technical assistance to municipalities that may not have the time and staff to navigate the application process.
“With fewer than 1 million residents, the State of Vermont does not have the resources or staff that our larger neighbors do,” Vermont’s Chief Recovery Officer Doug Farnham said in the release. “In order to maximize the resources that we do have, and to make the process as simple as possible for local communities, we have eliminated as much unnecessary bureaucracy as possible.”
READ MORE
Town Volunteer Vacancies
The vacancies are as followed (updated January 16, 2024):
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)
i. Zoning Board of Adjustment (2 Vacancies)-Beth Hunton (pending approval)
Anyone interested in serving should contact the Town manager Brandon Gulnick at 802-674-2626
Select Board
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.
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. March 4, 18
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.
*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
March 2nd at 10:00 AM Town Meeting-maybe, maybe not
March 12th Board Meeting 6:30 PM
March 15th Early release Day for Students
March 25th-29th Student Led Conferences
March 29th No School for Students
April 2nd VTCAP testing Starts
April 8th-12th Spring Break
Spring Sport Registrations are OPEN
Track & Field (5th-8th): https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/215736963
Softball (3rd-8th): https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/240357635
Softball (3rd-8th): https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/240357635
Baseball (K-2 T-ball/coed) (3rd-8th): https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/628479970
Coaches application: https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/299461426
Meeting Agendas may be found HEREMarch 12
Weathersfield School Board meets on TuesdaysIn Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
Weathersfield Proctor Library
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Route 5 (5181 US-5 Ascutney VT 05030)
Weathersfield Proctor Library Seed Catalogue
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
Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024
Eclipse Events around Vermont
April 8, 2024 Vermont’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.”
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.
April 8, 2024 Vermont’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.”
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.
Weathersfield Proctor Library, Reading Public Library and Southern Vermont Astronomy Group to Host Eclipse viewing.
The Weathersfield Proctor Library, in a joint effort with the Reading Public Library and the Southern Vermont Astronomy Group (SoVerA) has been awarded a nearly $5,000 grant for the purchase of a solar telescope.The funding was part of an effort by the American Astronomy Society to provide opportunities for people to observe the upcoming solar eclipse, which will occur on April 8, 2024 and which will pass through parts of Vermont and adjacent New York state.
152 grant applications were submitted to the Jay M. Pasachoff Solar Eclipse Mini-Grants Program, of which 35 received grant funding. The joint Weathersfield Proctor and Reading Library and SoVerA proposal was among the top 35, and was awarded 100% of the requested amount of the grant.
With the grant, the groups will purchase a solar telescope with hydrogen-alpha filter, a tripod and motorized mount, and assorted eyepieces. The total cost of these items is $4,819.96. The grants were awarded to coincide with the upcoming eclipse, but the equipment will be used by the libraries and SoVerA for many years to come.
The telescope is equipped with a motorized tracking mount which will find the sun and then track it as it passes through the sky.
The reason this equipment is so costly compared to shade 14 welders’ glass or cardboard and mylar viewing glasses, is that it has a very specific and costly filter which permits only a very narrow portion of the visible spectrum to pass through. This results in a very clear view orange of the textured surface of the sun and the spectacular coronal flares around the perimeter of the sun. The less expensive equipment protects the viewer’s eyes, but only affords a dull, more or less black and white view peppered with black dots of sunspots and no coronal flares.
The telescope will be set up on Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, VT on the afternoon of April 8, 2024, to observe the eclipse, which will begin at 2:14 p.m. The eclipse will be at its darkest around 3:26 pm. The total eclipse will only last about three minutes, and the sun will be fully visible by 4:37 pm.
As with every visible spectrum telescope-related event since Galileo first aimed his device upward, this one will be dependent on cooperation from the weather.
You are invited to join us at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, VT. If you have solar viewing glasses, bring them with you. A limited number will be available at the event.
More info: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/
Scientists gear up for Vermont’s 2024 total solar eclipse
The unique celestial event on April 8 will provide opportunities for local scientists and space enthusiasts to combine knowledge with firsthand experience.
By Erin Petenko
In old German mythology, the sun and the moon were married. A solar eclipse — when the moon passes completely in front of the sun, blocking most of its light — was seen as the moon being drawn to his bride.
Hazel Wilkins, a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, knows all about the science of solar eclipses. Yet she drew on stories like the German one to describe her viewing of a partial solar eclipse in 2017 as an almost spiritual experience. “Seeing (an eclipse) for the first time really opened my eyes to the possibility of connections — not only in the astronomical world, but really in our own lives,” she said.
Wilkins is the regional lead trainer of a group of academic researchers, citizen scientists and local space enthusiasts who are planning to study the sun in detail when it is covered by the moon for about three minutes on April 8.
The roughly once-in-a-century opportunity to view a total solar eclipse in Vermont is not just a chance to conduct astronomical research close to home, it’s also a chance to deepen the public’s connection to science, and for scientists to experience the topics they study firsthand.
The unique celestial event on April 8 will provide opportunities for local scientists and space enthusiasts to combine knowledge with firsthand experience.
By Erin Petenko
In old German mythology, the sun and the moon were married. A solar eclipse — when the moon passes completely in front of the sun, blocking most of its light — was seen as the moon being drawn to his bride.
Hazel Wilkins, a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, knows all about the science of solar eclipses. Yet she drew on stories like the German one to describe her viewing of a partial solar eclipse in 2017 as an almost spiritual experience. “Seeing (an eclipse) for the first time really opened my eyes to the possibility of connections — not only in the astronomical world, but really in our own lives,” she said.
Wilkins is the regional lead trainer of a group of academic researchers, citizen scientists and local space enthusiasts who are planning to study the sun in detail when it is covered by the moon for about three minutes on April 8.
The roughly once-in-a-century opportunity to view a total solar eclipse in Vermont is not just a chance to conduct astronomical research close to home, it’s also a chance to deepen the public’s connection to science, and for scientists to experience the topics they study firsthand.
Wilkins is the regional lead trainer of a group of academic researchers, citizen scientists and local space enthusiasts who are planning to study the sun in detail when it is covered by the moon for about three minutes on April 8.
The roughly once-in-a-century opportunity to view a total solar eclipse in Vermont is not just a chance to conduct astronomical research close to home, it’s also a chance to deepen the public’s connection to science, and for scientists to experience the topics they study firsthand.
5 tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse in Vermont
There will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view a total solar eclipse on April 8, but clouds and crowds are expected, too.
By Erin Petenko
When I asked experts and scientists about their suggestions for how best to view the April 8 eclipse, many of them started off with the same piece of advice: “Don’t look directly at the sun!” as Scott Whittier, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, put it.
Even during a partial eclipse, the sun’s burning rays can penetrate your retinas and cause eye damage in minutes. But the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the sun be completely covered by the moon may make it worth finding safe ways to gaze upward.
There will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view a total solar eclipse on April 8, but clouds and crowds are expected, too.
By Erin Petenko
When I asked experts and scientists about their suggestions for how best to view the April 8 eclipse, many of them started off with the same piece of advice: “Don’t look directly at the sun!” as Scott Whittier, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, put it.
Even during a partial eclipse, the sun’s burning rays can penetrate your retinas and cause eye damage in minutes. But the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the sun be completely covered by the moon may make it worth finding safe ways to gaze upward.
Find out if your community will be on the eclipse path (YES! see above!)
Figure out a way to view the eclipse safely
Keep an eye out for these special details
Be ready for crowds
Be ready for clouds
Figure out a way to view the eclipse safely
Keep an eye out for these special details
Be ready for crowds
Be ready for clouds
Keep an eye out for these special details
Be ready for crowds
Be ready for clouds
Weathersfield Historical SocietyFollow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety
Weathersfield Historical Society
Weathersfield Garden ClubMarch 19 at 6 p.m.
Weathersfield Garden Club
March 19 at 6 p.m.
The Weathersfield Garden Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Weathersfield Proctor Library from 6-8 p.m. 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.
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/WeathersfieldCenterChurchWeathersfield Parks and RecreationFollow them on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550836741096
Things to Do In and Around WeathersfieldGet Outdoors, Entertainment, Classes, Workshops
Classes at the Co-op
Tickets
Location: Coop Food Store, Lebanon
12 Centerra Parkway Lebanon, NH 03766
Tuesday, February 27
Taco Tuesday: Fish Tacos
Location: Coop Food Store, Lebanon
12 Centerra Parkway Lebanon, NH 03766
Tuesday, February 27
Taco Tuesday: Fish Tacos
Taco Tuesday: Fish Tacos
Lebanon Opera House
LOH is Back, Baby!
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
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
Comedian Bob Marley, March 23, 2024 TICKETS
Shrek (movie), March 30 10 a.m. TICKETS FREE but you need to register
The String Queens, April 4, 2024 at 10 a.m. TICKETS (YES-Youth Education Series)
Paula Poundstone Saturday, April 6 TICKETS
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, April 8 TICKETS
Fly Fishing Film Tour, April 11 at 7 p.m. TICKETS
Pride Second Chance Prom, April 13, 6 p.m. TICKETS
Singing in the Rain (movie), April 18 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. TICKETS FREE but you need to register
Kinky Boots (movie), May 9 7 p.m. TICKETS FREE but you need to register
Zach Nugent's Dead Set, June 7 TICKETS
LOH on Location: Pride Picnic, June 14 6-8:30 p.m. Learn More
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
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
Jordan TW Trio March 16, 8 p.m. TICKETS
Jesse Agan -The Music of Queen March 23, 7 :30 p.m. TICKETS
Friday, August 2 at 7pm
Saturday, August 3 at 5pm
Sunday, August 4 at 5pm
Johnny Folsom 4 – A Tribute to Johnny Cash March 9, 7:30 TICKETS
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.
Tues. Mornings
February 27 at 9-10am ~REGISTER NOW~
Tues. Evening Candlelit
February 27 at 5:30-6:30pm ~REGISTER NOW~
Class Fee: Buy the whole morning or evening session for $40 to guarantee your spot for the month. Or, drop in (space available and registration required) for $12 per class.
Please arrive to class between 5-10 minutes early. Earlier than that, and you may find the door locked while Lisa is prepping our space.
Please arrive to class between 5-10 minutes early. Earlier than that, and you may find the door locked while Lisa is prepping our space.
If you've prepaid for a spot but can't make it, please let Lisa know since someone may be on the waitlist.
And if you want to try to switch from the morning to evening class or vice versa, please ask Lisa if there's room so she can try to accommodate you.
Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website
The Eye of Senator Patrick Leahy:
Photographs of a Witness to History
Photo Exhibit Feb. 1-March 29
On February 1 (4:30 pm to 7:00 pm), Senator Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, are expected to appear at the opening reception for The Eye of Senator Patrick Leahy: Photographs of a Witness to History, the first art exhibition at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery since the July 2023 flood.
The Eye of Senator Patrick Leahy is an extraordinary collection of his photographs that showcases the unusual access and unique perspective enjoyed by Vermont’s beloved longtime senator—with images captured throughout his career at the center of the nation’s political spotlight. The exhibition will be on view from February 1 to March 29, 2024.
A second reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm in conjunction with Montpelier’s Art Walk.
The Vermont Supreme Court Gallery is located at 111 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont.
More photos from Leahy's exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum &Art Center in 2014: CLICK HERE
The Eye of Senator Patrick Leahy is an extraordinary collection of his photographs that showcases the unusual access and unique perspective enjoyed by Vermont’s beloved longtime senator—with images captured throughout his career at the center of the nation’s political spotlight.
The exhibition will be on view from February 1 to March 29, 2024.
A second reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm in conjunction with Montpelier’s Art Walk.
A second reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm in conjunction with Montpelier’s Art Walk.
The Vermont Supreme Court Gallery is located at 111 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont.
More photos from Leahy's exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum &Art Center in 2014: CLICK HERE
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.
Exit Ate Reopened January 11
Route 5 in Ascutney
Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-2 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.
Route 5 in Ascutney
Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-2 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
Sundaez-CLOSED Monday and Tuesday; Open Wed. & Thurs 3-7 p.m.; Fri, Sat Sun noon-7 p.m.
West Pleasant St Claremont, NH 03743 and have winter hours:
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.
West Pleasant St Claremont, NH 03743 and have winter hours:
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.
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.