Weathersfield Weekly Blog February 19 edition
It's winter somewhere in Vermont (PICO Ski Area)
Mark Your Calendars
Town Meeting 2024
Annual School Meeting-Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. Weathersfield School
Annual Town Meeting-Saturday, March 2 12:30 p.m. at Weathersfield School
Australian Ballot Voting-Tuesday, March 5 Martin Memorial Hall
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
2024 Warnings for Town and School
Oooh Fondue!
February 24 at 5:30 p.m.
at the Weathersfield Proctor Library
The Weathersfield Proctor Library is hosting a Fondue Night to chase away our winter blues on Saturday evening, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. Call or email them to let them know you will be attending and what dish you'd like to share. 802-674-2863
Free Tax Prep Offered by AARP at the Library in February on Tuesdays 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.
Concerts and Adventures
John McCauley
Niall Connolly opened
Billsville House Concerts
Manchester, VT
If you've heard of Deer Tick the band, then you know who John McCauley is; if you haven't, let me introduce you to him.
I had heard of Deer Tick, but I've never seen them. I know they have a very loyal following.
So, when our favorite Vermont venue-Billsville House Concerts-- announced that John McCauley would be performing in February, we jumped at the pre-sale tickets-just to see what all the buzz was about. It sold out in minutes. They added a second show and it too sold out in minutes.
The first show. Saturday Feb. 17, sold mostly to Billsville fans and the second show, which was actually Friday Feb. 16, sold mostly to Deer Tick fans.
McCauley is a very talented songwriter and plays a mean guitar. Fun fact, he made this guitar (above) back in the day and has written many a song on it.
Niall Connolly opened the show.
More photos: CLICK HERE
If you love music, and love hearing bands in a "listening room" setting-do yourself a favor and get on the Billsville mailing list, you won't regret it.
To get a feel for the room, check out my Billsville Playlist on YouTube.
Next up at Billsville:
Sierra Hull, March 6-SOLD OUT WAITLIST
Sierra Hull, March 6-SOLD OUT WAITLIST
Christopher Paul Stelling and Mary-Elaine Jenkins, April 21-TICKETS
News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News
Selectboard Meets Tuesday, February 20
The Selectboard will meet Tuesday evening, February 20 (Monday is a holiday); on the AGENDA will be a run through of their presentation for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on Saturday, March 2 at the Weathersfield School beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The presentation may be viewed HERE. The Warning my be viewed above.
Articles 1-4 are housekeeping voice votes from the floor.
Article 5 lists the positions up for election by voting on Tuesday, March 5th.
The warning jumps to Article 8 (no article 6 or 7?)
Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $1,754,132 for the support and operation of the Town’s General Fund? $1,372,413 shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Selectboard to set the appropriate tax rate.Article 9 is Town Highway funding
Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $1,188,569 for the support and operation of the Town’s Highway Fund? $987,690 shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Selectboard to set the appropriate tax rate.
Article 10 is the Solid Waste funding
Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of $378,314 for the support and operation of the Town’s Solid Waste Management Facility? These monies shall be raised by non-tax revenues.
Articles 11-19 are for funding things NOT in the budget.
The board will also be going over a call for a Public Hearing to amend the Zoning Bylaws (Articles 2 and 7) regarding private airstrips and helicopter landing zones. This hearing will be held on March 18.
The Town will be putting out a request for bids for the bridge replacement on Ascutney Basin Rd.
Zoom in or attend in person if you want more details.
Weathersfield sweetens the pot for new police officers
By Chris Frost Eagle Times News Editor
A Weathersfield police officer position remains vacant nearly two months later, and the Weathersfield Select Board is looking to sweeten the pot with hiring bonuses and more.
"Right now, a lot of towns are offering very good incentives. Hiring bonuses are number one," said Police Chief William Daniels. "There are hiring bonuses out there that range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the agency and where they go."
The department is also running into an issue finding certified full-time officers and noted that Vermont has a three-tiered system.
"To be a full-time certified officer, you have to be a level three," Daniels said. "Level two officers are part-time officers that don't have any abilities for arrests like a full-time officer.”
In trying to recruit people who want to come to Weathersfield, he said they're running into an issue with vacation time, as the department offers one week of vacation if someone joins the department from another agency.
"A lot of officers are out there getting 3-4 weeks of vacation, and to come here, they would take a pay cut and would go down to only one week of vacation. They can go elsewhere and get a hiring bonus," he said. "Brandon [Gulnick] and I have been talking, and one of the ways we can get potential good candidates to come in here is a potential hiring bonus."
A Weathersfield police officer position remains vacant nearly two months later, and the Weathersfield Select Board is looking to sweeten the pot with hiring bonuses and more.
"Right now, a lot of towns are offering very good incentives. Hiring bonuses are number one," said Police Chief William Daniels. "There are hiring bonuses out there that range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the agency and where they go."
The department is also running into an issue finding certified full-time officers and noted that Vermont has a three-tiered system.
"To be a full-time certified officer, you have to be a level three," Daniels said. "Level two officers are part-time officers that don't have any abilities for arrests like a full-time officer.”
In trying to recruit people who want to come to Weathersfield, he said they're running into an issue with vacation time, as the department offers one week of vacation if someone joins the department from another agency.
"A lot of officers are out there getting 3-4 weeks of vacation, and to come here, they would take a pay cut and would go down to only one week of vacation. They can go elsewhere and get a hiring bonus," he said. "Brandon [Gulnick] and I have been talking, and one of the ways we can get potential good candidates to come in here is a potential hiring bonus."
TDS Telecom completes local fiber upgrades
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS) has completed fiber upgrades in several Vermont communities to bring lightning-fast internet connections to more residents and businesses.
“This private investment of millions of dollars is bringing better connections for residents and businesses. As a longtime provider of telecommunications services in Vermont, we’re excited this future-proof technology will continue serving our communities for years to come,” said Drew Petersen, TDS senior vice president of corporate affairs.
With speeds up to eight gig, files of any size can be uploaded or downloaded nearly instantly. For businesses, TDS offers dedicated connections up to 10 gig.
TDS has done business in Vermont since 1970. In addition to private investment, TDS leveraged Alternative Connect America (ACAM) funds to expand and improve broadband service in rural areas.
For more information, including how to sign up for service, visit www.tdstelecom.com/local/vermont.html.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center warns of longer waits in the ED
The CEO of the Lebanon, N.H., hospital said it would prioritize patients who urgently need care.By Valley News
Because of overcrowding, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is warning patients with “less pressing healthcare concerns” to expect extended wait times in the emergency department.
“The DHMC emergency department and our inpatient clinical units are caring for an unprecedented volume of patients with very complex medical needs,” Dartmouth Health CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy said in a recorded YouTube message released on Wednesday.
The hospital will prioritize patients who are most urgently in need of care, such as people experiencing a heart attack or stroke, or who are critically injured, she said.
The increased wait times are due to the ongoing respiratory virus season combined with the nationwide shortage of health care workers, according to the warning issued by Conroy. She noted that flu and RSV continue to be a challenge for employees and for the community.
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Will the writers behind Vermont’s road-sign puns have to rein it in?
By The Other Paper
Rachel Noyes often laughs at her own jokes, but in her defense, it’s hard not to laugh when you’re driving along I-89 and the traffic sign is telling you to “Camp in the woods / Not in the left lane.”
Plenty of signs like that have popped up on Vermont’s interstates in recent years — “If you hate tickets / Raise your right foot,” for example, or “Visiting inlaws? / Slow down, be late” — that gently remind you not to drive like a maniac but are also objectively hilarious. Noyes ought to know, she wrote them.
“The thing that’s so great about this is I submit a lot of these and when I’m on the highway and I see these, I laugh,” Noyes said. “I think they’re so great.”The outreach manager with the state highway safety office, Noyes is one half of a writer’s room in the Vermont Agency of Transportation. Together with Ryan Knapp, the agency’s Intelligent Transportation System chief, they’re tasked with coming up with messages to flash to drivers as they’re motoring along the interstate. The two have been crafting the puns since at least 2020.
The paramount purpose of the message boards is to enhance highway safety in real time, Knapp says. That means alerting drivers that there’s a crash ahead, or that there may be black ice on the road, or that there’s snow on the ground and you don’t want to have to call a wrecker to pull your car out of a ditch.
• “No Valentine? / Your seat belt will hold you.”
• “You may sparkle / But don’t drive lit.”
• “90 is the temperature / Not the speed limit.”
Vermont’s Elle Purrier St. Pierre sets new US track and field record
By Shaun Robinson
Vermont runner Elle Purrier St. Pierre broke her own U.S. record in the women’s indoor mile Sunday at a race in New York City, finishing in a time of 4 minutes, 16.41 seconds.
Purrier St. Pierre, who was raised on a dairy farm in Montgomery, set the record as she won the prestigious women’s Wanamaker Mile at this year’s Millrose Games. She set her previous national record, 4:16.85, at the track and field meet in 2020.
Sunday marked one of her first track races since giving birth to her son, Ivan, less than a year ago.
“For all the moms out there,” the 28-year-old wrote in an Instagram post that pictured her lifting the Wanamaker Mile trophy.
WRJ postal facility may see mail sorting shifted to Connecticut
Mail handlers in White River Junction, as well as state congressional delegates, warn this plan could result in further delays in mail delivery.By Valley News
This story by Patrick Adrian was first published by the Valley News on Feb. 8.
The U.S. Postal Service is evaluating whether to relocate mail sorting operations for Upper Valley communities from White River Junction to Hartford, Connecticut, as part of a nationwide restructuring plan aimed at improving cost efficiency.
But mail handlers in White River Junction, as well as state congressional delegates, warn this plan could result in further delays in mail delivery.
USPS is studying facilities across the country to determine the logistics of shifting mail processing operations of smaller regional hubs to larger facilities that would be resourced with additional staff and sorting equipment to handle mail and packages of multiple regions.
Studies began last fall of 58 processing and distribution centers nationwide, including the one in White River Junction. Eight studies have been completed, each recommending a relocation of mail processing operations, with each transfer projected to save at least $1.5 million per year on average.
What you need to know about the 2024 presidential primaries in Vermont
The state is one of 15 slated to take part in the Super Tuesday primaries.By Babette Stolk
In Vermont, March 5 is going to be a busy day. Not only are most municipalities scheduled to host Town Meeting Day, but the state is also set to host its quadrennial presidential primaries.
Vermont is one of 15 states slated to take part in Super Tuesday, during which roughly one-third of the delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions are allocated. Of course, Vermont doesn’t send that many delegates to either convention, where the parties pick their presidential nominees. California, which also votes on Super Tuesday, will send 169 delegates to the Republican convention, compared to 17 from Vermont.
Not every municipality holds Town Meeting Day on the first Tuesday of March — and this year, due to a last-minute debate over education funding, some school districts may delay their budget votes. But all presidential ballots are due to local clerks by 7 p.m. on March 5.
“We have such an interesting mosaic of the way communities vote on their municipal budgets, the way they vote on their school budgets, and so the only consistency across the state is in the presidential primary,” said Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas in an interview with VTDigger.
Vermont voters will be able to choose from a dozen presidential candidates in the 2024 primaries, half of whom are seeking the Democratic nomination and half the Republican nomination. They include the parties’ frontrunners — President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, a Republican — along with a number of ex-candidates. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy all dropped out of the Republican contest after Vermont’s ballots were finalized.
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March 2nd at 10:00 AM Town Meeting
March 10th Daylight Savings Time Starts
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
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
Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
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.
Tom Papa: Good Stuff Tour, April 5 TICKETS
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, April 8 TICKETS
Tommy Emmanuel, CGP , May 14 TICKETS
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.
Satisfaction – International Rolling Stones Tribute May 18, 8 p.m. TICKETS
Tues. Mornings
Tues. Evening Candlelit
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
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 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.
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
February 19th-February 23rd Winter Break No School
March 10th Daylight Savings Time Starts
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 HEREFebruary 13
March 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
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 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. 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
Ascutney Outdoors Winter Fun Nights
More info about these and other events visit their website: Ascutney Outdoors
More info about these and other events visit their website: Ascutney Outdoors
No Transportation? Shopping just got easier!
Starting Wednesday January 17th, the MicroMoo bus line will be connecting to the Route 101 Shopper on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month! This means that Hartland, Ascutney, and Windsor Residents can get a ride on the MicroMoo to Exit 8 in Ascutney to take the Route 101 Shopper bus to Claremont for Shopping, for FREE !
Because there are two separate bus routes, reservations are required for both the MicroMoo and for the Route 101 Shopper. Reservations for Shopping trips are required at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-888-869-6287 or 1-802-460-7433.
Reservations for using just the MicroMoo anytime, and not connecting to the Shopper line, use the same numbers as above, using Option #6, but only a 30-minute notice is needed.
Read more about the Shopper Route connection here: https://www.moover.com/moover-announces-changes-to-shopper-route/
Starting Wednesday January 17th, the MicroMoo bus line will be connecting to the Route 101 Shopper on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month! This means that Hartland, Ascutney, and Windsor Residents can get a ride on the MicroMoo to Exit 8 in Ascutney to take the Route 101 Shopper bus to Claremont for Shopping, for FREE !
Because there are two separate bus routes, reservations are required for both the MicroMoo and for the Route 101 Shopper. Reservations for Shopping trips are required at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-888-869-6287 or 1-802-460-7433.
Reservations for using just the MicroMoo anytime, and not connecting to the Shopper line, use the same numbers as above, using Option #6, but only a 30-minute notice is needed.
Read more about the Shopper Route connection here: https://www.moover.com/moover-announces-changes-to-shopper-route/
Because there are two separate bus routes, reservations are required for both the MicroMoo and for the Route 101 Shopper. Reservations for Shopping trips are required at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-888-869-6287 or 1-802-460-7433.
Reservations for using just the MicroMoo anytime, and not connecting to the Shopper line, use the same numbers as above, using Option #6, but only a 30-minute notice is needed.
Read more about the Shopper Route connection here: https://www.moover.com/moover-announces-changes-to-shopper-route/
Classes at the Co-op
Tickets
Location: Coop Food Store, Lebanon
12 Centerra Parkway Lebanon, NH 03766
Wednesday, February 21
Braised Halibut
Tuesday, February 27
Taco Tuesday: Fish Tacos
Location: Coop Food Store, Lebanon
12 Centerra Parkway Lebanon, NH 03766
Wednesday, February 21
Braised Halibut
Braised Halibut
Tuesday, February 27
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 Bib Marley, March 23, 2024 TICKETS
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
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
Johnny Folsom 4 – A Tribute to Johnny Cash March 9, 7:30 TICKETS
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
COH Presents: Steel Magnolias, February 23, 24, 7 p.m. 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 20, 27 at 9-10am ~REGISTER NOW~
Tues. Evening Candlelit
February 20, 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.
Steps you can take now, to prepare for storms:
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.
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/
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.