Weathersfield Weekly Blog, January 13, 2025
Upper Falls Bridge
Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars
Heads Up-Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 4, Voting will take place at Martin Memorial Hall-details to follow
Elected Positions Open: CLICK HERE
Select Board News
A Special Meeting was held on January 2, AGENDA to approve the Warrant and a Special Meeting was held on January 9 AGENDA to discuss the FY2026 Budget that included five (5) possible budget proposals Options 1-5 all 21 pages of them.
The board's regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 PM AGENDA , the select board packet may be viewed HERE
Items to be discussed:
FY26 Budget
Town Meeting Warning
Award Upper Falls Bridge Bid – Storm Damage Repair
Town Manager Update
Future Agenda Items: Road Sign Discussion, Personnel Policy, Purchasing Policy
It's Back-The 11th Annual Town Challenge March 22 at 7 PM
(Snow date will be March 23th)
The Weathersfield Proctor Library will have their 11th Annual Town Challenge. Local organizations are invited to participate, form a team and join in the fun. The trivia topics will cover Weathersfield History, Geography, Spelling, Current Events/Sports, Literature and Music.
This is a fundraiser for the Weathersfield Proctor Library. Team members are encouraged to collect donations (family members, neighbors and/or friends), there is a prize for the team that raises the most money. And there is a coveted prize for the team that displays the most TEAM SPIRIT!
Each team may have three members, plus an alternate. Contact the library for more info.
Weathersfield Tai Chi
Where: Weathersfield Town Office, U.S. 5, Ascutney, VT
REGISTER
This program is offered FREE to seniors by Senior Solutions and the Weathersfield Parks & Recreation Commission. Instructor: Karen Gautney, certified by Tai Chi Vermont and Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Class meets at 9:30-10:30 am every Thursday for 8 weeks (January 16 - March 6, 2025) at Martin Hall in Ascutney (Weathersfield Town Office), lower level. Each class builds on the previous lesson, therefore regular attendance is encouraged.
Tai Chi is often described as meditation in motion. It is clinically proven to reduce the risk of falls and improve balance among older adults. Through slow, gentle movement, participants gain flexibility, muscle strength, improved posture, better balance, and greater concentration. Tai Chi can be practiced either standing or seated.
No experience is needed. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and well-fitted flat shoes that cover your toes and heels. While targeted to older adults, these classes are appropriate and beneficial for people of all ages who want to experience beginner Tai Chi.
Questions-call the instructor at 802-299-8008.
The Seeds are here!
Weathersfield Proctor Library Presents: Welcome to Zambia January 18 at 6:30 PM
The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming February 14-17
Mark Your Calendar for the 2025
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)!
Welcome to the New Year! We are gearing up for another incredible February GBBC where the world comes together to celebrate birds. If you are unfamiliar with the GBBC, learn about this easy, fun, and free event, no matter your level of bird-interest.
If you are organizing or participating in a community birding event for the GBBC, add it to our Community Event Map. This may inspire others to join your flock. Or, find an event close to you and join others in a bird-adventure.
Posters and Social Media for 2025 Are Ready
Mark Your Calendar for the 2025
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)!
Welcome to the New Year! We are gearing up for another incredible February GBBC where the world comes together to celebrate birds. If you are unfamiliar with the GBBC, learn about this easy, fun, and free event, no matter your level of bird-interest.
If you are organizing or participating in a community birding event for the GBBC, add it to our Community Event Map. This may inspire others to join your flock. Or, find an event close to you and join others in a bird-adventure.
Engage your friends, family, schools, libraries, nature centers, places of worship, or businesses. Share a beautiful poster or social media post on your community board, email list, or social media account. The 2025 graphics are available in several languages. Posters in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Social media posts in English, Spanish and French.
If you are new to the GBBC or would like to inspire others to join us this year, explore our Participate Page. If your family and friends are Merlin users, all they have to do is use the tool once over the four days in February and save their sound IDs or positive bird IDs to participate!
Resources to get Ready: CLICK HERE
BC/BS of Vermont Winter Virtual Challenge
Get out, get active, and give back! No snow required.
Join their Winter Virtual Challenge by tagging Blue Cross Vermont in photos of your winter activities on Facebook or Instagram, or sending an email to events@bcbsvt.com.
Yup, that's me second from the left.
Get out, get active, and give back! No snow required.
Join their Winter Virtual Challenge by tagging Blue Cross Vermont in photos of your winter activities on Facebook or Instagram, or sending an email to events@bcbsvt.com.
They’ll donate $5 to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports for every photo you share from January 11 thru February 8, 2025.
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is an organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, their year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is an organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, their year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.
Are You Signed Up for GMP Text Alerts?
They'll send storm and outage updates right to your phone. More details and how to sign up here: www.greenmountainpower.com/apps-skills/text-alerts/
The GMP app is also a super convenient way to manage your account, report outages and track restoration. It is free in the App store and Google play. More info: www.greenmountainpower.com/apps-skills/mobile-app/
Good weather is a great time to take a few steps at home, so you can be prepared in case of severe storms. Learn more at www.greenmountainpower.com/safety/
News You Can Use ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
The federal funds could offer a rare opportunity to help build new housing outside of the most flood-prone areas.
by Carly Berlin
This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.
Vermont will receive nearly $68 million in federal long-term disaster recovery funding tied to the July 2023 floods.
The funding, announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday, comes out of a $12 billion allocation for communities impacted by disasters across the nation in recent years, from fires in Hawaii to hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina.
This kind of long-term recovery funding can go toward housing programs, infrastructure upgrades, economic development and hazard mitigation, and is primarily aimed at helping people with low and moderate incomes. The funding isn’t a given after a disaster hits.
Unlike immediate relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which can start flowing right after the president declares a disaster, Congress has to take action to appropriate these more flexible, long-range funds. The money Vermont will receive comes out of a disaster aid package that federal lawmakers passed in December, and is based on a formula that assesses unmet needs for recovery.
READ MORE
House leaders are also bringing back a committee with more focus on digital infrastructure.
by Shaun Robinson
The Vermont House will have more Republicans leading its policy committees — and is bringing back a committee tasked with overseeing the state’s digital infrastructure — for the legislative biennium that started Wednesday.
Democratic House Speaker Jill Krowinski, who was reelected to her post Wednesday morning, announced committee assignments on the House floor that afternoon. The speaker has the sole authority to make committee appointments in the House. This year, she had more choices to make than usual, with a number of committee chairs and vice chairs who either did not run again or lost reelection campaigns — leading to significant turnover in leadership.
Only one Republican — Coventry Rep. Michael Marcotte — chaired a House panel in recent years, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. This session, Marcotte will be joined by a second caucus member — Swanton Rep. Matt Walker, who will helm the House Transportation Committee.
Meanwhile, the number of Republicans serving as committee vice chairs has more than doubled — from four last year to nine members this year. Overall, nearly all — 11 of the 14 — House committees will have some GOP leadership this year.
Notably, Rep. Jim Harrison, a Chittenden Republican, will be the new vice chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. The seat was held last year by Middlebury Democratic Rep. Robin Scheu — who will now chair the budget-writing panel.
READ MORE
Kerest has served as the top federal prosecutor for Vermont since 2021 following his nomination to the post by President Joe Biden.
by Alan J. Keays
Vermont’s top federal prosecutor announced Monday he will step down from his post later this month.
U.S. Attorney for Vermont Nikolas Kerest said in a press release that his resignation would be effective Jan. 20, the day Republican Donald Trump is inaugurated as president.
Kerest was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden in September 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate that December.
The U.S. attorney job is considered a prime patronage post. It often goes to those with political connections to the president’s party and those serving in the role commonly step down when a new administration takes power.
U.S. attorneys from other federal districts have also recently announced their resignations, including those serving in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
READ MORE
2024 was Vermont’s warmest year on record — again
The state hit an annual average temperature of 50.9 degrees, blowing past last year’s record of 50 degrees.
by Erin Petenko
In 2023, Vermont made headlines for having the warmest year on record, mirroring a worldwide trend full of extreme weather and hotter temperatures.
The state has just blown past that record.
The average annual temperature in Burlington in 2024 was 50.9 degrees — a full degree warmer than the year before, according to National Weather Service data.
Last year’s data is part of a long-term trend of rising temperatures since the weather service began tracking the measure in the 1890s. Vermont was about 8 degrees warmer in 2024 than it was in 1924, the data shows. For context, that’s about the difference between Burlington and Philadelphia’s average temperatures this year.
“Looking at our top 10 warmest years on record,” all of them have come “from 1998 onward,” said Matthew Clay, a meteorologist for the weather service.
READ MORE
Okemo, ahead of the pack
By Karen D. Lorentz
Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series that explores how innovations at Okemo and Killington enabled them to become successful and popular ski resorts that also contributed to the growth of the ski industry in Vermont and the East.
Okemo Ski Area, which debuted Jan. 31, 1956, was built on a mountain that rose to 3,343 feet above the village of Ludlow, a town of 2,415 people. Immigrant Finns and Norwegians had introduced townspeople to skiing and ski jumping and made skis for them, so by the early 1900s skiers were already skinning up to ski down Okemo or engaging in ski jumping contests on its lower flanks. Several athletic clubs sponsored ski meets, winter dances, and carnivals in the 1920s and 1930s. Trains brought members of the famed Appalachian Mountain Club of Boston to the hills and lakes in Ludlow the week of Feb. 19-26, 1921, providing one of Okemo’s earliest President’s Day weeks at the slopes.
Vermont State Forester Perry Merrill added Okemo and the land around the mountain to the state’s holdings, seeing it as a potential recreation area for the Dept. of Forests and Parks. He also promoted skiing as an economic resource for the state by leasing mountains like Mount Mansfield, Killington, Jay Peak, Burke, Smuggler’s Notch, and Okemo to ski entrepreneurs.
The state had purchased 4,000 acres on Okemo in 1935. Avid sportsmen and local businessmen supported the idea of developing Okemo and predicted that Okemo would become the “Best Ski Ground in New England,” but naysayers in the Legislature opposed Merrill’s plans and the state’s spending money on ski areas during the Great Depression so only a few trails, an access road, and camp sites got built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Then World War II came along to interrupt all ski area development.
READ MORE
They'll send storm and outage updates right to your phone. More details and how to sign up here: www.greenmountainpower.com/apps-skills/text-alerts/
The GMP app is also a super convenient way to manage your account, report outages and track restoration. It is free in the App store and Google play. More info: www.greenmountainpower.com/apps-skills/mobile-app/
Good weather is a great time to take a few steps at home, so you can be prepared in case of severe storms. Learn more at www.greenmountainpower.com/safety/
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News
In 5th inaugural address, Gov. Phil Scott says housing and education reform are year’s top priorities
After his own landslide victory and Republican gains in the Legislature, the governor said voters have signalled Vermont is moving in the wrong direction. To fix it, he pledged to propose ambitious legislation.
by Ethan Weinstein
As he kicked off his fifth term leading Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday used his inaugural address to preview his two top legislative priorities: creating new housing and reforming the state’s education funding system.
Before a packed House chamber, the Republican governor said voters believe the state has gone in the wrong direction. The solution, he indicated, was collaborative policymaking with a Legislature dominated by Democrats, focused on areas he said were long overdue for change.
Those changes, Scott said, would impact not just already thriving northwestern Vermont, but the state’s rural corners. Lawmakers who represent towns outside the state’s economic hub, what Scott called “left-behind communities,” make up a majority, he noted.
The governor spent much of his speech addressing rising education spending, which he said needed immediate attention. Part of the problem, Scott said, was the state’s idiosyncratic funding formula.
“Let’s have the courage to fix the entire system,” he said, rather than just “tinker.”
Scott has faced criticism from Democrats in recent years for not bringing fresh ideas to the table. But in his inaugural address, Scott promised his administration would offer major proposals, including a new funding formula, a simpler school governance structure and guardrails for local communities to reduce cost pressures.
READ MORE
by Ethan Weinstein
As he kicked off his fifth term leading Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday used his inaugural address to preview his two top legislative priorities: creating new housing and reforming the state’s education funding system.
Before a packed House chamber, the Republican governor said voters believe the state has gone in the wrong direction. The solution, he indicated, was collaborative policymaking with a Legislature dominated by Democrats, focused on areas he said were long overdue for change.
Those changes, Scott said, would impact not just already thriving northwestern Vermont, but the state’s rural corners. Lawmakers who represent towns outside the state’s economic hub, what Scott called “left-behind communities,” make up a majority, he noted.
The governor spent much of his speech addressing rising education spending, which he said needed immediate attention. Part of the problem, Scott said, was the state’s idiosyncratic funding formula.
“Let’s have the courage to fix the entire system,” he said, rather than just “tinker.”
Scott has faced criticism from Democrats in recent years for not bringing fresh ideas to the table. But in his inaugural address, Scott promised his administration would offer major proposals, including a new funding formula, a simpler school governance structure and guardrails for local communities to reduce cost pressures.
READ MORE
FULL TEXT: CLICK HERE
PowerSchool, a California-based provider of a student information system used by 39 Vermont school districts, experienced a cyberattack in late December.
by Corey McDonald
The personal data of students and staff at several dozen Vermont school districts may have been compromised in a nationwide data breach of a student information system, according to state education officials.
PowerSchool, a California-based company that provides a student information system and cloud software used by 39 school districts in Vermont, told its customers on Tuesday that personal data of students, staff and faculty of school districts throughout the country were hacked, according to officials.
The company serves more than 75% of students in North America, according to a report from TechCrunch, and its software is used by roughly 16,000 customers to support more than 50 million students in the United States.
Schools use the software to manage student records, grades, attendance and enrollment.
It is unclear how many school districts in Vermont were affected by the data breach. Lindsey Hedges, a spokesperson for the state Agency of Education, said in an email that not all of the 39 districts that use PowerSchool were affected, but noted that the agency “will continue to work with districts and remain in contact as the full impact of the incident unfolds.”
READ MORE
PowerSchool, a California-based provider of a student information system used by 39 Vermont school districts, experienced a cyberattack in late December.
by Corey McDonald
The personal data of students and staff at several dozen Vermont school districts may have been compromised in a nationwide data breach of a student information system, according to state education officials.
PowerSchool, a California-based company that provides a student information system and cloud software used by 39 school districts in Vermont, told its customers on Tuesday that personal data of students, staff and faculty of school districts throughout the country were hacked, according to officials.
The company serves more than 75% of students in North America, according to a report from TechCrunch, and its software is used by roughly 16,000 customers to support more than 50 million students in the United States.
Schools use the software to manage student records, grades, attendance and enrollment.
It is unclear how many school districts in Vermont were affected by the data breach. Lindsey Hedges, a spokesperson for the state Agency of Education, said in an email that not all of the 39 districts that use PowerSchool were affected, but noted that the agency “will continue to work with districts and remain in contact as the full impact of the incident unfolds.”
READ MORE
The federal funds could offer a rare opportunity to help build new housing outside of the most flood-prone areas.
by Carly Berlin
This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.
Vermont will receive nearly $68 million in federal long-term disaster recovery funding tied to the July 2023 floods.
The funding, announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday, comes out of a $12 billion allocation for communities impacted by disasters across the nation in recent years, from fires in Hawaii to hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina.
This kind of long-term recovery funding can go toward housing programs, infrastructure upgrades, economic development and hazard mitigation, and is primarily aimed at helping people with low and moderate incomes. The funding isn’t a given after a disaster hits.
Unlike immediate relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which can start flowing right after the president declares a disaster, Congress has to take action to appropriate these more flexible, long-range funds. The money Vermont will receive comes out of a disaster aid package that federal lawmakers passed in December, and is based on a formula that assesses unmet needs for recovery.
READ MORE
House leaders are also bringing back a committee with more focus on digital infrastructure.
by Shaun Robinson
The Vermont House will have more Republicans leading its policy committees — and is bringing back a committee tasked with overseeing the state’s digital infrastructure — for the legislative biennium that started Wednesday.
Democratic House Speaker Jill Krowinski, who was reelected to her post Wednesday morning, announced committee assignments on the House floor that afternoon. The speaker has the sole authority to make committee appointments in the House. This year, she had more choices to make than usual, with a number of committee chairs and vice chairs who either did not run again or lost reelection campaigns — leading to significant turnover in leadership.
Only one Republican — Coventry Rep. Michael Marcotte — chaired a House panel in recent years, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. This session, Marcotte will be joined by a second caucus member — Swanton Rep. Matt Walker, who will helm the House Transportation Committee.
Meanwhile, the number of Republicans serving as committee vice chairs has more than doubled — from four last year to nine members this year. Overall, nearly all — 11 of the 14 — House committees will have some GOP leadership this year.
Notably, Rep. Jim Harrison, a Chittenden Republican, will be the new vice chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. The seat was held last year by Middlebury Democratic Rep. Robin Scheu — who will now chair the budget-writing panel.
READ MORE
Kerest has served as the top federal prosecutor for Vermont since 2021 following his nomination to the post by President Joe Biden.
by Alan J. Keays
Vermont’s top federal prosecutor announced Monday he will step down from his post later this month.
U.S. Attorney for Vermont Nikolas Kerest said in a press release that his resignation would be effective Jan. 20, the day Republican Donald Trump is inaugurated as president.
Kerest was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden in September 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate that December.
The U.S. attorney job is considered a prime patronage post. It often goes to those with political connections to the president’s party and those serving in the role commonly step down when a new administration takes power.
U.S. attorneys from other federal districts have also recently announced their resignations, including those serving in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
READ MORE
The state hit an annual average temperature of 50.9 degrees, blowing past last year’s record of 50 degrees.
by Erin Petenko
In 2023, Vermont made headlines for having the warmest year on record, mirroring a worldwide trend full of extreme weather and hotter temperatures.
The state has just blown past that record.
The average annual temperature in Burlington in 2024 was 50.9 degrees — a full degree warmer than the year before, according to National Weather Service data.
Last year’s data is part of a long-term trend of rising temperatures since the weather service began tracking the measure in the 1890s. Vermont was about 8 degrees warmer in 2024 than it was in 1924, the data shows. For context, that’s about the difference between Burlington and Philadelphia’s average temperatures this year.
“Looking at our top 10 warmest years on record,” all of them have come “from 1998 onward,” said Matthew Clay, a meteorologist for the weather service.
READ MORE
By Karen D. Lorentz
Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series that explores how innovations at Okemo and Killington enabled them to become successful and popular ski resorts that also contributed to the growth of the ski industry in Vermont and the East.
Okemo Ski Area, which debuted Jan. 31, 1956, was built on a mountain that rose to 3,343 feet above the village of Ludlow, a town of 2,415 people. Immigrant Finns and Norwegians had introduced townspeople to skiing and ski jumping and made skis for them, so by the early 1900s skiers were already skinning up to ski down Okemo or engaging in ski jumping contests on its lower flanks. Several athletic clubs sponsored ski meets, winter dances, and carnivals in the 1920s and 1930s. Trains brought members of the famed Appalachian Mountain Club of Boston to the hills and lakes in Ludlow the week of Feb. 19-26, 1921, providing one of Okemo’s earliest President’s Day weeks at the slopes.
Vermont State Forester Perry Merrill added Okemo and the land around the mountain to the state’s holdings, seeing it as a potential recreation area for the Dept. of Forests and Parks. He also promoted skiing as an economic resource for the state by leasing mountains like Mount Mansfield, Killington, Jay Peak, Burke, Smuggler’s Notch, and Okemo to ski entrepreneurs.
The state had purchased 4,000 acres on Okemo in 1935. Avid sportsmen and local businessmen supported the idea of developing Okemo and predicted that Okemo would become the “Best Ski Ground in New England,” but naysayers in the Legislature opposed Merrill’s plans and the state’s spending money on ski areas during the Great Depression so only a few trails, an access road, and camp sites got built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Then World War II came along to interrupt all ski area development.
READ MORE
At an historic mill, see the wonder of snowflakes
You might feel peaceful or nostalgic when it’s snowing outside. When you see old photographs of snowflakes up close at the Jericho Historical Society, you almost can’t believe your eyes.
Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley's beautiful images of snowflakes are on permanent display at the historical society in the Old Red Mill in Jericho.
Bentley was the first person to photograph a single snowflake 140 years ago. It happened right here in Vermont.
Bentley described snowflakes as “tiny miracles of beauty” and “ice flowers.”
On January 15, 1885—at age 19—he used photographic plates to capture his first snowflake image at his family's farm on Nashville Road.
"He had the mind of a scientist and the soul of a poet," says Sue Richardson, Bentley's great-grand-niece, who manages the exhibit and gift shop at the Jericho Historical Society.
"His dream was to share his images with the world," she told me on Saturday.
Bentley captured images of snowflakes using a microscope, a bellows camera, light from a window for his exposures, sunlight to develop his prints, and a brook to wash negatives.
His love for nature and interest in weather systems motivated him to capture 5,000 images until his death in 1931 at age 66.
More Vermont stories and Adventures https://happyvermont.com/
Weathersfield Town Information
High School Fair
On Tuesday January 14th from 5-6pm, the school will be hosting their annual High School Fair in the WS Multi-purpose room. This is a great opportunity for families to speak with representatives from local schools, sign students up for shadowing opportunities, and start planning for pre-enrollment in the High School of your choice. They are looking forward to seeing you there.
No Winter Activities This Year
The school has decided that they will not be doing winter activities this year. Please stay tuned for a different opportunity for students to be involved.
Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
Winter Sports Registration
Winter sports registrations are OPEN. Use this link to register your athletes:
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/975095812
If you are interested in coaching, please register here:
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/299461426
Amazing Opportunity-Join the School Kitchen Team
Do you want to work with an amazing team of people? Come join our school's kitchen team. The school offers an amazing work environment, fantastic schedule (great for parents), paid holidays, great health coverage options, and the opportunity to help feed our students every day. This is a great opportunity to work with an awesome team of culinary professionals.
Follow the link below or send them a message to learn more about our open positions.
WSESU Kitchen Team Application
The Veterans Memorial Committee meets regularly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Weathersfield Proctor Library. In the event of holidays or special circumstances, the meeting will be held at a time and location to be set by the Committee.
ALL EVENTS
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Presented by Upper Valley Baroque, January 24, 7 PM TICKETS
Cindy Pierce: Glitchy Business A benefit for the Special Needs Support Center, Presented by the Special Needs Support Center
January 26, 7 PM TICKETS
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, February 2, 3 PM FREE but please REGISTER
If I Could Ride 2, Presented by Don Miller, March 9, 2 PM TICKETS
Another Tequila Sunrise A Tribute to the Eagles, March 14, 7:30 PM TICKETS
San Jose Taiko, March 30, 4 PM TICKETS
BeauSoleil (50th Anniversary)with special guest Richard Thompson, April 4, 7:30 PM TICKETS
Trailblazing Women of Country Music A tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly, April 5, 7:30 PM TICKETS
Fly Fishing Film Tour, April 10, 7 PM TICKETS
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at 2PM.
Lift Every Voice Friday, February 7th at 10AM
Disciple of the Garden – Legacy of Chris Cornell Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 8PM.
Rock n’ Roll Circus Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 8PM.
A Tribute to Willie Nelson Friday, March 28, 2025 at 8PM
Take 3 – Where Art and Pop Music Collide Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:30PM.
Johnny Folsom 4 Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 7:30PM
Comedian Juston McKinney Saturday, April 19 at 7:30PM
Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Experience Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8PM
Floydian Trip – New England’s Premier Pink Floyd Tribute Saturday, May 24 at 7:30PM
Class Schedule January Classes
Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm Jan. 14, 21, 28
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
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.
Weathersfield Town Information
Town Calendar
Town Volunteer Vacancies
The Town of Weathersfield is seeking volunteers to appoint to various available positions. The application can be found at this link.
Alternatively, you can contact Susanne Terrill at weathersfield@weathersfield.org to obtain a copy via email, or stop by the Town Office at 5259 US Route 5, Ascutney, VT 05030 to obtain a paper copy.
The following positions are vacant:
Board of Listers (2 Vacancies)
The following positions are vacant:
Board of Listers (2 Vacancies)
Conservation Commission (1 Vacancy)
Development Review Board (1 Vacancy)
Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)
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 websiteChair
2027
Vice Chair
2026
Clerk
2027
Member
2026
Member
2025
Select Board Meets: January 27 Public Hearing Notice
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboardJanuary 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)August 15 Site Exam MinutesApril 11 Emergency MeetingMarch 18 public hearingTown Meeting March 2
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 website
|
Select Board Meets:
January 27 Public Hearing Notice
Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)
August 15 Site Exam Minutes
April 11 Emergency Meeting
March 18 public hearing
Town Meeting March 2
*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
January 13th Weathersfield School Board 6:30 PM in the Music Room
January 14th High School Fair 5-6:00 PM
January 15th Weathersfield School Board 6:30 PM in the Music Room (if needed)
January 17th Snow Ball Middle School Dance 6-8:00 PM
January 20th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day No School
January 31st P.R.I.D.E. Assembly 8:15 AM in the GYM
January 14th High School Fair 5-6:00 PM
January 15th Weathersfield School Board 6:30 PM in the Music Room (if needed)
January 17th Snow Ball Middle School Dance 6-8:00 PM
January 20th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day No School
January 31st P.R.I.D.E. Assembly 8:15 AM in the GYM
School News Weekly Newsletter: January 10
High School Fair
On Tuesday January 14th from 5-6pm, the school will be hosting their annual High School Fair in the WS Multi-purpose room. This is a great opportunity for families to speak with representatives from local schools, sign students up for shadowing opportunities, and start planning for pre-enrollment in the High School of your choice. They are looking forward to seeing you there.
No Winter Activities This Year
The school has decided that they will not be doing winter activities this year. Please stay tuned for a different opportunity for students to be involved.
Weathersfield School Board meets on TuesdaysIn Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
January 13 School Board meetingDate: Monday, January 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Weathersfield School Music Room and Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vnf-sxnu-xoq
By Phone: (US) +1 484-424-4784 PIN: 195-154-094#
Agenda Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vu9TcVeEURwddAuenwcDdegNTNkbY1-z
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney
School Board Meetings Agendas and MinutesMarch 11February 11
January 13
January 13
Winter sports registrations are OPEN. Use this link to register your athletes:
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/975095812
If you are interested in coaching, please register here:
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/299461426
Amazing Opportunity-Join the School Kitchen Team
Do you want to work with an amazing team of people? Come join our school's kitchen team. The school offers an amazing work environment, fantastic schedule (great for parents), paid holidays, great health coverage options, and the opportunity to help feed our students every day. This is a great opportunity to work with an awesome team of culinary professionals.
Follow the link below or send them a message to learn more about our open positions.
WSESU Kitchen Team Application
Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Arts, Entertainment, Volunteer, and Health
Weathersfield Proctor Library January 18 at 6:30 PM
Perkinsville Music Series Announced
Perkinsville Music Series Announced
Perkinsville Community Church will be hosting live music every 1st Sunday starting Jan. 5th, 2025 and will continue until June 2025. 4pm-5:30pm. Matt Meserve will open the series on Jan 5th. Matt is an amazing piano player and singer.
Come out and support our local musicians and enjoy some beautiful music. These are free events but donations will be accepted to go towards local charities.
Follow the series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/566716035976750
Come out and support our local musicians and enjoy some beautiful music. These are free events but donations will be accepted to go towards local charities.
Follow the series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/566716035976750
Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch
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 Historical Society
Weathersfield Historical Society
Weathersfield Parks and Recreation
Weathersfield Parks and Recreation
Follow them on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550836741096
Veterans Memorial Committee
The Veterans Memorial Committee meets regularly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Weathersfield Proctor Library. In the event of holidays or special circumstances, the meeting will be held at a time and location to be set by the Committee.
Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC
Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567175561071
Entertainment
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
2025
January 26, 7 PM TICKETS
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, February 2, 3 PM FREE but please REGISTER
Mike McDonald’s Comedy Extravaganza, February 7, 7:30 PM TICKETS
Recycled Percussion, February 8, 2 & 7 PM TICKETS
Recycled Percussion, February 8, 2 & 7 PM TICKETS
City Lights (Silent Film with Bob Merrill on piano), February 13, 7 PM FREE but please REGISTER
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, February 14, 7 PM TICKETS
Dom Flemons LOH on Location, February 15, 7:30 PM TICKETS
If I Could Ride 2, Presented by Don Miller, March 9, 2 PM TICKETS
Another Tequila Sunrise A Tribute to the Eagles, March 14, 7:30 PM TICKETS
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber & More, March 15, 7 PM TICKETS
San Jose Taiko, March 30, 4 PM TICKETS
Trailblazing Women of Country Music A tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly, April 5, 7:30 PM TICKETS
Fly Fishing Film Tour, April 10, 7 PM TICKETS
Comedian Bob Marley, May 10, 8 PM TICKETS
Lift Every Voice Friday, February 7th at 10AM
Recycled Percussion – Winter Tour February 15, 2025 at 2 PM & 7 PM
Rock n’ Roll Circus Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 8PM.
A Tribute to Willie Nelson Friday, March 28, 2025 at 8PM
Take 3 – Where Art and Pop Music Collide Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:30PM.
Johnny Folsom 4 Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 7:30PM
Comedian Juston McKinney Saturday, April 19 at 7:30PM
Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Experience Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8PM
Floydian Trip – New England’s Premier Pink Floyd Tribute Saturday, May 24 at 7:30PM
Yoga in Weathersfield
Whole Roasted Tro
Whole Roasted Tro
Crown Point Country Club
Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm Jan. 14, 21, 28
Wednesday Mornings 9-10am Jan. 15, 22, 29
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.
You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.
VINS Nature Camp
Summer 2025
Registration opens at 6 AM on Wednesday, January 15!
Learn More
VINS Members enjoy early access starting at 6 AM on Tuesday, January 14. Be sure to update your membership!
Through exploring diverse creatures and habitats, VINS Nature Camp fosters each child's curiosity and helps them to build respectful relationships within their community and the natural world.
Register early – these camps fill quickly! Discounts and scholarships available.
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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
Hikes
Local trails to explore: CLICK HERE
Also Hiking Close to Home: CLICK HERE
Workshops Online
Vermont Online Workshops
Lots of events and movies online. Contact: AARP Vermont Email: vtaarp@aarp.org with questions.
Events for Perkinsville/Weathersfield (online) https://local.aarp.org/perkinsville-vt/aarp-events/
Events for Perkinsville/Weathersfield (online) https://local.aarp.org/perkinsville-vt/aarp-events/
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
Route 131 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 131 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.
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.
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 8 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.
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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.
or visit: www.photosbynanci.com
Have an Event/Announcement you want Advertised?
Want 200+ people in Town to know about Your Event?
Want 200+ people in Town to know about Your Event?
Drop me an Email at least two (2) weeks before your event and you'll get your Event Listed Here for FREE.