Weathersfield Weekly Blog, March 3, 2025


Ballot Voting is on March 4 at Martin Memorial Hall



Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendars





Annual School and Town Meetings Preview


Kenyon: Weathersfield Selectboard race heats up
By Jim Kenyon

In a hotly contested Weathersfield Selectboard race, August Murray has the backing of the state’s lieutenant governor and the town’s sole House member, but what he doesn’t have — and his opponent does — is WOW power.

The Women of Weathersfield, or WOW for short, is going all out for deForest Bearse. “She is one of those people who is the backbone of our community,” said WOW member Alison Roth.

Bearse, who turned 70 last month, is a longtime Weathersfield resident. She served as the town’s zoning administrator. She helped start the town’s food shelf, which operates out of a once two-room school house that, as a leader in the local historical society, she fought to preserve.

In the early 2000s, Bearse was instrumental in establishing the town’s Veterans Memorial Committee, which she served on for 20 years before resigning earlier this month. (More on that in a bit.)

WOW would now like to see Bearse add a three-year term on the Selectboard to her community service resume.

They’re reaching out to voters on social media and making campaign signs. WOW members also take turns driving her around the town’s villages of Ascutney and Perkinsville to knock on voters’ doors.

On Sunday, about a dozen WOW members met to finalize plans for a phone bank and a “honk and wave” at the town’s park-and-ride lot this week ahead of next Tuesday’s Town Meeting balloting.

Bearse told me that she’s “absolutely humbled” by the commitment WOW has shown to her campaign. She wasn’t an original member of the group, but not surprisingly is now.

WOW got its start after Donald Trump regained the White House and Republicans won control of Congress in November. People were “so disheartened that we needed to do something positive,” said Patti Arrison, who is credited by other members for organizing the group.

In just a few months, WOW has grown to include more than 20 women of various ages. “We all agreed that we should support (Bearse’s) candidacy,” Arrison said.

In Weathersfield, which has about 2,850 residents, Selectboard elections seldom attract this much attention or create this amount of animosity.

But since moving to Weathersfield in 2020, Murray has become a political lightning rod in town — and a force in state Republican circles.

After growing up in southern Vermont and graduating from Norwich University, Murray spent 33 years in the Army. He served in three wars and worked at the Pentagon before retiring with the rank of colonel.

Murray and his wife, Andrea, now own a small farm in Perkinsville. Less than two years after moving to Weathersfield, he ran for the Selectboard, losing by only four votes. He was later appointed to fill a vacancy on the five-member board, but subsequently lost the seat, 356-238, to Rika Henderson in the 2024 Town Meeting election.

Murray, who is in his mid-50s, portrays himself as a moderate Republican, but his actions and choice of headwear say otherwise. (The first time I met Murray in December 2023 at a Windsor County GOP Committee meeting, he left wearing a red “Make America Great Again” baseball cap with Trump’s signature stitched into the bill.)

Although selectboard races in Vermont are considered nonpartisan, Murray has sought out endorsements from two elected Republicans — first-term state Rep. VL Coffin, whose district includes Weathersfield, and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, who was elected in November.

READ MORE


Meet the Candidates-in their own words

On February 10th I emailed the candidates running for Select Board and School Director the following questions. They were asked to respond before February 20th at 7 PM.
1. Who am I?
2. Why am I running for select board/school director?
3. How long have you lived in town?
4. How will your life experience help you as a Select board member/School Director?
5. Why should you vote for me?

Candidates who were sent Questionnaires and their responses:

TOWN
Select Board 3yr--deForest Bearse
1. Who am I?
I am a recent retiree of 30 years of public service in multiple towns, cities and states. Being a political candidate is an entirely new role for me. But what I am not new to is public service. I have worked in local government in various capacities both paid and unpaid for most of my working life, including:
• Weathersfield Zoning/Land Use Administrator (12 years)
• Ancient Roads Committee (3 years)
• City of Claremont, NH:
• Boards & Commissions Coordinator (8 years)
• City Planner (2 1⁄2 years)
• Weathersfield Historical Society (Curator)
• Veterans Memorial Committee (20 years)
• 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse Committee (10 years)
• Weathersfield Food Shelf (Co-founder)
• President Ascutneyville Cemetery Association Board of Directors
In 1989 I married a dairy farmer from Springfield and learned how to milk
cows, drive a tractor, and live on the milk check. I am happy to say we just
celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary.

2. What Position in Town am I a candidate for?
I am running for a 3-year seat on the Selectboard.

3. Why am I running for select board/school director?
I have worked in local government in various capacities both paid and unpaid for most of my working life. I am seeking a seat at the table to put that experience to good use for the benefit of our town. I believe the town is in great shape – we have money in the bank, our roads are in great shape, our fire departments are coming together, and our tax rate has remained as stable as can be possible for the past ten years.
I seek to continue the good works of the board by:
• keeping the budget as lean as possible without sacrificing services,
• focusing on long-range financial planning,
• supporting our department heads and employees by providing them
with a livable wage,
• continue the work of bringing the fire departments together, and
• implementing our town plan.
I support local agriculture and reasonable land use laws.

4. How long have you lived in town?
I have lived full time in Weathersfield since 1985 in a house that has been in my family since 1870. My great, great grandparents, Roland and Hermione Burt, lived here in the summers, when Roland worked as a stonecutter in the Tyler Quarry on Mt. Ascutney. (He could walk to the quarry from this
house.) In the winters, they lived in Claremont, where Hermione worked as a weaver in the Monadnock Mills. Prior to 1985, I spent summers here in this house going back to 1958. My first job upon taking up full-time residency here was as the zoning administrator for both Weathersfield and Windsor.

5. How will your life experience help you as a Select board member/School
Director?
I am passionate about local government. To me it is democracy in its truest form. It works best when its participants believe in it and strive to uphold its ideals. My life experience has taught me how to work hard, listen well, be organized, be resourceful, and research what I need to know to make informed decisions. In my 30+ years of residency in Weathersfield I have come to know and work with so many of its residents. I have had a front-row seat at literally hundreds of public board meetings across three states. I know the laws, the people, and the ideals of local government and believe in them all. And above all, I have been and remain dedicated to this community.

6. Why should you vote for me?
I have the experience and knowledge to do the job honestly, fairly, and with dedication. I have no hidden agenda and no ax to grind. I quite simply am offering to put my knowledge and experience to use for the continued benefit and well-being of our town.

Select Board 3yr--August Murray
1. Who am I?
Hello Weathersfield residents! My name is August Murray and I hope to earn your vote for a seat on our Selectboard. I have dedicated my life to service for our country and now in retirement, my focus is on using my extensive education, knowledge and experience to serve my community that I love.

I’m a Veteran, farmer, Dad, and dedicated volunteer. My wife Andrea and I run a small farm in Perkinsville where we focus our efforts on supporting local food security. We are also a foster family, providing a safe and loving home to kids in need.

Raised in southern Vermont, I joined the Army Reserves in Rutland as a 17-year-old Private. Then, 33 years later, after a career that included deployments to three wars, I came home to retire close to family as a U.S. Army Colonel. I’m a Bronze Star Medal recipient and decorated by the U.S. Army for Heroism. My career—with assignments as a Commander, Chief of Staff, Inspector General, Senior HR Officer, and Military Science Professor—has always been about putting people first. I bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for service.

2. What position in town am I a candidate for?
I am a candidate for the 3-year Selectboard seat, currently filled by my friend and neighbor Dave Fuller, who is not running again. I’ve served on the Weatherfield Selectboard, chaired the Town Budget Advisory Committee, and served on the School Budget Advisory Committee. In these roles I’ve worked hard to keep our town’s finances in check while ensuring quality education, public safety, and essential services.

3. Why am I running for Selectboard?
I believe we are best served by continuing the longstanding legacy of responsible governance left by Dave Fuller’s fiscally conservative voice that put the needs of our community first. Weathersfield deserves leadership that listens without bias, acts with transparency, and makes decisions that protect our town’s rural character while improving affordability, a strong infrastructure, and responsible growth. I am particularly concerned about the impacts of taxes on our seniors.

4. How long have you lived in town?
I have deep roots in the area, with family in Springfield and Ascutney. Raised in southern Vermont, I started working on a local farm and paying taxes at the age of 12. I joined the Army Reserves in Rutland as a 17-year-old Private. I graduated Bellows Falls High School, and went on to Norwich University. Then, 33 years later, after military service that included deployments to three wars, I came home to retire close to family as a U.S. Army Colonel. I’m a Bronze Star Medal recipient and decorated by the U.S. Army for Heroism. My career—with assignments as a Commander, Chief of Staff, Inspector General, Senior HR Officer, and Military Science Professor—has always been about putting people first. My son attends Weathersfield School and I am deeply vested in this town and its future for our next generations.

5. How will your life experience help you as a Selectboard member?
My experience includes being the senior Chief of Staff of a 450,000 member military organization overseeing a $980 million budget. My education includes graduate and doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.S., MSS and MBA), has given me the knowledge and skills to analyze complex issues and budgets, work collaboratively to find practical solutions and unique ability to creatively leverage resources to solve complex challenges. I also have financial management, HR and fiscal law credentials. I understand the complex challenges our town faces and see great opportunities for Weathersfield to thrive.
(I) am committed to making informed, balanced decisions that benefit all residents.

6. Why should you vote for me?
I am running to serve Weathersfield with integrity, accountability, and common-sense decision making that works for us all. I have no family members working for the town and am free of any such potential conflicts of interest. And when decisions are tough and things get hard, I will never quit on you. I will work hard to ensure that our town continues to be a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. If you want a leader who listens, values community input, and makes thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions, I ask for your vote on March 4th.

Fiscal Responsibility & Vision:
As a fiscal conservative, I’m committed to affordable, practical solutions for our town. With an MBA and a background of managing a $980 million-dollar military budget, I understand the importance of every dollar when working on our town’s budget.

My Values and Vision for Weathersfield:
Our town deserves leadership that is honest, accountable, and relentlessly focused on the needs of its people. On the Selectboard, I promise to uphold these principles by focusing on:
• Affordability: Making sure every tax dollar is spent wisely, and in the community’s best interests.
• Community First: Prioritizing the needs of residents & businesses with balanced growth and our future generations in mind.
• Transparency & Integrity: Leading with openness, listening to community concerns, and a readiness to engage with diverse ideas for the common good.

Weathersfield must meet the ongoing needs of its residents with affordable housing, a reasonable permitting process for development, and opportunities for small businesses to succeed – bringing in revenue to lower taxes and improve infrastructure that benefits us all. Please vote for me and make a difference on March 4th!

Select Board 2yr--Kelly O'Brien-no responses submitted

SCHOOL
School Director 3yr--AnneMarie Redmond-no responses submitted

School Director 1yr--Megan Waite

Who am I?
Hi, my name is Megan Waite. I'm a pharmacist, a proud mom to Wyatt (5) and Abram (4), and a wife to William Waite.

What position in town am I a candidate for?
I am running for a position on the school board.

Why am I running for school board?
I’m excited to have the opportunity to support the school and community that played such an important role in shaping me. With my son Wyatt in kindergarten and Abram attending Windsor’s preschool program, my commitment to our schools is even stronger. I began volunteering for the school’s budget committee this year and started attending school board meetings to get more involved. When I saw there would be an opening on the board, I felt it was a great opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the continued success of our school.

How long have you lived in town?
I moved to Weathersfield when I was eight years old and attended what was then Weathersfield Middle School, followed by Windsor High School. After leaving for college and graduate school, I returned to Weathersfield after earning my PharmD. My husband, Will (who is originally from Hartland), and I purchased our first home on Thrasher Road in 2016, where we've enjoyed raising our family.

How will your life experience help you as a member of the school board?
While I’m relatively new to the school community as a parent, I bring strong experience in managing complex budgets and balancing competing priorities from my work experience. I’m accustomed to listening carefully to the needs and concerns of various stakeholders, whether it’s community members, parents, or teachers. I believe in collaborating with my fellow board members to turn those concerns into meaningful, actionable solutions that benefit everyone.

Why should you vote for me?
I’ve been a long-standing member of this community, and I care deeply about the well-being and success of our kids. I want to do my part in ensuring our school continues to thrive. I would be honored to have your support!


School Director 1 yr--John Arrison
My name is John Arrison I am a native Vermonter and have lived in Weathersfield since 1986.

I am a candidate for Weathersfield school board. I have served on the Weathersfield select board for 16 years and served as your Vermont house representative for 4 years.

While in the house I served on the education committee and also the corrections and institution committee.

My experience in Montpelier will be an important asset to our school board and the supervisory union. Many changes are being proposed and it is important to have strong representation and leadership.

I would appreciate your support and vote on March 4th.

Candidates that were not sent Questionnaires:
TOWN

Moderator--Sean Whalen
Trustee of Public Funds--Roderick Bates
Cemetery Commissioner--Julia Lloyd-Wright
Library Trustee--Roderick Bates
Open positions

Lister 3yr
Lister 3yr (1 yr remaining)

SCHOOL
Moderator--Sean Whalen


School Announces Camp Read-A Lot, March 6th

Sign-Up


Zack's Place Uphill Challenge, March 8th in Quechee


Get out and go Uphill for a great cause. 
The 3rd Annual Uphill Challenge at Quechee Ski Area March 8, 2025 from 3-6:30pm. 
You can skin, snowshoe or micro-spike up hill. Registration will be at the Base Lodge starting at 3pm.
The event is $5.00 for all non-QLLA Members/Passholders. (Free for QLLAMembers/Passholders).
You will receive 1 Raffle ticket for each Uphill lap completed between 4-5pm. The Raffle prizes will be awarded post event.
There will be pizza from the Pizza Shed and drinks at the Base Lodge. Music will be Fireside at the Base Lodge until 6:30pm.
Please RSVP to Zack’s Place at 802-457-5868 or email Beth Robinson at Execdir@zacksplacevt.org so they can properly prepare for the event.
Donations support Zack’s Place as well as the Adaptive Ski Programs of the Upper Valley Special Olympic Hawks and the Fall Mountain Special Olympics.
They kindly ask that you leave your furry family members at home as dogs are not allowed.




Red Cross Blood Drive, March 11th in Brownsville
Drive Details:
Site: Holiday Inn
Address: 485 Hotel Drive, Brownsville, VT, 05037
Room Name: Ballroom
Date: Tue Mar 11, 2025
Time: 1:00: PM - 5:30: PM
Blood Program Leader Name: Lanie Wadelton
Click here to make an appointment


Weathersfield PTO Announces a Night of Comedy, March 29th



AARP offers free tax preparation-Spread the Word until April 11-Appointments are Required

Beginning Feb. 3 and continuing through April 11, the AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program provides free individual tax assistance and preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 50 years old and older; however, all ages are welcome.

Appointments are required at all sites. The following information is for your convenience in contacting the host sites mentioned above. When making your appointment, you will be given information on what types of documents you need to bring with you. Depending on the nature of your tax return, it may be determined to be out-of-scope for this program. We make every effort to make this determination as early as possible in this process.

Times and locations are as follows:
White River Junction, Vt. – Wilder Club & Library and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Pick up Intake Packets at Bugbee Senior Center, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments begin Feb. 8, and will be on Thursdays and Fridays, starting at 9 a.m.

Woodstock, Vt. – Thompson Senior Center, 99 Senior Lane, Mondays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., at 802-457-3277.

Ascutney, Vt. – Proctor Library, 5181 U.S. Route 5, Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call 802-875-2418, and please leave a message.

Londonderry, Vt. – Neighborhood Connections, 5700 Route 100, Mondays, starting at 10:30 a.m. Call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at 802-824-4343.

Springfield, Vt. – Springfield Senior Center, 139 Main Street; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Appointments starting at 9 a.m. Call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at 802-885-3933 or 802-345-5415 anytime, and leave a message.

Chester, Vt. – Chester Town Hall, 556 Elm Street, Wednesdays, starting at 9 a.m. Call 802-875-2418, and please leave a message.

Claremont, N.H. – Claremont Senior Center, 5 Acer Heights, Fridays, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Call 802-345-5415, and please leave a message.


News You Can Use
ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
Town/School/Regional News


More than a thousand people protest Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Vermont
While most people demonstrating around the Mad River Valley expressed concern regarding the current administration’s policies and direction, others showed up to support the vice president.
by Greta Solsaa

In the wake of Vice President JD Vance’s ski trip to Sugarbush resort this weekend, the Mad River Valley was transformed into a hotbed of protests against the administration of President Donald Trump.

In the largest planned demonstration Saturday morning, Vermonters and visitors stood along a stretch of Main Street by the Mad River Green in Waitsfield toting protest signs and flags that expressed concerns ranging from the state of democracy to climate change to LGBTQ+ rights.

A stream of vehicles sporting similar signage drove by honking and waving, joining in on the morning rally. Protest organizers estimated the turnout in Waitsfield ranged between 1,000 and 3,000 people.

Ginny Sassaman, a protest organizer from the Indivisible Calais group, said many Vermonters are fearful under the Trump and Vance administration’s policies and she feels “democracy is in peril.” However, Sassaman said protesting is a central form of resisting, along with voting and legal actions.

READ MORE


Vermont Attractions Hit by Canadian Tourist Cancellations
Some tourism businesses say Canadian visitors have cited Trump's tariff threats and his talk of annexing Canada when canceling plans.
By Anne Wallace Allen

President Donald Trump's threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods and his stated desire to annex the country have prompted some of its residents to cancel trips to Vermont.

Abby Long, the executive director of the Kingdom Trail Association, the Burke-based bicycling network, told state lawmakers on Thursday that she's gotten emails from Québécois trail users about the Trump administration. The message, Long said: “They love us, but they won’t be visiting for four years or until our political environment shifts.”

Kingdom Trails is one of the Northeast Kingdom’s largest tourist attractions, logging about 135,000 annual visits. About 40 percent of its users are from Canada.

Steve Wright, president and general manager of the Jay Peak Resort on the Canadian border, said cancellations of visits by Canadians have spiked. He estimated that 30 to 40 percent of visitors to the resort, which includes a ski area, hotels, a golf course and a water park, are from Ontario and Québec.

State officials could not quantify the impact on Vermont tourism. But tourism leaders said they are taking steps to increase advertising in response to reports that Canadians were changing their U.S. travel plans.

President Trump launched a major broadside against Canada on February 1, declaring he’d add a 25 percent tariff to imports from Canada and Mexico. He retracted that proposal on February 3, before it went into effect. Then on February 10 he reiterated his vow to annex Canada and turn it into America’s 51st state.


Trump says Mexico, Canada tariffs will start March 4, plus additional 10% on China
@KevinWilliamB

President Donald Trump on Thursday said his proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada will go into effect March 4 and that China will be charged an additional 10% tariff on the same date.

The sweeping 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada had been paused on Feb. 3 for one month. But the Trump administration has recently sown confusion about whether they would go back into effect when the delays expired.

In a Truth Social post Thursday morning, Trump clarified that they would.

He said, without providing evidence, that illicit drugs “are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels,” despite pledges from both U.S. neighbors to boost their efforts to police their borders.

“We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled,” Trump wrote.

He also announced that China, which already faces 10% U.S. tariffs on its products, “will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.”

Trump added in his post, “The April Second Reciprocal Tariff date will remain in full force and effect.”

A White House official confirmed to CNBC later Thursday morning that the new duties on Beijing mean U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will total 20%.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures turned slightly negative following Trump’s post, but rose when markets opened.

The president’s post contradicted a timeline laid out about an hour earlier Thursday morning on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” by White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

Citing Trump’s public remarks at his first Cabinet meeting Wednesday, Hassett said the president would decide on “tariff policy for all countries” after evaluating a study scheduled to come out April 1.

Trump in that meeting “extended by saying that we’re going to deal with Mexico and Canada, presumably the same time we deal with everything else,” Hassett said.

READ MORE


Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board considers adding does to the regular deer hunting season
A new rule proposed by state biologists challenges a longstanding aversion to using shotguns and rifles to shoot female deer.
by Olivia Gieger

For generations in Vermont, the regular fall hunting season has been devoted to the pursuit of legal bucks. While the size and points on a set of antlers vary in different parts of the state, for a hunter to harvest a deer with a rifle or shotgun, it has to have antlers.

That may be about to change.

“I apologize for the blasphemy,” said Nick Fortin, a wildlife biologist and deer specialist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, as he introduced a new rule proposal to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board. “But, we recommend allowing antlerless permits to be used during the regular season.”

In other words: The department suggests that the board allow hunters to kill does with a rifle or shotgun, which are methods only permitted for killing bucks.

It’s a significant departure from the existing rules and cultural mores that restrict the harvest of antlerless female deer to hunters using bows and arrows or muzzleloader guns, both of which require more skill and training to be effective and are permitted for use outside of the roughly two weeks of the regular hunting season.

READ MORE


Making outdoor recreation in Vermont more accessible

From mountain biking to skiing, the executive director of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports joined NBC5 In Depth to discuss the nonprofit's work to connect more people to outdoor recreation in the state.
Jack Thurston

Advocates and nonprofit organizations are calling for a continued focus on accessibility in outdoor recreation.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports told NBC5 In Depth it provided nearly 3,700 winter outings and more than 1,600 summer outings last year to adults and kids with a wide range of disabilities. Erin Fernandez, the executive director of Vermont Adaptive, said the nonprofit organization's mission is to empower people to participate in outdoor sports and gain self-confidence and independence.

READ MORE or Watch


34,000 Vermonters call in to delegation’s ‘telephone town hall’
In a 90-minute live event, Vermont’s three-member congressional delegation fielded calls from residents concerned about federal actions.
by Klara Bauters

A virtual town hall hosted by U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Congresswoman Becca Balint, D-Vt., drew roughly 34,000 participants Wednesday night as uncertainty over the future of federal programs took center stage.

The livestreamed meeting featured a blend of pre-submitted questions — over 1,400 — and live call-ins from residents eager to voice their concerns.

While only a tiny fraction of the questions were answered due to the 90-minute time limit, Balint, Sanders and Welch responded to a wide array of inquiries on topics that included the potential slashing of Medicaid and Medicare, the impact of cuts to veterans’ health care, and the future of Social Security.

The delegation’s responses largely focused on acknowledging the participants’ concerns and letting them know their worries were understood. There were repeated pledges to continue the fight.

One exception to the general theme came from a caller from Richford who voiced his support for the Trump administration’s actions, arguing that the stated goal to root out corruption and cut waste could help fund programs like Social Security and Medicaid. He questioned why Vermont’s delegation seemed more focused on President Donald Trump and Elon Musk than on addressing financial mismanagement in government.

Sanders pushed back against the critique, emphasizing that he, Welch, and Balint oppose waste, fraud, and misuse of federal funds.

READ MORE


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)
Conservation Commission (1 Vacancy)
Development Review Board (1 Vacancy)
Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)
Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)


Select Board



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

Chair

2027

Vice Chair

2026

Clerk

2027

Member

2025

Member

2025



*Vermont Open Meeting Law
Minute 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 meetingMeeting 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



Weathersfield School


March 4th Town Voting Day
March 6th Camp Read-a-lot 5-7:00 PM
March 11th Weathersfield School Board Meeting
March 18th VTCAP Testing starts
March 21st Early Release Day All Students get out at 12:00 PM
April 4th and 5th Peter Pan Jr. Play

School News Weekly Newsletter: February 28



More info about Winter Tech Time: CLICK HERE



Upcoming State Testing Dates for Students in Grades 3-8

We are right around the corner from state testing. I wanted to share the dates of when students will be taking the state test this year. We will start each day testing at 8:15 in the morning and students will test primarily in the morning. Please try to schedule any appointments or other activities around the testing dates, because it is important and easier for the students if they are here. If you have any questions about testing, please feel free to reach out.

VTCAP Testing Dates:
5th and 8th Grade Science
March 18-19
March 20 Make-ups

3rd-8th Grade ELA
March 25-26
March 27 Make-ups

3rd-8th Grade Math
April 1-2
April 3 Make-Up

Make-Up Week
April 7-10


The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Music Room.

Weathersfield School Board meets on Tuesdays
In Person at Weathersfield School (135 Schoolhouse Road, Ascutney)
Location: 135 Schoolhouse RD Ascutney 

School Board Meetings Agendas and Minutes




Things to Do In and Around Weathersfield
Arts, Entertainment, Volunteer, and Health



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.

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!





Perkinsville Music Series 

Live music at Perkinsville Community Church
The Perkinsville Community Church, 35 Church Street in Perkinsville, VT., will be hosting live music every first Sunday of the month through June, from 4-5:30 p.m.
This is a free event, but donations will be accepted each month to go towards local charities.

Upcoming schedule:
April 6th Rik Palieri
May 4th Bill Brink and Frank Critelli
June 1st Jacob McLaughlin
July 6th Matt Meserve
Aug. 3rd Ali T
Sept 7th Josh Hall
Oct 5th The Poor Cousins

Please follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PerkinsvilleChurch or send email to churchperkinsville@gmail.com


Weathersfield Center Church and Meeting House


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


Weathersfield Historical Society


Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

Follow them on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550836741096


Weathersfield Tai Chi
When: Weekly on Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30 AM, from Jan 16 through Mar 6, 2025
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.


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.


Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center



Edgar May Health and Recreation Center Adventure 2025 Summer Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!

Get ready for the most exciting summer yet! EdgarMay’s Adventure Summer Camp is back, and this year, we’re taking fun to the next level with all-new Theme Weeks designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Each week brings a brand-new adventure, from mastering outdoor survival skills to unleashing creativity through art and science.

From Monday to Friday, 9:00AM-4:00PM, campers will enjoy daily swimming, rock climbing on our 40-foot tower, and weekly field trips, all while making new friends and learning teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Financial Aid is available through their Access for All program. Go to www.edgarmay.org/financial-aid to learn more.

Register your child/children today.


Entertainment

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

ALL EVENTS

2025

Maria Bamford, March 7, 7:30 PM TICKETS

Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats, March 8, 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

RENT (the movie) March 20, 7 PM FREE but please REGISTER

San Jose Taiko, March 30, 4 PM TICKETS

San Jose Taiko, Youth Education Series, March 31, 10 AM FREE but please REGISTER

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

Comedian Bob Marley, May 10, 8 PM TICKETS

The Great Gatsby Ballet, May 13, 7 PM TICKETS

Theater Works USA: Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends, Youth Education Series, May 19, 10 AM FREE but please REGISTER


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


Yoga in Weathersfield

Whole Roasted Tro

Crown Point Country Club

Class Schedule March Classes 

Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm | March 4, 11, 18, 25 |
Wednesday Mornings 9-10am | March 5, 12, 19, 26 |


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




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:
  • 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.
For more information: Call (802) 674-5971 Email via@mahhc.org
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/


Visit Our Local Restaurants

The Copper Fox 56 Main St., Ste. 1 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-1031
Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm  Sunday Hours 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

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.

Harpoon Beer Garden and Brewery 802-674-5491
336 Ruth Carney Drive
Windsor, VT 05089

Inn at Weathersfield (802) 263-9217 
Dine inside or outside Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, call for a reservation 802-263-9217. 1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville, VT 05151

Maybelline's (802) 591-4311
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:

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 
Due to ongoing challenges with supply and the need to streamline operations, the Reading- West Windsor Food Shelf soon will be changing its hours/days of operation.
As of March 1, 2025, the FS will be open only on Thursdays from 3PM-6PM
The first hour (3PM-4PM) will be reserved for seniors only. 
All other clients (including seniors who can't come between 3PM and 4PM) are invited to shop from 4PM-6PM!
The Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf is located at 3456 Tyson Road in South Reading. 
All Vermont residents are welcome!


Mt. Ascutney Hospital Open for Walk-Ins M-F 1-5 PM

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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