Photos by Nanci Blog

May 13th School Board Meeting 6:30 PM
May 16th P.R.I.D.E. Assembly 8:15 AM
May 19th-23rd Book Fair
May 20th Panther Cub Night 5-6:00 PM
May 22nd Spring Music Ensembles 6:00 PM
May 23rd Leadership Day
May 23rd Early Release Day for All Students
May 26th Memorial Day No School
May 30th Music in The Park Field Trip Band/Chorus
May 30th 8th Grade Dinner and Dance
June 3rd Spring Sports Night 6:00 PM
June 6th 8th Grade Class Trip to Burlington and Beyond
June 9th 8th Grade Graduation 6:00 PM
June 11th Field Day All Day

School News Weekly Newsletter: May 2

FY 26 Kindergarten Screening
Kindergarten Screening for the 2025-2026 School Year will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025. If your child will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025, it is time to enroll them at Weathersfield. Please call the school (802) 674-5400 to schedule an appointment for this year’s screening.

No School for Kindergarten onMay9th

Panther Cub Night for Future Kindergarten Families on May 20th

Weathersfield School is excited to invite next year’s incoming kindergarten children and parents to a fun-filled evening of making friends and memories.

The school is hosting Panther Cub Night on Tuesday, May 20, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., at the school. You are welcome to come at any time, and stay for however long you would like during that time frame.

Teachers will be running activity tables for the incoming kindergarteners. At each table, your children will get a bag of “goodies” to take home to continue practicing over the summer to help them get ready for kindergarten. Some of the materials include letter and number flash cards, craft supplies, and even a copy of one of the school's favorite books.

PAWS STEAM Camp…returning this Summer 2025, July 7-August 1

The school is pleased to announce they will be offering the PAWS STEAM Camp at Weathersfield again this summer. The camp is open to Weathersfield students currently in grades K-7.

The camp will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day, beginning July 7th and ending on August 1st.

PAWS STEAM Camp will offer a variety of activities such as crafts, hands-on activities, nature exploration, sports, cooperative games, and MORE.

Here are the weekly themes this year:
Week #1 (July 7th - 11th): Harry Potter
Week #2 (July 14th - 18th): Dinosaurs
Week #3 (July 21st - July 25th): Outer Space
Week #4 (July 28th - August 1st): Pokemon
The cost for the camp will be $150 per week, per child.

Space will be limited to 30 students. Sign-ups are offered on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. You will be notified via email if there is a spot available for your child in the program.
Please follow the link to sign up for the program.

Summer Tech Camp
The HACTC is excited to offer our one-week Summer Tech Camp to middle school students again! Also, new this year: we will also offer a Computer Camp for Girls and Gender Expansive Youth. This camp is limited to the first 12 applicants. Both camps will be held the same week - June 23-27, 2025 - tech camp in the morning, and computer camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoon. To register for Summer Tech Camp in the mornings, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

To register for Computer Camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoons, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

Brownsville Base Camp Summer 2025
Brownsville Base Camp Summer 2025 Registration opens February 1st. Base Camp Explorers is a day camp located in Brownsville for campers entering Kindergarten-6th grade. New this summer we have a two week Adventurers program geared towards campers entering 6th-9th grades. Check out our website to learn more!
https://www.brownsvillebasecamp.org/
Financial Assistance is available!

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

FREE Seeds are 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:
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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

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

Store Hours:

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9am-5pm

Wednesday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9am-5pm

‍

802-591-7737

contactthrivethrift@gmail.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, May 12 TICKETS

The Great Gatsby Ballet, May 13, 7 PM TICKETS

Upper Valley BIPOC Network Spring Social May 14, 5:30-7:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

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

Rebel with a Clause Film Screening and Q&A June 5, 7 PM TICKETS

LOH Pride Party in the Park Resource & Artisan Fair June 13, 6-8:30 PM Learn More

Pride After Dark Silent Disco, June 13 9-11 PM Reserved Your Headset

BeauSoleil (50th Anniversary) with special guest Richard Thompson November 21, 7 PM TICKETS

This performance was rescheduled from Friday, April 4. Information was emailed to ticket holders last week; tickets are still available.

Claremont Opera House

All Events

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

Brit Pack - The Ultimate British Music Experience Saturday November 8, 2025 7:30 pm

Yoga in Weathersfield

Whole Roasted Tro

Weathersfield Center Church and Meetinghouse

Class and Registration Info.

Join Lisa for gentle yoga classes:
Monday evenings | 5:30–6:30 PM Register by emailing Lisa
Tuesday mornings | 9:00–10:00 AM Register by emailing Lisa
Class Fee: $48 for the prepaid month or $15/drop-in. Policy + Payment Info

Classes designed to be gentle, accessible, and nourishing, supporting your nervous system in feeling safe, grounded, connected and empowered.

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

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Summer Music Series

Hartford VT, Wednesdays

Fairlee VT, Thursdays

Performances are at 8 PM unless otherwise noted

Adam Ezra Group June 26

Morgan Evans July 3

Amos Lee July 10

The Record Company July 17

Trampled by Turtles July 24

The Elovaters July 31

Kaleo August 8

Grace Bowers August 14

Andy Grammer August 21

Shane Smith and the Saints August 28

Dawes August 31

Lebanon NH, Thursdays

Front Porch Concert Series

Location

Concerts are held each Thursday night starting July 3 through August 21, beginning at 6:30pm on Colburn Park located across from Lebanon City Hall at 51 N. Park St., Lebanon, NH.

Rain Location
First Congregational Church at 10 South Park Street Lebanon, NH 03766.

2025 Schedule

July 3 - The Flames
July 10 - John Lackard Blues Band
July 17 - Kyle Chadburn & The Earthbound Spirits
July 24 - TBA
July 31 - TBA
August 7 - TBA
August 14 - Katie Dobbins
August 21 - TBA

Woodstock VT, Fridays
This year’s 2025 Music by the River Lineup runs Fridays at 6pm from July 11 through August 22 and promises something for everyone:
July 11 The Cash Box Kings – Old-time Southern blues

July 18 Amber Rubarth – Award-winning singer-songwriter

July 25 Lakou Mizik – high energy Haitian roots and soul

Aug 1 Tuck & Patti – Globally acclaimed jazz/pop duo

Aug 8 The Clements Brothers – A modern-day Simon & Garfunkel

Aug 15 Jay Nash – Local legend and longtime favorite

Aug 22 Locals Open Mic – Celebrating the rich talent of our community, both known and soon-to-be-known

Make a DONATION

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

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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 Reopens April 26 at 11AM

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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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or visit: www.photosbynanci.com

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Weathersfield Weekly Blog, May 5 edition

2025-05-05T09:19:00.004-04:00

The Hummingbirds are back!

Time to set out out your sugar water feeders.
Make your own syrup: 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water; boil to dissolve;

let it cool; pour it into your feeders-no need for food coloring.

Upcoming Events,

Mark Your Calendars

Clean Up-Green Up at The Dan Foster House

When: May 10, 2025, 8:30 to 10:30 AM
Where: 2656 Weathersfield Center Road, Perkinsville, VT

To ready the Weathersfield Historical Society's museum, the Rev. Dan Foster House, 2656 Weathersfield Center Rd, for a June opening, we host an annual clean up-green up day on Saturday, May 10 from 8:30 to 10:30. There's indoor and outdoor work to do and we will provide refreshments and coffee. Please bring dust cloths, vacuum, rake or whatever your favorite cleaning or yard tools.
We are grateful for many hands to make light work!

Ascutney Vol Fire Dept Annual Mother's Day Flower Sale
When: May 10, 2025, 9 AM to 2 PM
Where: Ascutney Village Farmers Market, U.S. 5, Windsor, VT
URL: https://facebook.com/events/s/avfda-annual-mothers-day-flowe/1361661701806127/

Join us for our Annual Mothers Day Flower Sale and Bake Sale!
Saturday, May 10 - 9 am to 2 pm
Ascutney Village Farmers Market, 5585 Rt 5, Ascutney.
They will have lots of hanging flower baskets, patio pots, box annuals and more. And they will also fresh baked goods for sale as well.

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation host their Annual Town Wide Yard Sale
May 31 and June 1-GET ON THE MAP

Weathersfield 5th Annual Fishing Clinic & Derby

Concerts and Adventures

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group

Concord NH, Portsmouth NH, and Lexington MA.

We've been following Lyle Lovett for many years and try to see him whenever he's in New England.

This past week His Acoustic Group performed at:

Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH

The Music Hall in Portsmouth NH

Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington, MA

Lyle graciously let's me photograph him and his bands whenever I'm at one of his shows.

At the Capitol Center for the Arts show, Sharon VT resident and Grammy winning producer Jim Rooney joined Lyle on stage for a couple of songs.

In 1993, Jim received a Grammy Award for the production of Nanci Griffith's Other Voices, Other Rooms Album and in 2009 Jim received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Americana Music Association for his work as an engineer/producer.

I've also been lucky to photograph Jim over the years too.

Lyle's Acoustic group includes Luke Bulla and Jeff White.

More photos from Concord NH: CLICK HERE

Leland Sklar on bass.

Keith Sewell on mandolin and all things with strings.

More photos from Portsmouth NH: CLICK HERE

Jim Cox on piano.

Keith Sewell

Russ Kunkel on percussion

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group

More photos from Lexington MA: CLICK HERE

He just wrapped up this mini-tour with the Acoustic Group and will hit the road again in late June through July with a "local" stop at Shelburne Farms/Museum in Shelburne, VT. Tickets are on sale.

30 Neo-Futuristic Plays from Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
Yoh Theatre Players
Yoh Theatre, Woodstock VT

Well, this was a performance I won't soon forget. 30 Neo-Futuristic Plays from Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 minutes) was fast, fun, energetic and at times thought provoking.

The audience members are given a menu, rather than a Playbill, as they enter the theatre. It lists titles for 30 "plays".

After a brief introduction on how the evening will run, and the performers are announced and run across the stage. A 60-minute clock is set. And the audience begins the show by shouting out menu numbers.

There is some audience participation, mostly in good fun.

Some of the plays are dark and deal with serious subjects. But overall is was a raucous good time.

Next up for these talented teens-Edinburgh (Scotland) Festival Fringe August 1-25, 2025.

The 556 shows of Fringe span many genres, including cabaret and variety; children’s shows; comedy; dance, physical theatre and circus; music; musicals and opera; spoken word; and theatre.

The Yoh Theatre Players will be preforming in Nicholson Square August 1, 2, 4. Break a leg you all!

More photos: CLICK HERE

ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
News You Can Use

Town/School/Local/Regional News

Bicyclist struck by car while turning on 12A

by Katlyn Proctor Eagle Times

CORNISH, N.H. — A 70-year-old bicyclist was struck by a car on Route 12A on Wednesday, April 30, and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Michael Hamel of Ascutney, Vermont, was traveling northbound on an e-bike and signaled a left-hand turn onto the Cornish Windsor covered bridge. At the same time, a Nissan delivery van operated by John Webster, 55, of Hartland, Vermont, was coming off the bridge, stopped at the stop sign and turned left, striking Hamel.

He was transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon by Windsor Ambulance with serious injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening.

Cornish Police, Cornish Fire, Cornish Rescue Squad, as well as Windsor Fire and Ambulance, responded to the scene. Windsor Police, along with the New Hampshire State Police, also assisted.

The investigation is ongoing. Any witnesses are asked to contact Chief Hackett at 603-543-0535 or doug.hackett@cornishnh.net.

Cornish Police remind motorists that bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcycles are prevalent this time of year on roadways. Please use extra caution and share the road.

Trump takes Vermont’s climate superfund law to court

Following an Executive Order, the Justice Department has filed a complaint against the state’s climate superfund, among a suite of suits against other state climate actions.
by Olivia Gieger

The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging Vermont’s climate superfund law in court.

A complaint filed Thursday afternoon in the U.S. District Court of Vermont targets the law, arguing that the federal Clean Air Act and federal government’s power over foreign affairs preempt the state law, making it unconstitutional. The Department is asking the federal court to stop the law from being enforced.

“I’m always proud to represent Vermont, and I look forward to doing so in this case,” Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark wrote in an email. She also noted that the Department Justice has yet to formally serve the state with the lawsuit.

Thursday’s complaint follows an April executive order from President Donald Trump that tasked the U.S. Attorney General with exploring ways to block Vermont, New York and California’s climate laws.

READ MORE

Vermont Senate approves 2026 budget proposal, but legislators expect to cut spending further amid Gov. Phil Scott’s criticism
“We’re working with the governor’s folks to see how we can move closer in his direction,” the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee said.
by Shaun Robinson

The Vermont Senate on Thursday passed its proposed state budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which starts in July.

The plan includes more state spending than in the version approved by the House, or that was presented by Gov. Phil Scott, earlier this year — though Senate leaders say they expect their proposal to soon get whittled down.

The budget bill, H.493, now heads to a joint committee of legislative leaders to hash out their differences, which include, among others, how the state should pay for certain child care subsidies. After that, the full House and Senate would vote on the joint panel’s changes, before a compromise budget bill would go to Scott for his consideration.

Sen. Andrew Perchlik, a Washington County Democrat who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, said he wants to avoid a showdown with the governor over state spending in the final weeks of the legislative session, while lawmakers are also attempting to make sweeping changes to Vermont’s school governance and finance systems.

“We’re going to have a long session because of the education bill — we don’t want to, also, go longer because of a veto of the budget. So, we’re working with the governor’s folks to see how we can move closer in his direction,” Perchlik told reporters at the Statehouse on Wednesday. “We definitely want the governor to be supportive.”

READ MORE

‘Shameful, horrific and unconscionable’: Federal efforts to revoke legal refugee status could affect hundreds in Vermont, advocates say
At least two new Afghans and several hundred asylum seekers from Venezuela, Haiti and Ukraine who resettled in Vermont were set to lose their legal status this month due to recent federal orders.
by Auditi Guha

Recent efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to revoke the legal status of refugees has alarmed Vermont service providers.

It’s definitely affecting Vermont residents from certain countries, including Haiti, Ukraine and Venezuela, said Tracy Dolan, director of the State Refugee Office.

“They’re nervous and they’re afraid for their safety if they ever have to go back,” she said.

While new to Vermont, “they are doing all the things they’re supposed to be doing. They are working. They have employment authorization,” Dolan said. “Their employers generally have been pleased with the work and are really glad to have them.”

Those impacted include residents in the U.S. on temporary protected status granted to those who came from certain countries experiencing crises — such as Afghanistan, Sudan and Ukraine — and the humanitarian parole program that allows people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter and stay in the country for two years.

READ MORE

Feds cut more AmeriCorps programs, jeopardizing 200 positions in Vermont
The $2.4 million in terminated Vermont grants funded positions that focused on “everything from housing placement services, food security, to job training, to after school programming” and flood recovery, said Philip Kolling, who oversees AmeriCorps programs in the state.
by Carly Berlin

This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.

Soon after floodwaters inundated Montpelier in July 2023, the city tasked its Parks and Trees Department with running a central hub for flood response. That meant Marek Zajac, an AmeriCorps member serving with the department, spent long hours under a tent in the capitol’s downtown. The now 32-year-old kept track of which neighbors needed their homes mucked and gutted — and dispatched available volunteers.

With City Hall flooded, “there was nowhere to go to interact with the city — except for us,” Zajac said. “We became both an emotional support…and a way to find help.”

Now, Zajac’s job — which involves managing street trees and a community farm when the city isn’t experiencing a disaster — is on pause. That’s due to the latest round of federal cuts to the independent government agency that funds the service position they have held for nearly three years.

Last week, AmeriCorps began terminating nearly $400 million in grants across the country that funded thousands of jobs like Zajac’s, including about $2.4 million in funding for service positions in Vermont.

READ MORE

Woodstock Police Chief Is Demoted to Patrol Officer
Joseph Swanson's job performance has been scrutinized since he was put on leave in October. Police department staff complained that he slacked off on the job.
By Rachel Hellman

Following a 14-hour marathon hearing in March and weeks of deliberation, the Woodstock Village Trustees have demoted town police chief Joseph Swanson to patrol officer.

The decision has already taken effect, and Swanson has reported to work as a patrol officer since last Thursday, according to his attorney, Linda Fraas. But she plans to appeal the demotion decision in court and to file a civil lawsuit for monetary damages.

"There is absolutely no legal basis to violate his employment contract, which in no way allows for demotion," Fraas said in an email to Seven Days. "The decision is unlawful, malicious, and not surprising in light of how he has been treated thus far."

A Woodstock native, Swanson has served in the police department for more than 22 years, including 18 months as chief. But his position has been in limbo since he was placed on administrative leave last October.

Trump orders end to federal funding for NPR and PBS
By David Folkenflik

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS," the nation's primary public broadcasters. Trump contends that news coverage by NPR and PBS contains a left-wing bias. The federal funding for NPR and PBS is appropriated by Congress.

The executive order, like many that have been signed by the president, could be challenged in court.

"Which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter," the executive order says. "What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to tax-paying citizens."

On social media platforms, Trump recently blasted the two primary public broadcasting networks, posting in all caps: "REPUBLICANS MUST DEFUND AND TOTALLY DISASSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM NPR & PBS, THE RADICAL LEFT 'MONSTERS' THAT SO BADLY HURT OUR COUNTRY!"

In the executive order, Trump instructs the CPB and executive branch departments and agencies to cease direct and indirect funding of NPR and PBS.

"The CPB Board shall cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding," the order says.

NPR's President and CEO Katherine Maher defended coverage and addressed the need for funding in a recent interview on All Things Considered.

"I think that it's important for public media to be able to continue to be relevant in a time where there is a lot of coverage of different issues and areas of interest," she said.

NPR did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the executive order.

The leaders of NPR and PBS testified at a House oversight committee hearing in late March on allegations of ideological bias in public broadcasting.

Maher was assailed for her past political postings on social media and the network's news judgment almost entirely based on tweets and stories that preceded her March 2024 arrival at the network by years.

PBS' Paula Kerger found herself queried about a video involving a performer in drag singing a variation on a children's song for a young audience. (Kerger testified that the video was posted on the website of PBS' New York City member station and never aired on television.)

Federal funding for public media flows through the congressionally chartered Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Congress allocated $535 million for the CPB for the current fiscal year — an amount affirmed in a recent stop-gap bill passed by the Republican-controlled U.S. House and Senate.

The CPB's budget is approved by Congress on a two-year cycle in large part to insulate it from political pressures; according to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Congress has fully funded it through Sept 30, 2027.

At the hearing in late March, heads of both networks spoke of the mission to provide nonpartisan news and programming to the American public, without charge.

NPR receives about 1% of its funding directly from the federal government, and a slightly greater amount indirectly; its 246 member institutions, operating more than 1,300 stations, receive on average 8% to 10% of their funds from CPB.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities for you in Town

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026
Volunteers Positions in Town that need to be filled:
 Board of Listers (2 Vacancies) 3-Year, 3Year/1 Year Rem.
 Budget Committee (2 Vacancies) – 1 Year
 Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies)-4-Year
 Connecticut River Joint Committee Rep (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Deputy Health Officer (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Development Review Board (1 Vacancy/ 1 Alternate) – 2-Year
 Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Fence Viewers (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Martin Memorial Hall Trustees (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Parks & Recreation (No limit) – 1-Year  Surveyors of Wood and Lumber (2 Vacancies) – 1-Year
 Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies) – 1-Year
 Weigher of Coal (2 Vacancies) – 1- Year

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
April 28
April 14
March 24
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)

*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 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

May 9th Kindergarten Screening (No School for Kindergarten Students)
May 9th Folk Dance Night 6:00 PM
May 13th School Board Meeting 6:30 PM
May 16th P.R.I.D.E. Assembly 8:15 AM
May 19th-23rd Book Fair
May 20th Panther Cub Night 5-6:00 PM
May 22nd Spring Music Ensembles 6:00 PM
May 23rd Leadership Day
May 23rd Early Release Day for All Students
May 26th Memorial Day No School
May 30th Music in The Park Field Trip Band/Chorus
May 30th 8th Grade Dinner and Dance
June 3rd Spring Sports Night 6:00 PM
June 6th 8th Grade Class Trip to Burlington and Beyond
June 9th 8th Grade Graduation 6:00 PM
June 11th Field Day All Day

School News Weekly Newsletter: May 2

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

FREE Seeds are at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

Upcoming schedule:
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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Weathersfield Garden Club

Weathersfield Historical Society

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

Store Hours:

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9am-5pm

Wednesday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9am-5pm

‍

802-591-7737

contactthrivethrift@gmail.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

Percussion Discussion Afrika Thursday, May 8, 6:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

Comedian Bob Marley, May 10, 8 PM TICKETS

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, May 12 TICKETS

The Great Gatsby Ballet, May 13, 7 PM TICKETS

Upper Valley BIPOC Network Spring Social May 14, 5:30-7:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

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

Rebel with a Clause Film Screening and Q&A June 5, 7 PM TICKETS

LOH Pride Party in the Park Resource & Artisan Fair June 13, 6-8:30 PM Learn More

Pride After Dark Silent Disco, June 13 9-11 PM Reserved Your Headset

BeauSoleil (50th Anniversary) with special guest Richard Thompson November 21, 7 PM TICKETS

This performance was rescheduled from Friday, April 4. Information was emailed to ticket holders last week; tickets are still available.

Claremont Opera House

All Events

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

Brit Pack - The Ultimate British Music Experience Saturday November 8, 2025 7:30 pm

Yoga in Weathersfield

Whole Roasted Tro

Weathersfield Center Church and Meetinghouse

Class and Registration Info.

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Summer Music Series

Hartford VT, Wednesdays

Fairlee VT, Thursdays

Performances are at 8 PM unless otherwise noted

Adam Ezra Group June 26

Morgan Evans July 3

Amos Lee July 10

The Record Company July 17

Trampled by Turtles July 24

The Elovaters July 31

Kaleo August 8

Grace Bowers August 14

Andy Grammer August 21

Shane Smith and the Saints August 28

Dawes August 31

Lebanon NH, Thursdays

Front Porch Concert Series

Location

Concerts are held each Thursday night starting July 3 through August 21, beginning at 6:30pm on Colburn Park located across from Lebanon City Hall at 51 N. Park St., Lebanon, NH.

Rain Location
First Congregational Church at 10 South Park Street Lebanon, NH 03766.

2025 Schedule

July 3 - The Flames
July 10 - John Lackard Blues Band
July 17 - Kyle Chadburn & The Earthbound Spirits
July 24 - TBA
July 31 - TBA
August 7 - TBA
August 14 - Katie Dobbins
August 21 - TBA

Woodstock VT, Fridays
This year’s 2025 Music by the River Lineup runs Fridays at 6pm from July 11 through August 22 and promises something for everyone:
July 11 The Cash Box Kings – Old-time Southern blues

July 18 Amber Rubarth – Award-winning singer-songwriter

July 25 Lakou Mizik – high energy Haitian roots and soul

Aug 1 Tuck & Patti – Globally acclaimed jazz/pop duo

Aug 8 The Clements Brothers – A modern-day Simon & Garfunkel

Aug 15 Jay Nash – Local legend and longtime favorite

Aug 22 Locals Open Mic – Celebrating the rich talent of our community, both known and soon-to-be-known

Make a DONATION

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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 Reopens April 26 at 11AM

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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

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Weathersfield Weekly Blog, April 28 edition

2025-04-28T07:44:00.001-04:00

The loons are back!

Next up-the hummingbirds return.

Upcoming Events,

Mark Your Calendars

Select Board Meets Tonight April 28

Agenda, Packet

On tonight's agenda, discussion of the Weathersfield Police Department.

Chief Daniels' last day in Weathersfield is on April 30th. The town's Full-Time Officer also resigned, his last day was April 10th. The Selectboard has contracted with the Town of Windsor to provide temporary policing services until June 30th.

At tonight's meeting the Town Manager, Brandon Gulnick, is asking the Selectboard how our town should proceed with police coverage.

He presented these three options to the board in their meeting packet for discussion:

Option 1: Hire a New Police Chief & Full-Time Officer
If the Town decides to rebuild the Weathersfield Police Department then we will advertise a Police Chief position. Following receipt of application packages we will hold interviews. The interview process can be handled internally, OR we can develop an interview panel that the Selectboard appoints. My recommendation would be to choose six (6) candidates to interview and narrow the candidates down to three (3) for a second interview. Following a second interview, we will determine the top candidate for the position and commence the background check process. After the background check is complete, we would move forward with onboarding. Once a new Chief is onboarded his/her first task would be to hire a Full-Time Officer.

Option 2: Advertise an RFP for Contracted Policing Services

In the case the Town wishes to explore contracted policing services, an RFP was drafted and is attached as Attachment A for your review. If we explore this option, then we will advertise an RFP as early as May 1, 2025. Any interested proposer would submit any questions they have for the Town no later than May 15, 2025, and sealed proposals would be due to us no later than June 2, 2025 with a contract start date of July 1, 2026. The Selectboard may choose to interview respondents in either public or executive session, or a combination of both. Otherwise, we would do this internally, and act as an intermediary between the Selectboard and proposers.

Option 3: Hybrid (Contract Oversight/ Hire Weathersfield Officers)

The Town may also choose a Hybrid Option. Under this option, we would contract oversight of the Police Department out, and hire 2 Full-Time Officers, OR 4 Part-Time Officers, OR a Full-Time Officer and two (2) part-time officers. The contractor would act as the “Chief” of the department.

The meeting takes place at 6:30 PM in Martin Memorial Hall, 5259 US Route 5 in Ascutney

Zoom Meeting is by clicking on the mountain on the Town Website

Protect our Pollinators

The Weathersfield Garden Club reminds you that it is important to protect pollinators when you tackle your spring garden cleanup. Many pollinators - including butterflies, moths and bees - overwinter and nest in plant stalks and leaf litter. Help protect these essential insects by creating a safe place in your garden.

When cleaning up your gardens in the spring, resist the urge to create a perfectly clean flower bed. Prune your perennials to create nest sites by cutting them back to a variety of heights from about 8" to 24" above the ground. New growth will cover them up later in the year.

Leave leaves in place; leaf litter is an excellent compost material and many insects overwinter in the litter. Raking your garden clean in early spring will kill them, so either wait until it is very warm (towards the end of May) to rake them up or leave the leaf litter in place to create mulch. Leaf litter or compost is better for your soil than wood mulch, and insects can't burrow down through wood mulch.

If you're not ready to make the leap to an entire pollinator-friendly garden, think about creating one in some of your beds. Every little bit we do locally is beneficial.

For more information, check out this helpful site: https://xerces.org/publications/fact-sheets/nesting-overwintering-habitat

It's not BINGO, It's SINGO April 30 at 6PM

Green Up Day May 3

Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 3 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment.
INFO

TOWN DETAILS AROUND VERMONT

Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival May 4, 2025, 10 AM to 4 PM

Where: Herricks Cove, Herricks Cove Road, Bellows Falls, VT
URL: https://amasvt.org/herricks-cove-wildlife-festival/
If you're a wildlife enthusiast itching for spring then be sure to check out the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival on Sunday, May 4, at beautiful Herricks Cove on the Connecticut River in Rockingham, Vermont. The festival is presented by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, and Great River Hydro with support from Vermont Watershed Grant, Chroma Technology Corporation, Ben and Jerry's, Magris Talc, Mascoma Savings Bank, and 802 Credit Union.

This is a family-friendly festival with an emphasis on the wildlife and natural resources of Vermont. The festival will feature live animals, nature-focused walks, kids' activities, presentations by environmental and nature organizations, and demonstrations that include the return of Vermont Game Warden Canine Units. All this and more, with a focus on getting outdoors and enjoying nature. There will be food offered by a variety of local vendors as well as wildlife art, craft, book, and gift vendors present through the day.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Activities are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine, with an early morning bird walk at 7:00 a.m. The suggested donation is $3.00 for an individual and $5.00 for a family (cash or check payable to AMAS), but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Pets are not allowed. Visit the festival website for updates and more information: https://amasvt.org/herricks-cove-wildlife-festival

Herricks Cove is located just off Route 5, less than three miles north of Bellows Falls.

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation host their Annual Town Wide Yard Sale
May 31 and June 1-GET ON THE MAP

Weathersfield 5th Annual Fishing Clinic & Derby

When: Jun 14, 2025, 9 AM to 12 PM
Where: 3979 Vermont 131, Perkinsville, VT
URL: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/222864

Please join Weathersfield Parks & Recreation for a FREE children's fishing derby on Saturday, June 14th! This is a great educational event to get kids involved in a new skill. The VT Fish & Wildlife "Let's Go Fishing" program is designed to give children a fun and successful fishing experience. The department provides 8-10" stocked trout for children to try out their angling skills. Tackle, refreshments, and prizes will be available. No equipment required.

Educational clinic will take place from 9 AM - 10 AM, and the derby from 10 AM - noon. Come for part or all of the morning!

Registration required at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/222864

Concerts and Adventures

Lake Ninevah Paddle

Mount Holly, VT

I made my first kayak paddle of the season with friends, Jan and Stew from Windsor VT. We met at the Reading Town Hall and drove to Joseph Wiltshire Boat Ramp.

Not too surprising, we had the lake to ourselves.

We were paddling along and Jan went to check out a couple of rope swings and looked up to see a Bald Eagle in the tree above us. It was about 15 feet up, on a large branch, just sitting there. It didn't appear to be injured, just chilling. We left it alone after taking a bunch of photos.

There were a lot of water fowl visible. The Canada Geese are on their nests. We could easily find the nests because there was usually a pile of fresh water mussel shells on the water's edge right near the flattened nest area.

This mussel shell was HUGE.

As we were putting the kayaks and canoe in, we heard a loon call and got very excited to know the loons were back from over wintering down south.

Just as we were getting ready to pull the boats out, we spotted the pair diving in the middle of the lake.

More photos: CLICK HERE

ICYMI (In case You Missed It)
News You Can Use

Town/School/Local/Regional News

Feds threaten states’ transportation funding over noncompliance with immigration enforcement
Vermont’s largest public transit agency is now, as a result, weighing new training for its bus drivers on how to interact with federal agents.
by Shaun Robinson

President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday told states and other recipients of federal transportation funding that they could lose those dollars if they do not comply with the White House’s interpretation of federal laws — including on immigration.

The guidance, outlined in a letter from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, told recipients that their obligations, by taking federal funding, included “cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” as well as other agencies, “in the enforcement of Federal immigration law.”

Failing to do so would “compromise the safety and security of the transportation systems supported by DOT financial assistance,” the missive states, as well as “prioritize illegal aliens over the safety and welfare of the American people.”

The four-page letter also takes aim at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, calling them “discriminatory” and saying that states and others “must ensure that the personnel practices (including hiring, promotions, and terminations) within their organizations are merit-based and do not discriminate.”

Duffy said, without providing specifics, that there had been instances in which recipients of federal funding did not cooperate with “ICE investigations,” and that some recipients had “issued driver’s licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of Federal immigration law,” which he suggested would be grounds for losing federal dollars.

READ MORE

Judge rejects federal government’s attempt to halt detained Tufts student’s return to Vermont

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish PhD student being held by federal immigration authorities in Louisiana, was taken into custody by masked federal agents in plainclothes late last month.
by Ethan Weinstein

A federal judge has reaffirmed his order that the government transfer a detained Tufts University international student back to Vermont from Louisiana after the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont appealed the decision earlier this week.

U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III rejected a request from the federal government to halt his transfer order. An attorney for the administration of President Donald Trump is expected to request emergency action from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to try to block the order.

“The government’s motion largely recycles the same arguments that the Court has previously considered and rejected,” Sessions wrote in a Thursday order. “The government is now obligated to ensure that Ms. Ozturk is transferred to ICE custody within the District of Vermont no later than May 1.”

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish PhD student who was living legally in the United States on a student visa, was taken into custody by masked immigration officers in plainclothes late last month in Massachusetts after the Trump administration revoked her visa. She eventually was held overnight in Vermont at a St. Albans immigration facility before being taken aboard a flight at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and arriving at a Louisiana detention facility the next morning.

READ MORE

Vermont, 11 other states sue Trump Administration over tariff policies
“I’m suing the Trump Administration for the tenth time over these illegal tariffs to protect working Vermonters, small businesses, and our economy,” Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said Wednesday.
by Habib Sabet

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark is joining the top prosecutors of 11 other states in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, the Attorney General’s office announced Wednesday.

The attorneys general, who filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York City, argue that Trump’s four executive orders imposing tariffs on imports from other countries violate Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which assigns Congress, not the president, the “Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises.”

“President Trump’s illegal tariffs will harm Vermont’s businesses and consumers,” Clark said in a Wednesday press release announcing the suit. “I’m suing the Trump Administration for the tenth time over these illegal tariffs to protect working Vermonters, small businesses, and our economy.”

The lawsuit requests a preliminary and permanent injunction blocking U.S. Customs and Border Patrol from enforcing the tariffs.

Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly invoked the International Economic Emergency Powers Act while issuing a flurry of executive orders unilaterally declaring levies on imported goods.

READ MORE

FEMA ended a grant program designed to help communities prevent disaster damages. Here’s where that leaves Vermont.
While some projects can move forward, more recent proposals are left seeking other sources of funding.
by Olivia Gieger

In 2023 and 2024, Linda Martin, chair of the Wolcott Selectboard, saw what happens when Flat Iron Road fills with water.

Where Route 15 crosses the Lamoille River, a bridge forces the wide flow of the river to narrow, bending its path around big abutments in the water. When the river surges from heavy rains, water spills over its banks, washing across the surrounding land and flooding the nearby Flat Iron Road.

Martin knows that the bridge abutments are the reason the road floods. The town hired engineers, who confirmed the problem and began designing alternatives to the bridge and its abutments that would help the water flow more easily.

To continue that work of designing an alternative bridge, Wolcott’s selectboard had applied for a $71,250 grant from a relatively new program, allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, meant to help communities prepare for disasters before they strike.

Instead, on April 4, she — along with other municipal leaders and emergency managers around the country — learned that the Department of Homeland Security, under President Donald Trump, had ended the grant program altogether.

READ MORE

Federal government appeals ruling ordering detained Tufts student’s return to Vermont
Judge William K. Sessions III, presiding in the case in federal court in Burlington, had ruled Friday that Rümeysa Öztürk be transferred from a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana to a Vermont facility by May 1.
by Alan J. Keays

The federal government is appealing a judge’s ruling ordering the transfer of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student currently detained in Louisiana at an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, to a Vermont facility.

Federal Judge William K. Sessions III issued his ruling Friday in U.S. District Court in Burlington ordering that Öztürk, who is Turkish and was in the United States on a student visa, be transferred back to a Vermont facility by May 1.

The judge in that ruling also gave the parties in the case four days to seek an appeal of that order.

On Tuesday night, the federal government filed its notice of appeal.

The one-paragraph filing by acting U.S. Attorney of Vermont Michael Drescher, representing ICE and other federal agencies and officials in the case, stated the government was appealing to the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Court of Appeals in New York. Drescher also asked for a continued stay of federal court proceedings in Vermont while that appeal was pending.

READ MORE

Mohsen Mahdawi, detained Vermonter and Palestinian activist, appears in federal court
Mahdawi was detained in Colchester last week. A federal judge signalled he could rule on whether Mahdawi should be released as soon as next week.
by Ethan Weinstein

Lawyers for Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist arrested in Vermont last week, argued in federal court Wednesday that the Upper Valley resident had been unlawfully detained by federal immigration authorities and should be released.

“Mohsen Mahdawi sits in a jail cell,” Luna Droubi, one of his attorneys, said at the hearing, “because of his lawful speech.”

Mahdawi, a student organizer at Columbia University and a lawful U.S. resident for a decade, was arrested by federal agents in Colchester during an interview as part of his U.S. citizenship naturalization process.

At that meeting, Mahdawi affirmed his commitment to “defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign, and domestic,” according to court filings submitted by his attorneys.

READ MORE

US Border Patrol arrests 8 migrant workers at Berkshire dairy
The incident constitutes the largest immigration enforcement action against migrant workers in Vermont in recent memory.
by Habib Sabet

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on Monday arrested eight migrant workers at Pleasant Valley Farms, a dairy in Berkshire, according to state and federal officials.

Border agents were responding to a call from a concerned citizen who had observed “two individuals carrying backpacks exiting a wooded area and crossing … into private farmland,” according to Ryan Brisette, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Agents apprehended one of the individuals on scene, while the second fled,” Brisette said in a written statement. “During the ensuing search of the area, agents located and apprehended additional individuals determined to be illegally present in the United States.”

In a Tuesday press release following the incident, Migrant Justice, a nonprofit advocacy group, said all eight of the people apprehended were farm workers at Pleasant Valley Farms, and that the arrests had occurred on the farm property.

“What happened last night was an injustice,” said Cristian Santos, a member of Migrant Justice’s Farmworker coordinating committee. “Dairy workers were arrested by Border Patrol in their own homes, a violation of their human rights. We work hard to support the economy of this state, working long hours for low wages, doing work that U.S. citizens don’t want to do.”

READ MORE

Vermont Legislature passes bill to erase medical debt
The legislation, spearheaded by Treasurer Mike Pieciak, would erase an estimated $100 million of Vermonters’ medical debt.
by Peter D'Auria

Thousands of Vermonters could see their medical debt wiped away under a bill headed to the governor’s desk.

The legislation, S. 27, would use $1 million in funds appropriated to the Treasurer’s Office to erase $100 million in Vermonters’ medical debt. It would also prohibit credit reporting agencies from taking into account Vermonters’ medical debt when determining their credit scores.

“With medical debt, it often happens to you when you have no control,” Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, who has spearheaded the proposal, told lawmakers this month. “You don’t have the ability to say, ‘I’m going to delay this care or delay this treatment.’ You don’t have the ability to shop around. You’re being taken by ambulance to a hospital and the procedure’s happening to you.”

The bill leverages the fact that medical debt can be purchased for pennies on the dollar — roughly one penny per dollar of debt, in fact. Thus, a $1 million investment could erase about $100 million of debt.

Pieciak estimated that the legislation could eliminate medical debt for about 60,000 Vermonters.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities for you in Town

Select Board

Select Board Minutes: The minutes can now be found at https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/node/586/minutes

Select Board Meets Tonight April 28
Agenda, Packet

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026
Volunteers Positions in Town that need to be filled:
 Board of Listers (2 Vacancies) 3-Year, 3Year/1 Year Rem.
 Budget Committee (2 Vacancies) – 1 Year
 Conservation Commission (2 Vacancies)-4-Year
 Connecticut River Joint Committee Rep (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Deputy Health Officer (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Development Review Board (1 Vacancy/ 1 Alternate) – 2-Year
 Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Fence Viewers (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Green Up Coordinator (1 Vacancy) – 1- Year
 Martin Memorial Hall Trustees (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (1 Vacancy) – 1-Year
 Parks & Recreation (No limit) – 1-Year  Surveyors of Wood and Lumber (2 Vacancies) – 1-Year
 Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies) – 1-Year
 Weigher of Coal (2 Vacancies) – 1- Year

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
April 14
March 24
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)

*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 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

May 1st Family S.T.E.A.M. Night 5-7:00 PM
May 9th Kindergarten Screening
May 23rd Leadership Day
May 23rd Early Release Day for All Students
May 30th 8th Grade Dinner and Dance

School News Weekly Newsletter: April 25th

Spring Sport Registrations are OPEN!
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/969085079

Family S.T.E.A.M. Night May 1st
This Thursday the school will be hosting their Family S.T.E.A.M. Night. Join them for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math fun.

The River Valley Tech Center and Black River Innovation Campus will be here with some fun and interactive projects for students to do. The school will also have their own S.T.E.A.M. activities for families to explore. Light refreshments.

Summer Tech Camp
The HACTC is excited to offer our one-week Summer Tech Camp to middle school students again! Also, new this year: we will also offer a Computer Camp for Girls and Gender Expansive Youth. This camp is limited to the first 12 applicants.Both camps will be held the same week - June 23-27, 2025 - tech camp in the morning, and computer camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoon. To register for Summer Tech Camp in the mornings, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

To register for Computer Camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoons, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

Upcoming schedule:
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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Weathersfield Garden Club

Weathersfield Historical Society

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

Store Hours:

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9am-5pm

Wednesday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9am-5pm

‍

802-591-7737

contactthrivethrift@gmail.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

Percussion Discussion Afrika Thursday, May 8, 6:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

Comedian Bob Marley, May 10, 8 PM TICKETS

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, May 12 TICKETS

The Great Gatsby Ballet, May 13, 7 PM TICKETS

Upper Valley BIPOC Network Spring Social May 14, 5:30-7:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

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

Rebel with a Clause Film Screening and Q&A June 5, 7 PM TICKETS

LOH Pride Party in the Park Resource & Artisan Fair June 13, 6-8:30 PM Learn More

Pride After Dark Silent Disco, June 13 9-11 PM Reserved Your Headset

BeauSoleil (50th Anniversary) with special guest Richard Thompson November 21, 7 PM TICKETS

This performance was rescheduled from Friday, April 4. Information was emailed to ticket holders last week; tickets are still available.

Claremont Opera House

All Events

Frank Santos Jr., The R-Rated Hypnotist - May 3, 2025 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

Brit Pack - The Ultimate British Music Experience Saturday November 8, 2025 7:30 pm

Yoga in Weathersfield

Whole Roasted Tro

Weathersfield Center Church and Meetinghouse

Class and Registration Info.

Class Schedule: April Classes are paused, Classes resume in May

***MAY CLASS SCHEDULE: Mondays 5:30pm, Tuesdays 9:00am***

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Summer Music Series

Hartford VT, Wednesdays

Fairlee VT, Thursdays

Performances are at 8 PM unless otherwise noted

Adam Ezra Group June 26

Morgan Evans July 3

Amos Lee July 10

The Record Company July 17

Trampled by Turtles July 24

The Elovaters July 31

Kaleo August 8

Grace Bowers August 14

Andy Grammer August 21

Shane Smith and the Saints August 28

Dawes August 31

Lebanon NH, Thursdays

Front Porch Concert Series

Location

Concerts are held each Thursday night starting July 3 through August 21, beginning at 6:30pm on Colburn Park located across from Lebanon City Hall at 51 N. Park St., Lebanon, NH.

Rain Location
First Congregational Church at 10 South Park Street Lebanon, NH 03766.

2025 Schedule

July 3 - The Flames
July 10 - John Lackard Blues Band
July 17 - Kyle Chadburn & The Earthbound Spirits
July 24 - TBA
July 31 - TBA
August 7 - TBA
August 14 - Katie Dobbins
August 21 - TBA

Woodstock VT, Fridays
This year’s 2025 Music by the River Lineup runs Fridays at 6pm from July 11 through August 22 and promises something for everyone:
July 11 The Cash Box Kings – Old-time Southern blues

July 18 Amber Rubarth – Award-winning singer-songwriter

July 25 Lakou Mizik – high energy Haitian roots and soul

Aug 1 Tuck & Patti – Globally acclaimed jazz/pop duo

Aug 8 The Clements Brothers – A modern-day Simon & Garfunkel

Aug 15 Jay Nash – Local legend and longtime favorite

Aug 22 Locals Open Mic – Celebrating the rich talent of our community, both known and soon-to-be-known

Make a DONATION

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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 Reopens April 26 at 11AM

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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

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Weathersfield Weekly Blog, April 21 edition

2025-04-21T08:49:00.000-04:00

Saturday's Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Weathersfield Proctor Library
was a HUGE Success (see below for more details)

Upcoming Events,

Mark Your Calendars

Ice Cream Lovers Rejoice

Villagers Opens for the Season

April 26 at 11AM

Protect our Pollinators

The Fool's Fandango April 26

The Fool’s Fandango is a Psychic Fair that offers an experienced set of metaphysical readers working in a wide variety of mediums, booths for local artists and crafters to sell their wares, and workshops in a number of disciplines for you to take to improve your own craft. Join us for an interesting and inspiring Saturday, April 26th at Tracy in Norwich, VT.

*including: Psychics, Mediums, Tarot Cards, Crystal Ball Scrying, Palm Reading, Angel Cards, Animal Communication, Automatic writing, & more!

*15 min / $35
Doors open 9 am for vendors and scheduling, readings scheduled from 10am – 4pm

Pre-Schedule a reading: HERE

Not into readings, check out the VENDORS

Green Up Day May 3

Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 3 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment.
INFO

TOWN DETAILS AROUND VERMONT

Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival May 4, 2025, 10 AM to 4 PM

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation host their Annual Town Wide Yard Sale
May 31 and June 1-GET ON THE MAP

Concerts and Adventures

Little Cayman Beach Resort and Reef Divers
Little Cayman , BWI

One of my favorite things to do is to go SCUBA diving and one of my favorite places to dive is Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman in the British West Indies.

There's always lots to see and sometimes you get lucky and get to see some pretty cool critters. Like this loggerhead.

Or a Nassau Grouper

Or a tiny Slenderfilefish and a brittle star

But what I'm always looking for is my underwater spirit animal, the Eagleray.

I also love seeing French Angelfish, swimming alone or in pairs.

More photos from Little Cayman: CLICK HERE

deSol

Angel City Music Hall, Rock and Roll Meatballs
Manchester, NH

Road trip! We've been following deSol for years. The band took some time off before, during, and after COVID and to spend time with their families, but they seem to be back on the road.

Friday night's show was billed as Intimate and Unplugged. Well, it was close, they weren't unplugged.

It was an intimate show at a venue we've never heard of-Angel City Music Hall in the restaurant Rock and Roll Meatballs in Manchester, NH. We weren't sure what to expect. The venue is set up like a restaurant/bar with lots of rock and roll memorabilia on the walls. There are even a couple of motorcycles and a mini-bike. And lots of big screens showing non-stop videos from the 80s MTV days (when MTV actually played videos!)

The full band was on their way to a gig at Blue Ocean in Salisbury MA but Angel City got the "acoustic group" and trust me it worked.

In 2001 Albie Monterrosa and James Guerrero got together and started a rock and roll band with a "Latin Sound", based in Asbury Park, NJ.
At the Angel City show, Albie told stories about how they got together and how they've reunited.

They all looked like they were having fun.

Some of you may have seen this band in the Upper Valley in the past. They've played in Coburn Park in 2008 at the Front Porch Music Series and also on the Lebanon Opera House Stage in 2009 for Child and Family Services/Waypoint Concert for the Cause.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Juston McKinney

Dan Donahue opened
Claremont Opera House

Claremont, NH

Yes, it's Juston not a typo. This is the second time I've seen Juston at the Claremont Opera House.

He never disappoints with his brand of northern New England humor.

The show was opened by Dan Donahue.

More photos: CLICK HERE

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

Library's Annual Easter Egg Hunt A Huge Success

On Saturday about 100 people turned up at Hoisington Field to "hunt" for the 2500 Easter Eggs "hidden" by Glenna Coleman, the Weathersfield Proctor Library (WPL)Youth Librarian.

It took volunteers almost two weeks to stuff the plastic eggs with candy donated by WPL patrons. And 15 minutes for all the eggs to get picked up by the eager "egg hunters".

Donations came from many people in town and The Golden Dome Committee and the Weathersfield PTO (the largest donor!) Egg stuffing help also came from the Dungeons and Dragons Club.

There was a field setup for the "bigger" kids to search and a special zone just for the wee ones.

There was no limit on how many eggs each child could collect, however there were 46 special eggs that were linked to some very special prizes, like a stuffed bunny (this week's banner image) and other cool large Easter Baskets; only one special egg was allowed per child. Some children who found multiple "special" eggs were seen sharing with the other children on the field. Kindness at work!

It was a fun morning for families. Well done Glenna and the WPL volunteers.

More photos from the annual Easter Egg Hunt: CLICK HERE

Federal judge orders Tufts University student detained in Louisiana transferred back to Vermont
Rümeysa Öztürk was arrested by federal immigration officers on March 25 in Somerville, Massachusetts. She has not been charged with a crime.
by Yardain Amron

The case of a Tufts University student who is currently detained in Louisiana will continue in Vermont, a federal judge in Burlington ruled late Friday. Judge William Sessions ordered Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) transfer the doctoral student, Rümeysa Öztürk, back to a Vermont facility by May 1. The federal government has four days to appeal.

“(T)he Court concludes that Ms. Ozturk has presented viable and serious habeas claims which warrant urgent review on the merits,” Sessions wrote in a 74-page ruling. “The Court plans to move expeditiously to a bail hearing and final disposition of the habeas petition, as Ms. Ozturk’s claims require no less.”

Öztürk, who is Turkish, has been held in the ICE detention facility in Basile, Louisiana since March 26. The prior evening she was arrested by masked and plainclothes officers on the street near her apartment in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was then whisked through New Hampshire and held in a St. Albans immigration facility overnight before being flown out of Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport early the following morning.

ICE argued that transferring Öztürk to Louisiana was necessary because “there was no available bedspace for [her] at a facility where she could appear for a hearing” in New England, according to court filings. In response, Öztürk’s lawyers submitted an affidavit from a Maine attorney who stated there were “at least sixteen open beds” at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland the night of Öztürk’s arrest.

READ MORE

US revokes a lawful international student’s visa at Middlebury College
From Stanford to Harvard, more than 1,000 international students across 160 colleges have had their visas or legal status revoked since March, according to the Associated Press.
by Auditi Guha

The U.S. government has revoked the visa of a Middlebury College international student, leaving the person at risk for deportation.

University spokespeople declined to comment or identify the people involved. They shared an announcement sent to faculty, staff and students Wednesday notifying them that a Middlebury student and three alumni from the Middlebury Institute recently had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records terminated by the U.S. government, effectively revoking their visas.

Representatives from student affairs are working with them to determine next steps and to provide support, the Wednesday post states.

“Middlebury must abide by federal laws and regulations related to student and faculty visas and immigration status. We are taking steps to protect our community through legal pathways,” the announcement states.

From Stanford to Harvard, more than 1,000 international students across 160 colleges have had their visas or legal status revoked since March, according to the Associated Press.

READ MORE

Vermont Senate leaders urge Gov. Phil Scott to terminate state agreement with federal immigration officials

The memorandum of understanding allows the federal government to hold immigration detainees at the state’s six prisons.
by Shaun Robinson

Top Vermont Democratic senators on Tuesday called on the state’s Republican Gov. Phil Scott to terminate an agreement with the federal government that allows immigration enforcement agencies to hold detainees at state-owned prisons.

The push by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central; Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden Southeast; and Sen. Becca White, D-Windsor, comes a day after a prominent Palestinian activist — who is a legal U.S. resident — was suddenly arrested by federal agents in Colchester during an interview for U.S. citizenship.

The senators pointed to Mohsen Mahdawi’s arrest by masked and plainclothes officers as an impetus for their comments to reporters Tuesday afternoon at a press conference in Baruth’s Statehouse office. White, who accompanied Mahdawi to his interview, captured video of Mahdawi’s detention that has since been widely viewed.

Mahdawi, a student organizer at Columbia University, was being held at one of the state’s prisons — Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans — as of Tuesday afternoon, according to an online database of detainees in the state.

READ MORE

Bernie Sanders makes surprise appearance at Coachella amid ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour
The senator made remarks on climate change, reproductive health care and workers’ rights before introducing singer-songwriter Clairo to the festival stage on Saturday.
by Izzy Wagner

When Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., made an unexpected stop at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California, the crowd roared.

The festival appearance was a surprise addition to the Vermont senator’s ongoing national ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, a series of events to unify progressive voters and fight corporate interests. During a three-minute speech, Sanders touched on the racial, economic and reproductive health care issues central to his platform.

“The younger generation has to help lead in the fight to combat climate change, protect women’s rights, and build an economy that works for all, not just the few,” Sanders said in a post on X after the appearance.

READ MORE

What to know about hiking Vermont’s trails during mud season
Walking on muddy trails can cause long-term damage since excess foot traffic creates soil compaction. This leads to increased flood risk, and makes it difficult for vegetation to grow.
by Izzy Wagner

Mud season has returned, accompanied by state officials’ annual reminder to stay off soggy trails until they dry out.

“We encourage the public to get outside this spring, but to avoid closed and muddy trails,” Becca Washburn, the director of lands, administration and recreation for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, said in a March 31 press release. “Enjoy the spring sunshine on open trails, like paved and gravel bike paths, and save the summit destinations for summer.”

Mud season generally occurs during a six-week period between snowmelt and Memorial Day, according to the department. Due to their increased susceptibility to damage during this period, trail closures, especially in high-elevation areas, can last until late May.

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.

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
April 14
March 24
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)

*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 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

May 1st Family S.T.E.A.M. Night 5-7:00 PM
May 9th Kindergarten Screening
May 23rd Leadership Day
May 23rd Early Release Day for All Students
May 30th 8th Grade Dinner and Dance

School News Weekly Newsletter: April 11

Spring Sport Registrations are OPEN!
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/969085079

PAWS STEAM Camp…returning this Summer 2025, July 7-August 1

Summer Tech Camp
The HACTC is excited to offer our one-week Summer Tech Camp to middle school students again! Also, new this year: we will also offer a Computer Camp for Girls and Gender Expansive Youth. This camp is limited to the first 12 applicants.Both camps will be held the same week - June 23-27, 2025 - tech camp in the morning, and computer camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoon. To register for Summer Tech Camp in the mornings, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

To register for Computer Camp for girls and gender expansive youth in the afternoons, please complete and submit THIS online camp application.

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

Upcoming schedule:
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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Weathersfield Garden Club

Come sign up for our annual projects and activities. Bring a dish to share. New members always welcome. The annual meeting is when our year kicks off and our projects get solidified. Lots of new opportunities this year!

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

Store Hours:

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9am-5pm

Wednesday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9am-5pm

‍

802-591-7737

contactthrivethrift@gmail.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

Follow Your Art-A New England School of the Arts Benefit Concert, April 26, 7 PM TICKETS

Percussion Discussion Afrika Thursday, May 8, 6:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

Comedian Bob Marley, May 10, 8 PM TICKETS

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, May 12 TICKETS

The Great Gatsby Ballet, May 13, 7 PM TICKETS

Upper Valley BIPOC Network Spring Social May 14, 5:30-7:30 PM FREE but Reserve a Ticket

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

Rebel with a Clause Film Screening and Q&A June 5, 7 PM TICKETS

LOH Pride Party in the Park Resource & Artisan Fair June 13, 6-8:30 PM Learn More

Pride After Dark Silent Disco, June 13 9-11 PM Reserved Your Headset

BeauSoleil (50th Anniversary) with special guest Richard Thompson November 21, 7 PM TICKETS

This performance was rescheduled from Friday, April 4. Information was emailed to ticket holders last week; tickets are still available.

Claremont Opera House

All Events

Frank Santos Jr., The R-Rated Hypnotist - May 3, 2025 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

Brit Pack - The Ultimate British Music Experience Saturday November 8, 2025 7:30 pm

Yoga in Weathersfield

Whole Roasted Tro

Weathersfield Center Church and Meetinghouse

Class and Registration Info.

Class Schedule: April Classes are paused, Classes resume in May

***MAY CLASS SCHEDULE: Mondays 5:30pm, Tuesdays 9:00am***

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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 Reopens April 26 at 11AM

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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?
Want 200+ people in Town to know about Your Event?

Drop me an Email (nancynm1413@gmail.com) at least two (2) weeks before your event and you'll get your Event Listed Here for FREE.

Weathersfield Weekly Blog, March 31 edition

2025-03-31T06:43:00.000-04:00

It might have looked like this outside the other day but soon...

Spring Flower Season will come

Heads Up No Blog April 7 and 14
(I'm out on morning assignments the next two Mondays)

Weathersfield Weekly Blog will Return on April 21

Upcoming Events,

Mark Your Calendars

WPL Easter Egg Hunt Candy/Prize Donations Needed

Weathersfield School Drama Club Performs
Peter Pan Jr., April 4 and 5

Ice Cream Lovers Rejoice
Villagers Opens for the Season

April 26 at 11AM

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.

Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 3 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment.
INFO

TOWN DETAILS AROUND VERMONT

Concerts and Adventures

A Man of No Importance
We The People Theatre
Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, VT
Through April 13

I had the pleasure of attending and photographing the dress rehearsal of We The People Theatre's production of "A Man of No Importance" at the Briggs Opera House last week..

"A Man of No Importance" is a musical with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally, based on the 1994 Albert Finney film, A Man of No Importance. It tells the story of an amateur theatre group in Dublin and their leader, who is determined to stage a version of "Salome" at his church, despite the objections of church authorities.

It's 1964 in Dublin, Ireland, and Alfie Byrne (Richard Waterhouse), a bus conductor, is the director of an amateur theatre troupe, The St. Imelda's Players; they perform at the Sodality of the Sacred Heart Church. Alfie wants to stage a production of Oscar Wilde's "Salome" at his church, despite the objections of church authorities.

Alfie prepares dinner for himself and his sister Lily (Jenn Langhus), whom he lives with. Alfie tells her that he has met a woman. Lily is delighted because she has delayed marriage to her boyfriend Mr. Carney (Steve Leblanc) to take care of Alfie until he marries.

Alfie explains that he is not interested in marriage to Adele (Molly Davis Shimko) – he wants her to act in 'Salome'.

Alfie interrupts Mr. Carney and Lily sharing some private drinks as they discuss Alfie's 'odd' habit of reading books and cooking foreign dishes; he's returning home from a bar where he's experienced some feelings towards men. Confused, he storms up to his room.

As he gazes at himself in the mirror, he sees Oscar Wilde in a dream, and admits that he loves Robbie (Alex Rushton) the bus driver he works with.

After Mass, Mr. Carney (Steve Leblanc) confronts Father Kenney (Robert O’Leary) about the play's content. A church council meeting is called and the performance will not be allowed at the church.

Will the performance go on elsewhere? How will Alfie cope with his homosexuality? Will Robbie reciprocate Alfie's feelings?

More dress rehearsal photos: CLICK HERE

Get your tickets HERE
Before they sell out

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

Weathersfield Woman Arrested on Fentanyl Trafficking and Drug Possession Charges

By New England Pulse Media

A Weathersfield woman is facing multiple drug-related charges following her arrest on Friday, March 28, 2025, as part of a Vermont Drug Task Force investigation into the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in the region.

Danielle McAllister, 42, was arrested by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force with assistance from the Weathersfield Police Department. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation during which confidential informants reportedly purchased fentanyl from McAllister.

According to police, McAllister was found in possession of a felony quantity of fentanyl and crack cocaine at the time of her arrest. She also had several prescription medications that she was not authorized to possess.

Following her arrest, McAllister was processed at the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks. She was ordered held on $10,000 bail and transported to the Southern State Correctional Facility. Her arraignment is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. in the Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division.

The charges filed against McAllister include:
Sale of fentanyl
Possession of fentanyl
Possession of crack cocaine
Possession of a narcotic/stimulant/depressant without a prescription

The Vermont Drug Task Force acknowledged the support of the Weathersfield, Springfield, and Hartford police departments, Springfield Probation & Parole, the Westminster State Police Barracks, and J&M Auto Towing.

The Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Vermont State Police at 802-722-4600 or submit a tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

Department for Children and Families acknowledges using calendar to monitor some pregnant Vermonters
A January lawsuit filed by the ACLU alleged that department staff used the calendar when it sought custody of a woman’s baby — even before its birth.
by Peter D'Auria

Top officials at the Department for Children and Families acknowledged the existence of an internal calendar used to monitor Vermonters’ pregnancies, confirming an allegation made in a striking lawsuit filed by the Vermont ACLU in January.

The document, DCF Family Services Division Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke said in a meeting of Vermont’s Legislative Women’s Caucus Thursday, is a Microsoft Outlook calendar that includes the initials, an identifying number and the expected due date of certain pregnant women.

The calendar also includes cases involving individuals who are scheduled to be released from prison, in which “maybe we should be reaching out to the family to discuss some type of safety plan,” Radke said.

The admission sheds light on a secretive and little-known function of the state Department for Children and Families, one that top officials said helps protect newborns from potential abuse or danger.

“I can imagine the criticism we would receive if we had information about a very dangerous situation, potentially dangerous situation, that a child was about to be born into, and we said we should do nothing until that child is born,” Chris Winters, the department’s commissioner, said at the meeting.

READ MORE

Phil Scott extends motel stays for families and ‘medically vulnerable’ individuals

The extension, which will apply to roughly 400 households, comes after the governor struck down legislation that would have granted a reprieve for all participants.
by Carly Berlin

This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.

Gov. Phil Scott took executive action on Friday to extend motel voucher stays for unhoused families with children and certain people with acute medical needs through June 30.

Without the extension, this group of unhoused Vermonters would have faced a cliff next Tuesday, when the voucher program’s loosened winter rules will expire for the season. Democratic legislators had sought a three-month extension for all people sheltered through the program, a move Scott and fellow Republicans fiercely opposed.

Scott’s order came down just hours after Senate Republicans blocked an attempt to advance a bill that would have provided an extension for all 2,300 people currently receiving motel vouchers. The blockage essentially ensured that all unhoused people in the program would be subject to strict time-limits on their stays beginning on April 1.

“While I’ve been opposed to the Hotel Motel program because it doesn’t serve those in the program well, I have also been clear that we have an obligation to protect children and Vermonters who are most vulnerable,” Scott said in a statement on Friday afternoon. “This executive order does just that without unwinding the important progress we’ve made.”

READ MORE

Vermont House approves 2026 budget with eye toward more federal cuts

“We want to be sure that when we leave this building, we are able to be flexible,” one House leader said.
by Shaun Robinson

The Vermont House on Friday passed its version of the state budget for the 2026 fiscal year, including a proposal that would let top lawmakers access more state dollars to plug feared future losses in federal funding. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration and then would go before Gov. Phil Scott.

The “big bill,” H.493, would allow the state’s Emergency Board to use a portion of the state’s “rainy day” fund to reduce the impacts of potential federal cuts. The board, which includes the governor and the chairs of the Legislature’s four taxing and spending committees, is able to meet when legislators aren’t in session.

Language in the budget bill would also require Scott’s administration to develop a plan to shore up state coffers, in consultation with another panel of lawmakers that can meet outside of the legislative session, under certain other circumstances. The administration would have to consult with that panel, called the Joint Fiscal Committee, any time the state government lost at least 1% of its total federal funding in a given fiscal year — a percentage that currently amounts to just over $30 million.

It’s not clear exactly how much federal funding is at risk from sweeping cuts that President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed, or is already making. But it is clear, lawmakers have said, that the impact to the state’s budget — of which about a third comes from the federal government in a given year — could be substantial.

Under current law, the joint fiscal panel and emergency board’s authority is largely built to respond to recessions, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, a Brattleboro Democrat who chairs the joint fiscal committee, told House budget-writers in a meeting late last week.

READ MORE

Federal government cuts almost $7 million in Covid grants to Vermont
The cuts are expected to impact vaccine programs and mental health support connected to the pandemic.
by Erin Petenko

The federal government announced Wednesday that it would cut $11 billion in Covid-19-related grants to local health agencies, including $6.9 million to two departments in the Vermont Agency of Human Services.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Kyle Casteel, provided a statement on behalf of the agency Thursday that called the cuts a “sudden termination” that would “negatively impact public health in our state.”

Most of the funds, about $5 million, were allocated for vaccination programs at the health department. The statement said the grants began during the pandemic but have continued to support the department’s work beyond the pandemic.

Among the uses of the funds were to “detect and prevent the spread of infectious disease, ensure Vermonters can access vaccines, help address health disparities among the populations and communities we serve, and more,” the statement said.

The Department of Mental Health projected losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the statement said. The programs it expects to see cuts include community-based support, crisis response and access to care for “vulnerable Vermonters,” the statement said. One such program provided team-based early treatment for psychosis to young Vermonters.

READ MORE

To make channeling Bruce Springsteen look EZ, Hank Azaria needed to put in the work

When Hank Azaria and his EZ Street Band perform at the Paramount Theatre, audiences will become a part of the celebration

By James Kent

No adult enjoys hitting those milestone birthdays, and when Emmy-Award-winning actor Hank Azaria saw his 60th birthday approaching last year, he opted to do something to cheer himself up. Calling it a “gift of joy” to himself and his friends, Azaria decided to throw a birthday celebration. As part of this occasion, Azaria conjured up a wild idea: he’d perform at the party as one of his musical idols, Bruce Springsteen.

For Azaria, known worldwide for his vocal work on “The Simpsons” and recognized for his many film and television performances, just doing a passable imitation of “The Boss” would not do. No, to convince his friends and family that he could do more than just an impression of Springsteen, Azaria went to work. He methodically underwent a rigorous training process for six months leading up to the event to surpass expectations and turn in a believable Bruce Springsteen that could hold up under scrutiny.

When doing voice work, Azaria said he doesn’t do vocal preparation. “I reject process because the way I make sounds is so odd, and doing something ‘properly’ doesn’t work for me,” Azaria said during a conversation with the Mountain Times. “But with singing like Bruce, I had no choice but to learn proper techniques. Bruce has such a specific rasp to his voice that if I didn’t do it properly, I’d damage my voice.”

Singing isn’t something Azaria has a background in. He didn’t sing in the school chorus; there were no garage bands in his history. Azaria has had to sing as characters on “The Simpsons,” and he did sing in his Broadway performance in “Spamalot,” but becoming Bruce Springsteen is taking things to a whole new level of performance.

“Speaking as a performer, it’s been a long time since this old dog has learned any new tricks,” Azaria said. “But this is the most obsessed I’ve gotten with a performance in my life.”

A performance with a benefit

As Azaria’s debut birthday performance approached, he realized attendees might want to bring him gifts. Azaria has had a passion for charity work over the past 35 years of his career, most focused on education efforts. Five years ago, he and his wife started the 4 Through 9 Foundation to channel those various efforts into an efficient way to make a difference. Instead of gifts, Azaria asked guests to consider donating to the foundation.

On Birthday Game day, Azaria surprised himself by feeling something he never felt in all his years in the entertainment industry—nerves. “I felt like I was having a full-blown anxiety attack.”

But the reaction to Azaria’s uncanny performance as Bruce Springsteen, backed by musical friends who have since become Azaria’s EZ Street Band, proved so positive that Azaria realized this would not be a one-night-only performance. His efforts generated $30,000 for the 4 Through 9 Foundation. And with that, a new idea was born: take the show on the road.

Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band: An evening to celebrate and GIVE back

Azaria and his cleverly named band (a nod to Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band) have done several shows, including the Stone Pony, and are doing a small tour this spring to spread the joy. All net proceeds from these shows will go to the 4 Through 9 Foundation, so people who come to the show will not only be in for a great evening but also support a worthy cause.

When Azaria hits the stage at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland on May 3, it will mark the very first time he’s visited the Green Mountain State.

“I’ve been all over New England and spent a good deal of time in Maine, but this is the first time I’ve ever been to Vermont,” Azaria said.

READ MORE

Killington Resort secures Act 250 permit for new Superstar chair

By Polly Mikula

The days of Killington’s Superstar quad are limited. On Sunday, April 13, the resort will hold a final farewell party and removal will begin thereafter. The resort plans to replace the lift with a six-pack high-speed lift, which is scheduled to open in early December.

Killington will celebrate the lift’s 38 years of service with a special sendoff party in true Killington fashion.

“We’ll be sending off our iconic chairlift the only way we know how: a classic Killington spring party at the K-1 Umbrella Bar. Featuring live music, free giveaways, and more,” the resort stated on its event calendar.

For its final day, Superstar will stay open until 5 p.m. To commemorate the Superstar quad legacy, Killington also introduced a special achievement (27, actually) on its app. One of the tasks is to complete 87 rides on the Superstar Quad this season to honor the year it was built (1987). Those that complete all 27 will be entered to win the first ride on the new Superstar Six chairlift.

The $12 million lift replacement project is part of $32 million in capital improvements to be completed over the next two seasons.

“While we know spring skiing and riding will look a little different this year, this $12 million investment will elevate the guest experience for decades to come,” said Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort. “We’re still committed to hosting the longest ski season in the East and will stay open as long as Mother Nature allows.”

The K-1 Gondola will operate daily through May 11, providing access to North Ridge and the Canyon. After May 11, Snowdon Triple and lifts in the Canyon will run Friday–Sunday, as long as conditions allow. Bear Mountain lifts are expected to operate until mid-to-late April. And the Snowdon Six Express and Ramshead Express Quad plan to remain open through April 20.

READ MORE

Ben & Jerry’s employees express support for CEO in silent protest at corporate headquarters
The ice cream brand’s ongoing legal battle over its independence led employees to take a stand, voicing concerns over Unilever’s reported plans to oust their CEO.
by Izzy Wagner

Forty-five employees at the Ben & Jerry’s corporate headquarters, accompanied by co-founder Ben Cohen, briefly walked out of work Wednesday in support of CEO Dave Stever amidst an ongoing legal battle regarding his employment status.

In a lawsuit filed this past November, Ben & Jerry’s employees claimed parent company Unilever removed the CEO from his position without consulting the ice cream brand’s independent board of employees. Court filings claimed Stever was removed due to “his commitment to Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission and Essential Brand Integrity” rather than his ability to properly execute his job.

An unsigned media statement released by employees Wednesday said the demonstration reflected staff’s commitment to preserve the values that have defined Ben & Jerry’s for over four decades. The statement also signaled concern about any potential leadership change that could compromise its social impact efforts.

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.

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
March 24
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)

*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 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

April 4th and 5th Peter Pan Jr. Play
April 7th PTO Open House 5:30 PM Come check out our PTO
April 8th Weathersfield School Board Meeting 6:30 PM
April 10th Early Release Day Student Led Conferences
April 11th No School for Students Conferences
April 14th-18th Spring Break No School

School News Weekly Newsletter: March 21

PAWS STEAM Camp…returning this Summer 2025, July 7-August 1

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

"I'd say with about 90 percent certainty we're not going to recoup the cost."Ryan Christiansen

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Weathersfield Garden Club

Weathersfield Garden Club - Annual Meeting April 15 in Martin Memorial Hall 5:30-8 PM

Weathersfield Historical Society

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

When: Apr 2, 2025, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 5087 U.S. 5 unit c, Ascutney, VT 05030
URL: http://www.thrivethrift.org

Thrive is moving into a space of its own (the former Tasty Crumb space) and their hours are expanding.

Starting April 2, 2025, they will be at their own location Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9am-5pm.

Items for purchase will be available during these hours, and they will be accepting donations during these times too.

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

Store Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9am-5pm
‍
5087 Route 5, Unit C
Ascutney, VT 05030

802-591-7737
contactthrivethrift@gmail.com

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

2025

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

Claremont Opera House

All Events

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

Weathersfield Center Church and Meetinghouse

Class and Registration Info.

Class Schedule: April Classes are paused, Classes resume in May

***MAY CLASS SCHEDULE: Mondays 5:30pm, Tuesdays 9:00am***

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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 Reopens April 26 at 11AM

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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?
Want 200+ people in Town to know about Your Event?

Drop me an Email (nancynm1413@gmail.com) at least two (2) weeks before your event and you'll get your Event Listed Here for FREE.

Weathersfield Weekly Blog, March 24

2025-03-24T08:58:00.000-04:00

We had some Northern Lights on Friday. Saturday was too cloudy and rainy and windy.

More photos: CLICK HERE

For some stunning photos with Mount Ascutney and the Aurora by my neighbor Jenna-please check out her Facebook Page.

Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendars

Selectboard meets tonight March 24 in Martin Memorial Hall at 6:30 PM
The meeting agenda and packet are posted

There will be discussion about the newly formed Development Review Board; the Salmon Covered Bridge; the municipal code of ethics; the mud season road conditions on Wellwood Orchard RD and the Capital Plan and Purchasing Policy updates from the town manager.

“Vermont’s Sheep Craze” at Springfield OLLI March 25 at 2 PM

Historian and author Jan Albers, will present the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program “Vermont’s Merino Miracle: Lessons from a Landscape of Lambs” on Tuesday, March 25, at 2 p.m., at the Nolin Murray Center next to St. Mary’s Church, on Pleasant Street in Springfield.

At the dawn of the 19th century, Vermont was a patchwork of subsistence farms, slowly creeping along the valleys and climbing to the tops of the highest hills. There was development, but no specialty was bringing in big capital. That would change after 1811, when diplomat William Jarvis, of Weathersfield, Vt., brought a flock of Merino sheep in from Spain. The Merino sheep industry grew exponentially in the decades that followed. At the height of this “sheep craze” in 1840, there were 1,681,000 sheep in Vermont – six sheep for every person in the state.

Vermonters thought the Merino Miracle would never end, yet ten years later it was finished. How could such a boom go bust so quickly, and what landscape lessons did it leave behind?

Albers is a retired Middlebury College professor, and author of “Hands on the Land: A History of the Vermont Landscape.” She grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and has a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College and a doctorate in British and American history from Yale.

READ MORE

More About the Merino Sheep Craze: CLICK HERE

Weathersfield PTO a Night of Comedy, March 29th

WPL Calls for Easter Egg Hunt Candy/Prize Donations

Weathersfield School Drama Club Performs Peter Pan Jr., April 4 and 5

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

Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 3 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment.
INFO

TOWN DETAILS AROUND VERMONT

Concerts and Adventures

Peter Wolf Book Tour
The Music Hall Portsmouth NH

Peter Wolf, former front man for the J. Geils Band has a book out and he's doing a tour promoting it.

It's an autobiography entitled “Waiting on the Moon.” He was "interviewed" by an NHPR reporter and answered a few audience questions.

But mostly he told about his writing process and some of the book chapters, which are mainly about some of the very interesting people he's crossed paths with over the years.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Grace Potter and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra
The Paramount Theatre, Rutland VT

Grace and her band performed with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra at the Paramount Theatre (celebrating the 25th anniversary of their reopening)

Back in the day we saw Grace Potter and the Nocturnals many, many, many times. But never before accompanied by a full blown orchestra; it was different.

They did two sets, about 90-minute, that were mostly of her new material. She announced that an old recording produced by T. Bone Burnett has surfaced and will be released soon.

She played the Flynn in Burlington too on Saturday night.

More photos of Grace: https://www.photosbynanci.com/GracePotter

Videos of Grace: https://youtu.be/kh_rJTgboEc?si=yB8UQbOxY6S--m_c

Videos of GPN: https://youtu.be/Z5v6-jrpdmk?si=D-DtIfy6sVfa4CVi

Rock and Roll Circus-Rock 4 Vets

Benefit show for Rolling Thunder-Chapter 2 NH

Claremont Opera House, Claremont NH

The show was a Who's Who of Boston Rockers from the 70s and 80s.

The almost two hour show featured New England Blues Legend, James Montgomery, long-time leader of the James Montgomery Band and member of the Johnny Winter Band; Jeff Pitchell, a member of the Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame, who has performed and recorded with artists such as the Allman Brothers, Dave Mason, Rick Derringer, and Clarence Clemons.

Kate Russo , a longtime member of Big Brother and the Holding Company

AJ Vallee, a former touring member of The Southern Rock All-Stars feat. members of Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker and Blackfoot and having performed with both Chris Hicks and Chris Anderson, former longtime members of southern rockers The Outlaws; along with bassist John Ryder, formerly of the Boston band Face to Face.

Boston guitarist Jon Butcher, of Jon Butcher Axis and Experience Hendrix.

Danny Klein, co-founding member of the J. Geils Band.

And Kevin James Graham, who participated on the recent season of NBC’s “the Voice” and a member of judge, Reba McEntire’s team.

The show was a benefit for the NH2 Chapter of Rolling Thunder, a non-profit organization that helps to protect future veterans from becoming POW-MIA's and to help veterans in need from all wars.

From wiki: Their main annual event (a motorcycle ride) occurs on the Sunday before Memorial Day, in Columbus Ohio at the National Veteran's Memorial and Museum. Columbus is the new home for Rolling Thunder (Ohio/Midwest) beginning in 2020.

Previously the event took place in Washington DC in which members make a slow motorcycle ride, called the "First Amendment Demonstration Run" or "Ride for Freedom," on a dedicated, closed-off, pre-set route through Washington D.C., leaving the Pentagon parking lot at noon, crossing the Memorial Bridge, and ending at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("the Wall").

As an advocacy group (they) seeks to bring full accountability for prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) service members of all U.S. wars. The group's first demonstration was in 1988.

There are more than 90 chapters throughout the US, as well as overseas.

More photos: CLICK HERE

More info about Rockin' 4 Vets: CLICK HERE

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

Woodstock police chief tries to hold on to his job as municipal manager seeks demotion

The path that led to the hearing that got underway at 10 a.m. in the basement of the Windsor County Building on Wednesday began with a road rage incident last October.
by Valley News

Festering tensions within the Woodstock Police Department spilled out into the open this week as the town’s police chief fought for his job at a marathon public hearing where the town manager and several department employees detailed their complaints about and lack of confidence in the chief’s leadership.

Wednesday’s nearly 14½-hour hearing was the first time since Chief Joseph Swanson was put on paid leave nearly six months ago by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy and since anyone in the town has spoken publicly about the situation.

The personnel hearing before the village trustees — who will ultimately decide Swanson’s fate — normally would be held behind closed doors, but it was conducted in public at the chief’s request. Swanson, a veteran officer who was promoted to police chief by Duffy in 2023, is challenging Duffy’s attempt to demote him to patrol officer.

The chief, who did not take the witness stand until after midnight, said he was surprised by much of the negative criticism from his subordinates he had heard over the course of the day and night.

“Everyone was friendly, usually people had a good attitude,” the chief told trustees. “On occasion there’s some ripples and bumps, but overall I felt morale was high, at least on most occasions.”

However, the testimony revealed a range of resentments with the chief, including one person who complained Swanson wore “mismatched socks” while in uniform.

Duffy, who had been on the job just six months when he promoted Swanson, told trustees toward the end of the hearing that he increasingly lost confidence in the chief’s leadership as he became aware of problems within the department.

“One of my goals is to have a functioning police department for the residents of the community,” Duffy said near the end of the hearing. “And based upon what I’ve heard the last few months that’s not possible if Chief Swanson comes back as chief.”

Amazon is seeking to build a distribution facility in Essex

The Essex Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed project Thursday, according to town manager Greg Duggan.
by Corey McDonald

Amazon, the online retail behemoth, is proposing to build a more than 100,000 square-foot distribution facility in Essex, according to town officials.

The town’s Development Review Board is set to review the proposal, titled “Project Moose,” during a public hearing Thursday evening, according to town manager Greg Duggan.

Steve Kelly, a spokesperson with Amazon, said the company was “exploring the possibility of opening a small operations facility in Essex, which would support providing fast delivery and great service to local customers.”

“This process is in the early planning stages and additional steps remain,” Kelly said. “We’ll share more when we can.”

READ MORE

U.S. to Limit Canadian Access to Haskell Free Library
Library officials say they have been told that Canadians seeking to access the library from its U.S. entrance must go through customs — a break from tradition.
By Colin Flanders
The U.S. government is planning to make it more difficult for Canadians to access a cherished library that straddles the Québec-Vermont border, in the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries.

The Haskell Free Library & Opera House — which sits partly in Derby Line, Vermont, and partly in Stanstead, Québec — has long served as a symbol of unity between U.S. and Canada.

That's because, while the library's entrance is on the American side, Canadians have been permitted to use a sidewalk that crosses the border to enter the building without passing through customs. Visitors are then allowed to freely mingle on either side of the line inside the building, so long as they return to the country from where they arrived.

U.S. Border Patrol agents have had an increased presence in the area in recent years, however, and have been monitoring the library more closely since President Donald Trump's election last fall.

Now, the U.S. appears to be moving to end the arrangement altogether.

Library staff say they have been told that, starting on Monday, only they and card-carrying library members will be allowed to enter through the U.S. side. Then, come October, no one will be able to access the U.S. entrance from Canada without passing through an official customs crossing.

READ MORE

Canadian and Vermont business leaders commiserate at Newport roundtable

“To speak bluntly, I am absolutely horrified at these tariffs,” said Sen. Peter Welch, who convened the meeting.
by Habib Sabet

Track Inc., a leading distributor of snow grooming equipment, straddles the U.S.-Canada border, so it doubly fears being caught in the middle of a trade war between the two nations.

With offices in Newport and Richmond, Quebec — as well as one in Wisconsin — the company provides snowcats and other utility vehicles made in both countries to ski mountains and trail systems throughout North America.

“50% of our products are made in the United States, 50% are imported from Europe and Canada,” said Mike Desmarais, owner and CEO of the company, speaking at a roundtable convened in Newport Tuesday by Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt.

“What’s going to happen,” he said, “when we can’t sell the Canadian and the European products in the United States, when we can’t sell the American products in Canada?”

Desmarais was one of about two dozen business leaders and officials from both Vermont and Quebec that came to Newport to vent their frustration with the Trump administration’s on-again off-again trade war with Canada.

READ MORE

Canadian Ire Over Trump Hits Vermont's Distillers
Canada's provincial liquor agencies, angered by U.S. bluster, have removed American spirits from their liquor store shelves and canceled orders.
By Anne Wallace Allen

Caledonia Spirits, a whiskey, vodka and gin distillery in Montpelier, had 120 cases of its Barr Hill gin on the loading dock and ready for shipment to Canada on February 3 when the province of Québec abruptly canceled its order. It was the day before President Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada were set to begin.

While the president ultimately delayed the bulk of the tariffs until April 2, the damage was done. Ryan Christiansen, Caledonia's president and head distiller, asked Québec's liquor agency, La Société des alcools du Québec, to reconsider its refusal to accept the cross-border shipment. It did not.

"They didn't say pause; they didn't say, 'Let's hold on this until this is resolved,'" said Christiansen, who has been doing business in Québec for 10 years. He was left with about 900 bottles of gin, labeled in French, that cannot be sold domestically as currently packaged.

READ MORE

Scott administration rejects compromise on motel housing funding
Administration officials have continued to push back forcefully against a three-month extension — backed by Democrats — for all unhoused people living in state-sponsored motel rooms.
by Carly Berlin

This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.

Amid an increasingly heated debate over Vermont’s motel voucher program, Gov. Phil Scott’s administration has rejected a compromise proposal on a midyear spending bill presented by Democratic legislative leaders late Tuesday.

In a terse letter addressed to a key House budget panel on Wednesday, Secretary of Administration Sarah Clark blasted legislators for making their proposal public yesterday “instead of continuing good faith negotiations” with the Scott administration.

Administration officials have continued to push back forcefully against a three-month extension – backed by Democrats – for all unhoused people living in state-sponsored motel rooms, when the emergency housing program’s winter rules expire April 1.

Clark’s letter suggests significantly narrowing which Vermonters experiencing homelessness would be eligible for an extension until June 30. Such an extension would apply to “children with families and medically vulnerable individuals,” and would cover 429 households, Clark wrote. (There are currently 1,429 households in the program).

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

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026
March 24 Agenda, Packet

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)
December 9
November 25
November 12
October 28
October 15
September 23
August 26
August 15 Site Exam Minutes
July 22
July 8 Special Meeting
June 24
May 28
April 22
April 11 Emergency Meeting
April 8
March 18
March 18 public hearing
March 7 Special Meeting
Town Meeting March 2

*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 meeting. Meeting minutes shall be posted no later than five calendar days from the date of the meeting to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or has designated as the official website of the body. Except for draft minutes that have been substituted with updated minutes, posted minutes shall not be removed from the website sooner than one year from the date of the meeting for which the minutes were taken.

Weathersfield Police Blotter

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT

Weathersfield School

March 29th PTO Comedy Night
April 4th and 5th Peter Pan Jr. Play
April 7th PTO Open House 5:30 PM Come check out our PTO
April 8th Weathersfield School Board Meeting 6:30 PM
April 10th Early Release Day Student Led Conferences
April 11th No School for Students Conferences
April 14th-18th Spring Break No School

School News Weekly Newsletter: March 21

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

PAWS STEAM Camp…returning this Summer 2025, July 7-August 1

The school is pleased to announce they will be offering the PAWS STEAM Camp at Weathersfield again this summer. The camp is open to Weathersfield students currently in grades K-7.

The camp will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day, beginning July 7th and ending on August 1st.

PAWS STEAM Camp will offer a variety of activities such as crafts, hands-on activities, nature exploration, sports, cooperative games, and MORE.

Here are the weekly themes this year:
Week #1 (July 7th - 11th): Harry Potter
Week #2 (July 14th - 18th): Dinosaurs
Week #3 (July 21st - July 25th): Outer Space
Week #4 (July 28th - August 1st): Pokemon
The cost for the camp will be $150 per week, per child.

Space will be limited to 30 students. Sign-ups are offered on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. You will be notified via email if there is a spot available for your child in the program.
Please follow the link to sign up for the program.

Spring sport registrations are OPEN!
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/969085079

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

Brad Pitt to Star in UV Author Mimi Baird’s “He Wanted the Moon”

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

Weathersfield Garden Club

Weathersfield Garden Club - Annual Meeting April 15 in Martin Memorial Hall 5:30-8 PM

Weathersfield Historical Society

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

When: Apr 2, 2025, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 5087 U.S. 5 unit c, Ascutney, VT 05030
URL: http://www.thrivethrift.org

Thrive is moving into a space of its own and their hours are expanding.

They will still be the 1879 Schoolhouse for the remainder of March (Thursdays 2pm-4pm & Saturdays 9am-4pm).

Starting April 2, 2025, they will be at their own location Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9am-5pm.

Items for purchase will be available during these hours, and we will be accepting donations during these times too.

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

2025

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

Claremont Opera House

All Events

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 and Registration Info.

Class Schedule March Classes

Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm | March 25 |

Wednesday Mornings 9-10am | March 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.

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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?
Want 200+ people in Town to know about Your Event?

Drop me an Email (nancynm1413@gmail.com) at least two (2) weeks before your event and you'll get your Event Listed Here for FREE.

Weathersfield Weekly Blog, March 17 2025

2025-03-17T08:13:00.002-04:00

Spring Maple Open House Weekend
March 22-23, 2025

Why Visit?

Freshly fried donuts, maple-drizzled goodness.
Maple hot dogs that are way better than they sound (seriously!).
Sugar on snow—a Vermont classic.
Maple creemees to top it all off.

And don’t forget, it’s the perfect excuse for a scenic drive and fresh tracks in new corners of Vermont!
Whether you’re a maple lover, an adventurer, or just someone looking for a fun weekend out, there’s something for everyone during Maple Open House.

Need help picking your stops?
We’re happy to help! Email membership@vermontmaple.org for personalized suggestions, tips, and insider info.

Ah, St. Patrick's Day, when everyone is IRISH

May peace and plenty bless your world

With a joy that long endures

And may all life's passing seasons

Bring the best to you and yours.

Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendars

“Vermont’s Sheep Craze” at Springfield OLLI March 25 at 2 PM

More About the Merino Sheep Craze: CLICK HERE

Just Announced-WPL Calls for Easter Egg Hunt Candy/Prize Donations

Town Team Challenge is On!

Does Your Team Have What it Takes?

Sign Up Today

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 PTO Announces a Night of Comedy, March 29th

Weathersfield Drama Club Performs Peter Pan Jr., April 4 and 5

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

Concerts and Adventures

James McMurtry
with special guest Betty Soo
Bellows Falls Opera House, Bellows Falls VT

We've been following James McMurtry for many, many years. I guess you'd call his genre Americana, I just call it good songwriting accompanied by some great guitar picking.

Charlie Hunter (son of one of my mentors Edith Hunter) helped to bring James to Bellows Falls as part of the Ray Massucco Concert Series.

The opera house was packed, almost sold out, and the audience was very happy to be in the house to hear him play.

Betty Soo (partner of Charlie Hunter) opened the show, with her musical style her friends named "bummer jam". Don't let the name fool you, she's really good.

More photos: CLICK HERE

Videos: CLICK HERE

News You Can Use

ICYMI (In case You Missed It)

Town/School/Regional News

As US-Canada relations sour, Vermont businesses are facing boycotts
Canadians are shunning Vermont-made goods and canceling trips to the state.
by Habib Sabet

Ordinarily, Skida does a brisk business in Canada. You can find hats and ski accessories made by the Burlington-based company in stores across the provinces, and Canadians usually visit Skida’s website in droves to buy products directly.

“Our values as a company are aligned with Canadians,” said Charlotte Addison, Skida’s vice president of marketing and sales. “The winters are long and cold and dark in Canada, and we make brightly colored hats. They kind of help cheer things up.”

That’s why Addison was so alarmed when a Canadian customer who had been buying regularly from Skida’s website for 13 years reached out to say they would be boycotting the brand indefinitely.

“After years and years of enjoying Skida products, we will not be purchasing anything further due to the attack of Trump on Canada,” the customer wrote.

That customer wasn’t the only one. Addison said that in February, as a movement to boycott U.S. goods and services began picking up steam on the northern border, Canadians accounted for 30% less business on the company’s website than they had during the same period last year.

READ MORE

Vermont agriculture community reels from federal funding changes
“Farmers thrive on predictability,” said Anson Tebbetts, secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. “But we’re not in that space right now. So I think everyone is taking it day to day.”
by Emma Cotton

Funding aimed at making a struggling Williamstown farm more resilient has been paused. A program that distributes local, free food has been canceled. The Department of Environmental Conservation is missing $10.7 million for clean water quality projects.

In the last few months, the new administration of President Donald Trump has pulled back federal funding related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, climate change and the Inflation Reduction Act, signed in 2022 by his predecessor Joe Biden.

Around Vermont, those funding changes are affecting farmers and the organizations that support them, prompting alarm and confusion. Altogether, the federal government has paused or canceled tens of millions of dollars in funding for agricultural programs across the state.

“Farmers thrive on predictability,” said Anson Tebbetts, secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. “But we’re not in that space right now. So I think everyone is taking it day to day.”

READ MORE

Vermont reports case of measles in school-aged child

The unnamed child had recently traveled internationally, according to the Department of Health.
by Erin Petenko

The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in a school-aged child in Lamoille County — the first to be discovered in 2025.

The unnamed child became sick after travelling internationally with family. The risk to the public is believed to be “low,” but Vermonters who may have been exposed to the child at the Copley Hospital emergency department may need to take action to protect others, according to a Tuesday press release from the department.

The child tested positive Monday after visiting Copley Hospital in Morrisville the day prior. Anyone who was inside the hospital’s emergency department between 3:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday should confirm their immunity to measles through vaccination or previous infection, and monitor for symptoms through March 30, according to the release.

If you cannot confirm your immunity by contacting your health care provider or requesting your immunization records, you should call the health department at 802-863-7240, option 2 for guidance.

Although this is the first case of measles reported in the state in 2025, there were two documented cases in 2024, one in 2018 and another in 2011, according to the release.

READ MORE

Green card holder from New Hampshire 'interrogated' at Logan Airport, detained

New England News Collaborative | By Sarah Betancourt, GBH

A New Hampshire man with a green card was detained by immigration officers at Logan Airport and is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Donald W. Wyatt detention facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

Fabian Schmidt’s family said they are unsure of why he is being held. They said he has a recently renewed green card, and no active issues in court.

Schmidt had been visiting Luxembourg and flew back to the U.S. on Friday. His partner had gone to pick him up at Logan Airport, and waited four hours before calling authorities.

“It was just said that his green card was flagged,” said Astrid Senior, his mother. She said she didn’t hear from her son directly until Tuesday, when she learned he’d been hospitalized.

Senior described Schmidt being “violently interrogated” at Logan Airport for hours, and being stripped naked, put in a cold shower by two officials, and being put back onto a chair.

She said Schmidt told her immigration agents pressured him to give up his green card. She said he was placed on a mat in a bright room with other people at the airport, with little food or water, suffered sleep deprivation, and was denied access to his medication for anxiety and depression.

“He hardly got anything to drink. And then he wasn’t feeling very well and he collapsed,” said Senior.

He was transported by ambulance to Mass General Hospital. He didn’t know it at the time, but he also had influenza.

On Tuesday, Schmidt was transported to the regional headquarters for ICE in Burlington, Massachusetts, and then transferred to the Wyatt facility. The family, including his partner, who is a cardiologist in Nashua, have acquired attorneys and been working with the German consulate in hopes to have him released on bail.

READ MORE

Stake on Mt. Mansfield logs near-record snow levels

It was the third-highest snowpack reading for that date since 1954, when the stake was installed, making this winter one of the snowiest on record.
by Hannah Head

Hannah Head is a reporter with Community News Service, part of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.

The snow stake atop Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, recorded an impressive 103 inches on Sunday, March 2. It was the third-highest snowpack reading for that date since 1954, when the stake was installed, making this winter one of the snowiest on record.

The snow stake, which is owned and monitored by the Burlington branch of the National Weather Service, has attracted the interest of skiers and weather watchers alike for years. Using a remote camera, the Weather Service measures the snow as it accumulates on the rugged and windy 4,395-foot mountain.

“This early in the season, to have this much snow is exceptional,” said Matthew Parrilla, who has been tracking the snow stake since 2011.

Although the warmer temperatures this week resulted in a slight drop of the snowpack reading to 97 inches as of March 6, that depth is still running about 29 inches above average.

READ MORE

Program that sends local food to Vermont schools loses funding in Trump cuts
Vermont Public | By Howard Weiss-Tisman

The Trump administration is withholding about $1.7 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture aid that was supposed to fund local food programs for schools and organizations that assist low-income Vermonters.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets found out on Friday that the federal government would not honor agreements that were already in place through the Biden administration for the three programs that were supposed to help supply locally grown Vermont produce into schools and child care centers, food shelves and through grant-funded community supported agriculture shares. The programs won’t be able to continue without the federal funds.

“This was a tremendously successful program both for our farmers, but also for those that were getting the food — those in need,” said Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts. “So it’s disappointing that it’s been halted.”

In its letter to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, USDA said, “this agreement no longer effectuates agency priorities and that termination of the award is appropriate.”

READ MORE

In 2016, Mimi read from her book “He Wanted the Moon” at the Weathersfield Proctor Library.

Susan B. Apel

Mimi Baird became a first-time author at the age of 76, and her book, “He Wanted the Moon,” so beguiled Brad Pitt that her story will hit the screen with Pitt starring as Mimi’s father, Dr. Perry Baird. And all of this has Upper Valley roots.

Mimi was a longtime resident of Woodstock, Vermont who, some fifty years after her father’s death, set out to solve the mystery of his absence from her life . During her childhood, her family often referred vaguely to her father “being away” when in fact he was hospitalized for long periods because of his bipolar disorder. Her research stretched over 20 years; a pivotal moment occurred when Mimi, who was employed as an administrator at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, serendipitously met a retired doctor who recognized her name and told her he had once been a colleague of Perry Baird.

In her subsequent piecing together of her father’s life, she discovered that Perry Baird had written his own book about his mental illness and the various brutal treatments he had endured. Ever the scientist, he used his own illness to probe what was then the not well understood diagnosis and treatment of manic depression. And—most amazing—Mimi managed to unearth his unpublished manuscript.

“He Wanted the Moon” is two stories: that of Dr. Perry Baird as he himself describes what is happening to him in real time, and the page-turner of Mimi’s tale as she unravels the mystery of his life and disappearance. It was the most memorable book (for me) of 2015. (If you are a really longtime reader of my work, you might remember I first wrote about Moon in my blog for the dailyUV several years ago. The photo, top, is from the original piece.)

Brad Pitt, through his production company, Plan B Entertainment, quickly optioned the book and hired the award winning Tony Kushner (Angels in America) to write the screenplay. According to an article in the July 2024 issue of Westwood Living, (Ms. Baird now resides in Westwood, MA) plans have changed and the on-screen project will no longer be a feature length film but rather a 6 to 8 episode mini-series on HBO. (No release date yet.) And “[W]hile many details surrounding the show are being kept under wraps, one thing Mimi can confirm is that Brad Pitt will indeed be playing the role of her father.”

READ MORE

Discovery: The Great Whale Pee Funnel

Whales move nutrients thousands of miles—in their urine—from as far as Alaska to Hawaii, supporting health of tropical ecosystems and fish

By Joshua Brown
Whales are not just big, they’re a big deal for healthy oceans. When they poop, whales move tons of nutrients from deep water to the surface. Now new research shows that whales also move tons of nutrients thousands of miles—in their urine.

In 2010, scientists revealed that whales, feeding at depth and pooping at the surface, provide a critical resource for plankton growth and ocean productivity. Today, a new UVM-led study shows that whales also carry huge quantities of nutrients horizontally, across whole ocean basins, from rich, cold waters where they feed to warm shores near the equator where they mate and give birth. Much of this is in the form of urine—though sloughed skin, carcasses, calf feces, and placentas also contribute.

“These coastal areas often have clear waters, a sign of low nitrogen, and many have coral reef ecosystems,” says Joe Roman, a biologist at the University of Vermont, who co-led the new research. “The movement of nitrogen and other nutrients can be important to the growth of phytoplankton, or microscopic algae, and provide food for sharks and other fish and many invertebrates.”

The study, published March 10 in the journal Nature Communications, calculates that in oceans across the globe, great whales—including right whales, gray whales, and humpbacks—transport about 4000 tons of nitrogen each year to low-nutrient coastal areas in the tropics and subtropics. They also bring more than 45,000 tons of biomass. And before the era of human whaling decimated populations, these long-distance inputs may have been three or more times larger.

READ MORE from UVM News

35 Year Anniversary of the Gardener Museum Heist

MISSING, COLD CASE...

35 years ago March 18, 1990

Where were you when
the single largest property theft in the world happened.

Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee is Rembrandt’s only known seascape. A biblical scene of Jesus and his disciples in a raging storm, this masterpiece illustrates Rembrandt’s ability to depict light and emotion. Painted when the artist was just 27 years old, it was one of the 13 works stolen from the Gardner Museum on March 18, 1990.

In the early hours of March 18, 1990 a vehicle pulled up near the side entrance of the Museum. Two men in police uniforms pushed the Museum buzzer, stated they were responding to a disturbance, and requested to be let in. The guard on duty broke protocol and allowed them through the employee entrance. At the fake officers’ request he stepped away from the watch desk. He and a second security guard were handcuffed and tied up in the basement of the Museum. The thieves departed with 13 of the Gardner’s works of art 81 minutes later.

The museum, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s office are still seeking viable leads that could result in the safe return of the art.

The museum is offering a $10 million dollar reward for information leading directly to the safe return of the stolen works. A share of the reward would be given in exchange for information leading to the restitution of any portion of the works.

A separate reward of $100,000 is being offered for the return of the Napoleonic eagle finial.
Anyone with information about the stolen artworks should contact Museum Director of Security Anthony Amore at 617-278-5114 or reward@gardnermuseum.org. Confidentiality is assured.

Final numbers for the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count are in!

Together we smashed records, found more birds than ever before, and had a lot of fun.

What was accomplished, in the numbers:

8,078 species of birds identified
217 countries or eBird subregions
387,652 eBird checklists
611,066 Merlin Bird IDs (step-by-step, sound, or photo)
189,741 photos, videos, and sounds added to Macaulay Library
838,113 estimated global participants
409 reported community events

Cornell Lab, Audubon, and Birds Canada summed up the full event on their website—click the button to enjoy the full recap of the weekend’s highlights, featured photos, stats, and other details that made the event one to remember and celebrate.

SeeMore Results from the GBBC 2025

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.

Conservation Commission (1 Vacancy)

Development Review Board (1 Vacancy)

Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)

Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)

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
Kelly O'Brien
Chair
2027
Rika Henderson
Vice Chair
2027
deForest Bearse
Clerk
2028
Mike Todd
Member
2027
Nathan McNaughton
Member
2026

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
March 10
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)
December 9
November 25
November 12
October 28
October 15
September 23
August 26
August 15 Site Exam Minutes
July 22
July 8 Special Meeting
June 24
May 28
April 22
April 11 Emergency Meeting
April 8
March 18
March 18 public hearing
March 7 Special Meeting
Town Meeting March 2

*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 meeting. Meeting minutes shall be posted no later than five calendar days from the date of the meeting to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or has designated as the official website of the body. Except for draft minutes that have been substituted with updated minutes, posted minutes shall not be removed from the website sooner than one year from the date of the meeting for which the minutes were taken.

Weathersfield Police Blotter

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT

Weathersfield School

March 18th VTCAP Testing starts
March 21st Early Release Day All Students get out at 12:00 PM
March 21st 8th Grade Game Night 5-9:00 PM
March 22nd Town Challenge 7:00 PM
March 29th PTO Comedy Night
April 4th and 5th Peter Pan Jr. Play
April 7th PTO Open House 5:30 PM Come check out our PTO
April 8th Weathersfield School Board Meeting 6:30 PM
April 10th Early Release Day Student Led Conferences
April 11th No School for Students Conferences
April 14th-18th Spring Break No School

School News Weekly Newsletter: March 14

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

Spring sport registrations are OPEN!
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/969085079

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13

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

Weathersfield Proctor Library

The Seeds are here at the Weathersfield Proctor Library!

Perkinsville Music Series

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldCenterChurch

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

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weathersfieldhistoricalsociety

Weathersfield Parks and Recreation

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

Follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldVMC

Thrive Thrift Store & Community Resource Center

When: Apr 2, 2025, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: 5087 U.S. 5 unit c, Ascutney, VT 05030
URL: http://www.thrivethrift.org

Thrive is moving into a space of its own and their hours are expanding.

Items for purchase will be available during these hours, and we will be accepting donations during these times too.

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156717556107

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

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
Lebanon Opera House

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

ALL EVENTS

2025

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

Claremont Opera House

All Events

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 and Registration Info.

Class Schedule March Classes

Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm | March 18, 25 |

Wednesday Mornings 9-10am | March 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.

Follow-Within Reach Yoga facebook page, website

You must Register for each class by emailing Lisa.

Hikes

Area Hikes-Chasing Waterfalls

Get Outside Vermont

Trail Finder

Upper Valley Trails

VT Forest and Parks

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
EVENTS

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.

Never miss out on future posts by following Weathersfield Weekly Blog.

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

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Weathersfield Weekly Blog March 10, 2025

2025-03-10T09:40:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year...Vermont's Liquid Gold
is being made by the Maple trees and our local Sugar Makers.

Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendars

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

Weathersfield Drama Club Performs Peter Pan Jr., April 4 and 5

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

Concerts and Adventures

As You Like It

Yoh Theatre Players
Woodstock Middle and Union Highs School
Woodstock VT

This past weekend the talented teens and pre-teens at WUMHS performed Shaina Taub’s adaptation of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It".

One of the notably characters is the melancholy traveler Jacques, who speaks one of Shakespeare's most famous speeches ("All the world's a stage") and provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country.

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio in 1623.

The play follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden.

In the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars.

The day of weddings was a colorful scene with some really beautiful costumes.

"All the World's a Stage"

More dress rehearsal photos: CLICK HERE

More info about YOH: https://www.yohtheatre.com/

Maria Bamford
Lebanon Opera House
Lebanon NH

Comedian and actress Maria Bamford brought her brand of humor to LOH. The sold out crowd was treated to an evening of laughter.

Her work often uses self-deprecating and dark topics, including her dysfunctional family, depression, anxiety, suicide and mental illness. Not very funny topics but she spins her tales so that the audience was laughing with her not at her, reflecting on their on personal experiences.

Jackie Kashian opened the show.

More photos from the show: CLICK HERE

Lee Rocker
Lebanon Opera House
Lebanon NH

Lee Rocker is a double bass player and a founding member of The Stray Cats. He brought his band to LOH and played some real Rock Roots Rockabilly last weekend.

If you were around in the 1980s, you for sure heard "Stray Cat Strut" on the radio. Leon Drucker (his real name) and school friends James McDonnell and Brian Setzer formed the group Stray Cats in 1979.

He told brief stories of his time recording or performing with Carl Perkins, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Keith Richards, John Fogerty, and Scotty Moore.

I don't bother chasing mice around
I slink down the alley lookin' for a fight
Howlin' to the moonlight on a hot summer night

Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style

More photos: CLICK HERE

News You Can Use

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Town/School/Regional News

Town/School Town Meeting 2025 Election Results are posted

Some of the Town Results

Select board 2 yr

Kelly O'Brien-465

Blanks-102

Select board 3 yr

deForest Bearse-359
August Murray-219
Blanks-12

School Results

School Director 3yr.
Anne Marie Redmond-472
Blank-121

School Director 1 yr.
Megan Waite-480
Blank-117

School Director 1 yr.

John Arrison-426
Blank-154

West Windsor rejects effort to repeal short-term rental rules
The ordinance — which will go into effect in May— requires short-term rental owners to apply for a town license each year in order to operate and pay fees ranging from $150 to $300 per bedroom.
by Valley News

This story by Liz Sauchelli was first published in the Valley News on March 4

WEST WINDSOR — Residents overwhelmingly voted to uphold the town’s short-term rental ordinance during Town Meeting.

Voters rejected a proposed repeal, with 15 in support and 99 against. There are 1,104 voters on the town’s checklist, according to Town Clerk Amy Yates, and 120 voters signed in at Town Meeting.

The ordinance — which will go into effect in May — requires short-term rental owners to apply for a town license each year in order to operate, pay fees ranging from $150 to $300 per bedroom, and show that they are following all state tax and fire safety codes, among other requirements.

After the Selectboard approved the ordinance last September, short-term rental owner Anne Yates submitted a petition signed by at least 5% of West Windsor voters seeking to repeal it. As part of the petition, Yates asked that the repeal vote take place at the March Town Meeting.

READ MORE

Trump administration looks to sell off 4 federal properties in Vermont
The U.S. General Services Administration published — and then retracted — a list of hundreds of federal buildings for potential sale, including the U.S. Post Office and Customs building in St. Albans.
by Habib Sabet

Four federal facilities in Vermont could be on the chopping block as the Trump administration seeks to sell off what it has deemed “non-core” government properties in an effort to cut costs.

The U.S. General Services Administration on Tuesday published a list of 320 federal facilities considered “not core to government operations” that the agency said it would look to shutter or sell, including the Winston Prouty Federal Building in Essex Junction, the U.S. Post Office and Customs building in St. Albans and the Social Security Administration offices on School St. in Montpelier.

A “shed” in Derby Line that was listed as used by the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was also included in the inventory.

By Wednesday afternoon, the list had been removed entirely from the agency’s website and replaced with a web page that said the list was now “coming soon.” The quick change raised further questions about whether the Trump administration would follow through on its plan to “dispose of” all the properties listed, as described on the web page.

“To be clear, just because an asset is on the list doesn’t mean it’s immediately for sale,” Paul Hughes, a spokesperson for the General Services Administration, said in a written statement to VTDigger.

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Trump delays tariffs again, sparking more uncertainty for Vermont officials and businesses
The volatility of Trump’s tariff policy has itself become an issue for businesses and officials trying to assess the impacts that a trade war could have on the state’s economy.
by Habib Sabet

As President Donald Trump’s administration continues to send mixed signals about tariffs, Vermont officials and business leaders have been left struggling to adjust for a trade policy that seems to change on an almost hourly basis.

On Thursday, just two days after sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico took effect, Trump announced that he would again be postponing many of those levies until April 2.

The delay specifically applies to goods that fall under the umbrella of the 2020 USMCA trade pact, which White House officials have said accounts for only about 38% of goods from Canada and half of goods from Mexico. The pause also applies to the 10% duty that Trump placed on Canadian energy products.

Granting a reprieve on goods ranging from petroleum to maple syrup, the delay could stave off much of the impact of a trade policy that experts have said could raise costs for consumers across the board in Vermont.

But the volatility of Trump’s decision-making has itself become an issue for business and officials trying to assess the impacts that a trade war could have on the state’s economy.

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With $40M worth of restoration needed, Vermonters debate future of Bennington Battle Monument
While some uphold the historic and economic value of the monument, others consider innovative replacements. The state has affirmed its focus on restoration.
by Greta Solsaa

After decades of deferred maintenance, the 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument, with its stone sodden in approximately 66,000 gallons of water, is in desperate need of restoration work.

James Duggan, the state’s director of preservation for state historic sites, said the total cost of the restoration effort — including removing moisture and strengthening the walls and foundation — would amount to $40 million, or even more if action is not taken soon.

The monument is Vermont’s most-frequented historic site, attracting 40,000 visitors last year with over $275,000 accrued in state revenue, according to Duggan’s presentation to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions on Feb. 4.

“Nothing is being done while we’re thinking about how to get some traction and moving forward,” Duggan said during the presentation. “That is going to continue to increase the amount of deterioration, as well as increase the costs and the amount of work that has to be finished later.”

Since the $40 million price tag for the restoration was revealed last month, debate has ensued over whether saving the monument is worth the cost.

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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.

Conservation Commission (1 Vacancy)

Development Review Board (1 Vacancy)

Energy Coordinator (1 Vacancy)

Veterans Memorial Committee (2 Vacancies)

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 website-Not updated yet post March 4 election

Meeting Minutes https://www.weathersfieldvt.org/selectboard
March 6
February 24
February 10
January 27
January 14
January 9 Special Meeting
January 2 Special Meeting (no minutes posted)
December 9
November 25
November 12
October 28
October 15
September 23
August 26
August 15 Site Exam Minutes
July 22
July 8 Special Meeting
June 24
May 28
April 22
April 11 Emergency Meeting
April 8
March 18
March 18 public hearing
March 7 Special Meeting
Town Meeting March 2

*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 meeting. Meeting minutes shall be posted no later than five calendar days from the date of the meeting to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or has designated as the official website of the body. Except for draft minutes that have been substituted with updated minutes, posted minutes shall not be removed from the website sooner than one year from the date of the meeting for which the minutes were taken.

Weathersfield Police Blotter

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT

Weathersfield School

March 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: March 7

More info about Winter Tech Time: CLICK HERE

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

Spring sport registrations are OPEN!
https://weathersfield-athletics.sportngin.com/register/form/969085079

Weathersfield School Board
Meeting Agendas may be found HERE

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
March 11
February 11
January 15 BUDGET
January 13