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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween Safety Tips from the Weathersfield Police Department

Weathersfield Police Department's photo.
  https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT
We at Weathersfield Police Department would like to offer up these few Halloween safety tips for parents and children: 
 
 * Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only. 
* Only go to houses that you know the owner. 
* Have children bring treats home for adult inspection before they are eaten. 
* A parent or adult should accompany children when they are trick-or-treating. 
* Carry a flashlight. 
* Stay within your neighborhood; only visit homes you know. 
* Use make-up or face paint instead of masks. Make sure the child has good visibility. 
* Choose costumes that are flame retardant. 
* Wear light-colored clothes, short enough to not trip. Add reflective tape to dark costumes. 
* Watch for vehicle traffic and use caution when crossing the street. 
 
Anyone who sees something suspicious is asked to contact the Weathersfield Police Department at 802-674-2185. 
 
Happy Halloween!!!!

Wet & Windy Halloween

Happy Halloween! It's going to be a wet & windy one, so be careful out there! Remember to be safe, especially when Trick or Treating. How do you plan to deal with the rain & wind later today?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=557059357699303&set=a.187811151290794.45023.161924887212754&type=1&theater



Reminders Around the End of Daylight Saving Time

By WCAX News -

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
This weekend it's the end of Daylight Saving time.

It happens this Sunday at 2 a.m.

And the American Red Cross says this is the time you should also be doing some safety checks around the house, including changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

"Fire is still the greatest cause of disaster in this country. We may think of large things like a hurricane or a tornado, but more lives are lost to fire each year. About 2,400 lives a year," says Doug Bishop with the American Red Cross.

Cooking and home heating related fires are the most common, and the Red Cross says both are preventable. They're urging families to also have plans in place in case of a fire or other disaster.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Directories are out...Not Too Late to be Listed Online!!


The Weathersfield Directories are Out!!!
You Can Still Get Listed ONLINE!!!

Single Line Listing: FREE!
Multiple Description Ads: $5.00
Business Card: $20.00
Two-Sided Business Card:$30.00
Business Cards include multiple business description!


Please mail submissions to:
Weathersfield Directory,
P.O. Box 550, Ascutney, VT 05030-0550
(checks made payable to Weathersfield Directory)


PRINT DEADLINE: 2013 Booklet Ads CLOSED
Online Ads updated daily
Contact us with questions, comments or placing an online ad: WeathersfieldDirectory@gmail.com

Download a Form Here: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1w4kyTR9FrmWTfcFyFh9W5y2gV6r7Jom5oqY3c6Bjm4c

Didn't receive a copy in the mail?
The Directory will be available after May 15, 2013 at various locations around town - the Weathersfield Proctor Library, Weathersfield Town Offices, Ascutney Market and Downers Jiffy Mart.

Wish to contact us? Have a question?
WeathersfieldDirectory@gmail.com will get you the answers you are looking for.

This version of the printed and on-line Directory will be valid through December 31, 2014. At that time, we start all over again! A new booklet version will be printed and the on-line submission will need to be renewed.
Next Booklets Ads: October 1, 2014-January 31, 2015
Next Booklet Printing: March 2015


A wonderful group of dedicated volunteers worked (and are working) hard to provide this Directory to our community. Our most heartfelt thanks go to all those who helped in any way to produce both the booklet and on-line version. Many hands made light work.

Download a Spay/Neuter Assistance Form Today!


Download a Spay/Neuter Assistance Form Today!

You can now download the:
Town of Weathersfield
Spay Neuter Assistance Program

P.O. Box 550, Ascutney, VT 05030-0550

(802) 738-7413 ~ (802) 674-2626
 Just click on this link: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18NQQ1YzAfESuiBaVLy6Aqljos7atKriWHddmSA4EmOs/edit



Town of Weathersfield
Spay Neuter Assistance Program
P.O. Box 550, Ascutney, VT 05030-0550
(802) 738-7413 ~ (802) 674-2626


Instructions for Applicants:
  • Fill out Part 1 COMPLETELY. Failure to complete ALL sections of Part 1 may disqualify you from assistance.
  • Call the Veterinarians Office and make an appointment.
  • On the day of the surgery, bring this paperwork and cash/check for the cost of surgery. Have the Veterinarians Office fill out Part 2: Veterinarian Information. (Please attach copy of bill.)
  • Send completed form and proof of residency (see below**) to the above address.    
  • Mark the front bottom left corner of the envelope: Attn: Spay Neuter Assistance Program.
  • You will receive your reimbursement in 2 to 4 weeks.


Part 1- Client Information (please write clearly)
Name of Applicant: _______________________________ Phone Number: ____________________
Email: ___________________________ Physical Address: _________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________________
Circle One:   Male Dog     Female Dog     Female Cat     Male Cat     Wolf-hybrid   M / F     Ferret M / F
Name of Animal: __________________ Breed: _______________________ Weight: _____________
Age of Animal: _______ Description of Animal: ___________________________________________
Veterinarian: ______________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________
How many litters has this animal had? _________ Are all your other pets spayed/neutered? Y N
I hereby attest that I am a current resident of the Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, and the domestic pet I am applying for financial assistance to spay/neuter belongs to the Applicant. I attest that the above information is true and correct and that I am the true care-giver for this animal.


Signature of Animal Owner: ____________________________________ Date: ____________________
~~~~~~~~~~ Applicant – Please Stop Here~~~~~~~~~~
Part 2 – Veterinarian Information (please write clearly)
Hospital/Clinic Name: ____________________________ Phone Number: _____________________
Mailing Address: _______________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________
Date of Spay/Neuter: ___________________ Cost for Spay/Neuter ONLY: $____________________
Signature of Veterinarian Performing Surgery: ____________________________________________
~~~~~~~~~~Veterinarian – Please Stop Here ~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 3 – Authorization of SNAP Administrator   
**Proof of Residency: Voter Checklist (___) Utility Bill (___) Land Owner (___) Other (___) ________
(Please attach copy of the utility bill being submitted as Proof of Residency)
Case #: __________ Dog License #: ____________ Amount Reimbursed: $____________________
Authorization: ________________________________________ Date: ________________________


Town of Weathersfield
Spay Neuter Assistance Program


  • Available to all residents of the Town of Weathersfield, regardless of     financial status.
  • Reimbursement for up to $50.00 of the spaying/neutering of any individual domestic pet (as defined by the Town of Weathersfield Animal Control Ordinance) owned by a current resident. (Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.)   
  • Expenditures not to exceed $150.00 per household, per fiscal year.   
  • Funded by dog license fees, individual donations and support from the Town.   
  • Anyone who qualifies for VSNIP (Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program) will     be offered assistance to utilize that program.
  • Funds will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Approval of applications will be limited by the amount of funds available. In the case that applications exceed funds, a waiting list will be created by the date the applications are received.
  • These funds must only be applied to the cost for spay/neuter of the domestic pet listed on the application.
  • Any use/misuse of said funds will result in, but not be limited to, denial of any future use of this program.
  • Any dog/wolf hybrid must be licensed with the Town in accordance to the Town of Weathersfield Animal Control Ordinance.
  • Each     domestic pet must have an individual application.


Hoisington Field Closure







Hoisington Field Closure

The Hoisington Field behind the Perkinsville School will be closed from Monday, November 4 through Friday, December 6th to allow Pine Hill Construction to safely demolish the 1954 and 1969 wings of the School.

The school bus stop in front of the school will remain open during this period of time.

For more information, please contract Weathersfield Town Manager Jim Mullen at 802-674-2626.

Tarbell Hill Road Notice of Site Visit






Town of Weathersfield, Vermont
Notice of November 6th Site Visit
For a project
to Install Four Culverts
on Tarbell Hill Road
[Released 10/29/13]

            The Town of Weathersfield will be accepting bids from contractors to replace three damaged culverts and install one new culvert on Tarbell Hill Road this construction season. Because the three culverts are damaged and unable to convey stormwater, it is vital that the culvert work be done as soon as possible so that the town is prepared for spring high water.

            Tarbell Hill Road was severely damaged in a July 2, 2013 rainstorm. The Town requested and received a hydraulic study from VTrans to enable it to properly size new culverts when replacing them.       

            The three culverts to be replaced and one new culvert to be installed are as follows:
       Culvert #         existing size                              proposed size
            3                      18” CMP                                             24” x 40’ CMP
            4                      18” CMP                                 66” x 51” x 55’ squashed CMP
            5                      24” CMP                                 36” x 50’ CMP
            B                     (new location)                         36” x 50’ CMP

            All 4 culverts will have concrete headwalls at their inlets.

            The designs for the four culverts have been drafted by Everett Hammond of Hammond Engineering who is working with Stream Alternation Engineer Todd Menees to ensure that the designs are able to be permitted for installation this construction season.

            Because the designs are undergoing review by Todd Menees, the Town is unable to release them at this time. The designs and a formal Request for Bids will be emailed to contractors who express interest in receiving them as soon as they are ready. Requests should be emailed to the Town Manager.

SITE VISIT

A non-mandatory site visit will be held at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, beginning at the top culvert (Culvert #3) located on Tarbell Hill Road approximately 0.5 mile west of Vermont Route 106.   Attendance at the site visit is not-mandatory for contractors submitting bids; however, firms wishing to submit bids are strongly urged to attend.

            All correspondence between the Town and bidders will be by email.
            Bonding will not be required.

            Questions about this Notice of Site Visit and requests to be put on the list to receive the plans and formal Request for Bids by email once released should be directed to Town Manager Jim Mullen at townmgr@weathersfield.org (cell: 802-230-6262).

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Green Mountain Power Phone Scammers in Action, Again - Attention!

GMP: PLEASE SHARE! Phone scammers are after our customers again. Calls are coming from 802-489-0564, and customers are being asked for credit card information to prevent the power from being shut off. Hang up and notify your local police department. If you call the number back, a soft recorded voice answers "This is the Green Mountain Power Billing Department." It's not.
PLEASE SHARE! Phone scammers are after our customers again. Calls are coming from 802-489-0564, and customers are being asked for credit card information to prevent the power from being shut off. Hang up and notify your local police department. If you call the number back, a soft recorded voice answers "This is the Green Mountain Power Billing Department." It's not.

Found Dog - Weathersfield, VT


Found in Weathersfield VT – Male Hound, chocolate brown, young adult, 55 pounds, friendly. This handsome fellow was found 10/28/2013 near the fire station (Routes 131 and 106). He is currently with Animal Control. Call (603) 477-1229 if you recognize him.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Forecast for Monday - BRRRRRR!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152626634590663&set=a.139320270662.139468.133231890662&type=1&theater


BRRRRRR. Check out forecast low temperatures tonight! After a few rain/snow showers move through between now and 3 p.m. today, it will clear out quickly tonight and we'll have our coldest night of the season thus far. Feel free to post any questions on the weather, I'll be monitoring this morning through 9 am - Steve Glazier FOX 44


Sunday, October 27, 2013

List of Dog Treats and Food Made in China- Linked to Pet Illnesses or Deaths

Can't say enough about this earning. Look at the packaging of treats you are using please
Please look into the things your pets eat. There have been many recalls on food and treats in the last few months. Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!

Vermont Community Energy & Climate Action Conference

 
Register now for the VECAN Annual Conference in Fairlee, VT.
https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1327456
 
 
The Vermont Community Energy & Climate Action Conference

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Lake Morey Resort
  Fairlee, VT 05045
 
2013 Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference
Saturday, December 07, 2013 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Lake Morey Resort
802-333-4311
1 Clubhouse Rd.
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
United States

Map and Directions
Welcome

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) and University of Vermont Extension invite you to attend a conference on Community Energy and Climate Action on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee, Vermont.  The conference begins with coffee and refreshments and exhibitors starting at 8:00am and will conclude at 4:30pm.

Who Should Attend?
Town energy committee members  *  Selectboard and city council members * Conservation commissioners * Professional and citizen planners * Town public works staff  *  Environmental business professionals * State government officials * Academics * Clean Energy & Climate Advocates * Concerned citizens

If you would like a printable conference brochure and registration form, please email your request to Jessie Schmidt.


About the Conference

Building on a very successful history, this conference is for those interested in how Vermont communities can take action to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy for municipal government, businesses, and residents, as well as support statewide initiatives. Designed to inspire, support and grow the statewide network of town energy committees and other energy-ambitious Vermonters, this one-day conference emphasizes clean energy and climate action strategies that can be implemented locally. Workshops and roundtables will address energy efficiency, transportation, renewable energy, legislative action, coalition-building and other essential solutions needed to meet Vermont’s energy and climate goals.
The day offers 14 timely workshops, roundtable discussions on hot topics, tremendous networking opportunities and a fantastic keynote speaker — May Boeve, director of 350.org, who is an inspiring, motivated and powerful young climate leader.

Registration 

Advanced registration is required. The registration fee includes all workshop materials, general sessions, breaks, and lunch.

General registration: $30/person (includes registration and lunch featuring local foods).  Registration after November 22 is $40/person.

Student Registration: $15/person (includes registration and lunch).  Available to Vermont High School and College students in good standing. Registration must be submitted by November 22.  Limited number available.

Please note that we have made every effort to make this conference affordable.  We are able to offer this low rate because of the generous donations of our sponsoring organizations and the effort of many volunteers.


Navigating this site


If you would like to go directly to the registration form you can do so by clicking the "Register Now" button on the right side of any page.

You can see the agenda for the day (including workshop descriptions) by clicking on the "Agenda" tab above.

Need directions or interested in carpooling? Links for both are located in the right-hand column. 

Finally, check out the many organizations that have helped to make this event possible at "Event Sponsors".

 

Contact Information


  • For assistance or program information:

    Contact: Jessie Schmidt
    Phone: 802-223-2389

    Interested in Carpooling?
    Register with Zimride to share a ride! Zimride is the ride sharing network for the State of Vermont. 
Need directions?

Your confirmation email will include a link for directions or you can print them now.


Interested in Carpooling?
Please consider carpooling to this event, and start the day off by saving energy and money! Simply click here and register with Zimride to share a ride.  Zimride is the ride sharing network for the State of Vermont.  Go!Vermont!

Route 131 Road Work Update - Week of 10/28/13

Work Update
Weathersfield Route 12/131
AOT Project No:  STP 2913(1)

Saturday, 10/26/13 – Paving crews will continue paving on Route 131 between Henry Gould Road and Downer’s Corners.   Motorists should keep in mind paving will require alternating one-way traffic.  Traffic control personnel will be present to assist in maintaining traffic flow.

 Week of October 28th, 2013 

Traffic Safety Warning – Crews are asking motorists who are exiting driveways or businesses on Route 131 to be aware that they may be pulling into a construction zone.  With construction zones taking up to a mile of one lane, a flag person may not be stationed in the exact area to assist someone in pulling out. If there is no flagger present, motorists should wait for traffic flow in the direction they want to go before pulling out.

The construction zone will be marked with orange cones along the centerline.

I91 Interchange and NH Border
Crews will be working on installing new street lighting at the intersection of Routes 12/5/131 – Wednesday/Thursday.

VT Route 131 – I91 Interchange to Downer’s Corners

Paving – Crews will finish paving the second layer of asphalt between Henry Gould Road and Downer’s Corners by Monday or Tuesday. They will then mobilize back to the I91 Interchange and start paving the final layer of new pavement and continue paving throughout the week.  Paving is contingent upon favorable weather conditions.

Please keep in mind there are three layers of new pavement to get installed on this project.  Paving is expected to occur for several weeks.

Excavation –Miscellaneous clean-up will occur in various areas along the project.

Guardrail –
Guardrail crews will continue adjusting guardrail between Graveline Road and Downer’s Corners.

TRAFFIC DELAYS – ALL operations will require travel to be reduced to alternating one-way travel around the construction packages. Traffic control personnel will be present to assist in maintaining traffic flow.  Motorists should anticipate traffic delays while traveling through the project and plan accordingly.  Please allow for extra time in your travel plans.

Contact Francine Perkins, Public Relations Officer, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994 or for a more up to date schedule visit www.roadworkupdates.com

Weathersfield School - Newsletter - 10/25/13

Weekly News Letter from The Principal’s Corner
October 25, 2013

PTA 
After many years of superb and expert service to the WS PTA, Kelly O'Brien has stepped down as WS PTA President!  Her leadership has taught us about attention to detail, excellent follow through, student-centered decision making, and the definition of the good of the order.  It has been my privilege and pleasure working with Kelly these last four years.  Please join me in thanking Kelly for her dedication and expertise.  Please share our gratitude when you see her at the school or around town! She is an amazing leader and friend to the school.....Thank You So Much, Kelly O'Brien!

Picture Retake Day
November 26th is Picture Retake Day!

SES
Please bear with us as we continue to try and figure out the new SES, (Supplemental Educational Services) requirement of schools in Year 2 School Improvement.  We have several requests from parents to date and we are trying to contact the many providers from the approved state list, in an effort to see what we can access, when and how much, so a contract and an educational plan can be developed.  We didn't want you to think we weren't on top of it, but we are finding it to be a vast project.  We want to do it right and make the experience meaningful for all students who participate.  We will announce more specific information when we are ready. Thank you so much for your patience!

New PTA Officers
Congratulations to our new PTA Officers:
Jim Rice - President
Krissy Preston - Vice President
Crystal Thibodeau - Treasurer
Tammy Rice  - Secretary

These positions are all two year terms. Best wishes to each of you.  Thank you for your willingness to serve!

Apple Crunch Day
Weathersfield School participated in the Big Apple Crunch to kick off the nationwide Food Day celebration on Thursday.  The Big Apple Crunch was an attempt to set the world record for the "Most Participants in an Apple-Crunching Event" by having 1,000,000 New Yorkers crunch apples at Noon.  Weathersfield School joined the growing number of states who have joined New York in this yearly tradition.  We crunched our apples during lunch.  Teachers were given a packet of information containing apple facts, recipes, and activities for students. Here is more about the day:
Food Day is a nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food and a grassroots campaign for better food policies. It builds all year long and culminates on October 24.  Food Day aims to help people Eat Real. That means cutting back on sugar drinks, overly salted packaged foods, and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and sustainably raised protein. Food Day envisions shorter lines at fast-food drive-throughs—and bigger crowds at farmers markets.  This annual event involves some of the country’s most prominent food activists, united by a vision of food that is healthy, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it. With Food Day, we can celebrate our food system when it works and fix it when it’s broken. Across the country, 3,200 events took place in 2012 and 2,300 in 2011, from community festivals in Denver, Savannah, and New York City, to a national conference in Washington, DC, to thousands of school activities in Portland, Minneapolis, and elsewhere.
 
Boy and Girl Scouts
Please wear your uniforms for our Veteran's Day ceremony on November 11th!

District Chorus
Congratulations to the following 8th grade girls who made district chorus:
Kylee Charest
Carissa Kinsman
Meghan Snide
Elizabeth Godin
Sarah MacLachlan 
Autumn Sanville

Way to go, Girls!!!

School Helpers
A very special thank you to Ruth and Roger Newhall, (BJ's parents), for spending HOURS of their evening time at home to cut and bag box top labels for the school.  You two are wonderful...thank you so much!   Tyler Greenwood, Grade 6, was a tremendous help to our school nurse and guidance counselor today when he helped label hundreds of water bottles that we now own thanks to a grant.  Tyler, your community service was a big help to us!  Many Thanks!

Interview Committee
WS is inviting parents, faculty, staff, community members, and students to serve on one interview committee to look at possible candidates to cover two anticipated professional openings:
Long Term Kindergarten Substitute, Jan 30, 2014 to Last day of school in June 2014
Long Term School Nurse Sub., Nov. 26, 2013 to February 25, 2014 - Tuesdays ONLY
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please call the school at 674-5400.

Budget Advisory Committee
The Weathersfield School Board is inviting teachers, staff, parents and community members to be a part of the FY 15 budget process.  We are accepting letters of interest from folks who would like to serve on the Budget Advisory Committee this fall.  The bulk of the work will be done in the month of November, with some carry over work into December.  The committee meetings are held at the school in the evening, usually an hour or two in length.  Please address your letter of interest to the WS School Board and Principal Oakman and submit by November 1, 2013  We promise to get back to each and every person who submits a letter of interest.

Welcome to Erica Yuengling, Paraprofessional
Erica Yuengling joined our school family on October 22, 2013 as a regular education paraprofessional in our school.  Welcome Erica!

STUDENT ATTENDANCE
  1. Vermont statute and local regulations require that all students attend school each day.
  2. Parents should call the school whenever their child will be absent. If no call is received, the school will call home.
  3. A student who is habitually absent may be considered truant. The school will contact the student’s family when a student has three unexcused or five excused absences or days tardy. Once a student reaches five unexcused or seven excused absences or days tardy, the truancy officer and the principal may be notified. The student’s family will receive a follow-up letter.
  4. If a student has been absent two or more days due to illness, a note from a doctor will be required, or the absence will be considered unexcused.
  5. In order to avoid being considered tardy, students must be in their homerooms by 7:50 or immediately following dismissal from the all purpose room. All students are expected to be in class at all times. 
  6. Parents of students who miss school on a regular basis or exhibit a pattern of absence will be contacted by the school principal, guidance counselor, and/or nurse. Excessive absence may be reason for retention.
  7. If a student leaves school early due to illness or is out sick more than half the day, he or she may not participate in any afterschool events or activities that day.
  8. If parents elect that their students miss school for religious reasons, parents must notify the school in writing at least one (1) day in advance. If parents elect for religious reasons that their student remain in school but not participate in a particular activity, they must inform the school principal in writing at least one (1) day in advance, and the school will provide an alternate educational experience for that student.

APPROVED ABSENCES
  1. Absences due to immunization and/or medical records attendance restrictions.
  2. Confirmed religious observances.
  3. Documented appointments (i.e. counseling appointment, court appointment, doctor’s appointment, etc.) that couldn’t be scheduled outside of school hours.
  4. Documented family emergencies.
  5. Documented illness.
  6. School nurse’s documented recommendation that a student be sent home because of illness or injury.
  7. Offsite educational activities approved by the principal or superintendent

MAKE-UP WORK
Students who are absent may have up to five days, based on their teacher’s discretion, in which to make up any missing work, including any classroom-based assessments.

VACATION DURING SCHOOL DAYS   16 V.S.A. 1123
Families who choose to schedule vacations when school is in session must request permission in writing from the superintendent of schools in advance of the trip, specifying the exact dates that their student will not be in attendance. If the absence is approved, the student is encouraged to obtain the schoolwork he or she will be missing before beginning the absence. In the case of extended prearranged absences, it is the student’s responsibility to complete all schoolwork and assessments within five (5) school days of their return to school. Requests must be in written form to: Dr. David Baker Superintendent, 105 Main Street, Windsor, VT 05089

DISMISSAL
  1. Students are expected to be quiet and orderly during dismissal.
  2. Students must walk when boarding the bus.
  3. Walkers and other students who do not ride a bus will remain in their homerooms until dismissed.
  4. Students involved in afterschool activities and sports may not change into uniforms or leave their homerooms until notified.

New Popcorn Popper and Grafton Museum Trip Approved
The PTA has purchased a new popcorn popper for our school.  Mrs. Fuller and her children will be enjoying a trip to the Grafton Museum, thanks to PTA!

PTA Annual Fund Raiser and Pizza Party
The PTA will be hosting their annual fund raiser from October 25th to November 11th.  The classroom making the most dollar sales from the fund raiser will celebrate with a pizza party, courtesy of the WS PTA!  

Car Show - October 2014
The PTA is looking into the possibility of having their annual Car Show on October 4, 2014.  Stay tuned for more on this later!  This event is what makes it possible for 8th graders to attend Boston on their class trip at the close of the school year.  

Happy October,
JeanMarie K. Oakman, WS Principal

Weathersfield School - Incoming Kindergarten Students


As we prepare the FY 15 Budget, we need to know how many incoming kindergartners will be joining us next fall. If you know a child who lives in Weathersfield and who will turn five on or before September 1, 2014, please call the school at 674-5400.

Thanks so much!
JM

Ascutney Man Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting

Ascutney Man Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting

White River Junction — An Ascutney man has pleaded not guilty to allegedly firing shots at another man during an alleged drug deal at the commuter parking area in Hartland. 

Justin Paquette, 25, faces two felony charges of aggravated assault with a weapon in connection with the incident. He also faces a felony charge of selling narcotics and a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment for allegedly firing a shotgun in the direction of Interstate 91.

He pleaded not guilty to all four charges.

Paquette faces a maximum sentence of 26 years in prison if convicted.

On July 2, a witness contacted Vermont State Police to report gun shots at the commuter lot off Interstate 91 at Exit 9 in Hartland, according to a police affidavit. The witness told officers that she saw a truck and another car pull into the parking lot around 7 p.m. The witness saw a man, who was later identified as Cody Barton, approach the truck and begin to speak with the driver. 

A few minutes later, the witness heard several gun shots and saw Barton run across the parking lot, through the trees and onto the Exit 9 off ramp. 

The witness said she saw the man in the truck, who police later identified as Paquette, walk to the edge of the parking lot with a “long gun” and shoot at Barton, according to a police report.

Another vehicle sped out of the parking lot and went the wrong way on the off ramp, picked up Barton and then continued in the wrong direction on the interstate, according to the witness. Paquette then drove south on Route 5 toward Windsor, according to the police report.

When officers arrived at the commuter lot, they found a 16-gauge shotgun casing on the ground and footprints in the mud where the witness had seen Barton run, according to police. The witness said the truck was white with a black net on the back instead of a tailgate.

Later that evening, Windsor Police found a truck matching that description parked at a convenience store. Shotgun ammunition was visible on the seat and police determined that Paquette was the operator, according to the report.

Paquette told police that he had parked at the commuter lot to drink a beer on his way home from work, according to the police report.

Paquette alleged that a man named Cody Barton got out of a vehicle, pointed a silver revolver at him, and then somebody allegedly grabbed him from behind and punched him in the head. Paquette said he was able to escape and alleged that Barton fired two shots at him while he was running away. Paquette also told officers that he grabbed his shotgun and fired one shot at the ground.

Paquette told officers that he knew Barton through mutual friends, and told officers that he had previously abused prescription drugs, but claimed now to be “clean and sober,” according to the police report.

The police report alleges that Paquette provided false information several times. Paquette denied that the incident was drug related and told officers he did not know why Barton turned a gun on him.
A trooper met with Barton at the Shady Lawn Motel in White River Junction, where he was living. 

According to the police report, Barton said he went to the commuter to buy pills from Paquette. Barton told police that “the money wasn’t right,” and Paquette allegedly got angry and started to shoot. Barton told police that he never shot at Paquette and didn’t have a gun on him, according to the police report. When officers asked Barton why he didn’t report the incident to authorities, Barton said, “We were there to buy pills.”

Barton also told officers that he did not have enough money to purchase the pills, according to a police report, and was about $15 short. Barton alleged that he had advised Paquette that he was short on cash, and that Paquette said that was fine.
 
But when Barton paid Paquette and began walking away with the pills, Paquette allegedly got out of his truck and fired at Barton, blowing the hat off his head as Barton ran toward the interstate, according to a police report.
 
Deputy Windsor County State’s Attorney David Cahill said no charges have been referred to the office regarding Cody Barton.

Paquette was released and has a status conference scheduled for Nov. 26. 
 
Paquette could not be reached for comment.

Sarah Brubeck can be reached at sbrubeck@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.

Weathersfield Vermont News, Week of October 21, 2013

What a difference a thousand miles make. Saturday morning I was feeding the wood stove in the kitchen because it was 36 degrees out. Today, I'm in South Carolina.  We turned on the air conditioner driving yesterday, the leaves on the trees are still mostly green and the heat hasn't been turned on yet.

Sandy Martel was up visiting her son in Massachusetts, then came to Weathersfield for a couple of days. We attended the author visit and signing at the library, had some great food, she spent some time with us and the kids and then we headed south. An overnight at my cousin, Patty's in Marion, PA., then on to Anderson.

Mike, my husband, insists that the wood stove in the basement will be functional when I arrive home. Otherwise, I might have to stay down here!

There will be a Halloween Party at the Library on Saturday, October 26th from noon to 1:30 pm. Sign up is not necessary. Hope to see you there!

The baby is here!!! Gavin arrived just a little late for posting in last week's paper. He was born at 11:33 pm, almost 9 pounds, everyone is happy and healthy!

Just finished my second cup of coffee. Time to put on some shorts and head out to see what bargains we can find. I'll be back on the road Thursday, headed north, for the wood stove and cold weather.

15 Treated After VT Puppy Tests Positive For Rabies

http://www.wcax.com/story/23772297/15-treated-after-vt-puppy-tests-positive-for-rabies

NEW HAVEN, Vt. - 
 "She was spunky and she was adorable and just full of it. And the cat wasn't really impressed with her, but they were making friends," Julie Tillson said.

Tillson and her family adopted Scarlet the pup as a 9-week-old to fill the hole in their heart left by the death of their previous dog, Buck.

"Bought toys for her, took the old dog's bed right over-- she fit right in," Tillson said.

But last Friday, the cute mutt they picked up at a New York shelter fell ill. Tillson took her to the vet day after day after day.

"Seemed to be worse, was constantly scratching herself, couldn't get comfortable, she was going around in circles," Tillson said.

Scarlet grew sicker and sicker until Monday, when Tillson made the painful decision to put her down.
The pup bit Tillson the day before, so the law required an autopsy afterward to check for rabies.
"I said that's a good idea, never in a million years, ever expecting it to come back positive," Tillson said.

Vermont state health spokespeople say this is the first case of rabies in a domestic dog since 1994.

"So, this is very, very rare. Although we do have the rabies virus here, it mostly afflicts wild animals," said Megan Stearns, the director of communications for the Humane Society of Chittenden County.

Scarlet was too young to receive a rabies vaccine, but experts say those considering adoption should ask about the animal's medical history and how it got to the shelter.

"They should ask the adoptive agency what measures they've taken to evaluate the overall health of the animal," Stearns said.

It's unclear where Scarlet picked up the neurological disease, but the upstate New York shelter initially gave Tillson paperwork indicating the dog had received the rabies vaccination. They called her within hours of the adoption to say they'd provided paperwork for a different dog.

Now, Tillson, her family, her friends, and every animal that came in contact with the pup is receiving medical attention, as well.

Rabies treatment for those exposed involves multiple shots over a 14-day period. Tillson say all of those getting care do have health insurance, but it's not clear how much if any of the treatment will be covered.