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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Man faces charges in Springfield burglary

Man faces charges in Springfield burglary


WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Police say a burglar who tried to crawl through a man’s bedroom window in Springfield was chased down and captured moments later by officers.

Adam Currier, 21, of Springfield pleaded innocent Monday to felony counts of burglary and attempted burglary and to an accompanying misdemeanor count of petty larceny before he was released on pre-trial conditions.

Springfield police were called out at 1 a.m. Monday after a couple on Hillcrest Road were awakened by the sound of glass breaking on the ground floor of their residence. Homeowner Russell Moore later told police that he ran downstairs and turned on the stairway light just in time to see a young man dash out his door. As the burglar took off down the snowy road on foot, Moore circled his house and discovered that his front door had been broken, a screen had been ripped off a porch window, and the side door to his garage had been pushed open. Moore said both of his cars had been gone through, a GPS unit and set of wrenches had been taken, and the rest of the contents of the glove boxes had been strewn around the front seats and the garage floor.

Minutes after Springfield Police Cpl. Chris Norton and a pair of state troopers arrived and began following the footprints on Ellis Street, they received calls reporting that someone had just been seen going through a car on nearby Mary Street and that the suspect was now attempting to break into another home on Ellis Street.

Norton said as he drove up to Ellis Street he was flagged down by Wesley Black, a Springfield firefighter returning to his own home from a fire call, who pointed out Currier on a nearby street corner. Norton said that as soon as Currier saw his cruiser, he took off running across the lawn of one of the homes. Norton said he chased Currier, pushed him to the ground and handcuffed him near the back yard fence. A quick pat-down of Currier came up with the GPS unit that had gone missing from the Hillcrest Road home, Norton wrote in an affidavit filed with the court.

While Norton and the troopers were taking Currier into custody, Matthew Durham walked up to the officers and told them that he had just surprised Currier moments beforehand, as Currier was crawling through a bedroom window on Ellis Street while Durham’s elderly father was sleeping just a few feet away. Durham explained that he’d been visiting his parents at their Ellis Street residence and had been on the couch watching late-night television, when he heard what sounded like someone moving the front door knob. He got up and looked but didn’t see anyone; however, his mother came in and said she’d heard what sounded to her like an animal brushing up against the house. “Then I heard something moving outside my father’s room,” Durham later recalled in a statement to police, “When I turned on the light I saw a young man’s head sticking in the window. He left and I called 911 (then) I went outside and I saw the police already had (Currier) handcuffed. This was definitely the same person I saw with his head in my father’s window.”

Currier was charged with a felony burglary back in 2011 related to a break-in and theft in Weathersfield. Following that incident, Currier successfully completed the court’s “Sparrow Program” counseling and struck a plea deal in which the felony was amended to a charge of misdemeanor petty larceny. He received a three-to-six month sentence which was suspended so that he could “continue to engage in vocational training,” according to court records.

Currier faces a maximum potential penalty of up to 26 years in prison if convicted of all the new charges now pending against him.


 http://www.vermonttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2FRH%2F20131231%2FNEWS02%2F712319949

Monday, December 30, 2013

Motor Vehicle Accident on RT 106 Today

On 12/30/13 at approximately 1113 Weathersfield Police Department responded to the area 6090 VT RT 106 for a reported single vehicle crash. The vehicle had left the roadway, striking several trees, before it came to rest over an embankment on its side. The operator identified as Donald Reynolds, 75, was deceased, pronounced at the scene by emergency services. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Local Resident Dies In Tree Collision


December 30, 2013

By Eric Francis
Standard Correspondent

WEATHERSFIELD – An elderly local resident was found dead in his vehicle
Monday morning near Downer’s Four Corner after he apparently drove off the
roadway and struck a tree.

First responders from Weathersfield and Reading responded to the
intersection of Route 106 and Amsden Road shortly after 11 a.m. and
immediately reported that a male in his eighties was dead on the scene.
Route 106 was closed down for over an hour while volunteer firefighters
extricated the driver from the wreckage and Weathersfield Police conducted
their crash scene investigation.

Windsor County State’s Attorney Michael Kainen said early Monday afternoon
that he had been contacted and that he had given permission for removal of
the body from the scene.

 http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2013/12/police-local-resident-dies-in-tree-collision/

Home Invasion Reported - 12/28/13

On 12/28/13 at approximately 1952 Weathersfield Police along with VSP, and Windsor Police responded to a residence on US RT 5 for a reported home invasion. The resident was home, and the intruder did not take anything, nor make any demands. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’05, slender build, wearing dark clothes and a hat. The suspect may also have had a backpack with him.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Weathersfield Police Department at 802-674-2185

Ice Fishing Safety from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife

Be safe out there on the ice!

For more information on ice fishing safety, go to: www.tinyurl.com/IceSafetyVT

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Calls for Service - Week of 12/22/13 to 12/28/13 - Weathersfield Police Department

During the week of 12/22/2013 to 12/28/2013 we had the following calls for service:

Driving Under the Influence - 1
Accident - Damage - 2
Motor Vehicle Disturbances - 1
Attempting to Elude - 1
Agency Assists - 5
Ambulance/Medical Assists - 1
Burglar Alarm - 1
Citizen Assists - 1
Suspicious Person/Circumtstance - 2
Traffic Hazzard - 1
Vehicle Serial # Inspection - 2
Traffic Stops – 14



https://www.facebook.com/WeathersfieldPoliceVT

Snowfall Potential for Sunday Storm System


Inside the Forecast:

Good morning!-- A storm system will be arriving this afternoon; Rain and snow will develop from south to north. The precip will change to all snow this evening, before tapering off to snow showers towards midnight. Central and eastern areas could briefly see snowfall rates reach 1-2" per hour.

The expected accumulations are on the map below. The greatest amounts will fall in the mountains of central and southern Vermont-- Great news for skiers!

Please note that that snow could cause renewed power concerns in any areas which still have ice on the trees. Also, temperatures will quickly fall below freezing on Monday, so any areas that receive wet snow this evening could see it freeze up rather quickly.

I'll have the latest on the storm coming up on "The Weekend" starting at 8am.

~Nick
 
 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153636122390442&set=a.211649130441.267115.140859045441&type=1&theater
 
 

Weathersfield Old Road Hike






              





    The Weathersfield Historical Society will lead a snowshoe hike on Sunday, January 19th on a historic “thrown-up” road from Upham’s mill site to Barrett’s mill site along Aldrich and Boynton Brooks.  
The three mile hike is of moderate difficulty with minor bushwhacking and several brook crossings.  
Meet and park at Wellwood Orchard on Wellwood Orchard Road at 1:00 pm.  
If anyone would like to volunteer to spot a car at the end of the hike to bring hikers back to the point of beginning, please come at 12:30 pm.  
If there is little snow, the hike will go on foot.  
For more information contact Jeff Pelton at 802-885-9517.

Come Join Us!

Love yarn? Want to see what others are creating? Want to learn to knit or crochet? No experience necessary!

Knit/Crochet Gathering

Mondays from 1-2:30 pm at Perkinsville Community Church in Perkinsville.
Thursdays from 1-2:30 pm at Martin Memorial Hall in Ascutney

Bring your current project or your own supplies to get started.

Not sure what to create? Come help create an afghan! (Yarn and instructions provided.)

Contact Lynn Esty at 263-9441 or lynnesty@comcast.net if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there!!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Donations Needed For Weathersfield Food Shelf

Weathersfield Food Shelf Needs
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Non-sugar cereals
Rice
Pasta
Canned meats
Tuna
Canned beans
Peanut butter
Boxed milk
Fruit juice
Bottled water

Thank you!

For more information or to arrange drop off, please contact deForest Bearse at 674-2626 or 674-5431.

Donations accepted any time (during open hours) at:
~Weathersfield Town Office/Martin Memorial Hall and 
~Ascutney Post Office.
 

Notice of Sketch Plan Review 12-9-2013


Planning Commission
Notice of Sketch Plan Review

A public meeting before the Planning Commission of the Town of Weathersfield will be held at the Town Office in Ascutney on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following application:

#11.1913 by Carl Wyman for the subdivision of 4.665 acres on the corner of Route 131 and Cemetery Road (parcel 5A-01-41) into 4 lots.  The property is located in the Highway Commercial zoning district.

The above sketch plan is available for inspection at the Town Office in Ascutney.  Persons wishing to appeal and be heard may do so in person or be represented by an agent or attorney.  Communications about the above sketch  plan may be filed in writing with the Planning Commission or at the meeting.

Participation in this meeting is prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal.

Michael Todd, Chair
Weathersfield Planning Commission

Want to be a Book Giver?

Hi Folks,

How would you like to give away new, free, books?

On the night of April 23rd, Shakespeare's birthday, thousands of people give away free books - it is called, World Book Night and I have posted information on the library's website.

Anyone can sign up to be a book giver, but applications close on January 5, 2014. You may select a title from a large list and your books will be delivered to the closest pick up point - your library, WPL has signed up to be a pick up point for World Book Night 2014.

Then the fun begins!  On April 23rd you give away books. Maybe to folks who don't have the opportunity to purchase books or folks who are not avid readers, people you work with, or just passersby.

If you are interested, here is a link to more information.  Last year in my town there were folks outside the town hall giving away books - it was a wonderful sight!  Where would you go to give away books?


Happy Holidays,
Nancy

Food Shelf Distribution Workers Needed!

Anyone interested in working at the food shelf as a distribution worker, there will be an introductory gathering at the Country Creemee at the intersection of Routes 131 and 106 on January 2, 2014 at 4:00PM.

Snowfall Potential for Sunday


snowfall potential for Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. Feel free to turn into "The Weekend" at 8am for the full story!

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153633078275442&set=a.211649130441.267115.140859045441&type=1&theater


Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Man Charged in Two-Town Police Chase


 http://www.vnews.com/news/townbytown/weathersfield/9931648-95/man-charged-in-two-town-police-chase


White River Junction — A Bradford, Vt., man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges related to an alleged high-speed chase in Springfield, Vt., and Weathersfield last week.

Police said Timothy J. Keith Jr., 27, tried to elude officers on Route 5 Friday night, traveling faster than 100 mph and passing traffic in 40 and 50 mph zones.

According to a police affidavit, the 1996 Ford Mustang spun out on an “S” curve in Ascutney and Keith fled on foot into the snowy woods before officers apprehended him Friday.

Springfield police had attempted to pull over the car because they believed it had been in an accident the night before, according to affidavits. Springfield police said the car slid into a tree on Greeley Road and was abandoned on Thursday night. Officers had it towed by Fay’s Wrecking Service.

On Friday, workers at Fay’s told officers that a couple had come to get the car. Police spotted it later that day and tried to pull it over, but it accelerated away.

Keith, who appeared in court wearing a camoflage-pattern long-sleeve shirt and had shackles on his wrists and ankles, was charged with gross negligent operation and attempting to elude a police officer, both felonies. Together they carry a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. 

He was also charged with a misdemeanor for excessive speeding, punishable by up to six months.
Keith is also facing charges in New Hampshire, where authorities say he failed to report for a prison sentence that was to be served on weekends.

According to court documents, Keith had pleaded guilty to bail jumping — failing to appear for a court appearance after posting bail in order to avoid prosecution — in Lebanon District Court in November. He was sentenced to the Grafton County House of Corrections for 180 days with 135 days suspended and eight days of pre-trial credit, with the remainder of his sentence to be served on weekends.

However, according to an arrest warrant, Keith failed to appear for the second weekend of his sentence and his whereabouts were unknown. He was charged with “failure to report deemed escape,” a felony punishable by up to seven years.

It was unclear Monday what charges led to the bail jumping conviction.

Keith waived extradition Monday, meaning he will be returned to New Hampshire. His public defender, Jordana Levine, told the judge she expects that to happen in about a week. 

Keith’s $25,000 bail was suspended Monday as he waits in Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, Vt., to be transported to New Hampshire.

If he still faces charges in Vermont once the New Hampshire case is settled, he will be returned to Vermont, “but it’s also possible that while he’s in New Hampshire he could resolve his cases (in Vermont),” Levine said.

She declined further comment.

Shortly after Keith’s arraignment Monday, a woman who police said may have been in a relationship with Keith pleaded not guilty to charges that she lied to police about the crash on the night before the high-speed chase. 

Riley Charbono, 24, also of Bradford, Vt., was released on conditions that she return for future court dates.

She faces a charge of providing false information to a police officer, punishable by up to one year in prison.

According to a police affidavit, Charbono provided a false identity to officers when they questioned her about the crash on Friday and said she did not know Keith.

However, officers said the Mustang involved in the police chase was registered to one of Charbono’s relatives. 

They also said that police logs showed past instances in which Charbono identified Keith as her boyfriend, and that Keith has a tattoo that says “Riley” on his neck.

Charbono declined to comment after her arraignment.

Maggie Cassidy can be reached at mcassidy@vnews.com or 603-727-3220.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Scam Alert

An Ascutney resident notified us of a spam/scam phone call from 802-497-6572. This was in reference to helping seniors with gift cards, etc. The phone number was called back with no answer. Please be cautious about phone calls requesting assistance (monetarily). WPD
 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Calls for Service - Weathersfield Police Department - 12/15/2013-12/21/2013

During the week of 12/15/2013 to 12/21/2013 we had the following calls for service:

Domestic Abuse Order Violation - 1
Fugitive - 1
Driving Under the Influence - 1
Accident - Damage - 1
Motor Vehicle Disturbances - 4
Agency Assists - 1
Ambulance/Medical Assists - 1
Burglar Alarm - 1
Citizen Assists - 5
E911 Hangup - 1
Juvenile Problem - 1
Motorist Assist - 1
Property Watch - 1
Traffic Stops – 12

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Discovering the Giant Mantas Program

Driving Conditions Questionable? Check 511vt.com Before You Go

Vermont State Police: If you have to drive, be sure to check www.511vt.com before you go. Driving conditions throughout northern Vermont will be treacherous through tomorrow. Please avoid unnecessary travel.

You can also check road conditions by calling 511. Please only call 911 for emergencies. For updates on the ice storm, be use to follow the Vermont Emergency Management and VTrans pages.
Vermont 511 Online Map - ESRI's JavaScript API
vtransmaps.vermont.gov
Vermont State Police: If you have to drive, be sure to check www.511vt.com before you go. Driving conditions throughout northern Vermont will be treacherous through tomorrow. Please avoid unnecessary travel. You can also

7th Annual Youth Hunting Memories Contest - Decemeber 31, 2013 Deadline!

Don't forget to turn in your entries for the 7th Annual Youth Hunting Memories Contest by Dec 31! Contest entry types now include a drawing, painting, photograph or video.

Youth hunters represent the future of hunting. The ethics, landowner relations, and sportmanship they learn will stay with them through a lifetime of hunting.

Contest rules are available here: www.tinyurl.com/YouthMemories2013


 

Ice Storm/Freezing Rain Warning until 7 pm Sunday, 12/22/13


Inside The Forecast:

Wicked weather this weekend. Huge problem with icing in our northern areas. Southern areas will be warmer, so not such a problem.

Freezing rain will be fairly light, on-and-off during the day. But by late afternoon & evening, and especially overnight, a heavy slug of rain will push through. Temperatures in our northern areas will be well below the freezing mark, so everything will ice up. There could be 1/2" to 1" of ice accumulation, and that could take down tree limbs and power lines.

Be very careful if you are out and about. And make any preparations for power outages if you are in an area that is prone to losing power easily.

Not what we want to hear on this busy, last weekend before Christmas, but let's deal with it the best we can.

-Gary
 
 

Now is the Time to Prepare - Ice Storm on the Way


With the impending ice storm, now is the time to start preparing in the event of any extended power outages and extremely difficult travel conditions.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=582559358482636&set=a.187811151290794.45023.161924887212754&type=1&theater

Calls for Service - Springfield Police Department - Weathersfield Police Department


November 2013 calls for service as logged by the Springfield Police Department. 

 13SF04482 Agency Assist                  17:41:41 11/01/13      COMPLETE
          201 CLINTON ST, Springfield, VT  05156
Assist Weathersfield PD with subj in custody - history of assault

13SF04570 Agency Assist                  21:13:39 11/06/13  COMPLETE
          Weathersfield Center Rd; Wellwood Orchard Rd, Weathersfield, VT
Standby report of 2 car mva

13SF04768 Agency Assist                  20:57:16 11/18/13     COMPLETE
          VT ROUTE 106, Springfield, VT  05156
Standby in the area of N spfld mobil Weathersfield attempt to take subj
in on voluntary turn in

 13SF04965 Agency Assist                  19:55:33 11/30/13  COMPLETE
          KIERNAN RD, Weathersfield, VT
Assisting with what sounds like an active domestic


 http://springfieldvt.blogspot.com/2013/12/police-log-december-16-2013.html

Weathersfield Proctor Library Holiday Hours





Weathersfield Proctor Library will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2013 and January 1, 2014.

Otherwise, we will be open normal working hours.

Happy and Safe Holidays, everyone!

Nancy & Lynn

Weathersfield School Newsletter - 12/20/13


Weekly News Letter from The Principal’s Corner
December 20, 2013

District Band Winners
Congratulations! The following five students were accepted into the District VI Concert Band. Each put in long hours (actually, weeks or months) of practice to prepare for a very competitive audition against students from all over southern Vermont.  We are thrilled to announce that all 5 of the WS students who tried out were accepted.  They will represent our school at the Winter Music Festival this February.  We are so proud of them:

Daniel Dexter, alto saxophone
Christina Gregory, flute
Gideon Spikes, tenor saxophone
Skylar Swan, percussion
Olivia Turney, percussion

Talent Show
The WS Drama Club will be hosting a Talent Show on Thursday, Feb 27th at 7:00 pm, (Snow Date is the same time on Feb. 28th).  All proceeds will go to support the WS Drama Club. When the auditions begin, students and adults are expected to come prepared and present as if it's the real deal.   More details are forthcoming in the weeks to come!

AntiBullying Presentation
Puppets in Education will be here on January 22nd for their bullying presentation for K-6. K-4 will receive bullying and an additional topic.  Here is the schedule:
K-2:   8:20-9:20  Bullying and Cultural Diversity
3-4:   9:30-10:30 Bullying and Learning Differences
5-6:   12:15-1:30 Bullying Workshop
 
We will be scheduling them to come back for the Act One presentation later in the year with a similar schedule.

WS Grade 8 Science Fair
The Grade 8 Science Fair is the same night as the Talent Show, just earlier in the day, (February 27th).  The 8th grade students will be presenting their projects at 6:00 pm on Feb. 27th in the all purpose room.  This annual event is open to the public.  The 8th graders will also be presenting to students in the afternoon, so you are certainly welcome to attend in the afternoon if it is easier for you. 

Directory and Public Information
As you know, we are not allowing children to pass invitations out in school to avoid hurt feelings.  Parents have started to ask for classroom information for party invitations and other things.  This kind of data is called directory or public information and the school can release it if it is the kind of information we share with PTA, class advisors, etc. and if the request is reasonable and purposeful.  However, if a parent puts in writing that we are not to share mailing addresses and phone numbers, we do not. Therefore, if you do NOT want us to share this directory information with others, please let us know in writing asap.

Reminder of WS Nurse Subs Until March 2014
Monday--- Alanna Farnsworth
Tuesday---Diane Ritland
Wednesday--- Karen Townsend
Thursday--- Marnie Rondeau
Friday---Alanna Farnsworth

Winter Activities
Please mark your calendars for this year's winter activity dates:
January 17, 2014
January 24, 2014
January 31, 2014
Make Up Date:  Feb. 14, 2014

Meeting Notices
The WS School Board and the WS FY 15 Budget Advisory Committee will meet in the all purpose room at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7th to discuss the proposed budget.  The WS School Board has scheduled a second budget meeting for Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30 pm.  This will also be the regular board meeting for the month of January, as well.

Martin Luther King Day
There is no school on Monday, January 20, 2014, as it is Martin Luther King Day, (no board meeting that night, either).

Have a lovely holiday and vacation. 
See you back here on January 6, 2014!

Weathersfield School Anti-Bullying Programs


Puppets in Education will be here on January 22nd for their bullying presentation for K-6. K-4 will receive bullying and an additional topic.

Here is the schedule:
K-2: 8:20-9:20  Bullying and Cultural Diversity
3-4: 9:30-10:30 Bullying and Learning Differences
5-6: 12:15-1:30 Bullying Workshop

We will be scheduling them to come back for the Act One presentation later in the year with a similar schedule.

This is open to the public. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Many thanks,
Beth Sprague

Weathersfield School Budget Advisory Meetings and Board Meetings


Meeting Notices
The WS School Board and the WS FY 15 Budget Advisory Committee will meet in the all purpose room at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7th to discuss the proposed budget. The WS School Board has scheduled a second budget meeting for Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30 pm. This will also be the regular board meeting for the month of January, as well.

FYI - There is no school on Monday, January 20, 2014, as it is Martin Luther King Day, (no board meeting that night, either).
Thanks,
JM

Friday, December 20, 2013

Let us cook for you!

Let us cook for you!

Spaghetti Dinner
To Support the Ascutney Volunteer Fire Department

When: Saturday, January 4, 2014
Where: Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney, VT
Time: 5-7pm

Menu: spaghetti with meatballs + sauce, Italian bread, tossed salad, and assorted desserts
Price: $10 adult, $5 (5-10 yrs old), Under 5 FREE

To-Go meals available
 
 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=671461452894619&id=104528836254553&ref=notif&notif_t=notify_me

New Blood Pressure Guidelines

Packages Stolen in Cavendish, VT - Do You Know This Vehicle???

Do you recognize this vehicle? If so, call VSP Rockingham at 802-875-2112 or submit an anonymous tip. The vehicle was seen on December 10th at a residence on Stone Way in Cavendish, VT. The vehicle operator was seen on surveillance video stealing packages. Read more...http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/2013/12/larceny-in-cavendish-vt.html

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Weathersfield Directory Agenda - December 30, 2013

Weathersfield Directory
Meeting Agenda
December 30, 2013
4 pm, Martin Memorial Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Attendance
3. Approve Minutes of Last Meeting - September 17, 2013
4. Additions or Corrections to Agenda
5. New Business
     A. Select Board - Budget Request
     B. Submissions
6. Old Business
     A. Suggestions for On-Line Directory
     B. Suggestions for Next Printing
7. Next Meeting: March 18, 2014, reorganization meeting
8. Adjourn

Freezing Rain on the Way

Freezing Rain starting to look like a big issue this weekend for Northern Areas. Here's the NWS Probability map. (WXRS)
 
 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=392577960877325&set=a.177771932357930.42471.177750905693366&type=1&theater
 

Enter to Win With Vermont Fish & Wildlife

To celebrate Vermont's new Free Ice Fishing Day on Jan 25, we're giving away an introductory ice fishing kit valued at $155! To enter the contest you must correctly answer four ice fishing questions, which will be posted on our Facebook page in the coming weeks.

DO NOT post your answer to the “comments” section on Facebook. Answers will be accepted via email ONLY. Email answers to fwinformation@state.vt.us.

QUESTION #1: Match the name of the gear on the left with the picture on the right.

Contest Rules are available here: www.tinyurl.com/IceFishingPromo. Thanks to Heritage Tip-Ups of Eddington, ME and R&L Archery of Barre, VT for supporting this promotion!

The Vermont Bernie Buzz: News from Senator Bernie Sanders


Budget Pact Protects Social Security and Medicare
In what Bernie called a difficult decision, he supported a new budget set for a final Senate vote on Wednesday. It prevents some bad things. Threatened cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid were staved off. It does some good things. The budget restores some funding for programs important to Vermonters like Head Start, Meals on Wheels, heating assistance and education. But the budget bill was a missed opportunity to do some important things. It does nothing to create jobs. In fact, it doesn’t even help the 1.3 million Americans, including some 600 Vermonters, who are about to lose their unemployment benefits. “I also am disappointed that my Republican colleagues continue to protect corporate loopholes which are costing us about $100 billion every single year,” Bernie said. “At a time of growing income and wealth inequality, this budget doesn’t ask the wealthy and profitable corporations to pay a nickel more in taxes.”
Read A progressive budget: Read how Bernie would reduce the debt
A Good Meal and a Sense of Community
A Sense of Community
Especially at this time of year, countless Vermonters find ways to help those who are less fortunate. This year, for example, Sweetwaters American Bistro in Burlington continued a 24-year-old tradition and served a Thanksgiving feast to nearly 1,000 diners. Sweetwaters is just one example. There are many other selfless individuals, groups and businesses doing something special to help their community. They deserve a pat on the back.
Read Tell Bernie about Vermonters you think should be recognized for their good work
Read Read more about Sweetwaters' Thanksgiving
NSA
‘OUT-OF-CONTROL’ NSA
In a blistering ruling, a federal judge declared that the bulk collection of Americans' telephone records by the National Security Agency is likely to violate the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches. Bernie applauded the ruling. “The NSA is out of control,” Bernie said. “This ruling is an important first step toward reining in this agency, but we must go further. I will be working as hard as I can to pass the strongest legislation possible to end the abuses by the NSA and other intelligence agencies.” For Vermonters interested in privacy rights and government surveillance, mark your calendars for a Feb. 1 town meeting that Bernie will host in Vermont.
Read Watch Bernie on MSNBC
Must Reads
News
CHART: Rich Get Rich, Poor Get Poorer
Emmanuel Saez, UC Berkeley
News
You're Secretly Subsidizing A Fast Food CEO's Million-Dollar Salary
The Huffington Post
News
Sanders Likes What He Hears at Gifford Medical Center
The Herald of Randolph
Coming Events
Meeting
DEADLINE JAN. 10: Bernie’s annual State of the Union essay contest asks students to write about the major issues facing our country.
 



 http://sanders.enews.senate.gov/mail/util.cfm?gpiv=2100111055.965236.171&gen=1

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Weathersfield School Budget Advisory Meetings and Board Meetings


Meeting Notices
The WS School Board and the WS FY 15 Budget Advisory Committee will meet in the all purpose room at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7th to discuss the proposed budget. The WS School Board has scheduled a second budget meeting for Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30 pm. This will also be the regular board meeting for the month of January, as well.

FYI - There is no school on Monday, January 20, 2014, as it is Martin Luther King Day, (no board meeting that night, either).
Thanks,
JM

Weathersfield School Newsletter - 12/13/13


Weekly News Letter from The Principal’s Corner
December 13, 2013

Change in Larry Moore’s Bus Route
Thanks to Scott Lique, we have a driver for Larry's bus route for the next two weeks.  Scott has even made arrangements to go to work later in the afternoon to complete Larry's PM run.  This does mean that Larry's bus students MUST be ready to go each night at 2:20 pm, on the nose, so Scott can finish the run in time for his regular job.  If there are any changes, I will let you know.  Larry will resume his regular bus schedule on January 6, 2014.

Monday, December 16, 2013
There will be at PTA meeting at 6 pm at school on Monday.  The board meets at 6:30 pm in the AP room, that same night.

Type to Learn Program Available on Home Computers
Joe Jones, our school library media teacher, tells us that some students would like to install TTL 4 at home to work on their typing. Parents can use the link below to download the full web version of TTL 4:
 http://ttl4.sunburst.com/downloads/
Please use the link labeled "Web(School To Home)" for either Windows or Mac, depending on what type of computer you have at home. Our Account Code is 142509 and each student should know their log in.

Dance Cancelled
The first Student Council dance will be rescheduled soon.  There is a conflict with basketball, so it cannot occur on Friday, December 13th from 7 to 9 as originally planned. 

Important Dates to Add to Your Calendar
Holiday Sing-Along: K-8-Wed., Dec. 18, 2013, (snow date: 12-19-13; same time) - 1:00 to 2:00 pm  
Winter Concerts: K-3-Tues., Jan. 28, 2014, (snow date: 1-29-14; same time) - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
                         4-8-Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014, (snow date: 1-31-14; same time) - 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Spring Concerts: K-3-May 6, 2014 - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
                         4-8-May 8, 2014 - 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Memorial Day Program: K-8 – Friday, May 23, 2014 - 8:15 to 9:15 am

Need Your Help
We have seen an increase in bullying, aggressive classroom and recess behavior in the last few weeks. When questioning the students, they tell us that they are playing zombies and pretending to shoot and kill each other.  They have talked openly about violent video games and movies, such as 'The Hunger Games", a show on TV called “Walking Dead”,  and several video games, one called "Call of Duty". They appear to be acting these things out in school, from Kindergarten right up to our oldest students. Though the school would never tell parents what their child should be doing in their homes, the school does feel strongly that the increased pattern of violent behavior has a direct tie to what kids are doing/seeing.  If parents send the same message we are giving, (Schools need to be safe 100% of the time, which means non-aggressive play in school), then the message will be delivered in double fashion and in two venues.  Thank you for your help with this important matter.

PTA News
The 3rd Annual Car Show, put on by the PTA, will be held on October 4, 2014 from 10am – 2pm at the school to raise money for the 8th grade field trip to Boston.  This year we raised over $4000 so mark your calendars now. A Penny Sale will be held at the school on April 5, 2014 to also help fund the 8th grade field trip.

WS Math Team Wins!
Weathersfield Mathletes won 3rd place at the  December 5th, 2013 Math Meet, beating 19 other Middle School Math Teams!  Way to go, WS!!!

Winter Activities for WS - Looking Ahead 
Please mark your calendars for this year's winter activity dates:
January 17, 2014
January 24, 2014
January 31, 2014
Make Up Date:  Feb. 14, 2014

National Geographic Bee Winner  - Cathleen Karaffa, National Geographic Bee Advisor
Weathersfield School held their 25th National Geographic Bee on Wednesday, December 11th.  The following students competed:  Tori Amsden, Kylee Charest, Matthew Fisher, Rand Frazer, Conner Hart, Ozzie Jewett, John MacLachlan, Brooke McKeen, Virginia Snyder, and Caitlin Vollmann.  They all did a great job!  The school's finalists, Matthew and John went head to head for the championship. 
Matthew Fisher, Grade 7, the winner of the Weathersfield School's Bee, will advance to the next level of the competition, a written examination to determine eligibility as a state competitor.  The state competition will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2014.  All school winners are eligible to win the national championship and its first prize, a $50,000 college scholarship, at the national competition May 19-21, 2014 in Washington, D.C. Thanks to all the competitors, moderator Ginger Wimberg, judges Cathy Dana & Nathalie Whitney, room set up by Gary Graham & Mike Hamlin, and computer/projector set up by Matthew Malkiewicz.
Congratulations to all GeoBee participants!

Happy December!
JeanMarie K. Oakman, WS Principal

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda 12-23-2013





PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, December 23, 2013 7:00 PM
Weathersfield Town Offices
Martin Memorial Hall, 5259 Route 5
Ascutney, Vermont
MEETING AGENDA
I.             Introductions
II.            Review Meeting Agenda – additions, corrections
III.           Public Hearings: None.
IV.          Requests/Reviews: None.
V.            Discussions
                a.            Town Plan Revisions
                                i.              Economic Development
                                ii.             Utilities and Facilities
VI.          Public Comment
VII.         Approval of minutes: Meeting of December 9, 2013
VIII.        Set or reinforce the agenda, date, time, and place for the next meeting
IX.           Adjournment

Gifts for Christmas from Vermont

Are you getting to the ‘hard to buy for’ on your gift list? Vermont State Parks has a nice assortment of gifts and gift packages. Who won’t love a pass to Vermont’s wonderful state parks? Never the wrong size, never out of style.