Weathersfield News, Week of April 7, 2014

Hello, Spring!!! :)

What wonderful weather this last week and weekend. The 'big' storm didn't materialize, much to our dismay... NOT!  The snow is rapidly disappearing, the ice isn't too bad in the rivers in this area and, gasp, little green things are starting to push their way out of the ground!!!

The weather is finally great for those making syrup.  I hear that the sap is flowing nice and sweet, and the season is expected to be short but productive.

The Ascutney Fire Department and residents of Weathersfield continue to grieve. Former Lieutenant and treasurer, Chester Stone passed away last week. I have yet to find an obituary for Chet to share.

Also, former Fire Department members, Frank Silfies, Sr. and Christoper Silfies, lost their granddaughter and daughter in a tragic accident on Route 131. Scotlynn Silfies was only 19. This one hits a little closer to home for me. I was friends with Chris, grew up with him through grade school and high school. My youngest daughter is just  a few months older than his daughter. I can't even begin to understand and comprehend the grief and devastation this must have on his life. My heart aches for all of them.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the families of both Chet Stone and Scotlynn Silfies.

News from the Library - More exciting things going on this spring. There was a new Youth Services Librarian, Jordan Hutchinson, hired. She will work 8 to 10 hours a week, mostly on Wednesday and Thursday. Please stop by to welcome her.

The Weathersfield Town Trivia Challenge was ultimately won by the Weathersfield Historical Society. It was a very excitement filled night! Congratulations to the Historical Society!

There is a new Book Drop located at the Downers Jiffy Mart at the intersection of Routes 131 and 106 in Perkinsville. Those that borrow books from the Weathersfield Proctor Library now have a place closer to drop off their books for return! Thank you so very much to June French, Manager of Downers Jiffy Mart, library patron Carol Peebles, and carpenter Les LeBrun for this great idea put into action!!

In farm news, piglets are here! Emma and I picked them up about 10 days ago. They were 8 weeks old. One is a reddish color with black spots, one is white with black spots and two are white with some dark coloring on their skin. They are gaining weight steadily as they are still being supplemented with some milk products, along with grain and vegetables and fruit. They are much more friendly than the last couple of years piglets have been. These little guys will come right up to you in their pen and snuffle you and want to see what everything is. One even likes to try untying Mikes boots. Fresh shavings in their pen cause them to twirl around and do little jumps and squeals. They are most amusing to watch and interact with! One of these nights I will have to figure out the movie part of my camera to post their antics.

There were chicks and baby ducks at Tractor Supply when I was over there last week. How adorable! As are the batches of kittens being born at the Lost My Way Animal Shelter in Claremont - Weathersfield Animal Control Officer Cathy Sullivan's house - which is also the Town Pound. If anyone is interested in kittens, they have a few born already with more on the way. Contact Cathy at 603-477-1229 if you are interested in adopting a kitten or have lost a dog in Weathersfield, VT.

For Weathersfield Residents: Are you aware of the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program in Town? It will reimburse you for (up to) the first $50. of the cost of spaying or neutering your dog or cat. You can go to whichever low cost program or vet you wish.  I have a pug puppy that is headed in next week for her spay at Lucy MacKenzie Humane Society with Dr. Sara White with SPAY ASAP. 

There is a form to fill out and you need to be a resident of Weathersfield, VT. A copy of the bill and proof of residency, along with the completed form is all you need for reimbursement.

The form is available online to print at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18NQQ1YzAfESuiBaVLy6Aqljos7atKriWHddmSA4EmOs/edit

If you would like a form or have any other questions, please email LynnEsty@comcast.net or call 802-263-9441. Save your pets from having unwanted litters.

As the old saying goes, 'April Showers bring May Flowers.' I just started planting the seeds for the peppers, summer squash and zucchini. They are enjoying the warm sunshine in the window where the air conditioner, hopefully, will soon need to be placed.

Bring on the sunshine, warm weather and mud season!