LATEST NEWS

WESTON, Vt. – On Saturday, July 13, Kinhaven Music School held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its concert hall. The nonprofit organization announced that it has raised $1 million toward its capital campaign, reaching an important milestone toward its $2 million goal. “This is an important step...

The town and village of Woodstock have scheduled special elections to see if there is support for a new short-term rental ordinance that went into effect this spring. Both the village and the town approved the new rules, which limit how many short-term rentals are allowed in Woodstock. But opponents...

The Manchester Music Festival opened earlier this month for its 50th season, and as part of the program this weekend will host a discussion on racial bias in the world of classical music.

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – For the third year, The Rotary Club of Springfield has implemented a Rotary Youth Weekend Food Distribution Program to help fight child hunger in Springfield. According to Springfield Rotary Club Past President Karen Longo, 54,000 students in Vermont participate in the school lunch program. During the...

PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. – A year after the catastrophic floods that devastated Vermont, many are still rebuilding. Residents of Cavendish and Proctorsville are among them. Stefan Beaumont and Wendy E. Reynolds of Red Vault Productions know firsthand what it is like to have to put their lives back together after they lost their home and business in last year’s flooding. As the anniversary approached, they planned to premiere the short film they created during the tumultuous past year.

Rutland officials are looking at reducing water and wastewater permit costs as a way to help spur new housing.

Mark Lee Fletcher CLAREMONT, NH –Mark Lee Fletcher, 66, died peacefully Saturday, July 13, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mark succumbed to complications from ALS that he courageously battled for ten years. He was a longtime resident of Claremont, NH. He was born November 7, 1957, the son of Dr. Lee O. Fletcher and Eleanor Ruth (Sawyer) Fletcher in Burlington, VT. Mark graduated from Stevens High School in 1976. Later he attended Southern NH University located in Manchester, NH, and graduated Magna cum laude in 1984 with a B.S. in Business Management. He worked for his father’s construction company, Falcon Builders, early in his career. Mark was an exceptional craftsman. He was renowned for his ability to transform wood into beautiful creations. Mark eventually returned to college. After graduation, he was employed by LaValley Bldg. Supply, New England Kitchen and Bath, Lowes, and Home Depot as a kitchen and floor designer, sales specialist in plumbing and home improvements, and appliance sales. Mark loved working with the public. On 06/06/1993, Mark married the love of his life, Susan M. Pepin, and celebrated with a beautiful reception at Indian Shutters. He truly loved his family. Mark and Susan went on to have three beautiful children: Serena, Alexander, and Gabrielle. They were the greatest happiness in his life. Survivors include His mother, Eleanor Sawyer Fletcher, Manchester, NH; Daughter, Serena A. Fletcher, Claremont, NH; Son, Alexander P. Fletcher (Olivia Estes Fletcher), Greenville, NC; and Daughter, Gabrielle A. Fletcher, Claremont, NH; Sister, Traci J. Billesimo, Claremont, NH; Sister, Tonya Fletcher Douglas( Michael E. Douglas), Manchester, NH; Sister Tammara Fletcher Hays (Holbrook Hays), Cortlandt, NY; and five nieces, three nephews, three great nieces and three great-nephews. He was predeceased by his Father, Dr. Lee O. Fletcher; Brother-in-Law, George A. Billesimo; Uncle, John B. Sawyer; Uncle, Ronald W. Lyman, Aunt Judith Sawyer Husband; Grandparents Harold P. and Evelyn Young Fletcher, and Dr. John E. and Ruth Barton Sawyer. The family had a small gathering of the immediate family for a Celebration of Life. There will be no funeral services. If anyone would like to donate in Memory of Mark Fletcher, please send it to: The ALS Association – Northern New England 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

Cynthia M. Bean Emery CLAREMONT, NH –Cynthia Mary Bean Emery 72, Union West Virginia passed away unexpectedly at her home surrounded by her family Saturday June 29th 2024. Cynthia was born October 21,1951 in Lebanon New Hampshire to Maurice H. Bean and Pauline N. LeBrun Bean. Cynthia spend her childhood growing up in Lebanon New Hampshire and attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School. She became the manager of Giant Store in 1968 where she met her husband Michael and married him in 1971 at Sacred Heart Church. Cynthia was also employed later at Door Woolen Mill and started there in 1982 where she worked for many years along with Homestead industries of Claremont New Hampshire. Cynthia enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life such as cross stitching, sewing, cooking and traveling around her favorite place you could find her was at the Ocean she loved Hampton Beach. She enjoyed and loved taking over 20 kids to amusement parks in the summer as a family outing each year. Her favorite time of year was Halloween you could always bet her house was Decked Out and always passed out the best candies and treats. Throughout her life she was a strong independent woman she raised many kids as she always believed "Every child should have a loving caring home and a family or just a place to feel safe" Cynthia was so much more than just a mother, friend, and wife. Anyone could go to her with anything she was an amazing unselfish, listener and a caring person who took so much of her own time to help, protect and guide anyone who needed it. You could always count on her famous "ROUND TABLE" conversations she never let anyone down and stood strong at all times. Her loving family she leaves behind is her husband Michael Emery SR of 53 years. One daughter Sara Bissell her husband Dr. Mark C. Bissell of Union, A son Michael E Emery the 2nd. Along with her grandchildren that meant the world to her Joshua Michael Anderson Jude, Emily Josephine Heino and her pride and joy great grandson Anderson Michael Watson. One brother Nelson Bean his wife Marie Bean of Enfield New Hampshire. She was sadly predeceased by one brother Walter Bean of Fall River Mass. And many many more adopted children along with several nieces, nephews & cousins. Calling hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH on Monday, August 12th from 5 to 7pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon, NH on Tuesday, August 13th at 10AM. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

The Rutland Youth Theatre family just keeps on growing. This week marks the first week of the organization’s final summer camp series of the season. The 10-day kindergarten through second grade “Create Your Own Play” and “Built for Broadway” camps began their third session on Monday.

Suzanne J. Fenson RUTLAND — Suzanne J. Fenson, 75, of Rutland died Thursday, July 25, 2024, at her sister’s home in Charlotte. She was born in Rutland on January 13, 1949, the daughter of Sidney and Helen (Skarzenski) Fenson. For many years Suzanne worked at Tampax and later Wal-Mart in Rutland. She was a member of Saint Peters Church for many years. She was a big fan of Elvis and Princess Diana. She enjoyed knitting, caring for her cats Garfield and Buttercup, and going shopping with her sister, brother, and nieces, but most of all, she enjoyed spending her time with her family. Survivors include a brother Eugene Fenson of Rutland; sisters Victoria (Allen) of Charlotte and Linda Piasecki of Essex Jct. and CO; nieces and nephews Stephanie (James)Towle, Tara (Jeff) Bucci, Amber (Kevin) Jackson, Jeremy (Jennifer) Roberts, Michael (Kim) Piasecki; great-nieces and nephews Jordan (Jared), Taylor, Ashely, Kevin, Kendra, Noah, Megan, Jed and Gino; and great-great nephews Calvin and Carter. She was predeceased by both her parents Sidney and Helen (Skarzenski) Fenson. Suzy was truly an angel and loved by everyone that knew her. We were very fortunate to have her in our lives and she will be greatly missed. The family is grateful to the Rutland and Chittenden County Hospice teams who cared for Suzy in her final months, especially her nurse Judy Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland Human Society in honor of Suzy’s love of animals. There will be no calling hours. A graveside burial service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Evergreen Cemetery Rutland, VT. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.

A massive art exhibit by The Getty Museum with more than 50 participating galleries all over Southern California is including work by an artist from Pittsford. “PST Art” coming in September features more than 800 artists in some 70 exhibitions, a landmark regional event. This year’s art and science theme covers topics from climate change to the future of Artificial Intelligence and alternative medicine.

Saundra M. Springer RUTLAND — Saundra M. Springer, 79, passed away at the home of her daughter on July 22, 2024, surrounded by family. Saundra was born in Rutland, VT to Lyman and Eva (Goodnough) Wood on January 4, 1945. Saundra worked various jobs throughout her life, Meals on Wheels, Summit Lodge and various nursing homes. Saundra and her husband Doug had a band years ago and played at dances, weddings, and were even on the radio and television. Saundra’s beautiful singing voice was matched by none. Saundra's greatest joy was spending memorable times and singing with her family and to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Douglas Springer; children Dixie (Ted) Sheloski of Ira, VT, Rusty (Pattie) Springer of Clarendon, VT, Tammy (Ron) Crossman of Tinmouth, VT, and Rex Springer of Rutland, VT; several grandchildren, T. J. and Andy Sheloski of Ira, VT and their Children Andrew and Emmalynn Sheloski, Craig (Sirena DePolo) Springer of Ira, VT, Adam (Jess) Springer and their children Rylee and Skylar of Rochester, VT, Josh Springer of Rutland, VT, Alison (Kyle) Eastman and their son Jackson of Rutland, VT, Jamie Perry and her son Dax Rydeski of Poultney, VT, David Crossman and his son Carter John of Middletown Springs, VT , Nik and Nikki Houghton and their son Xander of Wallingford, VT, Kyle Houghton and daughter Thalia of Clarendon, VT, and Brooke (Kyle) Harrington and sons Waylon and Denver of Wallingford, VT; brothers Larry and Clifford Wood of Florida; sisters Martha Hyjek, Janice McNamara, and Nancy Burney of Rutland, VT, and Phyliss (Joe) Pitts of Clarendon, VT; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by both parents and several brothers and sisters. Special thanks to the staff on 5th floor RRMC, Dr. Eissman and especially to Bayada Hospice Staff. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.

The stars are coming out at Arthur & Sons. “Real Housewives of New Jersey’s” Teresa Giudice and Jennifer Aydin dined July 19 on spicy rigatoni ala vodka, while “Bachelor In Paradise” stars Joe Amabile and his wife Serena Pitt sat at another table. Jennifer Lopez celebrated her 55th birthday with an outdoor lunch on their newly opened Amalfi Terrace for 20 of her closest friends including her two children Max and Emme, her sister Lynda and longtime manager Benny Medina.

Summer has brought such beautiful weather to us in the Ascutney Valley! It is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. The Brownsville Beautification Committee has painted the local canvas with flowers of bright colors to put our best foot forward. As I drive through town I see the local summer adventure camp walking from Albert Bridge playground up to Ascutney Outdoors, and it appears that enrollment was a great success!

RUTLAND, Vt. — A popular and long-running free concert series is returning to downtown Rutland. The Friday Night Live shows for 2024 kick off Friday, July 26 with Captain Mike and the Shipwrecked, a nine-piece Jimmy Buffett tribute band. There will also be food trucks and activities for families on Center Street and Merchants Row, including a free bouncy house for kids.

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The 19th annual Eileen Austin Neal Memorial Scholarship for Nursing of $1,000 was awarded to Taylor Claflin of Springfield, Vt., to attend the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. “I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. I have this passion for helping people,” says Taylor.

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) - This week’s Pets with Potential are a kitty, a bunch of puppies, and a gecko available for adoption at the Springfield Humane Society. Alfonso is a five-year-old male kitty who has made quite a remarkable recovery since arriving at the shelter. He came in very sick with calcivirus -- which caused a sore on his tongue -- making it too painful for him to eat. But after plenty of TLC, he’s now a healthy boy ready for his forever home. Staff say he’s people-friendly and gets along with other cats.

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Are you a local photographer who has dreamed of capturing the beauty of the night sky? Attend this three-hour, in-depth field workshop to learn how to photograph the Milky Way with local photographer Dorian Sanders, offered by Gallery at the VAULT. This course will cover the basic functions of a digital camera and optimal settings for amateur astrophotography.