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AUGUST 13, 2025 | WWW.VERMONTJOURNAL.COM VOLUME 25, ISSUE 33

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Activity PageActivity Page

Pages 9-10Pages 9-10

BY PAULA BENSON

The Vermont Journal

CHESTER, Vt. – “When

people think of Chester, I want

them to think of Mexican food,”

said Miguel Zacarias, owner of

Maria’s Mexican Food, located

in the Mountain Man Market-

place at 571 Route 103.

Just over three years since

opening the shop, Zacarias is

well on the way to achieving that

goal. As reports circulated of the

unassuming little taco shack

that stays open late and serves

delicious, authentic Mexican

food, a loyal fan base of repeat

customers continued to grow.

Both locals and out-of-state visi-

tors rave about the flavors and

authenticity of the dishes served

at Maria’s.

Maria’s Mexican has a five out

of five-star rating on Yelp, with

gushing reviews like this one

from Kyra M., of Boston: “All I

can say is WOW. On a long trip

from Boston to Vermont, Ma-

ria’s Mexican Food was truly a

hidden gem.”

Zacarias named the business

after the woman and chef be-

hind the recipes – his mother

Maria. Zacarias had always had

an idea he might start some type

of food service with his mother’s

traditional Mexican recipes for

tacos, burritos, and tortas.

Zacarias remarked, “Custom-

ers tell me they appreciate the

simple menu.”

Maria’s also serves sincroniza-

das, which are two flour tortillas

stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and

a choice of meat. “Sometimes we

call it a quesadilla 2.0,” Zacarias

laughed, “when people have a

hard time saying ‘sincronizada.’”

Oaxaca cheese has a texture

similar to mozzarella, so when

melted, it becomes gooey and

delicious.

There is no doubt that the

food is a main attraction of the

taco stop, but many customers

have praise for Zacarias’ tal-

ents as well. With his easygoing

personality and soft-spoken,

conversational nature, Zacar-

ias makes a great “front of the

house” manager.

Zacarias grew up in Chester.

He attended Green Mountain

Union High School, graduating

in 2012. After earning multiple

certifications as an auto techni-

cian from a Norwood, Mass.,

technical college, Zacarias

moved back to Chester in 2017

with his wife Melanie, a Boston

native, and their two daughters.

Zacarias landed a job with Du-

rand Ford in Westminster (now

Faith’s) doing mostly warranty

work.

In January 2022, Zacarias’

life took a sudden and horrific

turn when everything changed

in an instant. One morning, on

his way to work, Zacarias was

involved in a devastating car ac-

cident that led to a one-month

hospital stay, followed by four

weeks in a wheelchair, then four

weeks on crutches. After Zacar-

ias learned he would lose his job

and receive no compensation or

benefits during his recovery, he

realized he would need to make

a brand-new start.

Miraculously, Zacarias de-

fied the odds, and was out of

the hospital, able to attend his

daughter’s third birthday in Feb-

ruary of that year. His progress

was hard-earned. As he and

Melanie brainstormed on what

was next for them, Zacarias saw

the for-rent sign on Route 103 in

front of the marketplace. He was

still in the wheelchair when he

stopped one rainy afternoon to

see “Mountain Man Joe” and in-

quire about the available space.

Many of Chester’s residents

will remember Mountain Man

Joe Tourigny and his wife Con-

nie, who operated the market-

place for many years. Connie

would serve ice cream, and

Joe sold his silver jewelry

handcrafted from coins.

They ran a small concession

stand with burgers and hot-

dogs. Zacarias recalled riding

his bike across the railroad

tracks to the ice cream stand

for a soft serve cone. Touri-

gny is still there most days,

selling jewelry and manag-

ing the homemade mini-golf

course he constructed on the

property.

When Zacarias opened

Maria’s, Tourigny requested

that they continue to serve

Mountain Man’s famous

“Vermont’s best lobster rolls,”

a longstanding, beloved area

tradition. Tourigny passed

his recipe on to Zacarias, who

said he has met many travel-

ers who come to Chester ev-

ery summer looking forward

to their annual lobster roll.

When asked what his fa-

vorite item on the menu is,

Zacarias smiled, shook his

head, and said, “That’s prob-

ably the hardest question

people ask me.”

Now a father to three

daughters – Izabella, Gabri-

ela, and Gracelynn – Zacarias

feels a lot of gratitude for the

support he has received from

Tourigny and the commu-

nity as they have built their

family business.

The shop is open six days

per week, closed on Wednes-

days, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Zacarias takes orders online

at www.mariasmexicanfood-

vt.com, or by phone or text at

802-345-9241.

The real deal: Maria’s

Mexican Food

CORRECTION

During the 2024 Okemo Valley Women’s Club Tree

of Remembrance campaign, it was reported that all

donations to the cause are tax-deductible. The dona-

tions are not tax-deductible. The women’s club would

like to apologize for the error.

A serving of tacos from Maria’s Mexican Food.

PHOTO BY PAULA BENSON

BY NICK GIBERTI

The Vermont Journal

LUDLOW, Vt. – The Lud-

low Village Trustees held

a public hearing on their

proposed food truck ordi-

nance on Tuesday, Aug. 5. A

number of Ludlow residents

came out to voice their sup-

port for or opposition to the

ordinance. Ludlow currently

has a food truck ordinance in

place, though it has not been

updated or changed since

its enactment in 2008. The

newly proposed ordinance

would have imposed a $100

per day fee on food trucks in

the Village of Ludlow, as well

as a 30-day limit per year, ef-

fectively limiting food trucks

in the village to special events

or short stays.

Planning Commission

Chair Terry Carter told those

present that the impetus for the

updated ordinance was to pro-

tect Ludlow’s brick-and-mortar

stores, some of which claim to

have seen increased competition

and decreased business stem-

ming from food trucks. Lauren

Nazzaro is the owner of one

such business, Tacos Tacos, and

said she supports the ordinance

as written due to her perception

that her establishment has been

negatively affected by a food

truck parked nearby, at the Su-

noco station in Ludlow, which

serves a similar cuisine.

Conversely, New England

Cider Donuts owner David

Bennett – on whose property

a food truck frequently oper-

ates – voiced his opposition to

the ordinance, calling it “over-

reach.” Bennett pointed out that

his business is often affected by

the Ludlow Farmers Market,

which operates every Sunday

during the warmer months, and

wondered why that would be

allowed, but food trucks would

not.

Ludlow Sunoco manager JD

Larosiliere also voiced his oppo-

sition to the ordinance, explain-

ing that the food truck at the Su-

noco station came about because

“we needed somewhere…for

locals, travelers, and other who

come through Ludlow to have a

decent meal that’s affordable, and

that’s quick.” Larosiliere stated

that he had put out a petition op-

posing the proposed ordinance

called “Save Our Food Trucks,”

which had garnered more than

500 signatures in three weeks.

Expressing his belief that the se-

lectboard was attempting to un-

fairly manipulate competition in

Ludlow in favor of certain kinds

of businesses, Larosiliere asked

Ludlow hearing on food

truck ordinance

Plymouth

sets tax rate

PLYMOUTH, Vt. –

On July 22, the Town

of Plymouth met and

set their town and state

education tax rates,

combined, at $0.6480

per $100 of assessed

property value.

BY SHAWNTAE WEBB

The Vermont Journal

LONDONDERRY, Vt. –

At the Aug. 4 Londonderry

Selectboard meeting, town

administrator Aileen Tull-

och announced that the

grant funding came through

for Windy Rise culvert and

Barker Road culvert. Tulloch

also reported she is looking to

submit Phase 2 of the waste-

water project, and planned to

request the consideration of

a provisional priority, which

may bump the project up for

more funding.

The board later discussed

the Rest Haven Road turn-

around options. Tulloch

said the town’s attorney was in

approval of either option, but

leaned more towards an official

town-owned turnaround. This

process would include a site

visit, a hearing, publishing their

findings of fact, and the board

would order the layout of the

turnaround as part of the town

highway. The board tended to

agree that the informal option,

to request an easement from the

property owners to use a small

portion of the one parcel for a

turnaround, would be sufficient.

“It’s a simple request,” board

member Taylor Prouty offered.

Board member Martha Dale

then requested the start of a

conversation among the board

and the state about implement-

ing sidewalks on Route 100 and

Route 11. Dale suggested that it

was time to talk about keeping

the community safe and acces-

sible. “We don’t want to have an

accident,” she stated, and added,

“I want an accessible commu-

n i t y.”

Tulloch said she could con-

nect with VTrans, noting they

do “great work...but they are

glacially slow.” The board agreed

to look to other towns, such as

Chester and Brattleboro, at how

Londonderry wastewater

project funding and timelines

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of the state general fund grant

money, or $2,019,585, from the

North Village to the South Vil-

lage, and have that same amount

be moved from the South Vil-

lage ARPA grant funds to the

North Village funds. This pro-

posal would alleviate the stress

of completing the majority of

the South Village project before

the end of August 2026. Bachler

warned, this would also mean

the town would have to spend

a minimum of $2,019,585 on

the North Village project be-

fore Aug. 31, 2026. Referring

to Chrissy Haskins at Dufrense

Group, and their current proj-

ect timelines, Bachler reported,

“There should not be an issue

with both projects billing out the

full ARPA grant amounts by the

August 2026 deadline.”

Bachler further stated in his

email, “The selectboard should

also be aware that if this real-

location happens, it’s likely

construction on both systems

would extend into 2027 and that

the systems would not begin op-

erating until 2027.”

The board agreed the best way

to proceed is to write a request

to the commission of environ-

mental conservation, request-

ing that their state general funds

and ARPA grant funds be real-

located between the North and

South Villages, in order to ease

schedule restraints.

Anand Fedele from the Wind-

ham Regional Commission then

spoke about the MERP project

grant and management for the

town hall, stating that simi-

lar to the wastewater project,

“There is a tight timeframe that

a significant amount of project

work is to be done.” He said they

would massage the numbers for

the budget the best they could.

Tulloch added that the reason

the funding is so “squishy” is

because the grant didn’t become

effective until Dec. 1, 2024. The

lighting, solar arrays, and other

project components weren’t eli-

gible at the time Shane O’Keefe

started the grant process, be-

cause it was outside of the scope

of the original grant guidelines.

There’s a possibility that there

is more money available for the

renovation project.

The Londonderry Select-

board meets the first and third

Monday, at 6 p.m.

they are addressing their

sidewalk concerns, to ulti-

mately generate options for

Londonderry.

Tulloch then outlined the

village wastewater fund-

ing deadlines, and the need

to make some adjustments,

stating that the ARPA grant

money needs to be expended

by Aug. 31, 2026. She reported,

“The project will have gone out

to bid, and probably will be in

the construction phase at that

point, but that’s a really tight

deadline.” She added the state

general fund grant deadline is

Dec. 31, 2027.

The workaround, proposed in

an email from Matthew Bachler

from Windham Regional Com-

mission, is to reallocate 50%

WASTE

From Page 1

the board, “Competition is the

bedrock of our American sys-

tem, isn’t it?”

Ludlow resident Dylan

Chambers also spoke, point-

ing out that there are several

pizza places in Ludlow, as well

as several brick-and-mortar

Mexican restaurants, none of

which are being told they can-

not operate due to the presence

of another, similar restaurant

nearby. Several residents also

felt that Ludlow’s lack of viable

brick-and-mortar lunch options

made food trucks an appealing

alternative due to the few open

restaurants that serve lunch

having long waits, for which

working people often do not

have time.

During their regular meet-

ing, the trustees discussed the

feedback they received, not-

ing that the general consen-

sus among residents seemed

to be against such strict

limitations on food trucks.

The trustees directed Carter

to revise the ordinance with

a much lower fee structure,

and to allow for longer stays,

at which point another public

hearing will be held.

FOOD

From Page 1

Matilda’s anniversary

CHESTER, Vt. – Matilda and Three Bears held a ribbon

cutting ceremony recently, celebrating their one year an-

niversary.

PHOTO PROVIDED

LUDLOW, Vt. – It’s that time

of year, when the ducks are pre-

paring for the race down the

Black River, in the Ralph D. Ho-

gancamp Memorial Duck Race,

to help a local group, on Aug.

16, at 12 p.m. This year, the race

proceeds will go to Mount Holly

Fire Department.

Head Duck Sharon Bixby

indicated that this year’s race

ing season. But it’s still a rocky

river to travel, so anything may

happen!”

The ducks will be dropped

into the Black River at the De-

pot Street Bridge, anxious to

hit the water and prove their

championship status. The first

three ducks reaching the Walker

Bridge will be rewarding their

sponsors with cash prizes of

$200, $100, and $75. Keeping

with tradition, the last spon-

sored duck to make it across the

finish line will earn $25 for its

sponsor, just for trying.

Naturally, to be one of the

winners, sponsors need to rent

their ducks by purchasing raffle

tickets. Tickets are available in

numerous “sizes,” so that people

may be part of this major event,

including a single ticket, a quack

pack of five, or a corporate duck.

Tickets for this race are available

at Benson’s Chevrolet, Cota &

Cota, M&T Bank, and Ludlow

Insurance, and any Ludlow ro-

tarian. They are also available

online at www.ludlowrotary.

com.

Contact Bixby at 802-345-

9909 with any questions.

26th annual LRC duck race

LUDLOW, Vt. – The

month of August is known

as Membership Month for

Rotary International (RI).

In this vein, the Ludlow Ro-

tary Club (LRC) is remind-

ing its members of the value

and responsibilities of Ro-

tary membership.

The Ludlow Rotary is a

small club working with

big projects to help local,

regional, and international

groups and organizations.

The club has been involved

in numerous projects to aid

those needing assistance. Some

examples are: raising funds for

flood recovery in the Ludlow

area, giving over $275,000 to

students for college, providing

books to elementary school

students, helping Australia

during a disaster by purchasing

an ambulance, giving dona-

tions to students in Ukraine,

supporting an orphanage in

Africa, annually giving funds

to local nonprofit groups, and

RI’s worldwide efforts to re-

move polio and provide clean

water.

Ludlow Rotary President

Kevin Barnes cited the vital

roles members play in the ex-

change of ideas, deciding on

projects to implement, work-

ing with their local commu-

nity, and reacting to local and

international disasters.

Those interested in attend-

ing a Ludlow Rotary Club

meeting to check it out may do

so by contacting Barnes at 802-

321-8720, or any rotarian. All

are welcome to our weekly lun-

cheon meeting, held on Tues-

days, at DJ’s Restaurant.

Rotary membership month

should be very demanding.

“We believe the ducks have

a special motivation to be

the first to cross the line at

Walker Bridge now that the

Covid epidemic is past and

they’ve survived duck hunt-

August 13, 2025 | 3The Vermont Journal

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Hours: Monday-Friday,

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Dear Village of Ludlow Trust-

ees,

My wife Ann and I are plan-

ning to have a food truck here

in the village. We are concerned

about your new proposed food

truck ordinance. Namely the

permit fees. Currently the per-

mit fee for a food truck is $250

for 150 days, which is in concert

with surrounding towns that

have food trucks, e.g. Rutland,

$100 for 90 days; Manches-

ter, $800 for a whole year; and

Springfield, which does not have

a permit fee for food trucks.

On page 4 of your proposed

new ordinance, you have a rate

of $100 per day, which makes

the 150 days come to $15,000,

yes fifteen thousand. I guess we

won’t be having a food truck in

Ludlow – no vendor can afford

these kinds of fees. It is obvious

that your plan is to ban food

trucks from the village.

The people who get hurt the

most by not having food trucks

here are the workers, the men

and women who need to get a

meal on the fly any time of the

day, and remember too, drive-

through restaurants are not al-

lowed in Ludlow. With food

trucks, families can take their

kids out and be together

without breaking the bank.

I ask you this, how does

this ordinance help the citi-

zens of the village? Your job

is not to take care of a select

few, but to make it better for

all the people of the Village of

Ludlow. Banning food trucks

is not helping the people of

the village.

I think we know what the

residents of the village think

about food trucks. JD Laro-

siliere who manages Ludlow

Sunoco presented a petition

to your board on the night of

the new food truck ordinance

hearing, titled Save our Food

Trucks, with over 500 Lud-

low names asking your board

to reject this newly proposed

food truck ordinance.

Leave the present ordi-

nance alone. It’s fine.

Sincerely,

George Dunnett

Ludlow, Vt.

ALSTEAD, N.H. – The

Cheshire County Conservation

District (CCCD), in partner-

ship with Distant Hill Gardens,

UNH Cooperative Extension,

Antioch University New Eng-

land, Long View Forest, and

the USDA Natural Resource

Conservation Service (NRCS),

is excited to announce a forest

stewardship summer work-

shop. The Managing your

Backyard Woodlot workshop

will be hosted on Wednesday,

Aug. 20, from 3-5 p.m., at 24

Valley Road, Alstead, N.H.

This workshop is tailored for

individuals with small wood-

lots who want to learn how to

safely fell trees and remove logs

from their woods using small

equipment. A large percentage

of woodlot owners want to be

more active in collecting logs

or firewood from their proper-

ties, but are unsure how to do

it. This workshop will address

small-scale, low-impact wood-

land management.

We will cover the follow-

ing topics: a demonstration of

chainsaw techniques to safely

fell, limb, and buck logs to

length; hands-on use of a log-

ging arch to move logs out of

the woods for processing, using

a small tractor, ATV, or pickup

truck; other options for low-

impact logging, such as the

use of a small forwarder;

and discussion of financial

aid and equipment rental

programs available to land-

owners.

Registration is free and

required, at www.cheshire-

conservation.org/events.

Donations to the sponsoring

organizations are welcomed

and encouraged.

For additional informa-

tion, questions, or for assis-

tance in registration, con-

tact Nina Halsted at nina@

cheshireconservation.org or

802-400-3660.

Woodlot workshop

tique dealer, and good friend.

His collection will be offered

at public auction, held under

tents in true country fashion,

filled with fond memories and

lively stories.

Join us for a memorable

day, featuring interesting lo-

cal antiques, spirited bidding,

complimentary lunch, and the

chance to celebrate Ron’s leg-

acy and the good old days we

shared with him.

Featuring items with Ver-

Pieces of Ron’s collection will be auctioned on Aug. 20.

PHOTO PROVIDED

4 | August 13, 2025 The Vermont Journal

health news

is now open in

Springfield

www.KinneyDrugs.com

LONDONDERRY, Vt. –

Neighborhood Connec-

tions in Londonderry will

be holding a healthy cook-

ing demonstration on Tues-

day, Aug. 19, at 12 p.m.

Join us for a fun and

informative afternoon of

healthy cooking. Award-

winning chef Dave Groene-

wold, veteran instructor at

River Valley Technical Center,

will demonstrate the health

preparation of local, seasonal

flavors and perennial favorite

foods. Just small changes in

cooking styles and ingredients

can turn your favorite – or

soon to-be-favorite – meals

into health fuel for your body.

Groenewold was the National

Restaurant Association’s 2022

Educator of Excellence award

recipient from Vermont.

Neighborhood Connections

is located at 5700 Route 100,

in the Marketplace, in Lon-

donderry, Vt. For questions

and more information, and to

reserve a seat, please contact

Suzanne Burge at 802-824-

4343.

“Will More Screening Tests

Really Make You More Healthy?”

LONDONDERRY, Vt. –

Neighborhood Connec-

tions Inc., located in Lon-

donderry, Vt., is pleased to

announce a talk by Dr. H.

Gilbert Welch, of Brigham

& Women’s Hospital, on

Friday, Aug. 15, from 11

a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Meet-

ing Place, 5700 Route 100,

Londonderry. A light lunch

will be available.

His talk is titled “Will

More Screening Tests Really

Make you more Healthy?”

Dr. Welch believes medicine

has overinvested in screen-

ing – particularly cancer

screening – to the detri-

ment of human health. He

will explore why screening

doesn’t work that well and has

so little effect, if any, on your

longevity. Yet it does produce

real harms: false alarms, cycles

of more testing, and overdi-

agnosis – finding and treating

abnormalities that were never

going to bother you. Much of

his work has focused on over-

diagnosis in cancer screen-

ing – in particular, screening

for melanoma, thyroid, lung,

breast, and prostate cancer.

Welch is a general internist

who has worked for the U.S.

Indian Health Service, the

Department of Veterans Af-

fairs, and Dartmouth Medical

School. For over three decades,

he has been asking hard ques-

tions about his profession.

His arguments are frequently

counterintuitive, even he-

retical, yet have regularly ap-

peared in the country’s most

prestigious medical journals –

Annals of Internal Medicine,

Journal of the American Medi-

cal Association, the New Eng-

land Journal of Medicine, and

the Journal of the National

Cancer Institute – as well as

in op-eds in the Los Ange-

les Times and the New York

Times. His most recent book is

“Less Medicine, More Health:

7 Assumptions that Drive Too

Much Medical Care.”

For questions and more

information, and to reserve a

seat, please contact Suzanne

Burge at 802-824-4343.

Healthy cooking demonstration

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – North

Star Health invites the com-

munity to a free community

health and fun fair on Satur-

day, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. – 1

p.m., at The Great Hall, 100

River Street, in Springfield, Vt.

This fun, family-friendly

event is open to all ages, and

will feature a wide range of

health and wellness activities,

including free massages, back-

pack and tote bag giveaways,

free health screenings, com-

munity resource tables, well-

ness activities, kids’ activities

and games, touch-a-truck, and

food for purchase from JC’s

Market & Deli.

“Our mission is to con-

nect with and care for our

community so everyone can

enjoy health and wellness,”

said CEO Joshua Dufresne.

“At a time when so much

about health care feels un-

certain, this is a chance

reinforce our mission and

come together to remind

each other what it really

means to be in community

and to care for one another.”

The community health

fair is made possible thanks

to the generous support

of our sponsors, includ-

ing Healthcare Hero: Vyt-

lone, Community Builder:

The Edgar May Health and

Recreation Center, and

Community Collaborators:

AthenaHealth and United-

Healthcare.

For more information,

visit www.northstarfqhc.

org/healthfair.

North Star Health free

community health fair

GET YOUR

LOCAL NEWS

WITH US!

vermontjournal.com

David O. Durling, 1929-2025 Charles E. LaVoie, 1946-2025

Charles E. Mowrey, 1939-2025

August 13, 2025 | 5The Vermont Journal

obituaries

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NORTH WALPOLE, N.H. –

It’s all over but the shouting for

the legendary David Ormond

Durling, who passed away in

his sleep on Monday, July 28,

at the age of 96.

Born May 26, 1929, in Lang-

don, N.H., home to 267 people

at the time, David went on

to travel the country and the

world as a truck driver, Air

Force loadmaster, and ski bum.

His childhood home had

neither electricity nor indoor

plumbing, and he remem-

bered a large tree pinwheeling

across their yard during the

Hurricane of ’38. He went to

elementary school in a one-

room schoolhouse. This up-

bringing probably led to this

frequent admonishment to his

kids when they’d whine about

something: “Tougher where

there’s none.”

He started skiing as a boy,

taught by his best friend James

B. Porter, who later passed

away in World War II, a loss

that still caused him to get

choked up decades later. To-

gether they hiked up the fields

and hills around Langdon and

skied down with bear trap

bindings holding their leather

boots onto their wooden skis.

After graduating from Vi-

las High School, in Alstead,

N.H., he enlisted in the Army

Air Force in June 1947, and

was stationed first in the Phil-

ippines, and then in South

Korea, where he was a truck

driver during the Korean War.

Upon returning stateside, he

was stationed in Washington,

D.C., when he was set up on a

blind date with a stunning CIA

secretary of Italian descent

named Antoinette Pugliese.

They married in 1953 and re-

mained so until her passing in

2012.

Opposites in many ways –

she had to tone the flavors in

her cooking way down for

the New Hampshire farm boy

raised on bland porridge –

they were ultimately united

by great senses of humor. No

argument was so serious that it

couldn’t be defused by a laugh.

Well, except for that time early

on when she hucked a frying

pan at his head – but we’re sure

he deserved it.

After briefly living in Al-

stead, N.H., they decided on

a whim to move to Portland,

Ore., with their friends the

Holmes, but once they had

their first child Cynthia in

1955, they moved back to the

Northeast to be closer to the

support of Antoinette’s family,

eventually settling in Highland

Park, N.J.

Later on, in 1970, they

moved up to North Walpole,

N.H., where they both lived

the rest of their lives.

He forged a career as a

truck driver, working at sev-

eral trucking companies in the

Northeast, and due to his de-

cades of truck driving, he was

a human GPS. If you needed

to travel six states over, Da-

vid would ask what time you

were leaving and then proceed

to tell you the best way to get

there and which NYC bridges

to avoid. He started driving

tractor trailers long before

power steering, and of course

could easily back up a trailer

using just his mirrors; none

of this backup camera crap for

him.

He also transitioned into the

Air Force Reserve – he became

a loadmaster on C-121 and

C-141 cargo planes, which en-

abled him to travel the world

once a month, heading to lo-

cations both desirable – sev-

eral European countries, and

somewhat less so – Thule,

Greenland. He also flew on

several missions in support of

the Vietnam War – supplies

going there, casualties coming

home – and the Yom Kippur

War. He eventually retired as a

senior master sergeant.

Once retired from truck

driving, he kept his hand in the

biz, both by going on cross-

country trucking trips with

BDR and restoring antique

trucks, including two Brock-

ways and a Mack. At the many

antique truck shows where he

displayed his vehicles, he was

fully in his element, surround-

ed by his people.

But his true love was always

skiing. When living in New

Jersey, he was reintroduced to

it by his brother-in-law An-

thony Pugliese, who was also a

great tennis buddy. “How you

hittin’ ‘em, Ace?” was a com-

mon greeting between the two.

Together they skied the Pocon-

os, which is some sort of tiny

mountain range down there.

He started ski instructing

at Okemo in his 50s, and once

he retired from truck driving,

he became a full-time ski in-

structor, always imploring his

students to “stand tall, look

cool!” He continued instruct-

ing until he was 90, and prob-

ably could’ve eked out another

year or two, if it hadn’t been for

Covid restrictions mandating

that everyone put on their gear

in the parking lot. If you can’t

chitchat in the lodge, what’s the

use?

When David was 61, he

snapped his femur ski instruct-

ing when his student rammed

into him. A large titanium rod

was inserted to stabilize the

bone, and at that point, most

people would’ve thrown in the

towel on skiing. David skied

another 30 years.

When David was 71, the

Keene Sentinel featured him

in an profile titled “Smooth-

skiing senior.” The main gist of

the piece was, “Hey, look at this

old-guy instructor!” He skied

another 20 years after that. Not

many people get to ski with

their great-grandchildren, but

David sure did.

And he played tennis un-

til he was 90 or so, eventually

stopping because of a shoul-

der injury, no doubt a result of

his service motion, which was

not so much a “motion” as a

“spasm” as he rifled line-drive

serves an inch over the net.

After Antoinette passed,

David lived in his own house

in North Walpole for 13 more

years, and during that time he

was forced, for the first time in

his life, to learn how to cook

for himself, and soon had a

vast repertoire ranging from

bowl of cereal to peanut but-

ter and jelly sandwich, with the

occasional let’s go out to eat

thrown in here and there.

What was he like? Well, he

was very competitive, whether

he was trash-talking you on

the tennis courts, “Can’t stand

prosperity!” when you’d screw

up after a good play, or cack-

ling while annihilating his

children in Monopoly. There

are rumors that his children

inherited that competitiveness.

No one was a better story-

teller, and his joke telling was

superb. A voracious reader, he

could talk with anyone, and

he enjoyed ski instructing as

much for the wide range of

people he got to meet as for the

actual teaching.

We will miss him dearly. If

you get a chance, put on his

favorite song, Willie Nelson’s

“On The Road Again,” and tell

a great, funny story to your

friends in his honor. And for

the love of Christ, don’t inter-

rupt them when they’re telling

you a good story!

David is predeceased by

his wonderful wife Antoinette

Frances Durling (nee Pug-

liese), as well as his sister Jean

Barreras (nee Durling). He is

survived by his two daughters

Cynthia Jean (Michael) Hayes,

of Drewsville, N.H., and Bar-

bara Ann (Ralph) Durling-

Colby, of Boothbay Harbor,

Maine; and his three sons Da-

vid Anthony (Barbara) Durl-

ing, of Kittery, Maine, William

Austin Durling, of Haverhill,

Mass., and Robert Christo-

pher (Delila Katz) Durling, of

Holliston, Mass.; as well as 13

grandchildren and six great-

grandchildren.

There are no calling hours.

There will be a graveside ser-

vice Saturday, Aug. 23, at 11

a.m., at the Langdon Lower

Cemetery, with a gathering

afterwards at Langdon Town

Hall. Fenton & Hennessey are

in charge of the arrangements.

In David’s memory, dona-

tions in check form can be sent

to Langdon Heritage Com-

mission, 122 New Hampshire

Route 12A, Unit #1, Langdon,

NH 03602.

Bonus: Classic David Durl-

ing sayings. When starting a

household project, he’d often

use his father’s old saying:

“First thing you gotta do is get

you’re a** behind ya.” When

you complained about the

cold: “Ah, what are you gonna

do when winter comes?” When

you dithered: “Do something,

right or wrong!” Having a few

drinks? “Gettin’ in the sauce!”

When he’d pretend to be lost

on the back roads of New

Hampshire: “The bad news is,

we’re lost. The good news is,

we’re making good time.”

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Charles

Edward “Eddie” LaVoie passed

away on Aug. 2, 2025. He was

born in Springfield, Vt., on

April 23, 1946, to his parents

Camille Charles LaVoie and Ida

Kamel LaVoie. Eddie graduated

from Springfield High School

in 1964, and then in 1965

earned his certification through

the co-op course as a machinist

from Fellows Gear Shaper.

He continued to work at Fel-

lows Gear Shaper and then he

went to Vermont Research,

Dufresne and Henry, and Jones

& Lamson plant and techni-

cal center. This job sent him to

different manufacturing plants

to teach the C&N machines.

Of all his work experiences, he

enjoyed this the most. He then

went on the road as an electri-

cal and mechanical draftsman.

Eddie was a member of the

Army National Guard, sta-

tioned in Springfield, Vt., as an

engineer for six years. He was a

proud volunteer fireman at the

West Weathersfield Fire De-

partment.

Eddie married Joyce Gid-

dings June 20, 1970. Together

they had three children Doreen

“Dodi” Andrews, of Spring-

field, Vt., Tammy Rice, of

Weathersfield, Vt., and Scott

LaVoie, of Springfield, Vt. They

have six grandchildren and five

great-grandchildren. He has

one sister Bev, from Florida,

and one brother James, from

Arizona.

Eddie’s life was very full; he

loved nothing more than pro-

viding for his family. His best

memories were of going camp-

ing at Lake Champlain, and go-

ing to York Beach and Old Or-

chard Beach in Maine with his

parents and kids. Eddie loved

spending time with his grand-

kids and great-grandkids. He

enjoyed going to girls’ basket-

ball games with his cousin Jon

LaVoie.

If you knew Eddie, you knew

that he gave his opinion even if

you didn’t ask for it.

The family of Eddie will be

hosting a Celebration of Life

on Aug. 17, from 1-4 p.m., at

his home in Weathersfield, Vt.

Please come and say hi, and

maybe tell a story you might

remember.

In lieu of flowers, and if you

would like to donate some-

thing, please give to the Vis-

iting Nurse and Hospice for

Vermont and New Hampshire,

88 Prospect Street, White River

Junction, VT 05001. Thank

you.

Charles LaVoie, 1946-2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED

LUDLOW, Vt. – It is with

great sadness that we announce

that Charles E. Mowrey Jr., 85,

of Ludlow, Vt., passed away on

Aug. 3, at the Gill Odd Fellows

Home, after a long battle with

Alzheimer’s. Charlie passed

just one month after his wife

of 36 years Jane (Pollard)

Mowrey, who we lost on July

3, 2025. Charlie was born on

Oct. 16, 1939, in North Kings-

town, R.I., to Charles E. Mow-

rey Sr. and Bessie V. (Mitchell)

Mowrey. He is survived by his

daughter Christine D. Hrotic,

son-in-law Steven M. Hrotic,

grandson Dmitri M. Hrotic,

and his first wife and still close

friend Diane C. Gardiner. He

is predeceased by his parents,

his wife Jane, and his brother

Walter L. Mowrey.

Charlie grew up in North

Kingstown, R.I., where he

started working in the heating/

oil burner business right after

graduating from high school.

He got married, cobuilt his

own house, and had his daugh-

ter before moving to Ludlow,

Vt., in 1977. Once there, he

began working at Johnson &

Dix as a service technician,

spending several decades with

the company before retiring.

After retiring, Charlie worked

briefly at Okemo Mountain,

then as a van driver trans-

porting patients for the Lud-

low Health Center. The thing

Charlie enjoyed most about

his jobs was the deep and

lasting connections he made

with people. Charlie married

Jane in 1989, and they spent

many happy years in their log

cabin in the woods, a place

that was extremely special to

him. Charlie was a true New

Englander, a self-described

“Swamp Yankee,” and he loved

both Vermont and his native

Rhode Island.

Charlie loved talking to

people almost as much as he

enjoyed helping them. He was

always ready to help someone

in need, and he always had a

story to tell. He was very gen-

erous, giving homemade gifts

to his family and friends, be

it maple syrup he boiled him-

self, smoked trout he caught,

or flowers, blueberries, and

vegetables he grew. Charlie en-

joyed bird and wildlife watch-

ing, astronomy, photography,

gardening, being outdoors

with his dogs, and tinkering

in his garage. He was an avid

fly fisherman, and especially

enjoyed his many trips with

Jane to British Columbia, trout

fishing with Jane’s sister and

brother-in-law Sally and Al-

bie LaBounty. Charlie had a

big personality and a wonder-

ful sense of humor; he liked a

good joke and making others

laugh, and enjoyed watching

classic comedies. He loved

music too, from the early rock

‘n’ roll of his youth, to classic

R&B, to country music. Willie

Nelson was a particular favor-

ite artist.

Charlie always worked hard

and did his best no matter

what, and he was helpful and

supportive to anyone he met.

He was a devoted husband, a

loving father and grandfather,

and a loyal friend. There is a

big hole in all of our lives now

that he is gone. Charlie will

be dearly missed and always

loved.

A private service was held

at Davis Memorial Chapel in

Springfield, Vt. Charlie will

be buried, together with his

wife Jane and his brother Walt,

at the Quidnessett Memo-

rial Cemetery in North Kings-

town, R.I., at a later date. Do-

nations in Charlie’s name can

be made to the Alzheimer’s

Association or the Springfield

Humane Society.

Charles Mowrey, 1939-2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED

6 | August 13, 2025 The Vermont Journal

obituaries LEGAL NOTICES

Ron Patch

Celebration of Life

Leilani Rabtoy, 2025 Laurence T. Schwanda, 1947-2025

Deborah Wright, 1954-2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

e Chester Ambulance Service has identied the need for

a Paramedic Ambulance Service to operate in Chester and

Andover and is applying for a licensure by the Vermont

Department of Health. is service proposes to begin

operation on (September 1st, 2025) within the geographic

boundaries of Chester/Andover area. In accordance with

24 V.S.A. Emergency Medical Services Statute, public

comments are invited to be received by the department by

(August 15, 2025).

Address comments to:

Chief Scott Richardson

Chester Fire Department

PO Box 370

Chester, VT 05143-0370

Or:

Vermont Department of Health Oce of Public

Health Preparedness and EMS

PO Box 70

Burlington, VT 05402-0070

Chester Public Safety

Full-time Fireghter/Paramedic

Chester Public Safety is excited to announce a new full-time

Fireghter AEMT/Paramedic position. e ideal candidate

will be a Fireghter/Paramedic. e minimum qualications

are a Fireghter/AEMT. e candidate would have the

ability to achieve their Paramedic License within two years.

Candidates will also have a strong passion for community-

oriented health care.

Candidate should possess the following knowledge and skills:

1. Possess a valid Vermont AEMT/Paramedic license.

2. Possess a current Pro-Board Fireghter I/II

3. Possess a Highschool diploma or GED.

4. Ability to pass a background check.

5. US Citizen, 18 Years of age or older.

6. Ability to li 50 pounds.

7. Possess a valid VT driver’s license

Pay range $28.00 - $35.00 per hour, Four 10 hour shis per

week

Excellent Benet package, including health insurance,

VMERS Plan D

Opportunities to grow and expand. More cross-training with

other departments is encouraged.

Inquire by sending your resume with a Town of Chester

Application to:

Town of Chester, VT

PO Box 370

Chester, VT 05143

Emailed: michael.randzio@chestervt.gov

Town and Village of Ludlow

Public Hearing Notice

Proposed Plan of Merger of the Town and Village of Ludlow, Vermont

Wednesday September 17th, 2025, at 6:00pm (Town of Ludlow)

ursday September 18th, 2025, at 6:00pm (Village of Ludlow)

Hybrid Meetings - Heald Auditorium/Zoom

Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §1484, notice is hereby given of a public hearing by e Town of

Ludlow’s Board of Selectman and Village Trustees to hear comments regarding a proposed

plan of merger of the Town and Village of Ludlow, Vermont. Approval of the plan will result

in charter changes in both the Town and Village.

e public hearings will take place on Wednesday September 17th for the Town of Ludlow

and ursday September 18th for the Village of Ludlow. Meetings will begin at 6pm. You may

attend the Public Hearings in-person at the following address:

Ludlow Town Hall

37 Depot Street

Ludlow, Vermont 05149

or virtually on Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/93976275682?pwd=a0tjNoOWu6GC8sDNJ3oBoM9gVn0Nt4.1

Purpose of the Hearings: e purpose of each hearing is to take public comment regarding

the proposed plan of merger of the Town and Village of Ludlow. Written comments may also

be submitted via email to Brendan McNamara, Ludlow’s Town Manager at bmcnamara@

ludlow.vt.us

Summary of the Plan of Merger for the Town and Village of Ludlow and Charter Changes:

e Plan of Merger (“Plan”) proposes that the Village of Ludlow merge into the Town of

Ludlow, with the Town of Ludlow as the sole surviving municipal corporation. It establishes

the name of the Town (Ludlow) and declares that all the former Village property, including

that associated with the Electric Light Department and Sewer Plant, are transferred to the

Town. e Town will assume all the former Village’s debts and will perform all the former

Village’s duties and obligations owed to third parties. e Plan repeals the charters of both the

Village and the Town and replaces them with the substance of the Plan as the charter for the

Town. e Plan names the ocers of the Town and their manner of election or appointment,

the form of governance, the powers of the Selectboard, the establishment and organization

of the Water and Sewer Board, the governance and operation of the Electric Department

and authority of its Board, transitional provisions, and other matters related to the proposed

merger and legal operation of the Town thereaer.

Material Available: e proposed plan of merger and resulting charter changes, and

supporting documentation are available online at https://www.ludlow.vt.us. An ocial copy

of the plan of merger and charter changes is on le for public inspection in the Town Clerk’s

Oce in the Ludlow Town Hall located at 37 Depot Street, Ludlow, VT 05149. Copies thereof

will be made available to members of the public upon request.

NEWPORT, N.H. – Leilani

Rabtoy passed away peacefully

in her sleep on Aug. 6, 2025,

with her daughter Carol by her

side, as she went home to heav-

en with the angels. Daughter of

late Francis E. Rabtoy and Jac-

queline (King).

She is predeceased by two

sisters Serena Bourque and

Naomi Barrows. Survived by

five children Dennis Swan Jr.

and wife Vicki, of North Port,

Fla.; Francis Swan and wife

Charity, of Mount Holly, Vt.;

Carol Moore, of Claremont,

N.H.; Conrad Moore II and

wife Debbie, of Springfield, Vt.;

and Jolene Jennings, of New

London, N.H. Grandchildren

Rodney Swan, Jenna John-

son, Jessica Oviatte-Brech-

enser, Shanna Swan, Fallon

Swan, Krystle Swan, Ashley

Blanchard, KC Swan, Charissa

Swan, Brandon Moore, Garrett

Moore, Ethan Aldrich, Megan

Leigh, Conrad Moore III, and

Jaylene Robie. She is also sur-

vived by 22 great-grandchil-

dren.

Leilani was a stay-at-home

mom for each of her children’s

early childhood years, fol-

lowed by working in multiple

factories over the course of

her career. She retired in 2012

from Whelen Engineering Inc.

During her retirement, she im-

mersed herself into her passion

for crafting. Throughout her

life she spent countless hours

preparing various handmade

crafted items that she often

sold at local craft fairs, using

her earnings to provide her

children and grandchildren

with beautiful holidays. When

she wasn’t crafting, shopping,

or spending time with fam-

ily, she could be found light-

ing up the dance floor to the

oldies and country music. She

also enjoyed singing at family

gatherings, and learned to play

guitar in her middle ages.

Leilani’s spunky, fun, loving

spirit will be greatly missed by

many.

A graveside service will be

held on Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., at

the East Clarendon Cemetery,

Airport Road, North Claren-

don, VT 05759, followed by

a Celebration of Life, starting

at 12 p.m., at the residence of

Francis and Charity Swan, 76

Meadowview Lane, Mount

Holly, VT 05758. Food, soda,

and water will be provided, but

feel free to share a dish if you

wish. The pool will be open to

use at your own risk (please su-

pervise children).

Please bring pictures to share

or something Lonnie may have

hand crafted for you, if you

wish. Please join us, full of love

and peace as we gather to share

stories and celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please con-

sider donating to Black River

Good Neighbor Memory Cafe,

37B Main Street, Ludlow, VT

05149, in memory of Leilani

Rabtoy. Please contact Krey

Kellington at 802-228-3663

with any questions pertaining

to donations.

Thank you to Newton

Bartlett Funeral Home for en-

suring the smoothest transi-

tion for the family during this

time.

Leilani Rabtoy, 2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Lau-

rence T. Schwanda, 78, died

on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at

the Jack Byrne Center in Leba-

non, N.H. He was born April

16, 1947, in Wildwood, N.J.,

the son of Maximilian and

Mary (McClister) Schwanda.

Larry worked in construc-

tion and stonework for many

years in the area.

He loved animals, and en-

joyed the outdoors, camping,

and baking. He loved doing

stonework and was an amaz-

ing stone craftsman. He en-

joyed volunteering, and was

an active member of the AA

community.

He is survived by his wife

Crystal (Hastings) Schwanda;

two daughters Amelia L.

Schwanda and Averyl L. Brat-

ton; and four grandchildren

Skyla Hannay, Carter Bratton,

Matthew Bratton, and Jocelyn

Bratton. He is also survived by

nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his

parents and by his three sib-

lings.

A Celebration of Life service

will be held Saturday, Sept. 6,

at 11 a.m., at Echo Lake in

Camp Plymouth, 2008 Scout

Camp Road, Ludlow, VT

05149.

Davis Memorial Chapel in

Springfield is assisting with

arrangements.

Laurence Schwanda, 1947-

2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED

GRAFTON, Vt. – Deborah

Nancy Wright passed away

peacefully on July 21, 2025,

at the Jack Byrne Center for

Palliative and Hospice Care at

DHMC. She was surrounded

by her children and close

family.

Debbie was born to the late

Francis and Irene Martin on

Aug. 18, 1954. She was raised

in Acworth, N.H., alongside

her four siblings Susan West-

ney, Ronald Martin, Richard

“Rickey” Martin, and Paula

Martin.

Deborah was known for her

fierce independence, relent-

less determination, and hard

work. She had tenacity to get

things done even when told

she couldn’t do something.

Deborah’s strength, spirit,

and deep love for her family

and friends will be remem-

bered and cherished by all

who knew her. Her loved ones

were the most important part

of her life.

Debbie lived and worked in

Grafton, Vt. She was a mem-

ber of the Windham Founda-

tion, the Grafton Improve-

ment Association, and the

Vermont Maple Sugar Mak-

ers Association, volunteering

countless hours to her com-

munity over the decades. She

enjoyed gardening; baking;

maple sugaring; feeding and

watching birds; being in na-

ture; and attending events for

her grandchildren, extended

family, and friends.

Family and close friends –

her chosen family – were the

most important thing in her

life. Debbie was one of the

most kind-hearted, caring,

and loving individuals on

Earth. Though small in stat-

ure, her heart was huge. She

gave more to others than she

ever received, and she will be

missed by all she touched.

She was predeceased by

her husband Robert Wright

Sr., married for 35 years,

and her siblings Susan West-

ney and Ronald Martin. She

is survived by two daugh-

ters Heidi Hope (Robert)

Turgeon-Baird and Jennifer

Joan (Bruce) Marandino;

two sons Zebediah Norman

Toussaint and Gideon Martin

Toussaint; son-in-law Robert

(Kristina) Wright Jr.; grand-

children Owen, Onyx, Ruth,

Grace, Hannah, Jaden, Ca-

den, Chloe, Reece, and Elise;

her brother and sister; and

many nieces, nephews, and

cousins.

Calling hours will take place

at Fenton and Hennessey Fu-

neral Home, 55 Westmin-

ster Street, Bellows Falls, on

Saturday, Aug. 16, from 4-6

p.m. A graveside service will

be held Aug. 17, at 11 a.m.,

at the Acworth Cemetery, in

Acworth, N.H., followed by

a Celebration of Life, at the

“Barn” at His and Her Farm,

561 New Hampshire Route

123A, Alstead, N.H., from 1-5

p.m. Potluck/BYOB.

Arrangements have been

entrusted to the care of the

Fenton and Hennessey Fu-

neral Home.

Deborah Wright, 1954-

2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED

CHESTER, Vt. – A Celebration of Life will be held for Ron

Patch on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 2-4 p.m., at the Chester Town

Hall. It is open to the public, and the family invites anyone to

attend. That will be followed by a live auction at William A.

Smith Gallery, in Plainfield, N.H., on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

August 13, 2025 | 7The Vermont Journal

classy & calendar

LEGAL

yellow

page BUSINESS DIRECTORY

$150 for 13 Weeks • $250 for 26 Weeks • $400 for 52 Weeks

Prices are based on a 20 word listing. An additional 50 cents for each word thereafter.

Art Crafts Gifts

GALLERY AT THE VAULT

Art, Crafts, Gifts, Exhibits & Workshops

68 Main St., Springfield VT 802-885-7111

OPEN Wed. to Sat. 11-5

galleryvault.org

Veilings, a Show of Collages by Phoebe Lo

Reception Aug. 9, 12-1:30

Open Wall Show - Stepping into Nature

(10/15/25 - TFN - 13 )

Builders/Contractors

DCI CONCEPTS

DESIGN – BUILD – REMODEL

A family business first. Our projects are held to a higher stan-

dard starting from the very first phone call to the final walk-

through. Our team will impress you with professionalism, qual-

ity, and integrity.

6 Andover St. Ludlow, VT

802- 461-3573

dci@dciconcepts.com

(11/05/25 - 52)

HAMMER FOR HIRE LLC

“Not just for bangin’ nails.”

We handle a variety of projects, from home repairs, restora-

tions on up to full renovations, and new construction too. Our

clients can expect professionalism, proficiency, customer

care, and quality. Call or email today at 802-376-3275 edwin.

mortensen@gmail.com.

(11/19/25 - 52)

PETER JORDAN CONSTRUCTION

Over 25 years of experience in all phases of construction.

Framing, finish carpentry, custom showers and tile work, hard-

wood flooring, decks, and siding. Fully insured and registered

with the State of Vermont. Lead Paint Certified. Located in

Proctorsville. 802-558-5267.

(08/13/25 - 13)

ROSE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

Booking for summer & fall 2025 projects. Also offer carpentry, kitch-

en & bathroom remodels, interior & exterior painting, window &

door replacements, window cleaning, vinyl siding washing, pres-

sure washing, drywall repairs, and odd jobs. Call 802-591-0019 or

email billr2808@gmail.com. Cavendish, Vt.

(11/08/25 - 26)

THE SEMI RETIRED PAINTER

Painting Interior and Exterior

All work done by the person you are paying

Small Honey Do List Projects as well

802-263-9693 rogcaw@msn.com

Roger, Perkinsville, VT

(12/05/25 - 13)

Campground

CATON PLACE CAMPGROUND

2419 EAST ROAD, CAVENDISH VERMONT

SEASONAL SITES AVAILABLE FOR 2025! REASONABLE RATES!

802-226-7767, Catonplacecamp@gmail.com.

Full hook up sites, pull thru, and tent sites. Views of Okemo! Large

Private Sites!

(08/27/25 - 13)

Chiropractor

FOUR SEASONS CHIROPRACTIC, PC

Dr. Denise Natale 58 Parker Avenue, Proctorsville, VT 05153, 802-

226-7977 Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(08/13/25 - TFN - 52)

Electrician

KJ ELECTRIC LLC

802-428-6224

kjelectric63@gmail.com

Chester, VT

Licensed and Insured

Quality installation and service since 2005

“Wiring is not a hobby! Call a professional”

(01/28/26 - 52)

Excavating

BOB N SON DIRT WORKS

Excavation/backhoe work, driveways graded/shurpak, ditch-

es, tree work, keeping the homeowner in mind. Free estimates.

Insured. Call or text Bob 802-345-3112.

(11/05/25 - 13)

Masonry

DRC STONE DESIGN

Specializing in all Stone Masonry Applications including ve-

neer, walls, patios, walkways. Fully insured. Free estimates.

37 years experience. Contact Dan Field at 802-384-0122 or

stoneart49@gmail.com or visit drcstonedesign.com.

(08/20/25 - 13)

MOORE MASONRY

Fireplaces, chimneys and liners, chimney sweeps, patios, walls,

steps, restoration and repairs. Fully insured, free estimates.

Contact Gary Moore at 802-824-5710 mooremasonry802@

gmail.com.

(10/08/25 - 26)

Organic Lawn & Land Care

GREEN BEE LAWN & GARDEN

Serving Chester and nearby towns 802-289-1968

We’re Different - Our commitment to fully organic lawn and

garden care practices provides peace of mind for all the fam-

ily, friends, pets, and nature using your yard. Our commercial

electric equipment is clean and quiet, so you can relax while

we make your property look more beautiful for you.

Now Installing Fences - Expert, best quality fence installations

are now available from Green Bee. Call or email today to

set up your free on-site fence consultation and written price

quotation.

We are fully insured, reliable, and priced right. Reach out

today to secure your spot in our 2025 schedule! Call, text, or

email: 802-289-1968, greenbeelawns@gmail.com.

(09/10/25 - 26)

Tools

$$ CASH PAID FOR OLD TOOLS $$

PLANES , AXES, STANLEY ITEMS, ETC.

802-579-5891

(09/17/25 - 13)

TOWN OF GRAFTON, VERMONT

Invitation to Bid

2025 MODEL-YEAR 3500 HEAVY-DUTY

FLATBED TRUCK

e Town of Graon, Vermont is seeking sealed proposals

for furnishing the Town with a 2025 Model Year 3500

Heavy Duty Flatbed Truck, which meets the Town’s bid

requirements and vehicle specications. Complete bid

requirements and vehicle specications may be obtained

from Morgan Wilbur, Town Administrator, PO Box 180, 117

Main Street, Graon VT 05146. (802) 843-2552 or email

townadmin@graonvt.org

Town of Plymouth

Public Notice of the Planning Commission and

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Conditional Use Hearing, Continued

A public hearing will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at

6:00 P.M. at the Town Municipal Building, 68 Town Oce

Road, Plymouth, Vermont, to continue a Conditional Use

Hearing for a building within the Coolidge Homestead

Historic Overlay.

Applicant: eodore Hall

Property Owner: eodore Hall

Property Address: 273 Messer Hill Road

Plymouth, VT 05056

Project: Construction of a 18’ x 24’ carport

River Valley Technical Center School District

Notice of Nondiscrimination

e River Valley Technical Center does not discriminate

on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender,

sexual orientation, age, gender identity, marital/civil union

status or disability in admission or access to, or treatment

or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person

having inquiries concerning the River Valley Technical

Center’s compliance with the regulations implementing

Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 or other state or federal non-

discrimination laws or regulations is directed to contact:

Nathan Bisson, Assistant Director

River Valley Technical Center

307 South Street, Springeld, VT 05156

802-885-8302

CLEAN OUTS

EZ-Dump Enterprises has a

15-yard dump trailer available.

We’re also here for all heating

equipment, appliance removal,

and home/storage unit clean

outs. Summer’s coming let’s

cleanup that junk! Dump the

stress, we got the rest! Serving

Springﬁ eld, Vt. and surrounding

areas. Call/text 802-376-1168

or email ezdump.bl@gmail.com.

FIREWOOD

CAVENDISH, Vt. – Firewood for

sale, free delivery within 15 mile

radius of Cavendish. Starting

at $325 per cord. Contact 802-

376-8638.

HELP WANTED

EXPERIENCED WELDER for

fabrication of custom metalwork,

such as railings & gates, &

installations in company truck.

Driver’s lic preferred. Full- or

part-time openings $24-$32/hr.

Beneﬁ ts after qualifying. Hawks

Mtn Ironworks/Springﬁ eld Fence,

50 Rte 106, N. Springﬁ eld, VT

802-886-2221.

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – The

Bellows Falls Downtown De-

velopment Alliance (BFDDA) is

seeking a dynamic, self-motivated

Executive Director to lead efforts

to promote and support economic

revitalization in Bellows Falls’

designated downtown. As a key

community liaison, the Executive

Director will foster collaboration

between businesses, nonproﬁ ts,

local government, and community

stakeholders to ensure a vibrant,

thriving downtown district. For

a full description of the position

visit www.bellowsfallsvt.org/we-

are-hiring. Please submit a cover

letter, resume, and writing sample

(e.g., press release, business

communication, or proposal) to

bfdda1@gmail.com by Monday,

Aug. 25, 2025. Help us continue

to shape the creative future of

Bellows Falls, by building an even

more vibrant downtown!

OTHER

REGION – Custom modular

$165/square foot, turnkey. We

show how. A ranch cape two-

story or quadruplex. Call Green

Meadow Homes 910-234-0609.

WANTED

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Wanted – an

older wooden, round toilet seat,

10 years or older. Allergic to new

wood or plastic. $50. 802-885-

1707.

YARD SALE

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Yard Sale Sat-

urday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17,

from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 15 Taylor

Drive, Springﬁ eld. Household

item, table saw, furniture, exercise

equipment.

★★★★★★

AUG. 15 –

S. LONONDERRY, Vt. –

The South Londonderry

Free Library invites kids

of all ages to celebrate

summer reading with an

arts workshop, on Friday,

Aug. 15, from 10:30-

11:30 a.m. Art Teacher

Casey Junker Bailey, who

once wrote a book with

her students about recycle

art, will share the work of

artist Tyree Guyton and his

“Magic Trash.” We will then

upcycle a variety of castoff

materials to make our own

Magic Trash artworks. The

program is free of charge

and appropriate for all

ages. For more information,

contact the library at 802-

824-3371.

AUG. 15-16 –

LUDLOW, Vt. – Please join

us for our annual book

sale at Fletcher Memorial

Library in Ludlow. Friday,

Aug. 15, from 4-7 p.m.,

is our presale with a

“ﬁ rst pick” entrance fee.

Saturday, Aug. 16, from

10 a.m. – 3 p.m., is our

day-long sale. There will be

tables and tables of books

and DVDs donated by your

neighbors and friends. The

sale will happen rain or

shine. There will be books

for all ages and interests.

All proceeds are used to

enhance library services.

AUG. 16 –

PERKINSVILLE, Vt. – The

Weathersﬁ eld Center

Community Contra Dance

and Social will be held

on Saturday, Aug. 16,

from 6-10 p.m., at the

Weathersﬁ eld Center

Church and Meeting House,

2579 Weathersﬁ eld Center

Road. Come together, meet

your neighbors, make

new friends, dance, listen,

play, sit, or chat. Dances

are called by caller Amy

Cann, with open band led

by Naomi Morse (ﬁ ddle),

Peter Siegel (guitar),

and Emmet McGowan

(drums). No special

clothing, footwear, or

experience required. All are

welcome, and all dances

will be taught. For more

information, visit www.

weathersﬁ eldcontradance.

wordpress.com, or call

802-263-5487.

LUDLOW, Vt. – The Okemo

Valley Women’s Club

annual yard and bake sale

will be held on Saturday,

Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. – 1

p.m., in front of the Okemo

Mountain School, at 53

Main Street, Ludlow.

AUG. 17 –

BRIDGEWATER CORNERS,

Vt. – Bridgewater Historical

Society presents “Ira Allen:

A Biography” by Kevin

Graffagnino, on Sunday,

Aug. 17, at 2 p.m., at

the Bridgewater Grange

Hall, 129 Route 100A,

Bridgewater Corners. This

program is free and open

to the public, accessible to

those with disabilities.

CHARLESTOWN, N.H. –

On Sunday, Aug. 17, at

2 p.m., the Charlestown

Historical Society will be

hosting an open house

and picnic at the Little Red

Schoolhouse, at 1581

Acworth Road. Please bring

a lawn chair and a potluck

dish to share. Drinks and

watermelon will be

See EVENTS on Page 8

8 | August 13, 2025 The Vermont Journal

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provided. The schoolhouse

will be open for tours,

and we will be having an

old-fashioned spelling bee

with prizes for the top three

participants. No facilities.

Rain date on Aug. 24.

AUG. 23-24 –

LUDLOW, Vt. – The Best of

Vermont Summer Festival

will be held on Saturday,

Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug.

24, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

both days, at Okemo Field,

460 Vermont Route 100.

The festival will feature more

than 100 vendors selling

handcrafted artisan goods,

ﬁ ne art, and specialty foods;

live music; kids’ games,

activities, and entertainment;

antique tractors; barbecue;

ice cream; and wine, spirits,

and craft beer tastings.

For full details, visit www.

yourplaceinvermont.com/

best-of-vermont-summer-

festival.

SUNDAYS –

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. –

Bellows Falls Loyal Order

of Moose will be hosting

a community breakfast on

the ﬁ rst and third Sunday

of every month, downstairs

at the Bellows Falls Moose

Lodge, 59 Westminster

Street in Bellows Falls, from

8-10 a.m. All you can eat

for a minimal cost.

MONDAYS –

WALPOLE, N.H. – Meeting

of Alcoholics Anonymous

on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

in St. John’s Parish Hall,

Walpole.

TUESDAYS –

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. –

Come check out TOPS –

Take Off Pounds Sensibly.

We are a nonjudgmental,

affordable, and supportive

weight loss group. The ﬁ rst

visit is free. All are welcome;

EVENTS

From Page 7

youth must be at least 9 to

attend and have parental

permission. Meetings are

every Tuesday at 25 Cherry

Hill in Bellows Falls. Weigh-

ins start at 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS –

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. –

Knitting Together, every

Wednesday, 1-3 p.m., at

Village Square Booksellers,

knitting hats and mittens for

our school kids. We provide

yarn, some direction,

and an enjoyable visit.

Acrylic yarn donations

are always welcome. For

more information, contact

Caroline at 802-463-4653.

THURSDAYS –

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. –

Genealogy enthusiast

Wayne Blanchard will be

at the Rockingham Library

on Thursdays, from 10:30

a.m. – 12 p.m. If you own

a laptop, please bring it

along. Both beginners and

seasoned genealogists are

welcome.

GRAFTON, Vt. – A free

playgroup for children from

newborns to age 5 will be

held at Grafton Elementary

School on Thursday

mornings, from 9:30-10:30

This goofy girl is waiting to

be yours. Missy is a 4-year-old

lab mix. She has won over the

hearts of staff and volunteers

with her sweet demeanor and

funny antics. She sometimes

takes time to warm up to men,

but sometimes it is love at first

sight. Missy is a great dog who

has a lot of love to give. For

more information on Missy,

stop by Wednesday-Saturday,

from 12-4 p.m., or call 802-

885-3997.

Join us on Aug. 30 and 31,

from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for our

annual Labor Day Yard Sale at

the shelter.

Springfield Humane So-

ciet, 401 Skitchewaug Trail,

Springfield, Vt., 802-885-

3997, www.spfldhumane.org.

Featured pet: Missy

a.m. Activities will include

songs, games, and arts and

crafts. Contact Heather with

any questions at 802-843-

4792.

LUDLOW, Vt. – Certiﬁ ed

instructor Helena Wu will

teach tai chi classes every

Thursday, from 9-10 a.m.,

at the Black River Valley

Senior Center, 10 High

Street in Ludlow. Classes are

free, and are limited to 10

participants. Registration

is required. For more

information, contact the

Senior Center at 802-228-

7421, or Helena Wu at

802-289-7369.

FRIDAYS –

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – On

Fridays from 11 a.m. – 12

p.m., John Bohannon will

teach tai chi and qi gong at

the Rockingham Library in

Bellows Falls, Vt. No special

equipment or clothing is

required.

CHESTER, Vt. – Alcoholics

Anonymous meetings held

every Friday at 6:30 p.m. at

St. Joseph’s Church, located

at 96 South Main Street

in Chester. If you have a

problem with alcohol, this is

an understanding place to

come to.

SATURDAYS –

LUDLOW, Vt. – Zumba

classes, Saturdays, at 9

a.m., at the Spring House

at Jackson Gore. All

ﬁ tness levels welcome. Call

802-228-1419 for more

information.

LUDLOW, Vt. – Yoga,

Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the

Spring House at Jackson

Gore. Call 802-228-1419

for more information.

W. TOWNSHEND, Vt. –

Taco night is held every

Saturday, from 5-7 p.m.,

at the West Townshend

Country Store, 6573

Vermont Route 30, West

Townshend, Vt. There will

be live music provided by

a different local artist each

week. For more information,

visit www.westtownshend.

org, call 802-874-4800,

email info@westtownshend.

org, or message the store

on Facebook.

DAILY –

REGION – If you want

to drink that’s your

business, but if you want

to stop, that’s ours. Contact

Alcoholics Anonymous at

www.aavt.org or call your

local hotline at 802-802-

2288 and join a meeting.

You are not alone.

August 13, 2025 | 9The Vermont Journal

Where Books Find Readers!

136 Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149

802-228-3238 www.thebooknookvt.com

802-885-3191

48 Main Street, Chester, VT

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41 Chester Rd Suite 1

Springeld, VT 05156

802-885-1352

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125 Chester Road

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6109 US Route 5, Westminster, VT 05158

Open Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00, Closed Weekends

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22 Avon Road

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Everyone is Beautiful

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13 Clinton St. Springeld, VT

ank you for your loyalty. We appreciate you.

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE

RUSTYDOORRECORDING@GMAIL.COM 5700 VT RT 100, LONDONDERRY, VT

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full of school supplies!

10 | August 13, 2025 The Vermont Journal

FARM MARKET

Exit 5 off I-91• Rte 5 South • Westminster, VT

802 722-3395 • www.allenbrothersfarms.com

OPEN 7 DAYS 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

SHOP

LOCAL

Come Visit Our

Farmstand For A

Taste Of Vermont

Enjoy the School Year!

Helping You Build For Your Future

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Box 390, 56 Depot St. • Charlestown, NH 03603

Tel: 603-826-3251 • Fax: 603-826-5336

Open 7 Days a Week

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7190 US Route 5 • Westminster, VT 05158

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Home • Auto • Farm • Business

Motorcycle • Recreational Vehicles

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Hardware - Lumber - Kitchen - More

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182 Pleasant St.

Ludlow, VT 05149

Open Mon-Fri 7-5, Sat 7-3

Have a great school year!

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802-228-8823

150 Main St, Ludlow, VT

802-975-0369 • Ludlow, VT

Requests@MasterPlumbingAndHeating.com

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August 13, 2025 | 11The Vermont Journal

arts & entertainment

Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun!

802-228-7797

Kitchen Hours Mon–Fri 4–9pm, Sat 12–9pm, Sun 12-8pm

Monday Open Mic Night at 8:30pm

Tuesday Trivia at 6pm with Rick Davis

Tuesday Wings! Buy 12 Get 6 Free. Not available for takeout

Wednesday Night is Italian Night!

Thursday Irish Session with Gypsy Reel at 6:30pm

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PUTNEY, Vt. – Next

Stage Arts continues its

Bandwagon Summer Se-

ries with a lively double

bill of Caribbean lounge

and genre-blending joy

on Saturday, Aug. 16,

at Putney Inn Field, 57

Putney Landing Road,

Putney, Vt. The show

features Charlie & The

Tropicales, a 1960s-

inspired Caribbean jazz

band led by acclaimed

New Orleans trombon-

ist Charlie Halloran, and

the Heather Pierson Trio,

known for their soulful

blend of jazz, folk, and

Americana. Gates open

at 5 p.m., and the mu-

sic begins at 6 p.m. The

event is all-ages, with

kids under 12 admitted

free.

Tickets are discounted

in advance at www.next-

stagearts.org, with food

available from Smokin’

Bowls, and refreshments

including Barr Hill cock-

tails.

Halloran is a staple

of the New Orleans mu-

sic scene, performing

regularly on Frenchmen

Street and at major fes-

tivals like Jazz Fest. With

his band The Tropicales,

he brings to life the breezy

sounds of mid-century Carib-

bean jazz, blending beguine,

calypso, New Orleans R&B,

and even Venezuelan waltzes.

Their latest albums, “Shake

the Rum” and “The Alcoa Ses-

sions,” received international

acclaim and radio play across

the globe, with OffBeat Maga-

zine naming “Shake the Rum”

one of Louisiana’s top-50 al-

bums.

Halloran has performed

with a who’s-who of musi-

cians, including Jon Cleary,

Maria Muldaur, the Squirrel

Nut Zippers, and even rock

legends like U2. Whether on

stage with Preservation Hall

Allstars, or recording nostalgic

holiday tracks on candy cane-

colored vinyl, Charlie brings

an unmistakable warmth and

vintage flair to every project.

Sharing the bill is Heather

Pierson, a New Hampshire-

based pianist, singer-song-

writer, and bandleader whose

joyful, heartfelt performances

have endeared her to audi-

ences nationwide. Her Heather

Pierson Trio, featuring Shawn

Nadeau on bass and Craig

Bryan on drums, delivers an

uplifting fusion of jazz, folk,

blues, and New Orleans roots

music.

Pierson’s latest album, “Back

To The Light,” showcases her

masterful songwriting and

virtuosic musicianship, with

Americana Highways prais-

ing her voice as “timeless wind

moving slowly through the

trees.” With 16 albums released

on her own Vessel Recordings

label, Pierson’s music reflects a

deep desire to connect and up-

lift through song.

Tropical grooves and

joyful jazz

WESTON, Vt. – Weston The-

ater Company takes audiences

on a moving journey about

love, migration, and finding

home in “A Distinct Society,”

playing from Aug. 20-31, at

Walker Farm.

Set in the unique Haskell

Free Library, a real-life build-

ing that straddles the U.S.-

Canada border between Ver-

mont and Quebec, “A Distinct

Society” follows an Iranian

father and daughter who use

the library’s peculiar geogra-

phy to visit each other across

international lines. As their

story unfolds, the quiet lives of

the library’s patrons and staff

are stirred, revealing the many

ways that family, love, art, and

politics can both divide and

unite us.

The play is written by Kareem

Fahmy, a NYC-based director,

playwright, and screenwriter,

from Sherbrooke, Quebec,

who also directs Weston’s re-

gional premiere. Along with

“A Distinct Society,” his plays

“American Fast” (winner of the

Woodward/Newman Award)

and “Dodi & Diana” have been

produced nationwide. Other

plays include “Riparian States,”

“Fountains of Youth,” “Pare-

idolia,” “The In-Between,” and

an adaptation of the acclaimed

novel “The Yacoubian Build-

i n g .”

Says Fahmy, “Bringing ‘A

Distinct Society’ to Weston

Theater Company is a thrill

and an honor that’s been years

in the making. I was born and

raised just on the other side of

the Vermont border in south-

ern Quebec, and I wrote this

story to celebrate the beauti-

ful and historic relationship

between the U.S. and Canada,

symbolized by the Haskell Free

Library and Opera House. To

share the play, and its heart-

felt tale of connection, with

Vermont audiences feels so vi-

tal right now when there is so

much strife and division in the

world. I can’t wait to welcome

Vermonters to the Haskell on

Weston Theater’s Walker Farm

stage.”

Discounts are available for

Vermont residents. Tickets are

available online and by calling

the Weston Box Office at 802-

824-5288. Following “A Dis-

tinct Society,” laugh along to a

modern twist on Shakespeare

in the premiere of “The Twelfth

Night Show.” Learn more at

www.westontheater.org.

Weston Theater presents

“A Distinct Society”

LONDONDERRY, Vt. –

Come see some stunning local

artistry in various forms, in-

cluding flower arrangements.

Green Mountain Gardeners

and the Londonderry Arts and

Historical Society (LAHS) are

joining forces to bring you Art

in Bloom, a weekend celebra-

tion, Aug. 21-24, of the annual

local artists’ show at the Custer

Sharp House, at 2461 Middle-

town Road in Londonderry.

The gardeners will create

floral arrangements that will

beautifully and creatively com-

plement the art on display. The

works in a variety of media –

oils, watercolors, fabric cre-

ations, and sculpture – will be

echoed in color and composi-

tion by the floral arrangements.

Most of the art will be available

for sale, proceeds to be shared

with the artists and LAHS.

The headquarters of the

Londonderry Arts and His-

torical Society are at the

Custer Sharp House. Ber-

nadine Custer Sharp, noted

20th-century painter, illustra-

tor, and muralist, donated her

home, this 1840 farmhouse, to

the society in 1991. The build-

ing and its barn are home to

the historical society’s archives

as well as a large collection of

Sharp’s work.

The Green Mountain Gar-

deners fosters horticulture,

beautification, and conserva-

tion in the Mountain Towns

of Landgrove, Londonderry,

Peru, and Weston. In addi-

tion, the group also serves

their communities through

beautification and service proj-

ects. Visit their website, www.

greenmountaingardeners.net,

to learn more or to join the or-

ganization.

Art in Bloom in Londonderry

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – In

honor of 20 years on the air-

waves, our community radio

station 91.5 WOOL.fm, or

Black Sheep Radio, is hosting

Mission: Transmission, a fun-

filled block party. This fund-

raiser will help raise money for

a much-needed replacement

of its aging transmitter. This

milestone celebration takes

place on Saturday, Aug. 23,

from 2-10 p.m., at the Way-

point Center, 17 Depot Street,

Bellows Falls, Vt.

The event promises an un-

forgettable day of live music,

food, fun, and community

spirit, all in support of keeping

independent, local radio alive

and thriving. The music line-

up includes Plymouth Rock,

The Milkhouse Heaters, Matt

Munroe & The Black River

Band, Wild Idlers, Quadro

the Magnificent, Parlor Ruck-

us, Rustie Bus, and Vermont

Moonlighters.

Attendees can also meet

their favorite WOOL DJs;

enjoy burgers, hot dogs, and

festival foods; and grab a

drink from the beer and wine

garden. WOOL merchandise,

raffles, and plenty of family-

friendly vibes round out this

one-of-a-kind celebration.

Tickets are discounted in

advance at www.blacksheepra-

dio.org, or there is a minimum

donation at the door. Children

under 10 are free.

Join the flock and help

power the future of local, vol-

unteer-run, member-owned,

independent radio. For tickets

and the latest event updates,

visit the website above.

WOOL.fm celebrates 20 years

The Vermont Journal

The Shopper

Like us @VermontJournal

12 | August 13, 2025 The Vermont Journal

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