Community News

College News

Western New England University announced the following area students are among more than 750 named to the WNE Spring Semester 2021 Dean’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.30 or higher: Morgan Mae Lyn Tilley, of Walpole; Ian Thomas Briand, of Enfield; and Matthew Robert Eylander, of Grantham. Named to the President’s List was Edward Bieszczad, of Grantham.

Mason Lantz, of Charlestown, has been named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island. Erin Kennealey, of Grantham, also has been named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University

The University of Rhode Island announced Griff Waryas, of Bellows Falls, has been named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List.

Missouri State University annouced that Courtney Lauster, of New London was named to Dean’s list.

Paige Kelley, of Ludlow, was named to the College of Charleston Spring 2021 Dean’s List. Kelley is majoring in political science.

Carthage College has named Alexandre Lacrosse, of Gembloux, to its Dean’s List for academic excellence during the spring 2021 semester.

The following students graduated from the Vermont Academy of Science and Technology at Vermont Technical College in the spring of 2021: Ryan Antonivich of Perkinsville; Sarah Devereux of Cavendish; Owen Perry of Westminster; Theron Wilkinson of Bellows Falls.

The following students received degrees from Quinnipiac University:Cara Carlos, Master of Health Science/Cardiovascular Perfusion, Acworth; Abigail Hinsley, Master of Business Administration, Fairlee; Andrea Cutts, Master of Occupational Therapy, New London; Heather Giglio, Master of Health Science/Pathologists’ Assistant, Newport, N.H.; Kaitlyn Stokarski, Master of Health Science/Physican Assistant, Springfield.

Vermont Tech announces that Hayley Bean of Brownsville has achieved President’s List honors in the Bachelor of Science of Construction Management program.

The following Fairfield University students received Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester: Ryan Boggio, of Hinsdale; Jordan Kania, of Peterborough.

Curry College is proud to announce that Kuda Muhlauri of Meriden, has been inducted into the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society.

The following students all graduated after the Spring 2021 semester from Vermont Tech:

Scott Shepherd of Grantham, pursuing their Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management

Cameron Stevens of Cornish Flat, pursuing their Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management

Leanna Mager of Westminster, pursuing their Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

Amanda Crate of Enfield, pursuing their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Melissa Hall of Claremont, pursuing their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Chelsea McHugh of Windsor, pursuing their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Deven Carrier of Westminster, pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology.

The following Vermont Tech students achieved Dean’s List for the spring semester of 2021:

Teagan Bacon of Bellows Falls, pursuing their Bachelor of Science.

Daniel Ball of Enfield, pursuing their Associate of Engineering.

Andrea Garcia of Proctorsville, pursuing their Bachelor of Science.

Chelsea McHugh of Windsor, pursuing their Associate of Science.

Daniel Notargiacomo of Windsor, pursuing their Associate of Engineering.

Cameron Stevens of Cornish Flat, pursuing their Bachelor of Science.

Gabriel Wilkinson of Bellows Falls, pursuing their Bachelor of Science.

Endicott College announced the following students made the Dean’s List: Justin Bowen, Psychology; Paige Starkweather, Libl Studies/Education, daughter of Paula Starkweather and Peter Starkweather, of Grafton; Nicole Williams, Nursing, daughter of Melissa Williams and Christopher Williams, of Grantham; Caroline Laramie, Liberal Studies, daughter of julie Laramie and Mathew Laramie, of Hancock; Patrick Joseph, Criminal Justice, son of Joan Joseph, of Henniker; Madison Martin, Sport Management, daughter of Danielle Martin and Jeffery Martin; Allie McKean, Nursing, daughter of Amy McKean and William McKean, of Lebanon; Ella Dulac, Exercise Science, daughter of Anna Dulac and Rhys Dulac, of Piermont; Lydia Whitaker, Marketing, daughter of Deborah Whitaker, of Weare.

Endicott College announced the following graduates: Jonathan Sellers, Master of Education, Mont Integrative Learning, of Piermont; Lydia Whitaker, Bachelor of Science, Marketing, , daughter of Deborah Whitaker and Len Whitaker, of

Weare; Justin Bowen, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Graduated Summa Cum Laude, son of Mari Bowen and Doug Bowen, of Weston; Andrew Smith, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, son of Lynn Smith and Steve Smith.

Around Town

Puddles and ducks

SPRINGFIELD — Puddles is the Springfield Area Parent Child Center’s entry for the 2021 “Decorate-a-Duck” contest that is a new event this year and part of the 2021 Fit ‘N Fun Duck Run to be held on July 17 at the SAPCC Campus at 6 Main St., North Springfield.

You can sponsor a duck for the contest by decorating your entry in a way that best represents who you are and what you do. Large rubber ducks can be purchased for $20 each online at www.Sapcc-vt.org or send an email to [email protected]. We will deliver your duck to you or you can drop by SAPCC to pick one up. Entries must be ducks purchased from SAPCC to be eligible.

Cash prizes of $100 each will be awarded to the People’s Choice Duck, the Fittest Duck and the Business Duck. You will be asked to choose your category when you enter. Decorated ducks must be dropped off at SAPCC by Friday, July 9. Voting will take place on Facebook from July 10-16 at 11:59 p.m. and winners will be announced immediately prior to the Fit ‘N Fun Duck Run on July 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Call SAPCC at (802)-886-5242 if you have any questions.

CDFA awards $5M in tax credits

CONCORD — The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority announced it has awarded $5 million in tax credits to projects throughout New Hampshire. The funds will have a significant impact on initiatives that advance local community economic development goals, capacity building for the New Hampshire nonprofit sector, and support for economic development across the state.

The following organizations have been awarded tax credits from CDFA for their respective projects.

Sullivan County (Newport) – $108,500: Tax Credits will support the Sullivan County Lead Abatement Program, a county-wide effort to remove lead hazards from sixty low- to moderate-income housing units in the next three years. This pilot program demonstrates strong community and economic benefit through the creation of safer and improved housing stock and a job training program within the region.

Hundred Nights, Inc. (Keene) – $750,000: Tax Credits will help the organization purchase a Keene property and build a 48-eight bed emergency shelter and resource center in which to offer safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and appropriate shelter and crisis-related services to individuals and families in the Monadnock region. The project provides strong community benefit by increasing access to shelter and services for homeless individuals.

Southwestern Community Services (Keene) – $475,000: Tax Credits will support the organization’s collaborative approach to the “21 in 21” neighborhood revitalization program in Keene’s East Side. The project demonstrates strong community and economic benefit, through the rehabilitation and weatherization of twenty-one workforce housing units.

Library is open to public

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — The Springfield Town Library is open and back to regular hours. Public computers have been spread out throughout the building and tables are available on the second floor for those who bring their own devices.

Since we often have little ones and others who cannot be vaccinated, we are requesting that all still wear masks while in our building. Masks will be required in the children’s room. All children’s programs will be held outdoors this summer.

Adult programs will slowly be brought back inside. We ask for your patience as we clear out the Flinn Room for those activities. The Family Room may be reserved for very small groups who require a quiet space.

The Ruth Celotto Memorial Bench has been redone by our library director’s husband, Joe Dowdell, and sits proudly in our side garden. Thanks to the Friends of Springfield Town Library, the front gardens have been cleaned up and the tub, filled with brightly colored flowers, has been relocated to the front of the building.

For more information, reach out to Sue Dowdell, library director at Springfield Town Library, at 802-885-3108 or [email protected]

Claremont to host July 4 gala

CLAREMONT — The Claremont Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the annual July 4 celebration at Monadnock Park will take place on Sunday, July 4.

The excitement will begin at 6 p.m. with many local vendors on hand selling food, drinks, and novelty items. All of these fun events will lead up to the spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 to conclude the evening.

HCRS receives grant

SPRINGFIELD, Vt — Health Care and Rehabilitation Services, southeastern Vermont’s nonprofit community mental health and developmental disability services agency, was recently selected to receive $63,945 in funding from the Summer Matters for All grant program.

According to Gov. Phil Scott, the Summer Matters for All grant program will award up to $3.85 million to programs in 13 counties of Vermont, with the goal of expanding access to summer enrichment opportunities for K-12 youth this summer.

This grant money will support HCRS’ summer therapeutic programming for youth currently engaged in services at HCRS, ages 8-16, who may have no other access to summer recreational programs.

Scott has put an emphasis on helping Vermont kids recover from the pandemic and the isolation it caused, including creating opportunities for them to safely reconnect with their peers and communities. The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to summer enrichment opportunities for K-12 youth statewide this summer. This was a highly competitive process with 188 proposals submitted totaling more than $7.4 million in requests, far exceeding available funds.

The grants, funded by federal dollars secured by Sen. Bernie Sanders and administered by Vermont Afterschool, were awarded to a variety of programs, including summer camps, libraries, municipalities, teen centers, non-profit social service organizations, and more. The goal of the funding is to expand the number of weeks and available slots, as well as to increase affordability and accessibility of summer programs. These offerings will supplement school-based programs, as districts in Vermont received separate federal funds to support summer learning and afterschool programs.

McLaughlin named top superintendent

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA) has recognized Superintendent Zach McLaughlin of the Springfield School District as the 2021 Frederick H. Tuttle Superintendent of the Year. The announcement was made at the association’s annual meeting held on June 4.

The recognition commemorates long-time Vermont superintendent and children’s advocate Frederick H. Tuttle and pays tribute to a superintendent who demonstrates exemplary leadership on behalf of students, the Vermont Superintendents Association, public education and the entire community.

McLaughlin receives the award in his 11th year of service at Springfield School District in roles including Assistant Principal; Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Assistant Superintendent; and now Superintendent. Prior to his administrative roles, he taught social studies to students across New England and English to students in China. McLaughlin is actively involved in the state association, serving on the Vermont Superintendents Association Board of Trustees.

SEVCA offer new shoes

WESTMINSTER, Vt. — SEVCA’s Good Buy Thrift Stores have received a generous donation of more than 900 pair of new men’s and women’s designer shoes in a variety of sizes and styles. The shoes, given by a donor who owned a recently closed shoe store in St. Johnsbury, will be offered to community members at prices beginning at 50% below retail price.

SEVCA’s Good Buy Thrift Stores in Bellows Falls, Springfield, and Hartford offer home goods, clothing, and shoes at all three locations. The stores serve a dual purpose: they offer affordable goods for community members of all income levels and they are, as well, intended to serve as a source of income for SEVCA, an agency which provides services to alleviate the effects of poverty for those living in Windham and Windsor counties.

More information about donation acceptance and store locations in Bellows Falls, White River/Hartford, and Springfield can be found on SEVCA’s website, https://sevca.org/thrift-stores/locations.

In addition, qualifying families can receive advance payments of the Child Tax Credit in monthly payments starting this summer. The total Child Tax Credit is worth $3,600 for children five and under and $3,000 for children six through 17. Families could receive up to $300 per month for younger children and $250 per month for older children. The IRS will use information from 2019 or 2020 tax returns to determine if you are qualified. SEVCA’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can help families who aren’t required to file a tax return provide information to the IRS.

Call SEVCA at (802) 722-4575 for more information and to make an appointment for free Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment tax preparation services on the following dates:

June 25: Windsor Resource Center, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 1 Railroad Ave., Windsor.

June 26: SEVCA’s Main Office, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 91 Buck Drive, Westminster.

July 9: Windsor Resource Center, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 1 Railroad Ave., Windsor.

July 10: SEVCA’s Main Office, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 91 Buck Drive, Westminster.

Band concert set for June 29

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Community Band will present a concert on Tuesday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the outdoor bandstand at Riverside Middle School, 13 Fairground Road. The band’s new saxophone quartet will perform. Bring a chair.

The Springfield Community Band is a 501©(3) corporation; the musicians are unpaid volunteers.

For more information, call Barbara Rodgers at (802)-875-2079 or e-mail the Band Board at [email protected]{/div}