I-91 mural project ramps up

A steering committee implementing the grant identified an art mural for the I-91 underpass, which is the sole pedestrian and traffic access between the village and the Lake Morey area. “The mural aims to reconnect Fairlee’s east and west — its village center with its recreational resources — its Main Street and its Lake Morey,” Cathy MacGrath wrote.

Piermont to sell property

PIERMONT—The Piermont Selectboard wants to sell a small parcel on Route 25C that town meeting voters once considered for a recreational park. In 2021, voters rejected article 16 on the town meeting warrant that asked Piermonters to develop the .6-acre property into a picnic park with game courts.

Memorial Day offers day of reflection

Approximately 200 people marked Memorial Day on Monday at the South Lawn Cemetery in Piermont. Woodsville held a ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery and also a parade and ceremony on Central Street, Woodsville.

Haverhill board chair resigns

WOODSVILLE—Haverhill Selectboard Chair Katie Williams resigned her position at Monday night’s meeting.
Williams had only been chair since town meeting in March. She was elected to a three-year term in 2022. She is the second Haverhill Selectboard chair to resign in less than six months after Fred Garofalo abruptly stepped down on Jan. 14.

WHS principal reverses course

WOODSVILLE—After submitting his resignation earlier this month, Woodsville High School Principal Hayden Coon has decided to remain in the position for the foreseeable future.

Backroom leadership changes

WEST NEWBURY—After nearly 15 years, John and Patsy Cole are stepping away from the leadership of the Backroom.
On May 3, at the West Newbury Town Hall, Carolyn Keck was elected as the new Chair of the Backroom.

In Times Past: We remember their sacrifice

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, emerged after the Civil War so that “the memory of the brave deeds and noble sacrifices of our deceased soldiers be kept fresh in the minds of the people.” Some states annually held ceremonies on May 30. It was not until 1971 when the observance became a national holiday and moved to the last Monday of May. This column examines the courage and dedication of 12 local residents who served their country between the Civil War and Iraq.They are just a sample of locals who gave their lives while serving in the nation’s armed services.

Oxbow voters approve budget

BRADFORD—Bradford and Newbury residents approved the $18.4 million Oxbow Unified Union School District budget for 2023-2024 with nary a peep during the annual district meeting on May 9 at Oxbow High School.

Flag kerfuffle ruffles village

EAST CORINTH—A proposal to spruce up Main Street with flags did not fly well with all Corinthians.
In an effort to improve the village’s appearance, Jon Ruggles and Wade Pierson formed the East Corinth Beautification Corporation, a nonprofit.

Exploring local family connection to Helen Keller

Emerson, an artist and former grant writer, didn’t grow up in Newbury, but her family’s connection to the community spans across generations to 1762 when her ancestors were among the town’s founding families. Growing up in Cleveland, her interest in her Vermont roots led to an unpredictable journey.  About 25 years ago, Emerson innocently asked her father about family lore related to Helen Keller and her great-great-grandfather, Joseph Edgar Chamberlin. Her curiosity was piqued when her father confirmed that the stories were, indeed, true.