On Monday, Woodstock Selectboard member and former chairperson, Ray Bourgeois tendered his resignation after years of service to the town. 

And during a special selectboard meeting held Tuesday, the remaining board members moved forward with plans to replace him. In a vote that passed unanimously, the board decided to leave his seat on the five-person board vacant until an election can be held during the primary voting on Aug. 11. 

Ray Bourgeois

Chairperson Susan Ford began the discussion at Tuesday’s meeting by thanking Bourgeois for his years of service to the selectboard, as well as to local non-profit boards.  

Municipal manager Eric Duffy then informed the board of the options available to fill the now-vacant seat. “Typically, [the process] is as simple as the selectboard appointing a new member,” he said. Duffy made reference to the board appointing members such as Cliff Johnson and Laura Powell in the recent past, outlining that if the board chose to move forward with that method, the town would announce the vacancy, provide time for those interested to apply and be interviewed, go through a public meeting, and then be chosen by the selectboard. 

If the board chose to appoint someone this way, the appointee would have to formally run for election at the end of Bourgeois’ term in March 2027. In a follow-up conversation with the Standard, Duffy explained that an appointee would serve until the next town election, which would be at Town Meeting in March.

He also told the board they could “hold the seat open for whenever the next election happens, whether that be in August [or] November, at the choosing of the selectboard.” Duffy later explained to the Standard that “Ray Bourgeois’ seat is up this coming March [2027], so the person elected in August or November would fulfill the rest of Ray’s term, which would end on Town Meeting Day and then, if they wanted, that person could run again for Ray’s two[-year] term seat.”

With only four board members, Duffy explained that if a vote should come to a 2-2 tie, the vote would not pass. 

The ability to allow the voters to choose the next selectboard member prevailed, as the board agreed unanimously to hold a public election on Aug. 11 to fill the vacant seat. 

Bourgeois told the Standard this week, “My wife and I have decided to downsize and move closer to family.” 

For more on this, please see our April 9 edition of the Vermont Standard. 

By Emma Stanton, Staff Writer

The Woodstock Resort Corporation said this week it will move forward with an appeal of the District 3 Environmental Commission’s Act 250 decision to deny its application to demolish two historic homes located at 14 and 16 South Street. That decision was issued on March 23.

In its decision, the board stated that the resort’s request did not adhere to Act 250 Rule 34 (E), citing the resort’s responsibility to adequately maintain and preserve the two properties as stipulated by the commission back in 2009. 

After the decision was issued, the Standard spoke with Peter Kopsco, District 3 coordinator, about what could happen next with the two historic houses. “The denied party has the opportunity to request an [alteration] to the commission’s decision,” Kopsco said. 

He explained that filing for an alteration could only happen in the first 15 days following the posted decision. An alteration, according to Kopsco, would entail the commission reviewing all submitted material and potentially reaching a different decision. “One and only one motion to alter with respect to the decision, or with respect to the denial party status, can be filed,” Kopsco said. 

Kopsco explained that there is also an appeal period, which runs for 30 days following the date of the decision or the date of any altered decisions. 

Kopsco added that if the commission’s denial stands, the precedent established in the 2009 decision will stand. Kopsco explained that this precedent states that the Inn must adequately maintain the two homes and send annual reports of the homes’ maintenance. 

In correspondence with the Standard earlier this week, Benjamin Pauly, director of Property Operations and Design for the Woodstock Inn & Resort, said, “The Woodstock Inn & Resort will move forward with an appeal of the District 3 Environmental Commission’s Act 250 decision. Throughout its history, the Resort has remained committed to being a strong community partner — supporting local initiatives, contributing to the village’s economic vitality, and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. We recognize our neighbors’ concerns regarding the loss of the structures at 14 and 16 South Street and are confident we can address all Act 250 criteria. We take pride in our team members and the services we provide and remain dedicated to working collaboratively to preserve the character, vitality, and shared future of Woodstock as a place we all call home.” 

Pauly told the Standard that the Resort Corporation’s appeal to the state would be submitted on Wednesday afternoon.  

During Tuesday morning’s special meeting, the Woodstock Selectboard voted unanimously to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Vondell Property that will allow it to pursue a $604,500 grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) and the Vermont Land Trust. 

The Vondell Property — a 358-acre parcel in West Woodstock that houses a reservoir, water tank, and parking lot — was purchased by the town in December 2024 for $1.6M. 

Since then, after public meetings and informational sessions, the board has come to the conclusion that the town’s desire is to conserve a significant portion of the land, according to chair Susan Ford.  

Following Tuesday’s selectboard meeting, the Standard spoke with Ford about the board’s decision to sign the agreement and what Woodstock residents can expect to see moving forward. 

“The Purchase and Sale Agreement is necessary for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to consider the grant,” Ford said. “This agreement does nothing other than to tell the VHCB that we are interested in receiving a grant. [The Conservation Board] will meet in May, and they’ll hopefully offer us the $600,000. If we accept their grant, we would be deeding a conservation easement and the development rights for 323 acres of the Vondell Property to the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board in exchange for the $604,500 grant.” 

Ford further explained, “The title ‘Purchase and Sale Agreement’ can be confusing. If we go through with this, we are going to convey away the right to develop most of the property, but the Town of Woodstock will remain the property owner. You can think of it like a mortgage. There’s going to be a lien on the property forever, saying these areas can only be developed in conjunction with the agreement made between Woodstock and the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.” 

Acceptance of the grant by the town is contingent upon the Town of Woodstock raising an extra $400,000 in private funding, a venture led by Woodstock residents Tom Debevoise and Mark Harris, according to Ford. 

The selectboard will know the status of the grant in May. Ford told the Standard that a more definite decision regarding the conservation of the Vondell Property land will come at a later date.

For more on this, please see our April 9 edition of the Vermont Standard. 

The Mountain Views Supervisory Union (MVSU) School Board plans to vote on its adoption of a policy on “Transgender and Gender Expansive Students” next month.

MVSU Policy Committee chair Eliott Rubin, a retired pediatrician and one of two school board representatives from Plymouth, presented the proposed policy for a second reading at the MVSU governing body’s regular monthly meeting on Monday evening.

“We discussed this [upon first reading] last month. This was the Vermont School Board Association policy, and it basically covered many of the policies that we already had in place,” Rubin told his fellow board members on Monday. “We did have it reviewed by our QSA [Queer-Straight Alliance], and they recommended some revisions — even to the title — and we’ve gotten that okayed by our legal [counsel]. So at this point, I would like to ask for this to be moved to an adoption vote — in other words, a third reading — in May.”

Immediately following Rubin’s presentation, a coterie of three members on the MVSU School Board called for a full public reading of the entire, nearly 1,000-word policy statement in the interests of full transparency and public education.

“I would like to have this policy read out loud for the public that is here so that we can get public input before the final reading in May,” offered Josh Linton, Rubin’s counterpart in representing Plymouth on the MVSU board. Rubin responded, “You want the whole policy read? It’s a three-page [document]. This has been warned and posted [publicly],” to which Linton replied, “What I was asking is to have it read prior to the third reading for adoption, for the public to be able to hear [it], so that we could get accurate feedback from the communities.”

Linton subsequently made a motion for the entire transgender/gender expansive student policy to be read aloud at the Monday evening meeting. The motion was seconded by Lisa Linton of Woodstock, who joined the school board last month after being elected to a three-year term at Town Meeting on March 3. (Lisa Linton is the mother of Josh Linton, the veteran MVSU board member from Plymouth who was reelected by his constituents last month.)

Matt Stout, one of the six MVSU board representatives from Woodstock, spoke up next.“[Superintendent] Sherry [Sousa] has mentioned this before. For everybody’s knowledge, the issue of transgender participation in sports is in front of the [U.S.] Supreme Court right now,” Stout noted. “They’re ruling — and if it changes this policy or the Vermont School Board Association policy, then it will be up to the Supreme Court. This policy could be vacated.”

On a roll call vote, the board then voted 13-3 not to hold a public reading of the proposed policy in full. Both Josh and Lisa Linton, as well as Bridgewater representative Ryan Townsend, dissented from that decision.

The recommended policy on transgender and gender expansive students will be voted upon at the next regular meeting of the MVSU Board on Monday, May 4.

For more on this, and to view the proposed “Transgender and Gender Expansive Students” policy in full, please see our April 9 edition of the Vermont Standard. 

On Monday, April 6, at 12:45 p.m., the Hartford Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Quechee Main Street and Mill Run Condominiums for a report of an occupied vehicle submerged in the Ottauquechee River. According to a fire department press release, the driver was hanging onto the vehicle as it floated downstream. An ambulance from Quechee Station #2 arrived at 12:49 p.m. to find the 26-year-old woman driver and her 2-year-old son safe on the bank of the river. 

The child was in a car seat in the back seat; the mother was able to unbuckle him, cut through the deployed driver-side airbag, and emerge through the window. The two were able to swim ashore safely, the release said. 

First responders assisted the mother and son into an ambulance and transported them to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for evaluation; no serious injuries were apparent, according to the release.

The remaining units from Quechee Station #1 arrived at 12:55 p.m. Rescue swimmers were deployed and confirmed there were no further occupants of the vehicle. 

Quechee Main Street was closed to the public during the incident. The car was removed from the river by Sabil and Sons Inc. The Fire Department stayed on scene and assisted in the removal. The Lebanon and Hanover Fire Departments were dispatched, but their services were not ultimately utilized.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department.

Actress Daphne Zuniga, a Woodstock Union High School (WUHS) alum famed for her roles in “Space Balls,” “Melrose Place,” and “One Tree Hill,” is currently appearing as Rose in Northern Stage’s production of “The Children,” which follows two retired nuclear scientists on the British coast in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster. On Tuesday afternoon, Zuniga spoke with and gave feedback to WUHS theatre students.

Daphne Zuniga chats with the theater group. Pamela R. White Photo 

A movement to empower students to serve on school boards in Vermont is gaining momentum statewide.

There is even legislation under consideration by lawmakers in Montpelier — H.640 — that would give formal school board voting rights to students. The bill has languished in committee much of this session, and its passage is unlikely before the legislators at the State House adjourn early next month. Nonetheless, student empowerment efforts are trending, particularly within supervisory unions and school districts here in our local area.

The Mountain Views Supervisory Union (MVSU) has included two high school students in non-voting capacities on its school board for the past four years. Elsewhere in the region, the Hartland and Weathersfield school districts each have eighth-grade students serving in non-voting, advisory capacities on their governing bodies. Conversations with the four student representatives on area school boards and with local educators this past week revealed the benefits that students, school administrators, teachers, and families alike derive from increased pupil participation in school governance.

From left, Logan Martes, Emily Hannux, Kendall Hughes, LylahZeitlin

For more on this, please see our April 9 edition of the Vermont Standard. 

Artistree’s the Grange Theatre in South Pomfret is kicking off its spring season with the one-man show, “More,” written by playwright Becca Schlossberg. The play will take center stage on April 17 and 19. 

“More” stars Jordan Elliot, a New York-based actor, who many in the area might recognize from his portrayal of Greg in the Grange Theatre’s 2025 production of “Sylvia.” Elliot will be completing a residency at Artistree this month,  where he will tackle the lead role in  Schlossberg’s play. 

“More” follows the story of a young Jewish father, who is grappling with the question of how to raise his children in the Jewish faith, including which traditions and beliefs to pass on and which to leave behind. 

From the moment he brings his newborn home from the hospital, protagonist Ben, who is estranged from his own father, starts to hear voices — voices from his Jewish ancestors, telling him he must reconnect with his faith or be damned. But what does it take to become a Jew in today’s complicated world? And how much of himself can he give before he falls apart? This play asks the audience to ponder those questions, as well as many, many more. 

“The play is really interesting in that it explores how we choose to pass on our values to our children,” Weiss-Richmond said. “It also explores the complexities of balancing what we want to do with what we think we ought to do. I hope that coming and seeing this show will be a lot of fun for whomever joins us, and that ‘More’ will also resonate with the viewers’ own experience as either a parent or a child.” 

Jade Evangelista, Grange Theatre associate director, told the Standard, “This piece is a beautiful and thoughtful story about the hardships of continuing a culture. It feels vulnerable and intensely valuable to a modern audience, especially as we grapple with the uncertainty and fear plaguing this nation.”

For more on this, please see our April 9 edition of the Vermont Standard. 

The Bridgewater Fire Department Auxiliary hosted its annual Easter egg hunt last Saturday morning, with children ages 12 and younger racing in search of eggs in the field between the community center and the fire rescue building. A few golden eggs contained special prizes.

Pamela R. White Photos

By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter

As temperatures warm up around the region, bikers and runners have begun training for the area’s numerous spring and summer races. Here is a rundown of some of the notable events coming up.

Things start off strong in May, beginning with Barnard’s BarnArts Race Around the Lake on Sunday, May 17. This will be the 13th anniversary of the event, in which participants can run or walk a 5K or run a 10K around Barnard’s Silver Lake. Adult 5K participants are asked to pay $40 in early registration fees, while 10K runners will pay $50. All those aged 12 and under pay $25.

The event is a fundraiser for BarnArts’ youth programs, in particular, their Summer Youth Theater. Money from the race goes to keeping enrollment costs low for area children, while making scholarships and a free youth choir possible. 

Race Around the Lake begins at 9 a.m. and is planned to end at noon with an awards ceremony. There, each event’s top three finishers will be awarded, as well as the top finishers in age categories. Runners who register for the run by April 30 will receive a Race Around the Lake tee shirt.

Next is the Ascutney Mountain Run on May 30 in Windsor. The race is an uphill run up 2,300 vertical feet, from the State Park’s entrance to the parking lot at the summit. As a USA Track & Field-sanctioned event, headphones are permitted, but the race’s website specifies that no baby strollers are allowed. 

Adult runners will be asked to pay a $40 registration fee, seniors will pay a $30, and athletes 17 and under will only pay $10. Those interested may register online anytime between now and May 29 at 12 a.m.

On June 7, the 34th Covered Bridges Half Marathon will be held. Starting at the Saskadena Six Ski Area in Pomfret at 8:15 a.m., runners will be tasked with completing the 13-mile adventure through Woodstock and over to Dewey Mills polo field in Quechee before the end of a three-hour time limit. 

While registration for the event is over due to spots being sold out, spectators can take in the action by parking in the assigned spectator parking at the polo field and heading over to the finish line. Those attending to watch their favorite runners are asked to stay behind the fence, not to interfere with any runners, and to take their trash with them when they leave. 

The Covered Bridges Half Marathon’s non-profit partners included David’s House, The Family Place, Positive Tracks, Upper Valley Haven, WISE, and Zack’s Place. Runners who committed to raising a minimum of $500 for one of the non-profits above were guaranteed a spot in the event.

Further south is the Lace Up for Laura 5K and Kids Color Fun Run in Weathersfield on Saturday, June 27. The walk/run serves as a fundraiser for the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund, whose namesake was a key figure in the Weathersfield area until her tragic passing in 2018 after a car accident. All proceeds from the 5K go to the Memorial Fund, which gives out scholarships to graduating seniors who exemplify “Laura’s leadership and giving spirit, and are pursuing further education and training in a field where these principles may be put into practice,” according to the race’s website.

The event features two races, the one-third-mile Kids (12 and younger) Fun Run, and a traditional 5K for all ages. Runners/walkers for this race pay a $25 registration fee. 

Kicking off the United States of America’s 250th birthday will be the Ottauquechee River Trail (ORT) Firecracker 5K at 9 a.m. on July 4. Registration for the event is limited and will cost athletes $30, with funds raised supporting upkeep of the ORT. The family-friendly, untimed walk/run will start at 0 Maxham Meadow Way in Woodstock, and follow the river.

Perhaps the largest event of the season takes place in Hanover, N.H., over the course of the following weekend — The Prouty. While events for The Prouty take place nearly year-round, the biking and walking portions will be on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11.

For those attempting the Prouty Ultimate, the event begins on Friday with either a 74 or 100-mile bike ride through New Hampshire and Vermont. Then, on Saturday, participants can choose to complete one of six options: the 100-mile route, 50-mile hybrid gravel route, 18-mile mountain bike ride, a route of their choice, Walk the Prouty or Row the Prouty. Registration for the Ultimate costs $150 and has a minimum fundraising goal of $1,750 for newcomers and $2,500 for alumni.

Prouty: Bike is called the event’s most popular option by the organization’s website and features a total of eight route options. These include the aforementioned Ultimate routes, as well as a 20-mile route, 35-mile route, 50-mile route, and an eight-mile mountain bike climb. It costs no money to register, but participants 19 years and older need to fundraise at least $150, and 13- to 18-year-olds $50 (no required fundraising for children). 

Those taking on The Prouty: Walk have four options: Audrey’s Walk-Residential Family Walk 3K, a Wooded 5K, and Residential 7K or 10K. Entry and fundraising totals are the same as their biking counterparts.

The Prouty Opening Ceremony will be held on that Saturday at 10 a.m. at Richmond Middle School in Hanover. Fundraising from the 45th annual event goes towards the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Cancer Center. 

A week later, Hartford will hold its Hurricane Hill 5K/10K on Saturday, the 18th at 9 a.m. Parking and same-day registration for the run can be done at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Lane, White River Junction. Same-day registration takes place from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and is free for children 14 and under, $25 for those 15-19 years of age, and $30 for those 20 and older. Online pre-registration can be done at pinnaclestrive.com through July 16 and cuts $5 off the previous prices.

Walkers are welcome to take on the 5K, while more experienced runners can tackle the 10K and earn points towards the Western New Hampshire Trail Running Series. Both tracks will traverse Hartford’s Conservation Area and Town Forrest, through steep elevation changes, logging roads and trails. Post-race, all participants will be eligible for a selection of raffle prizes.

Bikers and runners alike will take over Ascutney Outdoors in West Windsor on August 15 and 16 for The Overland. The two-day event pits athletes against a 55-mile dirt road bike course on Saturday, with over 7,000 feet of climbing, and an approximately 15-mile run on Sunday on an all-surface course. Saturday’s bike race benefits the Reading/West Windsor Food Shelf, Ascutney Outdoors, and Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association (WAMBA), while the Sunday run helps Ascutney Outdoors and the Ascutney Trails Association.

Juniors can participate in both events for free. Adults participating in the biking competition will be charged $208.40, while runners will be charged $144.59 for the 15-mile course and $112.68 for the six-mile track. Those hoping to win the Overland Trophy for the combined two-day event will be charged $336.11. The top three men and top three women after two days will split a $5,000 purse.

By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter

Blake Fabrikant is back for his sixth year in charge of the Sharon Academy Phoenix’s Track & Field program, hoping to help his small school achieve big results.

The 41-year-old Dean of Students didn’t take up the sport until late in his high school career, but found a new passion upon trying it. “I was big into basketball and soccer,” said the school’s former athletic director and basketball coach. “But my senior year, basketball season was over, and I felt kind of burned out. So I decided to try track & field because I was always pretty fast and I fell in love with it.”

The sport’s laid-back nature and sense of community pulled him in, and he now uses it as a sales pitch to athletes at the school, which offers only one spring sports option. “It’s kind of how I market it,” he said. “Some kids are trying out the sport for the first time, and I explain that you have to take it seriously, and put the work in, but in terms of the culture, everyone is supportive and roots for each other.”

His pitch, in which he likens track meets to an “athletic festival,” has helped him amass a team of almost 30 kids, approximately one-fifth of the school’s total population. “We have a healthy amount of kids,” said Fabrikant. “We have a lot of kids from basketball and soccer for whom this isn’t their main sport, but they love it because it gets them more athletic, faster, and is more laid back. The really friendly community is a big draw.”

Sharon Academy Track & Field athletes warm up before learning how to throw the discus. Pamela R. White Photo

According to Fabrikant, the team has been solid during his tenure, including last season, which saw the boys team finish 12th in the Vermont Principals’ Association’s Division III, and the girls finish ninth. “I think we were the smallest school to finish that well in Division III,” he said. “Overall, we did well. We were pretty strong, but I think we are going to be better this year.”

After the dissolution of Vermont’s Division IV, Sharon Academy was forced into Division III, competing against schools with larger student populations. Fabrikant said this has made it harder to compete, especially against division juggernaut Thetford. “They’re tough and perennially really good,” he said.

A large portion of Fabrikant’s optimism for 2026 stems from the improvement of his boys team. “We have some really good athletes on the boys side,” he said. “Probably for the first time in a while.”

He shouted out three key contributors in sophomore Will Decapua and juniors Orion Bee and Noah Malloy. Decapua comes off a season in which he was the second-ranked freshman in the state in javelin. “He’s going to have a really good year for us,” said Fabrikant. The promising Bee joins him in the throwing events. 

Malloy was hailed by his coach as an all-around athlete who sprints in the 100- and 200-meter races while also competing in all jumping disciplines. Fabrikant believes Malloy will be a strong contender in the decathlon after the season.

Replacing last year’s top jumper, MaCallister Gray, will be hard for the Phoenix, but the school has two throwers ready to rise to the occasion. Junior Paetyn Gray was mentioned as a potential name to watch, along with newcomer to the sport, sophomore Lyla Lyman, in javelin. For Lyman, this will be her first year in Track & Field, and she comes to the sport after some hard convincing from Fabrikant. “She’s showing promise,” he said. “I had to convince her after seeing her throw a football in the gym. She’s got an arm. She’s a strong girl.”

The Phoenix head to Bellows Falls for their first meet of the season on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m. 

Dorla Jean (Bradley) Wheelock, age 83, was born on May 7, 1942, in Harrisburg, Ill. After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, she passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Dorla was raised in a coal-mining town in southern Illinois by her grandparents, Richard “Dick” Bradley, a train conductor, and Lulu Bradley, while her mother, Magdalena (Bradley) Gobil, traveled throughout the Midwest as a singer. From this rich family heritage of musicians, writers, and storytellers, Dorla developed a lifelong love of music. She sang joyfully from childhood through her later years, filling churches, homes, and everyday moments with song. Music lived in her heart, and she often shared it spontaneously with those around her. She attended Harrisburg High School and graduated from Batavia High School in 1960. Upon graduation, Dorla was awarded a full scholarship to Southern Illinois University for vocal music, though her deep pull toward home led her to return after one month.

In May of 1961, at the age of 18, Dorla married her high school sweetheart, Timothy Wheelock, at Batavia Baptist Church. The following day she celebrated her 19th birthday, beginning a marriage that would span 64 devoted years. Shortly thereafter, the couple traveled abroad to Nuremberg, Germany, while Tim served in the U.S. Army. They later returned to the United States with their son, Todd Wheelock, and four years later welcomed their daughter, Kami (Wheelock) Dimmick.

Dorla’s working life reflected both her adaptability and her heart for service. During the 1960s, she worked as a switchboard operator at the St. Charles Reformatory Boys School and at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois. In the early 1970s, while living in Hampshire, Illinois, she briefly hosted her own radio program out of Elgin — one of her favorite professional experiences. Above all, Dorla cherished her role as a stay-at-home mother.

From 1976 to 1985, Dorla and her family lived on a small farm in Princeton, Illinois. There, she baked bread, raised chickens, kept dairy cows, and generously shared what she had with others. She would often fill the trunk of her car with food and goods, open it after church for anyone in need, and leave with it empty — her quiet generosity reflecting a life devoted to serving others. Dorla also remained deeply involved in church life, singing solos in Messiah productions for many years, and lending her voice to weddings and funerals alike. In 1985, the family moved to Vermont, where they opened the Whee Acre Inn. Later, Dorla worked as a caretaker for several inns throughout New England, bringing her creativity and warmth into each space she touched.

A woman of strong faith, Dorla loved the Lord and dedicated her talents to His service. She was an active member of Green Mountain Gospel Church in Randolph, Vermont, for many years.

Dorla was preceded in death by her mother, Magdalena Gobil, and her daughter-in-law, Linda Wheelock. She is survived by her beloved husband, Timothy Wheelock; her son, Todd Wheelock; her daughter, Kami Dimmick, and son-in-law, Lucky Dimmick; six grandchildren — Amanda, Melissa, Ashley, Josh, Remington, and Kaitlin; and ten cherished great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to BAYADA Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care, and to Delores Small for the exceptional love, support, and tenderness she provided as Dorla’s caregiver.

Arrangements are entrusted to Day Funeral Home of Randolph, Vermont. A funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Church, 1453 VT Route 107, Bethel, Vt., on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m.

Patrick Raymond Pierce Jr. or affectionately known as “PJ, Patrick, Peaches or Popeye” peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 28, 2026 after his courageous battle with rare brain cancer. 

PJ was born to May (Wilson) Pierce and Patrick R. Pierce Sr. (Pat) on Nov. 20, 1983 in Hanover, N.H. He grew up in Pomfret, attending grade school and later high school in Woodstock, graduating in June 2002. 

As a lifetime Vermonter, PJ was a bit of a hellion in his early days before meeting and settling down, marrying his best friend and soulmate Erika on October 17, 2009. They soon started a family, welcoming their daughter Mackenzie Lee on May 6, 2011 and two years later their son Ethan Scott on May 3, 2013. PJ became the best dedicated father; always attentive, devoted and admired by others as such. In addition to his family, PJ enjoyed numerous 100+ mile motorcycle rides, snowmobiling and camping. He often enjoyed deer hunting and being an avid fisherman as well. PJ loved staying busy and being outdoors as much as possible in all the seasons. He and his son Ethan (and sometimes Mackenzie), would regularly fill a generous stringer with trout during those summer days. In the winter, when not snowmobiling, PJ could often be found on the ice, fishing for the “big one” on various lakes and ponds in the upper valley with whomever wanted to brave the cold with him. 

PJ easily made friends and took a sincere interest in everyone’s story no matter what it was. He had a wry sense of humor and would add quick quips to any conversation causing smirks and laughter from those nearby. If you were lucky, you’d see him tickled from your reactions with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. PJ was one of those selfless individuals who would do nearly anything to help nearly anyone at nearly any time of day. He was a great friend to so many and always shared or inspired a smile and laughter with everyone he met and often through jokes he never forgot. 

Most recently, he was the General Service Manager at Valley Artesian Well in Ascutney, Vt., leading the pump service crew. PJ’s knowledge and helpful demeanor earned him the respect of many residents and contractors throughout the Upper Valley of both Vermont and New Hampshire. He was admired and appreciated by his coworkers, extended work family, and colleagues across the well water business where he will be dearly missed by all those that had the pleasure of meeting him. 

Last January, PJ was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor which was then determined to be a rare cancerous disease. He submitted to treatments and even though this disease slowly stole him piece by piece. Throughout the entire journey — in true Vermont grit fashion — he waged the most courageous, selfless, brave, humble and dignified struggle that has reached its end. 

Before passing on, PJ shared that he was leaving this world with few regrets, having accomplished and enjoyed more than he ever dreamed possible both in his youth and with his wife and kids. His only disappointment was not being able to continue to care for his family and see his children reach adulthood while spending more of his grey years with his wife.

PJ was predeceased by both sets of his grandparents; Bertha (Potwin) and Scott Pierce, Clarissa (Small) and Wayne Wilson Sr., his father Patrick R. Pierce, Sr.; aunts: Mary (Wilson) Chamberlain, Marge (Wilson) Thibodeau, Leona (Wilson) LaFountain, Joyce (Wilson) Piper; uncle: Wayne W. Wilson, Jr. and several other beloved family and friends. 

PJ is survived by his wife Erika, daughter Mackenzie and son Ethan; mother May (Wilson) Pierce of Quechee, VT; older sister Valerie (Pierce) and her husband Joshua Sanderson of Hartland; younger sister Jennifer (Pierce) Towne and companion Jason Dow with children Dakota, Hailey and Wesleynn of West Windsor; uncle Ernest “Ernie” Wilson of Woodstock; and several more extended family on both his and his wife’s side, as well as so many friends and colleagues stretched far and wide. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Woodstock High School gymnasium in Woodstock on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. Refreshments, stories and pictures to be shared immediately following. There will be no burial at this time. Donations can be made via the current donation page found here.. An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.

Bruce Charles Gould, 85, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with multiple system atrophy, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. 

To the world, he was Bruce Gould. But to his family — and especially to his grandchildren — he was simply “Bubba,” a name that captured the warmth, love, and steady presence he brought to their lives. 

Bruce was born on Nov. 9, 1940, in Claremont, N.H., to Howard and Alice Gould. He was raised in Woodstock alongside his brother, Howard (“Toppy”), who predeceased him, and his sister, Nancy (Gould) Bebo. Together, they shared a close-knit upbringing that extended into a lifetime of strong family ties across generations. 

The extended Bebo family remained an important and lasting part of Bruce’s life, including Nancy and Nelson’s children — Nel, Todd, Stacy, and Deanna — and their families, all of whom shared in the close bonds and memories that defined those years. 

A 1958 graduate of Woodstock Union High School, Bruce went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. Following his service, he worked for New England Telephone before entering the life insurance business and eventually building a long and successful career in insurance and real estate. In 1972, he established his own business, which continued for decades under Gould & Quinn, LTD, doing business as Gould Realtors. 

Bruce and his wife, Patricia Ann Gould (Quinn), built a life grounded in hard work, respect, and deep commitment to family. Together, they became well known throughout the Woodstock area not only for their professional success, but for the way they carried themselves — with integrity, professionalism, and quiet pride. 

Bruce was widely respected in his field. He was named Realtor of the Year and went on to serve as President of the Vermont Association of Realtors, along with leadership roles at the county and national levels. His career was not just about business — it was about relationships, trust, and doing things the right way. 

His impact on the Woodstock community was lasting and significant. Over the years, Bruce dedicated himself to public service, contributing his time and leadership to numerous organizations, including the Woodstock Town School Board, Planning Commission, Rotary Club, Woodstock Foundation, and many others. He served as Town Moderator for decades, guiding meetings with fairness, calm authority, and respect for all voices. 

He was, at his core, a quiet man. It is hard to recall a time he ever raised his voice. But when he did speak, people listened. He led not by volume, but by consistency, thoughtfulness, and example. 

Bruce was a worker in every sense — often in a suit and tie throughout his career — but just as often found on weekends cutting firewood, working around the house, and staying busy. He believed in 

responsibility, in showing up, and in taking care of what mattered. 

His generation knew how to do things the right way, and Bruce lived that every day. He did absolutely everything for his family. He sacrificed without hesitation and always put his family — both immediate and extended — before himself. That was simply who he was. 

Some of the most meaningful moments of his life were spent at Robert’s Roost on Highland Lake in New Hampshire, where his family gathered alongside the Bebos and the Doubledays. Even as recently as last year, Bruce was able to return to the camp and sit peacefully by the lake with his family. Though his voice had been taken from him, his presence spoke volumes. 

He also cherished time spent in Florida with his lifelong best friend, Jack Henderson, and Jack’s wife, Barb. Their friendship spanned decades—riding motorcycles and simply enjoying time together whenever they could. Beyond Jack, Bruce was fortunate to have a circle of lifelong friends — men he considered brothers — whose shared history, loyalty, and time together meant a great deal to him throughout his life. 

Later in life, especially around retirement, Bruce found a deep appreciation for golf. He often said he never played enough and always wished he had more time for it. Some of his most meaningful moments were simple Sunday afternoons spent on the course with his son Tim. He also looked forward every single week to family dinners at his daughter Leanne’s home, where she brought everyone together whenever possible. Bruce and Patricia truly lived for those moments — having their family together as often as they could. 

Above all, Bruce was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Gould (Quinn); his children, Christine, Tim and partner Rose, and Leanne and her husband Emo Chynoweth; grandchildren Ailene Faller, partner Nick, Tyler and his wife Haleigh, Ely and his partner Natalie, and Riley. He was able to experience being a great-grandfather to Bentley, born to Ailene and Nick, and Greyson, born to Tyler and Haleigh. 

Bruce will be remembered not just for what he accomplished, but for how he lived. For decades — through the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond — he helped shape the Woodstock community simply by being steady, dependable, and kind. He did not seek recognition — he earned respect. 

He was an exceptional husband, a steady and guiding father, a proud grandfather, and above all, an incredible human being. The kind of man who set an example without ever needing to say a word. 

A private burial will be held on Saturday, April 11. A celebration of Bruce’s life will follow that same day from 1-5 p.m. at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock. All who knew Bruce are warmly invited to come and celebrate his life. An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.

Fly high, Bubba. We all love you! 

Leslie (Deedee) Riffle-Van Alstyne, age 65, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at her sister’s home in Quechee, Vermont. 

Deedee was born on March 6, 1961, to Peter Roland and Carol Virgina Van Alstyne (nee Carlson). Deedee grew up in Wilton, Conn. and graduated from Wilton High School in 1979. Following high school, she attended Keene State College and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree majoring in Art History and Archeology in 1983. 

Deedee’s love for art and museums persisted throughout her life. Whenever she visited a new town, her top priority was to visit a new art gallery or museum. She worked at a number of museums directing the gift shops and coordinating visitor experiences. She brought that love of art to her home as well. While Deedee moved frequently, she was always able to make a space uniquely her own by decorating with vintage knick-knacks, antiques, and well-curated art with each item carrying a special story. Deedee’s eye for style translated to her wardrobe as well where she was always able to pull together funky outfits with bright colors, scarves, and distinctive jewelry.

Along with her passion for the arts, Deedee loved to listen and dance to good music. At a young age, she enjoyed spending hours listening to new vinyls and traveling into New York City to see her favorite bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Whether she was in a large crowd, a small show, or just with family and friends, Deedee always was able to let loose and start the dance floor. 

A signature of Deedee’s presence was her humor and distinct laugh. Sometimes you could even hear her speak long monologues of French, only to reveal later it was completely fake and she never said a real word. She was open to adventure and unapologetically herself, traits that often created strong new relationships often and a wake of friendships wherever she had been.

Deedee married her former husband Bryan Riffle in 1988 and had two sons, Adam and Toby in 1990 and 1997, respectively. She was a devoted mother that sacrificed everything to give her children every opportunity. She taught them to persevere through life’s hardships, find humor in anything, laugh with friends, and dance like no one was watching. 

Deedee is survived by her son Adam and his wife Sarah Dymecki, and her son Toby and his partner Emily Johnson, her sister, Susan Van Alstyne and husband David Lechner, her sister Kristen Lessard and husband Brian, her brother, Peter C. Van Alstyne and wife Rosemary Halligan, her nieces, Cailin Lechner and husband Bryan, Kate Lessard, Jane and Natalie Van Alstyne, her nephews, Sam Lessard and his wife Liz, and Evan Lechner, along with numerous close friends. 

During her childhood, Deedee spent many happy times at her family’s second home in Vermont and summers in her beloved Martha’s Vineyard. She spent her final five years in Woodstock.

Deedee’s family is planning a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the North Universalist Chapel Society with a private reception to follow.

An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.

John Joseph Wiegand, Sr., of Quechee, died at home on March 21 from complications related to skin cancer. He was 98.

Mr. Wiegand is survived by his five children: Claudia Wiegand of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Linda Wiegand Packard of Quechee; Donna Wiegand-Bicknell (Raymond) of Beebe Plain, Vt.; John Wiegand, Jr. (Cindy), also of Quechee; and Michael Wiegand (Ghaddra Gonzalez) of Mercer Island, Wash. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Ruth; his brother, George; and his sister, Frances.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., and raised in Flushing, Queens, Mr. Wiegand was a member of a generation shaped by duty, discipline, and perseverance. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and went on to attend Adelphi College and Hofstra University.

He and Ruth later settled on Long Island, where he began his career in industrial engineering at Fairchild Aviation. That role marked the beginning of a long and accomplished international career with HB Maynard Management Consulting, Indian Head Plywood, and Columbia Plywood. His work with Indian Head brought him and his family to Vermont, where they purchased their home in Quechee in 1964 — a place that remained central to his life for decades.

Mr. Wiegand concluded his career at Robert F. Lewis, Inc. of Woodstock. He was known for his strong work ethic, sound judgment, and steady leadership.

In retirement, he and Ruth traveled extensively and spent winters in Placida, Fla. He remained active in the game of golf and devoted many years of service to the Vermont Golf Association and the New England Golf Association, where he held leadership roles and supported the growth of the game for younger generations.

 Above all, he was devoted to his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. His life reflected a deep sense of responsibility, loyalty, and quiet strength.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock on Saturday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the Quechee Library (quecheeandwilderlibraries.com) or the Vermont Golf Association Junior Golf Scholarship Fund (vgasf.org).

Arrangements are by Cabot Funeral Home, Woodstock, Vt. An online guestbook may be found at cabotfh.com.

Nancy Corwith Hamill Winter, a visionary conservationist, passionate equestrian, and student of the world, died peacefully on February 27, 2026, while spending time with her beloved horses and friends in Aiken, S.C. She was 83. Based in Woodstock, Nancy was a proud native of Illinois, where her family had deep roots. Nancy leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and collaborative leadership in numerous organizations and in communities across the country.

Born on March 9, 1942, Nancy spent her childhood in Wayne, Ill., exploring local fields and forests with her family and cadre of close friends involved in the Wayne-DuPage Pony Club. She attended the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, Skidmore College, Bennett College, and George Washington University where she studied Asian language and cultures. In the early 1960’s, Nancy taught English in post-war Japan, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to cross-cultural understanding. Nancy went on to a distinguished career as an equestrian competitor, coach, and breeder, coming within reach of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Equestrian team. Nancy was also deeply invested in the emerging field of therapeutic riding as well as supporting young competitive riders and a next generation of elite equestrian eventers. One of her proudest accomplishments was owning and breeding the 2025 Connemara Sport Horse of the Year, No May Moon, trained and ridden by long-time equestrian partner Allison Springer.

Nancy traveled the world and embraced every journey with extraordinary preparation, an open heart, and an adventurous spirit that was infectious to all. She found humor and awe in her travels, making authentic connections and lifelong friendships with those she met along her way. Nancy held her most special places close to her heart: the remnant native prairies and burr oak savannas of Illinois, the rolling fields of Virginia in fall riding season, snowy peaks in the Rockies, Alps, and Himalayas, and her favorite trout streams. A tireless and conscientious traveler, she felt equally at home exploring exotic markets and visiting ancient sacred sites around the world.

Witnessing the loss of cherished natural areas and ongoing environmental degradation spurred a lifetime of activism and strategic action to conserve farmland and wildlife habitat. Nancy held significant leadership roles and was an active supporter of The Nature Conservancy (Illinois Chapter), Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, Equine Land Conservation Resource, Teton Regional Land Trust, Bhutan Foundation, and other organizations. She applied a keen intellect, gave generously, and honed deep collaboration skills to advance environmental stewardship, equestrian causes, and democracy at the local and national levels. Nancy was an enthusiastic yet patient bridge-builder with allies dedicated to honoring and protecting nature. In her last decade, Nancy developed meaningful relationships with leaders of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Native Americans who shared her land ethic.

Nothing brought Nancy greater joy than spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren. “Nana” loved imparting her wisdom, humor, and lived experience, and she reveled in showing up for their special moments. Nancy treasured times when all her grandchildren were gathered under one roof celebrating a house full of laughter and commotion.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her loving family, legions of dear friends, and diverse collaborators whose lives she graced in so many ways. Survivors include Nancy’s two children: Ethan Hamill (Anne) Winter, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Sylvia Corwith Winter (Aaron) Baggish of Woodstock and Buchillon, Switzerland; brother Jonathan Corwith (Nancy) Hamill, of Barrington, Ill.; sister Elizabeth “Betsy” Corwith (James) Bramsen, of Barrington, Ill.; six adoring grandchildren: Owen, Savannah and Kendall Winter, and Izzabella, Emmitt and Flynn Baggish; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and god-children with whom she maintained loving connections throughout her life. She is also survived by her former husband, Wallace Winter of Grayslake, Ill. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Corwith “Corky” Hamill and Joan Birnie Smith Hamill of Wayne, Ill.

Nancy was always and to the end exactly what she believed the world needed more of: a compassionate ally who made herself present, asked hard questions, shared generously, and trusted that the land and the people who loved it would carry the work forward. She was a special flower and her considerable contributions will stand for generations to come.

A celebration of Nancy’s life is planned in the Chicago area in June for family, friends, and partners who wish to join in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Woodstock Community Trust. 

Please email remember-nancy@winterworks.org for information.

Sign the guest book at legacy.suntimes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit https://www.legacy.com.

By Dan Cotter, Publisher 

Well, my friends, this is my fourth and final article of our 2025 annual appeal. 

Once again, this year, it’s been a privilege to talk directly with you about the mission we’re on at the Vermont Standard and the difficult challenges we face — to ask if you’ll please consider donating to the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation in support of our efforts to connect our community and keep you informed on issues of public importance.

Today, the main thing I want you to know is that we are proud to work for you.

We know you’re counting on us to be your eyes and ears — filling you in about local government actions that affect you, about local crime, about court cases playing out here, about notable news items and occurrences, the accomplishments of our neighbors and local youth, about developments at our schools, churches, businesses, and charitable or civic organizations, about the happenings and things to do in the local area, and lots more. 

We are the one and only news source that’s entirely focused on our area; reporting news that’s primarily of interest right here. Our work — week in and week out — is entirely dedicated to the welfare of this community. 

That’s the way it’s been here for 172 years. And Phil Camp and I and our small team are now trying to produce a 2025 version of the Vermont Standard that’s the best it has ever been in the paper’s long history.

The Standard is for you. It exists simply to benefit you and your neighbors. We regard this responsibility and the trust you place in us as a badge of honor. We pledge to give it our best. All we’ve got.

As I’ve explained before, the financial pressures we face are intense. And, tragically, various powers that be are trying to exert additional pressure in a sad attempt to undermine the press. By extension, their actions undermine you, the public. That’s nothing new, really, but it’s pretty acute right now. Shame on them.

However, with your donations to keep us afloat, we’re hanging in there, staying strong and getting stronger. We are continuing to work, not only on improving this week’s Vermont Standard, but next month’s and next year’s too, as we attempt to set things up so we can produce high-quality local journalism for the long term. 

We’ll make sure your gift is put to good use as a worthwhile investment in one of the key components of the critical infrastructure that underpins this community.

As a citizen, it’s essential for you to be well-informed. That’s the only way we can have a functioning local democracy and a lively, connected community. As your eyes and ears, we’ll continue to follow the news closely and report it to you in new, better, and more engaging ways as time goes on. 

We hope to make you proud as we strive to do the best community journalism in the country. We believe that’s a realistic goal. This weekend — for the ninth time in the last twelve years — the Standard will once again be a finalist for the honor of being named New England Weekly Newspaper of the Year.

When it comes to journalism, we believe you deserve the absolute best.

We are deeply appreciative of any financial help you can offer in this year’s 2025 annual appeal. In fact, if you’re interested, Phil Camp and I would be very grateful for an opportunity to meet with you in person to talk more about what’s needed and our plans. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at dcotter@thevermontstandard.com or 802-457-1313.

Also — very importantly — if you have a family foundation, please consider adding the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation (EIN: 93-3287932) to the worthwhile causes you regularly support. We’ll be deeply indebted to you.

The Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation is a public charity, so your gift will be fully tax-deductible. 

If you’re willing to make a tax-deductible donation to our 2025 Annual Appeal, please send a check to PO Box 88, Woodstock, VT 05091, or go to our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website at thevermontstandard.com to make a contribution with your credit card. Be sure to make your check out to the “Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation.” 

By Dan Cotter, Publisher 

Lord knows, there are lots of fascinating people in our community.

At times, it seems as if every person you meet here in the course of a day is even more interesting than the last one. Sometimes, I marvel at how in the world all these wonderful and impressive folks are either from here or ended up here, in this little corner of Vermont.

Of course, I’m lucky. I get to participate in our story planning meetings at the Standard each week to decide who and what we’re going to write about next. Beyond the breaking news, what feature stories should we write – about which people, which organizations, which businesses?

It’s a joy.

There are always plenty of nominations. And then, even though you think you pretty well know who someone is or what an organization does and stands for, our reporter does a deep dive and provides new insight about them or their work or their cause in an account that’s simply breathtaking. Who knew? Right here among us! 

I often refer to the Vermont Standard as a kind of “glue” for our community. It’s a paper everyone can turn to in order to stay informed about the local news — the goings-on, the things to do. Something to look forward to each week to catch up on the latest. A common experience shared by those who live here or care about this place.

But maybe the best part about the Standard is the way it enables us to connect as a community. The way it helps us get to know each other better by introducing us to that really interesting person who lives next door (sometimes literally). And I’ve found that typically the more impressive people are, the less likely they are to talk about themselves. They’re too modest. So, it takes a nosy reporter to get them to tell their full story.

And the same goes for some of the incredible organizations in the area, including charities, nonprofits, schools, churches, arts organizations, libraries, history centers, and many more. They aren’t always focused on touting or telling their story – about what they do, who they help, what they accomplish. Often, they toil away under the radar. But the Standard is eager to bring their story to the public’s attention. We want to shine a spotlight, applaud their work, and make the folks who might decide to join or support them aware of them.

Soon, we’ll be bringing you those kinds of stories on video too, as we roll out our Headliners and Inside Scoop programs this fall.

The bottom line is that living in a community is much more fulfilling for most of us when we get to know more about the ordinary people among us, who are doing some pretty extraordinary things. Reading about them and their aspirations and accomplishments in the Standard is fun, and, on occasion, when those stories also explain their struggles and failures, their resilience and ultimate triumphs, it can be touching to read, inspiring even. 

These stories help us all feel a deeper sense of kinship with the people and organizations in our midst. They connect us and make us feel that we all truly belong to this beautiful community.

As I said, being this glue that strengthens our connection? It’s a joy.

We are deeply appreciative of any financial help you can offer in this year’s 2025 annual appeal. Our effort to preserve quality journalism for our community is quite urgent, my friends. And Phil Camp and I would be very grateful for an opportunity to meet with you to talk more about what’s needed and our plans. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at dcotter@thevermontstandard.com or (802) 457-1313.

Also, if you have a family foundation, please consider adding the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation (EIN: 93-3287932) to the worthwhile causes you regularly support.

The Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation is a public charity so your gift will be fully tax-deductible. 

Your donation will be utilized in the form of project grants to support the Vermont Standard’s mission to inform, connect, and educate our community on issues of public importance. 

If you’re willing to make a tax-deductible donation to our 2025 Annual Appeal, please send a check to PO Box 88, Woodstock, VT 05091, or go to our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website at www.thevermontstandard.com to make a contribution with your credit card. Be sure to make your check out to the “Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation.” 

By Dan Cotter, Publisher

For the past 15-20 years, most local newspapers have been trying to “do more with less” in an effort to survive. And, of course, since that’s not a good long-term strategy, it has put our industry into a slow death spiral.

America has lost 3,200 of its newspapers in that same period of time, and currently, an average of more than two per week go out of business. Hundreds more papers are on life support, as they try to hang on by cutting staff, cutting pages, cutting the frequency of their publishing days, and eliminating their print editions. In their resulting emaciated state, those papers certainly can’t serve the need for local news and information in their communities.

Those withered newspapers are called “ghost papers,” because they are hollowed out shells of their former selves. Technically, they still exist. They continue to survive. But the communities counting on them? Well, they can no longer really count on them.

The handful of hedge funds and corporate raiders that bought up so many of our nation’s newspapers and ruined them wrote the playbook. In their effort to “rightsize” (meaning to dramatically downsize…) their papers in the face of diminishing advertising revenue, they chopped the expenses. Severely.

For newspapers, the primary expense is paying the people who work there. After many rounds of staff cuts, those papers barely cover any news at all, because they no longer have enough people to do it.

And as many of the small independent papers – like the Standard – encountered those same advertising revenue headwinds, lacking a better plan, they began following the same playbook. Consequently, in their efforts to survive, they now f ind themselves in that same never-ending spiral of cost-cutting.

Also, newspapers in that ragged state aren’t able to do the type of development work required to create a sustainable path for the future. In order to survive beyond just this week or this year, news organizations must create new services and revenue streams that will support them long-term. To do that takes time, thought, experimentation, risk-taking, and perseverance.

The beleaguered staff that’s left at most newspapers today simply lacks the energy for that.

“Doing more with less” (and less, and less…) was originally supposed to be a stopgap measure to buy time for newspapers to get their feet under them so they could forge a path to sustainability. Sadly, though, for most, it’s simply become standard operating procedure.

Fortunately, for our community here, the Vermont Standard has not followed that all too popular “survivor” playbook. We’ve never wanted to preside over a slow death march, just to be able to say we’re still publishing, but, in fact, failing to serve the very real need for local news, information, and connection in this community.

Thanks to your financial support, we’ve been able to go another way. Instead of doing more with less, we realize that we – and all local news organizations, especially in today’s political climate – just need to do more. Much more. And while doing that, we also need to create a sustainable path forward so we can live on to serve this community in even better ways for many more years.

Our efforts to survive are actually just the first step towards our real intention, which is to thrive.

In fact, with your help, we’ve upgraded our staff and improved our publication in recent years. The team we have reporting local news is now stronger than ever. They have a good deal of talent and a whole lot of heart, working for ridiculously low wages at this frugal newspaper, yet fueled by such a worthy mission. At the Standard, we haven’t forgotten why we exist in the first place. We are striving to provide wall-to-wall coverage of a steady stream of complex stories that are of great interest and importance to this community we serve.

We’ve also enhanced the look, feel, and utility of our publications.

And we’ve expanded our digital news and information products – we are doing more and more online programming with them. This fall, we are introducing our new series of “Headliners” interviews with local newsmakers that you’ll be able to view on our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website. Also, we’re introducing a new show called “Inside Scoop”, which will give you an in-depth, insider look at the goings-on at many of the businesses and organizations that make our community so special.

At the Standard, we are trying to save a real newspaper that offers the powerful local journalism our community needs to function properly. Not a ghost paper. The Standard has to be good enough to get the job done now and survive in the long run. “Right-sizing” here does not mean a diminished publication that’s essentially worthless, as it does in so many communities throughout our nation. Here, it means being just big enough to provide the essential local journalism that contributes mightily to the quality of life in our community, and break even.

That’s the kind of Vermont Standard we are trying so hard to preserve, while setting things up so we can provide the quality local journalism our community needs well into the future.

I sincerely hope you’ll join us on this very important mission.

As we begin this year’s 2025 annual appeal, we are deeply appreciative of any financial help you can give us. Our mission is quite urgent, of course, and Phil Camp and I would be very grateful for an opportunity to meet with you to talk more about what’s needed and our plans. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at dcotter@thevermontstandard.com or (802) 457-1313.

Also, if you have a family foundation, please consider adding the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation (EIN: 933287932) to the worthwhile causes you regularly support.

The Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation is a public charity so your gift will be fully tax-deductible.

Your donation will be utilized in the form of project grants to support the Vermont Standard’s mission to inform, connect, and educate our community on issues of public importance.

If you’re willing to make a tax-deductible donation to our 2025 Annual Appeal, please send a check to PO Box 88, Woodstock, VT 05091, or go to our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website at thevermontstandard.com to make a contribution with your credit card. Be sure to make your check out to the “Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation.”

By Dan Cotter, publisher

It’s been said that there are very few things in life that you can always count on. But there are indeed a few, and I believe you’re holding one of them in your hands right now (or perhaps reading it on a screen).

For 172 years, the people of Woodstock, Hartland, Pomfret, Barnard, Bridgewater, Reading, West Windsor, Quechee, Plymouth, and the surrounding towns have counted on the Vermont Standard to keep watch on things in order to keep them informed, empowered, and connected. Our columnist, Dave Doubleday, replays some of the top stories of the day that took place 10, 20, 50, 75, or 100 years ago in each installment of his brilliant “Olde Woodstock” feature. It’s amazing and quite reassuring that people here were reading this same paper all those years ago simply to find out what’s happening.

Just as you are today.

All this time, citizens – informed by the Standard — were able to fully participate in their local democracy as our area progressed to the state it’s in today. What a huge responsibility it must have been, and still is today, to produce this newspaper each week. To prepare a quality news report to help readers experience and enjoy day-to-day life here and make good decisions for their community.

It’s the honor of a lifetime to be entrusted with this responsibility. The Standard has a small crew of talented, fair-minded, and underpaid journalists doggedly pursuing their mission week in and week out — trying to produce an interesting local news report that will inform, educate, and entertain the people who live here. It’s a “weekly miracle.” We start with a blank page each Wednesday afternoon, and we work tirelessly to pursue stories and produce the very best finished publication we can by the following Wednesday, so that it will be in your mailbox or at the store for you on Thursday.

In the century and a three-quarters that this paper has existed, this is our time, and our team is attempting to make a proud contribution to its legacy.

Ours certainly isn’t the easiest time to be a journalist in the Standard’s and our community’s history. This is a time of transition, when traditional forms of funding for local journalism have waned. Now, we have not only to strive to produce an excellent news report each week, but we also have to hold our breath that we’ll even be able to stay afloat.

An average of more than two newspapers fold in the U.S. each week (3,200 have vanished in the past twenty years!), leaving their communities without this kind of “glue” – without the common experience of reading in print or online about issues that affect them and their neighbors and a comprehensive set of facts for all to know about what’s happening in their local area each week.

Making matters worse, hundreds of other towns throughout the nation now only have a “ghost newspaper” that is so financially compromised it can barely cover any local news in its meager news product.

Some people – perhaps taking a page from the playbook being used at the national level – might prefer that ours was a weaker, sleepier paper and that they could exert some kind of pressure to compromise the Standard’s coverage.

But they’re mistaken. It hasn’t worked in 172 years, and we won’t let it happen now. Count on it.

We’ve had many complex (and interesting!) local stories to cover just in this past year — news that people here are counting on us to follow and explain. From the Woodstock Foundation lawsuit, to school policy, budget and reorganization issues, to Peace Field Farm, to the water company purchase, to short-term rental ordinances, to the police chief demotion, to the proposed cell phone tower and farm outlet store in Hartland, to the ECFiber case, to the ongoing housing and child care shortages, to the impact of federal funding cuts on local organizations. And we’ve had many milestones and achievements to celebrate, from our football state championship team, to our local priest’s 50^th anniversary of his ordination, to the resurgence of Bookstock, to local artists and authors who released their latest works, to this year’s graduates, to a pair of brothers who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, to the dedication and resilience shown by those remarkable protesters in Woodstock. Even the announcement of plans for a new performing arts center, and the sighting of low-flying military planes over Woodstock. Those stories aren’t easy or inexpensive to cover, but like the journalists at the Standard who were our predecessors throughout those many, many years, it’s our solemn responsibility to inform the public about the public’s business, the very best we can.

Indeed, we can, primarily because we now have the support of hundreds of residents and readers who truly understand and value what quality local journalism does — and has always done — for our community here. They respond to our annual appeal each year. They keep us afloat. They keep us encouraged. They harden our resolve to try ever harder to serve this community and this local democracy. We count on all of you.

Oftentimes, I’ve asked individual donors, “What can we possibly do to thank you for your generosity?” And, to a person, they always say, “Just keep putting out a darn good newspaper.”

In appreciation for you, our friends, the Standard has only one single objective and guiding light going forward: to keep trying to put out a better and better paper each week in service to this community.

You can count on us.

As we begin this year’s annual appeal, we are deeply appreciative of any financial help you can give us. Our mission is quite urgent, of course, and Phil Camp and I would be very grateful for an opportunity to meet with you to talk more about what’s needed and our plans. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at dcotter@thevermontstandard.com or (802) 457-1313.

We sincerely hope you’ll join us in our mission by contributing to this year’s 2025 annual appeal.

Also, if you have a family foundation, please consider adding the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation (EIN: 93-3287932) to the worthwhile causes you regularly support.

The Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation is a public charity so your gift will be fully tax-deductible.

Your donation will be utilized in the form of project grants to support the Vermont Standard’s mission to inform, connect, and educate our community on issues of public importance.

If you’re willing to make a tax-deductible donation to our 2025 Annual Appeal, please send a check to PO Box 88, Woodstock, VT 05091, or go to our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website at www.thevermontstandard.com to make a contribution with your credit card. Be sure to make your check out to the “Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation.”

By Dan Cotter, publisher

A huge sigh of relief and a fist pump were my first reactions, as well as a gaze skyward as I mouthed the words “thank you!” The tears welling up in my older friend’s eyes were his response when I told him.

Then we shared a long, hard hug.

After lots of research and preparation, and then six months of waiting for the application to be processed, Phil Camp and I recently learned that the IRS has approved the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation’s application for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) and deemed the Foundation to be a public charity.

The approval wasn’t in much doubt, really. But now it’s official.

The Foundation was established last August and it is primarily dedicated to preserving the Vermont Standard and its role in informing citizens and supporting democracy in our area well into the future. The Foundation has a board made up of local residents who care deeply about our community and the value local journalism provides. Phil and I are on the board too. Together, we’re working to keep the 171-year-old Vermont Standard going while taking steps to position the paper’s print and digital journalism for long-term sustainability.

Recognizing the critical role the Standard plays in informing and connecting our community, this Foundation wants to avoid letting our area become a “news desert,” as has happened in hundreds of other places throughout the US in recent years. Newspapers like the Standard are currently dying off at a pace of 2.5 per week. Nor do we want to end up like the hundreds of cities and towns where profit-seeking corporations that have no devotion to the public welfare have acquired their local paper and stripped it of its resources, to the point that it is only a pathetic shadow of its former self and incapable of doing its job.

Providing accurate, credible, reliable news and information to its audience is a local news organization’s primary role. A functioning democracy requires an informed, engaged public. The Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation’s board members, advisors and friends will help Phil and I in our mission to raise enough money to keep quality journalism flowing here.

So, I’m glad to report that any donation you’ve made to the Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation to support the Standard’s mission to inform, connect, and educate our community on issues of public importance is indeed tax-deductible dating back to the inception of the Foundation in late August 2023, as all donations will be going forward.

At 88 years old, Phil feels a real sense of urgency about making sure that our community will always have local journalism – especially given the 40+ years he’s dedicated to leading the paper and his unrivaled love for Woodstock and its surrounding towns. We know we’re in a race against the clock. But now, with the Foundation’s charity status and your tax deduction confirmed, we hope there will be even more support from donors and family foundations that will help us accomplish this very important mission.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your encouragement and generosity. If you would like to contribute to our Annual Appeal, please send us a check at PO Box 88, Woodstock, VT 05091, or go to our Vermont Standard THIS WEEK website at https://thevermontstandard.com/annual-appeal/ to make a contribution with your credit card. Please be sure to make your check out to the “Woodstock Region Journalism Foundation.”

“View From Here”

By Sandy Gilmour, Woodstock resident

If you are reading this column right now, that’s good news for the community. It means you probably paid for this paper, hard copy or online, maybe even made a donation to it, and value its contribution to our lives in Woodstock and surrounding areas. We are so fortunate to have the Vermont Standard week in and week out. For years, small-town dailies and weeklies have been closing their doors, leaving communities without a soul. Papers like the Standard are dying off at the rate of two per week across America. 

Such towns are called “news deserts.” Imagine weeks, months and years going by with no professional reporting on selectboards, trustees, school boards, taxes and roads. Zero stories about public school events, sports, student accomplishments, obituaries, gardening tips, neighborly cooking advice, local history, and no reports from towns from Brownsville to Pomfret. 

We would know next to nothing about the interminable Peace Field Farm restaurant delay, the Ottauquechee Trail head fiasco, the high-stakes Woodstock Foundation controversy and the fatal shooting off Central Street, including the bravery of Woodstock Police Sgt. Joe Swanson. In my view, these stories have been really well reported. 

To not get these stories delivered to us every week would be a news desert right in verdant Woodstock, for sure, a gaping hole left to be filled by rumor and mis- and dis-information, the precursors of community dissolution. So we are blessed indeed to have had the Vermont Standard around — nonstop — since 1853, and owned by beloved Woodstocker Phil Camp, now 87, since 1981. 

But as Mr. Camp has pointed out many times over the years, the paper’s solvency hangs on a thread and now more than ever. In hundreds of towns across America, owners, beleaguered by losing subscribers and advertising to social media, simply folded or sold out to hedge funds and private equity firms, whose investors are bereft of community values. Not Phil Camp. He has always said, “I never sold out. I’m never giving up.” He made up for past deficits (difference between expenses, like staff, and income from subscriptions and ads) out of company savings from better times, week after week. He stayed with it after being flooded out by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and being burned out by the Central Street fire of 2018 (taking out his camera and snapping photos of the flames and rubble).

The paper was in dire straits when COVID hit, saved by the forgiven federal PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans through 2021, when the largesse ended. Then beginning in January 2022, the community stepped up, responding to a fundraising appeal. I was rather stunned to learn from the Standard’s publisher, Dan Cotter, that the paper’s annual shortfall of $150,000-$200,000 is being covered by donations from local Woodstock residents. There are many (and appreciated) donations in the $50-$100-$200 range, but really heavy lifting is being done by donors of means who, Mr. Cotter says, highly value the contribution local journalism makes to communities. Several of these more-than-generous and anonymous donors contribute $20-25,000 and more — each — and, Mr. Cotter says, without any hint of trying to influence coverage. Without them, surely there would be no Vermont Standard in the mailbox or online, just the unreliable grapevine. At the same time, the paper is moving to create other revenue streams, including an online advertising app for Woodstock happenings and a magazine, in addition to improving thevermontstandard.com website for go-to news. 

Still, the operation is bare bones. It seems to me a miracle the paper “hits the streets” without fail every Thursday with some pretty good and important stories that we need to know about, and many features that are good to know about. And there are just two, count them, two, full-time staffers who report stories: the seasoned and prolific Tom Ayres, and Tess Hunter, who is also the managing editor. Ms. Hunter says reporter staffing is the big issue; she has on hand freelance contract reporters that can be assigned to stories if they are available and if they want to spend the evening at yet another unexciting if important selectboard meeting. “It’s a constant juggling act,” Ms. Hunter told me, “between finding the right person for the story and just getting people to say ‘yes.’” Still, she is committed, saying, “Without us making the attempt, there would be no common base of understanding and little sense of the community spirit of the area or the hard news happening within it.”

Volunteer contributors are crucial; regular community writers like Jennifer Falvey (insightful musings on life) and Kurt Stauder (pointed political observations) are popular. Mary Lee Camp’s business column is relentlessly informative. 

Other key staff are listed in the box below — lean and spare!

Publisher and editorial content director Dan Cotter, 64, hired by Mr. Camp in 2018 after years of informal consulting for the Standard, is not a household name in Woodstock, though he is hands-on every issue. He owns a condo in the area and is here about half the month, returning to his home and wife in Chicago for the remainder. He has decades in the industry as an executive and consultant, was head of the New England Newspaper and Press Association, and takes a no-nonsense hard line on newspaper independence and objectivity. It’s an unusual situation but Mr. Camp, still the president of the company, has total confidence in Mr. Cotter and has turned over the Vermont Standard, its operation, assets and its future, to his close friend. Mr. Camp has indeed not “given up,” but hopes to ensure his dear newspaper’s future with this arrangement. 

So where does the Standard go now? Around the country, journalists are reinventing newspapers and online reporting. The most promising seems to be the non-profit model, where deductible contributions from community-minded supporters can be made even as the publication accepts subscription fees and what advertising there is left. There are indications that the Standard is moving in this direction, and the sooner the better, in my view. When I pressed Publisher Cotter on the issue, he responded with this very encouraging comment: 

“In the past couple of years, members of the community have literally kept the Standard alive with their donations — and a handful of them have given very substantial sums, even without the benefit of a tax break. That’s how much they value the role our local journalism plays in the quality of life in our area. We are working now to put the paper on a path to where donors could indeed have a tax benefit. For it is essential to our democracy and our own survival that we have the financial support we need from the community to maintain a news organization — modest as it is — that’s capable of producing good local journalism that adequately informs our citizens.”

I can’t imagine Woodstock without the Vermont Standard. The new business model provides great hope the paper will not only survive but as a Woodstock-based non-profit, continue to expand coverage to benefit all of us in this great community. 

Note: This (unpaid) column originated with me alone! 

Sandy Gilmour is a retired NBC News correspondent who lives in Woodstock.

Throughout the country newspapers are in a fight for their lives.          Here too.

Read Full Article