Hello Norwich,
Take a moment if you will to read the very first newsletter that was just released by the Root Schoolhouse. They are very excited about this new endeavor and would like to share it with you.
August 28, 2021 Reopening celebration
September 26,2021
Dear Friends,
This is the first Root Schoolhouse Newsletter and the board would like to share with you information about our progress in restoring the building and two upcoming events, our second Annual Pie Sale and our Annual Meeting.
Second Annual Pie Sale:
Join us for the 2nd annual Pie Sale Sunday Oct. 3 11am-1pm!
Pumpkin and apple pies from Cedar Circle Farm, On the Edge Farm, and home-made Norwich pies for sale ($35) to benefit the revitalization of the historic Root Schoolhouse (new roof is needed in 2022!).
Support the Schoolhouse with a pie purchase and check out the newly renovated historic Schoolhouse and take home a yummy locally baked pie.
Pre-order pies by emailing vtrootschoolhouse@gmail.com (curbside pick up available) or bring exact change or check on Sunday 10/3/21 from 11am-1pm.
(COVID-19 safety protocols required)
Details: This link will take you to more information about how to order and pick up your pies
Root District Game Club Annual Meeting (Open to everyone interested): Sunday, October 24, 5-7. Unless otherwise announced, this will be an in-person event with refreshments at the Norwich Historical Society. Covid safety will determine this decision. We will have a short program, elect a new slate of officers and vote to update the by-laws.
Re-opening the Schoolhouse under a new identity:
Back in 1952 after the 1945 school closing, the Root District Game Club a group of local hunters and their families took ownership of the schoolhouse. The RDGC was awarded a non profit status in 2014 keeping its original legal name. After 10 years of restoration, we have opened our doors once again for public use as a community gathering space for all. As you will notice, the new logo expresses our current identity:
https://rootschoolhouse.org/ A Community Space.
Our Reopening Celebration on August 28 was a gala affair with music, food, games for the children (and adults) and a historic one-room schoolhouse display. Remarks and appreciations were expressed to over 125 people who attended. It was thrilling to share the building with everyone.
So much has been accomplished over the last 10 years to restore the schoolhouse. We have fulfilled requirements to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act which include a ramp and railing, enlarged entrance and ADA parking. We have a new foundation, wiring, globe lights, exterior paint, a port-a-potty and a favorite of the board is the reconditioned and fully functioning windows. We are also eradicating the poison ivy that has plagued the site for decades and tending to the trees near the building. The board is thankful for the elbow-grease support and the financial contributions so many of you have made. This is a hyper-local endeavor and each little bit of energy and money helps! Please check out our website to see photos and get more details on the restoration and the celebration at https://rootschoolhouse.org/
Rental news:
All of this work means the building is ready for public use. In early 2022, we will be sharing information about how to rent the space. Our season will run from May to October, so be thinking of ways that you can bring the building alive with something you love doing. We have already been contacted by a book group, musicians, a dance and movement group and a
family considering holding a memorial gathering in the beloved building. More information will be forthcoming about rates and logistics.
Membership news:
We will also be contacting you about membership. We are hoping to have lots of community members who will pay yearly dues of $35 and in return receive membership benefits such as the free use of the building for a four-hour event, use of tables and chairs and tools from the tool library, and of course, the satisfaction of knowing your membership covers the upkeep and operating expenses of the building. The money from our membership will provide a foundation of support that will give the board the knowledge that this is a community resource people value and the financial stability to put our energies toward programming and capital project fundraising for the last large foreseeable projects: a new roof and ceiling repairs. The official annual membership drive will begin in March 2022.
Our annual appeals letter for financial support will go out in November. We hope you will consider continuing to support this neighborhood asset and treasure. Inspired? Donate online today.
We accept Pay Pal contributions on our website at https://rootschoolhouse.org/
Checks made out to Root District Game Club can be sent to PO Box 42, Norwich, VT 05055.
Please contact any one of us at vtrootschoolhouse@gmail.com.
Let us know if you would like to be removed from our email list. Just type “remove me" in the subject line.
Sincerely and with much gratitude to all of you,
The RDGC Board
Courtney Dobyns
Mary Layton
Tricia Spellman
Carla Vincent
Nancy LaRowe
Jean Lawe
John Lawe
Suzie Wallis
Holly Kania
Nancy Cressman
