A grab bag of fun is coming your way!
October is a month full of fun things to do.
Good morning Norwich and the Upper Valley,
Recently, I started to post local Norwich and Upper Valley happenings by sharing them from the Listserv, Daybreak, and the local websites and newsletters from the organizations that are advertising their events. The list of organizations is rather long and I don’t want to leave anyone out so I won’t list them here so as not to miss one and alienate them and their organization. I have found these posts to be very informative and my readers like the concept of finding them all in one place as opposed to hunting for each individually. I am not competing with any of these organizations or web sites for a story but simply sharing so that the message gets out to the community. The Listserv with all of the categories of events, goods ,services and individual town lists does a great job of getting the word out and Daybreak is simply the best there is as it does a very nice complete wrap of daily info. I am another messenger spreading the word in case you missed it.
Now that I have explained all of that, how about we look into today’s grab bag of fun to see what there is to do this month in and around Norwich.
You don’t want to miss these.
Let’s start off with sharing Daybreak’s announcement in today’s posting as this event is coming right up.
SPONSORED: Check out the fine craftmanship of five Norwich artists in this fall’s Vermont Open Studio weekend. The weekend is Oct. 4-5, and in our corner of the Upper Valley, Shannon Wallis Designs (egg art & eggshell jewelry) at 27 Sargent Street, Lisa Johnson Arts (whimsical furniture art and decor) at 5 Kendall Station Road, Kate Emlen (oil landscape paintings & prints) at 12 Elm Street, A Lucky Girl Studio (fused glass, jewelry, & gourds) at 16 Koch Road, and Rosamond Orford (Photography and Pastels) at 1485 Union Village Road will be open each day from 10 to 5 to greet art lovers and display their work. Each artist will raffle off a piece of art. VT map here.
The Norwich Grange has another breakfast scheduled for October 4 at the Congregational Church and also has a lot of news to share regarding the Grange Hall kitchen renovations.
Kitchen News
The Community Kitchen
The Norwich Grange Hall has always been a gathering place - the kitchen, with its dining hall, has been the heart of the gatherings, nurturing and celebrating community connections. For decades people have worked together in the kitchen to cook and serve the community. We look forward to welcoming the community back into the kitchen with an updated and code-compliant space, thanks to the help of King Arthur Baking Company.
“When King Arthur Baking Company moved to Norwich in 1984, we didn’t just relocate - we became part of a community that has shaped who we are. Over the past 41 years, our roots here have deepened, and our commitment to supporting spaces that bring people together has only grown stronger.
That’s why we were proud to contribute $50,000 toward the creation of a new kitchen at the Norwich Grange Hall. Named The Community Kitchen, this space will be a place for gathering, cooking, baking, and connection. Food is at the heart of how we build community, and we’re honored to support a project that reflects the spirit of Norwich and the values we hold dear.”
- Suzanne McDowell, King Arthur Baking Company
Kitchen Design
The Norwich Grange Kitchen committee has been working over the past year to bring the vision of the Community Kitchen to life. The committee has been working to assist with design and development and to define operations of the Community Kitchen. In the early months we sought input from a wide range of sources to educate ourselves about community kitchens. We went to visit seven different community/commercial kitchens to get input on design, functioning, policies, “must haves” and any other wisdom we could glean from those with experience running the kitchens. We had meetings with professionals from King Arthur Baking Company and the Co-op food stores, and met with the health inspector to better understand regulations and requirements that allow a kitchen to be designated commercial. All these conversations helped inform the committee to work with Studio Nexus on the design and flow of the kitchen. We are very excited about what we have planned for the space.
The next bit of work for the kitchen committee will be to help choose major appliances, surfaces and flooring to meet commercial standards. We are also working on policies and procedures to be used once the kitchen is up and running.
We imagine the rollout of the kitchen will be in three phases, in sync with the construction schedule. We imagine a “soft opening” with limited use that supports small gatherings, think coffee with muffins, wine and cheese; a second phase when the kitchen is available to support grange sponsored activities such as dinners and pancake breakfasts; and then, once construction is completed and we’ve gotten comfortable with how the kitchen works, a kitchen available for the community to use to support their activities as well as private rentals.
Our current plans:
Grange Cookbook
Did you know that the Grange used to produce a cookbook? We think this cookbook is circa 1970 and is filled with recipes from Grange members and was used as a fundraiser. Of particular interest is the description from Robert Cossingham of the history of the Grange from hosting dinners and pancake breakfasts, to community service projects.
Community Events
Sept 14 Second Sunday Music on the Porch with Cam Cross
Cam’s sing-along was a friendly warm gathering of friends and families of all ages. With Cam’s prepared songbooks in hand, folks joined in to sing old favorites ... including a few Cam Cross originals from his teaching days at the Marion Cross School. It was a perfect relaxed afternoon for 25 neighbors, visitors and newcomers to come together to sing, chat and enjoy homemade cookies!
Pancake Breakfast Coming Soon
Oct 4 8:00 - 10:00
For future events please see our Events calendar on the website:
Norwich Grange Hall Events Schedule
To support the ongoing restoration of the Grange Hall please click below:
Norwich Community Collaborative Board
Jess Phelps - President, Emily Myers - Vice President, Maggie Boone, Sarah Callaway, Betsy Eccles, Carolyn Frye, Michael Goodrich, Olive Isaacs, Alix Manny, Robert Parker, Lucy Rojansky, Sarah Rooker - Treasurer, Wendy Thompson - Secretary, Andy Williams
Copyright © 2025 Norwich Community Collaborative, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Norwich Community Collaborative
PO Box 625
344 Main Street
Norwich, Vermont 05055
Next up is the article that appeared in Hanover Magazine on pages 36-39
The Hanover Magazine fall-2025 edition has a collection of photos that were taken by photographer Herb Swanson. The article is called “A Ghoulish Gathering “ October Halloween fun begins in Norwich and gives a nice description of the fun you and your family can have here in Norwich. Check out pages 36-39 for all the info and photos.
Contact the Norwich Recreation department at 802-649-1419 for the details
Here is the link for the digital version of the Hanover magazine.
https://www.greateruppervalley.com/2025/09/15/545639/here-in-hanover-fall-2025
Cover photo and more on Halloween fun inside on pages 36-39
Cover and a few photos more inside on pages 36-39
https://www.greateruppervalley.com/2025/09/15/545639/here-in-hanover-fall-2025
Halloween fun at the Norwich INN (photos by Herb Swanson)
The Norwich Lions club will be having a silent auction in October. Stay tuned to the Norwich Lions club website for more details coming soon.
https://norwichlionsclub.org/community-work/norwich-fair/events/silent-auction/
The next two postings are from the Norwich Historical Society and I am giving you the posting info, however click on the links to get all the details.
10. Walktober: Explore Norwich all month with walks and hikes
From: Sarah Rooker <sarah@norwichhistory.org>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:16:09 -0400
*Walktober - Hikes, Walks, and Strolls throughout Norwich*
Norwich has miles of trails, a deep history, and a vibrant natural world.
Explore this October with guided walks and trails.
All the tours are free and range from easy Main Street history strolls to
guided nature hikes for all ages.
Coordinated by Norwich Historical Society. Participating groups: Norwich
Bookstore, Norwich Conservation Commission, Norwich Public Library, Norwich
Recreation Department, Norwich Trails Committee
Find out more: www.norwichhistory.org/walktober
*October 1, 5:30 p.m.*
Women’s History Stroll
Offered by Norwich Historical Society
This tour explores the stories of women who once lived on Main Street. We
will hear the stories of women whose voices have not been heard as well as
tales of women who stated their cases for change.
Tour begins and ends at the Norwich Bandstand and lasts about 45 minutes.
Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-7tRUBoZxkfZZxajDVH2Ww
*October 4, 10:30 a.m.*
Fall Foraging Walk
Offered by Norwich Public Library
Carolyn of Fresh and Foraged will lead a group on a walk from the library
to the Norwich Nature area, pointing out edible plants and fungi along the
way. We are capping the group at 20, so please sign up to reserve your
spot:
https://norwichlibraryvt.typeform.com/to/M9kWfkJT?typeform-source=norwichhistory.org
*October 6, 3:45 pm.*
After-School Family Hike
Offered by Norwich Trails Committee
Bring your kids on an after-school hike to explore the Upper Ballard Trail
and Converse Trail. Parents and kids (in packs or on foot) of all ages
welcome. We’ll adjust the length of our hike to accommodate the ages and
capabilities of those hiking.
This tour will be led by Cody Williams. Meet at the Upper Ballard Trail
parking area, 3.0 miles up Beaver Meadow Road from the Norwich Inn. Look
for a widened area on the left, just before Tucker Hill Road. Please park
nose-in to maximize space! Questions? Email Cody Williams:
codywilliams@mac.com
*October 8, 5:30 p.m.*
Abolition and the Civil War
Offered by Norwich Historical Society
In the years leading up to the Civil War, Norwich residents wrestled with
the issue of anti-slavery. While some community members took a stand for
their beliefs in anti-slavery, others disagreed. This tour explores the
variety of perspectives in these antebellum years and tells the story of
how the community came together during the war.
Walk begins and ends at the Norwich Bandstand and lasts about 45 minutes.
Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-7tRUBoZxkfZZxajDVH2Ww
*October 11, 10:30 a.m.*
Union Village Walk
Offered by Norwich Historical Society
Explore the history of Union Village on this walking tour. Learn about how
water powered the early mills and created a village.
This walk begins and ends at the Methodist Church and lasts about 1 hour.
Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-7tRUBoZxkfZZxajDVH2Ww
*October 12, 10:30 a.m.*
*Revolution in the Cemetery*
Offered by Norwich Historical Society
Visit the graves of six Revolutionary War soldiers and learn about
Norwich’s experiences in the War as a frontier town.
This tour will meet at the Fairview Cemetery gate on Beaver Meadow Road and
last approximately 1 hour.
Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-7tRUBoZxkfZZxajDVH2Ww
*October 18, 10:00 a.m.*
*Maple Tree Hike*
Offered by Norwich Conservation Commission
A hike through various forest stand ages and types on the way to one of the
most mature sugar maple stands in Norwich with stops along the way to
discuss forest structure.
Meet at Brookmead Conservation Area parking lot (595 Turnpike Rd). Hike
lasts about 2 hours. Rain Date: October 25.
For more information: email Craig Layne,
norwichconservationcommission@gmail.com
*October 20, 3:30 p.m.*
*Norwich University Tour*
Offered by Emily Myers, Norwich University Alum
Did you know that there was once a military school right in the center of
Norwich?
Join Emily Myers for this walk around Main Street to see sites once
connected to Norwich University.
This tour should last about 45 minutes. It begins and ends at the bandstand.
Register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-7tRUBoZxkfZZxajDVH2Ww
*October 26, 2:00 p.m.*
*Norwitchy Woods*
Offered by Norwich Recreation Department
Costumed walk in the Milton Frye Nature Area. Local organizations have
tables along the route with treats for all attendees.
Register here so we can plan for candy:
https://norwichvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30339
*All month at the Norwich Bookstore*
Read about it before you walk it!
Stop on in to the Norwich Bookstore for an array of books on trails, hikes,
nature, and local history.
*All month at the Norwich Public Library*
Self-guided Story Walk featuring the book Thank You, Earth by April Pulley
Sayre. You’ll have the chance to stroll around the library grounds and
enjoy a love letter to Earth and an exploration of the beauty and
complexity of the world around us. Don’t forget to pop into the library
when you’ve finished your Story Walk to see what new stories you can bring
home with you!
--
Sarah Rooker, Director
Norwich Historical Society
277 Main Street / P.O. Box 1680
Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-0124
www.norwichhistory.org6. Energy Efficiency in Old Buildings
From: Sarah Rooker <sarah@norwichhistory.org>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:35:17 -0400
The Norwich Energy Committee and Norwich Historic Preservation Commission
are teaming up to offer an presentation on zoom all about how to make your
historic house more efficient:
Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings
October 14, 6:30 pm-on Zoom; free
Free; Click here to register and receive the Zoom link
<https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/7uYThXNnzfpVNwHIQTwUZA>
How can we balance safeguarding the character-defining features of a
historic house with energy efficiency? Why is this important? Join us for
a Zoom session as we explore ways to responsibly make our historic homes
more energy efficient and learn about resources for the work. Among the
topics for discussion:
· Practical suggestions for how to retain original materials,
finishes, and design elements while at the same time improving energy
efficiency.
· An understanding of the mechanism of condensation and how heating
and cooling choices can impact a building.
· And where the greatest opportunities for energy conservation lie.
There will be ample time for questions and discussion.
Program Presenters:
Nate Gusakov, Green Mountain Enclosure Consulting llc
Elizabeth Peebles, State Architectural Historian, Vermont Division for
Historic Preservation
Steve Spatz, Trade Ally Training Manager, Efficiency VT
Offered by the Norwich Energy Committee and Norwich Historic Preservation
Commission
--
Sarah Rooker, Director
Norwich Historical Society
277 Main Street / P.O. Box 1680
Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-0124
www.norwichhistory.org
11. Author Events at the Norwich Bookstore this week!
From: Events Coordinator <events@norwichbookstore.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:26:00 -0400
We’re thrilled to present this week’s author events at the Norwich
Bookstore! As always, these events are free and open to the public, and we
hope you’ll join us!
Thursday, September 25 7pm
Kateri Kosek
The Forest Revealed
In-Store Event!
Join author Kateri Kosek for a discussion about her new book The Forest
Revealed!
Discover the amazing, fun diversity of life in the northern forest through
12 vivid paintings, each with a numbered key to search for and identify the
animals, plants, insects and fungi. This wondrous array of wildlife is
brought further to life by writer and naturalist Kateri Kosek, who uncovers
the many hidden stories and fun facts about the forest ecosystem, inviting
the reader to look more closely at nature all around them.
Kateri Kosek’s poetry and essays have appeared in such places as Orion,
Terrain.org, Catamaran, Northern Woodlands Magazine, and Creative Nonfiction
and Briar Cliff Review. Kosek lectures in English at Northwestern
Connecticut Community College, and has taught at Marist College, Dutchess
Community College, and Western CT State University, where she mentors in
the MFA program in Creative and Professional Writing. She lives in western
Massachusetts, where she writes for Berkshire Magazine and The Berkshire
Edge and works surveying bird populations in Aton Forest in northwest
Connecticut.
See our full list of upcoming events here:
https://www.norwichbookstore.com/events
Best,
Tess Holbrook (she/they)
*Events Coordinator*
*The Norwich Bookstore*
(802) 649-1114
291 Main Street - PO Box 307 - Norwich, Vermont 05055
norwichbookstore.comThat is it for now and I am sure there will be more to come soon.
Thank you for reading and supporting my Newsletter about Norwich.
