A mixed bag of info, music, and more!
In case you missed it
Good afternoon Norwich and Upper Valley readers
Here is the contents of this post: but first a puzzle to keep you grooving from Cam Cross
23. Jigsaw Puzzle for Sept. 22, 2025
From: Cameron Cross <cross.cameron@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2025 23:25:00 -0400
Sachem Village, and South Main St. c. 1946 <https://jigex.com/BZQcw>
(an expanded version of a puzzle from 2024)
Did you know that Sachem Village, presently near the Campion Rink, began as
post-war housing for families near Hanover High School?
See aerial views of the Hanover High/South Main Street area, glimpse the
neighborhood just after WWII, watch a video of Sachem Village under
construction, and explore a bit of its history at *The Curioustorian*.
<
>
Courtesy Rauner Library
Cameron Cross
for the
Norwich Historical Society <https://norwichhistory.org
>1.Some colorful flowers from the Take a closer look collection
2. October schedule of events at the Norwich Historical Society
3. Music videos from Chad Finer and info on recording your music with Chad at Dan and Whit’s
4. This weeks happenings at the Marion Cross School
Enjoy:
Just a few things to keep you busy
Blossoms and color to cheer you up, sent periodically to friends and family from Richard Neugass and his “Take a closer look collection.”
Passion Flower Clematis
Giant Onion
Iceland Poppy
Rose mallow
The October schedule of events from The Norwich Historical Society
View this email in your browser
Upcoming Events in October
On Exhibit
Dan & Whit's at 70:
Photographs & Memories
FALL HOURS: Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10am - 1pm
or by appointment
Upcoming talk on Zoom:
Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings
October 14, 6:30 pm-on Zoom
Free
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.
Presenters:
Nate Gusakov, Green Mountain Enclosure Consulting llc
Steve Spatz, Trade Ally Training Manager, Efficiency VT
Elizabeth Peebles, State Architectural Historian, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
Presented by the Norwich Energy Committee and Norwich Historic Preservation Commission
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.
Register for the Zoom link here
WALKTOBER
Norwich has miles of trails, a deep history, and a vibrant natural world. Explore with us on guided walks, hikes, and strolls throughout October.
There's something for everybody! You can hike up to a beautiful maple grove, head out with your children on the Ballard Trail, or go for a history stroll on Main Street.
Thanks to the following organizations for offering guided walks and hikes for all ages in October.
Norwich Cemetery Commission
Norwich Conservation Commission
Norwich Public Library
Norwich Recreation Department
Norwich Trails Committee
More hikes and walks are being added every day.
Click here to see all the upcoming hikes and walks.
Norwich Antiques Show a Big Success
Close to 450 people attended the Norwich Antiques Show this year. Many, many thanks to Gail Torkelson for orchestrating the show. She has chaired the show for 21 years now!
The Norwich community donated many wonderful items to our historical society booth this year and the booth raised nearly $5,000. A big thanks to the community for the many thoughtful donations.
Many people commented on how nice it was to enjoy the dealers' booths and to just hang out and visit with friends, have some refreshments and enjoy the Red Clover Band's music. It was a wonderful way to welcome autumn and a wonderful fundraiser for Norwich Historical Society.
Website Spotlight
Norwich Cemeteries
No time for a guided walk or hike in October? Try this walking tour of Hillside Cemetery. It 8 stories on the tour. You can read about the cemetery on our website or download a PDF guide and head on out for a walk.
Click here to view the tour and download the PDF
2025 Season Business Sponsors
Business sponsors help us reach the community. Thank you!
Stewards
Dan & Whit's General Store
Pompanoosuc Mills
Webster & Donovan Excavating, Inc.
Windows and Doors By Brownell
Sustainers
G.R. Porter & Sons
Kith & Kin
Ledyard Bank
Norwich Inn
Otto & Associates
Stave Puzzles
Supporters
Adachi Labs, LLC
Children's Art Studio
Haynes and Garthwaite Architects
Norwich Bookstore
RE/MAX Group One Realtors
The Richards Group
Many thanks to Norwich voters who approved our town appropriation at the 2025 town meeting!
Our Mission
The Norwich Historical Society seeks to foster a greater sense of place and community by preserving and sharing its collections and stories from the past.
Copyright © *|2021|* *|Norwich Historical Society|*, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
P O Box 1680
Norwich, VT 05055
Here are a few music videos that you might not have heard or seen from Chad Finer and yes he does record upstairs in Dan and Whits (check out the details).
14. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - DANA ROBINSON - at the Anonymous Coffeehouse in Lebanon New Hampshire - recorded on September 12, 2025
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:18:37 -0400
DANA ROBINSON - recorded at the Anonymous Coffeehouse in Lebanon on
September 12, 2025
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
14. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - THE CET BAND - full set - recorded at the Root District Schoolhouse in Norwich, Vermont on August 3, 2025
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 23:08:02 -0400
The CET band - full set - recorded at the Root District Schoolhouse in
Norwich on August 3, 2025
[*C*am Cross - *E*ric von Ammon - *T*ed Mortimer]
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
14. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - "Mendelssohn Mania" - Parts 1 & 2 - recorded in Lebanon, New Hampshire on July 18, 2025
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:25:41 -0400
CLASSICOPIA - "MENDELSSOHN MANIA" - Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 11 by Fanny
Mendelssohn-Hensel and Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 49 by Felix Mendelssohn
recorded in Lebanon on July 18, 2025
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
Part 1 - music at 18:32
Part 2 - music at 12:18
20. Recordings - Upstairs at Dan & Whits
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2025 19:37:29 -0400
I continue to record music performances Upstairs at Dan & Whits.
I am especially interested in recording acoustic instruments up there. It's
a nice site to record. Musicians have liked the site to play.\
Recording sessions run about one hour and include video recording as well
as audio. The sessions are free. You get to keep the recordings for your
use.
I have been posting these on my channel
https://www.youtube.com/@chadfiner-musicintheuppervalle/videos and
sometimes on local Listservs.
If this might be something that you'd like to try then let me know what
days might work for you. Sessions have been beginning for the most part at
1 pm.
Although weekends are preferred - recording days are flexible.
Chad Finer
Music in the Upper Valley21. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - PETER NERI - 6 tunes recorded Upstairs at the Norwich, Vermont Grange on June 9, 2025
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2025 22:06:53 -0400
PETER NERI - solo guitar tunes - recorded Upstairs at the Norwich Grange on
June 9, 2025
Chad Finer
medley: "solace" - "Fields of Gold" - "Solace"
Lullaby"
"Summer Serenade"
medley: "Lullaby for a Dreamer" - "What a Wonderful World" - "Lullaby for a
Dreamer"
<>
"Vermont Sunrise"
"Even the Headlights Look Mean"
This weeks happenings at the Marion Cross School
Important Dates
Friday, October 3 - Coffee Talk - 8:15 - 9:15 am
Wednesday, October 7 - Bike to School Day
Friday, October 10 - Teacher In-Service, No School for Students
Monday, October 13 - Holiday, No School for Students
Friday, October 24 - Family/Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
Thursday, November 13 - Curriculum Night - Math Focus, 5:30 to 6:30
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
Growing Our Aquarium of Compliments
At Marion Cross School, we use PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) to help build a safe, kind, and respectful learning community. One way we do this is by giving out compliments to students who are following our school-wide expectations: Work to Be Safe, Inspire Kindness, Show Respect, and Embrace Responsibility. Each compliment is added as a glass pellet in the classroom container.
When a classroom container fills, students celebrate together before adding their pellets into the school-wide aquarium. As the aquarium fills, it shows how all of our positive choices combine to make our school a better place. Once the aquarium is full, we celebrate as an entire school community!
The idea is simple: people work best when they are noticed and appreciated for doing the right thing. Recognizing one student often inspires others to follow their example, and our goal is to keep that cycle of appreciation going strong.
So far this year, both classrooms and our school aquarium of compliments are filling quickly—proof that our students are working hard to meet expectations and support one another. Thank you, families, for reinforcing these expectations at home and helping us create a strong partnership between school and family. We can’t wait to see how soon we’ll reach our next school-wide celebration!
Have a great weekend,
Shawn
Week #AttendanceTardy199% present5% tardy297% present8% tardy398% present2% tardy497% present3% tardy
Student Services Update
Thanks so much for helping make pickup time safe and smooth for everyone! With lots of kids, bikes, and families all in one spot, a little extra care goes a long way.
Please keep a close eye on your younger kids, especially those riding bikes or scooters, so we can avoid any bumps or collisions. Just a quick reminder that bikes should not be ridden on Girard Way, and it’s safest to walk little ones across the street with you.
Your attention and support make pickup calmer and safer for all of us—we truly appreciate it!
Have a great weekend,
Greg
School News and Information
Band time!
Fifth grade families, if you haven’t sent in this band form here, please do so right away! I need to know how many 5th graders will be playing in the school band this year. If you plan to rent from Ellis Music, please finish your rental contract at ellismusic.com or by calling 802-234-6400. If you want to borrow a school instrument this year, be sure to send in your deposit, too. As always, write with any questions!
Travis Ramsey
Music Teacher
Library News – Off to a Fantastic Start!
We’re only 17 days into the school year, and already nearly 2000 books have flown off the shelves! I’m thrilled to have so many eager readers keeping me on my toes—it’s going to be a great year in the library!
Here are a few helpful reminders as we settle into the routine:
Loan Period: Books are checked out for 3 weeks and can be renewed if needed.
Borrowing Limit: Students may check out up to 10 books at a time.
Overdue Notices: Sent via email every Friday at 4 p.m.—be sure to check your spam folder just in case.
Returns: Books can be returned any school day from 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays).
We understand that busy schedules can lead to the occasional lost or damaged book. If that happens, a replacement fee (cash or check payable to Norwich School District) can be submitted to the library.
Coming Soon: Watch for details about our Celebration Books program—a great way to recognize special moments and help our collection grow. Participation is free, and donations are always appreciated!
Happy reading!
Jillian Van Ells
PTO Bulletin Board
Thanks to everyone who joined our first PTO meeting this morning! It was great to be together in person, brainstorming ideas and planning activities for the upcoming months. We now have a Class Rep for every classroom, and your Class Rep will be in touch with you soon.
Sign up to Volunteer: The MCS community thrives thanks to the partnership between parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Please complete this Google Form to express your initial interest, and we’ll include you in topic-specific updates.
Donate: Your support funds the PTO’s programs and events — the suggested donation is $25, but any and all amounts are appreciated. You can pay via cash or check, written to “Norwich School District” as the payee. Please bring cash or a check to the MCS main office at any time.
Sign up to receive PTO Communications and join the Directory: Due to privacy laws, the MCS administration cannot share contact information for families, including email addresses, with the PTO. Therefore, we need you to confirm that YES – we can email you! You can opt into PTO communications by sharing your contact information and permission via Membership Toolkit.
Upcoming Events
The events below are supported by the PTO, and your support makes them possible! Please use the Google Form to express your initial interest in volunteering, and we will be in touch soon.
National Walk and Bike to School Day - Wednesday, October 8 - 7:30 am
Join us for a morning bike ride to school! MCS has been participating in this fun event for many years, and it takes a group of volunteers to pull it off! Check Who’s Wise Words next week for more info about the event.
Family Math Night - Thursday, November 13 - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Family Math Night is an opportunity for MCS families to come together, learn various math games that reinforce concepts being taught at school, and engage with MCS administrators, teachers, and math interventionists. The event is co-sponsored by the Department of Mathematics at Dartmouth.
Please reach out to the PTO Team at marioncrosspto@gmail.com with any questions, ideas, etc.
Courtesy Community Interest Posts
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont
802-649-1703
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