People in the News

Local high schoolers join Springfield Players

Two newcomers to the Springfield Players are local high school students tackling challenging roles in a production of The Lion in Winter.

Tuck Wunderle plays the sullen youngest prince, who finds himself wondering, “What would John do in this situation?” He recently appeared in Green Mountain Union High School’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Tuck Wunderle, left, and Wilson Church.

Wilson Church acted in the Springfield Historical Society’s fundraiser, The Body in the Trunk. Church thinks playing the young French King Philip II is great, especially “once you’re off-book.”

The two young actors are quite enjoying their time in the show. They find the environment conducive to making progress, getting into character, and learning lines. Wunderle says the tone is more professional and they have “a lot less time to get a lot more done.”

Acting and working on stage productions runs in both families. Wunderle’s dad, Scott Wunderle, was involved in theatre in college. Church’s mom, Pam Shaughnessy, past president of the Springfield Players has sung, danced and acted in a myriad of shows. Church says wryly, “Every year there hasn’t been a time when I haven’t been to the Studio.”

Make reservations to see these two young thespians in a show that surrounds them with seasoned actors: Tom Field, Irene Ramen, Anna Kendall, Greg Villone and Scott Stearns.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and students. Call 802-885-4098 to see The Lion in Winter presented at the Springfield Community Studio on South Street at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13.

Chester Townscape readies flower pots

Shown left are Suzy Forlie, Nancy Chute, Rosann Sexton, Cheryl LeClair, Lynn Russell, Jane Davis, Carol Gilbert, Nancy Rugg and Barb Westine.  Missing from the photo are Mariette Bock and John McAveeney. Photo  by Lillian Willis.

On Wednesday, May 27, volunteers from Chester Townscape  gathered at Sunshine Acres on Route 11 to plant 42 pots (up from 35 in 2014) that had been bought for private properties or donated for public places around Chester.

Thorough organization by John McAveeney at his nursery allowed the volunteers to plant the pots in record time.After watering, the pots were delivered by Cheryl LeClair and Chris Meyer.

This is the second year for Chester Townscape, formerly known as Chester Beautification Committee, to organize coordinated planters all around Chester as one of its many efforts to enhance the appearance and appeal of the town.  The largest CT project in the works now is the restoration of the Hearse House and Public Tomb, two very visible buildings across from the Village Green.

For more information or if wondering how to participate in any of the Chester Townscape projects, please contact Tory Spater at 802-875-2952.

Dr. Bont receives 2015 George F. Leland Award

Dr. Eugene Bont, second from right, receives 2015 George F. Leland Award at Apple Blossom Cotillion from, from left, Larry Kraft, SMCS director of development and Cotillion emcee, Jack Cassidy, PA, and John Bond, PA.

Dr. Eugene Bont of Cavendish received the 2015 George F. Leland Community Health Award from Springfield Medical Care Systems. The award ceremony took place at this year’s Apple Blossom Cotillion.

The George F. Leland Award is named in honor of the community leader who served as the first president of Springfield Hospital. It recognizes an individual who exemplifies the highest ideals of community health care. Previous recipients include Eileen Austin Neal, RN, Dr. Sherb Lovell, Edgar May, and Glenn Cordner.

Dr. Bont was recognized for his leadership of the Black River Health Center, which served Ludlow, Proctorsville and Cavendish, and his ground breaking work to create a way for physician assistants to become an important part of Springfield Hospital and health care in general. All physician assistants practice today based on the methodology developed under Bont’s leadership. The award was presented to Bont by Jack Cassidy and John Bond, two of the first PAs he recruited to come to Springfield.

After 32 years at Black River Health Center, Bont became a professor in the Family Practice Program at the State University of New York at Albany, returning to Cavendish upon his retirement.

Bont served on the local school board during his early years in Cavendish. Today he continues to serve on both the Cavendish Elementary and the Green Mountain Union High School boards.