Former Trump ‘45 senior official and retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly will be the featured speaker at the Norwich University Todd Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Mack Hall in Northfield.

Kelly is a retired four-star Marine general who later served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and White House chief of staff. Since leaving government service in 2019, he has worked as an advisor, mentor, and educator with organizations including the Department of Defense, Marine Corps War College, National Defense University, and federal law enforcement agencies.

A Boston native, Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970, later earning a commission after college. His career included combat service in Iraq and senior command, joint, and NATO leadership roles around the world.

Educators a firm no on school spending caps – The 802 Ed newsletter asked its readers – mostly professional educators – what they think about Sen. Phil Baruth’s proposal to cap school spending. We’ll let editor Steve Berbeco explain the poll results:

“In each issue we ask a survey question to get a sense of what is on our readers’ minds. Then, the following issue, we report back on what we learned.

“Last issue [January] we asked: Do you support the Senate leader’s proposed spending cap for school budgets? Responses were strongest for No, there really isn’t anything more that can be cut, with few readers selecting Yes, school spending has gotten out of control and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

Women’s Craft Festival – The Women’s Festival of Crafts will meet at The Farmhouse at The Essex Resort & Spa on Sunday, March 8, from 10 – 3 PM, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This festival showcases 40+ women-owned businesses, featuring handmade goods, art, jewelry, self-care products, and more. The event offers an opportunity for the community to shop intentionally, support women entrepreneurs, and enjoy one of Vermont’s premier destinations.

For more information, visit bit.ly/Womensfestvialofcrafts and follow along on Instagram at @womensfestvt.