The Whiting Library is gearing up to participate in a fun-filled Green Up Vermont Day, happening on May 30th, 2020. Everyone is invited to come by the front yard of the Whiting Library at 117 Main St, Chester between 10a.m. - 2p.m. to pick up your official Green Up bag for litter collection so you can help make our community shine.

​You may also want to stay for a little while in the library yard. We will be selling raffle tickets for super fun prizes and giving away wildflower seeds for you to plant at home. Kids will enjoy an environmentally-inspired windsock craft project to take and make later. This will also be a chance to meet the new library Director, Deirdre Doran, who is excited to connect with members of the community, albeit from a safe distance! We do encourage participants to practice good safety during this event: wear masks, keep 6 feet apart, and bring hand sanitizer or gloves.

​If you are not already a library patron, now is the perfect time to sign up for a library card! You can also use this opportunity to pick up previously reserved library materials. The library building itself is still closed to the public, but all our materials are available for loan. Interlibrary loan throughout Vermont has also started up again, so feel free to request materials that you can’t find in our library catalog. For more information about front porch pick up at the library, please visit our website www.whitinglibrary.org.

​You can learn more about the mission and history of Green Up Date Vermont, as well as find a checklist for preparing for your successful Green Up Day, at www.greenupvermont.org.

​The dumpster for Green Up Day will be available for use at the Chester Town Garage May 22, 2020 – June 6, 2020. Bags can be picked up at the Town Hall outside on the porch, from Chester Hardware, and at Whiting Library. Please take what you need for bags and leave some for others.  Remember to wear gloves, masks, and protective gear to help avoid ticks, sharp objects, and other threats while out and about. Following all COVID-19 guidelines during this time is very important. For more information about the organization and to help by donating, please visit www.greenupvermont.org. Thank you to the volunteers for taking the time to clean up our community.

Property tax bills will be mailed out in July and will be due September 15, 2020. The Town of Chester is aware that times have been difficult for everyone due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We would like property owners to know that the Town of Chester accepts prepayments for property taxes throughout the year. The 2020 tax amounts are undetermined at this time as tax rates are not established until June 30.  Paying any amount now could make it easier as September 15 approaches when taxes will be due in full. Payments can be made by mail, direct debited from a checking/savings account, or paid by credit/debit card (3% fee for this payment option). Payments should be mailed to Town of Chester, P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT 05143. If you would like to make a payment or set up recurring payments to be taken out of an account, please call the Town Office at (802) 875-2173.

The Chester-Andover Family Center wants to reassure the community that we are here to support and meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens during these challenging times. Our Thrift Shop is closed until further notice. Our Food Shelf and Financial Assistance Programs, however, are open and available.
Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions and our efforts to protect the safety of our volunteers and those who may need our help, new procedures are in place.

Requests for Financial Assistance must be made by phone. Call the Family Center at 802-875-3236 and leave a message, including your name, what you need and a phone number where we can reach you. Family Center Volunteers monitor this phone daily. Your call will be returned.

Current Food Shelf recipients can pick up their food on Thursdays from 1-5 and Fridays from 10-2. If you or someone you know would like to sign up for food, please call the center at 802-875-3236 and leave a message or stop by during Food Shelf business hours on Thursday or Friday. While we require proof that you are a Chester or Andover resident, we will always provide you with emergency food and refer you to the Food Shelf that serves your address. 

We would like to thank the community for supporting our efforts with donations and by sending folks our way for Financial Assistance and Food. Our mission is more important than ever as we confront this pandemic.
​
Please consider donating. Your help is needed for as we remain a resource for our most vulnerable citizens. Go to our website at https://www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org to donate or send your check to CAFC, PO Box 302, Chester, VT 05143

​The Whiting Library announces Front Porch Pick Up will begin on Wednesday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Front porch pick up will then be available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by other arrangements.
 
To support community health, the Whiting Library building is currently closed to the public. Whiting librarians are still providing services to the community despite our closed doors and we are eager to continue to find ways to assist our patrons from a distance. Front porch pick up is a welcome addition to our many online offerings, free books and movies, and kids craft projects. 
 
How Will Front Porch Pick Up Service Work?
 

1. Browse our catalog online. You can find a link to the catalog on the library website: www.whitinglibrary.org
2. Place items on hold by calling the library at 875-2277 or emailing whitinglibrary1@gmail.com. Remember, there is a ten item check out limit. 
3. Library staff will ask you for your library card number when you call or email, so be sure to have it with you. If you don’t have a library card, let’s get you set up over the phone!
4. Once your item(s) are available for pick up, you will be notified.
5. Once notified, come to the library and pick up the bag with your name on it off the cart on the front porch. Please, only one person at a time on the front porch.

 
Only items placed on hold will be available for porch side pickup. There is no interlibrary loan available at this time. Please do not use the pickup service if you are feeling sick in any way. For more details about front porch pick up, visit the library website. 
 
While the library is closed, please keep your currently checked out materials at home or feel free to return books to the drop box on the front porch at any time. Due dates will be extended and no overdue fines will be charged during this period.
 
We sure miss all of our patrons while we stay closed to the public due to Vermont's Stay at Home Order. Contact-less front porch pick up of our collection will be a great way to bridge the gap until you can safely return to browse the stacks. 

Letter of Thanks to the Community 

Whiting Library’s first librarian served for 50 years. My tenure was a relatively short 11 and a half. What began in the children’s room moved down the hall into the front office which was the library’s original entrance.  From there the services to the public, physical needs of the building, and news ideas were nudged along.  

During this time furniture was rearranged and replaced, old curtains were removed, almost every wall was repainted.  Multiple air conditioner units were replaced with heat-pumps that switch modes from cooling to heating. The furnaces were changed from oil to propane, and every nook has been cleaned and cleared out.  

In 2008 there was one computer for the use of the director. The catalog was a set of cards, and check-out involved a machine that took a chunk out of the side of the book card while stamping the date. Whiting Library now has eight computers, five iPads and three Kindles. The catalog and all circulation features are automated. Our catalog is connected to all the others in Vermont allowing easy searching and borrowing between libraries.  The collection of VCR and audio tapes gave way to discs. Magazines were reduced to a few, graphic novels became popular, and every book, movie and audio was considered and reconsidered for condition and relevance.  

In the public meeting area, a “loop” was installed for those with hearing difficulties. We installed a whiteboard for presentations, a TV, a DVD player, media screen and a popcorn popper. The piano was moved to a better location, repaired and tuned. Craft cubbies, toy storage and colorful rugs were added in the basement for a play space and maker space.  The exterior of the library was updated thanks to a grant and loan, and a park bench now sits beneath the omega window. We now have more opportunities to partner with others in the community, and many, many to thank. 

My personal thanks and also on behalf of Whiting Library to Deb Aldrich, Julie Hance, Cil Mathews, Amie  O’Brien, David Pisha for their help and support; to the members of the Chester Select board and those in Andover who promote our financial support; to SoVerA, Chester Townscapes, Chester Rotary, Nature Museum, St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Chester/Andover and Green Mountain Schools for their partnerships.  

Thank you to all the trustees who sat on the board in the last 11 ½ years: Cynthia Collins, Marian Mosher, Ruthanne Batchelder, Ann Curran, Charlotte Edgar, Janet Churchill Elliot, Phyllis Jewett, Bruce Parks, Suzy Forlie, Shawn Cunningham, Mariette Bock, Mary Lou Farr, Jay Emery, Kathleen Pellett, David Lord, Linda Tallarico, Stephanie Whitney-Payne, Carrie King, Jessica Buchanan, Jessica DiMarco, Vanessa Heyburne, Judith Copping, Coleen Garvey, Ed Grossman, Lyza Gardner, John Holme, Charlene Huyler.   
​
A thank you to all the volunteers past and present:  Doris Hastings, Jonne Adler, Chris Blodgett, Alice and Bob Martin, Brenda Dansingburg, Daryl Gustafson, Elizabeth Moulton, Dorothy Clair, Carol Hoyt, Arlene Mutschler, Susan Ronsheim, John Donarum, Joan Houghton, Cathy Hasbrouck, Christine, Michael and Steve Copping. Loving thanks to Mark Tanzer, who through it all has patched, painted, plastered, repaired, hauled, hammered and otherwise been the library “handyman/husband”.  
​
Thanks and appreciation for the prior directorship of Karen Morris, and to children’s librarian Carrie King and her predecessors Stephanie Kaufman, Jeanne Waldren, Karin Fischer, Theone Wallace. Thank you to library assistant Will Wilcox and those who came before. I look forward to all that new Director Deirdre Doran will accomplish. Forgive my omissions, please know you are most appreciated.  

I especially wish to thank all those who find something to inspire, inform and entertain at the library.  
Keep visiting! Bring your friends! 
Sincerely, 
 
Sharon Tanzer, Director-Retired, Whiting Library 

MAY 11, 12 & 13 ARE FOR PRE-GRIEVANCE
MAY 18, 19 & 20 ARE GRIEVANCE DAYS
All grievances have to be in writing and submitted via regular mail or email to  chester2020reappraisal@nemrc.com. The Listers can also accept written appeals and will forward them on to the reappraisal team. To schedule an appointment call 802-321-8025 and use option #3. Grievances can be by phone, Skype, Google Hangout etc.

Vermont’s Downtown and Village Center tax credit program is one of the primary benefits of Downtown and Village Center designation, and supports revitalization in community centers across the state. In 2020, $2,600,000 in state income tax credits are available to projects that enhance the historic character and improve building safety of older and historic commercial and community buildings in these designated communities. The credits support general rehabilitation work, code compliance work, and façade improvements, and may be combined with the federal program.
 
Applications for the next round of tax credits are due Wednesday July 1, 2020 and the Vermont Downtown Board will make is allocation decisions by mid-August. The guidelines and application can be found here- program guidelines and application. If you are not able to gather required attachments due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, contact Caitlin Corkins to discuss possible extensions. We also encourage applicants to reach out to Caitlin with any other questions about the program or the application.
 
Finally, stay tuned for an upcoming webinar opportunity which will cover program basics, the scoring criteria, and how to compile a competitive application. Applications must be submitted electronically to caitlin.corkins@vermont.gov or to:
Caitlin Corkins
State of Vermont
Division for Community Planning & Revitalization
One National Life Drive
Davis Building, 6th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

With the COVID-19 pandemic still disrupting business throughout Vermont, the Town of Chester is urging all registered voters to update their mailing and physical addresses before this year’s August Primary Election and November General Election. The August and November Elections are still being held as usual. We will be updating you of any changes to the voting process if necessary. If you are already a registered voter in the town of Chester, please visit https://mvp.vermont.gov/ to update your information as well as request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can also be requested by calling the Town Office at (802) 875-2173, or by mailing the Absentee Ballot Request form to Town of Chester, P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT 05143. If you would like to register to vote, please visit https://olvr.vermont.gov/.

​The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the Economic Injury Disaster Declaration for the State of Vermont.  Small businesses and private nonprofits can now apply for the low-interest working capital disaster loan online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or by contacting the Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 to request a paper application.   Please see the attached Declaration and Fact sheet for advanced viewing.  SBA QUESTIONS:  commerce.covid19@vermont.gov.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is requiring that the Town of Chester chlorinate the water at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Water Department will add the least amount of chlorine being required, however, there still may be a slight odor to the water. Thank you for your understanding.

Governor Phil Scott has issued all hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and Airbnbs to stop operations and has asked people to refrain from coming to Vermont unless it's essential. The information on this order can be found in this press release- Travel and Lodging Restrictions. If you are aware of an Airbnb or other entity not in compliance with Governor Scott's orders please contact the Chester Police Department at (802) 875-2035. 

​It starts with each of us doing our part. And how we do this is by completing the 2020 Census questionnaire. You can complete it online or by phone. It is easy, safe and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Completing the questionnaire allows you to influence the amount of money that comes to Vermont for many of our essential programs...programs that benefit our health and safety, that pay for our roads, for local government, for schools, for hospitals, and for so much more...

All households should receive an invitation by this weekend with a 12 digit Census ID to go online and complete the questionnaire. But, you can complete the questionnaire at any time without the census ID by going to the official Census website, my2020Census.gov. When you get there you will see a link :“If you don’t have a Census ID, click here”. It will ask you for your physical address and from there you can complete the questionnaire. 

If you prefer not to use the internet, this is the first time we can complete the questionnaire by phone! You can call: 844-330-2020 to get help in English. There are an additional 13 other language options for completing the questionnaire as well. 

If you have questions, or need help, please call the 2020 Census office in Burlington at 802-557-6707 (we are teleworking to be safe and well, and will respond to your calls), or you can email me at elvira.otero@2020census.gov and I’ll get back to you with an answer.

With the passage into law of the CARES Act business owners will soon have the following options available to them for financial assistance.
The primary resource currently remains the SBA EIDL program. This program now consists of two interrelated levels. Additionally there are options for lending via SBA approved local lenders.
While we await the details and instructions on each of these options from the US Small Business Administration, the important information we know from Congressional communications is listed below:

1. Economic Injury

The SBA EIDL is applied for on-line via the SBA portal and has two components:
 

1. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) available through December 31, 2020; this is a low interest, long-term loan that has a detailed list of requirements.
   1. It is a working capital loan that covers the gap between expenses and revenues for the period from 1/31/20 to 12/31/20 (whether that be a complete or partial reduction of revenues from the same period last year). It does not cover lost sales
   2. It will take into consideration other loans that you have secured in relationship to COVID-19. So all loan/financing options should be considered in concert.

 

1. The Emergency Economic Injury Grant (EEIG) is the newly added component that allows a business to request a grant up to $10,000.
   1. The SBA is updating their online application system over the coming days to incorporate this request when businesses apply for the loan.    
      1. In the interim, businesses can still apply for a full EIDL (loan) but will need to reapply (to request the grant/advance) when the system is updated and has one streamlined application process.  At that point, the request for the grant/advance will be included in the EIDL application process.
      2. The advance does not need to be paid back under any circumstances.

 

1. Debt Relief Programs

This is a group of SBA loan vehicles that will be accessed through SBA approved lenders in Vermont. These will work in concert with the EIDL and any funds lent through these programs will be considered as mitigation of the final amount lent via the EIDL. These include:

1. The Small Business Debt Relief Program covers the SBA 7a, 504 and Microloan Program. These loans can be used for short and long-term working capital.
2. The SBA Express Bridge Pilot Program allows small businesses that currently have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.

 

1. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) available through June 30, 2020; is a loan specifically designed to cover payroll and payroll expenses for employers who maintain their workforce during the COVID-19 emergency. This loan will also be available thru SBA approved lenders.

 
There will also be some local lending coming on line in the next couple of weeks as RDC’s and Towns work to re-orient their current lending programs to address the disaster. These will be smaller amounts that should be seen primarily as bridge loans while applications for the above are in process. We are, collectively, strategizing on how to best utilize these funds to help businesses as part of a broader strategy with the current Federal programs and others that may still emerge.
As part of your preparation to apply for any loan/financing option, you should make sure the following is in order and all documents are ready to be uploaded electronically:

1. A list (diary or narrative) of actions that you have taken in response to COVID-19, and direct impact you have seen. For example: 3/17/20 “laid off 2 employees” {names, # of hours typically worked and pay rate} and directed them to unemployment. Return to work date given with the date). This list will help identify economic impact.
2. Have the following financial records up to date:
   1. Profit and Loss
   2. Balance Statement
   3. Sales records for 2019 and 2020 to date (this should come from QuickBooks or your POS or whatever system you use to capture daily income). Showing the actual impact on revenues is the basis of economic impact lending.
   4. Three years of completed tax returns (personal and business). If 2019 is not complete, then a 2019 Profit & Loss Statement.
   5. Up to date Accounts Payable.
   6. Up to date Accounts Receivable.
   7. An up to date list of your collateral (including your personal real estate) with item description and current replacement value.

A list of monthly expenses/revenues projected for the next 9 months. These can be estimates and can have multiple scenarios depending on whether you are staying open at full capacity/reducing open hours/closing. At this point this should be constructed based on your Profit and Loss for the same months last year: March – December.
Training materials will be forthcoming. Business assistance will continue to be provided by and available from VtSBDC (vtsbdc.org) – Regional Advisor Debra Boudrieau – dboudrieau@vtsbdc.org  and Springfield Regional Development Corporation – 802-885-3061, bobf@springfielddevelopment.org
​

The Chester Andover Family Center is asking the community for help in keeping our Food Shelf fully stocked to meet the needs of participating residents. As you know, we rely on Thrift Shop Sales revenue, fundraisers and generous donors to support food purchases for our food shelf and provide financial assistance to struggling families.

​With no revenue coming in due to the temporary closing of our Thrift Shop and the cancellation of fundraising events, we are making a special request to the Chester Andover Community for monetary donations. Our goal is to maintain our ability to provide food and financial assistance to residents during these challenging times.

Monetary donations limit in person contact and allow us to purchase high quality, nutritional food in bulk. Please consider contributing. We need to keep our volunteers safe and continue to provide food for our Food Shelf recipients.

Donations may be made in two ways:

• Via PayPal through our website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org
• Mailed to the Chester-Andover Family Center at PO Box 302, Chester, VT 05143

 
Thank you,
Stephanie Mahoney
President, Chester Andover Family Center Board President

Governor Phil Scott has asked businesses around the State to close their doors, unless one's business is "essential".  The "Stay Home Stay Safe" Executive Order goes into effect 3/25/2020 at 5 p.m. and is asking people to stay home as much as possible to avoid contracting and/or to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A list of essential businesses can be found here- Stay Home Stay Safe FAQ.  Some businesses are concerned about their employees making it to work without trouble and have asked about a letter to give employees. This template can be modified to fit a specific business and handed out to employees needing to get to work- Employee Letter. 

March 25, 2020
To:  Chester Residents
Re:  COVID-19
 
In response to Governor Scott’s call to Stay Home, Stay Safe, the following is an update on the Town of Chester’s compliance efforts.  Local government is critical infrastructure and we take seriously the need to maintain local government operations for our citizens.  However, we are making efforts to further comply with the Governor’s order. This response will remain in effect through April 15, 2020, at which time we will reassess.   Please read this information thoroughly so that you can be well informed. 
 
Town Office:  The Town Office Building will be closed to the public effective Thursday, March 26, 2020.  There will be only one front office employee working at one time.  The office is available by phone or email to assist you.  Visitations can be made for essential purposes only.  You must call the office first to make an appointment.  All payments can be made via the drop box located at the right hand side door on front porch, online or mailed to P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT, 05143.  Mail will continue to be picked up and processed daily.  We are also able to direct debit checking/savings accounts with no additional fee.  If interested, please contact the town office at (802) 875-2173 or amie.obrien@chestervt.gov or Deborah.aldrich@chestervt.gov. 
 
Zoning Office:
The Zoning Office will be available via telephone or email.  Michael Normyle can be reached at 875-2173 or michael.normyle@chestervt.gov.
 
Listers Office:
The Lister’s Office will be available via telephone or email.  The Listers can be reached at (802) 875-2173 or listers@chestervt.gov. 
 
Police Department:
The Police Department will be available via telephone or email.  The office can be reached at (802) 875-2035 or police@chestervt.gov.  In case of emergency please call 911 or dispatch at (802) 875-2233. 
 
Recreation Department:
The Recreation Department is still following the State of Vermont Principals Association guidelines and we will not have any formal practices or games at least until April 15th.  You can still sign up your child online at https://www.chestervt.gov/recreation.html.   The recreation facilities to include tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, frisbee golf course and hiking trails will remain open.  We encourage getting outside for fresh air, but please be mindful of social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet from each other).  Matthew McCarthy can be reached at 875-3603 or recreationinchester@yahoo.com.  
 
Water & Sewer Department:
The Water & Sewer Departments will remain in operation.  However, there will be no interior visitations to any homes.  The water/Sewer employees are moving to staggered shifts which allows two employees working at one time while still maintaining the functions of the water/sewer departments.  For emergencies please contact (802) 875-4325 or jeffholden60@yahoo.com.
 
Highway Department:
The Highway Department will remain in operation.  However, due to the number of employees in one location, there will be staggered shifts. We will do our best to ensure that roads are maintained at current standards.  We do ask that you be patient as we make these transitions.  Kirby Putnam can be reached at (802) 875-2237 or kirby.putnam@chestervt.gov.
 
Ambulance:
The Ambulance services will still be responding to 911 calls, but public access to our building will be denied. EMS will be responding with protective gear on, we may only initially have one provider enter a residence to gain patient access and assess the situation for decision of further action. This will be in effect until April 15, 2020, but subject to re-evaluation and possible extension at that time. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we need to protect the well being of our responders. The Ambulance Office can be reached at (802) 875-2160 or Dan Cook, Coordinator (802) 289-7216.

​Fire Department:
The Fire Department will follow all recommendations being handed down by Vermont Emergency Management, Department of Health, Vermont Fire Academy, President Trump and Governor Scott that do not inhibit our ability to provide emergency service to the citizens.  All bi-weekly training's are being moved to online courses.  Fire Department will be closed to the public and limited access to the Firefighters as a As Needed Entry Only.  The Fire Department will continue to respond to emergencies in full capacity as it has been. Our response will be a little different and as follows:

1. All Personnel in contact will wear Full Protective Gear to Include Full Face Mask with supplied Air.
2. Initial contact will be one person to conduct the CDC response survey
3. After survey completed full crew will attend to the call wearing full protective gear to include Full Face Mask with supplied Air.
4. Once back at station Gear and Vehicle will be decontaminated outside

 
There will be an exception to this response. For all life threatening emergencies the CDC Survey will be forgone and life safety efforts will be conducted immediately utilizing full gear and full face mask with supplied air.
 
As we move closer into separation from each other, please reach out to those people that you know who live alone.  Most of us have families to keep us company in our homes, but there are many who are by themselves.  I also encourage us all to remember our local businesses during this time, and especially when we are on the other side of this virus.  Please shop local as much as possible. The survival of many of our businesses will depend on your support.      
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.  I will be working between the office and my home but am available any time that I am needed. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Julie S. Hance
Town Manager
Julie.hance@chestervt.gov
(802) 875-2173
(802) 289-2825 (cell)

​The potential resources for business owners, related to COVID-19 challenges, are in the process of being developed, on both the state and Federal level.
The first one will be the SBA EIDL program. Other state and local options will also likely be coming on-line in the coming days, weeks and months. We do not yet know the specifics of any future program and, as difficult as it is at the moment, it may be wise to get a better lay of the land before immediately proceeding with the EIDL program.  Some programs may work better for some types of business than others and it is unclear how different programs will work with others.
What is important to know:

1. The SBA EIDL is a low interest, long term loan that has a fairly detailed list of requirements. VtSBDC Advisors are trained in assisting with this application process.
2. EIDL is a working capital loan that covers the gap between expenses and revenues for a period of time (whether that be a complete or partial reduction of revenues from the same period last year). It does not cover lost sales.
3. EIDL will take into consideration other loans that you have secured in relationship to COVID-19 (remember – programs are still being created). So all loan options should be considered in concert.
4. Other loan options should also be explored (in addition to discussions with current lenders about temporarily reducing current loan payments, and asking for other expense reductions) if immediate cash is needed as the loan process from application to disbursement will take a minimum (not counting prepping your application) of 6 weeks.
5. Currently there are no grants or “free” monies available to small business.

As part of your preparation to apply for any loan option, you should make sure the following is in order and all documents are ready to be uploaded electronically:

1. A list of actions that you have taken in response to COVID-19, and direct impact you have seen. For example: 3/17/20 “laid off 2 employees” {names, # of hours typically worked and pay rate} and directed them to unemployment. Return to work date given with the date). This list will help identify economic impact.
2. Have the following financial records up to date:
   1. Profit and Loss
   2. Balance Statement
   3. Sales records for 2019 and 2020 to date (this should come from QuickBooks or your POS or whatever system you use to capture daily income). Showing the actual impact on revenues is the basis of economic impact lending.
   4. Three years of completed tax returns (personal and business). If 2019 is not complete, then a 2019 Profit & Loss Statement.
   5. Up to date Accounts Payable.
   6. Up to date Accounts Receivable.
   7. An up to date list of your collateral (including your personal real estate) with item description and current replacement value.
   8. A list of monthly expenses/ revenues projected for the next 6 months. These can be estimates and can have multiple scenarios depending on whether you are staying open at full capacity/reducing open hours/closing. At this point this should be constructed based on your Profit and Loss for the same months last year: March – August.

 
Training programs will be forthcoming.
Business assistance will continue to be provided by and available from VtSBDC (vtsbdc.org) and the Regional Development Corporation in your region.
Please contact either SRDC – Bob Flint- 802-885-3061 – bobf@springfielddevelopment.org

​To:  Chester Residents
Re:  COVID-19
 
In an effort to keep all of our residents and employees as safe as possible, the following is the Town of Chester’s response to COVID-19.  This response will remain in effect until April 6, 2020, at which time we will reassess.   Please read this information thoroughly so that you can be well informed. 
 
Town Office:  The Town Office Building will be closed to the public effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020.  Staff will remain working at this time and are available via phone or email to assist you.  All departments are allowing visitation by appointment only and for necessary items only.  The Dog licensing deadline of April 1 has been extended to May 1.  Water/Sewer payment deadlines have been extended to March 30.   All payments can be made via the drop box located at the right-hand side door on front porch, online or mailed to P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT, 05143.  We are also able to direct debit checking/savings accounts with no additional fee.  If interested, please contact the town office at (802) 875-2173 or amie.obrien@chestervt.gov or deborah.aldrich@chestervt.gov.  

​To limit the exposure to the COVID-19 virus, Whiting Library in Chester will be closed from Sunday March 15th until April 6th. This is a difficult decision; we do not want to disappoint our loyal patrons and all who rely on library services.  Please know that we have the best interest of our volunteers, staff members and you at heart. Please keep those items you have already checked-out. If you wish to return them, the drop box is always available.  We will not be charging overdue fees during this period.
Remember that ListenUp Vermont, accessible through our website, offers free audio and ebooks right from your home computer.  If you just need to learn something new while home, look at LearningExpress to expand your world.
Please be safe, care for yourselves and one another. All of us at Whiting Library look forward to see you again soon!
Please contact the library 875-2277   whitinglibrary1@gmail.com  whitinglibrary.org