Please click here for a Town Meeting update from Representative Thomas Bock- Town Meeting Report

The Town of Chester would like to extend an invitation to get involved in your community.  There are volunteer positions that are open for reappointment.  These are great opportunities to serve your community and get involved.
 
                     Planning Commission Member  - 3 year term
                     Development Review Board Member – 3 year term
                              
All interested parties should send their letter of interest no later than 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 2021 to the Town Manager’s Office at the Chester Town Office, P.O. Box 370, Chester, Vermont, 05143, via email at Julie.hance@chestervt.gov, or contact the Chester Town Office at 875-2173.

​Okemo Valley, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) recently announced the winners of their first annual Okemo Valley Lights promotion. Winners were selected from participants in the regional tour map on the chamber’s website with photos and addresses to find all these participants.

What does it take to provide over One Hundred Households with supplemental food during the holiday season? For the Chester-Andover Family Center Food Shelf, it takes a community effort. Throughout the pandemic, since early March and leading up to the holiday season, the family center has been the recipient of many donations. A week has not gone by without a donation check or food items being dropped off at the Center. We are very grateful for the generosity of so many who have helped keep the CAFC Food Shelf open and fully stocked with shelf stable and fresh food throughout these challenging times. We thank you for your monetary and food donations.
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According to Hunger Free Vermont, in February 2020, prior to the pandemic, one in ten Vermonters experienced hunger or food insecurity. By the end of March, that increased to one in three. Due to the pandemic response and CARES funding, Vermont saw a small but significant decrease in June 2020 to one in four Vermonters experiencing hunger or food insecurity. Food shelves throughout Vermont work tirelessly to address food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food.

While the broader mission of the Chester-Andover Family Center is to make a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental, nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods, a priority during the pandemic has been to provide reliable, consistent access to fresh food for our Food Shelf recipients.

In November and December, Food Drives sponsored by Chester Helping Hands, Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders, and Katsiroubous Produce donated over one thousand pounds of shelf stable food items. Chester Helping Hands also donated two hundred thirty-nine pounds of Christmas hams. Katsiroubous Produce donated over two thousand pounds of fresh produce and set up a link to their website that helps friends of the Family Center donate produce boxes every week. Over five hundred pounds of produce have been donated through the Katsiroubous website since November. Sometimes, it is simply a group of concerned citizens who want to make a difference. A group in Windham coordinated by Pat McLain, conducted a food drive for us and delivered over one hundred thirty pounds of shelf stable food. These food drives take a group effort, and we are grateful to the community volunteers who organize them. Thank you.

We also want to recognize and thank the Vermont Foodbank. As a VFB Network partner, the CAFC has received hundreds of pounds of fresh food at no or minimal cost to the Family Center. In addition to food, we are also grateful for their technical assistance, and grant opportunities related to Covid-19.
Shaw’s-Springfield , through their Turkey Bucks Program, donated 24 Turkey Boxes at Thanksgiving. This donation helped us meet the goals of our Turkey Drive. We thank all who contributed to this community effort sponsored by Shaw’s-Springfield.

This is much to be thankful for. The board of the Chester-Andover Family Center looks forward to a pandemic free new year as we continue our work in support of those in our community who need our help. Thank you for being our partner in this work.

Please tell friends and family about our Food Shelf and Financial Assistance Programs. If you or someone you know needs our help, they can call us at 802-875-3236 and leave a message. A Family Center volunteer will return their call. You can also find out more about the CAFC at our website, www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org

Stephanie Mahoney
President, Chester-Andover Family Center

​New participants are still welcome to join in by sharing photos of their decorations with the chamber’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Please include the hastags: #OkemoValleyLights #OkemoValleyHolidayLights & #VTLightsTheWay (to connect with the statewide effort).
 
Imerys of Ludlow is sponsoring the contest for the best lights display. Winners will be selected in various categories: business, town, & resident/neighborhood. A total value of $500 in prizes will be awarded to all the winners!
 
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven association and the voice of 300+ businesses and the communities of South Central Vermont. OVRCC includes the Towns & Villages of Andover/Simonsville, Baltimore, Cavendish/ Proctorsville, Chester/Gassetts, Grafton/Cambridgeport, Londonderry, Ludlow, Mount Holly/Belmont, Plymouth/Tyson, Shrewsbury/Cuttingsville, Weathersfield/Ascutney/
Perkinsville, & Weston along the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway.  OVRCC provides advocacy, support, and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance businesses in the region as well as the four-season economy.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
www.yourplaceinvermont.com
802-228-5830

The Whiting Library is now providing Front Porch Pick Up of library materials only. Due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the area, we are discontinuing entry by appointment. We look forward to resuming appointments when case counts go down. In the meantime, we are still here for you! You can search the library catalog online, give us a call at 875-2277, or send an email to request materials for pick up. Don’t forget, the library also offers you access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks through ListenUp! Vermont. Library cards are free to everyone in Chester and Andover, so sign up today to get your library card number and start accessing all of our great online resources.  
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The Youth Services department continues to offer many programs for young patrons, including virtual preschool Storytime each Friday at 11am on Zoom. There is also a book club for middle grade kids each Wednesday at 1pm on Zoom. The latest program addition is a monthly Arts & Craft Club meet up for children of all ages beginning this December. Sign up and each first Wednesday of the month come pick up a take-and-make craft bag at the Whiting Library. You will receive directions, templates, and supplies to make fun and interesting craft projects at home. Remember, Librarian Carrie King is always here to field your questions and coordinate projects that interest you and your kids. Get in touch with her directly at whitinglibrary3@gmail.com.

It’s that special giving time of year and Whiting’s “Paws of Motion” month encourages animal lovers to share in the gift of giving to the Springfield Humane Society (SHS) from December 1st- 31st. During this festive season, let’s show a little extra love to our furry friends by stocking the SHS with much-needed supplies. Check out our website for a list of most needed items. Each donation gets you entered into a raffle to win a gift basket of amazing artisan products. Please bring donations to the library during our regular Front Porch Pick Up hours.

Lastly, this is your advance notice that Whiting Library will change opening hours starting Saturday, January 2, 2021. The new hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. This is a change of days from Monday to Tuesday opening, but will be the same number of open hours that your library is here to serve you. You can keep in touch with Whiting Library news on our website, www.whitinglibrary.org, by signing up for our electronic newsletter, or on our Facebook or Instagram pages. 

While we are all struggling with the challenges of the pandemic, many of our friends and neighbors are just trying to keep food on the table. Everyone needs and deserves a bountiful holiday meal on Christmas. The Chester-Andover Family Center is determined to provide each of our more than one hundred Food Shelf recipients with everything they need to prepare their holiday meal. There are several ways you can participate in this Food Drive.

On December 12, we will be at the Chester Helping Hands-Katsiroubous Cares Produce Drop at CAES in Chester from 9-11. Family Center Volunteers will be there to accept your cash donations, non-perishable food items as well as turkeys and hams. Help us provide a bountiful holiday meal for our food shelf recipients.
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You can also Donate a Katsiroubous Cares Produce Box.  A Katsiroubous Cares Produce Box cost $25 and can be ordered and paid for online. Go to our website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org. The donation link is at the top of our homepage. Your produce box donations will be delivered to our Food Shelf.
 
We are available to accept your food donations at the Food Shelf on Thursdays, 1-5 and Fridays, 10-2. Monetary contributions are always welcome as that allows us to purchase in bulk. Send a check to CAFC, PO Box 302, Chester VT. Donate through PayPal on our website, www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org
 
Lastly, please tell your friends and neighbors about the Chester Andover Family Center. If someone you know is struggling to pay a bill, in need of food or a warm coat, tell them to call us at 802-875-3236 and leave a message. A Family Center volunteer will return their call and find a way to help.

ROCKINGHAM – T he MOOver’s winter seasonal bus route connecting Bellows Falls, Springfield, Chester, and Okemo began November 27th.

The route is designed to bring employees all along the route to work at Okemo and back home. Stops include Penguin Mart in Bellows Falls, Springfield Plaza, Chester Depot, Chester Green, Ludlow, Okemo, and Jackson Gore. It is supported by a generous contribution by Okemo Mountain Resort, along with state and federal funding. There is no passenger fare for the service.

“We appreciate Okemo’s contribution that makes this route possible,” said Christine Howe, MOOver General Manager. “It has been running for many years and also allows us to provide seasonal fixed route service to Chester as well.”
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There are two round trips in the morning and one in the afternoon on weekends and holidays. Midweek non-holiday there is one morning and one afternoon round trip. For the complete schedule visit www.crtransit.org .

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March, the Chester-Andover Family Center has continued to provide supplemental, nourishing food for Food Shelf recipients and Financial Assistance to families struggling to make ends meet. This has been made possible through the generous donations of our community and beyond.

Katsiroubous Produce, now famously known in Chester for their weekly, Saturday morning produce drop, has been generously donating produce boxes to our food shelf since March. JoJo and Jim Chlebiogiannos have been instrumental in sustaining this initiative that benefits not only the CAFC but the greater Chester community. Jim is vice -president of Katsiroubous Produce and JoJo manages the weekly box sign-up. She also contributes baked goods and stews to the curb-side market, currently raising money for a Christmas Toy Drive.

This past week, JoJo and Jim Chlebogiannis sponsored a raffle for Jabra 75t active elite earbuds at the Produce Box drop in Chester to raise money for Dog and Cat Food. It was a huge success, raising over $900. They collaborated with Muddy Paws Canine Center in Windham and Bellows Falls Pet Supply to purchase 1000 pounds of dog and cat food for distribution by the Chester-Andover Family Center Food Shelf.
It is impossible to exaggerate what a gift this is for CAFC Food Shelf recipients. Putting food on the table to keep one’s family nourished and healthy is always a priority. Imagine having to make a choice between food for your children and food for your pet, who is also a part of your family. This generous donation will bring joy and relief to countless families that depend on our food shelf.
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The Chester-Andover Family Center thanks Katsiroubous Produce, JoJo and Jim and all the Chester Helping Hands volunteers for supporting not only the CAFC but our whole community during these challenging times. These weekly produce boxes provide nourishing, fresh food and challenge us to cook and enjoy something new every week. And for the Dog and Cat Food donation, we know that Pet owners everywhere say “thank you”.

Partnering with the Department of Justice,
WE ARE HERE TO SERVE
During the COVID-19 Epidemic Rates of Domestic Violence are surging globally, nationally and are feared to be on the rise locally!

"Those of us is the elder justice community know that social isolation is one of the greatest risk factors for elder abuse. We cannot let one catastrophe breed another. Staying connected, phoning older adults, checking on an older neighbor, writing a card or letter, can all be positive steps to ensure public safety and social justice," National Center on Elder Abuse. Help put the ELDER JUSTICE PROJECT into contact with those in need.

We can help those in later life, individuals 50 and older, who are suffering from abuse, physical or psychological, or from neglect, and/or financial exploitation living in our Windham County communities. We can also help provide emergent rescue shelter and have funds for transportation.

Brief Description of the Vermont Elder Justice Project:
In 2017, the Southeastern Council on Aging, Senior Solutions, was awarded a Department of Justice grant to coordinate a Multi-Agency response to abuse in later life. The target audience was individuals 50 and older who were suffering from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation perpetrated by someone in an ongoing relationship (e.g., spouse, family member or caregiver).

This grant's objectives to address abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation are incorporated into the Vermont State Plan on Aging as a pilot for initiatives in Elder Justice throughout the state.
CALL IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE 50 and ABOVE in WINDSOR COUNTY THAT MAY NEED OUR HELP!
CALL : 802-698-8650 directly or 24/7 toll-free confidential number: 866-230-0249

The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) was recently awarded a Restart VT Regional Marketing & Stimulus Grant from the VT Department of Tourism.
 
This successful application was the result of a regional collaboration with joint applications from other partners including the communities of Chester, Londonderry, Ludlow & Weston.
Individual community grants of $10,000 each were maximized to a larger $40,000 project benefitting the entire Okemo Valley region.
 
These Regional Tourism Marketing Grant Awards are for organizations whose efforts and activities are related to economic recovery, consumer stimulus, marketing, or tourism related projects to support businesses that have suffered economic harm due to the pandemic. They are intended to enable local, regional, or statewide organizations to implement campaigns and initiatives that will increase consumer spending, support local businesses, and advance community recovery efforts.
 
The approved marketing plan submitted by OVRCC and partners includes: regional & local videos for visitors, expanded Okemo Valley Magazine distribution, a partnership with Yankee Magazine, a new regional green graphical attractions map, a second homeowner postcard mailing, a new Valley Specials discount promotion, and various social media vistor campaigns. Working as a region, Okemo Valley is stronger together!
 
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven association and the voice of 300+ businesses and the communities of South Central Vermont. OVRCC includes the Towns & Villages of Andover/Simonsville, Baltimore, Cavendish/ Proctorsville, Chester/Gassetts, Grafton/Cambridgeport, Landgrove, Londonderry, Ludlow, Mount Holly/Belmont, Plymouth/Tyson, Shrewsbury/Cuttingsville, Weathersfield/Ascutney/Perkinsville, & Weston along the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway.  OVRCC provides advocacy, support, and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance businesses in the region as well as the four-season economy.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
www.yourplaceinvermont.com
802-228-5830

Last year, the Chester-Andover Family Center asked the community to help us provide over one hundred Food Shelf recipients with all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner. The positive response was truly an inspiration and we were able to fill all Food Shelf recipient Thanksgiving Turkey requests.

We thank all who responded with cash donations that helped us purchase turkeys and shelf stable items such as stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin, piecrust mix, as well as fresh apples and oranges. Thanks to those who donated turkeys and other food items that go into making a special holiday meal.
Thanksgiving is especially challenging for families on a tight budget as it comes at the end of the month and this year, during a pandemic. Many who never imagined facing reduced income or a limited ability to get out and shop, need us now. That is why we need your help more than ever.

Our goal is to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to participating Food Shelf recipients in our community. Please consider making a cash or food donation to our Food Shelf.

Food donations may be dropped off on Thursdays from 1-5 and Fridays between 10 and 2PM. We are requesting that turkeys, turkey breasts and shelf stable food donations be delivered to the CAFC by Thursday, November 5, the first day we will be distributing holiday Turkeys.
Cash donations are always welcome and allow us to take advantage of special prices on Turkeys. You can make a cash donation via paypal or mail a check made out to CAFC/Turkey Drive to CAFC, PO Box 302 Chester, VT 05143.
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We also seek your help in identifying friends and neighbors who may be struggling to make ends meet.  Residents of Chester and Andover in need of supplemental food are eligible to become Food Shelf recipients. Call the Center at 802-875-3236 or email us at cafc302@gmail.com

On Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 10:00 – 3:00 Columbus Weekend, the Chester Andover Family Center will hold their fifth annual “Christmas Under the Tent” sale. Holiday items for decorating, entertaining and gift giving will be available. We will have toys, gifts, items for your holiday table, artificial trees, Christmas Cards and decorations galore. Everything under the tent will be priced from $.25 to $25.00.
 
As always, the Thrift Shop will also be open for business. This is a great time check out our new displays and pricing system, then spend time under the tents to stock up on all your holiday needs at bargain prices.
 
All Thrift Shop and Tent Sale shoppers are required to wear masks, sanitize, and respect social distancing.
 
The Family Center is a non-profit, volunteer run organization. Proceeds from our Thrift Shop and this special sale support our Food Shelf and Financial Assistance Program for Chester and Andover residents struggling to make ends meet. Shopping with us on October 10, will help us raise funds to support CAFC programs that contribute to the well-being of our community.
 
Please join us Saturday, October 10 from 10-3, under the tents at the Chester Andover Family Center for this special fundraiser and shopping event.
 
The Chester Andover Family Center is located at 908 VT Route 103 South, Chester, Vermont 05143
 
For more information, visit our website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org or follow us on FaceBook.

The Town of Chester is advertising for the position of a part time Zoning Administrator.  The Zoning Administrator is responsible for the issuance of building permits, guiding applicants through the DRB permitting processing and enforcement of Zoning Violations.  This person must be able to work with the Planning Commission and Development Review Board on a regular basis and is required to attend all meetings of these Boards.  Applicants must have a general knowledge of the community; the purpose, theory and practice of zoning; The Vermont Planning and Development Act; the municipal bylaws; Basic understanding of state statutes and regulations related to land use and land development. This position requires an individual who is a leader, courteous, tactful, objective, and fair.  The ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing is an essential.
 
If interested, please submit your resume and letter of interest to Julie Hance, Town Manager, at 556 Elm Street, Chester, Vermont no later than Friday, October 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.  

The Chester Andover Family Center is partnering with Tom and Linda of DyakCraft LLC to provide the community with an opportunity to support the CAFC by entering a raffle to win a set of Tom’s handcrafted knitting needles.

Tom’s award winning knitting needles and fiber art tools were voted Best Knitting Needles by knitting.about.com. , and awarded top honors from the Crochet Guild of America. Hand crafted in Chester, VT, Tom’s hooks and needles are in demand by discerning knitters and crochet enthusiasts worldwide.
 
The raffle will take place over three days beginning Sunday, September 20th at 12:01 AM and ending on Tuesday, September 22 at 11:59 PM. You can enter the raffle at https://go.rallyup.com/cafcraffle.
 
Go to our website at chester-andoverfamilycenter.org for a link to the Raffle Website, and a description of the $700.00 Knitting Tools raffle prize. Check out Linda and Tom’s DyakCraft website at DyakCraft.com.
 
Proceeds from the raffle will support the purchase and installation of a generator for the Chester Andover Family Center.

This past year, thanks to a Vt Food Bank Grant and a generous cash incentive from Efficiency Vermont, the Family Center was able to replace antiquated, inefficient refrigeration with three new energy efficient units. This has allowed us to expand the variety and quantity of fresh food offered to food shelf recipients. As a result of new reliable, refrigeration, the food shelf is now able to provide fresh produce, fruit, dairy and meat every week.

So why do we need a generator? In the event of a power outage, the Food Shelf could potentially lose two weeks of food. One hundred ninety enrolled households depend on us to provide weekly supplemental food. This becomes even more important when families may not have power in their homes. We need to keep the lights, heat and refrigeration on in the food shelf so our volunteers can offer the community a safe shelter, water and fresh food.
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So, save the dates and enter our raffle on September 20, 21 and 22. You will be supporting the work of the CAFC and could be the proud winner of a DyakCraft, handmade in Chester, knitting tools package.

The Vermont 2020 Census Team is working hard to have our communities fully counted by September 30, 2020. Teams will be set up outside local businesses September 16, 17, and 18 encouraging people to fill out the questionnaire. Being counted in the Census is required by law and is important to ensure our area maintains federal funding for the community, congressional representation, and more. Visit  www.2020census.gov for information. Please be sure you have filled out the questionnaire.

​Thank you to those who have RSVPed for the Springfield Area Employer
Resources' first meeting. We are very excited to begin to share helpful
information and tools with local employers. Below is the original
message with all of the details. If you are planning to attend, signing
is appreciated but not required. Please feel free to join the meeting
even if you do not RSVP.

We are pleased to announce the first Springfield Area Employer Resources
meeting. Thank you to those who completed the survey to help us shape
this initial meeting and those that will follow. We hope as many
employers in the Greater Springfield Area will attend (virtually) as
many meetings as possible. Through funding from the Working Communities
Challenge we have contracted with Adaptiva HR
<https://adaptivahr.com/> to coordinate and facilitate these meetings.
Their Human Resources and Organizational Consultants will share
information, tools, and other resources to help employers in the region
address many topics including Covid-19 compliance, recruiting and
retention, employment regulations, leadership development, and many
more. The meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month
from 9:30-11:00. We ask that you RSVP for each meeting to help with
structuring the online format, but you are also always welcome to
drop-in without an RSVP. An invitation with links to RSVP and for the
meeting will be sent in advance of each meeting. If you have any
questions about the format, topic, or anything else feel free to contact
Adaptiva HR directly: jennifer@adaptivahr.com
<mailto:jennifer@adaptivahr.com>

*Invitation for the September meeting:*
In the ever-shifting landscape of how to operate business during the
coronavirus pandemic, we will make sure employers know what the current
employment regulations and requirements are and what they mean in
practice. Through an interactive conversation, we will help those
attending understand what this all means for /them/ and what steps they
need to take if they are not currently compliant. There will be plenty
of opportunity to ask questions. The goal is to deepen and broaden your
knowledge and also to take away practical steps and tools to implement.

*Topic:* Covid-19 Compliance - Understanding Employment Requirements and
Putting Them Into Practice
*Date:* Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020
*Time:*  9:30-11:00 am

Please let us know if you can attend: *RSVP
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4krFG3OZ3fEpZXRSWBckK8x20Am_nRHucqOeFbtAj3N6dGA/viewform?usp=sf_link>*

*Attending? Add the following details to your calendar:*
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93460294021?pwd=MHcwdW5RTlJaeHB4VkxBMVRGZENSQT09

Meeting ID: 934 6029 4021
Passcode: 802802
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,93460294021# US (New York)

​September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Whiting Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind our community that signing up for a library card is a first step on the path to academic achievement and a love for lifelong learning.
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Every resident of Chester and Andover is entitled to a free library card and if you sign up for a new card this September, you’ll be entered to win a great raffle prize! Whiting Library is the place to find your new favorite book, but it’s also more than just books here. We offer public computers, free WIFI, printing and copying, audiobooks and ebooks, and tons of online classes and programs, all free with your library card.
The library will be holding our annual book sale out on the front lawn at 117 Main St. in Chester on September 26th from 10am-4pm. There will be a large selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books available to purchase at bargain prices. Swing by anytime throughout the day and take home some great finds. All proceeds will go towards the library. The rain date for the book sale will be the following Saturday, October 3rd. If you would like to volunteer to help out at the book sale, please give the library a call or email whitinglibrary1@gmail.com

The library is currently open for front porch pick up of materials on Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 10-4pm and Saturday between 10-2pm. The building is open by appointment only on these same days between 11-1pm. Please call 875-2277 to schedule your appointment or get more information. You can also check out the library website www.whitinglibrary.org for more information and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on library happenings.