The First Universalist Parish of Chester, located in Chester’s Historic Stone Village, welcomes all to our community soup fundraiser on Saturday, January 14th. We will be serving in house or take out between 12 noon and 6:00 PM. The menu includes soup or chili, salad, crusty bread, nuts, beverage and dessert.
Church members are doing the cooking and promise a variety of soups and desserts to satisfy every palate. Hearty, vegan and gluten free options will be available.
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So, give the family chef a night off and join us for supper in our community room or have us pack you carry-out meals for the whole family. At $15.00 per meal, this is a delicious, affordable treat.
The First Universalist Parish of Chester is located at 211 N St (RT 103) in Chester, Vermont. For more information, contact chestervtuu@gmail.com

What do I do if an animal bites me or my pet?

• Contact your doctor and Town Health Officer and follow their instructions.
• Wash the bite wound well with soap and running water.
• Try to capture the animal only if you can do it without getting bitten again. You are more likely to need rabies shots if the animal cannot be found. If the animal is wild, contact the Rabies Hotline or a Game Warden.

Call your veterinarian if you believe your pet was exposed to a potentially rabid animal; they will be able to decide if your pet is at risk for rabies and tell you what steps to follow next.
For more information on rabies exposure, visit the CDC website.
 
How can I help prevent rabies in my pet and myself?
Do not touch or pick up unfamiliar or wild animals – even baby animals – or try to feed them or make them into pets. Report unknown or strangely behaving animals to your town's animal control officer. If the animal is wild, contact the Rabies Hotline or a Game Warden.
Make sure trash cans and recycling bins are tightly closed, and do not leave pet food outside. Feed pets inside the house and keep pets indoors at night. If they are out during the day, keep them on a leash or within a closed space. Pets that roam free are more likely to be exposed to a rabid animal. Make sure that all family pets get rabies shots and keep shots up to date. Animals can be vaccinated by a veterinarian or at a rabies clinic.
For more information on rabies in domestic animals visit the CDC website.
What should I do if I find a bat in my house?
If you find a bat in your room after waking up, or if you find a bat in a room with a person or animal who may not recognize the risk – like a child, a person with a cognitive disability, an intoxicated person, or a pet – call your doctor or veterinarian.
Do not release the bat if it might have come in physical contact with a person or an unvaccinated pet. Instead, follow these steps:

• Call 1-800-4-RABIES for assistance.
• Only try to capture the bat if you can do it without getting bitten.
• When the bat lands, approach it slowly while wearing gloves and place a box over it.
• Slide cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
• Tape the cardboard to the container securely.
• Game Wardens, animal control officers, nuisance wildlife trappers, and Town Health Officers may be able to help capture bats.

If you're certain that no people or pets have been in direct contact with the bat, confine it to a room and leave a window open to allow it to exit to the outdoors. If the bat doesn't leave, call the Rabies Hotline or a pest management company for assistance on how to remove the animal from your home.
For more information about bats and rabies, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and CDC websites.

Summer has arrived in Vermont and with the sunshine and long days come many fun activities at Whiting Library. The theme for the 2022 Summer Reading Program is “Oceans of Possibilities”. Kids of all ages can sign up to participate and record their reading progress and enter to win raffle tickets for great prizes! Summer reading is critical, not only for helping kids maintain learning while school is out, but also for fostering social-emotional development, discovering the joy of stories, and elevating the importance of lifelong learning. Summer reading is fun at Whiting Library, with a variety of reading challenge options for kids to choose from, and weekly Story Time at 11am on Fridays to read and play together. All kids who sign up will also receive a free book of their choice from the library book sale room!

The Nature Museum will once again offer a series of incredible nature programs in the library backyard this summer. On seven consecutive Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m, starting June 22nd, an environmental educator from The Nature Museum will introduce children of all ages to the wonders of the natural world through demonstrations, games, and crafts. This year there will be programs on beavers, bats, black bears, owls, pollinators, animal migration, and of course- building fairy houses!  Geared toward ages pre-k through elementary grades, all ages are welcome. Programs will be 45 minutes long with dedicated time for a story reading and any nature-related questions you may have for the expert educators. No registration is necessary. Programs will be outdoors with lots of space for everyone, and inside during inclement weather. Join us to unplug, discover, and learn!
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You can find out more about the Summer Reading Program and everything that is happening at Whiting Library on our website, www.whitinglibrary.org, or give us a call at 875-2277. Stop on by during our open hours, we have air conditioning and lots of comfy places to read, chat, and play!

June 14, 2022 – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is receiving reports from across the state of black bears seeking food in yards, outbuildings, and livestock enclosures this spring.  Many of these situations can be prevented if people take steps to make their backyards bear-safe before a bear shows up.
 
Bears—and people—are at risk when bears spend time in human-dominated landscapes.  And every time a bear finds an easy meal of birdseed, compost, or unsecured garbage, they are learning a dangerous association between people and food.  Coexisting with bears starts with you taking the following steps to help keep bears wild:
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• Birdfeeders are a big problem!  Take down birdfeeders until December.  You can attract birds by planting bird friendly native plants instead—check out Audubon’s Native Plants for Birds Program: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants
• Make your garbage inaccessible.  Store garbage in a secure structure and a bear proof container.  Learn how to make your garbage can bear proof here: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/sites/fishandwildlife/files/documents/Learn%20More/Living%20with%20Wildlife/Living%20with%20Bears/bear-resistant-retrofit-polycart.pdf
• Dispose of garbage frequently.  If you have pick-up services, wait until the morning to put your garbage out.
• Demand bear proof dumpsters for your community. 
• Follow steps for composting in bear country.  Compost needs to be 3 parts brown materials to 1 part kitchen scraps, turned frequently, and kept in a sturdy tumbler or bin: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/260
• Use electric fencing to keep chickens and bees safe.  Fences need to be 4,000-6,000 volts, tested regularly and baited: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/1996
• Clean your grill after every use.
• Make bears feel uncomfortable in your yard.  Yell, bang pots and pans, or use other noise devices from inside your home.  Never shoot a bear to scare it.  Even BBs can seriously injure bears.
• Please report your bear encounters to Vermont Fish & Wildlife.  These reports allow us to help you prevent future bear incidents.  They also give us information to help all Vermonters better coexist with bears: https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WildlifeBearReport.aspx 

 
Following these steps can save bears' lives, and help protect you, your neighbors, and your property.  Please do your part to be a good neighbor and help keep Vermont's bears wild! 
 
If you have questions, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department at 802-828-1000, or fwinformation@vermont.gov.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 3 p.m. at 117 Main St. Whiting Library celebrates National Foster Care Month with a special family story hour. This event combines the library’s usual monthly kid’s book clubs to focus on learning about foster care, adoption, and family differences. Youth Services Librarian, Carrie King, will do a read aloud from books that engage kids and get them learning about foster care. The library will have a collection of relevant books available for check out about foster care and adoption. Books help children better understand different families, so that children in foster care aren’t left out or secluded for their differences or traumas. 
​
Special guest Michelle Springer-Blake, a Recruitment and Retention Specialist for the Department for Children and  Families, will join the group to discuss how attendees can support foster care in Vermont. Springer-Blake encourages all families in the community to come and learn about foster care at the library, “I think if we can collaborate and share the love of reading, children, and families, together we can make a difference in our world a little at a time!” Everyone who loves story time will enjoy this event, and Springer-Blake will be on hand to answer questions for those who want to know more about becoming involved in foster care. 

​April 25, 2022
Dear Voters of Windsor District 3-1,
After much consideration, I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Vermont House of Representatives. Serving in the State Legislature and representing my constituents from the towns of Chester, Andover, Baltimore and North Springfield for the past 6 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply grateful for the confidence which you have placed in me.

As you may be aware, Mariette and I have been in the process of moving to Colchester to be close to family, while still maintaining a residence here in Chester. While I have chosen not to seek re-election, I will continue to serve you as your representative in the remaining months of my term.

I am proud of the work done while serving 6 years in the legislature. My focus has always been improving the lives of Vermont's families and helping rural economies and communities thrive; committed to a Vermont that works for all of us.

To continue this commitment, it gives me great pleasure to enthusiastically endorse Heather Chase as my successor. I have known Heather for many years; we served together as members on the Chester Selectboard. I know her to be conscientious, caring and hard working in dealing with the demands of public office. Her involvement in the community as Selectboard Vice Chair has provided her with the knowledge and experience necessary to represent our interests in Montpelier.

As a small business owner, she understands the struggles that face small businesses and can work toward promoting sustainable, economic growth in our communities. She will work toward promoting jobs and fair wages to make Vermont more attractive and affordable to young families.
​
Redistricting has placed Chester along with Grafton, Athens and Windham in a new district. I hope you will join me in voting for Heather Chase for State Representative representing this new Windsor/Windham district.
Again, thank you to all who have supported me.
Yours truly,
Representative Thomas Bock
tbock@leg.state.vt.us

Chester, VT- Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 117 Main St. Whiting Library will be throwing our 3rd annual Green Up Day celebration. Fun for all ages! You can make a difference to the environment and in our community by volunteering to pick up roadside litter. Come to the library on this day to get an official green bag to collect trash, plant or pick up seeds, and get some books. Our local Green Up Day is organized by the Chester Conservation Committee. Bags are also available at Town Hall, Erskines, and Chester Hardware and can be disposed of in the dumpster at the Chester Town Garage.

At our Green Up Day celebration, the library will have a seed planting workstation, with all the supplies and knowledge you need to plant your own sunflower seeds. The community seed library, sponsored by Mountain Valley Climate Action, is also freshly stocked! There is a wide variety of seeds packets available for you to take home and plant. You can also bring extra seeds from your garden to exchange. Whiting Library is thrilled that the MVCA seed library is available year-round for all our local gardeners. 

A selection of books from the library’s basement book sale will also be outside for sale by donation at this May 7th event. The book sale room is overflowing so please come support the library by shopping! All donations go towards buying new materials and supplies for the library.
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We are looking forward to seeing you at the library for Green Up Day! Remember to stay safe when collecting trash: wear bright colors, bring a friend, watch out for sharps, be COVID cautious, and do a tick check. Thank you for brightening up our town!

Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day and raising public awareness about the health, economic, and visual benefits of a litter-free environment year-round.

The Green Up Vermont Mentor Program, open to Vermont Students grades 9-12, is designed to help develop leadership skills while actively engaging students in civic volunteerism and taking care of our environment with a focus on Green Up Day.

The Green Up Vermont Executive Director pairs interested students (mentees) with Green Up Day Volunteer Town Coordinators in their common towns that have voiced an interest in being mentors.
Green Up Vermont Mentor Program objectives are to:

• Create connected relationships between coordinators and youth in their towns
• Build awareness and stewardship for clean, healthy environments
• Promote civic engagement and volunteerism that helps their hometown
• Extend knowledge and the traditions of Green Up Day
• Build pride and commitment in taking care of Vermont
• Add youth perspective and ideas to keep Green Up Day vibrant for generations to come
• Have Mentees assist our Volunteer Town Coordinator Mentors in ways that are helpful
and rewarding.
​
Please see here for the details and  information- GUV Mentor Program

​Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 3 p.m. at 117 Main St. Whiting Library celebrates National Foster Care Month with a special family story hour. This event combines the library’s usual monthly kid’s book clubs to focus on learning about foster care, adoption, and family differences. Youth Services Librarian, Carrie King, will do a read aloud from books that engage kids and get them learning about foster care. The library will have a collection of relevant books available for check out about foster care and adoption. Books help children better understand different families, so that children in foster care aren’t left out or secluded for their differences or traumas. 
Special guest Michelle Springer-Blake, a Recruitment and Retention Specialist for the Department for Children and  Families, will join the group to discuss how attendees can support foster care in Vermont. Springer-Blake encourages all families in the community to come and learn about foster care at the library, “I think if we can collaborate and share the love of reading, children, and families, together we can make a difference in our world a little at a time!” Everyone who loves story time will enjoy this event, and Springer-Blake will be on hand to answer questions for those who want to know more about becoming involved in foster care. 

​The Town of Chester Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Full-Time Police Officer.  The department is seeking an enthusiastic professional individual who possesses a strong desire to provide the highest quality police services to the community.  The Chester Police Department serves a community of approximately 3,144 residents and covers an area of approximately 56 square miles.
Chester offers a competitive starting wage for full-time officers with shift differential, as well as an excellent benefit’s package including participation in VMERS Group C retirement, MVP health insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, and personal time.  Uniforms and police equipment are provided.
The successful candidate will possess the following minimum requirements:

• Be a U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma.
• Be certified or certifiable as a police officer by the VT Criminal Justice Training Council (VCJTC).
• Possess a valid VT driver’s license.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Preference will be given to those applicants who are currently certified through the VCJTC. However, those without certification are also encouraged to apply. Police testing, including a physical fitness examination, polygraph, oral board, medical exam, fingerprint check and extensive background check will be required of applicants selected for hire.  Preference shall be given to VT-certified officers.
Those wishing to apply should send a letter of interest and resume to:
Chester Police Department
ATTN: Chief Richard Cloud
P.O. Box 370
Chester, VT 05143
Interested applicants can also contact the Chester Police Department at (802) 875-2035 for more information.
The Town of Chester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Town of Chester is seeking Requests for Qualifications for professional planning services to assist the Planning Commission in updating Chester’s Unified Development Bylaws, to implement the Town Plan and Village Center Master Plan, with a particular focus on modernizing the document to better address housing and further village revitalization goals. 
 
For a copy of the Request for Qualifications bid package please contact Julie Hance at the Chester Town Office, 556 Elm Street, Chester, VT, 05143, (802) 875-2173, or julie.hance@chestervt.gov.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
 
All bids should be submitted to the Town Manager’s Office, 556 Elm Street (P.O. Box 370) Chester, VT 05143 and Julie.hance@chestervt.gov on or before 3:00 p.m. on March 18, 2022.
​

​Curious about solar energy and if it might be a good idea for your home? Whiting Library will present via Zoom a virtual roundtable discussion on residential solar energy on March 8th, 2022 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. If you’re interested in renewable energy, come listen, learn, and ask your questions!
 
This roundtable offers the opportunity to better understand solar technology and will provide useful information for those considering converting to or expanding home solar systems. Topics will include the efficiency of solar energy in southern Vermont, incentives to reduce costs, battery storage, and the siting of solar arrays. The roundtable discussion will include representatives from Green Mountain Solar, Net Zero Renewable Resources, and SunCommon. Chester resident and retired solar industry executive Tim Roper will moderate the discussion.

This free informational event is open to everyone, not just Whiting Library patrons, and will include time for your questions to industry experts. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by emailing: whitinglibrary1@gmail.com. All registrants will receive a reminder email prior to the event. 

TOWN OF CHESTER
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO SERVE
YOUR COMMUNITY

​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. 

​All interested parties should send their letter of interest no later than noon on February 25, 2022 to the Town Manager’s Office at the Chester Town Office, P.O. Box 370, Chester, Vermont, 05143, or contact the Chester Town Office at 875-2173.

Water Quality of the Williams River Program & Discussion
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 6:30pm Online via Zoom
Water quality monitoring samples have been collected along the Williams River for many years.  Ryan O’Donnell, Water Quality Coordinator for the Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance and the Connecticut River Conservancy will present the results of several years of monitoring studies from the river.  The presentation will focus on trends and what the results can tell us about the health of the river. As we learn about water quality in the Williams River,  watershed groups in the region would like to hear ideas about what projects the community is interested in to help protect water quality in our river.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 817 9146 9220
Passcode: 322012
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Meeting ID: 817 9146 9220
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The Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) will soon begin accepting applications for assistance with overdue mortgage payments, property association fees, property taxes, and utilities. Our Helpline opened this week to answer questions you may have about getting ready to apply. You can reach the Helpline at 833-221-4208 on Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. 

We have also added more online resources at vermonthap.vhfa.org. These include a short video for Vermonters seeking mortgage assistance called “Mortgage Assistance for Vermonters: Know Your Options.” 

We will email you again when we know the program's start date. To help us prepare, please answer the one question survey below:
 
What is your main reason for learning about the 
Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program?
My household is considering applying
I have friends or family who might apply
I work with an organization that helps homeowners
Other
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1.           Town Employees will do their best to reduce the spread of COVID or its variants, while maintaining the operations of the Town of Chester. 
 
2.           Guidance from the State of Vermont and CDC indicates that COVID is spread amongst individuals who are closer than 6 feet apart, without masks for a period of 15 minutes or longer.   The Town of Chester protocols are established with those guidelines in mind. 
 
3.           All town services will remain in full operation for regular hours, until or unless the State of Vermont proclaims another State of Emergency
 
4.           The Town of Chester has Instituted the ability to pay via Credit Card or Direct Debit from a checking or savings account.  In addition, a drop box has been installed at Town Hall. These services will remain in effect permanently.
 
5.           Vault usage for Title Searchers and/or Attorneys is managed using a signup sheet managed by the Town Office staff.   Land records have been made available online back to 1980. 
 
6.           Plexiglass has been installed at the front counter of Town Hall to help reduce direct contact with the public.  This plexiglass will remain installed until such time as it is evident that the spread of the virus or its variants has passed. 
 
7.           Office spaces are disinfected weekly to help limit the transfer of germs. 
 
8.           All office staff at Town Hall, Police Department and Ambulance have independent working stations, i.e. in a separate office or a minimum of 10 feet distance between desks.  All Public Works employees, on average, are able to perform their duties meeting the criteria set forth above. 
 
9.           While working at desks or in a separate office space or in a space where appropriate distancing can be achieved, masks do not need to be worn. 
 
10.         When in work situations where distancing of 6 feet apart is not possible, masks should be worn if possible and so long that it does not jeopardize the safety of the employee. 
 
11.         All town staff meetings are held on the second floor of town hall where appropriate distancing can be obtained.
 
12.         The Town of Chester has a healthy sick time program as well as an employee sick bank in place.  If an employee is out due to COVID or a COVID related incident such as quarantine for testing, hours will be reduced from the employee’s sick time hours first.  Once all sick time hours have been depleted, future sick time hours will be withdrawn from the sick bank. 
 
13.         If an employee tests positive for COVID, the employee will remain in quarantine for 14 days or until such time as symptoms have ceased, but no sooner than 7 days from the date of exposure. 
 
14.         If an employee has been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID, the employee must get tested 3-5 days from the date of exposure.  If the employee is vaccinated and has NO symptoms, the employee may continue to work.  If the employee is unvaccinated, the employee must remain in quarantine until a negative test has been received.  In either case, the employee must obtain a test.  All test results must be submitted to the Town Manager upon receipt.      
 
15.         If an employee is not feeling well with any symptoms, even just a cold, it is recommended that they stay home from work.  This is an effort to prevent any flu or severe colds from spreading throughout the departments. 
 
16.         The Town of Chester Ambulance Department has authority to conduct rapid tests on all municipal employees and members of their household.  If there has been a close contact COVID exposure or you are not felling well you are eligible to use this service.  All tests will be conducted by Amanda Silva, Ambulance Chief, as the primary control.  
 
17.         These protocols will be amended as necessary.
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              December 20, 2021
              Julie S. Hance
              Chester Town Manager
 
              

The Selectboard of the Town of Chester, acting in their capacity as Selectboard and as Board of Health, are concerned about the safety of their residents and municipal employees.  As of this date, the State of Vermont and neighboring counties in New Hampshire are experiencing increased rates of transmission due to the COVID-19 virus and its variants. 
 
The Center for Disease Control recommends numerous guidelines for disease mitigation, including frequent washing of hands, maintaining distances of 6 feet and face coverings in public settings indoors in areas of “substantial” or “high” rates of transmission.  On November 22, 2021, the Vermont Legislature passed Bill S.1 that empowers Vermont municipalities to enact local rules requiring the wearing of face coverings in indoor public settings.  The Governor has signed that bill into law. 
 
The Selectboard is strongly encouraging all residents and visitors of Chester to renew their efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 by employing to the best extent possible all of the known mitigation strategies set forth by the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health, including: 
 

• Encourage vaccination of eligible residents, to include booster shots;
• Diligence in washing hands and use of hand sanitizers;
• Practice social distancing whenever possible;
• Avoiding large indoor gatherings when possible;
• Wearing face masks when you are in an indoor congregate setting;
• Encouraging frequent testing especially after being with large groups of individuals. 

 
The Town of Chester encourages all businesses who serve the public indoors to formulate a disease mitigation strategy and/or mask wearing policy suitable for their business.  The protocols developed for use by town staff are available at Town Hall and on the Town’s website.   
 
In its effort to help inform the public regarding the status of COVID in our community, the Town of Chester encourages all businesses to post a copy of this statement in a location visible to employees and the public. 
 
The Town of Chester is committed to keeping all residents and visitors of Chester safe while also recognizing and supporting the needs of our local businesses. 
 
Chester Selectboard

Handcrafted in Vermont – Fine Art, Sweater Mittens, Jewelry and More

The Stone Village Art Guild and the First Universalist Parish in Chester Vt are holding a fine art and craft sale Friday, December 17th from noon to 5:00 PM and Saturday, December 18th from 10AM until 5PM., at the First Universalist Parish on Rt 103/211 North St. In Chester’s Stone Village.

All items featured at this find art and craft sale are the creative work of local artists. Shoppers will recognize scenes from locations in Chester, Springfield and Weathersfield in watercolor, pastels and oil. Quilted wall hangings, giant potholders and cutting boards, all handcrafted, will also be available.

Everyone on your gift list needs a pair of Vermont Sweater Mittens made famous by our own Senator Bernie Sanders. We will have mittens in all colors and sizes. And who would not be delighted to be gifted a pair of handcrafted earrings or a special vintage cookie cutter tree ornament?

This one stop shopping event will also include home baked holiday goodies and a Burton Snowboard and Goggles Raffle.

So whether you need that last minute special gift, stocking stuffers or simply want to add gifts for family and friends on your list, this shopping event will meet your needs.

Chester, VT- Whiting Library formally dedicated a reading room in memory of the late Suzy Forlie of Chester. Suzy was a long-time trustee of Whiting Library and was the driving force behind the 2014 restoration of this significant landmark building. Suzy’s devotion to the library and extensive knowledge of historic buildings led to Whiting Library being awarded a Federal Grant from USDA Rural Development for this project. Suzy was also instrumental in planting the beautiful gardens at the library as well as spending countless                                                                                               hours over many years working on their upkeep.
​
Suzy made many contributions to her hometown as evidenced in the preservation and improvement of numerous historical buildings in Chester. She was a founding member of the Chester Historic Preservation Committee and the Chester Beautification Committee, now known as Chester Townscape.

Presenting a plaque dedicating the Suzy Forlie Memorial Reading Room to Whiting Library Director, Deirdre Dorn (center) are Kathy Pellett (left) and Heather Chase (right), both members of the Suzy Forlie Memorial Committee which worked to formalize the reading room for Suzy.  Committee members also included, David Lord and Cathy Hasbrouck, Library Trustees; Rachel Root and Nancy Chute. A public dedication of the reading room and a reception will be held sometime in 2022 when it becomes safe to hold indoor gatherings.

In the background are the beautiful watercolor paintings of Jeanne Carbonetti, which are currently on display in the reading room. Please come by and enjoy this beautiful space and exceptional art exhibit this winter.