​The Okemo Valley Holiday Train is once again bringing joy, connection, and holiday magic to the community, Okemo Valley and beyond - special thanks to the dedication of nearly fifty volunteers and the generosity of nine Reindeer Sponsors. Together, they are making this cherished tradition a beacon of kindness during the Season of Giving.  
 
From festive decorations to warm smiles, volunteers are the heart of the Holiday Train. Their commitment to serving others creates unforgettable experiences for riders and ensures that every journey is filled with cheer. This year, their efforts are especially meaningful as the train hosts “Secret Santa” rides, offering families and individuals in need a chance to celebrate the holidays with wonder and delight.  
 
The Reindeer Sponsors—Migras Talc, Mary W. Davis, Down to the Roots, Diamond Point Wealth Partners, Vermont Country Store, Heritage Family Credit Union, HB Energy Solutions, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Green Mountain Sign & Graphics—underwrote the Secret Santa train rides, ensuring that the magic of the season reaches those who need it most. Their generosity demonstrates the power of community partnerships and the spirit of giving that defines the Okemo Valley.  
 
Special thanks are also extended to the Chester-Andover Family Center and Black River Good Neighbors, whose collaboration has been essential in identifying families and individuals who benefit from the Secret Santa rides. Together, these organizations embody the true meaning of the holidays: compassion, community, and care for one another.  
 
“Our volunteers and sponsors embody the true spirit of the season—giving selflessly for the joy it brings to others,” said Carol Lighthall, Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce. “With the support of our Reindeer Sponsors and community partners, we are able to extend that joy to those who need it most.”  
 
🎟️ Limited tickets remain available for Sunday’s Holiday Train rides. Community members are encouraged to reserve their seats soon to be part of this festive tradition.  
 
🧝 Volunteers are still being recruited as train elves on Sunday, especially for the afternoon runs and the final cleanup at 6:00 PM. Those interested in spreading holiday cheer and lending a hand are warmly invited to join the team.  
 
As the train rolls through the valley, it carries more than passengers—it carries hope, gratitude, and the reminder that giving is the greatest gift of all.  
 
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About the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) is dedicated to supporting and promoting businesses, organizations, and community initiatives throughout the Okemo Valley region. With a focus on collaboration, economic vitality, and cultural enrichment, OVRCC works to strengthen connections between local enterprises and residents while welcoming visitors to experience the unique spirit of Vermont. Through events, advocacy, and partnerships, the Chamber fosters growth, celebrates community, and ensures that the Okemo Valley remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
 
For more info:
yourplaceinvermont.com
802-228-5830

Whiting Library and members of the Southern Vermont Astronomy Group (SoVerA) invite community members to a two-part mini-series on the basics of astronomy and telescopes. Presenters will answer participants’ questions and, weather permitting, offer the chance to use binoculars and telescopes to observe celestial objects in Vermont’s night sky.

Programs will be offered at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, SoVerA members will present “Astronomy Basics: Telescopes.” The session will include a simple review of how telescope optics work, what to consider when purchasing backyard telescopes or binoculars, and a look at massive new research telescopes being commissioned in the world’s deserts—developments that may transform our understanding of the universe. This hands-on demonstration and discussion is open to anyone, especially those interested in using their own telescope or Whiting Library’s telescope, which can be checked out for free. No prior experience is required.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, members will present “Astronomy Basics: The Sky.” Participants will learn how to locate objects in the night sky and when to view them during different seasons and times. The session will also highlight the best online sources for accurate, up-to-date sky information and background resources for those who want to explore further.

These presentations are free and open to the public. To register, call 802-875-2277 or email [email protected]
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Whiting Library is committed to making its services accessible to everyone. Persons requiring special assistance are encouraged to discuss their needs with the director. For more information about this or other programs, visit WhitingLibrary.org, call 802-875-2277, or stop by the library at 117 Main St., Chester.

CHESTER, Vt. — The Whiting Library will welcome local author and illustrator Jonathan Otto for a special family event on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m.

A former Chester resident, Otto will read aloud from his illustrated children’s book Child of the Wild. The book introduces readers to the world of animal families through rhymes, science facts and vivid artwork.
Following the reading, Otto will lead an interactive limerick-building game designed to help children play with language and rhythm, an important part of early literacy development. Guests also can enjoy a mini-exhibit of Otto’s original illustrations from the book. The first 10 families to register will receive a free signed copy of “Child of the Wild.”

This free event is best suited for children ages 6 and older and their caregivers. To register, call 802-875-2277 or email [email protected].
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Whiting Library is committed to making services available to everyone. Persons requiring special assistance are encouraged to discuss their needs with the director. For more information about this or other programs, visit whitinglibrary.org, call 802-875-2277, or stop by the library at 117 Main St. in Chester.

Saturday, October 4, 1 p.m. at the First Universalist Parish of Chester, 211 North Street, Chester. 
 
All are invited to a free afternoon workshop with Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Universalist Parish of Chester, 211 North Street, in  Chester Vermont. The workshop is free and is designed to provide information and answer your questions about Vermont’s Act 39.
 
Patient Choices Vermont (PCV)is dedicated to education about Medical Aid in Dying and end-of-life choice in Vermont. Vermont’s Patient Choice and End of Life Law (Act 39), enacted in May 2013, enables people who are terminally ill and who are capable of making their own medical decisions the option to request and receive medication that they can use to bring about a peaceful death if and when they so choose.

PCV provides educational events and workshops for community groups, hospice organizations, doctors, nurses, and students. Each session provides opportunities to learn, share stories and ask questions. These conversations are life affirming and empowering.  People often discuss their experiences with the dying process of loved ones and express their desires for what they would or would not like when they consider their end-of-life choices. 

We hope you'll come to learn about Act 39.

Seeking Comment on 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD
 
The report is due to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year by September 30. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) have written the 2025 report. The report is in the format required by HUD. The report includes activity from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
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The report includes the following federal programs:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV)
• HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
• Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
• Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG); and
• Emergency Solutions Grant Program CARES Act (ESG-CV).

 
To learn more about the CAPER go to DHCD’s website: http://accd.vermont.gov/housing/plans-data-rules/hud.  The DRAFT CAPER report will be available on September 12, 2025, on the website.

Send questions or comments to Cindy Blondin at [email protected]. or call 802-828-5219 or toll free at 1-866-933-6249.  Written comments are due by September 29, 2025, at 4:30 pm.
Mail to DHCD, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620-0501, ATTN: Cindy Blondin.

On September 20 and 21 Chester Townscape will sell spring-flowering bulbs at Chester’s Fall Festival.  Look for CT’s tall wooden trailer at the west end of the Village Green.  All bulbs are top quality, hardy, easy care, and expected to return year after year when grown in full or part sun in a well-drained location.  Shipped straight from Holland, this year’s bulbs include two kinds of daffodils and tulips, as well as ever-popular Purple Sensation Allium.  Five bulbs cost $5 or buy a baker’s dozen (13) for $20, either by cash and carry at the Festival or by pre-order.  Download the descriptive 2025 Bulb Order Form here. 
 
Pre-ordered bulb pick-up and Festival purchases will run from 9 AM–5 PM on Saturday September 20 and from 9 AM-4 PM on Sunday September 21, rain or shine.  To pre-order, mail the completed form and check made out to CCA (with CT Bulbs in the memo line) to Chester Townscape, PO Box 561, Chester, VT 05143, before September 13 to receive email confirmation to bring, along with a copy of your completed form, to pick-up.  For additional information or for those who must make alternative pick-up arrangements, contact Polly Montgomery at 802-875-5446 or [email protected].
 
At the Festival, Townscape will also raffle two attractive wooden planters created by woodworker Stu Stocker and offer maps of Chester by well-known local artist Lew Watters.  The maps are ready for framing and would make excellent gifts at $10 each.  Also available will be CT’s free brochures for the Main Street and the Stone Village/Depot walking tours.  All sales support Chester Townscape's seasonal floral displays at public places around town.  Chester Townscape is a tax-exempt volunteer organization. 
 

Chester, Vt.  — Whiting Library's Annual Book Sale will occur on the library lawn at 117 Main St. on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21. The hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, they are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until all the books are sold! The Book Sale will occur in collaboration with the Chester Festival on the Green, making this event an incredible time to come to Main St. to experience heaps of Chester fun.

The Book Sale comprises donated materials and books withdrawn from the library collection. The sale will have a little bit of everything: from adult fiction to nonfiction, biographies to gardening, art books to histories, picture books to activity books. Everyone will find something to read and entertain! The book sale supports the Whiting Library operating budget. The fundraiser helps purchase new books and materials, arts and crafts supplies for our weekly youth and adult activities, provide library programming, and so much more. Please support the library and attend this great event.

Whiting Library is looking for books and other materials such as CDs, records, and games in clean condition. The library can not accept musty, moldy, or damaged books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, travel guides, textbooks, workbooks, tapes, or cassettes. Please drop off items before Wednesday, September 17, during Whiting Library's open hours, which are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are dropping off several boxes of items, please call 802-875-2277 to arrange a drop-off time.

Whiting Library also seeks volunteers to help out during the sale! Volunteers can help set up and take down, restock throughout the day, and greet patrons. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gail Zachariah at the library at 802-875-2277 or by email at [email protected].
If you can't make the Whiting Library's annual sale, there is an ongoing used book sale on the library's lower level. The ongoing book sale will be closed on Thursday, September 18, and Friday, September 19, in preparation for the Annual Booksale.

You can learn more about book donations on the Whiting Library website, www.WhitingLibrary.org/Book-Donations and the Chester Festival on the Green at www.ChesterFallFestival.org. 

Dear TRSU Community,
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We would like to provide some insight into the main factors driving this year’s property taxes – especially for Chester, which felt the greatest impact.  We have set aside time for a community meeting this coming Wednesday for this purpose – the logistics are at the end of this message.

It’s important to understand that, in Vermont, every taxpayer contributes to the overall cost of all school districts across the state—not just their own local district.  As a result, the amount spent on education locally has only a small effect on your individual property tax bill.  Even if the TRSU were to significantly reduce its own costs, your property tax rate could still increase depending on the decisions and spending patterns of other districts throughout Vermont.  This statewide system means local efforts alone have limited impact on your final tax rate.

The key factor affecting your property tax rate this past year was the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA), which is updated annually by the state. The CLA represents how closely your town’s assessed property values match actual market values.  For example, if the CLA in Chester is 78%, it means properties are assessed at only 78% of their true market value.

Since Vermont bases education taxes on market value, any gap between these values is adjusted through the CLA.  When the CLA drops, as happened for Chester last year, it signals that assessed values have fallen even further behind the real market, resulting in a higher tax rate to make up the difference – the state wants you to pay taxes on that extra market value after all.  This shift is one of the main reasons for the recent tax increase in Chester.

The state introduced a new statewide adjustment (SA) this past year, which helped smooth out some of the sharp swings in tax rates caused by fluctuating CLA values.  However, this adjustment also makes it more difficult to pinpoint exactly how much of this year’s tax change is due to increases in statewide education spending versus changes in the local CLA.

Assuming my aging math skills haven’t completely failed me; in Chester’s case, about 60% of your tax increase was due to the CLA change.  The other 40% was due to education costs statewide – remember we all pay for each other’s schools, so our taxes are much more dependent on what other districts are doing than what we do ourselves.  This is why reducing taxes locally is so difficult; it must be a statewide effort for any meaningful change to occur.

There will be a presentation and discussion on local property taxes this Wednesday (August 6th) in the Green Mountain High School media center at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested.  There will also be Zoom access at this login: https://trsu.zoom.us/j/84032293083 .
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Additionally, we will dedicate time for anyone interested to discuss the significant property tax hike from two years ago.  It is crucial to recognize that this increase stemmed from a legislative change—one that was made with good intentions, yet whose impact was not fully anticipated.  Gaining a clear understanding of both the immediate and underlying factors behind these recent property tax changes offers valuable context as our community prepares for the upcoming budget season this fall.

Most Sincerely,
Layne