Chester, VT- High school students with an interest in creative writing are invited to attend a Teen Writers Workshop at Whiting Library on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at 117 Main Street in Chester. Whiting Library is hosting this writer’s workshop for youth in grades 9 through 12. Do you write for fun or want to start? This workshop is for you!

A mix of free-writing and sharing, the workshop will develop writing skills and practices in a supportive and welcoming environment. Participants should bring a notebook and a written piece they are currently working on, or planning to start. Teen writers of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are invited to attend.
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“The Teen Writing Workshop is a chance for young writers to develop their voice in a fun and low-key environment. Being around other people who like to write can be really motivating and encourage your creative process. Don’t be shy—sign up!” said Rosamund Conroy, the workshop instructor. Ms. Conroy is a Whiting Library Trustee, writer and former director of Summer Ink, a youth writing program.

Young writers may choose to submit a piece to the Vermont High School Writing Contest following the workshop. Register by contacting Carrie King, Youth Librarian, by 11/3/21 for this free workshop by calling the library at 875-2277 or emailing whitinglibrary3@gmail.com. A minimum number of four participants is required for this workshop to run.

Contact Information:
Deirdre Doran, Whiting Library Director
whitinglibrary1@gmail.com
802-875-2277

​I want to thank you all for your attendance at this opening, and taking time from your busy schedule to observe this occasion of great import.
 
We come here today to celebrate the grand opening of this building, for which countless hours have been spent to complete the structure. This building, which is not without its controversies, is immediately recognizable as the home of our emergency services equipment and personnel, those brave men and women who are ready at a moment’s notice to issue forth to serve and protect our community.
 
This building has been over a decade in design, but only a few short months in construction. This building serves as a source of focal point of pride in our community, a beacon that is unique in Chester, that is part of our town’s commitment to serve and protect our citizens, to provide a place of refuge for those who are seeking shelter or help. We hope that it will serve as a place to gather, to celebrate important events in our community, and a place to embrace one another in a spirit of cooperation as we invest ourselves in our town and its future.
 
I would like to thank the following, in no particular order:
 

• Russell Construction, especially Craig Jennings, Ed Poro, and the various subcontractors that made this building a reality. There are numerous trades that are represented in this group, all of which performed with professionalism and cooperation as they worked countless hours to make this structure what it is today. If you want to see the craft of experts, I invite you to take a tour of the building and look at the electrical conduit, the plumbing, the masonry, the drywall and paint, the metal frame, all aspects of the material construction of the building and the façade, and note the care and pride with which each step was completed.

 

• Centerline Architects, especially Kevin Racek, who worked with multiple teams to provide the design and details of the building and surrounding space over a ten-year timeline.

 

• Terrigenous Landscaping, especially Scott Wunderle, for guidance and assistance with making the grounds around the building appealing and low maintenance.

 

• The Chester emergency services personnel, including ambulance (Danny Cook, Amanda Silva), fire (Matt Wilson), and police (Rick Cloud). The town highway crew for moving near-countless yards of material on which the new structure sits. The select board, for listening, making suggestions, and participating in the discussions regarding the purpose and design of the building.

 

• And last, but certainly not least, our town manager, Julie Hance, and previous town manager David Pisha, for their work in making this building a reality. I know both of them put in many hours, especially Julie over the past several months, dealing with thousands of questions, working through countless little details, and looking for ways to stay within the budget during a global pandemic that caused uncertainty at every turn.

 
I also want to thank you, the people of Chester, who have given valuable input, time, resources, and support for this building. We look forward to serving you, our neighbors, from this location for many years to come.
 
Thank you.

On Saturday, June 26th from 12-3pm, Heritage Deli & Bakery in collaboration with the Chester-Andover Family Center, will kick off “Heritage Cares” Outdoor Music Series featuring “Lucky Soul”, a high energy, seven-piece horn band playing Classical Soul, Funk and R&B music.

The event will take place on the grounds of the Heritage Deli and Bakery at 642 VT-103 across from the American Legion in Chester, VT.

The Chester-Andover Family Center and Heritage Deli are planning a fun afternoon with something for everyone.  For the children there will be lawn games and Barnyard Snuggles, “hug and feed” a baby goat. A “Paint a Bowl” tent will provide a fun crafts experience to help the CAFC get ready for the 3rd annual Empty Bowl Dinner to be held in October.
And what would a fundraiser be without the famous CAFC Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle? You will not be disappointed.

Admission to the event is FREE and all activities are “by donation”.

“Heritage Cares” is the vision of Michelle Wilcox, proprietor of Heritage Deli & Bakery, and was created to raise social awareness and shine light on issues surrounding human rights through community, animals, music, food, and fun! “I call it Music with a Mission,” exclaimed Wilcox. “We want to mix it up with fundraisers, family friendly activities and a beautiful day filled with music, and laughter.”

The Chester-Andover Family Center would like to thank the Heritage Deli & Bakery for giving the CAFC a platform at this event. “We are excited and honored to collaborate with Heritage Deli to kick off this music series” said Nena Nanfeldt, CAFC board member.  The mission of the CAFC is to “make a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods.”

For more information about the services provided by the CAFC or for volunteering inquiries, please call the Family Center at 802-875-3236 or visit our website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org
Food, wine and beer will be available for sale, and picnic tables with umbrellas will be set up on the lawn for you to enjoy great food and live music by Lucky Soul. If you prefer your own blanket and chairs, please bring them along.

Heritage Deli & Bakery is located at 642 VT-103 across from the American Legion in Chester, VT. 802-875-3550.

If you would like to get involved with the community, the Town of Chester is searching for people to help inventory ash trees along the right of way. This opportunity will give people a chance to learn more about Ash trees and the significance the Emerald Ash Borer has had on the local environment. Volunteers are being asked to do a portion of the road located near them, or a more significant area if interested. The following training is being offered to volunteers interested in this process to help them learn more and prepare for the tracking process:

Chester Roadside Ash Inventory Training
Mon, May 24, 2021 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/727135445

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 727-135-445

TOWN OF CHESTER
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

The Town of Chester has a full-time employment opportunity available in its Water/Wastewater Department.  This job is specific to the position of Operator of the Wastewater Plant and Municipal Water System. Minimum requirements are:
 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of a VT GD 1 Domestic WW Operator Certification preferred but will train the right applicant
• Minimum of a Grade 3 Water Certification or the ability to obtain the Grade 3 Certification within 2 years
• Two years applicable experience in all phases of water/wastewater system operation and maintenance preferred
• Significant knowledge of Vermont regulatory and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with all conditions of water and wastewater permits preferred. 
• Ability to deal with the public in a positive manner
• Management experience required
• General contracting and basic maintenance skills a plus
• Willingness to work alongside other departments

 
Starting salary will be determined based on experience with a competitive benefits package.  The position will remain open until filled.  Please submit Employment Application and Resume to the Chester Town Manager’s Office, 556 Elm Street, P.O. Box 370, Chester, VT, 05143.  

​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 Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.  

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