Whiting Library is among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using Digitallearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady. 

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital digital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.”

PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology.  Whiting Library’s efforts will focus on targeted outreach and training for senior citizens but anyone is encouraged to attend one of our workshops or to call the library for assistance.  Workshops will be held at Whiting Library on Fridays at 1 p.m. Whiting Library is located at 117 Main Street, Chester, Vt. Workshop topics include:
Using a PC, Friday April 4 at 1 p.m.
Internet Basics, Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. 
Email Basics, Friday, Aptil 18 at 1 p.m.
Cybersecurity Basics, Friday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Videoconfereing Basics, Friday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
Android Mobile Devices Basics, Friday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
iOS Mobile Devices Basics, Friday, May 23 at 1 p.m.

Please contact the library to reserve a spot at one of these workshops. More details contact Whiting Library at 802-875-2277 or visit WhitingLibrary.org.

About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or [email protected].

Whiting Library announces a series of events featuring the book “Gather” by Vermont author Kenneth Cadow. “Gather” is this year's Vermont Reads book, a statewide, one-book community reading program sponsored by Vermont Humanities.

Free copies of the book are available while supplies last at Whiting Library, 117 Main Street. A book discussion facilitated by Eric Bye from Vermont Humanities will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the library to provide readers with an opportunity to share insights and connect with others.
Gather explores themes of community, resources, resilience, and a special dog, making it an ideal selection for meaningful discussions for adults and young adults. When readers finish the book, they're encouraged to pass it on to someone else or bring it back to the library so that it can continue to be shared.

Other scheduled events include:
The Power of Landscape on Thursday, April 17at 6 p.m. New York Times Bestselling author M. T. Anderson considers the politics of beautiful scenery and the hidden national longings behind our sense of landscape. He'll look at the history of our attitudes toward landscape, traditional New England landscape painting, and the work of some contemporary Vermont artists to discuss how different societies have found the sublime in their surroundings—and what that might mean for us in the future.

Just Getting By Film Community Meal and Screening Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Chester Town Hall. “Just Getting By” is Bess O'Brien's new documentary film, is a sweeping yet intimate look at the lives of Vermonters struggling with food and housing insecurity. The film tells the stories of working families, the unhoused who access food shelves and soup kitchens, people living in the temporary hotel/motel program, New Americans grappling with the cost of living in America, Native people creating innovative farming practices, and folks on the ground providing services to their fellow Vermonters in need. The film will screen at 7 p.m and at 6 p.m. there will be a free community meal.

Gather: Are We Keeping Our Promises on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. with Stephanie Yu, Executive Director of Public Assets Institute. Explore why and how our state policies are failing families like Ian’s—the main character of the novel—and what tools the state has to keep these promises more effectively.
"This program series and community read is a wonderful opportunity for readers and everyone to come together, reflect on important and relevant themes, and gain new perspectives on life in Vermont." said Library Director Gail Zachariah

For more information about these events book availability, or other library programs, visit WhitingLibrary.org, call 802-875-2277, or stop by the library at 117 Main Street in Chester, Vt.

Okemo Valley, VT: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the dates for the fifth annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival! This two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 from 11am - 5pm in Ludlow, Vermont. Now designated as a Vermont Signature Event, this year marks a special milestone of five years! The event will take place at Okemo Field (Bixby Field) on Route 103, the use of which is generously donated again by Lead Sponsor Okemo Mountain/Vail Resorts. 

This festival is a wonderful opportunity for locals, new residents, second homeowners, and visitors to enjoy specialty foods; wine, spirits & brew tastings; artisan products; fine art; great live music; ag demos; children’s activities; and more. New this year, there will also be additional entertainment and special performances to celebrate the five-year milestone. Best of Vermont Summer Festival will be marketed throughout the Okemo Valley region, the state of Vermont, New England and the Northeast.

A special thank you to Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates for returning as the presenting sponsor again this year. This festival is more than just an event – it’s a vibrant celebration of summer, creativity, collaboration, and the powerful spirit of connection.  

The chamber’s festival committee is seeking additional sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for this special 5th year festival celebration. Sponsor and vendor forms are now available on the festival website page. 

To learn more, go to:
• Sponsoring: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/sponsorships
• Vending: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/vendors

Discounts will be given to Okemo Valley Chamber Members and returning vendors will also be given preferential locations. 
​
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 12 Towns & Villages in South Central Vermont along the VT Scenic Route 100 Byway surrounded by Okemo, Ascutney & Magic Mountains.  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:
Carol Lighthall, Executive Director, Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
[email protected] 802-228-5830

The Town of Chester is studying housing development potential at the 139-acre Town-owned property south of GMUHS to serve the local workforce and community members. 

Open House
The Town will be hosting a public open house on Tuesday, March 18th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Chester Town Hall (upstairs) to discuss housing development at this property. The community is welcome to drop in anytime between 4 and 7 to participate in this open house; there will be no formal presentation. Attendees can expect to spend 15 - 20 minutes learning about the project and answering interactive questions to share your thoughts on the need for housing in Chester and the type of development you’d like to see on this property. Snacks will be provided, and attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a local gift card.

Why Housing?
As with many Vermont towns, Chester is currently experiencing a shortage of housing affordable for the local workforce and community members. 

In 2023, the median income of Chester households was $67,031. For housing to be affordable, all housing costs (including maintenance and utilities) must equal 30% of a household's income or less, meaning that the median Chester household should pay no more than $1,675 each month for housing. This is equivalent to purchasing a home of approximately $237,000. Average home values (according to Zillow ZHVI) have increased from $242,460 in 2020 to $347,891 in 2024, a 44% increase in four years. Furthermore, the Mount Ascutney Region needs to develop between 1,207 and 1,781 new housing units by 2030 and between 3,750 and 7,391 by 2050, according to the 2025 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment. 
The Town has recognized the need for more housing to serve the community and is analyzing several Town-owned properties to understand if they are suitable for affordable housing development.

About the Project
The Town has hired Vermont-based planning and design team SE Group to conduct this project, which includes a site feasibility analysis, a market study, and community outreach. This project is being funded through a Municipal Planning Grant awarded by the Vermont department of Housing and Community Development. 

More information can be found at https://arcg.is/1m54nr1 or by reaching out to the Town Office at (802) 875-2173.

The following Elective Offices are open for 2024:
 
Town Moderator – one-year term
Selectboard – two – one-year terms
                             one - three-year term
Trustee of Public Funds – one - three-year term

Trustees of the Whiting Library – three - three-year terms
                                                                       one – one-year term of an unexpired three-year term
GMUSD Director – two – three-year terms
 
Petition forms for the above positions are available at the Town Clerk’s Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, you can call the Town Clerk’s Office at 802-875-2173.
 
Petitions must have 25 – 30 signatures and they are due back in the Town Clerk’s Office by January 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
 
(Petitions to have an article on the town meeting warning must have 120 – 130 signatures and are due back in the Town Clerk’s Office by January 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.)
 
 

The Stone Village Art Guild, in cooperation with the First Universalist Parish of Chester, will hold a Fine Art and Craft Fair on Saturday December 9th, from 10-4 at the First Universalist Parish. The Fair will feature Fine Art, including Watercolors, Oil and Pastels by local artists. Crafts, Sweater Style mittens that Bernie would be proud to wear, fabric baskets, jewelry, ornaments, and a Bake Sale will also be available.

The First Universalist Parish is located in the Historic Stone Village at 211 North St, in Chester VT. For more information, contact Melody at 802-875-5414 or email [email protected].

Fifth Annual
Empty Bowl Dinner
Saturday, November 18, 2023
4:30-7:00
American Legion Hall
635 VT RT 103 Chester
Your Soup Meal is By Donation and includes a hand painted ceramic bowl.
All donations support our Food Shelf and Financial Assistance Program. 
Listen to live music by guest folk singer, Vinnie DiBernardo,
Bid on our Silent Auction items.
Take a chance on our famous Raffle Baskets.
Fashion show featuring your friends and perhaps your neighbor “rocking” CAFC Thrift Shop Apparel.
You do not want to miss this event. 
Thank you to our sponsors
Endless Creations Pottery
M&T Bank
One Credit Union
Chester American Legion

The Chester Andover Family Center, a 501c3 charitable organization, is currently seeking a part-time General Manager to lead all aspects of our Thrift Shop. We are located on VT RT 103S in Chester VT. The Family Center makes a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods. Thrift Shop revenue supports our Food Shelf, Financial Assistance Program and keeps the lights on in our building. The Thrift Shop Manager will work with volunteers in a supportive and inclusive environment where respect for customers, clients and each other reflects and serves our mission.

The Thrift Shop Manager will work 25-30 hours per week. Thrift Shop Hours will be Wednesday through Friday 10AM – 4PM and Saturday 10AM – 2PM. We are offering $25 per hour.

​For a complete job description visit our website at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org
Resumes and inquiries should be sent to [email protected]

This is the final week for Vermont residents affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides to apply for FEMA assistance.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. October 31.
If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance can provide grants and U.S. Small Business Administration loans for housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
To apply in person, visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Barre, where FEMA specialists can answer questions, help upload documents and refer you to available resources. The center is open at:
Alumni Hall Building, Third Floor, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
Hours of operation this week are:
October 24-25: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 26-29: closed
October 30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 31-November 3: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

WILLISTON, Vt. —  More than two months after the July 7-21, 2023, severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, some affected residents in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties may still be looking for answers. FEMA’s Individual and Households Program provides eligible survivors with financial assistance and direct services.
Since the presidential major declaration on July 14, thousands of Vermonters have already filed an application. Some may receive a letter stating that their claim is ineligible for assistance. If you receive that letter, you may be able to change the outcome. Many times, it’s a simple fix. An application is often ineligible because additional information is needed.

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 12, 2023.

Here are some tips to consider when appealing a FEMA ineligible determination.

• Tip 1: Know your deadline.

You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to make an appeal in writing. Once FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.

• Tip 2: Understand why FEMA deemed your claim ineligible before writing the appeal.

Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end to see why FEMA determined your application was ineligible. It’s often as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal letter.

• Tip 3: Include evidence to support your appeal.

Write a letter to explain why you disagree with FEMA’s decision, and strengthen your claim by including documentation that supports what you outline.
Some documents you may want to include:
To verify ownership, homeowners may provide any of these documents:
The original deed, title, deed of trust to the property, or official record
Mortgage payment booklet or other mortgage documents such as a late-payment notice, mortgage summary or escrow analysis
Property tax receipt or bill
Manufactured-home certificate or property title
Structural property insurance documentation
Real Estate Provision
Contract for Deed
Land Installment Contract
Quitclaim Deed
Receipts for major repairs or improvements
Letter from a public official that includes your name, damaged home address, how long you’ve lived there, and the name and telephone number of the official.
If you own a mobile home, travel trailer, or own your home via heirship and don’t have traditional documentations, you may self-certify ownership along with one of the following documents:
Copy of Title or Deed
Death Certificate and Will
Affidavit of Heirship; only when consistent with state or tribal government law
Will or testament naming the applicant as heir to the property
Bill of Sale or Bond for Title
Tax payment in the deceased owner’s name
Court appointment of an administrator to the estate
Documents must be dated within one year of the disaster. If you received FEMA assistance for the same address from a previous disaster, you only need to verify ownership once.
To verify occupancy, homeowners and renters may provide any of these documents:
Utility bill, bank or credit-card statement, or phone bill
Employer’s statement
Written lease agreement
Rent receipt
Public official’s statement
Motor vehicle registration
Letter from local school, federal or state benefit provider, or social service organization
Court documents
Signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner
Self-certification for a mobile home or travel trailer

• Tip 4: Include your application number on every page of the documents you submit.
• Tip 5: Can’t write the appeal yourself? Authorize someone to write it for you.

If you are the applicant and are unable to write an appeal letter yourself, ask someone to write it for you. Consider asking a family member, friend or a lawyer. Just be sure to provide FEMA with a signed statement saying the writer is authorized to act on your behalf.
To learn more, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

• Tip 6: Don’t forget to sign your appeal letter.
• Tip 7: There are three ways to submit your appeal:

Fax to 800-827-8112
Mail to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Upload to your DisasterAssistance.gov account

• Tip 8: Expect a decision letter from FEMA within 90 days.

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 12, 2023. To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

​FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

For the latest information on Vermont’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4720. Follow the FEMA Region 1 account on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion1, the FEMA Facebook page at facebook.com/FEMA, or Vermont Emergency Management on Twitter at twitter.com/vemvt and on Facebook at facebook.com/VermontEmergencyManagement.

On July 14, President Biden approved Governor Scott’s request for a major disaster declaration for Vermont to assist in recovery from a historic flood event of July 7-12, 2023. In the coming days and weeks, FEMA will be performing a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to determine the State and County level of Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA).  See the Damage Assessment Quick Guide attached for more information on the PDA process.

The determination depends, in part, on the level and extent of impact and damage sustained by the community. Residents and Businesses that have been impacted and incurred damage are asked to report to the State to assist in this effort through a resident or business form that can be found here: https://vermont211.org/ . Your reporting is encouraged as it will aid in the disaster assessment and FEMA application process.

The Town of Andover participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which means that certain regulations must be followed after a flooding event in order to benefit from the FEMA assistance programs. Towns will be working directly with the Regional Planning Commissions, State and FEMA in conducting PDAs and determining needed Public Assistance for emergency storm and recovery repairs to public infrastructure.
 
The Individual Assistance program helps individuals impacted by the disaster seek reimbursement for necessary expenses and needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. Available funding for our county under the Individual Assistance Program is pending a Formal Damage Assessment. Counties included under this declaration will be determined following the PDA.
While assessments are underway, Individual/Residents, including those underinsured or noninsured, can begin to prepare for an application for Individual Assistance to cover uncovered expenses or unmet needs after insurance settlements.
 
Preparing and Applying for Individual Assistance:
 
First:  Be sure to file a claim with your existing insurance provider(s) as soon as possible (flood, homeowners, renters, auto). Those with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies can obtain guidance here. You do not have to file your claim prior to applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.
 
Second:  It is important to document damage before starting cleanup and prepare for inspection. An insurance adjuster will assess flood damages to your home, either in person or remotely. Make sure you take photos and videos of your flood-related damage before throwing out items or discarding the carpet. Hold off on permanent repairs at this stage. Other helpful tips for documenting cleanup and repair.
 
Third:  Review the Individual Assistance Programs  and check your eligibility.
 
Individual Assistance  includes the following Programs:

• Individuals and Households Program (IHP);
• Crisis Counseling Program
• Disaster Case Management
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• Disaster Legal Services
• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Fourth:  Apply for FEMA Assistance through Survivors Road to Recovery
 
For Farmers:
USDA Disaster Assistance Recovery Tool
USDA Local Farm Service Center
 
For Business Owners:
Vermont’s Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses
FEMA’s Road to Recovery-Apply to SBA
 
Important: Before You Begin Repairs all property owners should check with local building officials to determine which permits for repairs are required before beginning the work. Communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) require town officials make Substantial Damage Determinations per local floodplain-management ordinances. Substantial Damage, as defined by FEMA, applies to a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) for which the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s market value before the disaster occurred. If a building in a floodplain is determined by the local official to be substantially damaged, it must be brought into compliance with local floodplain management regulations, such as elevating a structure in a SFHA.
 
Other helpful information can be found through Vermont Flood Ready Quick Links for After a Flood

​Please see HERE for a copy of road closures/Openings as of 6:00 p.m. this evening for Town of Chester roads only and does not include State Highways such as Route 11 and Route 103.  The Town cannot provide a status on State Highways as their status is affected by multiple towns.  Please note that many roads are labeled as passable, but are often only 1 lane. 

If you do not need to be on these roads, please stay off them.  For those who are being patient, we greatly appreciate it.  Chester has 102 miles of road with 97 of those miles dirt road.  ALL roads within town limits have been impacted in some way.  It takes significant time to assess these roads to a level necessary to announce their status.  All crews are working very hard to open these roads as quickly as possible.

​ We will try to announce when roads begin to open.  However, if you have questions regarding a road status, please call town hall at 875-2173.  We are not regularly monitoring Facebook questions or comments. 

Thank you all again for your patience and consideration of the time that it will take to rebuild the infrastructure of our town. 
Julie Hance, Town Manager

The Whiting Library is celebrating National Library Week April 23-29. Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, take away bins, cake pans, and garden tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, lectures and other opportunities. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

Come into the library for National Library Week and put your name into a raffle to win a puzzle for book lovers. The library trustees are holding a Fill-a-bag Book Sale Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 in the Book Sale room. Fill a provided grocery bag from Smitty’s Chester Market for only $5! All proceeds go to benefit the library’s collection and programs. 

For upcoming library events, please visit our website, www.whitinglibrary.org or by calling 802-875-2277.

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.
​
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 [email protected]