​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 [email protected].  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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]. 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
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81791469220?pwd=UWFnTklVNGNwVE9leTR5cWo3YmxvUT09

Meeting ID: 817 9146 9220
Passcode: 322012
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 817 9146 9220
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kmAtlnVyE

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
​

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.
​
              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.   

It is a busy time of year at Whiting Library, with many upcoming and ongoing programs for all community members to enjoy. Here is what’s going on at your library:
​
In the Youth Services department, Carrie King hosts a weekly Storytime for preschool aged children every Friday at 11 a.m. Children who are delighted by picture books, sing-alongs, and craft creations will greatly enjoy this regular gathering. The new Teen Writers Workshop is a monthly meetup group held each first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. for teenagers. A mix of free-writing and sharing, the workshop develops writing skills and practices in a supportive and welcoming environment and is led by local writer and library trustee, Rosamund Conroy. Starting back up in January is the Book Club for Kids who are age 9 years and up, held the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. The first meeting of the Book Club for Kids will be on January 12th, 2022.

The monthly Whiting Library Book Club for adults welcomes new readers at any time. The book club reads a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction titles and meets for a discussion in a hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting each third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. Send an email to [email protected] if you would like to receive the book club emails.

The library will be hosting two informational sessions for the Chester-Andover 100% Campaign for food and fuel security, put on by Senior Solutions and the Chester Andover Family Center. Thom Simmons will be at the library on December 8th from 4 p.m to 6 p.m and again on December 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. answering any and all questions about food and fuel assistance available to local residents. If you need more information about what benefits you are eligible for and how to fill out the right forms, come to the library for all the resources you need.

Whiting Library has a new art exhibit by celebrated local artist Jeanne Carbonetti. Jeanne’s paintings are known for their luminous, vivid colors, strong composition and fluidity, appearing almost as if the paint is still wet and moving on the paper. These paintings will brighten up your day! All paintings are for sale and half of the proceeds from artwork purchased from the exhibit will go towards the library. Thank you, Jeanne, for this beautiful exhibit and for your generous collaboration with the library to support future programs and events for the community.

You can find more information about all Whiting Library programs on our website, www.whitinglibrary.org or by calling 875-2277. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to receive programming and event information direct to your inbox!

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.
​
“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 [email protected]. A minimum number of four participants is required for this workshop to run.

Contact Information:
Deirdre Doran, Whiting Library Director
[email protected]
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.