All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: Whiting Library closed til April 6
To limit the exposure to the COVID-19 virus, Whiting Library in Chester will be closed from Sunday, March 15 until April 6. This is a difficult decision; we do not want to disappoint our loyal patrons and all who rely on library services. Please know that we have the best interest of our volunteers, staff […]
To the editor: BRGNS switches to phone requests for food, assistance
Black River Good Neighbor Services has served the people of Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly, and Plymouth for over 40 years with food and financial assistance in times of need. With the global health crisis facing us now we realize that our services are more relevant than ever. Our volunteers and staff assure you that our […]
To the editor: Cavendish library board says no decisions made
The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library Board would like our community to know that we are engaged in extensive conversations about the safety of the students of CTES and all of the patrons of this wonderful public library, including the children. We are in contact with the Board of Directors of the Green Mountain Unified School […]
To the editor: Overnight stays at Lowell Lake out for now
Lowell Lake Concerned Citizens has been informed by Michael Snyder, commissioner of Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation, that his department will not develop overnight lodging at Lowell Lake State Park at this time, stating in an email to the group that, “I have made a point of becoming well aware of your concerns and they […]
An open letter to state Rep. Bock on tree warden bill
Editor’s note: This open letter to Vermont Rep. Tom Bock was received on Feb. 26 from the Andover Select Board, prior to its Town Meeting on Saturday in which a new board member was elected. Dear Tom, We, the Select Board of Andover, Vermont, have read H.673, the tree warden bill that you co-sponsored and […]
Editorial: Vote ‘yes’ on the GM budget, then demand better
The $14 million Green Mountain Unified School District budget, which will go before the voters on Tuesday March 3, isn’t perfect. One glaring error is that the school board failed to fight harder to include the long promised foreign language program for the district’s elementary schools, but still managed to be 9 percent over last […]
Rep. Bock: Of two important bills, Scott vetoes one, takes no action yet on the other
By Rep. Tom Bock On the very first day of the 2020 session, Democratic leaders renewed their pledge to continue their work to strengthen the economy and make Vermont more affordable for working families. We are feeling the pinch of a shrinking workforce and an aging population. Currently in the state, there are about 55,000 […]
Sen. Clarkson: Census matters to Vermonters
By Sen. Alison Clarkson The Census matters. Two legislative committees were reminded last week of how important the data gleaned from it is for every state. Each decade since 1790 the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted an every household survey collecting data about our country’s people and the places they live. It is the leading […]
To the editor: A Valentine to Ruthie Douglas
On Feb. 14, 2016, a beloved family friend, Ruthie Douglas (Chester resident and Chester Chatter columnist), married Jim and I. Our marriage has been so blessed and we are fortunate to have such amazing people in our lives like Ruthie! Seven months later, Ruthie married my father-in-law, James Perry Sr., to his wife Paula Perry […]
To the editor: Vermont Timber Works rebuilding, but state makes it more expensive
Vermont Timber Works is excited to announce that just 3½ months after a fire devastated the business, the walls and roof are going up on its new facility, located on the existing property at 16 Fairbanks Road in North Springfield. A team of building professionals including Artisan Engineering, Bonin Architects, Record Concrete, LaValley’s Building Supply, […]
Telegraph Poll: On changes to Vermont’s recreational cannabis laws
The select boards of Chester, Londonderry and Weston have been discussing Vermont state legislation that would create a marketplace for recreational cannabis, weighing whether it is a good idea and what role they and their communities would play if it comes to pass. As a matter of fact, Londonderry residents will have the opportunity to […]
Rep. Pajala: Revamped Paid Family Leave flawed
By Rep. Kelly Pajala Two weeks in and the legislative session’s fever pitch is rising. With campaigning for re-election on everyone’s mind, political optics are fueling the fires as the Paid Family Leave and Minimum Wage bills are heading back to the Vermont State House floor. Although Week 1 was filled with speeches calling for […]
Sen. Clarkson: Housing a crucial need in Vermont
By Sen. Alison Clarkson It is wonderful to get back to work at the State House. The energy around the building is positive and productive. One of the pleasures of being a legislator in Vermont is serving in a legislature where we can work together. Over 90 percent of our votes are by consensus and […]
To the editor: Main St. enhancements among Derry residents’ improvement ideas
The Londonderry Planning Commission would like to thank everyone who contributed to Project Londonderry. The bright orange posters around town were filled with ideas and suggestions on what residents would like for their life in Londonderry. The four overriding themes expressed by residents were: Main Street enhancements; expanded basic life services; year-round recreation and entertainment; […]
Sharpe on Act 46: Were we hoodwinked? Former legislator looks at promises, realities of consolidation
By David Sharpe I am distressed by the proposals for school closings in Addison County. The legislature’s education committees took many weeks of testimony over a six-year period regarding how we move forward as a state in providing quality education for Vermont children in a way that taxpayers could afford. As the chairman of the […]
To the editor: Thank you, Chester Fire and mutual aid departments
We would like to thank the Chester Fire Department and ALL the mutual aid departments that came to our fire on Dec. 26. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to help in our time of need. Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We are so blessed to live in […]
To the editor: Family Center thanks Andover Snow Riders
Every year, the Andover Snow Riders holds a pancake breakfast to raise funds and collect food for the Chester-Andover Family Center. This event is always well-attended thanks to Nick Baker and his team of snow-rider chefs. This year’s breakfast was delicious and plentiful, raising $480 and collecting 110 pounds of food. The Chester-Andover Family Center […]
Opinion: Put education legislation in timeout
By Shawn Cunningham ©2019 Telegraph Publishing LLC On Thursday, Agency of Education Secretary Dan French announced a new statewide initiative to improve reading and math skills. According to a press release, the agency will “partnering with MetaMetrics to roll out (its) … Frameworks for reading and math cost-free to all Vermont school districts.” To put […]
Editorial: The GM school board is leading
By Cynthia Prairie ©2019 Telegraph Publishing LLC When a public body should be criticized, at times the loudest voice you’ll hear comes from me. Today, that will be true for one that deserves praise: The Green Mountain Unified School District Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. Over the past several months, these elected members […]
To the editor: Thank you for a great Cookie Tour
The 3rd Annual Chester Holiday Cookie Tour, held Sunday, Dec. 8 in the Stone Village, was a resounding success as more than 100 people toured historic homes, chatted with the hosts and other visitors and tasted homemade cookies. Visitors came from as far away as Texas and Connecticut although most were Springfield and Chester residents […]
