All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: Chester Townscape thanks all for their efforts
This year, there was an eye-catching succession of plantings in our beautiful town of Chester. Spring bulbs were succeeded by summer flowers in pots and boxes on the bridges, along with impatiens along the Brookside Cemetery wall. The summer blooms were then followed by cornstalks, mums and pumpkins in public places around town. The volunteers […]
To the editor: Warm Hands Warm Hearts thanks community for support
The 10th Annual Blanket & Outerwear Drive was a great success due to the amazing community support for the event. Individuals and families who selected items at the distribution were truly blessed with a wide array of blankets, handmade quilts, coats, boots, hand-knit hats, mittens, etc. Many area residents will be warmer this winter due […]
To the editor: In school merger, money is not the only issue
Bells, whistles, and other distractions aside, Mount Holly and Ludlow residents are again being asked if they are willing to see Black River High School close its doors, and again money is an issue. The school tax rate appears to decrease when there is no local high school, but much of that decrease is the […]
Commentary: Chester is emerging with new energy
By Cynthia Prairie ©2017 Telegraph Publishing LLC Several years ago, at a Chester Town Meeting, a resident told those gathered that she believed that the town was stagnating. Then, others noted there were empty shops on the Green, houses were not selling and those that did sell were getting prices far lower than their assessed […]
To the editor: Vote no to Ludlow/Mt. Holly schools merger
On Nov. 28, Mount Holly and Ludlow will once again be voting on whether or not to close Black River High School and to send our 7 – 12 grade students to … wherever. A group of local people are proposing an independent high school. In an article about this possibility, Melissa Perrino is quoted […]
To the editor: Nature Museum thanks community for support of Fairy House Fest
The staff at the Nature Museum was warmed by the buzz of community excitement and show of support for the recent Fairy House Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24. Local individuals, families, schools, libraries, and businesses collected pine cones, acorn caps, feathers, moss, and more and created charming fairy houses. Visitors to […]
To the editor: The hows, whys of punch card system at Derry Transfer Station
Some folks have expressed their frustration with the new punch card system at the Londonderry Transfer Station. Punch cards are a solution to one piece of a much larger puzzle. Handling cash at the Transfer Station has been a safety and financial concern for years. I would like to assure everyone that Londonderry does not […]
Outerwear drive committee adopts new name: Warm Hands Warm Hearts
For 10 years, residents of Chester and Andover have donated unused blankets, coats and other warm things to be distributed to our neighbors who do not have enough. The committee would like to announce our new name. Warm Hands Warm Hearts — without a comma — indicates that there are caring people actively bringing warmth […]
Op-ed: Large cost to innkeepers, state of unregulated Airbnbs
By Kathy Pellett The proliferation of Airbnbs and web-based rentals are affecting the livelihood of owners of licensed, regulated inns, hotels and B&Bs. There are serious implications, not just for the hospitality industry, but for the state economy as a whole. Operating an Airbnb is not just a matter of someone renting a room in […]
To the editor: Dumping prompts BRGNS to alter donation hours
When the Ludlow and Cavendish transfer stations recently increased their fees, the donation shed of Black River Good Neighbor Services experienced a steep increase in unusable donations we cannot resell — especially those made at night and on weekends when the store is closed. As a result, our trash disposal cost has skyrocketed. Black River […]
To the editor: Annual Coat Drive seeks winter wear for those in need
To the communities of Chester and Andover: For the past nine years, you have generously opened your hearts and closets and shared hundreds of warm items with people who did not have enough. A rough estimate of items: 500 blankets and sheets, almost 1,000 coats, 500 sweaters, 400 hats, 400 pair of mittens, 500 vests, […]
To the editor: Fall Festival was a success thanks to so many
The Fall Festival drew good crowds into Chester on Sept. 16th and 17th. Visitors enjoyed coming to our beautiful Chester Village to celebrate the arts in our area and enjoy our local musicians. There was an impressive array of vendors and they appreciated the friendly atmosphere in our town. Thanks to excellent vendors, delicious food, […]
To the editor: Reminder on Londonderry Transfer Station changes
On the recommendation of our professional auditors and affirmed by the Londonderry Select Board, effective Monday, Oct. 2, cash will no longer be accepted at the Londonderry Transfer Station. As of Monday, Oct. 2, residents of the five towns of Landgrove, Londonderry, Peru, Weston and Windham will be required to bring pre-purchased punch cards to […]
To the editor: Spafford family thanks all for kindness
The family of Francis Spafford wishes to thank all those who sent cards, flowers and food during the passing of their loved one. A big thank you to all. Asta Spafford Chester
To the editor: Ed Brown apologizes to Londonderry community
To The Londonderry Community: Anyone who knows me, knows I am a passionate about our community, our lovely town, and what Vermont stands for: beauty. So I must apologize to you all for the actions I took painting over the wall on Route 100. It wasn’t done out of malice, and I certainly didn’t want […]
To the editor: Whiting Library Summer Reading Program a success
Whiting Library in Chester has just completed a highly successful Summer Reading Program. Jeanne Waldren, the new Youth Services librarian, gives a mighty thanks to the Nature Museum for presenting nine incredible programs each Wednesday. Both children and adults were offered programs of all variety regarding our natural world. Friday morning Story Time for preschoolers […]
Commentary: Get your family, neighbors prepared for disaster
By Erica Borneman Like most of you, we at Vermont Emergency Management have been watching events unfold in Texas following Hurricane Harvey. As we watch, most of us are no doubt reminded of our own historic disaster: Tropical Storm Irene. We’ve seen many stories from Houston about individuals and families who were rescued from their […]
To the editor: A letter of thanks to Gov. Scott for Route 11 work
To: Gov. Phil Scott Re: Vermont Route 11 Dear Gov. Scott, Thank you! On behalf of the residents of the Town of Andover and surrounding communities, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration in authorizing the paving of Vermont Route 11, correcting the dangerous conditions that existed. Please share our gratitude with your staff, the VTrans […]
To the editor: Voters should participate in new school district meeting
On May 2, 2017 the citizens of Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish and Chester voted to approve the Act 46 merger plan to form one school district with one budget, one tax rate and one board of directors. At the same time the members of the new board were elected. That vote has since been certified by […]
To the editor: Family Center thanks greater Chester community
The Chester Andover Family Center Board of Directors would like to thank Chester area businesses, volunteers and all who attended the 6th Annual Hot Dog Cook Off at the Stone Hearth Inn on Sunday, Aug.13. It was a beautiful Vermont afternoon at the Stone Hearth. Families enjoyed music, games and an amazing hot dog tasting […]
