Chester Vermont

On Feb. 16^th, one year ago, Cynthia Prairie and I set up our computer in the meeting room behind Bret and Nancy Rugg’s office at the Fullerton Inn. Deb Shelby, our web developer, arrived and, while we arranged some chairs, she configured the projector for our show. It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since we rolled out www.chestervermont.org, although at times it feels like it has always been a part of Chester.

Editor's Note: www.chestervermont.org is seeking to foster civil and thoughtful dialogue among concerned citizens about a variety of topics. Please submit your comments on this Viewpoint column in the Comment section on the jump. If you would like to write a Viewpoint column for the blog, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

By Shawn Cunningham

We've been hearing many valid arguments for and against a Dollar General locating in Chester. One of the arguments for a national discount chain is that there is a need for such a store in town; that a number of our residents can't or don't wish to drive to Springfield or New Hampshire to buy inexpensive goods that aren't offered for sale in Chester.

Looking for something to do tonight or this weekend? Many of us think of Chester as a quiet little town where not a lot happens, but take a look at the calendar for August.

There are 10 music events, two wine dinners, three days of Vermont Brewery tours, bingo, two wine tastings, a fabulous church supper, four Mondays of Thai dinners, a host of classes from astronomy to foreign languages to zumba, a car show and a weekly farmers market. And the only place to find them all is www.chestervermont.org.

On Monday, June 20, the skinny bridge on Route 103 in Chester will be closed. Due to snow days, Green Mountain Union High School and Chester Andover Elementary School will be open on the 20^th and 21^st – including finals for 9, 10 and 11^th grades. Exams begin at 8 a.m. so parents will want to make sure that they allow plenty of time for kids to get to school. Kids who are walking or biking and normally use the bridge probably won't be able to get through.

Lots of news on the Bridge Reconstruction Maps, Chester Flags, the New Touist Info booth at the Vermont Country Store and more.There's a lot going on as the bridge detours begin. Click below to Read More! And be sure to go to the Directions page for an important Bridge Update.