My voting history goes back to 1960 when I cast my first vote for John F. Kennedy for President. Coming from a GOP family (That's Grand Old Party for young voters who might not recognize the current Republican Party), my mother simply said, "I know you will be canceling my vote for high office, but here are the local candidates I support." Her list went right down to county sheriff, and of course all Republicans. I voted my conscience and hers, and we both lived merrily ever after.

Have you shopped with us lately Chester Andover Family Center volunteers have been working on new merchandise displays to make it easier for shoppers to find what they need. We have an inventory process that allows us to continually make room for new donations and we are very mindful about having a great selection of seasonal merchandise available at all times. Our new, uncluttered, clean look serves two important purposes; easier access for customers to our merchandise and easier access for volunteers to dust and sweep.

Since 2014, the Black River Action Team has conducted weekly sampling at several area swimming holes all summer long. BRAT volunteers are trained to collect their samples carefully, following protocols set forth by the State of Vermont and Endyne Labs (a nationally-accredited facility in Lebanon NH).

As the summer sun beats down, the lush canopy of maple, ash, and oak leaves provide a shaded respite underneath. Warblers, sparrows, and wood thrushes fly among the branches, singing out and announcing the approach of the mushroom hunters. Within the forest, along streambeds and vernal pools, at the base of birch trees and tucked among the leaf detritus on the forest floor, are hidden the mushrooms: golden chanterelles, bicolor boletes, porcini, black trumpets, chicken of the woods... each species is as unique as its name.

The Chester Historic Preservation Committee [CHPC] is seeking input on uses for both the big Jeffrey Barn, near the Stone Village, and the Yosemite Fire House. Both historic buildings are located heading north out of Chester Depot on Route 103. Committee members want to follow up on all appropriate community leads and suggestions to ascertain what is both practical and best for Chester and its history.

Looking back at our 150-year history at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Chester, for nearly eighty years we had no parish hall, no kitchen and sometimes dinners and even church services were held in Wiley Hall, the second floor of what was the Carpenter's Emporium, a gift from Susan Wiley, a Fullerton daughter.

In May, The Nature Museum hosted a sold-out crowd at the Grafton Inn for an exciting, educational evening with "Journey to the Bottom of the Earth: An Adventure in Antarctica." Due to popular demand, this incredible adventure travelogue will return for one night only on July 11!