Annual Budget Survey
If you are a Windsor resident or property owner please take a few minutes and complete the survey that can be found at the link below. Hard copies are available in the lobby of Town Hall. Once completed they can be deposited in the white ballot box outside the Town Hall front door. The survey will be open through the 3rd week in December. The results will be available to the public and used in the upcoming municipal budget discussions.
Survey link:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3LDRJ56

Windsor Improvement Corporation To Host Public Meeting to Discuss Potential Downtown Housing Project on December 9th

Windsor Improvement Corporation (WIC) will be hosting a public information meeting on Thursday, December 9th, at 7 pm at the Windsor Welcome Center to present information on a proposed downtown housing development. There will be a virtual option to attend.

Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and Evernorth are proposing the construction of a new infill development located at 133-139 Main St, behind the Windsor Diner. This new development would be a mixed income residential development with 30 units, affordable to a range of incomes (up to $55,200 for a single person or $71,000 for a family of 3).

This proposed development will provide housing options in the heart of downtown Windsor for a variety of residents. WWHT, Evernorth, and their design team will be available to answer questions about the building design, construction timeline, and benefits of the development to the town.

he informational session will start at 7 pm on December 9th at the Windsor Welcome Center and the public is welcome to attend (masks are recommended). For those who would prefer to join virtually, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89989369926

Windsor Improvement Corporation Announces New Name for Iconic Property
Windsor Improvement Corporation, (WIC), has announced the re-naming of the commercial/industrial riverfront property that it owns and manages. The new name, River Street Commerce Park, honors the important role that the area has played in Windsor’s history, and promotes current business activity and anticipated growth.

The 17.4 acre property, just south of the train station, was home to National Acme Manufacturing Company from 1915 to 1933 and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company from 1936 to 1986. Currently there are thirteen businesses, as well as a seasonal vehicle storage program. Businesses include fine furniture making, industrial and commercial product storage and management, recreational vehicle storage, a commercial electrician serving the ski industry, a workshop that promotes crafting skills, and a horse trailer manufacturer. In addition, there are a number of artist studios. A recent and highly visible addition to the Park is a solar array that powers other Windsor businesses.

The Windsor Improvement Corporation is a non-profit organization whose focus is supporting and improving the business climate in Windsor. It is staffed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is supported by the Town of Windsor, the Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC), and Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission. WIC finalized transfer of this property from the former owner in August of 2019, and since then it has focused on major improvements to the buildings and property, under the management of SRDC. LINK

Windsor Improvement Corporation Hosts Public Meeting to Discuss Potential Downtown Housing Project on December 9th Windsor Improvement Corporation (WIC) will be hosting a public information meeting on Thursday, December 9th, at 7 pm at the Windsor Welcome Center to present information on a proposed downtown housing development. There will be a virtual option to attend.

The informational session will start at 7 pm on December 9th at the Windsor Welcome Center and the public is welcome to attend. For those who would prefer to join virtually, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89989369926

Windsor PD selected as the Honor Guard for the New England Revolution Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal game

The Windsor Police Department is honored to announce that our Police Honor Guard was chosen to fly the colors at the New England Revolution Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Semifinal game on 11/30/2021. The WPD Honor Guard has previously served in the opening ceremonies for the New England Patriots at three prior AFC championship games, and are excited to represent the community once again as we fly the colors of our nation on the field at Gillette Stadium. #WPDHONORGUARD

The Winter Parking started Dec. 1st.
A few years back we extended the Winter Parking Ban from the end of March to the end of April. ( and yes we have corrected the signs around town to reflect the correct dates).

It is unlawful to park on any street between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. between December 1st and April 30th, both dates inclusive. PLOWING SNOW INTO THE ROAD – STATE STATUE § 1126a Depositing snow onto or across roadways is prohibited
No person, other than an employee in the performance of his or her official duties or other person authorized by the agency of transportation (in the case of state highways) or Selectboard (in the case of town) highway shall plow or otherwise deposit snow onto the traveled way, shoulder or sidewalk of a state highway or a class 1, 2 or 3 town highway.
PRIORITIES & PRACTICES

Generally Town plows (4 routes) and operate from 5am to 11:30pm
Paved roads are cleared first – plows then move to the dirt roads
Sand and salt mix is applied to pavement during plowing
Dirt roads are plowed but sand is not applied until the storm ends
Salt is not applied to dirt as it is ineffective and can actually create or add to the icy conditions
Because two different mixes are used for tar and dirt the trucks have to switch over which takes some time. The fleet is not big enough to have trucks dedicated to dirt or tar only.
With freezing rain dirt roads are sanded more frequently than tar. This is because salt can be used on the tar but not on the sand.
Sidewalks are cleaned following a storm, not during a storm. We do not blow snow from the sidewalk into the street. Every effort is made to avoid inconvenience to private property, but the road right-of-ways are used to their full capacity.
- Town Ordinance requires that property owners keep their sidewalks clear. The Town runs the sidewalk machine as quickly and as often as our staffing allows. We always appreciate a little help in-between storms and plowing.
Snow removal from in-town locations and intersections is dependent on the weather but generally removal will be scheduled within 2 days of the end of a storm.
Violations of snow removal policy will be handled through the police dept. as they are statutory or ordinance violations.

Comments / requests regarding snow removal should be directed to my office 674-6786 or tmarsh@windsorvt.org The highway dept. is directed to follow town road policy.

Upcoming Activity at the Closed Prison

VSP will be on site Weekdays now through the end of the year.

Holiday Season News and Events

The American Legion Auxiliary is hosting ‘Kids Christmas with Santa.’
When: Saturday, 12/11 10:00am to 11:30am Santa will bring a gift to every child who has signed up - deadline to sign up is Saturday, December 4th. Age: Birth to 10 years of age. Sign up Sheets at: Dollar General Windsor Laundromat or by calling Melissa @ 802.369.9815
Looking for a unique gift?
How about a Windsor print from artist Peter Huntoon? Peter has been kind enough to let us use his print of Windsor Main St. as a banner for the newsletter. You can find other works by Peter related to Windsor HERE

Sign your kiddos grades K-6 up now for our annual Elves Workshop! December 19th, 10am-1pm at the Windsor Rec! This year the event will be FREE… but as always, space is limited and we will have a cut off so please sign your kids up ASAP. Each kid will make and wrap 4 gifts! Sign ups can be done online through the Rec portal. http://thewindsorrec.com
Early to bed, early to rise, work real hard and advertise!Do you own or work for a Windsor brick and mortar or home-based business? Do you have items you would like to promote this holiday season? If so, please contact Riley White rwhite@windsorvt.org with product information and how to order. We will include those items in our "Shop Local" section of the newsletter and town FB page.

The annual “Light Up Windsor” event is back for the second year! Last year the event was so well received we wanted to find a way to make this an annual, entertaining event for the whole community. The Town truly had some extra holiday magic last year with all the wonderful displays on homes, apartments, businesses and more. This year, we will assemble a team of judges to decide on the best decorated business, and the top three decorated homes in Town. The business winner will receive bragging rights and be the keeper of the year for the annual, rotating “trophy”. The top three residences will receive a gift certificate of their choosing to a Windsor business to help encourage and support our important and wonderful local businesses! First place will receive a $150 gift certificate, second place will receive a $100 gift certificate, and third place will receive a $75 gift certificate.

To enter, please email rwhite@windsorvt.org (yes Riley is handling a lot of stuff!) that you will be a participating business or residence with a photo of your display no later than Monday December 6th. From there a map will be made available showcasing all the participating properties in Town to tour the lights! Winners will be contacted and announced on December 15th. Let’s make Windsor shine bright for the season! Check out this Valley News Article LINK

SISTERS WEEKEND MARKETPLACE... a bit of whimsy for the home and soul! Tis the season and we have been busy creating a Christmas Wonderland @ Sisters Weekend Marketplace! The shop is filled with holiday cheer ... something for everyone on your list! This weekend we will feature The Song Garden's Teacup Boxwood Christmas Trees ... perfect for that special someone or a treat for yourself! Mark your calendar for this fun filled weekend ...

Saturday Dec 4th 10-4pm & Sunday Dec 5th 11-2pm

Sisters Weekend Marketplace

82 Main St.

Windsor, Vermont

FB Sisters Weekend Marketplace
IG sistersweekendmarketplace
Music and Merch at SILOSILO is open all weekend for cocktails with LIVE music on Sunday December 5th from 2-4pm by Em & Nat. Plus there's stock of holiday gift items in their retail section including curated local gift sets! Come down this weekend, shop with a cocktail, and enjoy some local music. Shop small this holiday season.

WHS Project Graduation Raffle for three Simon Pearce Vermont Evergreen Trees (5 sided Evergreen 14" - retail value $280) crafted by WHS graduate Hunter Buchanan. Tickets are $5 each. There will be three drawings - one for each tree. The raffle will take place on December 10th. The glass trees make wonderful holiday gifts! See our flyer for details on how to purchase tickets. Thank you for your support of the WHS class of 2022!
Ascutney Outdoors Annual Holiday Sale
Join AO for good cheer at the AOC on December 4th and 5th from noon until 4PM! Supporter Passes, gift certificates and a variety of new AO merchandise will be on sale just in time for the holidays. On Sunday from noon until 2PM there will be a special treat, a cookie walk, organized by Erika Stillson and friends. Please see the Events Calendar on AO’s website for more details on this “fun”draiser.

Windsor Wine & Spirits Going Out of Business Sale!
After more than 15 years of offering Windsor and the surrounding area a fine selection of liquor, wine, beer, mixers and bar supplies I have decided to retire and will be closing the store. We want to thank our loyal customers for their patronage and support especially during the holidays. Windsor Wine & Spirits will close at end of business December 31, 2021.

To celebrate our retirement and closing, all December we are offering all of our in-stock wine, beer, mixers and merchandise at 20% off with a cash purchase or 15% off with a credit/debit card purchase.

Come in early and help us celebrate by taking advantage of this huge sale while supplies last.

Community News

WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE INTRODUCTORY COURSE (4HRS)
Date: Saturday, January 22, 2022 Time: 8:00am – noon Cost: $20.00
Attire: Comfortable athletic gear and sneakers
Saturday, January 22, 2022, the Windsor Police Department will be hosting a 4 hour introductory self-defense class for women 15 years of age and older. This is a fun dynamic class taught by Chief Frank, which will provide participants with information and skills that can help to better prepare them for potentially dangerous situations. Consider signing up to take this class with your daughter, your mother, your co-worker or your friend. Maximum class size: 20
DESCRIPTION: Self Defense for Women is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques; that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. While it is not a martial arts course, students will be practicing evasive maneuvers, takedowns, and various hand and foot strikes.
Online registration form: https://forms.gle/XFtZksuaMnCaPXH7A
***You will receive an e-mail once your registration has been confirmed***)

Linda Bruce Churchill local Hatha Yoga Update
December 1start date of five week session of Gentle Yoga for All with Linda Churchill, certified Hatha Yoga Instructor with over a decade of teaching here in the Upper Valley.
Join us Wed 5:30PM-6:30PM and Sat 9-10AM for one hour of gentle moves for flexibility, balance and stamina...calming practices for you through the Holiday Season and beyond. No Experience necessary, just the willingness to surrender.
Bring a mat, blanket or large bath towel...
$12 drop in rate or December delight $50 for one month of Wednesday and three Saturday classes!!!
Registration now open:https://windsorvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29929

Windsor on Air Comcast Channel 1081 and on line WOA-TV.ORG

Watch WOA Channel 1081 streaming live 24/7 from our website, www.woa-tv.org. Click on the schedule and see what will be playing. Besides Windsor-specific programming, we also play VT programming including COVID-19 updates with Gov. Scott and legislative updates. We also broadcast “Democracy Now!” every day at 6:00 pm & 11:00 pm. Religious services are broadcast on the weekends. We will be live streaming local events to our channel, website, and Facebook page so tune in and keep informed.

Windsor on Air Programming
Did you know you can watch WOA-TV live even without Comcast? At the WOA website, www.woa-tv.org you can watch our channel live. If you are not a Facebook user, you can also watch our livestreams on our website as they play simultaneously on our channel. We livestream the Select Board meetings every month, and other local events. So check it out….just click Watch WOA-TV live.American Precision Museum "What's In the Basement?" LINK
Ethiopian Night LINK
What Doth Life Festival II LINK
Dave Legacy All Country Band LINK
Around Windsor: Dog Park, New Restaurant, New Car wash and Slot Car Racing LINK
American Precision Museum "Letters and Stiches" typewrites and sewing machines LINK Windsor in the News
Light Up Windsor - Valley News LINK
Blake Hill Preserves makes it to finals in national competition LINK
Do you know George O'Clair? LINK
1800's State Bank Scandal reported in Windsor's Vermont Journal LINK
Growing Season Stretches LINK
Windsor Residents in local play LINK
More from Ham Gillett, Don't throw your leave in the trash LINK

Municipal MeetingsIf you are interested in learning more about the workings of Town government you can find the agendas and meeting minutes to the various town boards and commissions here. Agendas are generally posted a couple of days prior to the scheduled meeting. You can also find meeting information on the Community Calendar located on the town website home page. Minutes are posed several days after the meeting. Additionally, Windsor on Air video records a variety of municipal meetings including the selectboard and school board. You can generally find videos of past meetings several days after the meeting takes place here. The Town Charter is the guiding document for our local government. You can find that document here

Windsor Library News

WINDSOR PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS:
WINDSOR PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS:
Thank you to everyone who donated to the library on Giving Tuesday and throughout the season. We are so grateful!
Front Desk Volunteers Wanted!
Are you interested in volunteering at the Windsor Public Library? The Windsor Library runs on volunteer power! Volunteers work 2 or 3 hour shifts weekly at the front desk checking books in and out, shelving books, helping library patrons, and doing other tasks. We have a few on-going shifts available and always need folks who would be willing to fill in if an on-going volunteer is away or needs to cancel. Basic computer skills are needed and a positive, helpful attitude in working with the public. We provide the training, and there is always a library staff person in the library with you. If you’re interested in volunteering you can fill out an application here or email librarian@windsorlibrary.org . Or call the library for more information!
Sunday, December 5th, 2:30PM: Holiday Read to Me: For All Ages!
Join us in the Windsor Library backyard for mulled cider, hot chocolate and chili as we listen to holiday and seasonal tales told by wonderful Windsor storytellers. Warm your hands by the fire and your spirits with good cheer as we gather together. Don’t forget to dress for the weather and bring your own chair, cup, bowl and spoon. (Yes, we will have some extras if needed!) Rain/snow/sleet date is Sunday December 12th at 2:30PM. Please RSVP by calling the library at 802-674-2556 or emailing librarian@windsorlibrary.org This is a Friends of Windsor Library event!
Friends of Windsor Library Looking for New Members
Would you like to join the Friends of Windsor Library? The Friends of Windsor Library work on fun projects to benefit the Windsor Library and our community! On Sunday, December 5th, the Friends is sponsoring the Holiday Read to Me (above.) In October, they held the Enchanted Forest in Paradise Park. They work on our annual book sale. They select and put up the story walks that many of you enjoyed this summer. Dues are only $10 annually. Go to https://windsorlibrary.org/friendsofwindsorlibrary to find out more or to join!
Please Wear a Mask in the Library!
To keep us all safe, the Windsor Library is requiring masks for everyone entering the building.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
Every Wednesday at 10:30am: Preschool Story Time - Library Backyard
Caregivers and their children are welcome as we share stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 0-5 with parent or caregiver. This will be held in the library’s backyard until further notice due to COVID-19. Please dress appropriately for the weather! In the event of serious rain or a thunderstorm, it will need to be cancelled.
Every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30PM: After-School Program Takes Place OUTSIDE
After-school programs will be held in the library’s backyard until further notice due to COVID-19. Please dress appropriately for the weather! In the event of serious rain or a thunderstorm, it will need to be cancelled.

ADULT PROGRAMMING, ETC.
Tuesday, December 14th, 3PM: Afternoon Book Discussion Group
We'll meet inside the library wearing masks and maintaining physical distance while we discuss Matt Haig's Midnight Library. "Nora wakes up . Not in heaven (dull) or hell (overdone) or purgatory (insert Lost joke), but in a library. The Midnight Library, which is the place people go when they find themselves hanging precariously between life and death and not entirely sure about which way to go." Stop by the library to get a copy of the book.
Some Thursdays 3-5PM: Come Play Mahjong! Our group of Mahjong players had so much fun, but as some departed for warmer climates, more players are needed! Do you play Mahjong? Do you want to learn how to play? Mahjong is one of the oldest games, played by thousands of people. This tile game involves skill, strategy, and calculation along with a bit of luck. All materials are provided. All are welcome. Please email librarian@windsorlibrary.org if you’re interested in joining this group.
Most Wednesdays at 3pm
Spanish Conversation Class: All levels. Day and time subject to change due to instructor's schedule so call before coming! Please call instructor Paula Dart at 802-674-5812 to confirm.
2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 6:30-8PM: Knitting Group!
Join us on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at the library from 6:30-8PM and meet other knitting enthusiasts. Knit, chat, and swap ideas and new techniques. All ages and abilities welcome, including beginners. Come once or come often!! Bring along any projects you are working on. If you are just starting out, we do have some supplies available for use, though we encourage you to bring your own.

Community shopping / Restaurant Update
Shop Local!

The information below has been provided to the Town but for the most current information please check with the business website.

Bistro Midva: Welcome Bistro Midva to Main St. Check out their website, including menu here

Windsor Station Restaurant
Open for inside and outside dining, Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 PM
Order take out line HERE

Harpoon News
Bring some brewery fresh beer home to the family— the perfect side for any Thanksgiving table. Growlers are 25% off all week long at our brewery in Windsor, VT
Sunday – Wednesday: 11AM – 6PM Thursday – Saturday: 11AM – 8PM
Open 11AM – 4PM Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day, Closed New Year’s Day
Windsor Diner

The diner is once again open for take out. Hours are Wednesday - Sunday 7am to 3:30pm Check out their specials HERE Boston Dreams located in downtown historic Windsor, has updated their hours:
Daily 8am-4pm Both Take out and outside patio seating is available. Order online at www.bostondreams.com or call 802-230-4107.

FRAZERS PLACE - Regular hours, full menu.

PIZZA CHEF - Regular hours, full menu. 674-6861

Message From Windsor Schools

WHS Windsor Rotary Student of the Month - December
Congratulations to Adam Dufour, Windsor School's Student of the Month for December! Adam is a Senior who has been doing a great job in all of his classes, including college-credit bearing classes like Human Biology and Humanities, and other classes like English and Psychology. Adam excels in STEM as well as humanities classes, thereby demonstrating an all-round scholastic ability. Teachers are impressed by his hard work and dedication, and by his ability to master difficult concepts. Adam is the rare student that listens and considers before he speaks, and when he does speak, speaks with moderation and thought. He has the courage of his convictions, too, and is willing to express sometimes unpopular - yet valid - perspectives. In addition to all of this, Adam is an excellent athlete, and has pursued soccer here at Windsor, even if it means playing for Hartford High School. In fact, Adam was just named to the Vermont Principals Association All-Star soccer team, the only player on the team to be selected. Despite these academic and athletic successes, Adam maintains a quiet reserve, and keeps his impressive accomplishments quiet. In short, Adam is a great student, an impressive athlete, a loyal friend, and a responsible older brother who quietly leads by example. All in all, a great example of Windsor School is all about. Congratulations Adam!

WHS National Honor Society Teacher of the Month - December
Giddy up! December’s teacher of the month is Mr. Jeff Bachey. Students have commented that Mr. Bachey makes an effort not only to teach the content but to also make sure students take care of their mental health during the year. As anyone who walks through the school knows, Mr. Bachey is always willing to stop and say good morning. Even if you don’t enjoy science, Bachey is willing to lend a hand in his own supportive, funny way. Beyond any content area, students simply appreciate Mr. Bachey’s willingness to encourage and help a student in anything they set their mind to, even if it has nothing to do with his class. Congrats Mr. Bachey!

Information on Religious Services

Holiday Services
If your congregation is offering holiday services that you would like to promote to the community please contact Tom Marsh tmarsh@windsorvt.org with the information for inclusion in future newsletters.
Sunday Worship Service at Trinity ChurchSundays at 9:30am - 44 Main St., Windsor, VT
In person at 44 Main St., Windsor, VT and Live Streaming on our website.
We are following Covid-19 guidelines for the State of Vermont.
You are welcome to join us on site or online!

Old South Church
Old South Church Updated Mask Mandate
Due to the rising rates of COVID, we are requiring all who attend Old South Church gatherings to wear masks upon entry of the building until further notice – regardless of vaccination status.
While we have limited disposable masks available at the door, we highly encourage you to bring your own.
If you choose to attend Sunday services online, we still hold live Zoom services. You can find the link on our website (oldsouthchurch.com) and then by clicking on our ‘Events’ tab.
If you have questions or concerns, please email the church office at oldsouthchurchwindsor@gmail.com.
Thank you and we hope to see you in person or online!

Update from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Bishop Christopher Coyne has announced that each Catholic who has reached the age of reason is once again obligated to attend Sunday Mass. It is his hope that we see participation as something we want to do, not something we have to do - a sacred obligation we choose in freedom! There are times and circumstances when one cannot be present: injury, ill-health, mobility issues, age, and now personal safety issues that are still present due to COVID-19. Children who have not been vaccinated and people whose health is compromised so that they have to avoid any risk of contagion may in freedom chose not to attend Sunday Mass.

With the lifting of all the protocols needed in response to the pandemic, masks are no longer required in St. Francis church for those who are vaccinated. However anyone who feels anxious about going without a mask may certainly continue to wear one. Also children and adults not yet fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks. Please be respectful of the choices people make for themselves or their children regarding wearing masks or not wearing them.
If at any time you have any questions, please call the Parish office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 802-674-2157. God Bless You all!

Federal, State and Local Reference information

Vermont State Information on COVID-19: Vermont.gov

Municipal Service information

The Windsor Municipal Administrative Offices are open to the public!

Upcoming Events

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Windsor Newsletter for Friday, December 3rd