You can find the weekly Windsor newsletter for Friday, January 28th below
Windsor Mask Mandate
At their January 25 meeting the selectboard passed on a 5-0 vote a mask mandate for the Town of Windsor. We ask businesses to please post a copy of the sign (found at the link below) in a conspicuous place at any public entrance to your business. Section 1 refers to Act 1 which is the state legislation allowing towns to take such actions. The mandate does not have an enforcement component. The board is hopeful that businesses, residents and visitors will voluntarily comply. You can find the related documents here LINK. You can find a video of the meeting HERE
Now You Know!
A Windsor resident sent an inquiry asking if we knew why the signal town lights on Mt. Ascutney switched from red blinking to bright white. It took some digging but here is the answer: the Public TV Station just added new lights to their tower, nothing new added to our tower. According to the FCC, on structures 200 feet AGL or more, medium-intensity, white, flashing lights may be used in daylight and twilight hours, but the intensity must be reduced at night. At night they are supposed to change to red. Now you know. - If you have a question about the goings on in town send me an email at tmarsh@windsorvt.org and I will do my best to track down an answer.
The Town of Windsor is seeking volunteers to serve on its newly formed Energy & Sustainability Committee. Committee members will work with the Selectboard to reduce Windsor's carbon footprint, explore options for community-owned solar, and more. If you’d like to be part of Windsor's energy transition, please send a letter of interest to the Windsor Selectboard.
For more information, please contact:
Diane Foulds, attfoulds@gmail.com
Amanda Smith, asmith@windsorvt.org
Tom Marsh, tmarsh@windsorvt.org
Annual Budget Survey Responses
The results of the annual budget survey can be found here.
Upcoming Activity at the Closed Prison
VSP will be on site Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Prison Property Report to the Legislature
The legislature requested that a committee be formed to evaluate the highest and best future State uee for the former correctional facility. That report was issued on December 15th and can be found HERE along with a variety of past reports on the issue
Lost and Found
From the Windsor Rec. Dept: We currently have an almost full lost and found. Come on down and see if anything belongs to you! Found, white earphones in the Windsor Grasslands parking area off Marton Road, Saturday, January 22 around 3:45pm
One earring on the Clough Avenue sidewalk. 1/2" square, opaque "caramel" colored with white stripes. Please contact hlgillett@gmail.com
Fiscal 2023 Budget & Town Meeting Information
At their January 25th meeting the Selectboard voted on the fiscal 23 budget (7.01.22 -6.30.23) Capital Budget and Town Meeting Warning to be voted on at the 2022 Town Meeting to be held on Monday, February 28th with voting to occur on Tuesday, March 1st. Additional information, including a Windsor on Air presentation and the distribution of the Annual Report will be provided in the weeks ahead. You can find the warning HERE. You can find all of the documents provided to the selectboard and the budget committee during the budget development process HERE
Community News
News from Ascutney Outdoors:
Friday, January 28: Community Day on the Rope Tow from 1PM to 4:30PM – expanded hours due to early release day from local schools. All are welcome, donations always appreciated.
Saturday, January 29: T-bar and Tubing from Noon until 4PM. And just Tubing under the lights from 6PM until 8PM.
Sunday, January 30: T-bar and Tubing from Noon until 4PM.
Always check our website and FB page for last minute changes due to weather.
Coon Club 2022 Ice Fishi8ng Derby - This Saturday!
Clean Heat Alternative: Advanced Wood Heat (AWH)
Mount Ascutney Regional Commission and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission are teaming up to present to you a Clean Heat learning opportunity. How can one help to achieve the goals driven by the recent Comprehensive Energy Plan and Climate Action Plan? Options! Renewable energy heating options are a hot topic today across Vermont. For Upper Valley residents looking to update or upgrade their home heating system, advanced wood heat may be an effective option. The carbon sequestration that our forests bring is critical in fighting Green House Gas emissions. The removal and use of low-quality wood could be an option for some Vermonters. We bring you two experts on the topic of Advanced Wood Heat who will share how it compares to other non-fossil fuel heating options.
Webinar: Thursday February 3, 2022 at 5:30pm, information can be found at: https://marcvt.org/energy/
Speakers: Emma Hanson, Wood Energy Coordinator, VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Bill Karis, Energy Consultant, Efficiency Vermont Contacts: Alexander Taft, ataft@marcvt.org Steven Bauer, sbauer@trorc.org
The WOA Virtual Cat Show is on the way! We had great success with our dog show last year, so this year we will focus on our feline friends.
Date: Saturday, February 5th at 10:00 am
Video submissions due by February 1st
Contact WOA for submission details: woa-tv@comcast.net
Phone or text 802-674-5200
CatShow Zoom Link
WPD HOME ALONe Safety Course
(2.5 HRS) Friday, February 25, 2022
As our children grow older, there comes a time when they become responsible enough to stay home alone for short periods of time, while we run errands, or drop another child at practice or other activity. For many parents, leaving a child at home can be a scary thought, and after receiving many requests for guidance as to when a child is permitted to be left alone or what they should know before they are granted that responsibility, the Windsor PD has opted to host a Home Alone Safety course for children 9-12 years of age; that will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them stay safe and responsible when home alone.
Topics covered include:
Basic First Aid, Calling 911, Fire Safety, Healthy Eating, Kitchen Safety, Online Safety, Severe Weather Safety, Activities to entertain yourself when home alone.
Date: 02/25/2022 - Friday
Time: 12:30-3:00 (½ day for Windsor Schools)
Cost: Free
Location: Windsor PD
Registration link:
https://forms.gle/D3ahZQDA49A7y3Em7 New Mini-Exhibit at the American Precision Museum “Patterns and Molds”:
The American Precision Museum’s new temporary exhibit, “Patterns and Molds,” opens at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022. This special selection of items is drawn from the Museum’s archives and remains on exhibit from 10 am to 5 pm through Monday, February 14.
The exhibit includes video elements explaining molding processes, live demonstrations of thermoforming, and more. Although many of the patterns resemble simple shapes, some are more complex, and all ultimately became parts of machines.
Linda Bruce Churchill local Hatha Yoga Update
Grateful to say Yoga with Linda, after over a decade teaching at the Climb Fitness Center, transitioned to Zoom March of 2020 (would you believe) and in person at Windsor recreation since summer of '21 and we still gather five times a week. Amazingly grateful for the continued support of my following.
"BRINGING PEACE TO SO MANY DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES"....student testimonial.
Words like those warm my heart and enforce my mission of offering my love and understanding of yoga to strengthen body, mind and soul... In times of sunshine and pain...and its working
Join me in 2022 to gather with others who find peace rest and reflection in yoga with Linda. FIVE weekly classes on zoom including two (masks required and distancing) in person classes at Windsor rec center Union street Windsor VT.
$50 you have access to all zoom classes. $12 is my drop in rate...
$12 drop in rate applies at the Rec Center as well with $50 for two classes in person.
Time to commit and do more..chair yoga, core yoga, yin yoga, gentle yoga, meditation and more.. Beginners are always welcome. All you need is a mat and willingness to commit.
Email me for more information and class schedule...make a choice of peace through yoga in 2022. Right in THE comfort of your own home!
Namaste!
Linda Bruce Churchill, ERYT 300 Hatha yoga certified
Lndchurchill44@gmail.com
Simon Pearce is hiring!
Simon Pearce is hiring a Commercial Cleaner, Customer Care Associate, Glassblowers, IT Helpdesk Manager, and Sales Associates. The Simon Pearce Restaurant is also hiring food runners, dishwashers, line cooks, and servers. All employees enjoy competitive pay, paid time off, plus product and restaurant discounts. Learn more at simonpearce.com/careers-at-simon-pearce.
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.
Lucy Mackenzie "Adoptables" LINK
Windsor Downtown Housing Project LINK
American Precision Museum "What's In the Basement?" LINK
American Precision Museum "Letters and Stiches" typewrites and sewing machines LINK Windsor in the News
Mask Mandate LINK
Proposed Youth Detention Facility at Prison Farm LINK
Report on Former Prison Urges Action VTDigger LINK
State Leaders Look for New Use for Former State Prison WCAX LINK
Mt Ascutney Hospital Radiology designated as Lung Cancer Screening Center LINK
Windsor musician receives "Tammie Award" for Best Singer-Songwriter Album LINK Dave Richardson Palms to Pines LINK
Light Up Windsor - Valley News LINK
Blake Hill Preserves makes it to finals in national competition 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:
Kathy Prevo: Windsor Public Library Volunteer of the Year!
The Windsor Public Library is so excited to announce that Kathy Prevo is our volunteer of the year. This award is long overdue for Kathy, who has put years of time, effort, and love into our library, both as a volunteer and previously as a board member. Kathy has also been wonderful about keeping our staff fashionable in colorful cotton masks that she sews. She contributed many masks for patron use as well. Kathy, thank you, thank you thank you for who you are and all that you do for our library. We are so much of a better library and community center because of you!
Windsor Public Library Seeking a Contractor
As part of their Lift Installation and Accessibility Project, the Windsor Public Library is interested in receiving estimates from Contractors for:
1. Partial wood stair reconfiguration (5 treads) to eliminate winder treads and eliminate one door and frame.
2. Toilet room accessibility improvements including grab bars, lavatory vanity rebuild, new door and frame and floor level changes.
3. New ADA lift shaft, minor electrical and HVAC modifications, floor level changes and reconfigure and rebuild a flat file storage cabinet.
4. Meeting with the lift company to finalize and coordinate lift shaft requirements. (Lift installation by lift supplier.)
If interested in receiving additional information please contact the Windsor Public Library at librarian@windsorlibrary.org or by calling 802-674-2556.
Please Wear a Mask in the Library!
To keep us all safe, the Windsor Library requires that everyone entering the building wear a mask.
PROGRAMMING
Saturday, February 19, 1:30PM: Snow Sculpture Creation!
Adults and kids are welcome to come learn and create. Come join snow sculpture aficionados Rebecca Haynes and Mark Eyerman and work to create the snow sculpture of your dreams! Bring gardening tools, shovels, maybe even a hand saw, and of course your imagination. We’ll meet in the Windsor Library’s front yard but may expand across the street and into the Town Common. This is of course weather and snow dependent.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
After-School Program On Hiatus in January and February
Through the end of February, the Wednesday After-School Program will be on hiatus. Simple take and make projects will be available each week at the front desk. Stop by and get yours!
Wednesday, February 2nd, 10:30AM Outdoor Story Time!
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 in the backyard for a treasure hunt, songs, and active play. Dress warmly! February 2nd, and March 2nd.
ADULT PROGRAMMING
Tuesday, February 15, 4:30PM: Hybrid Afternoon Book Discussion Group
We will be discussing Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half: “a multi-generational family saga that tackles prickly issues of racial identity and bigotry and conveys the corrosive effects of secrets and dissembling. It's also a great read that will transport you out of your current circumstances, whatever they are.” Stop by the library and get a copy of this book. This book discussion will take place at the library (wearing masks) and via Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97406908013?pwd=L0psMjJNYW1vb1ZTMkZXelc3c0sxQT09
Meeting ID: 974 0690 8013 Passcode: 540479
Tuesday, March 8th, 7PM: Zoom Racial Justice Book Discussion Group
We’ll be discussing Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad. “The Underground Railroad chronicles the life of a teenage slave named Cora, who flees the Georgia plantation where she was born, risking everything in pursuit of freedom, much the way her mother, Mabel, did years before.” Come to the library to get a copy of this Pulitzer Prize winning novel.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/96483770372?pwd=NFNTcjZXK2loK3F0Uy94ekk1N2Rldz09
Meeting ID: 964 8377 0372 Passcode: 646702
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.
Some 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.
SISTERS WEEKEND MARKETPLACE... a bit of whimsy for the home and soul!
We are celebrating our 3 year anniversary this weekend !!!
Fri Jan 28th 6-9pm
Sat Jan 29th 10-4pm
Sun Jan 30th 10-2pm
We've been busy refreshing and restocking the shop with treasures and trinkets galore along with some fabulous furniture recreations ... creating a warm and cozy vibe! It's the perfect place to beat those mid winter blues! Mark your calendars and join in on the celebration!!!
Sisters Weekend Marketplace
82 Main St.
Windsor, Vermont
sistersweekendmarketplace@gmail.com
Follow along:
FB Sisters Weekend Marketplace
IG sistersweekendmarketplace
Main Street Gallery
Chocolate dipped strawberries by Linsi Nylund for your Valentine. You can get these delicious beauties feb 13th for your Valentines along with Robin French's fabulous flowers. Stop by and say hi and grab a bunch of love.
Bistro Midva: Welcome Bistro Midva to Main St. The Midva team will take a winter break to catch up on rest and be with family. We will be closed from January 26th to February 8th and we will reopen on February 9th.Again we are humbled by all the support and kind words folks share about us. We can’t thank you all enough and wish you all the best in 2022Cheers!Chad and Arlanda
Windsor Station Restaurant
Open Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 PM
Order take out line HERE
Harpoon News
Bring some brewery fresh beer home to the family!
Sunday – Wednesday: 11AM – 6PM Thursday – Saturday: 11AM – 8PM
Open 11AM – 4PM
Windsor Diner
The Windsor Diner will be closing to the public for the month of January. They will continue to make meals for Meals on Wheels and other similar projects during this time. The diner will be reopening to the public in February. 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 - January
Congratulations to Bryce Moody, Windsor School’s Student of the Month for January. Bryce is a hard working, humble, service oriented student who gives everything he has to help others. While a student at Windsor High School, Bryce participated in the vo-tech program in Springfield and also took advantage of items like dual enrollment through CCV and the Red River Think Smart Internship Program. Additionally, Bryce currently serves as the Corporal for the Windsor Police Cadet Program and is active in mowing / plowing throughout Windsor. Bryce will complete high school at the end of this semester and, in March of 2022, he will be attending the VT Police Academy with an anticipated graduation date from the program of June 2022. Upon graduation from the academy, he will join the Windsor Police Department as a Police officer. Bryce is a caring compassionate individual with character, honor and integrity who is committed to a life of service. He has, and will certainly continue to, make Windsor proud. Congratulations Bryce.
WHS National Honor Society Teacher of the Month - January
January’s teacher of the month is Mr. Brinck-Johnsen! Mr. Brinck, as he’s more commonly known, is a high school history teacher renowned for his perspectives on both his educational content and life in general. Students have said that Mr. Brinck always tries his best to engage students in his class, no matter their original interests. Anyone who has been in Mr. Brinck’s class knows that he teaches because he loves the topics and engaging students. His passion for connecting the classroom to the rest of the world is apparent in everything he does. Beyond his regular classes, Mr. Brinck also co-advises the student council and was the advisor of Model UN two years ago. Thank you, Mr. Brinck, for all of your hard work, and congratulations!
Information on Religious Services
Sunday Worship Service at Trinity Church
Sundays 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!
St. Francis Catholic Church on Union Street in Windsor is pleased to welcome you for Masses on Saturdays at 6:00pm and on Sundays at 10:30am. Weekday Masses are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00am. Specific information for Holy Days or changes in regular schedule can be found on our website www.stfranciswindsor.org. As an act of charity toward our fellow parishioners, Bishop Coyne is asking that masks be worn at all Masses. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with the request. If you have any questions, please call us at 802-674-2157 or email us at stfranciswindsor@vermontcatholic.org. Also like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StFrancisWindsorVT
Federal, State and Local Reference information
Vermont State Information on COVID-19: Vermont.gov
At a special meeting of the Windsor Selectboard held on December 17th, the following recommendation was passed:
TOWN OF WINDSOR, VERMONT SELECTBOARD
RULE RECOMMENDING WEARING FACE COVERINGS INDOORS IN PUBLIC SPACES
Section 1. Authority.
This Rule is adopted by the Selectboard of the Town of Windsor. Except as otherwise provided in its charter, all the powers of the Town shall be entrusted to and exercised by a Selectboard consisting of five members chosen by the voters of the Town of Windsor (24 App. V.S.A. ch. 157, § 12).
Section 2. Purpose.
The purpose of this Rule is to recommend all individuals to wear face coverings while indoors at locations that are open to the public in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public health and safety of the Town of Windsor.
Section 3. Requirement to Wear Face Coverings.
It is recommended that all individuals in the Town of Windsor wear face coverings while indoors at locations that are open to the public, and these locations are recommended to prominently display this recommendation at their entrance.
Section 4. Exceptions.
Face coverings are not recommended for:
Children under 2 years;
A person with a disability who cannot wear a face covering or cannot safely wear a face covering for reasons related to the disability;
A person for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the workplace risk assessment; and
Any person while eating or drinking inside any establishment that serves food or beverage.
Section 5. Effective Period.
This Rule shall take effect immediately upon the approval by the Selectboard and shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed 45 days following its initial adoption. The
Selectboard shall meet during the 45-day period in which this initial Rule is in effect and vote either to rescind this Rule or to extend it for an additional 30 days. Thereafter, the Selectboard shall meet at a minimum once every 30 days to reconsider this Rule, at which meeting the Selectboard shall vote either to rescind this Rule or to extend it for an additional 30-day period.
Municipal Service information
The Windsor Municipal Administrative Offices are open to the public!