Thank you to the vandals who added a wooden “Welcome Home” sign to the town line sign bordering Union on Route 17. It brightens up the drive.

Last Tuesday was the planning board hearing about a proposed development on Route 17. The developers are working for an out of state LLC which would lease the space to another (likely out-of-state) business. 

The Bryant Room has a maximum capacity of 70 standing people, according to the Fire Chief. Attendees were still lining the hall, waiting to sign in when the Planning Board Chair announced it was over capacity. Chair Kristie Grant said the meeting would likely be rescheduled in the gym at Prescott Elementary School in January. 

It was great to see so many Washingtonians at the meeting. The colder months are quieter, but we can come out from out hibernation for the right topic. And the possibility of a Dollar General in town seems to be a motivator. Some people held printouts with Dollar General fact sheets.

In the days since the proposal was announced, I have heard countless ideas for businesses which residents hope might open in town: an urgent care, a mechanic, tractor repair, a diner...it seems there are a lot of unfulfilled needs in the town and region. 

Hopefully that level of citizen involvement can be pulled off a second time. Washington’s busy social calendar slumbers in the winter, making this an unusual and rare cabin fever reliever. 

The social aspect may be on hold, but Washington’s business is entering a busy season. The Town Meeting is three months away. 

The election will be for one Select Board seat and one School Board seat. Nomination papers are available now in the Town Office. 

The Budget Committee will get their work underway starting in January. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Any resident with thoughts on Dollar General in town should complete the survey from the Comprehensive Plan committee. The plan sets the tone for the town, listing goals that set our path, and with them, our finances. 

Do not miss the fiber art show at Gibbs Library. Amy Donaghy’s “The Nature of Wool” is beautiful and fun. The shapes are fascinating. The Art Committee will launch a new show in January. 

Prescott Elementary School is on winter break this week through to January 2. Great opportunity to check out the new PAWS trail behind the school. This is one of two new trails opened in town this year. 

Gibbs Library book sale on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Before dropping off donations, Gibbs Library requests donors check materials with staff. 

Homestead report

Today was a little longer than yesterday. The chickens have stopped laying, the goat’s milk production is down.

The barn cat is getting pretty curious about the warm house. The hay supply looks good. The chicks have almost grown in all their feathers, but they still look awkward. The garlic is planted and hidden under mulch. Seed orders are due by mid January; time to haul out the box of 2024’s leftovers and plan for next year. See you then.