Just drive up the Derby Road and it becomes quite obvious that the community of Derby is growing and on the move. Many of the changes are good, but like most changes, growth in Derby comes with growing pains.

            In my 42 years of life I have seen stores and houses sprout up where corn and hay once grew. On one hand I hate seeing all the changes in a world that I have grown so accustomed to and comfortable with, but on the other hand, I’m excited about watching and taking part in the growth process.

            On Tuesday, October 30, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) will host community workshops to brainstorm about a variety of issues relating to the future of Derby. The title of the event is “Derby Community Visit”. VCRD is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has hosted similar programs in 17 other Vermont Communities.

            Participants who wish to take part in this unique event have the opportunity to attend and take part in three of six separate focus groups. Each group will study and talk about the various issues facing Derby now and in the future.

            These focus groups aren’t designed for people to simply complain, but a time to seriously think about the issues that face Derby now, and as it grows into the future. Each focus group is professionally facilitated.

            The following is the list of sessions that will take place throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Note that the location of each session is included.

Session 1 Topics

2:30 –4:00 p.m.

Youth Engagement:                                           United Church of Derby

Tourism:                                                           United Church of Derby

Managing Commercial/Box Store:                     Derby Municipal Building

Session 2 Topics

4:15 – 5:45 p.m.

Community Communication:                  United Church of Derby

Recreation:                                           United Church of Derby

Infrastructure/Municipal Services:                      Derby Municipal Building

Session 3 Topics
6:45-8:15 p.m.

Human Services:                                               United Church of Derby

Traffic:                                                  United Church of Derby

Municipal Merger:                                            Derby Municipal Building

            A free community dinner will take place between 5:45 and 6:45 p.m at the United Church of Derby.

            As a state representative, and as a resident who loves Derby – past and present, I encourage as many people as possible to turn out for this event. Derby has a bright future, but it’s a future that needs your voice.

People with information about this event can contact the Town Clerk’s off at (802) 766-4906.