WOLCOTT – In a year marked by community resilience, bold vision and creative energy, Wolcott’s long-standing character as a town that works together was on full display throughout 2025. From forest trails and bridge projects to lively concerts and grassroots efforts to strengthen village life, Wolcott’s stories continued to reflect both the challenges and triumphs of northern Vermont life.
Wolcott entered the new year working steadily on issues that span safety, walkability, and infrastructure. In mid-January, a Wolcott Street Walkability Audit presented to the select board spotlighted safety concerns at the three-way intersection of Wolcott Street and Main Street, noting a lack of safe crosswalks connecting village businesses and gathering spots, part of broader community dialogue about walkable village life.
The select board, chaired by Linda J. Martin alongside Vice Chair Michael Paradee and members Richard Lee, Kurt Billings and Allen Carpenter, continued its regular first and third Wednesday meetings to address ongoing governance needs.
Local officials confronted the lingering legacy of recent floods, working with FEMA and state partners on home buyout plans that would convert repeatedly flooded properties to resilient town-owned spaces, with Martin acknowledging the emotional toll of asking families to relocate.
Flood resilience remained front and center in spring 2025. In interviews with WCAX earlier in the year, select board voices underscored the importance of proactive planning to avoid repeated disaster losses, noting vulnerable areas like Flat Iron Road and stretches of Route 15.
Behind the scenes, some of the town’s longest-term planning continued as the Wolcott Wastewater Committee advanced design and permitting for a new village sewer system. The project aimed at facilitating development, improving flood resiliency and supporting the town’s long-term economic health. By year’s end, the town website reported significant progress on design, environmental review, and steps toward spring 2026 construction.
Summer brought the grand opening of the Wolcott Community Forest on September 13, a capstone event after years of planning, fundraising and partnership with the Trust for Public Land, Northern Rivers Land Trust and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The 735-acre preserve near the elementary school and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail introduced five miles of new trails for walking and biking, and provided space for nature, recreation and habitat protection. Vice President Shelby Semmes of the Trust for Public Land spoke to the joy and importance of community-rooted conservation, while Martin called the forest opening a moment of pride and “gratitude… for all the people and organizations who made this dream a reality.”
Fall in Wolcott was rich with arts and culture. The newly-formed Wolcott Arts Collaborative (WAC) kicked off its first community event with a performance by The Eames Brothers Band, Novemer 1, introducing a season of musical gatherings meant to knit the community together and celebrate local creativity.
Building on that momentum, a follow-up concert featuring The Shady Trees at the Wolcott Town Hall, November 29, drew fans of funk, rock and reggae-infused “Northeast Mountain Music,” illustrating the grassroots arts scene taking root in village spaces.
In October, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) recognized Linda Martin with a 2025 Municipal Service Award for her leadership.
Village infrastructure saw work continue through late fall with the School Street Bridge replacement project, a multi-phase undertaking requiring temporary one-way traffic patterns and careful coordination with VTrans crews.
As winter approached, community and cultural gatherings moved into performance season. Ballet Wolcott’s “Land of Sweets” brought classical dance to the People’s Academy stage in early December, blending artistic tradition with seasonal celebration.
The end of the year brought a seasonal photo contest for the 2025 Wolcott Town Report.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
