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AUG. 2011 (mid-month, 2nd) COMMUNITY & CHAMBER NEWS |
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LEAF PEOPLE
Hard to believe we are thinking about Leaf People but that time of the year is right around the corner. The first stage of Leaf People is prettying up the "People" who grace Brandon's streets. By the end of the fall each year, the "People" take quite a beating from weather, vandals, and well, let's face it, just hanging out for 6 weeks doing nothing! Accordingly, a fix-up date has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 7 starting at 9 am (but late-comers are welcome) at Sally Wood's house on Wood Lane. The more helpers, the better. No experience necessary. This is a really fun event where your creativity and free expression are welcome! You don't have to RSVP but if you can, please send along an email to info@brandon.org or call the Chamber to say you can help. Friends welcome. The more the merrier! |
COMMUNITY, RECREATION, EDUCATIONAL AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES / NEWS in their own words
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS ONLY: Your award- winning local newspaper, The Reporter, believes a strong local economy benefits everyone. We support the efforts of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and our local business community by offering special discounts on our already favorable advertising rates for new and existing members of the Chamber. *Get a 4.25"x 4" ad as low as $38.25 per insertion - Contact us for details *Special discounts on subscriptions for Chamber members too. As always, advertisers in The Reporter receive free graphic design services, general marketing assistance and high visibility to your core market, our readers. The Reporter is a paid weekly publication that focuses on balanced, timely news coverage for the communities we cover, from Brandon to West Rutland and everywhere in between. Contact Alyssa Zollman at 247-8080 or email ads@brandonreporter.com. Offer expires September 30, 2011. -------------------------------------------- |
UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA in their own words
DINNERS WITH LOVE SPECIAL EVENT Sunday August 21, 4-7 pm A Summer Sampler of delectable Hors D'oeuvres and decadent Desserts, plus a complimentary glass of wine.Stroll between the Cafe Provence (downstairs) and Sheri's Diner in downtown Brandon. To benefit Dinners with Love Inc., an organization which facilitates donations of quality restaurant meals to hospice patients and their families. Food will be provided by the various participating restaurants. $20 at the door. Info 465-8284 or 623-6383
BRANDON MUSIC Back by popular demand! Vermont's premier a cappella vocal jazz ensemble will be appearing at The Music Café at Brandon Music on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 7PM. Singers Karen Chickering, Judy Rosenbaum, Vikki Day, Clare Cavitt, Maarten Van Ryckevorsal, Jay Banta, Jose Schmidt and Jeff Prescott all have roots in the VSO chorus; and they sing a range of 4 to 8 part a cappella jazz by Gene Puerling, Bill Evans, the Beatles, Duke Ellington and more. Their repertoire ranges from classic jazz to swing and pop. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling 802-465-4071 from 10-6 any day except Tuesday. Price of admission includes a beverage and desserts can be purchased. 62 Country Club Road, opposite Neshobe Golf Club on Rte 73E. |
JACK McKERNON OFFICIALLY RETIRES FROM THE McKERNON GROUP
Jack McKernon, founder of The McKernon Group Inc., is retiring from his long time position as owner/CEO of the Brandon-based business. The McKernon Group is an environmentally responsible design/build company that specializes in a wide variety of construction. With retirement in mind for the last 10 years, he comments that that the time is right to pass the business along to his long time bus
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Jack McKernon (left) passing the official hard hat to President, Kevin Birchmore (center) and Vice President, Justus Cameron
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iness partner, Kevin Birchmore. Jack
will be working on some of his own projects and will no longer be affiliated directly with the company.
Kevin Birchmore, President and Jack's partner for 25 years has acquired Jack's ownership position of the company, and has taken on a partner, Justus Cameron who is the newly appointed Vice President.
At a company meeting held on August 4th, it was announced that the transaction had taken place. A commemorative plaque was presented to Mr. McKernon and it was a time for recognition of an owner who has built a successful company by investing skill, vision and single-minded commitment in order to build energy efficient quality homes. In turn, Jack passed on the official "McKernon hard hat" to the new owners. The meeting was followed by a company picnic.
Kevin states that "in the current economy, diversity is very important". He plans to involve the company in small jobs as well as building the client's "home of choice". In addition to design/build, the company offers the services of its subsidiaries: UFO, ( urethane spray foam insulation); Gee, (renewable energy); Vermont Woodland Cabinets (kitchen/bath cabinets, millwork and furniture). Kevin says they will make good use of the company's strengths in order to "build better for less". It is his intent to make renovations and new-construction more affordable through efficiency and streamlining company overhead. The expansion of the energy efficient building systems will be a strong focus.
Justus Cameron has been with The McKernon Group for 4 years. He graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and has a degree in Construction Management. He is experienced in all aspects of the company and has excelled in project management. His commitment to becoming a shareholder stems from his own positive experiences and his observations of the skillful work force at The McKernon Group. His vision for the company is to push the limits in order to allow clients to expect the best. "With responsiveness, flexibility, and open communication, McKernon will continue to be dedicated to creating strong, lifelong relationships with our clients and partners".
It was confirmed by the new owners that The McKernon Group will continue to maintain the high quality that is associated with the McKernon name. The outlook for the company looks strong and projects are lined up for the months ahead. Kevin also stated that The McKernon Group will be hiring in order to take on the additional work load.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO...
Louis Pattis of the Brandon Inn for being a 2nd place winner in the Nikon Photo Contest International. Of 60,000 entries, Louis' photo is in the Energy category and is entitled "sand everywhere." Click the Nikon link above to see this stunning photo!. |
SPECIAL ORDERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR NEW BRANDON T-SHIRTS
Have you seen the new Brandon T-shirts the Chamber is selling?
Shirts are on display in the windows at the Brandon Inn. There have been a number of requests for this shirt but in a different color or in long-sleeve. This is the opportunity to place a special order for the size, color and sleeve length you would like. Orders MUST BE PRE-PAID - Short sleeve shirts are $15
- Long sleeve shirts are $18
See all the colors available on the manufacturer website Would you like the commemorative "250" logo on your shirt? (requests without stipulation about the"250" logo will be printed without it) SEND YOUR ORDER (size, color, sleeve length, and 250 logo) WITH PAYMENT TO: BACC, PO BOX 267, BRANDON VT 05733 or see Janet The goal is to put in a shirt order on Tuesday, September 6. |
LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON IN THE CHAMBER'S FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Feral Godmothers
Friday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 pm in Central Park

Hailed as "South Central Vermont's second or third most powerful garage band," Feral Godmother delivers an eclectic mélange of folk rock, electric blues, and avant-garagé. With influences ranging from Compay Segundo to Taylor Swift, this hot new quartet brings together musicians from all corners of Brandon who are dedicated to the mission of keeping the music live, loud and loose. Feral Godmother has toured extensively within the 05733 zip code and should not be misunderestimated. Sponsored by Jim Leary, Esquire and Nancy Leary Design. Rain location to be announced if necessary.
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MOONLIGHT MADNESS
dates announced
The Chamber's popular Moonlight Madness dates for 2011 are:
- Thursday, December 1 &
- Wednesday, December 14
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ART IN THE SNOW PLANNING MEETING
Were you involved with Art in the Snow this past February? Would you like to be involved for the 2012 event? There is a tentatively scheduled planning meeting on Thursday, September 8 at 10 am in the Cliver Meeting Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. All are invited and encouraged to attend in order to maximize ideas and input. Contact the Chamber for more information. The date will be firmed up and announced here in the coming week or so.
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SWING FOR THE KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Friday, August 19, 2011 at Neshobe Golf Club in Brandon
Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m, Rain or Shine
Tournament includes:
- 18 Holes of Golf with Cart
- Dinner post-play
- 50/50 Raffle and Door Prizes
- Closest to Pin and Longest Drive Contests
- Pro Shop Prizes for top finishing teams (net and gross)
There is an $80 per person Tournament Fee. This tournament is played as a handicapped scramble (Captain and Crew) format with four players per team. Individuals and groups smaller than four will be matched with others to make teams of four.
Help benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon, Vermont! Come out for a great day of Golf, and "Swing for the Kids".

Register on-line: http://www.brandonbgc.org/golfregistration.php
Call Sid Bradley 465-4131 or Christy Gahagan 247-4817 with any questions!
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HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY BRANDON

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NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce will next meet on Monday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 pm in The Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace.
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CONTACT INFO
| Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 267 Brandon VT 05733
802-247-6401
info@brandon.org www.brandon.org
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GOLF MIXER REGISTRATION
Format: Nine Hole Captain and Crew, Four Person
Team Prizes. Individual Prizes. Door Prizes.
Neshobe Members pay $16 for Golf
Neshobe Non-members pay $24 for Golf
(CART IS INCLUDED FOR ALL GOLFERS)
Chicken Barbeque Dinner - $16 per person (this price includes tax and gratuity)
If you "really" don't want to golf, just come for dinner (7:30 pm)
ENTRY DEADLINE: August 16 RSVP ASAP in order to arrange teams.
Names of Golfers and please add handicap if you have one:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Total:
Golf & BBQ $______ BBQ only $______
Please make check payable to: Neshobe Golf Club and Send check & form to:BACC, PO Box 267, Brandon 05733
QUESTIONS? or
SOMETHING TO DONATE? (WE WOULD "REALLY" APPRECIATE IT)
PLEASE CONTACT RUSS McCOLMAN: phone: 247-2770 or email: russmccolman@aol.com
Or the CHAMBER 247-6401 (info@brandon.org)
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