NOVEMBER (beginning) 2012
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CHAMBER MIXER
WEDNESDAY, November 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm Sponsored by the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce
Hosted at the Brandon Museum at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace At this Mixer, there will be the World Premier showing of a brand new video called "Brandon and the Slavery Question" written by Dr. Kevin Thornton and co-produced by Dr. Thornton and Josh Hummel of Visual Learning Systems
The video will be a permanent fixture at the Brandon Museum and tells Brandon's story in a visual format. Kevin and Josh have been working on the video for many months. Help us celebrate their contribution to the Museum and the preservation of Brandon's history. MIXER DETAILS Employees and Business Associates Welcome Appetizers and hors d'ouevres Soft drinks Wine and Beer - by the glass or bottle / $2 suggested donation each |
MEMORY TREE BULBS
NOW AVAILABLE
See the end of this newsletter or
The Reporter for the form
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BRANDON CHAMBER ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT
INTRODUCING THE BRANDON BIZ CARD
The Brandon Biz Card is a new initiative for all Brandon Chamber members and their employees. How will it work? Easy! You tell us what discount you would like to offer to Chamber members and employees. ∙ You tell us how many Biz Cards you would like (count yourself and one for each employee) ∙ We start the list and get you the Biz Cards. ∙ Show your Biz Card when making purchases at participating businesses and reap the reward. ∙ Honor the Biz Card when someone presents it at your business.
∙ $2.00 off a particular item or group of items - or some other dollar amount
∙ One Hour Free Professional Consultation
. Free XX with purchase of XX
. Buy One Get One Free or Discounted
Be creative and be generous. This is exactly the type of benefit that pays you back many times over with loyalty and customer appreciation. When we contact you regarding Chamber Dues Renewals, we will ask about your offer and how many Biz Cards you would like. For more information, contact the Chamber.
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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP 2013
The Board of Directors of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that for 2013, there will not be a Membership Dues rate hike. All dues categories fees will remain the same as 2012.
For the first time, dues renewal notices will be coming by email and not paper mail. While there might be some snags with incorrect addresses, we hope the new method will be more efficient for us administratively and will enable more people to pay on-line, if they so choose.
Notices will be generated within the next two weeks. Please let us know if there are problems or corrections.
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CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a Christmas Decorating Contest! While it may seem premature to be making this announcement in October, we wanted to give the shout-out nice and early!
Judges will be cruising the streets on Thursday, December 13 starting at 5 pm. There will be four categories judged: - Residential Traditional
- Residential Whimsical (to include blow-ups)
- Civic
- Commercial
Anyone can call in their own place or someone else's and the Judges will be at liberty to nominate their favorite picks also. More details will follow in the coming weeks. |
$50 FALL FOLIAGE GIVEAWAY
The Brandon Chamber organized a program this season sponsored by the Town of Brandon Economic Development and our local lodging establishments. Througho  ut the month of October, participating lodging properties offered guests staying for at least two nights a $50 packet full of Brandon Bucks. The lodging properties paid $25 and the Town paid $25 for each packet distributed. Here's the math: - 15 packets were distributed which put $750 in new money directly into the area economy.
- 15 guests x 2 nights stay at an average of $100 per night, that totals $3000 in extra revenue for our businesses.
- Add $750 in extra money in Brandon Bucks
- Total addition to the economy is $3750
- That doesn't even include other money that 30 (double occupancy) guests left behind!
WIN-WIN-WIN
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FROM THE BRANDON MUSEUM
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Brandon House, c. 1887 (pre-Brandon Inn)
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AT THE STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE
The Brandon Museum recently completed the compilation of some of the best photographs in our collection. The Brandon
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Methodist Church with steeple, c. 1895
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Historical Photo DVD is now available for a suggested donation of $10
There are about 350 historic photos on the DVD, split into 14 categories and captioned for easy viewing. and identifying Here are a couple of photos on the DVD. The DVDs make a great gift for any Brandon-lover or history buff. Contact the Chamber for details.
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BRANDON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 2013
It may be fall right now but for the volunteers who put together Brandon's annual Independence Day Celebration, it is not too early to be working on next year's event. A partnership has been forged between committee members working on the 2013 Parade and representatives from the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace.
2013 marks the 200th birthday of Stephen A Douglas, one of the most famous 19th century American statesmen. Douglas, born in Brandon in 1813, was a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator, the Senate seat being won in a race between Douglas and Lincoln and which featured the famous Lincoln - Douglas debates of 1858. Douglas was the Democratic Party nominee for President in the 1860 election, losing to Lincoln. In 1913, to commemorate the centennial of Douglas's birth in Brandon, noted resident and philanthropist at the time Albert Farr, commissioned the bronze relief monument dedicated to Douglas, which stands in the small green outside Douglas' Birthplace on Grove Street (Route 7). The Birthplace currently houses the Brandon Museum and town's Visitor Center.
The 1913 celebration took place on June 27 and the town was lavishly decorated with flags and bunting. It is estimated more than 2500 people were attendance including ex-Governor Ebenezer Ormsbee and Douglas' grandson, Hon. Martin Francis Douglas. Letters in honor of the occasion were received from a great number of dignitaries including Douglas' son Judge Robert Douglas and Robert Todd Lincoln.
The theme of the 2013 Parade and weekend festivities is "Old Home Days". Historically, Old Home Days is a New England tradition started over 100 years ago as a way to welcome back former residents to the old home ground. Towns prepared an Old Home Day festival to stay connected to old friends and introduce new friends. Brandon would like to bring back as many people as possible who grew up here, have a connection with the town, or trace their lineage here.
The committee is starting to recruit marching units and floats for the July 6, 2013 Parade which represent Brandon's history, present, and future. The community is invited to participate. Ideas include floats consisting of family reunions, military units, OVUHS reunions, Brandon High School alum, Memorial Day "flower girls", Dunmore Hose, and groups willing to commemorate early industries (logging, marble, iron, etc.). The committee also has ideas and would love to explore them with town residents - both current and former. If you have suggestions, would like to help out, or be involved, please contact the Committee at 802-247-6401 or info@brandon.org.
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SPAGHETTI SUPPER
TO BENEFIT OVUHS MUSIC
The Friends of Otter Valley Music are holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Brandon Inn on Election Day November 6th. Join us for dinner and help raise money to support the Otter Valley Music Program. The cast of the upcoming school musical Legally Blonde will be performing for you! See attached flyer for all the information. Hope to see you there
Spaghetti Supper
Sponsored by FOVM- Friends of Otter Valley Music
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
at the Brandon Inn
Two seatings - space is limited
5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment provided by OV students in the upcoming musical... LEGALLY BLONDE
$9.00 per person - Tickets sold at the door only
(FOVM is a 501c3 organization)
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BRANDON TRANSFER STATION NEWS
Kudos to Danielle at the Brandon Transfer Station for putting Food Shelf Donation boxes at the Transfer Station. For the next couple of months, you will be able to bring extra boxes or cans of food to help out our neighbors.
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Brandon Music Presents Jazz Pianist
Lenore Raphael, November 8
Brandon Music, located at 62 Country Club Road in Brandon, Vermont, will present pianist Lenore Raphael on November 8 at 7:30pm. General Admission is $15. Venue is BYOB. Brandon Music Café offers a concert and dinner package which includes dinner and a ticket to the show for $30 plus tax per person. For Information & Reservations (802) 465-4071 / info@brandon-music.net
Jazz pianist Lenore Raphael, a Steinway Artist and ASCAP award winning composer, is celebrated as "simply one of the best pianists in the jazz mainstream. She always swings and never runs out of fresh ideas!" (Scott Yanow, jazz writer and critic) In her career as a professional pianist she has managed to offer jazz workshops and master classes at conservatories and universities, record her own radio show on Pure Jazz Radio, and perform at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Ronnie Scott's, The Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and on the S.S. Oosterdam jazz cruise.
Raphael will perform in Brandon with acclaimed guitarist Jack Wilkins.
Sponsored by the Brandon Inn, David Salzberg, Patrick's Pub, Margate Resort, and the Radisson Nashua.
Brandon Music Hosts Bluegrass/Folk Concerts
Brandon Music at 62 Country Club Road in Brandon, Vermont, presents a pairing of concerts featuring local bluegrass and folk musicians. On Sunday, November 11, 2012, at 4:00pm, Snake Mountain Bluegrass and The Connor Sisters will perform. The following Sunday, November 18, 2012, at 4:00pm, the band Wiley Dobbs will perform. Tickets are $15 for each concert. Call (802) 465-4071 or email info@brandon-music.net for reservations or information.
Snake Mountain Bluegrass, a long-standing Vermont bluegrass style band from Addison County, has teamed up with The Connor Sisters for many recent appearances. The Connor Sisters range in age from thirteen to nineteen and have developed tight "sister" harmonies for their vocals. The oldest sister, Katie, plays the guitar while middle sister, Monica plays fiddle. Young Meghan provides many lead vocals including a Patsy Cline tune and several gospel style and country/bluegrass classics. Freeman Corey, fiddle; Mike Connor, banjo; Earle Provin, mandolin and resophonic guitar; Randy Kirby, electric bass; and Gregg Humphrey, guitar comprise Snake Mountain Bluegrass.
Vermont-based band Wiley Dobbs makes a return to Brandon Music. Their eclectic mix of bluegrass, jazz, and original music charts new musical territories while simultaneously paying homage to the masters. The group's sound reflects influences of Dave Grisman, Béla Fleck, and Jimi Hendrix, among others. The members of the band have over 17 years in various incarnations to arrive at their musical destination, here featuring mandolin, upright bass, acoustic guitar and percussion.
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DEAR RUNNERS OF ALL AGES
On Sunday the 25th of November the Otter Valley Senior Class of 2013 will be hosting the seasonal 'Turkey Trot' at Otter Valley. Whether you prefer to walk or run, all are encouraged to stop by the back football field (Markowski field) to participate in the 5k race through Otter Valley's winding network of trails.
Registration begins at 12, and the race is set to start at 1. Participants are encouraged to give a $10 donation to help benefit the senior class, and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners in the adult (over 18) and child (under 18) categories. Don't miss the chance to burn off some of that hardy thanksgiving dinner, and get a few miles in before the snow sets in!
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MEMORY TREE BULBS
Donations are now being accepted for Memory Tree bulbs in the memory of loved ones. The cost of the bulbs is $1.00 each.
In Memory Of:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Your Name & Phone Number:
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Send checks and forms to:
Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC)
PO Box 267, Brandon VT 05733.
Please do not send cash in the mail.
Names with cash or check may also be dropped off at Carr's Florist & Gifts or The Inside Scoop.
Deadline is Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. Tree lighting with singing will take place on Sun., Nov. 25 at 3:30 pm in Central Park
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MOONLIGHT MADNESS
Wed., Dec. 5
and
Thurs., Dec. 20
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The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors will next meet on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm in the Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace.
Per Article III of the BACC Bylaws: 3. Voting: For Election of Board of Directors: Each business membership is entitled to one vote. In the case of membership being held in the name of a business, association, etc., one person shall be delegated to represent the business and to cast its vote.
Voting will take place at the November 19, 2012 meeting.
Chamber membership and the general public are invited to attend.
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BRANDON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY For information on the Library's Capital Campaign, please contact the library at 802-247-8230 or find a response form online at www.brandonpubliclibrary.org
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Thanks are in order to RoseAnn and Larry Johnson of Brandon Self Storage for providing the Chamber with much-needed storage. We appreciate it! |
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Rutland Economic Development Corporation
Highlights 75 Years of Service
Rutland, VT - Rutland Economic Development Corporation's (REDC) 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012, at Holiday Inn Rutland.
The event will be a celebration of REDC's past and the vision for REDC's future. Cocktails, dinner and special recognitions will be the order of the night. The evening will conclude with dancing to area favorite band Satin and Steel.
REDC is pleased to announce its "Member of the Year" - GE Aviation. "In recognition of our 75th Anniversary, REDC has chosen to honor GE's contributions to our regional economy since moving to Rutland in the 50's".
Thank you to our meeting sponsors: Berkshire Bank; Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Castleton State College; Ellison Surface Technologies; GE Aviation; Green Mountain Power; Heritage Family Credit Union; Kenlan, Schwiebert, Facey & Goss, P.C.; Merchants Bank; O'Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC; Omya; Rutland Regional Medical Center; Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd.; The University of Vermont; Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA); and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO).With additional support from: Foley Family of Companies, Holiday Inn Rutland, Hubbardton Forge, and Vermont Roots.
Help us celebrate 75 years of service - the public is invited to attend. The price is $50.00 per person and RSVP is required. For more information please call REDC at 802-773-9147 or email info@rutlandeconomy.com.
REDC is a private, not-for-profit whose mission is to encourage and enhance business success in Rutland County. It offers assistance in areas such as financing, site location, business expansion, business recruitment, business counseling by the Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC), and more.
Rutland Economic Development Corp.
112 Quality Lane
Rutland, VT 05701
(tel)802-773-9147
(fax)802-773-8009
tcarrington@rutlandeconomy.com
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Free Film Showings about Hunger in Vermont & Discussion
When: November 8th, 7:00PM
Where: Town Hall Theater in Middlebury
Who: Hunger Free Vermont and Langrock, Sperry, and Wool,LLP
Why: 1 in 6 Vermonters receive 3SquarseVT (food stamp) benefits. These films highlight the struggle that many of these households face, and the films and discussion bring the opportunity for the Addison County community to learn about and discuss hunger in their community.
More Info:Join Hunger Free Vermont for two free film showings on November 8th at 7:00pm at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
Food Stamped is an award winning, informative and humorous documentary film following a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Through their adventures they consult with members of U.S. Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America's broken food system (62 minutes). In We Have to Talk About Hunger, which premiered at the Vermont International Film Festival, local filmmaker Alison Segar looks behind the statistics to investigate who "the hungry" in Vermont actually are and asks the disturbing question: "Why, in Vermont, the healthiest state in the nation, can we not feed our own?" (22 minutes).
The films will be followed by a short discussion and the audience will be encouraged to take the 3SquaresVT Challenge and try to live on a food stamp budget during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 11-17). For more information about the Challenge, visit www.hungerfreevt.org. This film event is sponsored by Langrock, Sperry, and Wool, LLP.
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BRANDON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO BOX 267
BRANDON, VT 05733
802-247-6401
e: info@brandon.org
www.brandon.org
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