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MARCH 2013
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THE CABIN FEVER CONTINUES
Chamber & Community News |
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SAVE THE DATE
The Chamber's next Membership Mixer
is Thursday, May 16.
More details to follow in the near future.
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NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will next meet on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace.
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BRANDON CHAMBER
EXHIBITED AT THE RUTLAND BUSINESS SHOW
We visited with hundreds of folks at the Rutland Business Show last week and welcomed them to "Brandon." Our exhibit showcased our downtown and our great volunteers helped welcome people to our businesses, events, and yes, lots of folks still talking about Irene! Thanks to the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this fun event each year.
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CHAMBER MEMBERS:
BRANDON CHAMBER WEBSITE REMINDER
A great member benefit of the Brandon Chamber: Not just a free listing or link from our website to yours but an entire page dedicated to your business. More and more members are taking advantage of this benefit and so should you!
Here is what Ellen Walter of Blue Moon Clothing & Gifts had to say about her page on www.brandon.org:
"On a Saturday morning in February, a middle-aged couple came into the store. We got to talking and they mentioned that they were from Long Island and visiting Brandon: "Just thought we'd take a road trip." They picked Brandon and my store to visit after reading www.brandon.org! Their initial draw to town was Cafe Provence. They were first time visitors and really enjoying their stay!"
Thanks to Jackson Whelan, web designer, we have the capacity to add personalized information about all our members. We are ready for info. Send a paragraph or two and up to four photos. If you need ideas, take some time and look through the entire website or cut right to our Members page. Send your corrections, photos and blurb to: info@brandon.org.
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SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it is now accepting scholarship application forms from graduating OVUHS students pursuing a course of study in business or business-related major. The Chamber Scholarship will be presented to a student who is well-rounded, has participated in school and outside activities, who is pursuing higher education, and is planning on a career in business or aspires to be entrepreneurial. Interested students should contact the Guidance Office for applications. The deadline for applying is Wednesday, May 1, 2013. For more information, you may also call the Chamber at 247-6401.
http://brandon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scholarship.pdf
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND AVAILABLE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce administers a low-interest revolving loan fund available to businesses for an approved building improvement project. The loan fund was originally established as a way to recognize that each and every improvement to Brandon's built community is important to a revitalized town. This loan has been lent several times in the past and there is $2500 available to be lent at the current time. Please contact the Chamber if you would like more information about this little pot of gold!
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The story of maple sugaring is in the world's largest maple museum. Antiques, paintings, slide show, folk art exhibits, maple syrup samples. A simulated boiling process, "sap to syrup" is presented all year. Gift Shop with mail order service. In-Season Open daily. 8:30-5:30 PM May 18- October 31. Admission $2.50, Children under12 yrs $.75, under 6 yrs free. Off-Season rates 10-4 PM March 9- May 16 and November 1- December 23, 26-30. Located at 4578 Rte 7 in Pittsford, 8 miles north of Rutland. (802) 483-9414. Senior and AAA rates. Visit our web site www.maplemuseum.com
CALENDER OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
March 9- New England Maple Museum opens for the season. Off- Season Rates. Groups over 12 can request "Sugar on Snow" by reservation. Call (802) 483-9414 for information. Spring hours 10AM-4PM daily. 4578 Rte 7 in Pittsford.
March 22- 24 - A special presentation of the History of Maple Sugaring coinciding with Maple Open House Weekend. A great way to start or finish your tour of local Vermont Sugarhouses. The tasting counter is open to all and features Vermont Specialty Foods and Maple Syrup. This long weekend, the museum offers discounts on admissions and 25% off selected gifts. 10AM-4PM. (802) 483-9414. 4578 Rte 7 in Pittsford.
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Don't miss out...
Sign up for our Summer CSA by
March 31st and get free strawberry picking time in our fields! 
Let's think SPRING and SUMMER! The early deadline for our Summer CSA sign-up is fast approaching. Sign up before 3/31 and get free berry picking in our fields.
Our Summer CSA is different from most CSA programs out there in that you purchase credit at our farm stand and use it as you like throughout the season on anything you want, including plants! NO BOXED SHARES. And to make it easier this year, you have the option to pay via Paypal. Check it out and spread the word---anyone can become a member.
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The end of March offers two great musical performances and our second Supper Club. Concerts are $15. An inclusive pre-show dinner / concert package is $30 and our venue is BYOB. If you aren't familiar with the Supper Club yet, here is the rundown: On the last Friday of every month (except this month since it is Good Friday), we will create a three course meal for members of the Club for $16.50 per person (plus tax). Members may bring their own drinks to enjoy - ice water, tea and coffee will be provided. As the club becomes established, members will be able to suggest menus for the Café to prepare and we will also invite, from time to time, guest chefs to prepare their signature meal for the Supper Club members. The Menu for the evening will be sent out one week in advance to all members via e-mail and posted on the Brandon Music Café website. Supper reservations will need to be made at least one day in advance of the event as numbers are restricted. Becoming a Member is easy. Simply contact us at edna@brandon-music.net or 802-465-4071 with your name and email address or make reservations for this month's supper and give it a test run before you decide. Thurs. March 21st at 7:30pm - Jason Palmer Quintet - Jason is one of the most in demand musicians of his generation and was cited as one of the "Top 25 Trumpeters of the Future" by Downbeat Magazine. Friday, March 22nd from 5-9pm - Supper Club - See the menu below for this month's delicious selections. Make your reservations in advance and please let us know your choices. SUPPER CLUB MENU
March 22nd - Book before March 22nd, as reservations are required. Please let us know your choices. APPETIZER Choice of Soups or Green salad ENTRÉES Herb Crusted Salmon served with fresh vegetables OR Chicken Imperial - breast of chicken cooked in a rich creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions and served with wild brown rice OR Orange Pork Chops - browned pork chops simmered with paprika and served with a spicy orange sauce and served with herbed orange rice DESSERTS Select from: Chocolate Delight Crème Brulee Lemon Wonder and finish with Vermont Coffee or English tea.
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EASTER BRUNCH AT NESHOBE
Neshobe Golf Club is proud to announce the return of our annual Easter Brunch. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to spend time with old and new friends. This year our Easter Brunch promises to make it a special day for everyone. Reservations are recommended. Please call 802.247.3611 or email info@neshobe.com
Sunday, March 31 * 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
* Adults....$14.95
* Children (age 6-12)....$9.95
* Children 5 and under eat FREE
Buffet to include but not limited to:Fresh fruit, assorted salads, eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, sausage links, home fries, French toast, pancakes, VT maple syrup, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon, carved roast beef, assorted desserts
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NEWS FROM CAFE PROVENCE / GOURMET PROVENCE
Wine Tasting at Gourmet Provence Saturday March 23rd - Noon-4pmFREE!Stop by and taste the wonderful wines of this Vermont Producer
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EASTER ORDER FORM
Place your order now for Easter Cakes, Cookies, Breads, Croissants, etc...
from Gourmet Provence
Chef Betsy's Easter Cake
Feel free to drop off your order at Gourmet, or call us at 247-3002, or fax your order at 247-3005.
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EASTER BRUNCH BUFFET at CAFE PROVENCE
Sunday March 31st - 9am-3pm Adult: $28.95 Children: $14.95 (10 and under) Call 802-247-9997 for reservations Cold Salad Buffet Country Pate/Chicken Liver Mousse & Vegetable Terrine with Cranberry & Mango Chutney, Crostinis Fruit Salad in a Carved Watermelon Antipasto Platter with Artichokes, Blue Ledge Farm Goat Cheese, Black Olives and Roasted Bell Pepper Salad. Chicken Satay and Asian Pasta Salad Broccoli Salad with Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Red Beet, Tomato and Ginger Salad Cheese and Fruit Platter
Mesclun Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette
Carving Station
Roasted Spring Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary Sauce
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Madeira Wine Sauce
Ham, Cheese, Mushroom, Peppers, Caramelized Onions
Hot Buffet
Poached Egg Benedict with Smoked Ham and Hollandaise Sauce
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote
Beef Bourguignon
Baked Filet of Salmon Stuffed w/ Pesto Seafood Mousse with Saffron Risotto & Lobster Szechuan Sauce
Gratin Dauphinois
Green beans Almandine with Lemon Butter Sauce
Assortment of Cafe Provence Favorite Pizzas
Assorted pastries and pies from Gourmet Provence
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MICHELE FAY PERFORMS AT BRANDON MUSIC
On Saturday, March 30th, Brandon Music presents the Michele Fay Trio in concert.
The acoustic trio is Vermont based and features original and roots music. Fay's heart-felt lyrics are central to the ensemble, which brings forth a comfortable groove of folk, swing, and bluegrass-influenced songs that are woven seamlessly together. Seven Days says Fay has "impressive storytelling abilities" and is a "talented writer with highly capable musical gifts." At the 2010 Solar Fest, Fay was a finalist in the singer/songwriter showcase and winner of the 2010 Folk Cellar Nick Fest songwriting contest.
Fay sings with a clear, authentic voice accompanied by guitar and banjo. Her husband, Tim Price, adds ideal melodic instrumentals on mandolin and guitar while classically trained, Doug Reid, of Slant Six Swing Band and Rick and the Ramblers, works his dazzling fiddle.
"Smooth as a dollop of cream with your morning coffee," says Art Edelstein from the Times Argus. "Fay has a knack for writing songs that are heartfelt without being too self-conscious."
The performance begins at 7pm with $15 General Admission and a pre-concert dinner special available for just $15. Reservations are encouraged. Venue is BYOB.Call (802) 465-4071 or email info@brandon-music.net for reservations or information.
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FROM THE GREATER COMMUNITY:
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BRANDON LIBRARY GALA at the Brandon Inn. Here's the rundown of the events:
Friday, March 22 from 7 - 10 pm
$10 admission fee
- Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea reading at 7:30 pm
- Band: Dance the night away with Ten Rod Road from 8 - 10 pm
- Silent Auction - Scores of Vermont author-signed books and other literary related items.
- Giant Used Book Sale - First Dibs. Most in the $1 - 2 range.
- Buy one (or more) of a limited number of raffle tickets to win Liza Myers sensational painting which she made just for the library fundraiser.
- Refreshments - Fruit, Cheese, Chocolate Fountain! Cash bar to wash it all down!
Saturday, March 23 from 9 am - 5 pm - No Admission
- Story Hour - 10 - 11 am with Stacey and Allison!
- Band: Brandon's best Garage Band; Family-Friendly Feral Godmother from 1 - 3 pm.
- Silent Auction - Final bell rings at 3 pm on these items.
- Giant Used Book Sale - Bag Sale (plummeting prices) starts at 3 pm.
- 5:00 pm - Clean-up.
Contact the Brandon Free Public Library for more info: 802-247-8230
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OTTER FOLLIES
Local talent from area schools get together at the annual Otter Follies, An Evening of Otter Nonsense, on Friday, March 29, 2013, at 7:00 P.m. at OVUHS. This fundraiser is hosted by FOVM - Friends of Otter Valley Music, the group that supports the music department, with funds raised going toward transportation to festivals, tickets to events, equipment purchases, and other things. Many door prizes are awarded, and a 50/50 cash raffle also takes place. It is a fun-filled evening that everyone looks forward to each year.
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NEWS FROM THE BRANDON SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER: New things always happening at the Center:
- We have Bone Builders at 10:30 and Meals on Wheels at noon on Mon. & Wed.
- Knitters and card club after lunch to late afternoon Mon., Wed.& Friday.
- Tai Chi at 9:30 on Mon. & Friday.
- Next Foot clinic is May 7th at 10 a.m
- Community free lunch every Fri. at noon, everyone welcomed.
- Wt. Watchers every Thurs. at 5.
- Lions Club every first and third Tues. at 7 pm.
- Senior Center board meeting every 2nd Mon. at pm.
- Every third Tues. WIC 8:30-4.
- Dinners every second Tues. of every month which is opened to the public and sponsored by local businesses.
Having a party? Rent the Center! Call 247-3121 for info. We're not just for seniors. The Senior Center wants to thank the community and all who baked and helped man the tables at our bake sale on election day. It was a huge success!
Come by to read a magazine or do a jigsaw puzzle. We also take returnable bottles to help with maintaining the building. Thank you to all who do donate.
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FLOWER GIRLS WANTED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Were you ever a "Flower Girl" in the Brandon Memorial Day Parade? One of the first grade girls from the Seminary Hill or Neshobe School wearing a white dress, who marched in the parade and laid flowers at the Civil War Monument? Its been a Brandon tradition for more than 100 years! Looking for girls and women for a Flower Girl Reunion Marching Unit in this year's Independence Day Parade (July 6). Contact Ellen Knapp at Neshobe School if you 247-3721 if you want to march!
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STARTING YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS
Upcoming training sponsored by the VT Small Business Development Center:
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Location: Rutland Economic Development Corp., 112 Quality Lane, Rutland VT 05701
Time: 9:00a.m to 1:00p.m
The three hour session will help future business owners determine the next steps toward starting and financing a new venture. The workshop offers an overview of business planning, including where to find market information, how to tackle projections and writing a business plan.
The workshop is designed for people who are thinking about going into business and want accurate information about the procedures and government regulations involved to start a business in Vermont.
The $99.00 registration fee includes a business planning workbook and access to five online workshops to help the prospective business owner get started.
Registration can be done online at www.vtsbdc.org.
For more information, contact VtSBDC in Rutland at 802-773-9147.
Terri Carrington
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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VERMONT TRAVEL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Each year, the planning committee for the Vermont Travel Industry Conference pulls together a great program for the tourism businesses in our state. Based on feedback from past conferences, we are presenting a very different format designed to allow businesses to get a large amount of information and networking in a shorter period of time. This year's conference will be held at the Stoweflake Resort and Spa on April 3 & 4. We hope you can join us!
Highlights Include:
- Presentation by the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing on their summer creative and media plans
- Keynote speaker Jay Baer: Why Before How: Creating Killer Social Media Strategies in 8 Steps
- Tourism Town Meeting - your chance to voice your opinion and get feedback from agency reps (DLC, Fish and Wildlife, Forests, Parks & Recreation, Tax, Public Safety)
- A dozen compelling and informative workshops
- Trade show, silent auction and fun, creative evening event
- Rapid Fire Case Studies: Your Biggest Marketing Challenges - you can submit challenges in advance and we'll ask our panel of experts their strategy to solve them
- Economic Impact Study Results from Pete Pantuso, American Bus Association
All the info is here!
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Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 267, Brandon, VT 05733
802-247-6401 ~ info@brandon.org ~ www.brandon.org
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