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WHAT'S TO DO IN BRANDON? Lots.... Keep reading
Wow! There are so many wonderful things happening in Brandon these days with much more to come in the month of December. Please support your local businesses, schools, and other non-profits.
HOLIDAY IDEAS .... GIFTS .... Get a head start this weekend. The two notices immediately below this block are a great pair of events for you to attend tomorrow (one actually starts tonight).
Ideas to set your festive holiday table....
Get started on the long holiday list....
Have fun!
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DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ALLIANCE'S
SET A FESTIVE HOLIDAY TABLE
Come on in to the Lilac Inn tonight, Friday, November 22, from 6 - 9 pm or tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, from 11 - 3:30 pm and check out the Brandon business community's ideas for fabulous tables set for holiday entertaining.
Start the holiday shopping season with a preview of holiday table and gift ideas from your local downtown. Enjoy the many tables and their creative settings and centerpieces and get ideas for your own holiday celebrations. Friday evening offers hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, and on Saturday tea and cookies will be served. Admission is free and there will be door prizes as well. Don't miss this opportunity to start this holiday season with your neighbors and local merchants.
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CONGRATULATIONSBLUE SEAL
Congratulations to Anita and all her crew for the successful opening of Brandon's brand new Blue Seal store, on Route 7 just south of town.
The store is beautiful and full of your old favorites and lots of new items.
The opening was a great success. Here's Gene Childers and band members along for some entertainment!
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Photo by Butch Shaw
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NESHOBE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S
HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, November 22
10 am - 3 pm
Neshobe School
Please come! Shop, Eat and Be Merry! Support local business and our community this holiday season. It's always a wonderful event - hope to see you there!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
to the BRANDON CHAMBER
Dan Pitner
PrimeLending
5 Park Street, Middlebury
802-443-8006
dpitner@primelending.com
Membership Category: Financial; Loan Originator
Brandon Discount Groceries Kim Bruce ~ 6 Park St 802-855-3567 Kimbruce200035@yahoo.com
Membership Category: Shops & Stores; Food Kim will be open Moonlight Madness. Make sure you stop in and say "hi" and see the latest addition to downtown Brandon! |
NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
JANUARY 2014
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will not meet in December 2013. The next meeting will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. Chamber membership and the general public are invited to attend. |
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If you feel strongly -- one way or the other -- about the Brandon Town Office situation, the Selectboard will be taking up the discussion again on Monday evening, November 25, at 7 pm in the Town Hall Basement. |
PAYING THE BILLS, cont.
Thanks to the dozens of members who have already paid their 2014 Chamber dues. It really makes our job much easier!
If you have not received an invoice, please contact us ASAP. We are using an electronic billing software and there could be a few glitches. The email is from the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and the Subject says: "New invoice ###### from Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, sent using FreshBooks"
Remember -- for the third straight year, the Chamber Board of Directors has decided to hold dues steady. Board members are delighted to be able to continue to provide the same great benefits to members and the general community, without raising dues.
We repeatedly hear what great value members feel they receive for the price paid! Thank you so much for your support.
For more info about joining our wonderful organization, contact the Chamber at 802-247-6401 or info@brandon.org
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Otter Valley Union's Walking Stick Theatre proudly presents the
classic Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim musical
West Side Story
November 22 and 23 (7 pm)
and 24 (2 pm) at
Otter Valley Union High School
Inspired by William Shakespeare's tragic romance Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set in the Upper West Side of New York City in the 1950s. The musical explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs the Jets, made up of working class Polish American immigrants, and the Sharks, from Puerto Rico.
When a forbidden romance blossoms between Tony, the leader of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks - their tragic love story is told with unforgettable songs like: "Maria," "Somewhere," "I Feel Pretty," "One hand, One Heart" and "Tonight."
When West Side Story premiered on Broadway in 1957 it was nominated for six Tony Awards. But the musical achieved its greatest success on film. The 1961 movie version of West Side Story starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno won 10 Academy Awards including best picture.
Jeff Hull, who's directing a company of over 45 students in the Otter Valley Union High School Production, says this musical connects so well with teenagers because it's about teenagers. "They understand first loves, rivalries and the importance of belonging and fitting in with their friends. Hull says it all comes across in their performances."
He says audiences will also be wowed by the dance numbers in this production, all choreographed by recent graduate Michaela Newell. "The dance sequences are amazing," says Hull, who says he's been blown away by how hard the kids have worked to perfect the show.
Tickets are on sale now at Carr's Florist in Brandon and the Otter Valley library during sch ool hours. They'll also be available at the door $8 for students and senior and $10 for adults.
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BRANDON'S MEMORY TREE
One of Brandon's long-standing traditions is the presence of a lit Memory Tree in Central Park to remind us of our loved ones, no longer with us. The Tree helps brighten our darkest days. Bulbs in memory of loved ones cost $1.00 each and help keep the tree lit all season. The lighting will take place on Sunday, December 1 at 4 pm. Look for a coupon for purchase of Memory Tree Light Bulbs at the end of this newsletter or in upcoming issues of The Reporter, or stop in at Carr's Florist & Gifts or The Inside Scoop. For more information, contact the Chamber at 802-247-6401
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REGISTER FOR VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT:
New Enrollment Options
Last week Vermont Health Connect announced additional enrollment options to ensure that Vermont's small businesses and individuals have health coverage throughout 2014. Please note that small businesses have a decision to make between now and November 25th. Read more:
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Use Assister Map to Find In-Person Help
From Bennington to Canaan, from Richford to Brattleboro, and lots of towns in between, Vermont Health Connect Navigators, brokers, and CACs are trained and ready to help individuals and small businesses enroll in health coverage. Find an Assister near you with Vermont Health Connect's Assister Map.
Learn more about Assisters: info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find
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Paper Applications and Plan Comparison Brochures
If you prefer paper applications to the online application, Customer Support Center (toll-free at 1-855-899-9600), or a Navigator or Broker, you can download and print PDF versions of the appropriate paper application packet.
Whichever application method you choose, if you'd like to compare your options side-by-side in a hard-copy brochure before making your plan selection, download our Plan Comparison Brochures.
Paper Applications: info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/paper
Plan Comparison Brochures: info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/healthplans#PCB
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HOLIDAY PARTIES AT THE BRANDON INN
We Have the Perfect Way to End Your Year.
Holiday parties at the Brandon Inn! From small and simple to large and grand, we can do it all!
Whether your office is an intimate party of 8 or a large metropolitan 200, we can arrange the perfect night to honor your staff. Please contact us for available dates, ideas and menu options. We are happy to do Christmas cookies and hot toddy's, hors d'oeuvres and drinks or a full menu with dancing.
Gift Certificates: Do you have friends and family visiting for the holidays, or vacationing in Vermont next summer? How about a Brandon Inn Gift Certificate. What do you give the person who has everything? A Brandon Inn Gift Certificate.
Brandon Inn Gift Cert ificates make the perfect gift because along with it you are giving a lot more: Rest, comfort and a home away from home. Mention that you are a chamber member or work for a chamber member business to get the "Friends and Family" $20.00 per night discount. Call the Inn for more information and rates.Tel: 247-5766. Who could ask for anything more?
The Brandon Inn 20 Park Street
Brandon, VT 05733-1122
(802) 247-5766
Website:www.brandoninn.com
Email: mail@brandoninn.com
Reservations Only: 1-800-639-8685
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 DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE at
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Announcing the 2013 Decorate A Gingerbread House at The Inside Scoop: December 8 and 15.
We are trying something new this year -- you tell us the time you want to come on either of those days, we won't have "set times for sessions". Small houses = $12 and Large houses = $18. NEW THIS YEAR: GINGERBREAD CASTLE = $25.
Private parties for groups of 8 or more. Start thinking of those creative ideas!
Call 802-247-6600 or email: janet@brandon.org to reserve your space(s)!
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NEW ENGLAND MAPLE MUSEUM New hours of operation for the season: 10:00am until 4:00pm. Open seven days a week. Admission to the museum is now 1/2 price! for the season. We're decorating the inside of the gift shop for the holidays including many Vermont Gift baskets filled with great goodies we offer here at our gift shop. The new mail order catalog is out and people are more than welcomed to contact us via email (which can be found at our website http://www.maplemuseum.com/ )or by phone to have a catalog sent to them to purchase some wonderful items for the holiday season. They can also purchase items directly on our website as well. Or even better if folks would just like to stop by while our gift shop is open they can check out first hand a wide assortment of food and non food gifts that we have for sale here in our Gift shop. The sampling room is still open for the season and includes hot spiced cider for these cold late fall days. Stop in today!
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VILLAGE SPA 
Village Spa in downtown Brandon is so excited to announce that we are now offering parties for your little spa goer...ages 3-13. Thinking of hosting a spa party for your pampered princess or prince? Call 802-236-9087 or email heather@brandonvillagespa.com for more information
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Book your Holiday Party now at Neshobe Golf Club!
Private, corporate and open event bookings should not be left to the last minute. Securing our newly renovated dining facilities at the Nesh will assure you and your guests of a fantastic time with great food and drink served in our comfortable, casual atmosphere. We want to let you know, too, that holiday gifts from the Pro Shop-from equipment and apparel to gift certificates-are available all year round. Stop by, call or email us now. Contact us soon to reserve the clubhouse for your party. We are filling up fast! Our service and kind attention to our guests is legendary
Our service and kind attention to our guests is legendary. 802.247.3611 or inquire on the web by clicking here!
See you soon! Rodney
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CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING WITH THE
PARADE COMMITTEE
Small Commitment ... Big Rewards!
More people means less work!
Meetings are once a month Dec. thru March and twice a month April thru June, held at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace meeting room.
The next meeting is December 4 (yes, Moonlight Madness) at 7 pm. If you would like to help out with a task, and can't make the meeting, here's the contact info:
For more information----Contact Debbie Boyce
802-345-0056
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Food Safety Classes
ServSafe® Certification
NEW! For 2014
HACCP Food Safety Program CertificationCertification Examinations Administered at end of Session
Check out New ServSafe® Certification Retreats Offered
Training to Excel
Norm Milot, Certified Instructor and Registered Proctor
Inquiries 802.247.0098,answered by Rosebelle's and Training to Excel
Additional information at www.trainingtoexcel.com
Stress Free Classes offered Monthly in Brandon or your Location Sessions Tailored to Accommodate Client Schedules
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CAFE PROVENCE
Thanksgiving Order Form
Place you order now for your Thanksgiving pies, breads, savories, and
more from Café Provence and Gourmet Provence
Thanksgiving Brunch Menu
Thursday November 28th
11am-6pm
$26.95/adult (plus tax & gratuity) $15/children (10 & under)
Call 802-247-9997 for Reservations
$50/Class - Buy 3 Classes & get 1 free!
Watch Chef Robert (or Gourmet pastry chef) demonstrate each dish
& taste the end result!
Monday December 2nd - 2:30pm-5pm
Traditional French onion soup
Cassoulet of duck from the south of France
Floating island
Monday December 16th - 2:30pm-5pm
Practice your Christmas dinner
Gratin of Baked oyster with champagne cream sauce
Stuffed fillet of sole with a seafood mousse, lobster and saffron sauce
Flourless chocolate cake with caramel sauce
Space is limited - Call 802-247-9997 for reservations
11 Center Street
Brandon, Vermont
www.cafeprovencevt.com
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BRANDON MUSIC UPCOMING EVENTS
The Acoustic Jazz of the Dave Solazzo Duo
Brandon Music presents The Dave Solazzo Duo on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30pm. This duo consists of talented father and son: Dave on piano with his father, Mike on bass. Performing together for over 20 years, they play acoustic jazz and explore standards and show tunes from The Great American Songbook. It's a straight ahead, swinging sound with a few modern twists thrown in.
Dave Solazzo is one of Central New York's leading jazz bassists. By the time he was fifteen, he was playing piano professionally with some of the finest musicians in and around Central New York. Dave earned degrees from Berklee College of Music and Suny Purchase College. He has been a mainstay of the Central New York music scene for nearly two decades, performing with notable jazz artists such as Chuck Mangione, Nick Brignola, J.R. Montrose and Dick Oatts. Dave has performed at numerous venues across the country including the Syracuse Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Jazz Corner in Hilton Head and the Flatiron Room in New York City. In addition to performing, Dave has maintained an active teaching schedule.
Bassist Mike Solazzo has worked with jazz luminaries such as Joe Magnarelli, Bill Watrous and Nick Brignola. Mike also worked with The Four Lads, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony. His bass style has been influenced by Ray Brown, Eddie Gomez, and NHOP among others.
Tickets are $15. A pre-concert dinner is also available for $15. Reservations are recommended. Venue is BYOB. Call (802) 465-4071 or e-mail info@brandon-music.net for reservations or information. Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Rd. Brandon, VT 05733. www.brandon-music.net
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Front Porch Forum Now Active in Brandon
Brandon's Front Porch Forum is now active with over 100 people signed on as local members. Neighbor s have already posted about a missing dog on Florence Road, a grill for sale on Sunset Drive, and town recreation department news. This modern-day cross between community bulletin boards and virtual town greens is making it easy for neighbors to connect. It's free. It's local. And it's friendly.
Visit FrontPorchForum.com to join in.
Because the service is moderated and real names accompany postings, the discussions remain civil, engaging, and relevant. In times of need, such as during and following natural disasters, a Front Porch Forum becomes even more powerful.
More than 60,000 households across Vermont already use their neighborhood FPFs to find roofers, give away strollers, rally volunteers for pie suppers, trade equipment, and describe wildlife sightings. Common topics also include school budgets, town office candidates, local events or starting a food shelf.
FPF and the Vermont Council on Rural Development's Vermont Digital Economy Project are teaming up to bring this service to all Vermonters for free. Vermont's Congressional delegation played a crucial role in getting this project funded and off the ground in our state.
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CHAMBER MEMBERS:
ARE YOU USING YOUR BIZ CARD YET? THERE ARE GREAT DISCOUNTS OUT THERE scroll down to the bottom of this email and check them out! NEW OPPORTUNITIES BEING ADDED ALL THE TIME
NEED A BIZ CARD? FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES.
CONTACT THE CHAMBER AND TELL US HOW MANY YOU NEED!
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Gift-of-Life Marathon plans radio marathon
Organizers of the Gift-of-Life Marathon, hoping to break the national one-day blood drive record, will hold a marathon of their own to promote it - a 1,969-minute radio marathon, one minute for every pint needed to break the national record.
Terry Jaye from WJJR and Steve Costello from Green Mountain Power will broadcast live from 6 a.m. Nov. 21 until mid-afternoon the next day to raise awareness of the Dec. 17 event.
"We continue to look for ways to pull Rutland over the top this year, and what better way to promote the marathon than by having a marathon," Costello said. "We are going all in, and hope to inspire others to do whatever they can to help the GOLM be a success, whether as a donor or volunteer."
"We've done some crazy stuff over the years, but this may be the craziest," Jaye said. "But we were so close as a community last year that we want to do everything possible to spread the word and give Rutland the best chance possible to break the record this year."
Jaye and Costello will be joined throughout the nearly 33-hour marathon by dozens of local residents and community leaders who will stop in, including Dave Wolk from Castleton College, who recently signed on as co-sponsor of the drive, and blood donors, recipients and volunteers.
"WJJR will be playing music as usual, but we'll have special guests every hour to talk about why they donate blood, the meaning they find in volunteering, or how a blood donation affected their lives," Costello said.
"There are heroes all around us who have helped save dozens of lives through blood donations, and people who we all know who wouldn't be with us if not for anonymous blood donors," Jaye said. "We plan to introduce these people to the community and connect some real faces with the Gift-of-Life Marathon."
The blood drive will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Paramount Theatre, American Legion, College of St. Joseph, Elks Club and Holiday Inn, which is joining the GOLM effort for the first time. Double red cell donations may be made at the Elks Club, CSJ or Holiday Inn.
Appointments, which are recommended, may be made by calling 800-RED-CROSS or at www.redcrossblood.org. Donors must be at least 16, in good health, and show a photo ID or Red Cross donor card. Sixteen-year-olds may donate with parental consent, provided in person at the drive or by a consent form available on the Red Cross website. For more information, visit www.giftoflifemarathon.com.
The GOLM collected 368 pints in its first year, 2003. After setting state and northern New England records several times, the GOLM broke the New England record for a one-day community blood drive in 2008, 2009 and 2010, beating Boston each time. Manchester, N.H., broke the New England and national record in 2011. The GOLM collected 1,955 pints last year, 13 shy of tying the record and making the GOLM the second-largest one-day drive in the country, the largest per-capita.
The GOLM is sponsored by GMP, WJJR and Castleton College.
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THINKING AHEAD
MEMORY TREE LIGHTING & FESTIVITIES:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
MOONLIGHT MADNESS in BRANDON:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
and
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
BRANDON LIBRARY HOLIDAY AUCTION
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
FESTIVAL SINGERS CONCERT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
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BRANDON BIZ CARD CORNER
BIZ CARD LISTINGS - WE KEEP ADDING
The list is growing as is the number of cards in members' (including employees) hands. Here's the list to date.
It is super easy to add your offering to the list. Just give a call (802-247-6401) or send an email (info@brandon.org).
Not a Chamber member but want to get in on the Biz Card action? We have many Individual Members -- what a great way to support a local non-profit and get your Biz Card! Just click here for an application ($50 annual membership)
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Do you enjoy receiving the e-newsletters from the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce? Its easy to sign up your co-workers, friends, and family members who are not currently receiving it.
Just click here
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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:
______________________________________
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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. 29, 2013. Tree lighting with singing will take place on Sun., Dec. 1, 2013 at 3:30 pm in Central Park, downtown Brandon.
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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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