May 26th Newsletter

SUMMER EVENTS NEEDED

Chamber members and area non-profits

Last call for Chamber members and Area Non-Profits -- we would like to publish your summer events in our Summer Events Flier which will be mailed later in June to all mailboxes in the 05733 and 05778 zip codes. This is a great opportunity to get the word out at no cost to you! We have many events already, so please send details as soon as possible to the Chamber at: info@brandon.org

Last date for addition to the flier is Wednesday, June 4th.

The Waterline Project is proceeding nicely!!

Update for May 26th

The waterline construction, replacing the damaged line from Irene, is proceeding nicely. The Chamber wants to help make this as painless as possible and use it as a model for dealing with issues during the larger Segment 6 construction approaching in the next few years. We've had good communication so far and with all our help and participation we can continue to make this go as smoothly as possible.

The project manager from JA McDonald has been meeting with us every Friday during construction and continues to update us on the past week's progress and provide a schedule of the upcoming week's work. If you have any questions and concerns contact me at info@brandon.org or call 247-6401 and I'll be sure to get your issue to the right folks.

The schedule is attached for work from 5/27 to 5/30. There will continue to be flaggers at the base of Seminary Hill, and some one lane traffic. Through all this turmoil, Heritage Family Credit Union has been open for business as usual. If you can't drive up to them, park on Center Street and walk up or come from above via Prospect St. and park in front of the old School. If you want to talk with Wendy and the gang, their number is 776-2159.

Thanks for your continued patience and caution throughout the downtown.

Click on the link below to view the schedule.

Also notes from the March 19th meeting.

Weekly schedule for 5-27 to 5-30

WATERLINE MEETING Notes-March 19th

We want to gather as much contact information as possible from all of you who will be affected by the possible water shut offs and construction issues. We are therefore collecting email addresses and cell phone numbers to facilitate the quick dispersal of notices and emergency issues arising during the project. We'll send text blasts, emails and newsletters to keep everyone as up to the minute as possible. Thanks for your cooperation.

Please email the following information to: info@brandon.org

--Business name

--Business landline phone number

--Contact name

--Cell phone number(s)

--email address

Hiroya Tsukamoto & Satoshi Takeishi at Brandon Music

A unique duo playing the acoustic guitar and percussion, Hiroya Tsukamoto and Satoshi Takeishi, create original music which is sometimes described as "Cinematic acoustic music" incorporating folk, jazz and world influences. Hear them perform at Brandon Music on May 31^st at 7:30.

Tsukamoto and Takeishi present original, innovative, acoustic music. JazzReview.com "zealously" recommends the duo, saying they have "chops, passion and warmth." They have performed internationally at the Rochester International Jazz Festival and on Japanese National Television.

Hiroya Tsukamoto is a guitarist and composer originally from Kyoto, Japan. The Boston Herald says, "A Japanese guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto takes us to an impressionistic journey."

In 2000, he received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Since then, he has been performing internationally including several appearances with his group at Blue Note in New York and released five albums.

Satoshi Takeishi, drummer, percussionist, and arranger is a native of Mito, Japan. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he spent four years in Colombia, performing with the Bogota Symphony Orchestra. In 1986 he returned to the U.S., settling in Miami where he began work as an arranger. Takeishi has appeared on over 75 recordings including those by Latin giants Nestor Torres, Ray Barretto, Hector Martignon and Eliane Elias (in the film, "Calle 54"). He can also be found working with Marc Johnson, Eddie Gomez, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Mark Murphy, Herbie Mann, and the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band.

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Concert tickets are $15.00. A pre-concert dinner is available for an additional $20.00. Reservations are required for dinner. 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 |http://www.hiroyatsukamoto.com/

June Performances at the Brandon Town Hall

Lots of fun in the coming months

June 7th

VERMONT COMEDY CREW CABARET...8:00 pm...Tickets, $12, for adults 18 & up. Adult humor and situations. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 345-3033. Cash bar provided by Cafe' Provence, Snapple and water will also be available for purchase. Snacks will be provided at each table. This is a benefit performance by the Vermont Comedy Crew for the Brandon Town Hall. This stand up comedy troupe is geared toward 18+ patrons with some mature themes. Local comic Tony Bates will emcee the show which will feature 5 of Vermont's Hottest Standup Comedians from Burlington and around the State. Performers include: Pierre Cachon, Carmen Lagala, Phil Davidson along with some surprise guests. Doors will open at 7:30. Sponsored by: Gayle Pilat & Laura Abel, Shapiro's, Jean & Gene Childers, Bob & Kathy Clark, Marc & Arlyn Brierre, Celebration Rentals, Inc.

Click on the link below for the Town Hall's whole summer of fun!!
PERFORMANCES AT THE BRANDON TOWN HALL�

Cellist Jari Piper performs at

Brandon Music on Saturday, June 7th at 7:30pm

Faithful to his classical training, cellist, Jari Piper has eclectic musical taste that has brought him a wide variety of genres and styles. Jari is part of the new wave of young musicians who are showing the world that art music belongs both in and outside the concert hall, performing New Music that will bend your ears in ways that you did not think possible (and you'll like it).

His music takes inspiration from a global range of genres and influences: Classical, Jazz, Minimalism, and folk music from the Balkans and the Americas all feature within his programs. A firm believer in the importance of New Music, Jari has premiered numerous compositions, and strives to make modern music more universally accessible to the public through performance. His program will consist of 20th and 21st century music, as well as Baroque and Renaissance pieces.

Alaskan-born, and now based in Montr�al, Jari is as comfortable performing in the concert hall as he is in bars, caf�s, or the metro. Named 2013 Young Alaskan Artist of the Year, Jari recently completed an exciting tour across America, playing solo works for cello in a wide variety of venues and collaborating with different artists along the way.

Jari has performed across the United States, Alaska, Canada, and Greece. He made his solo debut in 2011, performing Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 with the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra. His current professional associations include the ME|2 String Orchestra in Vermont, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, and as a regular performer in Canada and America. He has broadened his education through a number of master classes with noted pedagogues and performers such as Colin Carr, Hans Jensen, Matt Haimovitz, and David Harrington. He holds a Masters in Music Performance from McGill University and a Bachelors in Music from the University of Manitoba.

Concert tickets are $15.00. A pre-concert dinner is available for an additional $20.00. Reservations are required for dinner. 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 | http://www.jaripiper.com/

Sheldon Museum- Middlebury

Middlebury Garden Tour

The Sheldon Museum offers the Middlebury Garden Tour on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 12-5pm Nine gardens will be on the tour, all within easy walking distance. Tickets are 25.00 and a garden reception follows the tour at the Sheldon Museum. Tickets available at the Sheldon Museum or on line at HenrySheldonMuseum.org.

BRANDON ROCKS ON!

Rockin' through the summer

From beautifully decorated rocking chairs, horses and cradles to concerts, from live theater to town-wide yard sales ... and more, Brandon is the place to be for a summer of rocking good times.

The "rocking objects" are courtesy of the Brandon Artists' Guild, and part of the "Art Rocks Brandon" celebration. Be sure to look for them to be showing up around town in the coming weeks. And, be sure to look here for all the upcoming event listings and information throughout the summer as "Brandon Rocks On".

ART ROCKS BRANDON

Once again the town of Brandon, Vermont will become a colorful art destination. Head turning objects of beauty and creativity will be in the form of rocking chairs visible on the streets and in store windows. The members of the Brandon Artists Guild, under the leadership of Warren Kimble and Stacey Stanhope, have artfully hand painted vintage rockers of all shapes, sizes, styles and ages. This is the Brandon Artists Guild's 11^thCommunity Arts project starting with the Really Big Pig Show in 2003. Work has been ongoing on the Art Rocks project since January.

The collection will include classic, Victorian, mission, and contemporary styles. Sizes and shapes will include cradles, children's rockers, and assorted larger rockers. Rocker art will include florals, landscapes, nature, whimsy, humor and eclectic themes..

Look for other Rocker events such as the outdoor painting of a giant rocker, and a showy float in the July 4^th parade, Sat. July 5^th.

The gallery will also be featuring some delightful painted rocks done by the Brandon Artists Guild members that will be available for immediate sale at the gallery.

At summer's end, the rockers will be auctioned. The "Art Rocks Brandon Auction" will take place at the Brandon Town Hall on Aug. 23rd.

Rockers, first enjoyed in the 18^th century and made popular by both Benjamin Franklin and John F. Kennedy, have an association with relaxation and pleasant moments. This is a special opportunity to own a unique piece of functional original art painted by a local professional artist. The proceeds will go towards support of the art programs in 8 local schools.

The Brandon Artists Guild is located at 7 Center St. Brandon, VT, and is open every day from 10am to 5pm, 802-247-4956.

More information can be found at www.brandonartistsguild.org.

Check out the Chamber Events page for listings of happenings throughout the summer.
Events Calendar

Office Space for Rent

Union Street Co-Offices

Affordable, Professional and Private!
New! Co-office space in Brandon with three individual offices.

Located on 25 Union Street at corner of Union St. and Railroad Ave. Walking distance to the center of town and all village amenities.

Includes:
Furnished Offices
Free WiFi/Internet until 2015
Security System
Conference Room - shared
Comfortable Waiting Area
Kitchen with Refrigerator, Stove and Dishwasher
Bathroom with Shower
Handicapped Entrance
Off-street Parking
Rent: $350 - 375/month includes all utilities

"This is the first phase in our co-office plan - three private offices with a shared conference room, waiting area and kitchen. Phase two is an open floor plan with 6 - 8 desks, and shared amenities. We are really excited about this new plan and it is a great opportunity for small businesses and start-ups. This is the new trend in office space in urban areas all over the country and it also makes lots of sense for Brandon.
I am happy to talk to anyone about the spaces that are available."

Contact-
Stephanie Zak Jerome
247-3214 (office)
sjerome@visuallearningsys.com

Neshobe Golf Course

A Vermont treasure!

Summer is here and our local treasure, Neshobe Golf Club, is up and running for another great season! Pro Rodney Bicknell is eager to have all the local folks come up and play a round of golf, enjoy a Thursday Men's Night or a Wednesday Ladies Night and see why Neshobe is one of Vermont's most beloved courses. Rodney is also excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Long Iron Restaurant & Pub.

Chef Jim Doria always pleases with a delicious offering every week. Call the club for times and to see what's on the menu this week 247-3611 or email Rodney to add you to his newsletter- info@neshobe.com

Ask him about the special golf offer for Brandon Chamber Members!!!

Welcome

2014 New Members- go to Brandon.org for more info on our newest members

INDIVIDUAL
Sue Gage & Bob Induni
Rod & Judi Pulsifer

BUSINESSES
Just opened May 21st- Stop in and say Hi !

Book & Leaf- Joanne & Steve Errick

10 Park St. Brandon

Miller Hill Farm- Carl Phelps & Nan Jenks-Jay

1201 Magazine Street- Kate Briggs

Own a business?? Join us and connect with other dynamic businesses in the Brandon area.
We also have many Individual Members -- what a great way to support a local non-profit and all the great things we do in our town.

Just click here for an application ($50 annual individual membership)

The Great Brandon Auction

Tuesday, July 22

Please think of us as you clean out, perk up and sort out. We'll pick up good quality items and store them till the BIG day- July 22nd!! You'll feel great and we'll continue to promote our great little village and help all our friends and neighbors!!

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Spring Cleaning ??

The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is thinking FALL!

While you're sorting through your clothes this spring, we have

some needs for next October's Harvest Days- Leaf People.

We need-

Hats- ladies fancy ones and childrens.

Shoes- all types- ladies fancy & childrens

Gloves and Mittens

Socks, tights and knee socks

Youth clothing- no babies or toddlers

Skirts and long sleeve dresses

Scarves, handbags and jewelry

You can drop them off at Carr's Florist & Gifts.

Thanks for your support!!

Volunteers needed

The Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace and Community Center is looking for volunteers to work at the Brandon Museum this summer.

Shifts we need help with are:

Sunday-10am-4pm (multiple shifts)

Monday afternoons

Tuesday afternoons

Wednesday afternoons

Friday afternoons

If you can help out for an hour or two any of these days, please join us and have some fun and meet lots of nice people traveling through our area.

Contact Dan Celik, museum Steward at dan@brandon.org or call the Chamber phone at 247-6401

BIZ Cards

2014

CHAMBER MEMBERS: ARE YOU USING YOUR BIZ CARD YET? THERE ARE GREAT DISCOUNTS OUT THERE!

Click here to see the great BIZ card offers

NEW OPPORTUNITIES BEING ADDED ALL THE TIME

NEED A BIZ CARD? FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES.
STOP IN THE FLOWER SHOP AND PICK SOME UP OR
CONTACT THE CHAMBER AND TELL US HOW MANY YOU NEED!

Next Chamber Meeting

Monday, June16th 6:30pm

The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will meet in the Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. Chamber membership and the general public are invited to attend.

Brandon Music presents the David Vandervort Quartet

June 14th, 7:30pm

A dynamic quartet that highlights the multitude of sonic possibilities available within small jazz combos, the David Vandervort Quartet grew out of impromptu jam sessions, gigs and events in the jazz community around upstate New York. Improvisation plays a strong part in their shows, drawing on an extremely diverse array of influences which creates a unique experience for each song. The quartet performs June 14^th at Brandon Music.

David Vandervort (piano) and Mike Roninson (bass) met while playing in the Empire State Youth Jazz Band and have since played side by side in big bands. Their collective experience performing together allows for complex improvised sessions full of rich counterpoint and impressionist harmonies.

Steve Kirsty (saxophone) developed his musical skills playing jazz and blues. He still continues to perform with blues singer Tas Cru and recently returned from a tour across the country with the Ori Naftaly band. Whether the music is full of energy or in the midst of a quieter rubato section, Kirsty's incredible range and rich tenor saxophone are capable of following the music anywhere.

Frantz Celestin (percussion) is the driving force of the band. He has been performing live his entire life, whether on horn, hand percussion or behind a drum set. Frantz directs the band through a number of different feels and time changes while maintaining a steady groove and unique heavy pocket.

The performance begins at 7:30pm. Concert tickets are $15.00. A pre-concert dinner is available for an additional $20.00. Reservations are recommended for the show and required for dinner. 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

Little Pressroom

Middlebury

Have a graduate who forgot to get their announcement order in? Decided on a last minute celebration party for your grad? Or maybe you just want to produce your own specialized cards, invitations, etc.?

No worries, the Little Pressroom is here to help. Each year we produce dozens of personalized graduation announcements, party invitations, thank you cards and photo prints. We can help take the worry out of last minute graduation needs.

Just call 388-2337, email ted@littlepressroom.com or visit our website at littlepressroom.com and we'll quickly help you to make some great graduation memories.

Thanks very much for choosing to do business locally!

The LPR Team

Express Yourself with Watercolors

Maurie Harrington at the Compass Music and Arts Center on Sunday, June 15^th

Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate artist who wishes to expand your creativity, come explore the technical and expressive qualities of watercolor. Learn the basics of wash application and the use of color and composition. Work from a still life, florals, or photographs.

This informative and fun class will be taught by Maurie Harrington at the Compass Music and Arts Center on Sunday, June 15^th from 9am-3pm. The day will consist of demonstrations, discussions of techniques, painting with one on one time with the instructor, and critiques. Participants may bring their own lunch or eat in Compass' caf�. Come join us for a day of creative inspiration!

Harrington is the Art Director at the Fisk Farm in Isle LaMotte. She has a Masters Degree from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Hartford. She has illustrated many books and is a member of the Vermont Watercolor Society, League of Vermont Writers, the National League of American Pen Women, and is a founding member of the Killington Arts Guild.

The class fee is $90. Participants are encouraged to bring photographs of choice to work from. A still life with flowers will be available. Materials to be brought by each participant will include basic supplies such as a variety of brushes, paints, and some watercolor paper. A detailed list will be provided at the time of registration. The class size is limited and the deadline to sign up is June 11^th. Register now by calling 802-247-4295 or email info@cmacvt.org

The Compass Music and Arts Center is open seven days a week from 10-5pm and is located at Park Village, 333 Jones Dr. Brandon VT, 05733 (Park Village used to be the Brandon Training School, located 1.5 miles north of downtown Brandon off of Arnold District Rd.) .

Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 267, Brandon, VT 05733
802-247-6401 ~ info@brandon.org www.brandon.org

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