Update for June 7th

The schedule for the next two weeks work from 6/9 to 6/20 will go out in a separate newsletter.

  

       For the week of June 9-June 13, as we near completion.

   

  See what's happening at Miller Hill Farm

Drug addiction: A Brandon Community Discussion

"The Hungry Heart"- Movie and Forum

Free Viewing of the Documentary The Hungry Heart will be shown Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 7:00 - 9:00pm Brandon Town Hall

  

Brandon's "Downtown" group is once again placing flower pots in the downtown business district. This 'beautification' project was begun by the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce several years ago and was revived last year as a way to brighten our commercial areas with seasonal color. Last year the merchants watered and tended the old half barrels all through the season and we had well-maintained and lush flower displays that welcomed both residents and visitors to the downtown shops.

 

The old barrels were pressed into service last year, but they were at the end of their lifespan. We have purchased new large resin pots and will have over 30 pots in bloom on the sidewalks this year compared to just 15 last year. The new pots should serve us for at least 5 years.

 

Last year's effort was underwritten primarily by a few local residents and most businesses were asked only to keep the pots watered. This year we have asked for a financial commitment from each business, but need to go beyond that circle to pay for the new containers as well as the potting soil and flowers. We've received generous assistance from the Brandon Blue Seal store in helping us to save on our plant costs.

 

We are asking for help financially from the greater community and are looking for a sponsorship of $35/pot. With the new pots paid for, in the future we will only need to buy plants and potting soil. To donate, contact Judy Bunde at the Inn on Park Street - innkeeper@theinnonparkstreet.com or Mary Cliver at mary_cliver@yahoo.com.

 

This coordinated burst of color in the shopping area tells all who come to Brandon that our community appreciates their business as we work together to make Brandon a favorite destination!

We are very excited about our efforts this year. For the first time, we are holding a junior (6-12) & teen (13-17) summer camp simultaneously! Previous years, the focus has been on the juniors. This year we are expanding to include the teens in the fun summer activities.

Please contact me if you have any questions. 

Dennis McNichol- Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Brandon

Call 465- 4131          Click on the link for our summer camp schedule

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

 

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

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' café. 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.) .

 

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2014 Concert Dates

 

New Music On The Point Concerts:

Friday - June 13, 7:30pm Middlebury Town Hall Theater

Saturday - June 14, 2:30 pm Middlebury Town Hall Theater
Point CounterPoint Faculty Concerts:

Thursday - July 3, 7:30 pm Salisbury Congregational Church

Monday - July 28, 7:30 pm Middlebury Town Hall Theater

Friday - August 8, 7:30 pm Salisbury Congregational Church

Point CounterPoint Student Concerts, Saturdays 1pm:

July 12 - Salisbury Congregational Church

August 2 - Salisbury Congregational Church

August 16 - Salisbury Congregational Church

August 23 - Salisbury Congregational Church

 

 

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!!!

 

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

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)  

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

 

 

 Spring Cleaning ??

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you can help out for an hour or two, 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

 

2014

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

Please see the attached job posting available in the Town of Brandon.  Should you have any questions, please contact Anne Bransfield, Chair of the Planning Commission at anne.bransfield@gmail.com or by calling the Town Office at 802-247-3635   and leaving a message for Anne to contact you.

 

Job description for zoning administrator

 

The Northern Third Piano Quartetperforms a varied chamber music program at Brandon Music on June 21^st, including Brahms' Piano Quartet in C, Op. 60, a masterpiece of the chamber music repertoire, as well as the Mozart Duo in G for violin and viola, and the Piston Duo for viola and cello. Chopin's Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66 rounds out this exciting concert to celebrate the first day of summer.

 With members, violinist Sofia Hirsch, violist Elizabeth Reid, cellist John Dunlop, and pianist Alison Bruce Cerutti, the Northern Third Piano Quartethas performed together in various combinations all over Vermont, most notably as part of Norwich University and the Barre Opera House. Founded in 2013, the ensemble has been noted for its strength of ensemble playing and emotive musicality, offering audiences a showcase of Vermont's remarkable talent.

 Sofia Hirsch violinist, maintains a professional performance career as a guest with New York Chamber Soloists Orchestra and Handel Society of Hanover and Boston, as a member of Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Opera Company of Middlebury, a founding member of the Burlington Chamber Orchestra, and others. Most recently, Hirsch was Co-Artistic Director of the Vermont based professional chamber music group, Burlington Ensemble. Burlington Ensemble programs and concerts benefit over twenty non-profit organizations annually in addition to promoting student compositions and music education programs for underserved children.

 Elizabeth Reid is in high demand as a viola soloist, chamber and orchestral musician in

Vermont. Her playing has been described as having a "deep and expressive sound" and a "natural musicality." (Times Argus). She also performs with Arioso and the Cerutti-Reid Duo. Reid is principal violist of the Middlebury Opera Orchestra as well as regularly playing with Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Green Mountain Opera Orchestra, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Handel Society of Dartmouth, and Music-COMP. A native of Hamilton, Canada, Reid received bachelor and master's degrees in viola performance at Western University (Ontario), and an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School, Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

 John Dunlop has been performing in the Northeast for over twenty years as Principal cellist with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Opera North and the Green Mountain Opera Festival. He has performed as soloist with both the VSO and BCO, as well as many chamber music performances with notable area musicians. Dunlop began his cello studies with Norman Fischer and continued under Richard Kapuscinski at Oberlin Conservatory and Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory. He has composed and recorded several award-wining film soundtracks for short films, including a documentary on childhood hunger in Vermont and is the cello instructor and coaches chamber music at Dartmouth College.

 Alison Bruce Cerutti has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Vermont, and as a flute accompanist in the United States and France. She is an accomplished musician with numerous solo and collaborative credits to her name, from piano recitals to orchestral appearances to chamber music concerts. A Vermont native, she studied with Sylvia Parker and then earned her bachelor's degree from Oberlin Conservatory and master's from the Hartt School. From 2001-2007 she studied with Louis Moyse and accompanied his summer flute master classes in Vermont and France. Cerutti has performed chamber music with Arioso, the Cerutti-Reid Duo, Veritas, and the Bruce Klavier Duo; as well as numerous collaborations with Vermont musicians.

 

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

 

For seven weeks, teenagers will help give a face-lift to the grounds around the Compass Music and Arts Center, develop a children's room, and design and execute a mural. As part of a mission trip, these teenagers come from all over the country to the Rutland area where they serve community sites like Compass in various ways.

 

Each summer, YouthWorks provides life-changing Christ-centered mission trips for over 30,000 students and adult leaders in over 70 communities across North America. This is more than a simple service project to these students. It changes perspectives, shapes passions and alters pursuits. These experiences show students how to use their lives to love and value others better.

 

"I am so excited to work with all of the organization's young people and to have the chance to help community organizations like Compass", says Ohio based Michael Kieffer, one of the college-aged staff leaders coordinating with Compass.

 

From June 16^th through July 31^st, Compass will welcome twelve teenagers each week who will help to plant gardens, paint a mural, design a reading and playroom for children, and more. To make this happen, the students will need equipment and supplies to work with. YouthWorks and Compass are looking for anyone who can donate gardening and lawn tools, painting supplies, benches, plants, birdhouses, or anything else that may be useful. 

 

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Edna Sutton at 802-247-4295.

 

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.).

 

Learn the art of hand coloring photographs at this workshop led by Melanie Considine on June 29^th from 11-3pm. The class will give an overview of the process, including print preparation, basic coloring techniques using photo oils, and finishing.

 

Melanie's primary focus is to preserve the old photographic processes. In 1998 she left her career in the Financial Planning and Investment industry to pursue a profession in the field of Photography.  With a strong self taught knowledge base, she completed the rigorous program at the Hallmark Institute of Photography where she learned the art of hand colored photography. Melanie currently works part-time as a fine art photographer and full time as a web designer. 

 

Two to three photographs will be provided to work on, plus oils, and all of the necessary tools.  Participants may bring their own suitable photos for coloring if desired; ideally, photos should be printed on fiber-based papers in the traditional black and white darkroom.

 

Participants should plan to either bring a light lunch or purchase lunch at the Compass Café.

 

The class fee is $65. The class size is limited and the deadline to register is June 27^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.).

 

100 plus year tradition

"150 years ago this month my town of Brandon, like the rest of the state, was in mourning. A town of 3,000 in the 1860 census, it lost six men in the Wilderness; over the course of the spring others would die at Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. By the time the war ended 54 men from the town had died. That was typical for Vermont."

  

Click on the link below to read Professor Thornton's moving account of our Memorial Day tradition honoring our fallen heroes.

  

VPR Kevin Thornton story