|
|
|
Late December 2014
Chamber Newsletter
|
|
|
HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! NIGHT 2 !!
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT !! 4-9pm
Brandon's Second Moonlight Madness Thursday Dec. 18
Exceptional Deals, Warm Drinks, Sweet Treats, Feel Good
Bring your wish list or start one in Brandon! Shop local! Brandon's Moonlight Madness event is for shoppers looking for unique gifts, one-of-a-kind items, and exceptional customer service. The event brings friends and neighbors together as people pour into town bringing holiday cheer and spirits. Moonlight Madness specials and discounts begin at 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 18. Shops will stay open until 9:00 pm. Downtown Brandon has new shops, so come for a shopping and dining experience which can't be found at the mall or over the Internet! All throughout town, there will be bargains, sales, specials, drawings, exceptional refreshments and a terrific shopping experience. Many shops offering 20% off storewide and a chance to win $100 in Brandon Bucks! See the deals from many of our business here Moonlight Madness offerings For more information, contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce at 247-6401. MOONLIGHT MADNESS !!!!!
|
2014 Chamber Holiday Decorating Winners Thanks to everyone who called in nominations for the Christmas Decorating Contest. We only had a few folks call in their own places, but the judges are also at liberty to select any display that catches their eye! Next year be sure to let us know if you want to be included. There are lots of other pretty lights around town, so take a moment during this busy time and take a moonlit drive and enjoy the beauty, time and effort that all our neighbors have put into their displays. Happy Holidays from your Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. Our 2014 winners are: Traditional: Dick White Whimsical: Chris and John Herriman Civic: Brandon Town Hall Business: Brandon Lumber A special thanks to Ellen Walters of Blue Moon Clothing, who took it upon herself to decorate the Kennedy Park and the Brandon Green park on the other side of the road. Thanks Ellen and any other Elves that gave you a hand! This is what makes Brandon such an inspiring place to live and work. |
VSO Brass Quintet with Counterpoint Chorus December 22 at 7:00 p.m.
The Counterpoint Chorus joins the VSO Brass Quintet for another heart-warming celebration of the holiday season. Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for seniors/students Under 18 free but ticket needed and are available at Lake Sunapee Bank and the Boys and Girls Club. |
The Spirit of the Season: Winter in Vermont
Brandon Artists Guild Member Show
As the season changes and the mountains are revealed in all their glory, the members of the Brandon Artists Guild are creating exciting new work . Vermont is a place of beauty and wonder in every season. The cycle of life continues with secrets hidden under blankets of snow, and trees revealed as sculptural form. Artistic inspiration is
everywhere! This new collection of winter themed work will feature a variety of styles and media including framed original art, prints, jewelry, wood, clay and glass with prices no more than $200. A collection of handmade ornaments will be featured as well. The show will continue through the end of January 2015. The Brandon Artists Guild is located at 7 Center St. Brandon, VT, 05733. Open daily, 10am to 5pm. 802-247-4956. www.brandonartistsguild.org.
|
|
The Art of Giving - : - The Giving of Art
Holiday show, to be held from November 7, 2014 through January 11, 2015
Enter into the spirit of the holiday season! Support your local creative community by shopping for the perfect gift at the Art of Giving - : - The Giving of Art holiday show at the Compass Music and Arts Center. Featuring the works of local artists, you will find an array of one-of-a-kind gifts, which you can't wait to give. Select from fine art, distinctive paper creations, beautiful jewelry, photography, textiles, home goods, holiday ornaments and decorations and classical CDs for the discerning music enthusiast, all at affordable prices.
The Art of Giving - : - The Giving of Art opens November 7 and runs through January 11, 2015. Featured artists include Mary Cliver, Barb DeHart, Barbara Gutheil, Sarah Hewitt, Jill Kleinman, Sara Longworth, Cristina Pellechio, Kristen Varian, Andrea Varney, and recorded music from the Divine Art Recordings Group.
The Compass Music and Arts Center is open seven days a week from 10-5pm and is located in Park Village at 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.) . www.cmacvt.org
|
 Christmas concert at Brandon Music featuring Dickerson and Nop December 20th at 7:30pm Matthew Dickerson and Susan Nop join us here at Brandon Music on Saturday, December 20th at 7:30pm to present a concert celebrating their Christmas CD "The Brilliant Whiteness of Snow". This harmony-rich lyric-oriented Americana music duo brings together influences of folk, bluegrass, blues, gospel, country and the singer-songwriter tradition with a unique mix of their originals. They will perform a variety of other songs and covers of their favorite artists such as Over the Rhine, Pierce Pettis, Buddy and Julie Miller. Nop (piano, accordion, vocals) and Dickerson (guitar, bass, harmonica, vocals) will be joined by Dutton Smith (bass, violin, percussion, vocals). Dickerson, prior to his collaborative efforts with Nop, received national radio airplay as a songwriter, bassist, and one of the original members of the blues band Deep Freyed. Dickerson appeared solo with Deep Freyed and more recently with the band Zephyr. He has performed music at clubs, colleges, and festivals around New England as well as in venues in Texas, British Columbia and New Jersey. Dickerson is also the author of numerous books. Susan Nop is a musician and teacher in Middlebury, Vermont. She is lead vocalist, pianist and songwriter behind the Americana musical quartet Zephyr. Tapping into her southern roots, she brings both passion and authenticity to her work. Jeff Rehbach, conductor of the Middlebury Community Chorus, notes that "Susan weaves a wonderful tapestry of melody and harmony as a pianist. Her singing brings lyrics to life with sincerity and spirit". Nop currently enjoys solo performance and collaborations with other musicians, both in the classical and Americana traditions. Susan notes that, "playing music has always been a delight for me. Whether it is the simple beauty of an Appalachian tune or the fire and fury of Beethoven, performing evokes the sense that I'm a small part of a long tradition. I hope to communicate that sense of belonging to others when I play." Tickets are $15. A pre-concert dinner is available for $20. Venue is BYOB. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. For reservations or information call (802)247-4295 or e-mail info@brandon-music.net Brandon music is located at 62 Country Club Rd., Brandon, VT 05733. www.brandon-music.net
|
|
The McKernon Group Receives 2 HBRA Awards
The annual Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont Excellence
in Housing Awards banquet was held on Wednesday, December 10 at The Wallingford Inn.
The McKernon Group of Brandon Vermont was named First Place in the categories of Residential Renovation and Best Bath.
Congratulations to all the McKernon Gang !!
|
Otter Valley Theatre Honor Trip to Scotland Arts Festival Otter Valley's Walking Stick Theatre Group has been invited to attend the world renowned Fringe Arts Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in August of 2015. They are one of 40 schools nationally to be selected to perform there. This selection is a tremendous honor for our school and the theatre department, however now they have to get there. Donations to support this wonderful educational opportunity can be made online at http://www.gofundme.com/OtterValleytoFringeFest. Any contribution will be appreciated. The total cost of the trip is over $60,000. Multiple fundraisers will also be taking place throughout the school year. Thank you in advance for your consideration. |
|
Office Space for Rent
Union Street Co-Offices
Affordable, Professional and Private!
New! Co-office space in Brandon with three- four 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
Internet Service
Security System
Conference Room
Comfortable Waiting Area
Kitchen with Refrigerator, Stove and Dishwasher
Bathroom with Shower
Handicapped Entrance
Off-street Parking
Rent: $350 - 375/month includes utilities
|
|
Village spa news
We have moved!!!
You will find us at 32 Marble St (rte 73 East) just 3/10 of a mile from our previous location. With this move, we are excited to announce an expansion in our offerings. Jenn Zeno- Ethridge (my partner in crime in all this) and I have teamed up to offer a hair salon within the Spa. She has been licensed in Vermont for 22 years and will be providing services in all aspects of hair, skin, nails & massage. I will continue to offer massage, facials and waxing while I work toward taking my state boards to become a licensed Nail Technician. I also welcome Robyn Bierwirth to the team 3 days a week providing skin and nail services and Trisha Young, one day a week providing services in hair, skin & nails.
The spa has a wonderful seating area with wood burning fireplace, a complimentary tea/coffee bar for relaxing, 2 treatment rooms (1 for couples), a private mani/pedi area and a separate salon with capacity for 3 stylists.
We have a couple office parties coming up after the holidays and look forward to hosting more in the future. We'll be attending the Rutland Bridal Show in January and Jenn and I can't wait to let them know what we have to offer, including a deck outback and a gazebo for getting together with their ladies ahead of time. We have regular hours and will take walk-ins and service Men, Women & Children. We welcome you to stop by for a peek at our new space and for a complimentary cup of tea as you relax by the fire. OUR HOURS- Mon. 9-7, Tue. 9-2 spa only, Wed. 6:30-2, Thur.9-7, Fri.9-5, Sat. 9-5 Other times by request |
|
"Brandon's Homespun"
Fiber, Fabrics & Fashion
"Vermont Celebrates American Craft Week" wins National recognition!!
The National Committee of American Craft Week is pleased to announce that "Vermont Celebrates American Craft Week" has won a coveted Star Award for the Top Event Award of 2014 during the American Craft Week.
American Craft Week is a ten-day celebration of handmade craft that encompasses more than 1,000 events in all fifty states. This is a group to the State of Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, Vermont Crafts Council, Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Chaffee Art Center.
Watch WCAX two part story on Swan & Stone in New York's Grand Central Station!!
|
Calling all Crafters, Artists, & Music Enthusiasts:
The Compass Winter Sales Return
Last year the Compass Music and Arts Center held three sale events where crafters, artists, and music enthusiasts sold their goods with great success. These sale events return this year. See the event information below and contact 802-247-4295 or info@cmacvt.org to reserve a space or with questions.
Crafters Sale - January 31, 10-4pm
Calling all Crafters: Do you have unwanted crafting supplies, materials, or completed crafted items you'd like to sell? Sell them at our Crafters Sale on Saturday, January 31st from 10-4pm, make some extra cash, free up some storage space and give someone else the chance to utilize and enjoy your items. This is not a sale in which to offer your full-priced, gallery-ready pieces, but a chance to offer items such as older, unsold work or reject crafts or "seconds". Supplies and materials like used equipment, unopened kits, leftover/surplus yarns or fabrics can also be sold.
$25 per space ($30 if renting a table) for each 6'x6' selling space with a maximum of 3 spaces per seller. Spaces are limited. No commission is taken so price your items to sell. Send completed registration form and payment by check by Thursday, January 29th. Registration form is available online at www.cmacvt.org or by contacting 802-247-4295 or info@cmacvt.org.
Artist Sale- March 7, 10-4pm
Calling all Artists: Do you have unwanted art supplies, materials, or artwork that you would like to sell? Sell them at our Artist Sale on Saturday, March 7th from 10-4pm and give someone else the chance to utilize the materials or enjoy your works of art. This is not a sale in which to offer your full-priced, gallery-ready pieces, however, in addition to offering unused art supplies, consider selling items such as older, unsold work and reject art or "seconds".
$25 per space ($30 if renting a table) for each 6'x6' selling space with a maximum of 3 spaces per seller. Spaces are limited. No commission is taken so price your items to sell. Send completed registration form and payment by check by Thursday, March 5th. Registration form is available online at www.cmacvt.org or by contacting 802-247-4295 or info@cmacvt.org.
Music Swap Meet-April 4, 10-4pm
Calling all Music Enthusiasts: The Music Swap Meet on Saturday, April 4th from 10-4pm is a great opportunity for record collectors and enthusiasts, audio fanatics and musicians of all types to sell, swap and barter vinyl records, CDs, 78s, tapes, audio equipment, phonographs, radios, musical instruments, ephemera and more.
$25 per space ($30 if renting a table) for each 6'x6' selling space with a maximum of 3 spaces per seller. Spaces are limited. No commission is taken so price your items to sell. Send completed registration form and payment by check by Thursday, April 2nd. Registration form is available online at www.cmacvt.org or by contacting 802-247-4295 or info@cmacvt.org.
Compass Music and Arts Center 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.). www.cmacvt.org
|
 Russian Duo to perform at Brandon Music Saturday, January 17 at 7:30pm Russian Duo will perform at Brandon Music. Russian Duo is an international project, born out of a love of traditional music and classical elegance. Oleg Kruglyakov, a balalaika virtuoso, and Terry Boyarsky, a masterful pianist, have teamed up for exuberant performances of soulful, passionate music. The Hartford Advocate newspaper writes, "explosive talent... see these dazzling musicians in action." The Duo's extensive repertoire draws from Russian folk music, romances, dances, classical music, gypsy melodies, ragtime, bluegrass, film scores, and Russian songs. The collaboration between Oleg and Terry highlights the mysterious sounds of the balalaika underscored by the vast expressive range of the piano. Robert Spano, Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra states, "for a folk musician to be able to achieve the precision of a classically trained musician is rare, as rare as it is for a classically trained musician to deliver the freedom and spontaneity of a folk musician". Russian Duo was selected to showcase at the Chamber Music America National conference in New York City in January, 2011. Since the inception of Russian Duo in 2007, Oleg and Terry have performed from Canada to Florida and from Massachusetts to Oregon. Russian Duo is on the rosters of the Ohio Arts Council "Ohio Artists on Tour". Treat yourself to a great musical experience as you will be mesmerized by the Russian Duo. Concert tickets are $15. A pre-concert dinner is available for an additional $20. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. Venue is BYOB. For information please call (802) 247-4295 or info@brandon-music.net Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Rd. Brandon, VT 05733. www.brandon-music.net | http://www.russianduo.com
|
Jazz fusion band Eight 02 returns to Brandon Music
Saturday, January 10 at 7:30pm Brandon Music welcomes back the popular jazz fusion band, Eight 02 on Saturday, January 10 at 7:30pm. Eight 02 describes themselves as a "post-Bop contemporary jazz fusion group with a particular knack for improvisational risk-taking". This band is a combination between founding members of Picture This and current members of the critically acclaimed Kilimanjaro. Their sound has been described as a mix of contemporary jazz with a decidedly fresh fusion flavor. With an emphasis on melodic architecture that is balanced by raw-spirited improvisation, Lou D'Antonio (Jazz Spectrum 104.7, WCNS The Point) said it best: "beyond category, beautiful; tremendously accessible and exciting". In February, 2014 the band was invited to California to record with jazz greats Jeff Lorber and Jimmy Haslit. Within three years of forming, Eight 02 charted #5 on Smoothjazz.com Top 50 Album Charts in 2013 with "Drive". This was achieved by Eight 02's unique sound, a blend of both smooth and fusion jazz. "Drive", the title song of their CD "dishes-up some of the freshest contemporary jazz you'll hear this year. New listeners will discover why Eight 02 "is destined to become the next big thing in fusion", according to Brian Soergel at Smoothjazz.com. Band members include guitarist Jerome Monachino whose style has been heavily influenced by the melodic nuances of Pat Metheny to the edginess of Al Dimeola. Monachino's music has been refined through his work with guitar greats John Stowell and Bucky Pizzarrelli. In addition to the guitar, Monachino plays guitar synth, bass and does vocals. Keyboardist, Peter Engisch, believes that Eight 02 combines the crafts of melody and groove while building a musical story start to finish. "We are what we grew up on". For Engisch that includes Bill Evans, Steely Dan, Pat Metheny and Joe Sample, to name a few. Luke Adler, drummer for the Vermont-based jazz band, Kilimanjaro, joined Eight 02 in the summer of 2011 for Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival. That gig signaled the beginning of Eight 02 and its rapid rise to prominence in the "accessible fusion'' arena. Adler has played and recorded with some of the industry's finest musicians including percussionist Lenny Castro, Hammond B3 organist Joey DeFrancesco and bassist Scott Ambush. Christopher Peterman, a truly gifted musician and Connecticut native, plays tenor and soprano saxophones as well as the EWI wind synthesizer. Peterman graduated from the Berklee College of Music and is a fellow band-mate of Luke Adler in Kilimanjaro. On the national scene he has shared the stage with artists such as The Neville Brothers, Phish, Joe Henderson, John Scofield and Dave Brubeck. Eight 02 bills Peterman as "the finest sax player in Vermont". Dan Bolles, Music Critic for Seven Days says Eight 02 is, "an immensely talented group with enough improvisational fortitude to justify their post-Bop leanings... jaw dropping!" We're sure you will say the same. Tickets for the concert are $15. A pre-concert dinner is available for an additional $20. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. For reservations or more information, call 802-247-4295 or e-mail info@brandon-music.net. Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Rd. Brandon, VT 05733.
|
 Inside Scoop/ Antiques By the Falls The Timeline NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31 - ANTIQUES BY THE FALLS - Closing timetable: Open every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas from 10 am - 6 pm. No ice cream. All non-edible items will be sold at discounted prices. As the weeks progress, the discounts increase. The longer you wait, chances are that "special something" might be scooped up by someone else! Starting at 25% storewide from Nov. 15 - 23 and building up to 50% off storewide from Dec. 26 - 31. Sundays, Dec. 7 & 14: Gingerbread Decorating Events.
Pre-registration required. The Inside Scoop & Antiques By The Falls Hours: 10 am - 6 pm. Questions? 802-247-6600  For Sale: The Inside Scoop is selling its copy / fax / email machine; a Kyocera Taskalfa 300ci. This machine would be perfect for a business in town that would like to offer copy / fax service to the public, or for a business that does high volume. It has lots of miles left on it. We are in a month-to-month contract with a firm that provides all supplies and service at no cost -- we pay per click per copy made. Lots of value. Some of the features of the machine include: * Black & white copying * Color copying * Copying of all sizes up to 11 x 17 * All thicknesses of paper * Fax in or out * Scan documents and email them out * Reads JPG and PDF documents off a flash drive * You can download the printer driver to one or more computers. Give us a call if you are interested and we can talk numbers. This is a great opportunity to purchase a fine machine. Janet and Joel 802-247-6600
|
|
Welcome
2014 New Members- go to Brandon.org for more info on our newest members
LifeBridge Christian Church- Pastor Roger Foster- Located at 97 Frog Hollow Lane (the old Sportsman Club) 802-247-5433 find out more at www.lbccvt.com
NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS 2014
-Daniel Murphy Auctions
-Sharon Stearns CPA,PLLC
-Book & Leaf- Joanne & Steve Errick
-Miller Hill Farm- Carl Phelps & Nan Jenks-Jay
-1201 Magazine Street- Kate Briggs
-Banker Life- Dan Boyce Agent
-Suncommon residential solar power- Els Van Woert
-HIBU- Jillian Vitagliano
-Wintergreen Residential Care Home- Mary & Mike Jensen
Own a business?? Join us and connect with other dynamic businesses in the Brandon area. Just click here for an application and rates.
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. (Individual membership is only $50/year)
NEW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS 2014
Sue Gage & Bob Induni Rod & Judi Pulsifer |
Paying the bills.
2015 Chamber dues
Chamber members will be receiving their 2015 dues invoices. Dues are being emailed directly from our billing software.
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"
For the fourth 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.
Please pay promptly so we can spend more time on programs, events and activities, rather than bookkeeping!
For more info, contact the Chamber at 802-247-6401 or info@brandon.org
|
Please Practice Polite Parking :)
Be aware of your fellow businesses and their needs.
We all have to be aware of parking by our employees in the downtown. Try to park off the main streets when possible, and if you park out front before other businesses open, try to move your vehicle after regular hours kick in. There's lots of off-street parking so take advantage of it when you can.
Remember we're here for hours working, but our customers are only popping in for a short time, so let's make it easy and convenient for them to shop and support all of our businesses.
Thanks for making it easier for all of our customers. |
|
BIZ Cards
2014
CHAMBER MEMBERS: ARE YOU USING YOUR BIZ CARD YET? THERE ARE GREAT DISCOUNTS OUT THERE!
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!
|
"Brandon Means Business" campaign
We want YOUR Success Story!
Has being in Brandon made a positive impact on your business? Has the great water, the revolving loan fund, supportive community, reliable employees or (fill in the blank) been a key in helping you grow and succeed in your business dreams?
The Reporter, the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brandon Area Economic Development Committee want to promote Brandon's business appeal while also promoting your business. The Reporter will create testimonial ads featuring key individuals from local businesses and their quotes on why Brandon is good for Business.
We'll run those ads on the Chamber and Town websites, The Reporter and other area newspapers. Don't be shy. It's at no cost to you and as they say, it's a win - win!
Contact Alyssa Zollman at ads@brandonreporter.com or Bernie Carr at info@brandon.org or 247-6401 for more details.
|
Vermont Association of Chamber Executives Insurance program offerings for Chamber members. Although the VACE health insurance program, that many of took advantage of for years, is no longer available, other products still offered through VACE include, Dental, Vision & Life/Accident packages. More information on all of these products can be found at www.vaceinsurance.comOr contact Holden Financial Services (802) 775-2503 |
Next Chamber Meeting- NO meeting in December-
Monday, January 19th 2015 at 6:30
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will meet at 6:30pm in the Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. Chamber membership and the general public are invited to attend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
