4th Annual Walk of the Santas

Celebrate the Valley, Inc., in the Mount Snow Valley of VT, announces the Fourth Annual Walk of the Santa’s Weekend, December 11-13.This event was chosen by the Vermont State Chamber of Commerce as a Top Ten Winter Event for the 07-08 season.

The “walk” will take place at Mount Snow Ski Resort December 12th. The weekend will be full of fun, family activities as well as discounts through the valley at shops, restaurants and lodging properties. Saturday activities include an Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, a scavenger hunt through local businesses in an attempt to win prizes, discounts on lift passes for Santa’s skiing or riding in costumes, a ginger bread house display at memorial hall and Santa’s arrival at Memorial Hall in Wilmington.

Prizes will be awarded at a the Matterhorn Inn on Sunday December 13th for best Santa and Mrs. Claus, the winner of the Scavenger Hunt and door prizes for attendees and participants. Also at the Matterhorn, have your own or your child’s picture taken with Santa for a small cash donation which will go to the charity receiving this years portion of the weekends proceedings.

Participants will sign up on Friday evening and are presented with Santa identity cards, which allow them to register as an official participant, as well as qualify them for discounts at local shops, restaurants and lodging properties. A portion of our proceeds will go to a local charity. For more information you can call James P. Angus or go to www.celebratethevalley.com.

Honora Winery & Vineyard Announces Plans for Historic Barn in Wilmington Governor to Speak at Reception

WILMINGTON, VT—Honora Winery & Vineyard will unveil the vision for a major new culinary tourism and community space for Southern Vermont at a “Walking, Talking & Tasting Tour” community reception and press briefing on Monday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. Governor Jim Douglas and other invited officials have been invited to speak about the importance of tourism for Vermont and the enormous potential in agriculture and culinary tourism. The kick-off will officially launch the fundraising effort to help bring this new food venture to fruition.



Patty Farrington, owner of the building and owner of Honora Winery & Vineyard, said the historic barn was originally purchased in 2004 to operate retail and manufacturing activities. “Since then, we’ve reconstructed the barn to its original foundation footprint and realized there could be a better purpose for the 30,000 square foot space.”



“We’re committed to the new vision that will be an important economic engine for the area. The concept captures the widespread interest in good food and good living and capitalizes on the increasing dollars being spent on culinary travel and food education.”



“Here in Southern Vermont we have all the resources to offer cooking classes, cooking and baking demonstrations, creative dining experiences, food festivals, winery visits and quests for travelers interested in regional specialties. What’s missing is an agricultural and culinary center and food hub to turn this wonderful opportunity into thousands of dollars for our region and Vermont tourism.”



Special guests will include the Junior Iron Chef team, Hakuna Matata, from Wilmington’s Twin Valley High School that won Best in Show at the Junior Iron Chef Competition in Burlington last year for their Veggie Huevos Mullenos
. Team members include Stevie Cunningham-Darrah, 
Shannon Lozito, Chelsea Schneider.



Grafton Village Cheese Company will be conducting a cheese tasting and Honora Winery & Vineyard will offer a wine tasting. Sharon Myers, the Purple Chef, will be providing lite fare.



The reception will take place at 211 Vermont Route 9 East, the site of the historic barn that is situated across from the White House in Wilmington. Community members and media are cordially invited to attend. For more information, please call 802-258-3992.

Mount Snow Makes Snow, and lots of it

WEST DOVER, VT - (November 4, 2009) - There is an unfamiliar sound in the Mount Snow Valley, it's the sound of silence. With Peak Resorts investing $9 million in state of the art fan guns, gone are the days of loud air-water equipment, in is the quiet hum of progress.

Mount Snow's veteran team of snowmakers hit the slopes Tuesday night putting North America's finest fleet of snow making machines to work.
Firing up a total of 111 guns Mount Snow is continuing their early season push, having already opened with lift service on October 17th, the earliest in its history.

With an early season window of cold temperatures the decision was made to begin an aggressive campaign with the intention of opening with top to bottom lift service the second week of November. Mount Snow plans to open with two of its mountain faces spinning lifts, both the Main Face
and Carinthia. Carinthia will open with a full terrain park on Nitro
featuring boxes, rails and jumps.

For more information on snow making progress or to book packages and tickets visit mountsnow.com or call 1-800-245-SNOW.

New England Culinary Institute Division of Continuing Education presents: Vermont Hospitality Institute for the Mount Snow Region

New England Culinary Institute Division of Continuing Education presents: Vermont Hospitality Institute for the Mount Snow Region

The Vermont Hospitality Institute (VHI) is supported by the Department of Labor and uses Workforce Education and Training Fund (WETF) grant money to help those in the hospitality and tourism industry increase their skill level and knowledge in various areas of the trade. The following courses will be taking place at the elegant Hermitage Inn located in West Dover, VT on the corresponding dates:

Impressive Table Service- 16 Hour Course

October 26th, 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

November 2nd 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Supervision in the Hospitality Industry-16 Hour Course

November 4th, 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

November 11th 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

World Class Wine and Beverage Studies 16 Hour Course

November 8th 2009 Noon to 4:00 PM

November 9th 2009 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

November 15th 2009 Noon to 4:00 PM

November 16th 2009 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The VHI courses are designed to be a series and participants should plan on attending every session. Each course session covers different information, but all sessions build upon one another. When a participant completes an entire topic series they will receive a Certificate of Completion from the New England Culinary Institute Division of Continuing Education.

Impressive Table Service and Supervision in the Hospitality Industry are FREE

While participants are not required to pay for attendance in the World Class Wine and Beverage Studies Series, a fee of $80 is required at point of registration. Since the State of Vermont prohibits the use of state funds for purchasing alcoholic beverages this charge will cover the cost of wine and spirits needed for the tasting.

VHI is funded through a generous WETF grant from the State of Vermont. While participants are not required to pay tuition for these programs, employers must be willing to compensate their employees at their regular wage or minimum wage (whichever is greater) for hours attended. There is a two participant per organization limit for these programs.

EMPLOYER OBLIGATION

As part of the grant requirements employers must agree to offer a promotion or provide a pay increase to employees who successfully complete one of these programs and receive a Certificate of Completion. However, given the current economic climate, the Department of Labor has recognized the difficulty that increasing employee wages may present and have agreed that these increases/promotions do not need to occur until it is economically feasible for the organization to do so. Participants in VHI classes must provide the Department of Labor with their Social Security number for wage tracking purposes.

REGISTRATION & CONTACT INFORMATION

If you would like to register for one of the VHI Series please contact Jamie Pinkham Coordinator for Continuing Education, NECI 802-225-3272 jamie.pinkham@neci.edu

If you are interested in room rates or more information about the host site please contact: The Hermitage Inn 25 Handle Rd. West Dover, VT 05356 Phone: (802) 464-3511.

Southern Vermont Food Summit

Southern Vermont Food Summit

Businesses and individuals with an interest in Vermont food and the promotion of culinary tourism, particularly in southern Vermont are invited and encouraged to attend the Southern Vermont Food Summit sponsored in part by the Windham Foundation, Honora Winery the Hermitage and Southern Vermont RMP

This summit will occur at The Hermitage Inn in West Dover on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and will explore culinary tourism as a "Catalyst for Community Identity & Economic Development".

Vermont has emerged as a leader in America's new food culture and is at the forefront of offering wholesome, fresh, safe food. Culinary education and culinary travel is a four-season activity. The increasing dollars being spent on culinary education and culinary travel, including cooking demonstrations and classes, creative dining experiences, food festivals, winery visits and food quests for regional specialties is an exciting and largely untapped opportunity for tourism in Vermont.

This Summit is the first in a series to discuss culinary tourism issues and the benefits and challenges it offers. The goal will be to help define Southern Vermont's Culinary Tourism potential and to develop successful initiatives based on best practices in the industry.

Topics/Speakers include: Roger Allbee, Secretary of Agriculture, Vermont Food: What Vermont Has to Offer; Katrina White, Board Member of The International Culinary Tourism Association: What is Culinary Tourism and what are the benefits; Jim Trezise, President, NY Grape & Wine Foundation, Best Practices Presentation of UnCork NY!; Lynn Barrett, President, Primetime Concepts, Inc., Marketing Concept for Southern Vermont Culinary Tourism

Southern Vermont’s chambers of commerce have been working collaboratively to explore this topic and develop this summit.

The cost of attendance is $25 which includes a specially prepared lunch by The Hermitage and will be followed by a social hour gathering. RSVP to Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce 464-8092

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce – Laura Sibilia

Phone: 1-802-464-8092

Email: info@visitvermont.com

Pictures from the 2009 Dover Vermont Blueberry Parade

Pictures from the parade and the 10 day long deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival can be seen here

Dover to host first Blueberry Parade Saturday August 8

DOVER - The second weekend of this years 2nd Annual Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival will culminate with the first ever “All things Blue and Agricultural” Blueberry Themed Parade. Sponsored in part by the Dover Economic Development Committee and the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Parade will take place on Saturday August 8th on Route 100 in Dover and begin at 11 am.
Starting at the intersection of Door Fitch Road and Route 100 and ending at Country Club Road, spectators of the parade will view a number of floats and marching groups including the Brattleboro Keene area American Legion Marching Band, Adams Farm, the Mount Snow Bobettes, The Deerfield Valley Rotary, Deerfield Valley News, Valley Dolls, Boyd Family Farm, Celebrate the Valley, Deerfield Valley Healthcare Volunteers, Deerfield Valley Rescue, Honora Winery, Mount Snow Bobettes, MOOver, River Valley Market, Summertime Beach Blue (equine), Wardsboro Fire Department, Wilmington Fire Department.
The Valley’s Wisdom Keepers and backbone of Vermont’s agriculture heritage are invited to either ride in the parade or view the parade from the historic West Dover Inn. Phil Gilpin from the West Dover Inn has graciously offered to host our wisdom keepers with some special seating. (Seating is limited please call the Chamber for more information 464-8092)
Participants who plan to walk in the parade should meet at the Tollgate Village no later then 10:30. Motorized units should arrive at the Sitzmark no later then 10:15.
The route 100 parade route will be shut down from approximately 10:45am to noon and drivers on route 100 between Wilmington and Dover should plan accordingly. The suggested alternate route from Wilmington to Dover is Cold Brook Road to Two Tannery Road and back out onto Route 100 North.
Immediately following the parade, the American Legion will be providing a free concert on the Paw House Inn lawn. BBQ lunch and beverages will be available for purchase by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Additional parade sponsors include Boyd Family Farm, Merchants Bank, Bartleby’s, Mount Snow Resort, The Hermitage Inn, C&S Beverage & Dairy, Chapman’s Antique Barn, Nelson E. Pickwell Post American Legion, Deerfield Valley Real Estate, and The Richards Group Insurance.
For more information on the Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival or the Blueberry Parade, contact the mount Snow Valley chamber ay 802-464-8092 or info@visitvermont.com

Deerfield Valley Farmers Day Fair Talent Show Competition

For Immediate Release:



Deerfield Valley Farmer’s Day Fair Talent Show to feature new top prize



The 92nd Annual Deerfield Valley Farmers Day Fair taking place in Wilmington, VT August 27th – 30th will once again offer an entertaining talent contest for all ages on Thursday August 27th under the big tent on Baker Field.



Contestants from four categories (Preschool - 5th Grade, 6th - 8th Grade, 9th - 12th Grade, and adults - 18 and older) will compete in their respective categories for first, second and third cash prizes of $50, $30, $20 respectively..



First place finishers in each category will vie for a new “People’s Choice” award – awarded by voice vote from the talent show spectators. The “People’s Choice” will receive a $100 cash prize, admission for four to the Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival Bluegrass BBQ on Friday September 25th at the Matterhorn Inn in West Dover, and the opportunity to perform their winning entry as the opening act for the Jim Flynn Trio performing at the event.



Pre-registration is not required – contestant may register at the talent show tent from 5-6 prior to the show start time of 6:30. If needed for performing, contestants need to bring labeled cd’s or taped music with them at the time of registration.



The 2009 Deerfield Valley Farmer’s Day Fair talent show is being managed by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contact the chamber with questions about the talent show at 464-8092 or email to info@visitvermont.com.



The Deerfield Valley Farmer’s Day Fair is a long standing local tradition in southern Vermont’s Deerfield Valley which inspires neighborly competition, education in agriculture, wholesome entertainment, exhibits of area residents, and most importantly good clean fun. For more information on the 92nd Annual Deerfield Valley Farmer’s Day Fair visit www.dvfair.com.

Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival Celebrates Vermont Wineries, Food Producers and Artisans

July 30, 2009 – Wilmington, VT – Vermont wines, cheese, specialty foods and products will be celebrated at September’s 2^nd annual Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival in the Mount Snow area of Vermont. Hosted by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine, the weekend long festival held September 25-27, takes place in the towns of Dover, Wilmington and Whitingham.

The weekend long event features authentic Vermont experiences which including Bluegrass BBQ, farmer’s breakfasts and a series of popular wine pairing dinners at the Mount Snow Valley’s finest eateries in addition to the daytime outdoor festival. The Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival is a showcase for Vermont wines, Vermont specialty foods and artisans of all types celebrating the rich uniqueness, quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers. Set in the backdrop of Vermont’s world renowned Vermont fall foliage; attendees will discover, savor and enjoy Vermont vintners, small specialty food producers, painters, publishers, cheese makers, potters, jewelers, chefs, photographers and farmers.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the two day outdoor festival set at the intersection of Routes 9 and 100 in Wilmington, at the former site of the Southern Vermont Garlic Festival. Some highlights of the festival include:

· A wine-tasting tent featuring 10 Vermont wineries

· Sampling of Vermont cheese and specialty foods

· Chef demonstrations from notable restaurants around the state including:

o Hemingway’s of Killington

o The Putney Inn

o River Valley Cafe

· Highlighted entertainment by Eugene Uman and Howard Brofsky of the Vermont Jazz Center and the Will Patton Trio.

· Restaurant food tent featuring local Vermont specialties from Vermont Smoke & Cure, Vermont Cheese Council, Skinny Pancake and the Chelsea Royal Diner.

· Book signings with Vermont authors

· Presentations by the Vermont Cheese Council and Vermont Grape and Wine Council

Schedule of weekend events:

Friday September 25th:
"Welcome to Vermont Blue Grass Party and BBQ" with the Jim Flynn Trio and BBQ by Elaine Timmons Catering at the Matterhorn Inn West Dover Hours 7-11pm

Saturday September 26th:

"Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival" at juncture of Routes 9 East and 100 South in Wilmington, VT: Food, Wine, Crafts, Entertainment and Demonstrations Hours 10-5

Limited seating Vermont Wine and Cheese receptions at the Inn at Sawmill Farm with Shelburne Farms Vineyards and at the Hermitage Inn with Boyden Valley Winery. Hours 4:30-6

Vermont Wine pairing dinners at The Doveberry Inn, The White House of Wilmington, The Hermitage Inn, The Roadhouse Restaurant and Harriman's Restaurant at the Grand Summit Resort and Conference Center featuring Vermont wines and scintillating menus. Reservations required

Sunday September 27th:

"The Indigenous Vermonter Breakfast" sponsored by Vermont Smoke and Cure and hosted by the Deerfield Valley Rotary at the Dover town Hall - Hours 8-11 am

"Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival" at juncture of Routes 9 East and 100 South in Wilmington, VT: Food, Wine, Crafts, Entertainment and Demonstrations Hours 11-5

Sponsors for the festival include: Town of Dover, Chittenden Bank, Honora Winery and Vineyard, Vermont Public Radio, Deerfield Valley Energy, WKVT 92.7 Classic Hits, Mount Snow, Vermont Smoke and Cure, Vermont Vacation (Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing).

Tickets and more information are available from the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce either online at www.thevermontfestival.com or by calling 802-464-8092. Weekend packages at local inns available with promotions posted on www.visitvermont.com.

Press Contact:

Laura Sibilia

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce

(802) 464-8092

laura@visitvermont.com

Blueberries celebrated - Brattleboro Reformer

Blueberries celebrated - Brattleboro Reformer

News on the 2nd Annual Vermont Blueberry Festival happening in the Mount Snow Valley July 31- August 9th

Three year extension signed by chamber, Vermont Life Magazine

Contact: Laura Sibilia
Phone: (802) 464-8092
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 28, 2009


DOVER, VT - On Monday July 27th, The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine signed a three year extension on an agreement to work together on the Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival. The agreement, which is in effect through 2012, was signed during an official ceremony at the Hermitage Inn in West Dover attended by area legislators, chamber of commerce and local government officials, festival organizers and event sponsors.

The September event takes place in the Mount Snow Valley in the Southern Vermont town of Wilmington with additional events occurring in the nearby towns of Dover and Whitingham. The festival celebrates the best of Vermont’s wine and food and highlights the rich uniqueness, quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers and artisans.

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Sibilia and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Deputy Commissioner Steve Cook spoke of a shared goal to continue building and growing the event into a premiere destination event.

“We have been honored to partner with Vermont Life Magazine for two years on the creation of this event celebrating Vermont wines and specialty foods. Vermont Life has brought much to the table including a readership demographic that is ideally suited for this type of event,” Sibilia explained.

"There has been tremendous growth in Vermont’s wine and agricultural offerings and we are seeing more and more interest by Vermont visitors in food related travel. Vermont Life is pleased to continue working with the Mount Snow area on growing this festival for an additional three years,” Cook announced.

Area legislators Senator Bob Hartwell and Representatives Ann Manwaring and John Moran spoke about the value of the festival in promoting Vermont products as well as stimulating the local economy.

The 2009 Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival, occurring September 25th-27th, has been named a Vermont Top 10 Fall Event by the Vermont Camber of Commerce. New to the 2009 event: top Vermont Chef demonstrations including Ted Fondulas of Hemmingway’s in Killington, the Putney Inn and Tristan Toleno of the Riverview Café in Brattleboro, as well as Vermont wine pairing events at the Hermitage Inn and the Roadhouse Restaurant.

The festival is sponsored by a grant from the Town of Dover economic development fund, Vermont Public Radio, Chittenden Bank, Mount Snow Resort, Honora Winery, Vermont Smoke & Cure and Deerfield Valley Supply.

Vermont Life has been the definitive magazine of, for and about Vermont since 1946. For more than three generations the magazine has defined the unique history, people, places and character of the Green Mountain State. It is one of America's most respected regional magazines and regularly wins national awards for editorial excellence.

The Mount Snow Valley Chamber serves Southern Vermont’s Deerfield Valley towns and the business community of the Mount Snow area.

For complete festival details, lodging packages or vendor details contact the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092 or visit the festival website at www.thevermontfestival.com

Deerfield Valley To Host Blueberry Parade

Release Date: Wednesday, June 10th 2009

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce

21 West Main Street Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone (802) 464-8092 Fax (802) 464-0287




Press Release

Contact: Laura Sibilia

Phone: (802) 464-8092


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Deerfield Valley To Host Blueberry Parade

Participants wanted for Blueberry Festival Parade:
Dover August 8th, 2009

Area businesses, families and community groups are invited to participate in the Deerfield Valley Blueberry festival parade, a brand new summer tradition in the town of Dover, sponsored in part by the Nelson E. Pickwell Post 15 American Legion, The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce, Boyd Family Farm, RSN and by a grant from the Town of Dover economic development fund. The parade occurs on Saturday August 8th at 11:00AM, the closing weekend of the ten day festival, and will wend north through Dover on Route 100 from the entrance of Dorr Fitch Road, past a reviewing stand at the Paw House Inn and end at Country Club Road.



Any business, family or group can participate in the parade including antique cars, horse groups, and kid’s bike groups. Prizes will be awarded to floats that best match with this year’s two parade themes: All Things Blue and Agricultural First Place $225 Second Place $100 or Our Heritage Our Communities First Place $100 Second Place $50. Featured participants to date include the American Legion Band of Brattleboro and Keene, The Bennington Chamber of Commerce, The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Boyd Farm. Registration for business floats is $50 and for $10 for non-profits. Non float entries are free, and all entries must register with the chamber. Registration forms are available to download at www.VermontBlueberry.com



The 2nd Annual Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival, named a Vermont Top 10 summer event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, begins on July 31 and runs through August 9th. In addition to the newly added parade, featured events in 2009 include: Blue Pin Bowling at North Star Bowl & Video, Downtown Wilmington Village Stroll, Blueberry Story Contest at Holden Spa & Sauna, Field of Blue at Boyd Farm, Blueberry Bog at the Mount Snow mountain Bike Festival, Art at the Park at Mountain Park Plaza, a Blues Jam at Adam’s Farm and the Deerfield Valley Rotary Blueberry Pancake Breakfast.



The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non profit association of business and private members organized for the purposes of advancing the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the Deerfield Valley area. For event information contact the contact the chamber at 1-802-464-8092 or email info@visitvermont.com

5K Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Megan Longe
Phone: (802) 464-8092

TEXAS HOLD‘EM TOURNAMENT
5k Texas Hold‘Em Tournament sponsored by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday July 3rd at the Grand Summit Resort at Mount Snow. The tournament begins at 7:30pm. A $100 buy in will give card players the chance to go home with up to five thousand dollars. Participation is limited to 100 players and cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Robson, Texas is officially recognized as the birthplace of Texas hold‘em by The State Legislatures of Texas. The game was introduced to Las Vegas in 1967 by a group of Texan gamblers and this past decade has seen a surge in the games popularity. Texas hold‘em is a variant of poker in which each player receives only two cards called pocket cards. Players make the best poker hand out of their pocket cards and five community cards.

The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce serves businesses in the Mount Snow region of Southern Vermont including the towns of Wilmington, Dover, Whitingham and Marlboro.
For reservations or more information call the chamber at 802-464-8092 or visit the website at www.VisitVermont.com.
# # #

For more information please contact Megan Longe at 802-464-8092 or by e-mail at megan@visitvermont.com

Gallery Wright welcomes new painter

Gallery Wright welcomes painter Henry Isaacs to the fold during Open Studio
Weekend
Henry Isaacs has been painting the Vermont landscape for over three
decades. Isaacs sense of color and pattern reveal a fresh and lively view of
the natural world. His bright paintings exude a joyous outlook and are a
joy to view. Isaacs retired from teaching at Mass College of Art in 2002
and settled full time into paining in his Vermont studio. Isaacs exhibits
and is collected nationally, especially in the southwest. Gallery Wright is
pleased to present Henry Isaacs work to the Southern Vermont community.
Gallery Wright Sticks and Stones Studio is located at 7 N Main St in
Wilmington Village, open 10-6 throughout Memorial Day weekend. For more
information 802-464-9922 or visit the website at www.gallerywright.com


Gallery Wright
7 N Main St, PO Box 764
Wilmington,VT 05363
gallerywright.com

Marlboro Music School & Festival

For Further Information:



Frank Salomon - 212.581.5197, ext. 13, frank@franksalomon.com

Tessa Chermiset - 212.581.5197, ext. 12, vchermiset@marlboromusic.org



Marlboro Music School & Festival, Marlboro Vermont



59th Season - Weekends: July 18 - August 16



With Richard Goode & Mitsuko Uchida as Artistic Directors, some 75 of the most distinguished and promising artists from all over the world come together for seven weeks at the Marlboro (Vermont) Music School and Festival where the emphasis is not on pre-planned performance but on exploring chamber music in depth. The public gets to hear a sample of these collaborations in compelling, insightful and passionate performances on five weekends of concerts - July 18-August16, 2009 with tickets moderately priced from $5 to $35.

Programs are only decided a week in advance and represent a small selection of some of the collaborations that have gone especially well during the rehearsal process. The fact that most tickets are sold far in advance without knowing programs or artists, speaks to the happy results that come from this special musical family celebrating its 59th season this summer. A list of participating artists can be found here or upon request from the Marlboro office.

Performances:

Saturdays at 8:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM, July 18 through August 16 and Friday, August 14, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Tickets:

$15 to $35 and canopy area seats at $5

Information: www.marlboromusic.org; 215.569.4690 (until June 15); 802.254.2394 (after June 22)

Until June 15, 2008: Marlboro Music, 1616 Walnut St, Suite 1600, Philadelphia, Pa 19103

After June 22, 2008: Marlboro Music, Box K, Marlboro, Vermont 0534 4



Where:

On the campus of Marlboro College, 10 miles West of Brattleboro, VT.; 4 hours from New York, 2 1/2 hours from Boston; 1 hour & 40 minutes from Hartford Bradley Airport

Congrats to TPW!!!

Congrats to TPW Management!
Release Date: Friday, April 24th 2009



TPW - "Best Places to Work in Vermont"



A Salute to Our Employees

We Thank You!

TPW Employees rank their company as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont

It is with great pleasure that we announce TPW Mangement remains one of the "Best Places in Vermont to Work". In a competition sponsored by the VT Chamber of Commere and Vermont Business Magazine, TPW was named the 5th best place in Vermont to work in the Small to Medium sized business category. On April 1st, TPW was presented their award by Governor Douglas at the awards ceremony in Burlington, Vermont.

By holding true to our principles of honesty, integrity and open communication, we remain a leader in our field. Knowledge and understanding of the job gives all of us at TPW a sense of pride and ownership, which in turn leads to the success of our company.

We would also like to give a sincere “thank you” to our customers. Without them we would have no Company and we wouldn’t be named for this award.

Thank you for your excellent work and this honor.



Our Toll-free Number is (888)297-4879

Howard Brofsky and Friends

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Vermont Jazz Center
72 Cotton Mill Hill
Brattleboro. VT 05301
802 254 9088

www.vtjazz.org

Howard Brofsky and Friends
April 25th at 8 pm

WHO: Howard Brofsky, known as Dr. Bebop, will be performing with his handpicked selection of New York musicians including Tim Armacost on saxophone, David Berkman on piano, Marcus McLaurine on bass and Steve Johns on drums.

WHAT: Dr. Bebop never fails to pack the house at his annual concert at the Vermont Jazz Center. Why is this?? It is a combination of community admiration and the promise of great music!! Brofsky’s soulful repertoire provides the perfect backdrop for his fellow musicians to demonstrate how their “own” thing fits into his bebop concept. Brofsky’s clear musical vision in combination with this group’s creative freedom, top notch musicianship, and attention to melody and propulsive beat form a surefire recipe for a delicious musical feast. Always enjoyable, always swinging!!

WHERE: The Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill #222, Brattleboro, VT. 05301
The Vermont Jazz Center is handicapped accessible

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8 pm

TICKETS; $20 general admission / $15 for students

Reservations can be made by calling 802 254 9088 or on line at www.vtjazz.org or purchased at In The Moment Record Shop on 143 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT (802 257 8171
The Vermont Jazz Center would like to thank the Vermont Council of the
Arts for a generous grant and the Colonial Motel and the Brattleboro Food
Coop for their continued support of our events.

Mount Snow Announces Summer Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Luke Q. Stafford, Communications Manager

802-464-4013

lstafford@mountsnow.com



Mountain Biking, Festivals Top Mount Snow's Summer Events

WEST DOVER, Vermont (April 8, 2009) – Mount Snow unveiled a season of world-class mountain bike races and one-of-a-kind festivals when it announced its summer events schedule today, highlighting everything from legendary blues musicians to tasty blueberries.

The new Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series spans six weekends throughout the summer, attracting the best riders in America and beyond. A variety of disciplines, including downhill, super D, dual slalom, hill climb, cross country and cyclocross will be represented.



The weekend-long Vermont Blues Festival, featuring some of blues music’s finest, will be staged on a slopeside amphitheatre in August, while beer and food enthusiasts from all over New England will once again meet at the Brewers Festival and Oktoberfest celebrations.



For a detailed schedule with specific times, applicable rates, and more information, visit www.mountsnow.com/calendar.html.



May 30 and 31, Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #1 – Mount Snow kicks off its series with downhill racing from the Canyon Express lift. Cash purse for pros and sponsor prizes for amateurs.



June 20 and 21, Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #2 – Downhill racing continues and the first super D of the season commences.



July 4, 32nd Annual Fourth of July Mount Snow Area Fireworks

July 25 and 26, Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #3 – Mount Snow teams up with the Root 66 Race Series for a weekend of hill climb, cyclocross and cross country.

July 31 – August 9, 2nd Annual Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival – Everything blueberry and blue-themed takes over the valley – berries, vintage cars, music, food and tarp displays; if it’s blue, it’s here.

August 7 – 9, The Mount Snow Mountain Bike Festival – The Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #4 all weekend. The US Kenda East Cup on Saturday. The Trek Women’s Triathalon Series on Sunday, featuring an 800-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run.

August 21-23, The Vermont Blues Festival – A three-day blues-lover’s paradise. Catch intimate performances under the Main Event tent, then find a place on grassy amphitheatre to see the big acts on the Main Stage from the likes of Elvin Bishop, Mavis Staples, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Shemedia Copeland and many more. Craft vendors, food vendors, and Vermont microbreweries will be on site.



September 5 & 6, 15th Annual Mount Snow Brewers Festival – One of the largest brewfests in Northern New England! Over 20 breweries will be slinging suds with over 60 taps.



September 19-20 The Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #5 – The Root 66 Race Series returns for a new cross country event in the Crosstown Trails area!



October 3 & 4, The Mount Snow Mountain Bike Series #6 - Our last weekend of mountain bike racing features the finals of the downhill series and a fun dual slalom Saturday evening.



October 10 & 11, 12th Annual Oktoberfest/35th Annual Harvest Art & Craft Show – Our annual tribute to Bavarian food, drink and culture. Enjoy fall brews from regional breweries, live music from the Hofbrau band, German food and tons activities for kids and grown ups alike.

Kelly Clark Wins Snow Angels Superpipe Invitational

Snowmass,Co.(Sun. April 5th) - More than a dozen of the worlds best women pipe riders decended on AspenSnowmass for the Snow Angels invitational superpipe contest last weekend with hopes of winning part of the $20,000 prize money. After snowing for the first two days, the riders woke up Sunday to blue skies and calm winds. Ellery Hollingsworth came in third with the event's host Gretchen Bieler coming in second. Kelly Clark(West Dover,Vt) won with the highest score and took highest Air for the second year in a row. --Transworld Snowboarding --

The Hermitage Road Covered Bridge

West Dover, Vermont. March, 2009 - Historic covered bridges have long been Vermont's most beloved and eye-catching landmarks, so when a traditionally-built covered bridge suddenly pops up on the landscape, people far and wide take notice. The Hermitage Road Covered Bridge at 25 Handle Road in West Dover, Vermont, is brand new, however, its vintage style keeps it squarely within the proper historical context of Windham County's many National Register covered bridges.
The new bridge, which crosses a pretty mountain stream called Cold Brook, was built over the course of 24 consecutive days in February, 2009. It is the result of remarkable public-private cooperation between the Town of Dover, Vermont and the new owners of the renowned Hermitage Inn. In 1986, the Town completed a wide asphalt-covered concrete span leading from Handle Road onto Hermitage Road, and with what can only be called "wishful thinking," workers included the sets of massive bolts that someone evidently hoped might someday be used to secure a wooden bridge cover.
It was not until this year, however, that the covered bridge was realized, thanks to the generosity of Jim and Donna Barnes, owners of the Hermitage Inn. Their real estate holding corporation funded the entire cost of the wooden bridge for the Town, including the fees for permitting, design planning and engineering as well as the expense of the materials and contractors.
In one sense, the new bridge is already old. It is built in what is called the "Town Lattice Truss" style, a patented timber construction method dating back to 1820. Yale graduate, Ithiel Town (b.1784-d.1844) of Connecticut, popularized the use of an uninterrupted series of closely spaced diagonal timbers for bridges, even improving on his own engineering and filing new patents for the same truss pattern again in 1835. Sometimes called a "garden trellis lattice," the double-pegged crisscross members give bridges that are much longer than the Hermitage Road span considerable strength because the entire structure is stiffened by horizontal "chords," top and bottom. Not surprisingly, Town became wealthy by collecting royalties for the use of his light, easy-to-build truss system.
In Windham County alone, there are numerous Town Lattice Truss covered bridges, including five that are a short drive from the Hermitage Inn: Scott Bridge in Townshend, Williamsville Bridge in Newfane, Green River Bridge in Guilford, Creamery Bridge in Brattleboro, and West Dummerston's covered bridge. The Hermitage Road Covered Bridge is about to be recognized with a listing on the 2009 edition of Vermont's popular covered bridge map and guide.
The timbers in the frame of the Hermitage Road Covered Bridge are Hemlock, logged in Maine. They are pegged with custom 1½" Oak dowels or "trunnels," as they are sometimes called. The bridge is sided with Atlantic White Cedar, which will weather naturally to a silvery gray. The roofing is painted standing-seam steel, a material that is commonly used nowadays even on historic bridges. Based on the traditional construction methods and the durable materials, the low-maintenance cover is expected to endure for centuries to come. No one doubts that it will gracefully age its way into history.
One highly unusual feature of the Hermitage Road Covered Bridge is that it can be removed in one piece should major repairs of the bridge's road bed become necessary. By unbolting the connections holding the wooden cover to the concrete, it can be lifted off by crane. Another uncommon aspect of its design, which was drawn by John Guminak Designs of Dover, is the double row of exposed lattice along both sides-there is a lower "window" at eye level on each side of the span affording framed views of Cold Brook below, and high above, there is a second, longer opening running just under the eave on each side.
During the construction of the wooden cover this past winter, the road below it remained open to traffic at all times. It was the one aspect of the project that was particularly challenging to builder Rob Wadsworth and his 5-man crew from Vermont Barns in Stratton, the contractors who built the bridge. After spending one week pre-assembling two 60 foot-long lattice sides and 31 individual plain and king-post trusses on the snow-covered ground next to the semi-frozen brook, they were able to set the bridge members in place in only one day using the old fashioned "barn-raising" method and a large crane. Once the framework was joined, the contractors squared each angle before adding the roofing and then finishing with the siding and trim over the next two weeks.
The new covered bridge, which is easily seen from Handle Road, forms a gateway onto the 100-acre private estate of the Hermitage Inn. Steven O'Hern, the general manager, expects that since the bridge is in such a scenic setting, the Inn's guests and passersby will quickly realize that it is one of the region's most photogenic landmarks. In autumn, the scenery behind the covered bridge and along the banks of Cold Brook will be ablaze in colorful fall foliage; all spring and summer the bridge will be cocooned by the lush green of the surrounding fields and forest; and in winter, the snowy white ski slopes of nearby Haystack Resort will be visible above the roof peak.
According to town records, the new covered bridge does not replace any prior covered bridge over Cold Brook at this spot. Satellite photos of the area seem to be several years out of date, so the covered bridge is not currently visible on sites such as Google Earth.
Innkeeper Steven O'Hern is available for interviews and further comment by email at innkeeper@hermitageinn.com or by calling the Inn at (802) 464-3511. He is pleased to provide travel writers and editors with additional photography and information about the new Hermitage Road Covered Bridge and the historic Hermitage Inn.

Mount Snow’s Spring Rates, Closing Details Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Luke Q. Stafford, Communications Manager

802-464-4013

lstafford@mountsnow.com





Mount Snow’s Spring Rates, Closing Details Announced



WEST DOVER, Vermont (March 30, 2009) – Officials at Mount Snow announced today that they plan to keep chairlifts spinning well into April, so long as weather cooperates.



“We are booking lodging reservations through April 12, when we will host our annual Golden Easter Egg Hunt,” said general manager Kelly Pawlak. “We are hoping that we will remain open after Easter, but we’ll have to keep an eye on the weather and business levels.”



Pawlak stressed that weather will be a major factor, and the April 12 closing date assumes cooperation from nature.



Starting Monday, March 30, Mount Snow will offer reduced spring lift ticket rates as follows: $59 adult, $49 young adult and $39 junior/senior. The same rates apply on weekends.



Also starting Monday, March 30, lifts will spin every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including weekends.



As of March 29, Mount Snow had received 158” of natural snowfall on the season. An abundance of manmade snow was produced from November through February, building base depths up to 8 feet in spots. “A big snow base should help us through any early spring warm spells,” said Pawlak.



The mountain closed on Sunday, April 27 in 2008. Enough snow remained in the superpipe to host a rail jam on May 25, 2008.



For more information and continued updates on closing day, visit mountsnow.com or call 800-245-SNOW.

Kelly Clark crowned TTR World Champion

Mammoth, California, U.S.A.(March 30)

One day after winning gold in the Roxy Superpipe contest, Olympic Gold medalist Kelly Clark(Mt.Snow,Vt), was crowned with the highest award in the snowboarding world - the coveted TTR World Tour Championship for 2009. This title is awarded to one male and one female each year how has out performed all others in the field of snowboarding. Along with the $50,000 prize money, the crown provides automatic acceptance to most all events in the following year. Kelly has dominated the world superpipe this year with eight 1st. place and six 2nd place finishes -- won the U.S.Grand Prix and Dew Tour series -- making her the most decorated female rider in the world and "Queen of the Halfpipe" --Transworld Snowboarding --U.S. Team--- Roxy----

Vermont Blueberry Festival receives grant funding for parade

DOVER – Organizers of the 2nd Annual Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival have received grant funding from the Town of Dover Economic Development Fund for the creation of a Blue Parade to be held in Dover on Saturday August 8th 2009. The parade, which takes place on the closing weekend of the 10 day festival, will feature blue themed floats, music and entertainment.

The festival is the brainchild of Boyd Farm proprietor Janet Boyd and is managed in partnership with the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce. Featuring 10 days of blueberry and blue themed activities in dozens of locations, 2008’s well attended event earned it a spot on the Vermont State Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Top 10 Vermont Summer Events.

Individual venue events for the festival are already being compiled, but volunteers are needed for developing parade float criteria, routes, entertainment and logistics. A parade planning meeting is planned for 9 am on Wednesday April 1st at the Chamber offices in Wilmington. All are welcome! For more information on getting involved contact Laura or Megan at the chamber offices 464-8092.

5th Annual Tubathon at Mount Snow

DEERFIELD VALLEY ROTARY TUBE-A-THON RAISES MONEY FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

March 9, 2009

On Sunday, March 22nd the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club will host its 5th annual Tube-a-Thon event at the Mount Snow Tubing Park. The event will run from 2:30 – 4:00 P.M and will feature a barbeque put on by the Rotary Club. Local school children make up the majority of the participants as they whiz down the hill earning money for their schools. The public is also welcome to attend and donations to the Deerfield Valley Rotary will be accepted.

Last year over 150 people attended the event, with 55 students collecting pledges that raised a total of $3,200 for their schools or childcare center.

According to Deerfield Valley Rotary Club president, Arlene Palmiter, “Every penny that the kids raise goes right back to their schools.” In addition, the Rotary Club usually raises approximately $3,000 for its scholarship fund through donations of sponsors and tube-a-thon visitors.

Schools interested in participating can contact Dennis Butchko at 464-2620. The Deerfield Valley Rotary meets every Wednesday at the Matterhorn at 8:00 A.M. Those interested in becoming a member can contact a Deerfield Valley Rotarian or Cheryl Rothman at 464-9300.

Southern Vermont invests in its future

Release Date: Wednesday, March 4th 2009

The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce's three member towns supported a number of local economic development initiatives at Tuesday's annual Town Meeting. The highlights of those votes appear below.

Dover

· Voters rejected the petition to use half of the 1% local option tax funds to offset municipal taxes by a paper ballot of 136-39. Funding remains in place for 2009/10

· Voters approved $7,000 funding for non-profit Kids in the Country Day Care



Whitingham

· Voters approved the Tri-Town Economic Development Committee short term funding request of $2500



Wilmington

· Voters approved the Memorial Hall funding of 30,000

· Voters approved 10,000 for the completion of the bank lot park

· Voters approved $3,500 funding for non-profit Kids in the Country Day Care

· Voters approved Tri-Town Economic Development Committee short term funding request of $2500 and the Wilmington/Dover long term funding request of $17,000 for strategic economic research and planning

Marlboro College, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), and WTSA

BDCC
Marlboro College
WTSA



For Immediate Release:


The economic crisis has all of us riveted to the news watching markets tumble, companies downsize, and states wrestle with their budgets. While events play out on the grand stage of the national and global stage, there are impacts in our more local arena as well. Vermont’s state budget is in trouble, and our own local companies are stressed. And with all that each of us faces difficult situations and decisions.

Marlboro College, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), and WTSA are working together to produce a series of events to help people understand and cope with these unique conditions.

The first event will be Congressman Peter Welch talking about the federal bills and views on Saturday, February 28, 11 to 12am, at the Latchis theater. Congressman Welch has been actively involved in creating the two major stimulus bills. He will talk about the bills, economic conditions as seen from Washington, and the impact of the stimulus bill on Vermont. After his presentation he will take questions from the audience. Congressman Welch is on the House Energy & Commerce and Oversight Committees, both important elements in the legislative response to the economic crisis. Welch has long supported green energy innovation, manufacture and production as important to Vermont’s economic future.

The presentation will be rebroadcast Sunday night at 7pm on 96.7 WTSA FM

For Further information:


Jeffrey Lewis BDCC 257-7731
Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, Marlboro College, 257-4333
Bill Corbeil, General Manager, WTSA 254-4577

The Dover Economic Development Committee Retains Primetime Concepts, Inc. to promote Dover’s Summer Season

Dover Economic Development Committee

Town of Dover, the Home of Mount Snow

PO Box 428

West Dover, VT 05356

www.DoverVermont.com

(802) 464-4608

Lisa Coneeny, Chair



February 20th, 2009



The Dover Economic Development Committee Retains Primetime Concepts, Inc. to promote Dover’s Summer Season



With the end of winter only one month away, the Dover Economic Development Committee (DEDC) has retained Primetime Concepts, Inc. on a project basis to promote summer activities in Dover to regional and national media.



The DEDC has set out a series of story lines for Primetime based on information gained from surveys conducted to Dover second home owners, residents and businesses in 2008. These story lines will be themed around the attributes and benefits of living, working and visiting Dover. Themes will include the beauty and recreation of Dover, Top Chefs and appetizing dining choices in the area, summer family activities with fall festivals, parades and county fairs, the plethora of shopping choices featuring the many shops, art galleries, artisans and crafter studios, luxury lodging for less and profiling the international flavor of Dover’s Innkeepers.



Primetime Concepts Inc.’s president is Lynn Barrett who has 25 years of public relations experience in New York City and Vermont focusing on travel, event marketing, recreation and destinations. She has an impressive array of national contacts in the travel and lifestyle media and has a proven track record of promoting Southern Vermont. She has created and developed marketing and public relations programs for the Southern Vermont Regional Marketing Organization, Strolling of the Heifers, the 85th Annual Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition and the Latchis Restoration Project, among others. She is also publisher of Southern Vermont Arts & Living magazine. In addition to her regional work, Lynn has represented a number of other travel-oriented clients including the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Hyatt Resorts, New Zealand and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Also as the former Director of Communications for CBS Sports, she has promoted premier events like the Super Bowl, US Open Tennis and Masters Golf.



The mission of the Dover Economic Development Committee is to stimulate and promote economic development for the benefit of the residents of and visitors to the Town of Dover, Vermont. The DEDC is excited about working with Lynn of Primetime Concepts Inc to meet these goals by disseminating information on the upcoming summer season to regional and national outlets. With her background and experience the DEDC feels Primetime will make significant progress in accomplishing this mission.



For more information on the activities of the Dover Economic Development Committee visit their website, www.DoverEconomicDevelopmentCommittee.com.



The Dover Economic Development Committee was created in May 2007 as a committee of volunteer citizens with the goal of stimulating and promoting economic development for the benefit of residents of and visitors to the Town of Dover, Vermont. In the first year the committee focused on gathering information, surveying the community and creating a 5-year business plan. The business plan was approved by the Board of Selectman in September 2008 and can be found on the website, www.DoverVermont.com. It defines the actions and priorities of the DEDC within six subcommittees; beautification of the town; trails & paths; telecommunications; venue/recreation center; events; and marketing.



Public input is a vital part of the process. It is encouraged and welcome. The DEDC meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the Dover Town Hall.

Kelly Clark Takes Overall Dew Tour Title

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE,Ca(Feb.22) -
U.S. Team menber Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, Vt) won the overall title for women in the Superpipe at the final stop of the 2009 Winter Dew Tour. Clark won second place, the Silver medal, behind Australia's Torah Bright - fellow team member Hannah Teter coming in third. Clark won the Dew Cup with one gold and two silver medals over a three stop U.S. circut. Kelly has podiumed 10 times out of 10 contests- 5 firsts and 5 seconds. She now leaves for Japan representing the U.S.A. at the Asian Superpipe contest which will take place this coming weekend.

Youth Pays Their Age Day Coming In March at Mount Snow

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
Lorre Brayman
office@visitvermont.com
802-464-8092

February 18, 2009

YOUTH PAY THEIR AGE DAY COMING AGAIN TO MOUNT SNOW IN MARCH!

West Dover, VT - Mount Snow’s third and final “Youth Pay Their Age Day” of the 08/09 season is coming up Sunday, March 8th, 2009. The Youth Pay Their Age Day has been a big hit with kids as well as parents and is available for children between the ages of 6 to 18. A ten year old lift ticket costs $10, a sixteen year old ticket costs $16. This is the best deal of the season!
Mount Snow offers skiing and riding on over 100 trails, and is home to Carinthia, an entire mountain face terrain park. Skiers and riders taking advantage of this promotion will also be able to watch the 30th Annual Paul Holland Memorial Jack Jump Race Dual Slalom on Charlie's Chase. A Jack Jump is a seat on a ski. Lift Mechanics used to use it back in the early days of ski resorts when they needed to carry all their equipment.

Prizes and party following the race. For more information about Mount Snow, visit their website www.mountsnow.com. For more information about other upcoming events in the Mount Snow Valley, visit our website at www.visitvermont.com.

Kelly Clark Wins Another World Cup

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN, BC (Feb. 14) - Olympic gold medalist Kelly Clark(Mt. Snow,Vt) won her second World Cup in the FIS world circut of snowboarding. Jiaya Liu of China was second and fellow U.S. Team member Hannah Teter came in third. The Cypress Mtn. superpipe contest was attended by the best riders in the world all eager to ride the pipe that will host the 2010 Winter Olympics one year from now. Kelly's next stop is the third and final Dew Tour( Tahoe, Ca) in which she is the leading contender for the overall championship.

Chittenden Bank Continues as Masters in the Mountains Title Sponsor

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Health Care is pleased to announce that Chittenden Bank will be the Title Sponsor of the 2009 Masters in the Mountains Golf Tournament. The annual benefit tournament will be Friday, June 12, at the Golf Club at Equinox in Manchester.

“We are extremely grateful to Chittenden Bank, which continued its support as Title Sponsor of this annual tournament,” said Dr. Michael Brady, member of the SVHC Board of Trustees and tournament chair. “Chittenden has been a significant supporter of SVHC for more than 15 years. Whether it is sponsorship of events or financial support for new medical equipment and technology, Chittenden has continually pledged their commitment to the health and well-being of our community.”

Proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will be used to modernize emergency services as part of an initiative to modernize the hospital. In the next few years, SVHC will renovate and expand the hospital, including the emergency department, imaging, pharmacy, and lab to meet the demand for services and provide more privacy and comfort for our patients.

“Masters in the Mountains is a premier golf event, and we are pleased to once again to partner with SVHC in making the tournament a success,” said Shelley Colvin, market manager at Chittenden Bank on Main Street in Bennington. “The bank is honored to support SVHC,” added Colvin. “Chittenden has a strong local presence in the Bennington and Manchester areas and is proud to be among donors who recognize community support is essential to ensure access to high-quality health care where we work and raise our families.”

Brady said that the health system is grateful for the support. “We are fortunate to have the loyalty of prominent regional businesses like Chittenden. Support for special events allows corporate sponsors to express their commitment to high-quality health care.” he said. “Fund-raising events, such as Masters in the Mountains, also generate goodwill and make the community aware that SVHC is a non-for-profit.”

The title sponsorship of $15,000 is one of more than a dozen sponsorship opportunities available to businesses or individuals ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Sponsors at all levels are invited to field a team in the tournament. For more information about becoming a Masters in the Mountains sponsor or putting together a team, contact PJ Venti of the SVHC Development Office at (802) 440-4024.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is a community not-for-profit that exists solely to serve the health care needs of the greater Bennington area. For more information please call 802- 442-6361 or visit www.svhealthcare.com.

Chittenden Bank, which has proudly served individuals and businesses statewide since 1906 is a division of People's United Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank with $20 billion in assets. People's United Bank provides consumer and commercial banking services through a network of more than 300 branches in Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New York. Through additional subsidiaries, People’s United Bank provides equipment financing, asset management, brokerage and financial advisory services, and insurance services. For more information please call 1-800-545-2236 or visit www.chittenden.com.

The DEDC moves ahead with planning &promotion of trails in Dover, VT.

Dover Economic Development Committee

Town of Dover, the Home of Mount Snow

PO Box 428

West Dover, VT 05356

www.DoverVermont.com

(802) 464-8000



February 9th, 2009



The Dover Economic Development Committee moves ahead with planning and promotion of trails in Dover, VT.



The Dover Economic Development Committee (DEDC) has negotiated an agreement with Mount Snow to open up the Crosstown Trail System to the public. The Crosstown Trail System is a year round trail system with a selection of easy to moderate hikes. It is located in the center of West Dover with access from Handle Rd on the West side, Kingswood on the North side and Crosstown Rd on the East side.



This summer the Trails & Paths subcommittee will coordinate the creation of a nature trail on the Crosstown path. This will include sign posts along the path with educational information about the flora and fauna of the surroundings, a trailhead sign with a large map of the area and free printed maps onsite for the public.



Trails are a big priority for both residents and visitors alike. In a survey conducted by the DEDC of Dover residents and 2nd home owners, pedestrian and bike trails were found the number one priority for using taxpayer money. The DEDC also noticed that the Dover Town Plan, Dover Profile Project and Vision 2000 had similar findings.



As a result, the printed trail map is one of many projects undertaken by the Trails & Paths subcommittee of the DEDC. They have already identified all existing trails in Dover and are currently mapping out many of these trails in preparation for more printed maps. To make that happen they are in contact with the Planning Commission, Development Review Board and the Zoning Administrator to amend existing zoning bylaws to accommodate parking at each of the trailheads. The subcommittee has attended two workshops; grant writing by the US Forest Service and the Vermont Trails & Greenways Trail Symposium. They are also in close contact with the Tri-Town Committee and the Chamber of Commerce to work on a valley wide trail system with maps and promotion.



The DEDC printed maps are currently available at the Dover Town Office, various Inns and retail outfits throughout Dover as well as on the Town of Dover website, www.DoverVermont.com, as well as the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce.



The Dover Economic Development Committee was created in May 2007 as a committee of volunteer citizens with the goal of stimulating and promoting economic development for the benefit of residents of and visitors to the Town of Dover, Vermont. In the first year the committee focused on gathering information, surveying the community and creating a 5-year business plan. The business plan was approved by the Board of Selectman in September 2008 and can be found on the website, www.DoverVermont.com. It defines the actions and priorities of the DEDC within six subcommittees; beautification of the town; trails & paths; telecommunications; venue/recreation center; events; and marketing.



Public input is a vital part of the process. It is encouraged and welcome. The DEDC meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the Dover Town Hall. For more information, go to www.DoverEconomicDevelopmentCommittee.com.

Poker and Parks promotion in the Mount Snow Valley February 21st

Contact: Lorre Brayman – Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
1-802-464-8092 or office@visitvermont.com

For Immediate Release:

Poker and Parks promotion in the Mount Snow Valley February 21st

Ride Carinthia and The River at Southern Vermont’s Mount Snow Resort! Limited seats are still available for the 3rd Annual Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Texas Hold ‘Em Benefit Poker Tournament on February 21st at the Grand Summit Resort and Conference Center at Mount Snow Vermont.

The no limit tournament begins at 7:30 pm and is limited to100 players. Advance registration is encouraged; however players will be admitted at the door according to availability of seats. Registration begins at 7:00 pm, light fare and cash bar available.

Players will be vying for a first place prize of up to $5,000 cash with combo prizes packages, including $100 cash, for second and third place.

Hit the slopes before the game at Vermont’s only all terrain mountain face, Mount Snow’s new Carinthia Park, site of the recently completed second leg of the 2009 Winter Dew Tour. Lift and lodging packages in the Mount Snow area start at $72 per person.

The Mount Snow Valley is a short drive from New York City (3 ½ hours), Albany (1 ½ hours), Hartford (1 ½ hours), and Boston (2 ½ hours). Home to Mount Snow Resort and a host of lodging and dining options, visitors to the valley get a big Vermont mountain experience paired with a small drive time and a great price.

Lodging package information and complete rules and registration information for the professionally run tournament, including progressive blinds, can be found at www.VisitVermont.com or by calling the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-802-464-8092

Mother's for Daughters' Event

Mother's for Daughters' Event - May 15 - 17, 2009
For more information contact - Sharon@mothers-for-daughters.com or check out our website www.mothers-for-daughters.com.
May 15-17, 2009 - join hundreds of motorcyclist for a weekend of riding and having fun in beautiful and scenic Vermont.
Mother’s for Daughters’ is a non-profit charity hoping to raise awareness and money for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research. We hope to play a vital role in finding a cure.
The event was founded in 2008, after Magnus Thorsson (owner of the Gray Ghost Inn) and Sharon Alves, a breast cancer survivor were talking about having an event that would bring fun and caring motorcyclist together to help raise money for the two worthy causes. Thus Mother’s for Daughters’ was formed.
The first annual event was held last May and raised over $7,000.00 and the founders are hoping at a minimum to double that number at this year’s event. The event is open to all riding groups, clubs and individual riders of any brand motorcycle. Gate City HOG of Nashua, NH is the sponsoring the 152 mile Yahtzee run on Saturday, May 16th.
Five of the local Inns & Lodges located in West Dover, Vermont are accepting reservations for the event. The five Inns & Lodges include: The Gray Ghost Inn (29 rooms), The Kitzhof (24 rooms), Big Bears Lodge (24 rooms), The Doverberry Inn (8 rooms) and The Lodge at Mt. Snow with (48 rooms). The Silo Restaurant will host a Welcome Reception for all participants on Friday evening, May 15th starting at 6:00 pm. The Mt. Snow Conference Facility has graciously joined the effort and will host the dinner, awards and raffles on Saturday, May 16th. Transportation for both Friday and Saturday evenings, between the properties will be provided by local cabs and shuttle vans.
The Inns & Lodges are contributing 20% of the lodging rate (weekend rates are: $123.20 for a single, $202.40 for a double, which includes breakfast) and 50% of the Saturday night group dinner back to the event. Inn & Lodge reservation information is available on the MFD website listed above. Pre-registration for the event - either for the Weekend or just for the Day is recommended and can be done from the web site.
To ensure a successful weekend, participation of motorcycle clubs and riders is essential. Currently, we are attending motorcycle shows, listing the event in all biker event calendars, attending various HOG and motorcycle group meetings in hopes of raising interest in joining us for the weekend.

Alonzo’s Pasta and Grill at Twin Valley Middle School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce- Lorre Brayman
PHONE: 1-802-464-8092


Wings, Twin Valley Middle School and Iron Chef presents:

Alonzo’s Pasta and Grill at the Twin Valley Middle School.

There will be two seatings in the cafeteria at 5:30 and 7:30 PM and reservations are required.


Please call 368-2880. The cost is $ 20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children includes soup, salad, entree and dessert. Take out available, call ahead.

All proceeds benefit the Iron Chef Program.

“Best Dam Walk in Vermont”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :

Deerfield Valley Community Cares- Susan M. Spengler
Phone: (802) 464-5872

The Deerfield Valley Community Cares organization was formed five years ago to help working families and older people who are doing their best, but struggle to make ends meet during the winter months. Each year the need for help with heating costs has grown and our ability to raise the money necessary to help has become a huge challenge. Always looking for new ways to raise funds, we have decided to hold a one-day family event this coming fall - a sponsored walk. The will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2009, and we hope that this will become an annual event.

The Harriman Reservoir stretches along southern Vermont with the northern end in Wilmington, and its southern end at the base of the Harriman Dam in Whitingham.

The trail along the west side of the reservoir follows the roadbed of the former Hoosic Tunnel & Wilmington railroad (nicknamed the Hoot, Toot & Whistle).

From the Medburyville picnic area on the north end to the picnic area below the dam in Whitingham is 7.2 miles long.

There will be two options available to participate. At 8 AM, there is a 14.4 mile walk beginning in Whitingham, running up to Medburyville and then back to the dam.
There is also the option of a one-way walk beginning at 10AM, starting in Wilmington and finishing at the dam, this will be more appropriate for families.

There will be hamburgers and drinks waiting at the finish for the walkers.

Each entering adult will be asked to have $50 worth of sponsors (five people at $10 each or any other combination) and each child under 12 will be asked to have $10 worth of sponsors.
Parking will be available at the southern end, and those doing the 7.2 mile walk will be bussed to the northern end to start their walk.

The walk will be held rain or shine.

There is a Taste of the Valley Festival at Mount Snow on Sept 12th, making it a nice opportunity for a weekend get away. Local lodges and inns will have special rates available.

For information and/or entry forms contact:

Deerfield Valley Community Cares
P. O. Box #5
Wilmington, Vermont 05363

For questions, please feel free to contact me personally at sms@sover.net or at (802) 464-5872 after 4 p.m.