Village Stroll and Baby Vermonsters

Get ready for another great year of Strolling in Wilmington, Vermont. This year’s season will kick off on May 9th with a Friday evening stroll, from 4 to 7PM. The highlight will be a hunt through the village to find forty "little monsters". School children throughout the Valley have created their own smaller tabletop versions of the Vermonsters, similar to the “baby bears” from last year’s arts program. A drawing to chose the full sized “Vermonsters of the Deerfield Valley” that will be unveiled Memorial Day Weekend will take place at the stroll. In addition, check out the recycled art expo inspired by found items from Green Up Day and created by our community.

Musical performances, children’s activities, art exhibits, wine tastings and shopping specials are all offered at the village stroll. There will be a selection of talents both indoors and out with classical music by Robin Matathias and her flute quartet, Jean Chaine playing his thirteen stringed archguitar, and High School percussion students with their own version of “Stomp”.
The young and young at heart will enjoy face painting, and trying out new tricks on our Circus Lawn. Three fine art galleries will be hosting “little monsters” as well as their own works including Pastels of Local Scenes at Anne Coleman’s, more “Small Works” at Jim McGrath’s Gallery, and new monoprints at Gallery Wright.
Apple fritters will be served by the Weathervane Inn at the stroll. Pickwells Barn will host a wine tasting provided by Honora Winery. Some of the downtown specials offered include a “Fancy Nancy” party with 15% off all kids books at Bartleby’s and 50% off all candy at The 1836 Country Store.
The village strolls celebrate the artistic talent of the Deerfield Valley. Everyone is encouraged to wear a strolling hat and bring as many friends as possible. Village Strolls will continue throughout the summer on the second Saturday of July, August, and September. For more info, contact the Mount.Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 464-8092 or go to http://www.visitvermont.com/
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For more information or photographs please contact Jim Follett at 802-464-8092 or by e-mail at jim@visitvermont.com

Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3
21 West Main Street
Wilmington, VT 05363
Phone (802) 464-8092
Fax (802) 464-0287

Press Release
Contact: Jim Follett
Phone: (802) 464-8092

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine are pleased to announce that they are working together to create and promote a premiere annual wine and harvest festival on September 26, 27 and 28th. This new outdoor event officially entitled the "Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival", will take 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 will celebrate the best of wine, food and the good life and highlight the rich uniqueness, quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers and artisans.

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Sibilia and Vermont Life Publisher Tom Kelly have expressed a shared goal to build and grow this event into a premiere destination event.
“We’re obviously thrilled to see our shared vision for this premiere annual event become reality with Vermont Life. We want to showcase Vermont’s burgeoning wineries, high quality food producers, and well know artisans,” Laura Sibilia explained.
"For us, the Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival is a natural. A recent survey revealed Vermont Life readers are self described foodies” noted Tom Kelly. “We immediately saw the mutual benefits of working together with the good folks at the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce. Vermont Life magazine has credibility and media reach in Vermont and the region. Culinary topics and enjoying the good life are a major interest of Vermont Life readers. Our readership is passionate about Vermont so we feel we can add a lot to the event."

The Weekend Schedule is as follows:
Friday September 26th:"Welcome to Vermont Square Dance and Blue Grass Party" at the Matterhorn Inn West Dover Hours 7-11pm
Saturday September 27th: Day 1 "Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival" at juncture of Routes 9 East and 100 South in Wilmington (former location of the Garlic Festival) Food, Wine, Crafts, Entertainment and Demonstrations - Hours 10-5
Saturday September 27th: Evening wine pairing dinners at variety of Mount Snow Valley Inns and Restaurants.
Sunday September 28th: "The Indigenous Vermonter Breakfast" in Whitingham - Hours 8-11 am
Sunday September 28th: Day 2 "Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival" at juncture of Routes 9 East and 100 South in Wilmington (former location of the Garlic Festival) Food, Wine, Crafts, Entertainment and Demonstrations - Hours 10-3
There are a variety of ways wine and food producers and crafters will be able to participate, including actual sales, as well as sampling and demonstrations, at the Wilmington site, Co-op advertising (at special rates) in Vermont Life's Autumn 2008 issue, a limited number of wine pairing dinner hosting opportunities, early promotion of block reservation vendor lodging, and weekend long promotional packages for visitors. Vendor registration information can be found at http://www.thevermontfestival.com/ or by calling the chamber at 1-802-464-8092.


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For more information or photographs please contact Jim Follett at 802-464-8092 or by e-mail at jim@visitvermont.com

Texas Hold 'em tournament

Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 321
West Main Street
Wilmington, VT 05363
Phone (802) 464-8092 Fax (802) 464-0287

Press Release

Contact: Jim Follett
Phone: (802) 464-8092
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Texas Hold 'em tournament

The 2nd annual 5k Texas Hold 'Em Tournament sponsored by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held on February 2nd at the Grand Summit Resort at Mount Snow. The tournament begins at 7pm when a $100 buy in will give card players the chance to go home with five thousand dollars.Participation is limited to 100 players and the games will continue until one player wins the entire pot.

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 http://www.visitvermont.com/.

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For more information or photographs please contact Jim Follett at802-464-8092 or by e-mail at Jim@VisitVermont.com

Adams Farm in the New York Times

An article in the New York Times on agritourism includes quotes from Jill Adams and information about Adams Farm. While it is still posted online you can view it at http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/travel/escapes/23agritourism.html?8dpc

Valley Days Weekend

Contact: Jim Follett
Phone: (802) 464-8092
E-mail: Jim@visitvermont.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winter Holidays Arriving Early in the Mount Snow Area

Mount Snow Valley, VT – To commemorate Mount Snow’s title of “First in Vermont to open for skiing” the surrounding Deerfield Valley is celebrating an early start to winter. with a number of events, discounts and activities for the whole family during the weekend of December 7th , 8th and 9th.

Participating businesses are offering special deals and discounts for the “Valley Days” shopping promotion. It will be festive on Friday evening with the Annual Holiday Concert at Memorial Hall in Wilmington. The concert featuring local musicians starts at 7pm and benefits The Deerfield Valley Food Pantry. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item or donation. Also happening this evening is the registration for those that wish to participate in Saturdays “Walk of the Santas”, a Vermont Winter Top Ten Event and an attempt to break the Guinness Book’s world record for the largest Santa gathering in one venue. Santas will receive a ‘Santa ID card’ that will entitle them to additional discounts during the event weekend throughout the valley.

Valley Days shopping promotions are in full force starting Saturday evening, and at 5 p.m. head for the sidewalks and a Downtown Village Stroll in Wilmington. The town will be sparkling with candles placed in hundreds of tin luminaries created by residents of the Deerfield Valley. Children of all ages can have their picture taken with Santa at Memorial Hall Center for the Arts at 6 p.m. Additional events happening this weekend include a comedy show, scavenger hunts, and craft fairs.

For more information and a complete schedule of events for this weekend you can visit the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.visitvermont.com/ or call them at 802-464-8092.


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For more information or photographs please contact Jim Follett by e-mail at Jim@visitvermont.com or phone at 802-464-8092

Calling Vermont Artists

Press Release
Contact: Jim Follett
Phone: (802) 464-8092
E-mail: Jim@visitvermont.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALLING VERMONT ARTISTS YOUNG AND OLD

Wilmington, VT - The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for artists for next spring’s community art project “The Vermonsters of the Deerfield Valley”. The project is being handled similarly to this years very successful “Bears in the Valley” campaign, using Vermont artists and sponsored by Vermont businesses. The Vermonsters are Vermont themed outdoor sculptures using recycled, new and found Vermont products.

Once again the Chamber has developed a program specifically for school aged artists. Any School that is interested in participating must attend a mandatory meeting at the Chamber office on Monday December 10th at 4:30pm.

Information for interested artists and schools can be found on the web at http://www.vermonsters.org/ or by calling Michelle at the Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092.
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For more information or photographs please contact Michelle at The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092 or by e-mail at michelle@visitvermont.com

Illuminating the Valley

Illuminating the Valley
Release Date: Tuesday, November 13th 2007
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jim Follett
Marketing Coordinator
Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 802-464-8092
Email: jim@visitvermont.com

THE ILLUMINATION OF THE VALLEY
A Beautification Project Using Recycled Materials.

“Valley Lights” is a community effort to decorate the Mount Snow Valley with lights. Individuals, families, organizations and businesses are urged to recycle tin cans and make them into luminaries. Instructions on how to make the lights follows below. These luminaries will be used to decorate the Valley throughout the long winter nights.

Anyone can get involved in the fun. This is a great project for families or a group of friends that want to spend an evening together. If you need a large number of cans call Patty Murhpy at 464-3227.

The first display will be on December 8th when participants are asked to bring their finished luminaries to Memorial Hall on West Main Street in Wilmington between 1 and 4 PM. All of the lights will be set out in the village for the Village Stroll that starts at 5 PM. The goal is to try and get one thousand shining lights for this event.

The next time we see these lights will be on December 28th when they will be displayed in the towns of Dover, Whitingham and Wilmington. After this participants are encouraged to take their luminaries to display at their homes or businesses every Friday night from January 4th through February 16th.

How to Make A Can Luminary

Wash out a tin can. Any can will do but the larger ones (#10) are easier to light.
Fill the can with water 3/4 inch from the top and freeze.
Draw a design on the can. Try different ideas. Use different tools to make various shapes. Add a wire to use as a hanger. Be creative!
Use a hammer and nail to punch a design in the can. Do not put holes in the bottom 1 inch as sand will be put in each can.
Let the ice melt and dump out the water.
Write you name and town in permanent marker on the bottom of the can. Add a candle.

For more information contact the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 464-8092 or visit their webpage at www.visitvermont.com

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Annual Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Annual Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner
Release Date: Tuesday, November 6th 2007
COLE, RAO AND BEARS IN THE VALLEY COMMITTEE HONORED AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL DINNER

November 1, 2007, Wilmington - Annual service awards and the highly successful “Bears in the Valley” campaign were the talk of the evening at the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual awards dinner held at the Old Red Mill restaurant in Wilmington.

The mood was celebratory and optimistic at Thursday’s annual dinner when proceeds from the project were happily presented by members of the BITV committee to local charities. The Make a Wish Foundation of Vermont, Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, Deerfield Valley Community Cares and Deerfield Valley Health Care Volunteers each received a checks The Deerfield Valley Schools Arts Program received a check for their programs.

The 2007 service award honorees were Matthew Cole of Wilmington– recipient of the Ralph and Verne Howe Community Service Award; Bears in the Valley committee members Ken Spicer, Sarah Shippee, Christine Fayette, Kristen Wallace, Cheryl Rothman, Therese Lounsbury, Shelley Park, Carolyn Lucas, Betsey Reagan and Lisa Sullivan were recipients of the “Chamber Members of the Year Award and Inge “Chickie” Rao received a Lifetime Achievement Award for over 20 years of outstanding service to the Chamber of Commerce board, staff, members and visitors. Spicer, an outgoing MSVCOC board member was also honored for his many years of service.

Shippee, of Scott’s Clean Sweep was introduced and installed on the MSVCOC board, along with recently reelected board members Joe Kruzewski of the Matterhorn Inn and Randy Capitani of the Deerfield Valley News.

The bears campaign was the most lucrative event in this small but growing Chamber of Commerce’s history, raising money for local charitable organizations. “Bears in the Valley” featured 39 life-sized bear figurines, painted by local artists and displayed by local merchants and organizations through the summer and fall tourist season.

MSVCOC Executive Director Laura Sibilia said “It was fantastic to present our area charities with the fruits of our year long bears endeavor. These charities support the Deerfield Valley, so we’re truly pleased to support them.”
Information about the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and area events is available by telephone at 802-464-8092 or on the web at http://www.visitvermont.com/.

Deerfield Valley Wind Project Meeting

Deerfield Valley Wind Project Meeting
Release Date: Thursday, September 27th 2007
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007

CONTACT:
Mary Towne
Administrative Assistant
Town of Wilmington
464-8591
wilmmary@sover.net


Public Meeting Regarding the Deerfield Wind Project

Wilmington Selectboard members invite the public to attend an informational meeting on the Deerfield Wind Project from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at Memorial Hall, 14 West Main Street, Wilmington, Vermont.

Wilmington Selectboard Chair Rob Wheeler will moderate the meeting.

Jim Matteau, Executive Director of Windham Regional Commission, will give an overview of the proposed project, energy issues facing the region and state, and the process by which a decision will be made whether to approve or not approve the project.

Rob Macgregor of Fairwind Vermont will give a short presentation as to the positive aspects of wind towers.

Sandy Wilbur will give a short presentation as to the negative aspects of wind towers.

Neil Habig of PPM Atlantic Renewable will be available to answer questions about the project.

It is expected that the presentations will be about 45 minutes followed by a question and answer session.

This public process will help the Wilmington Selectboard ultimately decide what position they may wish to take regarding the Deerfield Wind Project.

Nominations for Chamber Awards sought

Nominations for Chamber Awards sought
Release Date: Wednesday, September 26th 2007
Nominations needed for Annual Chamber Awards
It's time for nominations for Chamber Person of the Year and the Ralph and Verne Howe Community Service Award.
These awards are given during our Annual Dinner in November, and usually the recipients are very surprised at the honor!
When making your nominations for Chamber Person of the year, please consider the following:
Nominees must be Chamber Members
Nominees should stand out for all of their hard work with, at, and for the Chamber and all of its Members!
Please briefly explain the rationale behind your nomination.
When making your nominations for the Ralph and Vern Howe Community Service Award please consider the following:
Nominees should be notable for their Commendable Community Service in our Valley
Nominees do not have to be members of the Chamber
Please briefly explain the rationale behind your nomination.
Nominations must be in by October 7th, and should be emailed to laura@visitvermont.com. The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Directors will vote on nominees at their October Board Meeting.


Laura Sibilia
Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce
email: laura@visitvermont.com
phone: 464-8092
web: http://www.visitvermont.com

End of Bears Auction

End of Bears Auctions
Release Date: Tuesday, September 25th 2007
It’s Time to Bid Goodbye to the Bears in the Valley

Deerfield Valley, VT – September 12, 2007 – Columbus Day weekend will have three separate events to see off the bears in the valley. Two events offer the option of bidding on a bear of your own and the Sunday procession is a great way to see all of the big bears in a parade. Bears in the Valley has been the result of hundreds of volunteers and supporters including the organizing committee, artists, students, teachers, sponsors, and many others throughout the valley. While some of the bears will be going to other places, there is still opportunity to bid on bears to keep them here in the valley by bidding at the live auction or the final call for the silent auction.

Columbus Day Weekend events include:

Baby Bears Silent Auction Final Bids will be taken from 9am-noon on Saturday, October at Memorial Hall in Wilmington. This is your absolute last chance to bid on the baby school bears. Be there or risk losing your bear! The Members of the Deerfield Valley Rotary will man the hall and bids. Remember, 100% of the profits benefit our local school arts programs. Proxy bids are allowed. Please contact the Mount Snow Valley Chamber at 802-464-8092 for details.There will be a Bear Procession from Twin Valley High School to Grand Summit Resort on Sunday October 7th at High Noon. Here’s a big thank you again to the Deerfield Valley Rotary who are organizing this farewell procession of all the auction bears to Mount Snow's Grand Summit Resort. The best spot for viewing the procession is at the Snow Barn or lower parking lot at Mount Snow.The Live Auction and Formal Gala will be held at the Grand Summit Ballroom on Sunday October 7th at 7pm. Join the hard-working Bear Committee and Tennessee auctioneer Tim Milks at a festive live auction for the big bears Proceeds from the auction benefit local charities including Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, Deerfield Valley Community Cares, Deerfield Valley Health Care Volunteers, Make-A-Wish Foundation, local school arts programs, artists and upcoming chamber events and initiatives. Tickets are now on sale: Single ticket price of $75 and couple $125 includes pre auction champagne, live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and dessert. RSVPs are appreciated. Proxy bids are allowed if you’d like to bid on a bear, but cannot make the gala. Contact Laura Sibilia at the Mount Snow Valley Chamber at 802-464-8092 for details.

For more information on Bears in the Valley, please call the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092 or visit www.bearsinthevalley.org or http://www.visitvermont.com/.

Wilmington Vermont Downtown Design Contest

Wilmington Vermont Downtown Design Contest
Release Date: Tuesday, September 25th 2007
An Opportunity
A New Use for the Old Bank Lot


On Easter morning, 2007, a raging fire destroyed the historic bank building in the center of Wilmington village on the corner of Route 9 and 100. In May Wilmington voters expressed their resounding support for their village and the value of the bank building lot by voting to purchase the central village lot and rehabilitate it as a community asset.

The Wilmington Beautification Committee has been given the task of recommending what can be done with the space and to that end, is soliciting ideas from all interested persons.

Some Important Criteria:
• Anyone is eligible to submit a plan.
• There shall be no direct access to the river.
• Utilities (power and water, sewer) are available.
• It must be handicap accessible.
• It must have flexibility for future needs.
• It must be accessible year-round.

A drawing of the site’s dimensions can be picked up at the Town Hall which is diagonally across the street from the former bank building lot or at www.wilmingtonvermont.us.

The Wilmington Beautification Committee is seeking concepts for what could be done in the space; both what the lot should look like and what should be on the lot. So get out your pencils, pens and paper. Draw on one piece of paper what you would like to see and describe on another page what you hope to achieve. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild!

All ideas must be submitted to the Wilmington Beautification Committee by November 1, 2007. The most promising ideas will be selected by the committee and submitted to the Selectboard for decision. Once the ideas have been researched and general costs determined the Selectboard intends to bring this to our March Town Meeting for a vote.

All plans should be sent to:
Lee Schindel
c/o Town of Wilmington
2 East Main Street
PO Box 217
Wilmington, VT 05363

Village Stroll September 22nd

Village Stroll September 22nd
Release Date: Monday, September 10th 2007
Village Stroll Press Release, September 22nd


So many people, locals and visitors alike, have been enjoying the opportunity to stroll Wilmington’s downtown on a Saturday evening; we’ve decided to kick off the fall season with a Village Stroll. The next Stroll is Saturday, September 22nd, from 5:00pm-8:00pm. This Stroll will feature the beloved African Drummers from Brattleboro, providing entertainment for the whole family at 5:00 sharp, on the library lawn. For those “Wizard of Oz” fans, meet Gregory Maguire, author of “Wicked” at Bartleby’s Books.
We now have five art galleries in town, all of which will be open. Especially be sure to meet Andy Newman, artist of “Abstract Thoughts” at Gallery Wright, and stop by Ann Coleman’s Gallery for her grand opening. In addition, you will find demos on silversmithing at Olaf’s, and cornhusk dolls at the Historical Society. There will be wine tasting at Pickwell’s, a circus lawn for the kids, and some very talented local musicians throughout the Village. We’ll end the evening with a slide show at Memorial Hall from all the Bears in the Valley events. If it rains, no problem, everything will just move inside, or onto covered porches. The leaves will just be starting to change so we encourage you to “Bring on the Colors” by dressing in your fall colors. Nothing to wear? Manyu’s Boutique will be open late! Bring you friends and c’mon down. For more info contact the Mount Snow Chamber of Commerce 464-8092.

Rejuvenation in the Deerfield Valley and at Mount Snow

Rejuvenation in the Deerfield Valley and at Mount Snow
Release Date: Saturday, September 8th 2007
For Immediate Release:
Contact Mount Snow Valley Chamber for more info
1~802~464~8092
Southern Vermont - Renaissance, revival, rebirth, resurgence, and revitalization: these are all words to describe the atmosphere in the southern Vermont mountains of the Deerfield Valley. No less than eight community groups, countless volunteers and dozens of businesspeople have come together to complement the attention and capital investment at Mount Snow by their new owners, Peak Resorts. Some examples:

• The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce had what they hoped was an ace up its sleeve for the coming summer months, eliciting the support of area businesses, artists and schools to create the summer long “Bears in the Valley” project, similar to Bennington Vermont’s “Moosefest” and the Ludlow Llamas. The project oversaw the creation of hand painted life sized bears placed around the valley, each with individual designs and back stories. The bears have been a hit with visitors, with the chamber issuing over 25,000 bear maps, and the live auction being held Columbus Day Weekend promises funds for the area events being planned next summer.

• “When looking at organizing the second Taste of the Deerfield Valley (a festival gathering of area eateries where visitors can try sample items) the business community was so supportive, we almost felt like we had too many sponsors. That’s a fantastic problem to have," said Michael Allen Chair person of Celebrate the Valley. This not for profit community based group puts on events to showcase the valley, including December’s “Walk of the Santas”, recently named by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing as a “Top Ten Winter Event” in Vermont, and the extremely well received Great Race Memorial Day Weekend.

• The Tri-Town Economic Development Committee has orchestrated unprecedented support between the towns of Wilmington, Whitingham and Dover creating both long and short term plans, including making all three town centers free wifi zones, and long range plans to shore up and grow the tourism and non-tourism components of the area economy.

• A survey of second-homeowners is the first project of the newly formed Dover Economic Development Committee, so that proceeds from the recently approved 1% local option tax can be spent appropriately. Surveys of residents, businesses and visitors will follow.

“The community was pretty thrilled to be getting new owners at the mountain,” said business owner and President of the Chamber of Commerce Bruce Korb. “Knowing that Tim Boyd and Peak Resorts were going to significantly invest in snowmaking and renovations, we knew recovery in the area was underway.”

Korb’s assumption has proved to be right on the mark.

“The excitement around Mount Snow is almost palpable right now,” stated Meri Spicer, long time Deerfield Valley resident and Director of Marketing for Mount Snow. Everyone is upbeat about the coming winter season, and it is reflected in pass sales, lodging bookings, media attention, and feedback from our guests.”

Summer activities continue to be a focus of the resort. The USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, held at Mount Snow in July and scheduled again for July of 2008, brought over 10,000 visitors, as well as national media attention, to the valley.

John Reagan, owner of popular Dot’s Restaurant in Wilmington Center says his customers have noticed the area changes, and his summer numbers have taken an upturn; Dot’s was up 15% in July.

“Our customers keep talking about how much nicer it looks in town, all the flowers the town beautification group added, and the bears, and even how much better it looks at the entrance to town where the new sign from the high school shop class sits.”

Bartleby’s Book Store in Wilmington saw a 50% increase in July business. Owners Lisa Sullivan and Ariel Redden, both active participants with the chamber of commerce activities, are seeing the results of their community efforts increase their business bottom line. “The enthusiasm we have seen this summer has been infectious, and we are really optimistic about the future of the valley.”

“We understand that business owners not only need to take the initiative to drive their own business, but also support those efforts which drive business to the valley in general,” said Magnus Thorrson, owner of the Gray Ghost Inn in West Dover, and a founding member of the Dover Economic Development Group. The Gray Ghost Inn, up 40% in July over last year, has captured the niche market interest of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the New England and Mid Atlantic Region, and the inn, has started booking out for Summer 08.

Laura Sibilia, Executive Director of the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce says the enthusiasm and cooperation in the area is unprecedented.
“The sheer volume of people focused on working together to grow and improve the valley has been inspirational. The select boards, business owners, civic groups, parents, and schools all putting in this kind of time and effort, the scale of the improvements being put in at the mountain, and the thumbs up we’re getting from our visitors, it’s a little like watching a slot machine hit the jackpot – everything keeps lining up, and paying off.”

White House earns Yankee Magazine Award

White House earns Yankee Magazine Award
Release Date: Friday, August 10th 2007

News Release

Contact: Adam Grinold
The White House of Wilmington
802.464.2135
www.whitehouseinn.com

YANKEE MAGAZINE Applauds Local Establishment
The White House of Wilmington Receives Editors’ Choice Honor

DUBLIN, NH (August 10, 2007) The White House of Wilmington, Vermont today announced it was selected as an “Editors’ Choice in the 2007 Special Travel Issue of Yankee Magazine. Yankee’s trusted endorsement will be recommended to nearly two million readers this spring, summer and fall.

“Readers often point out that the recipients of the Editors’ Choice endorsement represent the rustic, the refined, and everything in between, then ask what criteria we use to select them, “ said Mel Allen, editor of Yankee. “Whether it’s a farmstand, a lobster shack with paper plates, or a restaurant that serves its meals on fine china, they all share a singular quality. These are places that travelers will remember, that locals love, and that promise visitors the opportunity to experience New England’s unique character firsthand.”

The White House, a Victorian mansion, overlooks the Deerfield Valley and the beautiful little town of Wilmington, placed at the cross section of historic Vermont Rt. 100 and Rt. 9 and located seven miles south of the Mt. Snow Ski Resort in West Dover. Nine of the inn’s 14 fireplaces are in guest rooms (of which there are 25 total, including three suites), antiques are everywhere, and several rooms have private balconies. There are two pools: one outdoors, adjoining a formal garden, and one indoors. Cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails begin at the White House and cover over 20 miles of breathtaking Vermont countryside. The White House offers fine dining in a relaxed but elegant atmosphere. This year the inn was honored by the Wine Spectator Magazine for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. For more information on the inn and upcoming events call 802.464.4726.

Walk of the Santas

Walk of the Santas named in Vermont's 10 Best Winter Events!
Release Date: Thursday, August 9th 2007

Celebrate the Valley, Inc.
PO Box 577
West Dover, VT 05356
(802) 464-3100
info@celebratethevalley.com
www.celebratethevalley.com
www.visitvermont.com

August 9, 2002


For Immediate release:
Where: Mount Snow, VT
From: Celebrate the Valley Inc,
What: Top Ten Winter Events Announcement
Contact Information: Michael Allen 802-464-3100

Celebrate the Valley Inc, a non-profit organization located in the Deerfield Valley of Southern VT, is please to announce that the Vermont Chamber of Commerce recently announced their Top Ten Winter 07-08 events list. Celebrate the Valley’s Walk of the Santa’s, which took place last December, was in the top ten. The Walk of the Santa’s, which was held at Mount Snow, was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Santa’s at one time.

Celebrate the Valley has held several events since then and will be holding its Second Annual Taste of the Deerfield Valley on Sept 15 at Mount Snow. Last year’s Taste of the Deerfield Valley was a huge success with over 700 people attending. The event will include “tastes” from over 20 different restaurants, brewers, a local winery and attendees can enjoy a craft show, a live auction, live music and activities for the whole family.
For more information, you can call Michael Allen at 802-464-3100 or visit their web page www.celebratethevalley.com

Mount Snow Snowmaking Upgrades

Mount Snow Snowmaking Upgrades
Release Date: Wednesday, August 1st 2007
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Chris Lenois
802-464-4013
clenois@mountsnow.com

Guns n’ Hoses: Mount Snow Gets $3.5 Million Upgrade in Snowmaking Technology for 2007-08

WEST DOVER, VT – Mount Snow announced it will upgrade its snowmaking capabilities for the 2007-08 season by investing approximately $3.5 million in fan gun technology.

Senior management and the ski area’s new owners, Peak Resorts, are working with Snow Machines, Inc. (SMIÒ) to plan the most effective use of existing resources with an array of products from SMI’s Polecat product line.

“This is going to have a significant effect on the experience for skiers and snowboarders at our resort,” says Mount Snow General Manager, Kelly Pawlak. “We will be able to open with more terrain earlier in the season and sustain it longer through stretches with marginal temperatures.”

By way of example Pawlak cites the Snowdance trail, a popular trail that current snowmaking capability can only cover from skier’s left to center. After the upgrade, Pawlak says this extremely wide trail could be covered side-to-side with greater base depth, allowing it to open earlier than previous seasons.

Placement of all guns and hydrants are currently undergoing a similar review, according to Pawlak, with snowmaking goals ranging from recovering depths on trails quickly after temperature fluctuations to adding a layer of powder on top of recent snowfall.

“We don’t want snowmakers spending time re-positioning guns and hoses when they could be pumping out snow,” says Pawlak.

Polecat fan guns require 20-25% less compressed air than other technologies, while putting out more snow in marginal temperature conditions. Pawlak says Mount Snow expects to see a substantial savings in energy costs, and adds this investment also aids Mount Snow’s long-term project for drawing water from the Somerset Reservoir.
“Peak Resorts is really being forward-thinking by building the infrastructure for the Somerset Pipeline now,” Pawlak says. “When that project gets completed, we’ll be able to start making snow on all four mountain faces right away.”
Peak Resorts completed the purchase of Mount Snow and Attitash resorts from American Skiing Company on April 5, 2007. The sale agreement, originally announced on February 16, included all properties and assets of Mount Snow and Attitash resorts, for a purchase price of $73.5 million. In addition, Peak Resorts assumed approximately $2 million in debt and other liabilities related to the resorts.
Mount Snow season passes for 2007-08 went on sale on April 7, 2007. The all-new products include the Nor’easter pass, which is valid with no blackout restrictions at any Peak Resort ski area in the northeast: Mount Snow in Vermont, Attitash and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire, and Jack Frost/Big Boulder in Pennsylvania. Pricing for the Nor’easter pass for ages 6-64 is $749 through June 1, 2007. Passes can then be purchased for $849 through October 8, 2007, after which the price will be $949. State tax is applicable and not included in listed prices.
More details about all Mount Snow season passes are available at www.mountsnow.com/seasonpasses.html or by calling 800-956-SNOW.
Peak Resorts operates 11 ski areas and 2 golf courses in 6 states. Peak Resorts Inc. is committed to building an enhanced resort experience at each of their properties.

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Rock River Artists Tour

Rock River Artists Tour
Release Date: Monday, July 9th 2007
THE 15TH ROCK RIVER OPEN STUDIO TOUR:
ARTISTS REINVENT AND REDISCOVER NEW WAYS OF SEEING AND MAKING ART

Newfane, VT--—"I just saw a wood garden!" A six-year old announced as she, and her family, walked down stone steps from a pasture where an artist was displaying his found wood sculptures. From 10 AM-6 PM on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, visitors of all ages will enjoy the 15th Rock River Artists’ Open Studio Tour, which will take them through the villages of South Newfane, Williamsville and Newfane to the studios of 24 artists, including painters, printmakers, photographers, ceramicists, sculptors, metal-workers, and furniture-makers, who live there. The tour begins at the historic Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane, where an overview of all artists' works will be on display. Visitors then receive a map and choose which studios to visit on the self-guided tour.

Through the picture windows of artist Ellen Darrow Aho’s 18th century home, one can see thousands of blooming daylilies, planted among six acres, as her family’s Olallie Daylily Gardens continue to grow through three-generations of care. Darrow carves playful and imaginative animals, faces and botanical images on green ware, which are thrown and fired by her neighbor, longtime collaborator, and master of American raku, Richard Foye. Darrow Aho “likes the feeling of the whole pot,” she says, “ the movement, balance and composition.” She also creates striking collaged mixed media works from remnants of older etchings, pastels, drawings and paintings—something Darrow Aho began a few years ago, when, newly widowed, she began to reinvent familiar means of creative expression.

Recycling and reinventing materials also inspires Lauri Richardson, who remarked, “I have a sugar house full of brightly colored junk,” referring to the vast collection of discarded pot shards, broken plates and tiles from which she painstakingly creates mosaic tables, animals and story plaques. Her most recent mosaic story plaques are red, white and blue tile flags with words on them, representing fragments of conversation Richardson has had with viewers who have come to see her Iraq War Memorial project. This installation of small flags, one for each fallen American soldier in Iraq, has garnered Richardson both accolades and controversial notice. Hand-painted by volunteers, including school children, nursing home residents, and the community at large, the flags have grown in number over the past two years and have been displayed in Newfane and Brattleboro. For the Rock River Tour, nearly 3500 flags will run from the center of Williamsville up Timson Hill to Richardson’s studio.

With thread and fabric, Deidre Scherer also creates tableaus that provoke dialogue essential to our times. Particularly noted for her fabric portraits of elderly individuals including the cover art for When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple and recently for her film interview in Holding Our Own, Scherer’s work addresses the natural processes of aging and death in our society. Nationally and internationally known for her work, Scherer pioneered her technique in the ‘70s by using fabric, scissors and sewing machine, the way an artist might use canvas, brushes and paint. By freely drawing with her scissors and layering her palette of fabric, she captures light and shadow, nuance, gesture, and complex, emotional expression. Presently, Scherer is creating a series of icons mounted on gold jacquards, a large-scale narrative work, and several commissioned portraits.

A pioneering spirit also marks the artistic path of Chauncey Berdan, new this year to the Rock River Tour, who worked as a teacher, town administrator and in other vocations until twelve years ago, when Berdan found himself before a potter’s wheel. In a little over a decade, he has managed to master wheel-thrown, gas high-fired stoneware, both functional and decorative, that is made with hand-mixed, primarily earth-toned and organic glazes. Berdan, who explains he is inspired by Japanese design, sprays glazes, in delicate curves and arcs, on his pots for added texture and depth. Fresh to the area a year ago, Berdan works and sells his stoneware at Three Dot Pottery, located in a log cabin off Route 30 in Newfane.

Furniture-maker Chris Ericson also finds inspiration in Japanese design, what Ericson calls an “Asian aesthetic with Shaker influence.” A meticulously hand-crafted cherry desk with blistered maple, for example, reveals his interest in combining refined materials with unrefined, rougher materials to create remarkably balanced and harmonious pieces of not just furniture, but furniture-as-fine-art. Ericson, too, is an explorer as he strives to find his hardwoods locally, sometimes in the woods behind his house in South Newfane or along a river nearby.

Visitors, young and old, on the Rock River Artists’ Open Studio Tour will find delight in the abundance of flowers, such as daylilies, roses, black-eyed Susan’s and bee balm as they wander through the villages and back roads to the various homes, studios and gardens of the two dozen artists on the tour. Perhaps they will discover, as did metal sculptor and blacksmith Rich Gillis, who built his home in this verdant pocket of the Green Mountains eight years ago, that "there is magic around here.”

The self-guided tour meanders around the five-mile radius of three villages: Newfane, South Newfane and Williamsville, which are ten miles northwest of Brattleboro, just off of Route 30.
Maps will be available at the Vermont Welcome Center on I-91 (just south of Exit 1), and at each studio location, as well as at the Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane

2nd Village Stroll

Wear your Strolling Hats for the 2nd Village Stroll
Release Date: Wednesday, June 27th 2007
Wear Your Strolling Hats…
For Immediate Release

June 25, 2007 – Wilmington, VT - Everybody had so much fun at the May Village Stroll that it’s turning into a regular event! Missed the last one? Here’s what the strolls are all about: An opportunity to shop, eat, play, listen to outdoor music and celebrate in our charming Vermont village on a Saturday evening. In downtown Wilmington, you’ll find shops and restaurants open; music throughout the village, games and riddles, fun for the kids, and always a few surprises. There will be a different theme for each stroll, so plan on coming to them all. On Saturday, July 14th we are encouraging everyone to “Wear his or her strolling hats.” Your hat may even win you a prize.
The Village Stroll has teamed up with the Moover to help increase Village parking. Please consider parking on School Street at Twin Valley High School and take the free shuttle into town. If you get there between 5:00 & 6:00 you are in for a real treat. Andrew Palumbo and his amazing drummers will be there to entertain. We have an all-new Bear Hunt that involves solving riddles related to all the big bears in the Village. If you are looking for more baby bears, every shop will have one and if you find one you like, place a bid and it could be yours.
There will be giveaways, wine tastings, concerts, art exhibits, street performers, shopping, and of course, the bears. So find a hat and c’mon down. For more info call the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce 464-8092, go to www.bearsinthevalley.org, or look for our Stroll programs in area shops. If you have a talent, and you would like to be a “street performer” at any of our upcoming strolls, give us a call at the Chamber at 464-8092. Village Strolls will be held from 5-8pm on Saturdays: July 14th , August 11th, September 22nd and December 8th.

Baby Bears coming out May 11th

Baby Bears coming out May 11th
Release Date: Friday, May 4th 2007
For immediate release

Baby Bears Come Out for Stroll on May 11

Wilmington, VT, April 24, 2007 – Bears in the Valley’s table-top sized Baby Bears will be unveiled on Friday, May 11 from 5pm – 7pm in a fun-filled Village Stroll in downtown Wilmington. The evening will feature 56 baby bears in galleries and shops throughout the village, as well as entertainment, shopping and family dining. The baby bears will be on display in Wilmington village for this weekend only before moving to their summer destinations throughout the Valley.
The baby bears have been sponsored by local businesses, schools and individuals and hand-painted as part of local arts education programs. Students in ten area schools have created one-of-a-kind bears that will be sold via silent auction throughout the summer. Participating schools include: Deerfield Valley Elementary, Whitingham School, Dover Elementary, Twin Valley Middle School, Twin Valley High School, Readsboro School, Halifax School, Marlboro Elementary, Wardsboro School, Leland & Gray HS, Kids in the Country Child Care and Wings After School Programs. All silent auction proceeds are being donated to the participating schools
There will be tons to do at this Village Stroll besides seeing all the beautiful designs created by our budding artists. Street performers will be spread throughout the village and will include musicians such as Andy Muhler & friends, Jean Chaine, Dale Doucette and George Adair. The Stroll will also feature Bear Bandits (strolling face painters), kids on stilts, a circus activity lawn, and Cole, the Bear. The Village Stroll will also offer a “red carpet”-type photo opportunity for students attending the prom who would like to stop in the village for a photo shoot from 6:30-7pm on the Crafts Inn lawn.
Businesses with bears on display for Village Stroll will have balloons attached to their doors. Most village shops are staying open late in order to support the event and several village restaurants will be running specials or opening early to allow families flexible dining options. Restaurant choices include: Poncho’s Wreck (opening at 4pm), Zuppardi’s Pizza, Dot’s Restaurant, Jezebel’s, Vermont House, Beanheads, Village Pub, Anchor (reservation suggested for parties of 6 or more), and Red Shutter Inn. Come early and eat at 4pm, anytime during the stroll, or extend your evening and dine after the stroll. Popcorn will also be for sale at the chamber.
Bear merchandise will be for sale including t-shirts, hats, and bear painting sets. Cole, the Bear will be passing out Bears in the Valley balloons to all the kids. This is a great opportunity to come out and celebrate our local budding artists and get a sneak peak at the bears before they move to their summer homes.
The Village Stroll is the first in a series of Bears in the Valley events happening until Columbus Day weekend here in the Deerfield Valley. The next event is the Bear-B-Que on May 26 at the Sitzmark, where the Big Bears will be unveiled. Keep an eye out for details on more events like the Artist Reception, Bear-foot Jam-bear-ee Dance at Adams Farm, more Village Strolls, and the Gala Auction at Mount Snow.
According to Laura Sibilia, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, “This is the inaugural event of what promises to be an exciting summer-long celebration of the arts. The community support and enthusiasm for the Bears in the Valley has been incredible.”For more information, please contact the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092 or visit www.bearsinthevalley.org.