During the past year, Shoppe workers have worked diligently to honor their mission to assist the youth of the community. Last summer, $5,000 was contributed to support the 2012 Lunch, Learn and Play program offered at the Courthouse Community Center. The Shoppe also sponsored the Spirit of Volunteerism Award for a graduating Salem student. In addition, the Shoppe donated earnings to the Salem Food Pantry, toys for the Salem after school program, clothing for two homeless families, aid for Hurricane Sandy victims and an electric heater for the Salem Heating Fund,

In the past nine years, the Shoppe has spent over $25,000 to restore the yellow barn on the CCC grounds and convert it to a youth center. New bathrooms were added a few years ago, and a new concrete floor was poured last year. Recently, a sizable donation from the Shoppe funded new overhead lighting. Children participating in the 2013 Lunch, Learn and Play program held in the youth center will benefit from this amazing generosity.

In the fall of 2012, Shoppe workers added a new and exciting opportunity with the implementation of a grant program to assist Salem teachers. The new program funded several class field trips, the purchase of equipment for the music and physical education departments, e- readers for the classroom, a presentation from the Bennington Museum and a donation to the Salem Backpack Program.

Nancy Gadzinski, part of the management team said “It is thanks to a three-way effort that the Shoppe is able to provide substantial funding for youth programs and activities: shoppe volunteers give over 200 hours each month; loyal shoppers continue to patronize the store; and generous donors keep the shelves well stocked!”

The hard-working staff thanks the many shoppers for their amazing support and pledges to continue their effort on behalf of all the children.

Southshire Community School’s teachers, students and parents would like to extend a deep, heartfelt thank you to the following contributors – without them none of this would have been possible: Aimee Davis; Anytime Fitness; Bakkerij Krijnen; Buxton School; Cabot Creamery; Clover Leaf Farm; Dr. & Mrs. Richard Dundas; Enable; EZ Way Rental; G. Housen; George VanHook; Green Mt. Oasis; Hersam Acorn Newspapers (publishers of the TriState Pennysaver News and Vermont News Guide); Hill Country Observer; Hubbard Hall; J&J Auto Polishing; Jessie Loomis; Katie Cleaver; Kevin and Lindy Lynch; Kirk and Sammy Fox; the Leah Carroll Quintet – Leah Carroll, Phelan Gallagher, Dave Banulis, Jeff McCrae and Dave Cuite; Longview Farm; Matthew Perry and the Vermont Arts Exchange; Otha Day; Rebecca & Jason Zimba; Samantha Corey; The Eddington House B&B; and, last but not least, all of the folks who came out for a fun evening to support the school!

Southshire Community School is an accredited, family-oriented elementary school (K-8) in the tradition of the one-room school house. For more information, call 802-442-4601, visit www.southshire.org or email school@southshire.org.

— Coleen Healy and Ann Fitzgerald, Co-Directors, Southshire Community School, North Bennington, Vermont

…recognition…

I would like to take this opportunity to call the public’s attention to a time of recognition for police officers nationwide. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed into law a bill designating May 15 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. The law was amended in 1994 when President Bill Clinton directed that the flag on government buildings be flown at half staff on May 15 each year in memory of those police officers who lost their lives in service to our communities.

Another form of recognition is for citizens to fly a blue ribbon on your automobile or display a blue candle in your window.

In the past six or seven months due to tragic events in the news much attention has been focused on Law Enforcemnt Officers and other emergency personnel including fire departments and rescue squad members. We are reminded that these people are ready to protect and serve our communities every day and we should not take them for granted.

Fly the Blue on May 15!

— Martha Thompson,

Manchester, Vermont.

…firehouse breakfasts…

The Manchester Volunteer Fire Department thanks the following sponsors of our firehouse breakfasts this past season: Tyler Electric, Black Magic Chimney Sweeps, Lions Club (twice!), Bank of Bennington, Mountain Plumbing, and ENT & Audiology. Thanks to these partners, more of the proceeds from these breakfasts can be used to help acquire essential firefighting gear such as thermal imaging cameras and masks for our air tank systems. Thanks also to our friends and families in our community who come out on Sunday mornings to enjoy breakfast with us. We look forward to seeing you all again in the fall. Have a great summer; be safe; keep fire extinguishers handy and know how to use them. Call 911 in case of any emergency; we are here to serve you.

Respectfully,

The officers and members of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department.

…fun face…

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your column about fonts.  I haven’t thought of Souvenir, which was also one of my favorites, in years. I remember when I first started doing mark-up and ad design when I worked at Hemming’s. It was like a whole world opening up — I looked at everything through the “lens” of fonts. I guess other folks still have “fun with fonts” as I realize when I look at student newspapers. Anyway, I enjoyed the column and have enjoyed many others of yours.

—Kitty Farnham

Bennington, Vermont

Ed. Note: I was surprised at the response received regarding the typeface column. It’s refreshing to know that there really are people who pay attention to what they are reading! — SJC

…honeybees…

It is said that beekeepers do not get arthritis or cancer, and probably a lot of other aliments. Aristotle, 2500 years ago, mentioned using the venom of honeybees for bee therapy for arthritis. Ongoing studies are very positive for MS, Lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and any viral affliction. I consider it bee therapy (although I do not use the sting but other delivery systems). Apparently the lipase in the venom destroys the outer shelf of the virus and this destroys the virus. The venom also contains phosphadityl which in the past two or three years has been pushed as a supplement to treat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The lipase also seems to stimulate natural cortisol, a precursor to cortisone, a known general healing agent. I expect to be able to supply the supplement this summer. If you wish to know more about bee medicinal uses, contact me at glen.whitten@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

— Glen Whitten, DDS

Londonderry, Vermont

…first Wednesdays…

First Wednesdays 2012-2013 has come to its conclusion. Once again, the Vermont Humanities Council lecture series hosted by the Mark Skinner Library was a rousing success.

We are most grateful to the Vermont Humanities Council for providing this lecture series to the people of Manchester and the surrounding communities.

With the help of the Equinox Village, the Perfect Wife Restaurant and Tavern, the Spiral Press Café, and Vermont Renewable Fuels, the Manchester community and beyond considered themes as diverse as “Monkeys, Mathematics, and Mischief: What Are the Lifelong Lessons of Education,” “An Evening of George Gershwin,” and “The Marshall Plan Revisited.”

The Keelan Family Foundation, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the Northshire Bookstore generously sponsored programs in the series.

First Wednesdays would not be possible without the statewide support of the Vermont Department of Libraries. And since the Mark Skinner Library is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, nor do we currently have space to accommodate 150-200 people for events, we rely on the generosity of our neighbor, the First Congregational Church, to provide an appropriate venue.

The presence and participation of BBA and Long Trail School students created a rich, multi-generational experience for all.

Manchester’s Public Library is proud to serve as the host for this extraordinary lecture series. It is a gift to the people of Manchester and the Mountains and we applaud the above businesses and organizations for making it possible.

— Betsy Bleakie, Executive Director, Mark Skinner Library

Mike Ryan, President,

Mark Skinner Library

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Unaitis is the son of Sandra Unaitis of Oak Grove Avenue, Brattleboro, Vermont.

He is a 2012 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School.

Air Force Airman Michael J. Lemire graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Lemire is the son of John Lemire of Hopkins Street, Rutland, Vermont.

He is a 2006 graduate of Rutland High School.

During the month of May the Manchester Lions Club will be collecting used prescription eyeglasses for our recycling program. All glasses will be cleaned and prepared for distribution in developing countries where eyecare is often unaffordable and inaccessible.

The donated glasses will be shipped to a regional Lions Eyeglass Recycle Center where they will be categorized and prepared for distribution by Lions and other groups.

To drop off a donation of eyeglasses (sunglasses and reading glasses) look for our special boxes around town including: Berkshire Bank, Richville Road location, Advanced Eye Care, Manchester, Manchester Town Office and Dorset Town Office.

For further information about your Lions Club go to the website or call Penny Charbonneau at 802-362-5707. Since 1917 Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving the youth throughout the world.

…croquet anyone?…

Earlier this year the Bennington Croquet League, which has always held their games on Thursday afternoons at the Park-McCullough House in North Bennington, was informed by the Board of Trustees of the House that there would not be a board member present at the house on Thursdays, therefore the house and barn would be locked up. This meant that there would be no facilities for players and there would be nowhere to store the liquor. Serving tables, which are stored in the house would not be available for the hors d’oeuvres.

A handful of members began searching for somewhere new, offering all of the amenities we have enjoyed in the past including a cash bar, snack platter, flat playing area with shade trees and a beautiful ambiance. They have found such a place at the Mount Anthony Country Club. The lawn will be mowed twice a week and the wickets set up and taken down for the club. The play day had to be changed to Tuesdays but that is the only change from years past. So much less work leaves so much more time to socialize!

If you are interested in a low-impact sport combined with a convivial group of people, give Joann Erenhouse a call at 802-447-3311. Our Opening Day Cocktail Party is Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. Come and spend your Tuesday evenings on the spacious grounds of the Mount Anthony Country Club surrounded by beautiful and inspiring views from every angle.

The PMH Board has done a turn-around after hearing that the Bennington Croquet League found a new home. They are forming a second croquet league by recruiting former and new members. The more the merrier, I always say!

…early visit…

I have had to take many days off work to attend to the health care of my sister-in-law and her finances. This has required me to split my time between Cohoes, Troy and Hoosick Falls, New York and Bennington, Vermont. My sister Linda, who lives in California, offered to help out for a couple of weeks with an early visit. It was nice to have her moral support when my sister-in-law came home from the hospital on Friday, May 3. None of these things are easy but I will tell you that Hospice of Rennselaer County is absolutely marvelous. They are kind, gentle, explain everything, write down the names of the medications and what they are for, etc. And, they don’t talk in nurse-speak.

…rescue squad in action…

I picked Linda up at Albany International Airport around 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. We swung by my sister-in-law’s house to pick up her car so that Linda could do some of the running around for me as I didn’t want to miss more workdays. We were driving through Raymertown at about 11:55 when Linda, who was following me, flicked her lights and turned around.

I followed her and saw that the car behind her did a spin around and crashed into a telephone pole pinning the passenger in the car. Linda called 911 and soon the Pittstown Rescue Squad was on the scene with sirens, lights, jaws-of-life to extricate the passenger, ambulances, a call went up for a helicopter, and first-responders were everywhere. They were efficient, knowledgeable, strong, capable, reassuring and everyone knew what their role was. The Sheriff’s department and State Police were also on the scene. I had a portable chair in my car that we used for the driver. Exactly one hour had passed by the time the victims were removed by ambulance.

This was the first time I have ever watched a rescue squad up front and personal. What awesome heroes all of our first-responders are, especially more so as they are volunteers!

]]> http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/email-etiquette/feed/ 0 http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/yankee-pot-roast-dinner-on-may-18/ http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/yankee-pot-roast-dinner-on-may-18/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:57 +0000 Susan http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/?p=9481 A Yankee Pot Roast Family Dinner to benefit the outreach of the Federated Church of East Arlington will be served in Bailey Hall on Ice Pond Road in East Arlington, Vermont. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.

Free will donations will be accepted to provide emergency needs such as fuel and electricity to local families in need. In the past two years the church has met such needs at an average cost of $3,000 per year. The dinner menu will include pot roast, vegetables, mashed potatoes, coffee, milk for the children, fresh salad and home-baked pie for dessert. No reservations are needed. Take-out dinners will be available. Phone the church office at 802-375-2548 for additional information.

There are 12 boxes…no two are the same!  “As IB Art students are required to learn about a variety of artists from different cultures and time periods, this project was a perfect opportunity to research, create, and give back to our greater community.  LTS and the IB organization share this philosophy, and the project generated a great deal of excitement among the students,” said Arts Department Chair Anharad Edson. The students researched artists and periods in art that intrigued them and created paintings inspired by their learning. One student recreated the scenes from the Lascaux caves in France while another student combined the colors of Fauvism with the shapes of Cubism to create dynamic images. Current and past art styles and inspirations grace these one-of-a-kind handpainted boxes.

Edson and Rath collaborated to bring art and philanthropy together for the students and the customers that they serve. Rath visited the student artists and ran a discussion about the science behind bee colonies, and the importance of the bee boxes. The students chose Heifer International as the recipient of the funds generated by the sale, as students were excited about the organization’s approach to building more sustainable societies through organic means around the world.

The boxes are made of pine, primed, and painted with acrylic paint, then sealed with a clear coat to handle the weather. To have a look and place a bid, please visit www.betterbee.com. Starting this week, three boxes will be showcased in a seven day auction. Once those three are awarded to the highest bidders, the next three offerings will be posted, creating a month-long fundraising effort. Each box will be posted on Ebay, with links to Facebook and identified by artist and inspiration. All proceeds from the sale of these boxes will be donated to Heifer International.

The Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center located at Bromley Mountain is hosting its fourth annual No Limits Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 15. The tournament is a scramble format with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the beautiful Manchester Country Club. The $100 individual entry fee includes green fee, cart and a delicious dinner. As always, the event will feature great prizes, a spirited raffle — and lots of fun.

The Bart Center is a chapter member of Disabled Sports USA and a member of the U.S. Paralympic Sport Club. Our mission is to provide people with disabilities and their families the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports, with a special focus on snow sports. The Bart Center is staffed by a network of dedicated volunteers who receive annual training to work with individuals with special needs. 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the Bart Center. Over the past decade the Center has steadily grown and continues to provide vital services to many individuals in the area.

Please join us for this great event on June 15. For tournament entry information or to learn more about the work of the Bart Center, please visit our website www.bartcenter.com or call 802-824-6849.

]]> http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/bart-center-no-limits-golf-tournament/feed/ 0 http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/bba-car-wash-spaghetti-dinner/ http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/2013/05/bba-car-wash-spaghetti-dinner/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:44 +0000 Susan http://www.vermontnews-guide.com/?p=9471

Jake Stalcup and Winston Muench invite the community to a car wash and spaghetti dinner.

The Burr and Burton Academy Senior Class is holding a send-off Car Wash and Spaghetti Dinner for only $10, adults, $5 children and $30 for an entire family. This event will be held at the Manchester Firehouse on Saturday, May 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, May 19.

“This is Vermont,” more than a cookbook, much more than the sum of its delicious recipes, here is a celebration of a way of life – phenomenal not so much for how it reflects the back-to-the-land, local-first movement sweeping America but because it’s sort of always been this way in Vermont.

Small, independent farms are the lifeblood of Vermont’s agriculture, from the sweetcorn grower to the dairy goat farmer to the cheesemaker whose locally sourced goat milk chevre becomes the heart of a new dish by a chef in Montpelier. While this farm-to-table cycle may be a phenomenon just hitting its stride in the United States, it has long been a way of life in Vermont, part of the ethos that Vermonters use to define themselves. As such, Vermont exemplifies a standard of small-scale, community-minded, unadulterated agriculture that has become a national model.

Tracey Medeiros is a freelance food writer, food stylist, and recipe developer and tester. She writes a weekly food column for the Essex Reporter and the Colchester Sun and writes the “Edible Farm” column for Edible Green Mountains Magazine.

For more information on this and other events, call

802-362-2200 or 1-800-437-3700, or visit the Northshire Bookstore website at www.northshire.com.