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100th Anniversary Celebration & Auction
November 3, 2018
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

The City of St. Albans celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery with a festive auction and reception.
The Auction Block boasts unique artworks in two mediums:
1. Winning entries from the Mayor’s Photo Competition.
2. A limited number of vintage Milk Cans, repurposed into collector’s items by our community’s talented local artists. Mayor Tim Smith and City Business Development Director Marty Manahan will serve as auctioneers for the event. A cash bar and hors-d’oeuvres will be available. This event is free and open to the community. Proceeds will benefit several Franklin County community groups.

Unplugged Evening with Jamie Lee Thurston
November 2, 2018
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Event Description:
Join us in The Room at 14th Star for a special one night only acoustic performance from country music star Jamie Lee Thurston.

Doors open at 6 — JLT’s performance begins at 7.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Veterans Count Vermont, an organization that raises money for programs, run by the Easter Seals, that benefit our current and past members of the armed forces, with all of the money raised in Vermont remaining in Vermont.

About Jamie Lee Thurston
A New England native, Jamie Lee first took the stage when he was three years old with his father, who was a popular bandleader and frontman for musical groups in Vermont.

As an independent artist, Jamie Lee continues to play with Country greats, has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and has seven albums to his credit. His new single, “Givin’ Up Breathin’,” is earning critical praise and listener requests on the radio.

Jamie Lee’s other passion is helping America’s veterans and using his music help raise awareness and money for veterans with PTS and TBI through organizations like Veterans Count.

Learn more about Jamie Lee at: www.jamieleethurston.com

Benefit Concert for Missisquoi River Basin Association

November 7, 2018
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST

Live music from Rusty Bucked and the Schroons. Games, light appetizers, a free flight of delicious brews and complimentary MRBA pint glass. All proceeds benefit improving waterways and water quality in and around the Missisquoi River and Lake Champlain.

More info at: https://www.facebook.com/events/274573116502110/

It’s time to end the annual debate about whether to install winter/snow tires on your car. If you live in an area where snow is a constant throughout winter, having dedicated winter/snow tires can improve your safety, according to a number of studies and surveys.

More than half of Canadian drivers install winter/snow tires on their cars, and they see a real benefit. There are fewer winter-related accidents, injuries, and deaths when cars are required to be fitted with winter/snow tires, a Quebec-based study found.

And the most recent survey report from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada suggests that two-thirds of Canadian drivers are using winter/snow tires (which are required in some provinces).

In the U.S., the use of winter/snow tires is much lower among snow-belt drivers. Just two in five American motorists use winter/snow tires, according to a new survey commissioned by Michelin

.

The Michelin survey, which focused on the U.S., also found:

• 67 percent of respondents thought they didn’t need winter tires because they had all-season tires. Consumer Reports’ testing clearly shows that most winter/snow tires have better snow traction than the average all-season tires. As their name suggests, winter/snow tires are specially made to handle the cold, slippery challenges that winter can bring.

• 53 percent thought winter/snow tires weren’t needed if they had an all-wheel-drive vehicle. But Consumer Reports subscribers consider winter/snow tires to be beneficial whether they have a two-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive car or SUV, according to a recent CR tire survey.

• Michelin found that three out of four drivers are nervous about driving in snow. Younger drivers are more concerned than older drivers, perhaps due to inexperience.

• The survey showed that a vast majority of drivers avoid, limit, or change plans because they don’t want to drive in wintry weather. Drivers are worried about the “other guy” on the road, losing control, or getting stuck. Ultimately, staying off the road is the best way to improve safety in foul weather.

• Most drivers using winter/snow tires are more confident in driving in snow and less concerned about other drivers and the loss of traction.

If you don’t need to drive in wintry weather and can wait until the roads are cleared, then driving on all-season tires might be all you need. If you’ll be driving in snow, the answer is clear: Put winter/snow tires on your car now.

Remember to look for manufacturer rebates when you shop for tires. Don’t wait to buy, because tire supplies can dwindle as the snow really starts to fall.

Lake Champlain

Extending for 120 miles between Vermont and New York, with its northern tip in Canada, Lake Champlain lies mostly in Vermont and draws visitors for its recreation, wildlife, and historical attractions. Its watershed covers more than 8,000 square miles. Much of its 587 miles of shoreline are undeveloped; a haven for wildlife; and a playground for canoeists, kayakers, and sailors. On the Vermont side, 318 species of birds depend on Lake Champlain, and 81 species of fish swim in its waters. According to Samuel de Champlain, for whom the lake is named, a 20-foot serpent-like creature also swims in the lake. His was the first, but certainly not the last reported sighting of what is now known as “Champy.” You might catch sight of it from one of the several lake cruises, or even from one of the three ferries that cross to the New York side from Charlotte, Burlington, and Grand Isle.

Stowe

With a covered bridge, white-spired church, weathered barns, and ski trails down the mountainside, Stowe is everybody’s image of Vermont. At the foot of Mt. Mansfield and in the heart of the state’s snow belt, it’s also the town that most personifies the glory days of Vermont’s early ski industry, a heritage that’s explored here in the Vermont Ski Museum. Although avid skiers had climbed the mountain long before that, and a rope tow was installed in 1937, things really took off in 1940 when the first chairlift was opened.

It’s not allabout skiing; you’ll find shops and boutiques, art galleries, dining, and lodging of all sorts. Exhibits of works by Vermont-based artists are shown in the Helen Day Art Center. You can rent bicycles to ride, or you can walk or skate along the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, a paved multi-use route through meadows and woods alongside the river, with beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield. Stowe Mountain Resort is still one of New England’s premier ski destinations, and the gondola that carries skiers in the winter takes sightseers to the summit for more views in the summer and fall.

Ben & Jerry’s

Unquestionably Vermont’s most popular tourist attraction for children, Ben & Jerry’s factory tour is a favorite experience for adults, too. On the 30-minute guided tour of the factory, you’ll watch workers as they make and package ice cream, while a guide explains the process. On days when the factory is not operating, you’ll still see inside it, but a movie will show it in action. Of course a sample of the day’s flavor is included, and you can sample more flavors before choosing your favorite at their scoop shop. The gift shop sells B&J goods, and you can take ice cream with you in insulated carriers. Be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard to mourn the loss of their “dearly de-pinted” flavors and to smile at the past tongue-in-cheek names.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Overlooking Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum explores all things nautical on the lake throughout its history. Its 15,000 artifacts range from archaeological finds and photographs to antique boats and full-scale replicas of historic vessels. Displays illustrate explorations of shipwrecks and include articles recovered from the lake. The boathouse features a collection of small boats from the past 150 years, many of which were recovered from Champlain’s waters, including a 16-foot rowboat from the mid-1800s and a 1929 wooden speedboat. A replica 18th-century blacksmith shop illustrates maritime ironwork. During special events, the museum hosts re-enactments of the lives of French, English, and Native Americans who traded and lived around the lake. You can rent sailboats, row boats, canoes, and kayaks here to explore the lake on your own.

Hildene

Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the president, visited Manchester with his mother shortly before his father’s assassination. After he had become president of Pullman Company, in the early 20th century, he returned to build the Georgian Revival Hildene as his country estate. Hildene represents a fine example of homes built as retreats for the families of wealthy magnates and is furnished with a number of pieces from Mrs. Lincoln’s family. Personal belongings of President Lincoln include his famous stovepipe hat. Other highlights are the thousand-pipe 1908 Aeolian organ, in working condition, and the elegant dining room furnished in Queen Anne style. The home remained in the Lincoln family until 1975, thus preserving the original furnishings and memorabilia. The formal gardens on the terrace overlooking the broad valley have been restored from records of original plantings.

Bennington Battle Monument and Museum

The 306-foot-high obelisk visible for miles around commemorates the 1777 battle fought about five miles west of Bennington, which turned the tide against the British by splitting British General John Burgoyne’s forces in half, making the final American victory possible. You can bypass the monument’s 412 steps by taking an elevator to the top for views.

The nearby Bennington Museum is best known for its extensive collection of works by primitive folk artist Grandma Moses, along with her schoolhouse painting studio. The museum is also especially strong in its collections of Bennington pottery, furniture, toys, American glassware, and Victorian quilts. You’ll also find fine art and artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods.

Brattleboro Farmers Market

In a region known for its small farms and agriculture, Brattleboro’s is the poster child of farmers markets. More than a place to buy fresh-picked vegetables and fruit from small independent local farmers, it is a social event, a meeting place, a Saturday lunch stop, and part of the weekend routine for southern Vermonters. You’ll find old favorite vegetables and all the trendy new varieties, along with flowers, artisanal breads, farm cheeses, handmade soap, local honey, maple syrup, pottery, jewelry, smart scarves, and French pastries. Plan to be there around lunch time when there will nearly always be live music, and maybe Morris dancers on the shaded lawn. Some vendors sell prepared foods to eat at picnic tables under the trees. You may find savory stews from Mali, Thai noodles, Lebanese dolmas, even Breton crepes. In the winter, the market moves indoors to a Main Street location.

Employee Spotlight
Brendon Boissonneault
Sales & Leasing Consultant

Brendon is happily engaged, and expecting their first baby in January. He has worked on his family dairy farm his whole life and has many good work ethics from those times. He has been working at Handy Chevrolet for three weeks and is catching on quickly. He is a native Vermonter and likes the unique lifestyle that can only be found in this state. For his dream car, Brendon would choose a Corvette. He likes to hang out with his family and friends outside of work, he also enjoys going to the gym to work out. Some of Brendon’s Favorites include NCIS the T.V. show and Step Brothers the movie. His goals are to provide for his family and be as successful as he can be.

VT Craft Beer Half Marathon

September 29, 2018

The Vermont Craft Beer Half Marathon is timed race through historic St. Albans, VT and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail followed by a Harvest Festival & Craft Beer Tasting featuring farmers market vendors, food trucks, live music and Vermont craft breweries.

The race starts at 9:00 on Main Street in St. Albans, VT in the middle of Taylor Park. Please come early, as all runners must check in prior to the run.

Featuring Craft Beverages From:
14th Star Brewing Company
Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse
Magic Hat Brewing Company
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Trout River Brewing Company
Citizen Cider
and Groennfell Meadery

Featured Food Vendors:
The Traveling Canteen
Taco Truck All Stars
The Skinny Pancake Burlington
SAM’s Maple Sorbet

10th Annual Blue Jean Ball

October 27, 2018

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Halloween Activity at St. Albans Free Library  1-3pm
Downtown Merchants Trick or Treating
Activities in Taylor Park
Haunted Museum at the St. Albans Museum
Trunk or Treat at Area Churches

Kid’s Glow Run

The Green Mountain State is home to some of the most lush and beautiful apple orchards around. So when fall rolls around and you’re looking to bake up a sweet apple pie, sip on some cider, or simply take a bite out of a farm-fresh apple, head over to one of Vermont’s expansive orchards. While you and your family are picking, you’ll be afforded some stunning views, too. Here are the 10 best apple picking spots in the state.

1. Green Mountain Orchards, Putney, VT

Most autumn days you can come on down to Green Mountain Orchards for some apple pie and warm, fresh cider doughnuts, and hand-pressed sweet apple cider. The cider is so fresh, you can drink it unpasteurized, or maybe you will want to peruse the store for house made jams and butter, as well as quality cheese and maple products. You-pick apples and berries are in full swing too.

2. Wellwood Orchards, Springfield, VT

Started in 1954, Wellwood Orchards is a family owned and operated farm that features wagon rides and pick-your-own apples. Find strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, pumpkins and more, or enjoy many fresh baked items from the country store. Also, don’t forget the camera because this hilltop orchard offers panoramic views.

3. Mad Tom Orchard, East Dorset, VT

Planted in 1940 by the Parsons family, restoration on the orchard began in the late 1990s and now features 100 original McIntosh and Cortland trees. Additionally, 1,200 new trees complete eight acres of production. Enjoy pick-your-own apples, cherries, and raspberries. Also, enjoy mountain views and fresh pressed cider.

4. Champlain Orchards, Shoreham, VT

Self-proclaimed as one of the oldest continuously operating orchards in Vermont, Champlain Orchards grows 100 types of apples, and peaches, cherries, nectarines, and berries. Careful to minimize their carbon footprint for maximum sustainability, they follow Eco Apple guidelines and are certified Organic by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). Also, the farm is electrically solar powered, which supports their mission of sustainability.

5. Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne, VT

At Shelburne Orchards, you can pick your own apples, sour cherries, peaches, and table grapes. They Paula Reds, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, and more will ripen at different times. Also, don’t miss cider doughnuts and the Tractor Petting Zoo!

6. Hacketts Orchard, South Hero, VT

Hacketts is a family owned and operated farm established in 1967 on 50 acres.  They feature 47 varieties of apples, fresh cider doughnuts, apple cider, vegetables, pumpkins, Vermont maple syrup, local honey, and more. Enjoy a picnic and play area, fall wagon rides, orchard tours, and u-pick. Also, don’t miss frozen cider and frozen apple crisp or community events, like the local Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.

7. Happy Valley Orchard, Middlebury, VT

Happy Valley is an orchard, a specialty grocery store, farm stand, and a bakery all in one. Come pick McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, and heirloom varieties, such as Northern Spy, Keepsake, Spitzenburg, Russet, Vermont Gold, and Rhode Island Greening. And don’t forget about the famous cider doughnuts made fresh daily, the fresh-pressed cider, or the produce from local growers.

8. Burtt’s Orchard, Cabot, VT

Burtt’s packs over 40 varieties into just 10 small acres, but if you are in the Montpelier area, this little apple plot may be worth a look. That is because Burtt’s features many varieties that other larger orchards do not, like Northern Spy, St. Edmund’s Russet, Pixie Crunch, Ashmead’s Kernel, Binet Rouge, Summer Mac, Summer Rambo, Cox’s Orange Pippin, William’s Pride, Blue Pearmain, Winter Banana, Jonagold and more.

9. Scott Farm Orchard, Dummerston, VT

The Scott Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been in active cultivation since 1791. The first apple orchard on the 571-acre farm was established in 1911, which is now owned by the Landmark Trust USA. The Scott Farm now utilizes “ecologically grown” practices and boasts over 120 varieties of heirloom apples, plums, blueberries, peaches, pears, medlars, and apricots.

10. Chapin Orchard, Essex Junction, VT

Situated just 20 minutes from Burlington, Essex Junction’s Chapin Orchard is a wonderfully family-friendly location to pick your fresh apples for the season. Chapin is open seven days a week from early September through October. Available apples include Cortland, Empire, Macoun, Golden Rusett, Northern Spy, and much more!

Becky Hatin
Accounting Office

Becky has worked at Handy Chevrolet for Five Weeks and has lived in Vermont for 38 years, She is married and has three kids. Her dream car would be a Porche 911 if she could have any vehicle from our lot it would be a Silverado Z71. On Becky’s days off she can be found with her family doing all sorts of outdoors activities such as hiking, camping, and playing sports. Her favorite author is Marry Higgins-Clark she loves any of her books. Her favorite TV show is Seinfeld, and favorite movie is Pretty Woman. She devotes as much time as she can to her kids and supporting them in all they do. She loves to watch her kids play sports and relaxing with them on her time off.

Steeple Market Brewfest 2018
September 15, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Fees/Admission:
$40 Regular Ticket $5 Designated Driver Ticket

Steeple Market is proud to present their 3rd annual Brewfest! The event will feature a wide variety of craft beer and ciders, live music and festive food. This year we will also have a cornhole tournament! Proceeds support the Fairfax Fire Department. Tickets are on sale now and include entry to the tasting session, 12 tasting tickets, and a commemorative beer glass. This year, instead of two smaller sessions we will have one large session from 2pm – 6pm. Let’s get together with friends, family, and neighbors, one more time before the season starts to change. We’re serving up good times and community reunions at this hometown event supporting the Fairfax Fire Department.

Thunder Kittens
Homegrown in Vermont. Playing good times music.

Chris & Erica
A Vermont duo.

For more information visit
https://steeplemarket.com/brewfest/

To Bid or Not to Bid – A Benefit for Bent Northrop Memorial Library
September 29, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Mark your calendars for the 5th annual ‘Party of the Year’ with fabulous food, craft beer, and both red & white wines. All you can eat and drink for $15.00 per person! String wizard Will Patton will provide the music. Silent and noisy auctions throughout the evening will feature local organic produce, beautiful folk art, stunning photography, plus an extensive range of experiential treats for the whole family. It’s a fundraiser for Fairfield’s public library, in the heart of town, alive and vibrant: Bent Northrop Memorial Library. This is surely an evening not to be missed! See you there!

Sponsored by the Friends of BNML.
Fees/Admission:
$15.00 per person for all you can eat and drink
Visit our website
http://www.bentnorthrop.org