Current News

Medicines for Humanity (MFH), the non-profit international organization that is dedicated to reducing child mortality in impoverished communities worldwide, has honored Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) with its 2011 Humanitarian of the Year award. The presentation was made last night at a fundraising event held at the World Trade Center Seaport Hotel in Boston.
When presenting the award, Medicines for Humanity Board member, Thomas M. O'Neill stated, "GMCR has established a global footprint of caring, and demonstrated proactive concern for the well being of the neediest children. In Rwanda, they seek out these children, and make sure they have life-saving healthcare services. They have shown the world how to use resources wisely to create enduring goodness."

The town of Grafton and the Vermont Country Store in Chester are open for business in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Vermont, which sustained infrastructure damage in the millions from Tropical Storm Irene, has made a remarkable and unprecedented three-week ‘comeback’ in time to host an estimated 3 million leaf peepers for fall foliage season, which begins next week. This is an incredible story of overcoming adversity, of communities, private businesses and individuals coming together to put this area back together.
The video below includes footage of the Old Tavern at Grafton Inn, Grafton Village Cheese, Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center and other businesses in the village.

US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has won initial approval of legislation that would permanently move heavy trucks off state secondary roads and onto the state’s Interstate highways. Leahy’s provision will help Vermont businesses and communities struggling due to the large number of state and local roads heavily damaged during the recent flooding disaster.

The ground will be broken Wednesday for a LEED-certified hotel as local developers Jay Canning and Chuck DesLauriers announce the commencement of construction on the new 125-bedroom Hotel Vermont and Hen of the Wood Restaurant in Burlington. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Commerce Secretary Lawrence Miller will attend the groundbreaking event starting at 5:00 p.m. on September 21, 2011. It's expected to open in 2013.
Hotel Vermont will open at 41 Cherry Street in Burlington 100 years after the original Hotel Vermont first welcomed guests on the corner of Main Street and St. Paul Street. The property will be locally developed, owned and operated with design, construction and management teams all Burlington-based. NBT Bank and the US Department of Agriculture collaborated to finance the project.

The Lodge at Shelburne Bay, located in Shelburne, Vermont, has announced its second expansion in 10 years, the opening of the Shores Assisted Living community. The Shores Assisted Living is a 20 million dollar, 90 bed state-of-the-art project. The 100,000 square foot, fire proof and environmentally friendly building consists of 76 brand new, all-inclusive rental apartments for seniors. The project will create more than 80 new jobs. Amenities include: On-site physical therapy, therapeutic pool, theater, fitness center and much more.
Interior decorating at The Shores Assisted Living was created by renowned New York interior design firm Brett Design, Inc. Architects for the project were Weimann Lamphere Architects, located in Colchester, Vermont. The Bullrock Corporation was the builder and also owns and manages the project.

Tuesday morning Republican Kurt Wright announced that he would be a candidate for mayor of Burlington, Vermont. Wright made the announcement on the Channel 3 Morning News and on the Charlie & Ernie & Lisa Show on WVMT 620-AM.
Wright said, ‘After much discussion, thought and encouragement I’ve decided to run for mayor of Burlington. I can tell you that job number one for me will be to restore fiscal responsibility to the city and restore our credit rating.
"This race is not about party politics," he said, "It will be about who the people of Burlington think can do the best job. Voters will choose the best person who can restore trust and credibility to the City of Burlington and I think I’m that person.
"I love Burlington and my candidacy will be offering big ideas and real solutions over the next few months.’

John Curran, a writer for the Associative Press of Montpelier, died on this past Saturday after suffering from a heart attack. John was only 54 years old and his death came as a shock to many. Governor Peter Shumlin made the following remarks after learning of John’s passing:
"Like so many Vermonters who knew John Curran, I am shocked and saddened by his death. John was an award-winning journalist who was thoughtful, thorough, and fair. My staff and I enjoyed working with John, and we mourn his loss. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and co-workers - John will be impossible to replace."

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation declaring September 18 ‘ 24, 2011 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.
In the 10 years of continuous military operations since September 11, 2001, employers across the Nation have remained committed to supporting their employees who serve in the military. National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week is a time to honor those who serve in the Guard and Reserve while giving thanks to their employers, whose support is a critical component of our national defense.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation today opened a two-lane temporary bridge along Route 105 in Brighton. The temporary bridge restores traffic along Route 105 in Brighton, which has been severed since Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont. While open, the bridge is unpaved. Crews plan to pave Wednesday, weather permitting. When paving is underway, Route 105 in Brighton will experience delays. Motorists should leave additional time to reach their destination.
Source: Vermont Agency of Transportation

The Vermont Department of Education announced grants awarded to six Vermont high schools to engage in 21st century innovative programming today.
The six schools will be the first Vermont cohort inducted into the New England League of Innovative Schools, sponsored by the New England Secondary School Consortium (NESSC). The six schools presented their projects, linking them to the practices to which they have committed and by demonstrating 21st century innovative programming.
Members of Vermont’s first League of Innovative Schools (LIS) cohort include BFA (Dennis Hill, Principal), Cabot (Karen Stewart, Principal), Montpelier (Peter Evans, Principal), Essex (Rob Reardon, Principal), Williamstown (Scott Lang, Principal), and South Burlington (Patrick Burke, Principal).The LIS is a new collaboration-driven support network for New England’s secondary schools.

People’s United Bank and VPT Team Up to Help Vermont Disaster Relief Fund.
When Vermont Public Television holds its fall fundraising campaign later this month, people who contribute to VPT will, at the same time, be helping the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund that has been set up in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene.
A contribution in any amount will support the programs and services that VPT provides throughout the region and will spark a matching donation from People’s United Bank to the local fund.
The effort will be on the air during VPT’s live fundraising evenings Sept. 24, Sept. 27 and Oct. 1.

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company announced today that it has closed on its $2.5 million Series A Preferred Stock financing round, bringing total funds raised to date to $3.1 million. Proceeds from the financing have been used to retire a mortgage on the Company’s property in South Woodstock, Vermont and improve and expand its operations. Although the Company has only been producing cheese since January 2011, Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company products are now sold in 168 stores in six states and have earned 11 awards in four separate national cheese competitions since June 2011.
Vincent Galluccio, Chairman of Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, stated ‘Completing this round of financing is yet another in a long list of milestones we have accomplished in a very short period of time. With these secured funds we can focus on expanding our market presence and growing our revenues.’
About Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company: