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Hi All, We've had lots of constantly changing information coming at us since march 17th 2020. This newsletter helped many of us keep track of what the various businesses in the area were doing to provide services and products under the Covid 19 rules and restrictions. Things have calmed significantly and we have a bit better handle on the ebb and flow of life in the time of Corona, so I've taken all the blocks for the businesses out and only put in ones that had fairly recent updated info. Please feel free to send me new blurbs about what you have going on at this time and changes in hours, access etc. Just wanted to freshen it up a bit and get outdated info off the site. Many thanks for your perseverance over the past year!! Bernie
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February 2021
~Chamber Newsletter~
Info and happenings in our
Chamber and Town!
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Candidates Forum for Select Board and Prudential Committee races. 
ZOOM online on Tuesday, February 16th at 6:30pm
ZOOM INFO:Town of Brandon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 7pm Tuesday 2/16/21
Topic: 2021 Select Board and Prudential Board Candidate Forum
On your computer or smartphone, download the
Zoom app and enter Meeting ID number 893 3980 1737
Without a computer via telephone: Dial 1 (929) 205-6099 and follow instructions, entering
Meeting ID Number 893 3980 1737 then pound (#) When prompted for participant ID hit
pound (#) again to enter the meeting.
Selectboard- 1 year term- vote for 2
Seth Hopkins
Allie Breyer
Lindsey Birk
Mike Markowski
Prudential Committee- 3 year term- vote for 1
Natalie Steen
Mike Markowski
Prudential Committee- 2 year term- vote for 2
Bill Moore
Dennis Reisenweaver
Lynn Wdowiak
Jonathan Wyman
Natalie Steen
This will be a friendly and orderly affair. This is not a referendum on national politics, this is an opportunity for folks to get to know how the candidate would represent their friends and neighbors interests on the Prudential and Select Boards.
-Candidates will have 3 minutes for an opening statement
-Questions will be sent via Zoom chat. The instruction will be given to attendees that the questions should be framed for ALL candidates to answer (not targeted at a specific candidate)
Questions will be read and all candidates will have an opportunity to answer; we will alternate who answers first, second, third etc, example:
1, 2, 3
2, 3, 1
3, 1, 2 Etc...
Time to answer questions for each candidate will be 90 seconds. This can be changed at the beginning of a question, if all candidates agree to extend the time. The most time given for any one question will be 2 minutes.
There will be 2 minutes given to each candidate for closing statements
Bill Moore will be the moderator for the Select Board portion and Bernie Carr will moderate the Prudential Board portion.
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 Brandon Fire District #1- Warning for Information Meeting (rescheduled from 1/11/21) to be held via Zoom on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021
ZOOM info for meeting attendance- https://zoom.us/j/86541089021
meeting ID: 865 4108 9108
to attend by phone- call 1-646-558-8656 meeting ID- 865 4108 9108
We will hold the Fire District annual meeting with budget presentation and reports and voting will occur via Australian ballot on March 2 at the American Legion from 10am-7pm.
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Send Us Your Photos!
Chamber website work The Brandon Chamber is excited to announce that we have started a website refresh project! Over the winter, a volunteer committee will work on the content and photos and we anticipate being ready to make the site live in the spring.
-Looking for great general Brandon village or area photos that will show our way of life and the beauty that surrounds us every day:
Right now, we would like all the amateur and professional photographers out there to send in your great photos that show people in the greater Brandon community in action and landscapes and panoramas that show us off. Please include photographer name with each photo submitted so we can give proper photo credit. Please send in photos to [email protected]. Thank you.
-Take a Scenic Drive and Share the Highlights, we want to include links to videos showing off our town and sights:
Looking for something to do one day? The Brandon Chamber is updating its website, brandon.org and we will be creating a new page with area scenic drives. Why not plan a little trip and share the route and highlights with us. We'd like to keep the drives within 30 miles round-trip.
Please tell us: Name of your trip: Total distance round trip: Estimated driving time:
All tours should start and end at the Brandon Inn, 20 Park St. Highlight a few things from your journey. Take photos. Your highlights can include a scenic overlook, a short hike or snowshoe, or a great photo opportunity. Imagine the drive in a different season as well. Here are a couple of examples from Waterbury, VT. Let us know what you are planning so we can tell others who inquire. https://discoverwaterbury.com/experiences/scenic-drives
EXAMPLE:
River Road
Distance: 11 miles
Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Start on River Road at the south end of downtown Waterbury and wind along the namesake Winooski River. Stop to take in the stream views, cast a fishing line, or cross the Winooski Street bridge and stroll along the Cross Vermont Trail, which parallels River Road north of the bridge.
Pull off at the Bolton Falls dam and enjoy a picnic at the small recreation area. For those interested in a different vantage point, follow the trails uphill to a rocky outcropping with a spectacular view of Camel's Hump and the water below. This hike is just shy of a mile round trip and easy to moderate hike, but be cautious on the rocks at the top.
End the route at the Winooski River Footbridge, a 224-foot suspension bridge recently constructed by the Green Mountain Club to aid Long Trail hikers. The bridge is wheelchair accessible and offers great views of the river.
Here's another example:
Little River State Park
Distance: 9 miles
Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Turn onto Little River Road from VT Route 2W, 1.3 miles from the Waterbury Roundabout.
Pull off at 1.6 miles to see a small but dramatic gorge near the right side of the road. Continue just over a mile, park at the boat ramp and walk across the top of the Waterbury Dam. This earthworks dam was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers in 1938, which created the Waterbury Reservoir. Enjoy an expansive view of the Green Mountains and the reservoir before continuing 3.6 miles on to the park entrance.
Pay a fee at the park entrance and continue through the park, pausing to enjoy one of the easy to moderate hikes or nature trails, before retracing your path to Route 2.
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Brandon Businesses!!
This is Patty Wood, President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Bernie Carr and I are inviting you to join in a bit of free advertising.
What is it?
GeoTourist is a FREE application for mobile devices. Users can download it from the iPhone or Google app stores and search for tours based on topic or area. They can take the tour from the comfort of their home on their smartphone or computer. Or, turn it on in their phone while in the area and based on their exact location, the app can auto-play guided audio tours right on their smartphone.
GeoTourist is also free to create tours. Tim Guiles has graciously offered to do the set-up of a number of tours for Brandon. Tim will edit and add the audio, add pictures, and set the GPS markers so that the audio plays when the user is at the right location. The Greenways/DBA are putting together several tours -History, Industry, Arts. They already have quite a few done! Click here to see a sample
Why does the Chamber care?
We think that it would be a quick, easy and fun way to get exposure for our businesses. So we have put together a "commercial" Tour. We will be creating a QR code that can go onto our literature, the Brandon.org website, etc. to drive people toward it. This is one more building block toward getting our local businesses more findable on the Web.
Why are we emailing you?
The technology is figured out, and we want to get all of our businesses represented in the tour. That is where you come in!
So what do you have to do?
To get some ideas, go listen to some stops on the
Downtown Brandon GeoTour
. Bernie recorded Carrs Gift's minutes after hearing about this from Tim - so it was pretty easy. As easy as 1,2,3 ,,,
- jot down what you want to say,
- make a recording of it on your phone,
- snap a picture of your place of business. If you do not have a retail storefront, take a picture of yourself and your team, or your logo - whatever marketing materials you choose.
Feel free to send any questions or suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with the recording or photo aspect, let us know and we can get someone to come and give you some socially distanced assistance.
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 Winter parking ordinance reminder November 1st to April 1st
Just a reminder that overnight parking on the street isn't allowed during the winter months between the hours of midnight-6am. You can be towed.
Smith Block apartments, parking behind Carr's and Café Provence is available. During the winter please park on the east side (along the Brandon Inn barn) to help with plowing access and clean up after storms. The municipal lot by the town hall behind the old Mobil station also provides some parking.
Businesses please continue to keep our on-street spaces open for our customers and patrons. Many thanks for your cooperation. |
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 The Town of Brandon has the following Board and Committee vacancies: BLSG Insect Control District Representative Alternate Development Review Board Member Development Review Board Alternate Development Review Board Alternate Fence Viewer Planning Commission Board Member Revolving Loan Fund Committee Alternate Revolving Loan Fund Committee Alternate Rutland County Solid Waste District Representative Alternate Rutland Regional Transportation Council Representative Alternate Please send letters of interest before 2/19/21 to David Atherton, Town Manager, 49 Center Street, Brandon, VT 05733 or email at [email protected]
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Recent ACCD newsletters-
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Businesses- check out this website and sign up today!
From coffee to sweaters, wine to honey, furniture to jewelry there
are countless one-of-a-kind treasures that come from Vermont.
Although they vary greatly in terms of style, they all have a
Few important things in common. Quality craftsmanship.
Locally sourced ingredients. Pride, patience, care, and yes, love.
Browse our makers and merchants for gift ideas that are
as unique and special as Vermont itself.
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How Coronavirus-Impacted Businesses Can Use the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) can greatly help businesses that suffered revenue
reductions from COVID-19.
Businesses that experienced a decline in gross receipts by more than 20% in any quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019 are eligible. Click here for more info.
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 Covid Support VT
We are all aware of the great toll COVID-19 is taking on business owners' mental health. Our grant funded program was created to provide mental health and wellness support, free of charge, to any Vermonter, including Vermont business owners, who may need them during the pandemic.
Please look at the flyer outlining our services available.
Also, we are excited to announce that our first Town Hall: Chittenden County Housing Assistance, takes place Feb 4th. More information and registration can be found here. To stay up to date on upcoming Town Halls and more, you can sign up for our newsletter. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you would like more information.
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The Health Department has detected an increase in COVID-19 activity in Rutland County during the last two weeks.
- Rutland City and some surrounding towns now have evidence of increased rates, multiple household clusters and workplaces with cases.
- Surrounding towns with increased rates include Benson, Pittsford, Castleton, West Haven and Fair Haven.
- At this time we are seeing an increased number of cases that are not known to be associated with an outbreak, which is an indication of more widespread community transmission.
- We are sharing this information to encourage community-wide public health interventions. We are asking for your partnership and recommend taking the following steps to slow the spread of infections:
Take these prevention steps to help slow the spread:
o Stay home if you are sick.
o Wash your hands often.
o Keep your social circle to only the people you live with.
o Stay at least 6 feet apart from people you do not live with.
o Wear a mask any time you are around people you do not live with.
- We are monitoring the map of recent cases by town on the Health Department's website to know when spread begins to slow down in our area.
- If you have gathered with people you don't live with, you should quarantine, and we encourage you to get tested right away, and then again 7 days after the gathering.
- If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19, follow quarantine guidelines. Answer the phone if a contact tracer from the Health Department calls you.
- Avoid non-essential travel. If you travel out of Vermont, you must quarantine when you return.
- Remember that we're all at risk of getting this virus. Offer to help community members who are affected by isolation and quarantine. We thank you for being understanding and supportive of one another during this time.
- Find more information at healthvermont.gov/COVID-19.
2. Regularly share information about where to get tested. Find testing opportunities in your area on the COVID-19 testing web page.
to monitor the spread in your town. Read the Frequently Asked Questions above the map to learn more about what the map shows. Transmission is decreasing in your town when the color gets lighter. Transmission is increasing when the color gets darker. The map is updated every Friday.
We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for your actions to help prevent further spread of the virus.
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 Friends of the Brandon Town Hall PO Box 181, Brandon, VT 05733 Dear Friends; It sure was a crazy year, wasn't it? The Board of Directors hope you are all safe and healthy! Unfortunately, due to State mandates, we had to close our doors and cancel the 2020 season. After contacting all the performers and sponsors, we have been able to reschedule the entire season. Therefore, with a bit of trepidation and a lot of optimism, we are planning to finally open the Town Hall on May 15, 2021 with the famous Jeff Rapsis and the 1920 silent movie, "The Mark Of Zorro". Since we have been able to transfer all our sponsorship funds from last year, we thought it would be a good idea to address one of the biggest complaints from our frequent patrons...the uncomfortable chairs. Our goal is to replace them with a more comfortable chair. Keeping with our idea of a theatrical atmosphere, we felt a larger chair with a larger cushion would be ideal. We have researched several chair companies for a solution. With the many styles and varieties to choose from, we have chosen the most comfortable chair we could find. We are planning to have these new chairs in place on opening night for your benefit. So now, here's where we need your help. Attached is a sample picture of the chair along with specifications and a form to support this worthwhile endeavor. Thank you in advance for your continued support to bring quality entertainment to the community. Looking forward to seeing you again in our incredible Brandon Town Hall. Dennis W. Marden, President
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ACORN (Addison County Relocalization Network)
launch the new Eat Local VT App
About the app:
The Eat Local VT app makes it easy to find local food in our agricultural, rural, and geographically dispersed area!
Available to download for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the app makes it easy for residents and visitors in Vermont's Champlain Valley to find and connect with the nearly 250 farmers and food producers in our community. This app, which serves as an online version of our Local Food and Farm Guide, was developed in conjunction with Middlebury College's MiddDev student club and ACORN. It is sponsored by Co-operative Insurance. If you'd like to advertise in the app, please contact me directly.
Thank you! Lindsey Berk
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She/her/hers Download ACORN's free Eat Local VT app to find local food near you!
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The Brandon Artist Guild 
Open six days a week!
802 247-4956
We're delighted to present an exciting 2021 Student Art Show
Despite the challenges facing students and teachers in this year of Covid. This annual exhibit provides a rare chance to see talented student work in a wide variety of styles and media from Otter Valley UHS and Middle School, Barstow Memorial, Neshobe Elementary, and Lothrop, Sudbury, and Leicester Elementary Schools.
Over the past year "Students were able to use art to take a break and focus on the act of creation," says Otter Valley art teacher Frannie Willard. "They found ways to express their disappointment, came to realize that they were not alone even though we were all in isolation, and discovered beauty in unexpected places."
With the help of our ever-resourceful art teachers, students and Guild members we've pulled together a gallery show that presents both physical artwork and a video slideshow of socially-distanced work that can be viewed online, too!
"It has been a strange year, but working with students to make, talk about, and look at art has been inspiring and motivating," says Otter Valley art teacher and BAG ceramic artist Dasha Kalisz. "The slide show and photocopies of student work in the gallery are examples of the modifications taking place in this 'new normal.""
The full exhibit can be seen at the Brandon Artists Guild gallery from February 5-February 28.
The Brandon Artists Guild (the BAG) has expanded its hours. The gallery is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Sunday hours are 10am to 4pm. Closed Mondays. The BAG is located at 7 Center Street, Brandon.
The BAG, a nonprofit, artist-run gallery, features works by regional Vermont artists in clay, glass, paint, wood, textiles, and more.
The Brandon Artists Guild is an artist-run gallery with approximately 35 exhibiting members and additional supporting members. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization, the BAG supports the visual arts through exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs. 802 247-4956. www.brandonartistsguild.org
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29 Union St. 802-382-0307
As the daughter of a newspaper publisher, I've had a camera in my hands since I was 10 years old. For the last decade I've focused on my wedding videography business - Sixpence Productions - but I've missed the unique connection a photographer gets to enjoy with their couples, so I'll be taking wedding photography clients for the 2020-2021 season! I love color and natural light, so if you're looking for vibrant, emotive wedding images which tell your story, I'm your girl!
My studio is based in central Vermont, but I also serve, Maine, New Hampshire, Upstate New York (Saratoga Springs Area), Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I love having a studio space because it has beautiful natural light and allows me to shoot engagement sessions and bridal portraits when the weather doesn't cooperate. Feel free to set up an appointment to stop by and check it out if you plan on being in the area!
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 Village Spa 32 Marble St- 802-465-8255
From just on the edge of the village, I invite you to experience a variety of spa & wellness treatments for men & women.
As a private practice, Nationally Certified Therapist & Esthetician , I am trained to assist you in developing a treatment plan designed to help you meet your wellness goals, whether addressing issues of skin concerns, stress, depression, pain and discomfort, or simply enjoying some "me time." My mission is to provide holistic services for the enhancement of health and well-being in a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Heather Norton- Follow Village Spa on Facebook and Instagram for continued updates and information or check out the website at brandonvillagespa.com
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 Town Hall updates Scheduling and other info
WE'LL BE BACK, BIGGER AND BETTER IN 2021!!!
We have certainly missed all our loyal patrons this year but have been able to reschedule all of this year's performers for 2021 from May through December. We have over 20 events scheduled so far, with more to come and are being optimistic that visitors and community members will be back in force this year enjoying our new, beautiful downtown.
Scheduled Events:
7 Silent Movies, one a month from May to November...Middlebury College Community chorus...Dance Bands: "LC Jazz" & "The Doughboys"...Musical Groups, "Silverbacks", "Melissa D & Friends", "Michele Fay Band", "Phil Henry & The Newsfeed", "Dissipated Eight", "Carol Reed Band".
Brandon Town Players Production...Bee Keepers Conference...Dinoman-"Space"...No Strings Marionettes, "Snowmaiden"... Chamber Mixer...Town Wide Events: Moonlight Madness, Town Wide Yard Sale Day...7th Annual "Brandon Has Talent Show"...Lions Club Benefit, "The Beatles".
The Friends Of The Brandon Town Hall - Like us on Facebook and stay informed on New programming and updates. Stay safe, stay healthy, thanks for your understanding and patience.
Dennis W. Marden for The Friends Of The Brandon Town Hall.
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Little Press Room 
Middlebury
With a new year comes new hope and a fresh start. As an individual or a business, New Years' is a great opportunity to reflect, dream, and plan for the future. Do your marketing materials need updating? Does your logo need a new look? Could your website use new graphics and text? At Little Pressroom, we're happy to create a new design or refresh your current one. We'll meet with you about content and design ideas to fit your needs and personality. We wish you a healthy, happy, and successful year ahead in 2021.
Thank you very much for keeping your printing business local.
Betsy, Michelle & Ted Little Pressroom 18 Creek Rd, Middlebury 802-388- 2337 [email protected]
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Brandon Free Public Library 
We are open by appointment Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm. Curbside service is still available by request.
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15-minute appointments can be made for in-person browsing or computer use. The meeting room is available for longer scheduled time periods.
You may schedule an appointment via email, phone, or online using our scheduling app.
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Nifty Thrifty 19 Conant Square
We are always glad to receive quality donations, but we are even more delighted when purchases are made. We always have hidden treasures, our prices are the lowest, and you can feel noble about keeping goods out of landfills. We hope to see you soon.
Nifty Thrift has begun the mid-winter inventory reduction sale: BAG SALE!!
A tall, kitchen trash bag stuffed full of winter clothing & holiday merchandise is $3.00. Stuff as many bags as you want. All winter clothing & shoes are included in the sale. All of the remaining holiday merchandise is also included.
Nifty Thrifty, Brandon's favorite thrift shop since 1975! Our hours are Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm. 247-3280Please wear a mask if you visit, healthy shop girls are essential to our business. |
Brandon Parent Child Center 34 Faivre Circle- Park Village
As part of the new PCC of Rutland County of Vermont, (Rutland County Parent/Child Center) our Brandon ECE/daycare service offers an essential educational program:
SAPLINGS reading group!
Saplings reading & 'NatureWorks' program is for K-Third graders and is on-going through 2021. Staffed by Ted Barnet, Christopher Laro, Brandon Hunter and Ms. Mary Feldman, executive director of RCPCC, students will improve their skills using Montessori methods of teaching. The outdoor component of Saplings involves hikes, scavenger hunts, story-telling and tree/forest identification led by Mr. Steve Harrington who works for RCPCC in Rutland. Combining innovative reading tutorials, music, stories & games along with focused Nature time, children will benefit from a variety of counseling styles. SAPLINGS runs from 3-5pm Monday-Thursday and is scheduled to continue after the school year into a summer reading program unless Covid will demand alternative protocol from the state.
For more info on SAPLINGS & NatureWorks program, contact Mr. Laro @ 802-779-6386. Peace! 'Books are your friends!'
There are currently five new openings available for K-Third grade. The reading and outdoor adventure program (called 'NatureWorks') uses standard Montessori teaching methods while we also provide students with two light meals, outside play & games, music and storytelling.
For more information on how schools and families may enroll their kiddos please contact Ms. Lauren Wienges & Mr. Chris Laro at 802-779-6386. Please visit our RCPCC website at rcpcc.org for all of our family services.
Here are some recent photos and video of saplings reading group.
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 Neshobe Falls Insurance Stacey S. Coburn & Teena Foster
Neshobe Falls Insurance Agency, is an independent insurance agency offering a variety of insurance products in VT and NH, including homeowners insurance, auto insurance, general liability, workers compensation, life and disability insurance, wealth management, retirement accounts including IRAs, simple IRAs and 401(k)s, Medicare supplement needs, Voluntary Benefits, Disability, Wealth Management, VSP Vision, Delta Dental, AFLAC and much more!
Open Monday through Friday 9:00 Am - 4:00 Pm or by appointment
 
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Ripton Mountain Distillery
& Restaurant
12 Park Street!!
Wednesday - Saturday: 4pm - 10-pm
1-(802)-465-8224
(Hours may vary due to COVID-19)
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 Union Street Grocery 30 Union St- 247-6019
We have grocery staples, snacks on the go, the best milk in the state from Monument Farms and as always great sale prices on beer and cigarettes!
Continuing the tradition of selling food and fun for over 50 years from the little store at the foot of Union Street!
State certified bottle redemption center! Our winter hours for
bottle returns are:
Tuesday 9am- 5pm Wednesday 9am-3pm Thursday 9am- 5pm
Friday & Saturday 9am-3pm Sunday & Monday closed
This is bottle room only.
Store is open 7 days a week 8am- 9pm
Keep up on what's happening at the hardest working little little store in Brandon and like us on Facebook
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 Fisher Electric 802-465-8551 Our business is fully open M-Sat. 8-5. We have standby and portable generators, Mini-split heat/cooling pumps and more. Call today for more info. Fisher Electric- 2417 Franklin St. (across from Mac's)
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TOWN OF BRANDON
Clerk and Treasurer's Office
COVID19/HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOL
Town Clerks Office is now open Monday through Thursday
9am - 4pm. Masks are required. Any visits over 15 minutes require signing in and visits over half hour require a medical questionnaire.
If you are not comfortable coming in to the office you may do the following:
- Dog licenses, tax payments, sewer payments, and records requests may be done via mail/Credit Card online/drop boxes in front of Town Office and Neshobe school. We can mail receipts if requested.
- You may access our records online through RecordHub https://recordhub.cottsystems.com/. Any Records Research REQUIRING access will be by appointment only, you MUST call ahead before coming to the office.
- Lister cards are available by calling or emailing the Town Clerk's office.
- Vital Records may be obtained by filling out the attached application
and mailing with the appropriate fees and copies of your identification per the form.
CONTACT INFO:
WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE
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