Bristol’s pioneer spirit began in wilderness pg. 5
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Today’s Bristol began as colonial “Pocock”.
Turn to page 7 to see how you can support community journalism. VERMONT
December 21, 2019
Published by Denton Publications, Inc.
Serving Addison, Rutland & Chittenden Counties
MUHS grad to manage Holcombe campaign for governor
Firefighters awarded
Cameron Russell attended MUHSHannaford Center, UVM
The town of Middlebury honored its firefighters at the fire department’s annual dinner ceremony on Dec. 7. Pictured: A Middlebury firefighter tackles a brushfire along Halladay Road. Photo by Lou Varricchio
Middlebury Fire Department annual awards dinner Cameron Russell.
Photo provided
By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY | On Tuesday, Democratic candidate for Governor, Rebecca Holcombe, welcomed experienced Vermont campaign worker, Cameron Russell, as her new Campaign Manager. Holcombe said: “I am excited to share the news that Cameron Russell will be joining me this month as my Campaign Manager. There is no one in the state better positioned to take on this role, and I am fortunate to have his experience and knowledge of Vermont’s communities and political landscape as part of my campaign.”
From Eagle Staff & News Reports THE EAGLE
MIDDLEBURY | The Middlebury Fire Department and Battell Hose Company held their joint annual awards dinner on Dec. 7 at the American Legion Post 27 in Middlebury.
The dinner was attended by current, former, and life members of the Middlebury Fire Department, as well as by the members of the board of directors of the Battell Hose Company, and guests including Middlebury Selectboard member Nick Artim. Middlebury Fire Chief David Shaw and fi refighter Michael Bougor presented challenge coins to probationary firefighters Cale Wisher and Iman Behbehani to acknowledge membership in and service to the two organizations. Service awards were presented to the following members: Lt. LeRoy Graham for 5 years of service See FIREFIGHTER AWARDS » pg. 2
Vermont’s prophet
The Counseling Service of Addison County, Addison County Economic Development Corporation, and the United Way of Addison County, hosted UVM economist Dr. Art Woolf on Dec. 12 for a special community breakfast event at Catamount Park in Middlebury. Woolf spoke about the impact of Vermont’s aging population on the economy of Addison County and beyond. “Low birth rates and a shrinking workforce are having an effect on schools, businesses, service providers, and our tax base, among other economic and social structures,” according to Woolf. Photo by Lou Varricchio
See RUSSELL » pg. 4
Farewell to Stonecutters Spirit By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY | Officials of Middlebury-based Stonecutter Spirits distillery announced that they will close both their Middlebury tasting room and Burlington bar and restaurant establishment, known as the Highball Social. The closing of both outlets will occur at the end of December, the company said in a news release last week. The distillery has four full-time employees and 10 part-time employees.
Roll out the (last) barrel: Officials of Middlebury-based Stonecutter Spirits distillery announced that they will close both their Middlebury tasting room and Burlington bar and restaurant establishment, known as the Highball Social. Photos provided
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While the closings came as a surprise, the company said it will continue sales of existing stocks to Vermont taverns, liquor stores, and restaurants only. After these stocks are exhausted, the firm will cease operation. “We are so grateful for the strong support that our community has shown us since we opened our doors in 2015,” Stonecutter co-founder and President Sas Stewart told reporters. “We’re proud to be a part of the Vermont ecosystem, and are excited to host fundraisers, collaborations, and holiday parties to close out this year. While we’re sad to end this chapter, it’s only fitting to spend this time celebrating the people and products that make Vermont outstanding.” Stonecutter produced gin and whiskeys and won top honors for its spirits by Good Food Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Stonecutters has been lauded for its fundraising efforts such as the local Adventure Dinners, Secret Bars, and the Galentine’s Day Benefit aimed at raising funds for WomenSafe in Addison County. According to news reports, Stonecutters will provide giveaways with every bottle purchased at Highball Social in Burlington and at the tasting room in Middlebury. The firm plans a Prohibition Repeal Day Party and a Gingerbread House Competition which raise funds for COTS. Highball Social will host a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. A farewell party is set for Friday, Jan. 3, at Middlebury tasting room. Stonecutter’s tasting room is located at 1197 Exchange St. in Middlebury and Highball Social is located at 71 S. Union St. in Burlington. ■
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