Top Stories for Tuesday December 7, 2010

America’s National Teenager Program Finds New Home In Addison County
By Cookie Steponaitis
    Lindsay Gallison remembers her high school years and the turning point for her that happened when a teacher suggested she compete in a scholarship program for young women that emphasized public speaking, community service and academic focus. Lindsay’s choice led to her competing in the Miss Vermont competition and earning the title of Miss Vermont not once, but twice as a teenager in the Junior and Senior divisions.  Traveling to national competitions, she found that the benefits of the program included an ease with public speaking, and a series of college scholarships that allowed her to earn a college education. As the years passed, Lindsay maintained contact with the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization (ANTSO) and this past September learned that the Vermont program had no director. “As a past titleholder and a director I have missed being involved in ANTSO. This pageant has impacted so many teens in Vermont over the years and when I heard that there was no Vermont Director I immediately made a phone call and here I am,” reflected Ms. Gallison. “I am so excited about the program returning to the Addison County region and to the year ahead.”  [ more ]

Better Middlebury Partnership To Re-Introduce Middlebury Money

This time with an even more community-oriented twist!   The Better Middlebury Partnership is excited to announce an exciting new Middlebury Money campaign, to be rolled out next week – just in time for the holidays!
    Middlebury Money was introduced by our organization (then the Middlebury Business Association) several years ago as a universal Middlebury gift certificate. As much as $27,000 worth of Middlebury Money was sold a year - sparking business for local merchants and service providers. Nonetheless, this year the Better Middlebury Partnership challenged themselves to improve the program to stimulate local spending even further.
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