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Traditionally, December has been a joyous month looking ahead to the holiday season while also reflecting and looking back over the past year. It’s been a time to think about our families, collect our thoughts as the New Year approaches, evaluate our accomplishments, and set new goals for the future.
I have always thought of December as a magical month where we celebrate our beliefs, family, and friends while knowing that the approaching new year offers us the opportunity to change things in our lives if we so choose. This unspoken permission or consent to make changes (large or small) is accepted by those around us because it falls under the umbrella of a New Year’s resolution, and no further explanations are expected.
Obviously, this year our hearts and minds are heavy with concern and hope for the victims of September 11 th, the rescuers, our military personnel, and our entire country. Yet with all the sadness, many of us have felt a new commitment to our families, friends, communities, and country. It demonstrates another reason why December is a special month to celebrate our future.
On this month’s cover we feature diamonds–a beautiful necklace, bracelet, and earrings from Nina’s–capturing the elegance and sparkle of the holiday season. Our model’s dress is from Nicole Miller.
Manchester and our neighboring towns’ streets, stores, restaurants, and lodging accommodations are beautifully decorated–making the region even more enticing to visit. Many retailers are offering holiday specials and sales. Let us spoil you with our Vermont hospitality.
In our Questions and Answers section this month, we answered a frequent question–"Where can I find a hostess/house gift?" With holiday parties ahead of us, we answered this question in four price categories so depending on the occasion, you’ll have several gift selections to choose from. You’ll be surprised at the treasures we uncovered for you to discover! We were amazed at the list of unique ideas. See page 4.
Retail News–
Leaves of Gold has recently opened at 180 Elm Street. Carmel Furtado is a jewelry designer and owner of the new jewelry gallery. See page 8 for more information. Map E.
Two stores in town have relocated. Vermont Snow Wizards is now located at the roundabout on Route 7A–across from Rachel’s Gourmet and near Shaw’s supermarket. Map M.
The Halcyon Gallery has moved north on Route 7A and is now located next to The Magic Sleigh. Map V.
Restaurant News–
On December 12 th, Angel’s at the Village Country Inn is hosting a five-course dinner featuring wines from Rosenblum Vineyards from California. A reception featuring Vermont craft cheeses will precede the dinner. Call 802.362.1792 to make reservations. Also consider making New Year’s Eve reservations for dinner and enjoy the jazz music.
Moose Crossing will be featuring jazz every Friday night through February. Eric Nathan’s Soulstice Band will be performing with a continuing cast of characters. Music starts at 8:30 pm until closing.
See pages 18-19 for a diverse selection of breakfast, lunch, casual and fine dining restaurants and our latest restaurant review.
Places to Stay —
FourWinds Country Motel has recently joined our Places to Stay section. They offer curbside parking to each of their rooms, a complimentary continental breakfast, indoor games and ping pong, and welcome families. Call 802.362.1105 or visit their website for more information. See page 17.
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