January/February/March 2025 Community Circle Newsletter

We’re bringing you more adventures and opportunities in 2025! This month we’re sharing details of our overnight in Maine for a down-east clambake in September as well as another Made in VT event. 

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day yet? If not, you’re in luck! There are still seats available on Friday, February 14th for our special Valentine’s Day lunch at Le Belvedere. 

Did you know we’re going to Quebec City in June? We’ve got a three-day getaway planned that will be the perfect balance of history, culture, great food, and exploration. We have a few rooms left for this adventure! 

If you’re hoping to get in on the pickleball fun, our beginner pickleball clinics are returning in May! Thanks to Lake Region Union High School, we’re excited to announce we are expanding our clinics to Orleans! 

We often receive phone calls that end in disappointment when the caller learns the event they’re calling about is sold out. In 2024, we held 82 events that had a combined total of 2,673 participants. If you see something in the newsletter that interests you, it’s a good idea to give us a call sooner rather than later! We hope to see you at an upcoming event.

Shelly & Julie

TUESDAY MORNINGS

10:00 a.m. at the Goodrich Memorial Library.

WINTER 2025

Stay active this winter by joining us for weekly snowshoe outings! We know all the good trails and it’s always more fun to enjoy them in the company of others! Call to let us know you’d like to be on our snowshoe notification list, and we’ll keep you apprised of our plans, 802-334-7915.

MONDAY EVENINGS, JANUARY 6th – APRIL 14th, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come join the party! Stay active this winter with Lauren’s Country Line Dancing! With her toe-tapping music and enthusiasm, you simply can’t keep your feet from dancing! The cost is $105.00 and is due at the time of registration.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8th – FEBRUARY 12th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

THURSDAY MORNINGS, JANUARY 9th – APRIL 17th, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Come join the party! Stay active this winter with Lauren’s Country Line Dancing! With her toe-tapping music and enthusiasm, you simply can’t keep your feet from dancing! The cost for the fifteen-week series is $105.00 and is due at the time of registration.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Melissa Tinker, our resident iPhone guru is returning to the classroom with us, this time to help you take your iPhone knowledge to the next level. We’ll meet in the Community Room at Community National Bank in Derby. Enter from the Crawford Road entrance off Route 5 and park in the back parking lot. Follow the sidewalk to the Community Room. Please RSVP to register, 802-334-7915.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Calling all history buffs, Steven Carpenter and friends will be hosting a Postcard & Stamp Show detailing Orleans County history over the past 100 years. View buildings, towns, people and cars that dotted the landscape of Orleans County over the past 100 years. Reminisce about famous landmarks which no longer exist including Veteran’s Park, Kelley’s Cabins, Lady of the Lake, and the Newport Hotel. You’ll be surprised by how much the landscape has changed. This event is free and open to the public! Enter from Crawford Road and park in the upper back parking lot and follow the sidewalk to the community room. You must call to register for this free event, 802-334-7915.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

A Ceilidh (pronounced “Kaylee”) is a social gathering where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, Bill and Bev Davis of the Brownington Ceilidh Club are pleased to invite Community Circle members to an exclusive concert featuring professional musician Gordon Belsher from Prince Edward Island. Musically based on his Celtic roots, Gordon Belsher’s show features an engaging variety of songs, stories, and instrumentals. Ceilidhs always include something good to eat, and you’ll also have an opportunity to chat with one another and with the musician during intermission. The cost of $25.00 is due at the time of signup.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14th, 2025, at 12:00 Noon

Join us for a festive Valentine’s Day celebration at Le Belvedere in Newport. Dena and her team have graciously offered to open exclusively for Community Circle and provide another outstanding dining experience. The menu will include hors d’oeuvres, the entrée of your choice, and dessert.

Entrées to choose from:
• Filet of beef 
• Salmon 
• Chicken Marsala.

The price is $45.00 per person including tax and gratuity and is due at time of sign up.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

The show takes place at North Country Union High School. Tickets are available at the door.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5th, 2025

Our brew bus will take us to three popular Vermont breweries. We’ve combined tours and tastings, added some delicious food AND we’ll even take care of the driving!

Our first stop will be at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury to hear a little about their history before sampling some beer and enjoying some scrumptious food.

Next, we’ll hit the Mountain Road in Stowe for a visit to The Alchemist, a family run brewery specializing in fresh, 100% Vermont brewed, unfiltered IPAs. We’ll hear about their history and mission before trying their beers. 

Then, it’s on to Idletyme Brewing with a beer lineup that represents a traditional take on classic European brewing with a healthy dose of the Vermont hop culture thrown in for good measure. Whether your preference is a brown or pale ale, Helles Lager, or their famous Idletyme Double IPA, you will not be disappointed by Brewmaster Will Gilson’s offerings. The Brewmaster himself will be leading our tour. Will has been concocting brews of all varieties professionally since 1995. He’s excited to share his passion for brewing with us and answer questions. We’ll enjoy flights here along with a pub meal.

Our tour will include round trip, deluxe motorcoach transportation, flights or a beer at each location, apps at Prohibition Pig, a pub meal at Idletyme Brewing, and driver gratuity. We’ll have pickup points in Derby and Morrisville. Departure times: Community National Bank in Derby at 9:30 a.m. and Community National Bank in Morrisville at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $159.00 per person and is due at time of signup. A minimum of 35 people is required for this trip to operate.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Members traveling with us to Greece are invited to our Greece trip meeting, with lunch, at the East Side. Be sure to RSVP, 802-334-7915.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23rd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Family owned and operated since 1932, Poulin Grain produces and distributes animal feeds and nutrition services across the Northeast, and Community Circle will get a behind-the-scenes look at what they do! The tour will include time at the plant on Railroad Square in Newport where you’ll see the process behind creating their products, and their new shipping facility on the Derby Road where you’ll learn more about the business and what makes them an exceptional family feed company. You must wear closed-toed shoes and carpooling is encouraged.

MAY 2025

This sport is SO MUCH FUN! For the third year in a row, we’re offering pickleball clinics for beginners. Following our lessons, you will be ready to play this sport all summer and into the fall. There is a large pickleball community in Orleans County with daily game times to choose from. Come see what all the excitement is about! We’re ironing out the exact details, but we’ll have two options to choose from:
• Afternoon clinics in Derby from 1:00 – 3:00, once a week for three weeks, or
• EVENING clinics in ORLEANS at LRUHS from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., once a week for three weeks

The cost is $65.00 for the three lessons and includes a new paddle and a ball. We are limited to 20 people for each class. Don’t delay, call today!

THURSDAY, MAY 1st – SUNDAY, MAY 11th, 2025

Our adventure to Greece is SOLD OUT. Final payment is due by January 24th, 2025.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Family owned and operated since 1963, Built by Newport builds beautiful, complex, quality Vermont made furniture right here in downtown Newport! From drafting the initial designs to producing varying volumes of wood parts, you’ll see their step-by-step process along with their state-of-the-art equipment and the incredible team behind it all. You must wear closed-toe shoes and be able to stand for a period of 90 minutes. Space is limited and you must RSVP for this free event, 802-334-7915. Safety glasses will be provided.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3rd, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

We’re bringing government postal employees on site for a special passport day for our members. Apply for a passport or renew your existing one with ease, no lines or wait times! We’re scheduling 10-minute appointments and will provide the necessary forms to you in advance. Your passport photo will be taken and mailed with your application. Bring your necessary documentation along with checks for the U.S. Department of State to cover the application fee and the USPS for the photo and postage fee. They’re not able to accept credit or debit cards. This event will take place in our CNB Community Room in Derby. Enter from Crawford Road and park in the upper back parking lot and follow the sidewalk down to our Community Room. Call us to schedule your appointment time, 802-334-7915.

MONDAY, JUNE 16th – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18th, 2025

Our three-day/two-night adventure is packed with many “must see” places and features a stay at the Chateau Frontenac! Seen looming in nearly all photos of the city, the Chateau Frontenac is a one-of-a-kind, historic icon, that is synonymous with Quebec City. This trip is full of history, fantastic food and international beauty!

Highlights of our trip include:
• Round trip, deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Two nights hotel with tax and baggage handling
• Five meals (2 breakfasts and 3 lunches)
• A guided tour of Quebec City
• Montmorency Falls with a cable car ride
• Sainte-Anne-de Beaupre Basilica
• A visit to the Morrin Center
• Gratuities for the step-on guide, meals and coach driver

The double occupancy rate is $1,265.00 per person and the single occupancy rate is $1,835.00. A $200.00 per person deposit is due at time of registration. We’ll have pickups in St. Johnsbury, Barton and Derby. Call for a detailed flyer.

TUESDAY, JULY 29th - SUNDAY, AUGUST 10th, 2025

Our adventure to Alaska in 2025 is sold out. Final payment is due by March 27th. If you’d like details about our trip in July 2026, give us a call!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th, 2025

Experience Maine without the crowds and enjoy a fabulous feast at Foster’s Downeast Clambake in York. Foster’s has been cooking up the most authentic clambake around for over 70 years and they’re excited to welcome Community Circle!

The menu will feature:
• New England Clam Chowder
• Freshly Dug Maine Clams
• Cultivated Mussels
• Succulent Maine Lobster and Hot Drawn Butter
• (Alternative entrée options: Hickory BBQ Chicken or Vegetarian Polenta with Roasted Vegetables, Marinara, and Goat Cheese)
• Sweet Corn on the Cob
• Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
• Rolls with Butter
• Blueberry Crumb Cake

Discover the enchanting coastal charm of Ogunquit with an overnight stay at the lovely Anchorage by the Sea. From the iconic Marginal Way trail that’s accessible from our hotel to the lively town center adorned with galleries, boutiques, and eateries, Ogunquit offers a blend of relaxation and exploration. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and two Jacuzzis, and an indoor pool. Ogunquit beach is a short walk from the hotel. A show at the Ogunquit Playhouse will also be offered as an additional tour option. 

On Thursday, we’ll depart for York’s seaside Sohier Park to see Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick. This often-photographed lighthouse was built in 1879 on a tiny, offshore island, or ‘nubble,’ in York. It features a Victorian keeper’s house with gingerbread trim. It’s so close to land we’ll be able to easily view it from Sohier Park. We’ll also make a stop at Stonewall Kitchen in York for shopping and lunch before departing for home. 

Our trip will include:
• Round trip, deluxe motorcoach transportation from Derby/ Barton/or St. Johnsbury
• Foster’s Clambake meal 
• One night at the Anchorage by the Sea 
• And driver gratuity. 

The rates are double occupancy $359.00 per person; triple occupancy $305.00 per person; single occupancy $495.00. Full payment is due at the time of registration. A minimum of 35 people is required for this trip to operate.

OCTOBER 2025

Details are in the works and will be available soon. Call us if you’re interested and add your name to the list to receive the information prior to the spring newsletter.

It’s never too early to call and express your interest!

• E-Bike Demos and a Trail Ride
• Tuesday, September 16th, Made in VT: Hill Farmstead Brewery
• Wednesday, September 24th, Medicare Boot Camp
• Thursday, September 25th, Secure Shred Event
• December Date TBD – Holiday Boston Pops – an overnight

SPRING 2026 (APRIL or EARLY MAY)

We’re looking into the possibility of a special USA 250th Anniversary tour in April or early May of 2026. We anticipate receiving the details of this tour before the release of our next newsletter. If this is a tour you think you’d be interested in, we need to hear from you! Based on the response, we’ll decide if we have enough interest to offer it. Here’s what we know so far:

A tour designed for history enthusiasts and travelers who want to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This itinerary explores key Revolutionary War sites, iconic landmarks, and modern cultural hubs from Boston to Washington, D.C. We’ll spend 2 nights in Boston, 2 nights in NYC, 1 night in Philadelphia and 3 nights in Washington, D.C. 

Tour highlights will include:
• Lexington and Concord – stand exactly where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired from
• Dinner on board a retired tall ship docked in Penn’s Landing 
• Visits to Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
• NYC tour covering Central Park, 9/11 Memorial, and Wall Street sites ending with an included lunch at a historic NYC tavern
• An additional tour option will be available for Hamilton: Broadway Show and Dinner 
• Visit to Mount Vernon – a full afternoon at the estate with a choice on tour focused on either the Women of Mount Vernon -or- the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon, followed by a tour of George Washington’s mansion and the opportunity to visit his gravesite.

As always, we’ll depart from Derby and include all round-trip transportation, 4-star hotel stays, admissions while on tour, breakfast daily as well as some other meals on tour. If you’d like to know more about this tour, please call to let us know. When we have the final itinerary, you’ll be among the first to receive it!

SEPTEMBER 2026

Plans are in the works for a European river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers for a leisurely journey to the Netherlands, Germany and France. Visit Amsterdam, Cochem and Reichburg Castle, Cologne, Strasbourg, and experience the Moselle Valley on a trip from Zell to Bernkastel.

We’ll glide past charming panoramas where winding valleys give way to riverside cities and Alpine hamlets and get to know the culture and deep history of each region. 

This adventure will include: 
• Round trip transportation from Derby to our departure airport 
• Round trip airfare, ground transportation
• The 7-night river cruise
• As well as 20 fabulous meals with unlimited regional wine with every dinner onboard.

We anticipate receiving the details soon and will be ready to share them before the next newsletter is published. If you’d like to know more about this relaxing vacation where you’ll unpack just once and wake up each morning in a different city – and often a different country – please call to let us know. When we have the final itinerary, you’ll be among the first to receive it!