The Bolton to the Barns 11-mile Backcountry Tour is this Saturday, March 6! We’ll ski our hearts out and then head to the West Monitor Barn for an après ski party featuring food by the Skinny Pancake, the Spot, and Great Harvest Bread!

Update: 17-Mile Route Cancelled
Last night the Bolton to the Barns planning group decided to cancel the 17-mile route option. In the morning, before the sun and March temperatures have a chance to warm the snowpack, the upper sections of the Bolton terrain are bullet proof. Ordinarily, it would be a hard decision to scrap a portion of the route that many of us wanted to include – given the conditions, this was not a hard decision. This will mean that all skiers will start from the Bolton Nordic Center at 9:30. Because skiers will start at 9:30, this will allow the snow to soften before tackling the steeper descents on the course.

Registration and Fees
If you haven’t already registered, please do so now. This will really help with our planning. For those who have yet to send in the $50 registration fee, you may pay with a check (or cash) on Saturday. We will have extra waiver forms on hand, but it will speed things up if you arrive with your form filled out. Remember, if you raise $125 in sponsorships, we will waive your registration fees. Thanks to all those who have already done such great work on this front!

Shuttles
We will be shuttling people from the West Monitor Barn (directions to barn here) up to the Bolton Nordic Center. Vans will be leaving the Barn at 8:45. Please plan on arriving a few minutes before the van departure time. For those not needing a shuttle, please arrive at the Bolton Nordic Center at 9:15. This will give you time to check in, etc.

Current Snow Conditions
For all but the last approach to the barn, the coverage is very good. As is the case with spring skiing, there may be a bare spot or two, but nothing one can’t step around. Volunteers have worked hard to mark the trail over the past few days and they have all been encouraged with the amount of snow in the hills. In the morning, the snow might be a bit hard, but by 11:00 or so it really begins to soften up. Skiers may need to walk the final hundred yards or so to the barn, but if this is the hand mother nature deals in early March, so be it. We are figuring Vermonters are a hardy bunch and won’t be too fazed by a short walk.

A small amount of Maxi Glide might help gain a bit of traction on the trail. If you don’t have Maxi Glide, the Bolton Nordic Center sells tins for $12. We’ll also have a communal tin available on Saturday morning.

Rental Equipment
The Bolton Nordic Center (434-6876) has a bit of rental equipment left. Also, the Catamount Trail Association (864-5794) also rents gear. If you rent from Bolton, you will be able to return your gear here at the barn, saving you a trip back up to Bolton.

Après Ski
• The Skinny Pancake and the Spot are catering our Après Ski party. The Great Harvest Bread Company has also donated rolls. Entry fees include a crepe, a bowl of chili (and roll), and a cold brew or non-alcoholic beverage. If you’re still hungry, you’ll be able to purchase crepes for $6.50. We will not be taking credit cards – cash or checks only.
• We will begin serving food at 1:30.
• Friends and family who don’t ski are also welcome. $15 for adults and kids under 12 are free – spread the word!
• After a bonfire, a ski movie, a slide show from the day, and a raffle drawing, we’ll wrap things up around 5:30 – 6:00.

Raffle Prizes
All skiers are automatically entered into a raffle drawing which will be held around 3:45. Prizes include a pair of Asnes Sondre Nordheim X-C skis, 3 Black Diamond Headlamps, a framed picture from Ember photography, a snow shoe tour from Umiak Outfitters, t-shirts, pint glasses from Outdoor Gear Exchange and more!!

Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $5.

For additional information, email Breck at breck.knauft@vycc.org or give him a call at 802.434.3969 ext. 110.

Everyone at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) would like to thank the “Sign*a*Rama Grants for Success” program for awarding us a grant valued at $50. Sign*A*Rama’s grant program has been designed to offer free or steeply discounted signage to northern Vermont nonprofit organizations to provide them with branding and marketing materials that will help them reach their constituencies and fulfill their mission.

Every year VYCC staff travel to multiple career and service fairs as well as set up informational tables in local high schools to advertise our programs and job opportunities to Vermont youth. In 2010 we are planning to attend outreach events and presentations in every county of Vermont as well as some outside of the state. This award from Sign*A*Rama will allow us to purchase a new banner to hang up when we have set up a table at career fairs and outreach events

The VYCC’s application was chosen from among more than sixty applicants to receive one of twenty grants awarded in the current annual cycle. Again we would like to thank Sign*A*Rama for this grant and we look forward to our name being more visible at upcoming events and fairs. Keep a look out for the new VYCC banner!

Hit the slopes! Bolton Valley Resort is partnering with the the VYCC to celebrate the Corps’ 25th anniversary by launching a food drive for the Vermont Foodbank and Richmond’s local food shelf. Participating skiers and riders can purchase lift tickets for $25 on each of three food drive days at Bolton Valley.

“The Drive To 25” has a goal of raising 2,500 pounds of food for the Richmond Food Shelf during three fundraising and food drive events at Bolton Valley. On the 25th of January, February, and March those who bring two nonperishable items of food will receive a half-price lift ticket – $25 when it’s usually $49. A portion of each lift ticket will be donated to the VYCC and food will be distributed to the Foodbank and the Richmond Food Shelf.

For more information, please contact Breck at (802) 434 – 3969 x110 or breck.knauft@vycc.org.

See you at the mountain!

Join the VYCC and Maple Wind Farm on March 11 from 6-7 pm for an informational session about the Monitor Barns Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This dynamic partnership combines the conservation and education mission of the VYCC with the experience and high-quality food production of Maple Wind Farm. Together, we are passionate about bringing good, healthy, delicious food to every table in our community – regardless of one’s income.

How our CSA Works:

• 20 weeks of farm-fresh vegetables, June through October
• Vegetables are grown and harvested at the VYCC’s Monitor Barns
• Pick-up every Thursday, 3-6:30 pm at the West Monitor Barn in Richmond, Maple Wind Farm in Huntington, or Healthy Living Market in South Burlington
• Flowers and Herbs are included for members in our Pick-Your-Own gardens
• Weekly add-on’s will include Vermont cheese, artisan bread, pasture-raised eggs, and delicious baked goods from local sources
• Pasture-Raised Poultry share of six whole chickens throughout summer is also available
• Members enjoy weekly E-newsletters, recipes, and stories from partner farms
• Encourage sustainable farming by eating chemical-free vegetables and pasture-raised meat
• Proceeds support conservation programs and efforts to provide local produce to area schools and food shelves

Purchasing a CSA share supports the Monitor Barns Farm mission to produce food for local families, area schools, and food shelves. Thank you!

For more information, download the Monitor Barns CSA Brochure.

To order a Monitor Barns CSA Share, fill out our Membership Form or contact Beth at (802) 434 – 7257. Meat shares are also available from Maple Wind Farm.

Monitor Barns CSA Informational Session
March 11, 6-7 pm
Meet at the VYCC’s West Monitor Barn in Richmond, VT
*Refreshments will be provided.

Thank you to everyone who visited and bid on items at the VYCC’s Online Holiday Auction! All of us at the VYCC, the Catamount Trail Association, the Moosalamoo Association, and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association are overwhelmed by the generosity of our bidders, donors, and supporters. With your help, we raised over $17,000!

Between our year-round School Program and the upcoming Summer Field Season, we are busily preparing for what’s sure to be a great 2010, full of priority conservation work, outdoor education, and tons of laughter & fun. The funds raised from our Online Holiday Auction will help provide more employment opportunities to Vermont’s youth, as well as continue our important conservation work throughout the state.

Thank you again for supporting the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps!

Delivery & Pick-up Instructions:

All gift certificates will be mailed to the winning bidders. For larger items, please stop by the West Monitor Barn in Richmond, Vermont to pick up your auction item(s).

If you are unable to pick up your item or have questions, please contact Kristin Smith at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps at kristin.smith@vycc.org or (802) 434-3969 x122. Shipping & Handling will be paid by the winning bidders.

Click here for directions to the West Monitor Barn.

Time is running out! Bid on some last-minute deals at the VYCC’s Online Holiday Auction before the auction closes TODAY at 11:59PM EST. We are nearing our fundraising goal but need your help overcoming the last hurdles! Every purchase you make at our Online Holiday Auction supports the VYCC’s efforts to offer more employment opportunities to Vermont’s youth and to complete more priority conservation projects throughout the state. Complete your holiday shopping, and help the VYCC change lives! Visit www.vycc.cmarket.com

GREAT DEALS!

Killington Season Pass

Oraganic Cotton Sheet sets

Organic Cotton Duvet Cover with Two Shams

Bonnie Acker Paintings

Jay Peak Season Passes

Gift Certificate to Shelburne Camping

Canoe

One-of-a-kind Stone Necklace

…and more!

Thank you to everybody who has supported the VYCC and participated in the Online Auction over the last two weeks! We had a ton of fun hosting the auction and hope you had a great time perusing all the donated items!

Information about picking up an auction item that you won can be found at the Auction’s website.

ONLY 5 DAYS OF BIDDING LEFT! We’ve added new items to our Online Auction! Two Brothers Tavern • New World Tortilla Gift Certificate • Killington Season Ski Pass • Lake Champlain Chocolates • Yoga Classes • Bike Accessories • Alpaca Throws • Large Bonnie Acker Paintings!

Visit our Online Holiday Auction at www.vycc.cmarket.comfor all of your holiday shopping needs! Every dollar you spend at the Online Auction supports the VYCC’s efforts to provide meaningful jobs to Vermont’s young folks and to complete priority conservation work all over the state.

Great Deals! Great Gifts!

We received a large donation of Organic Cotton linens from our partnerships with Seventh Generation and ReSOURCE. These luxury linens are being sold on our auction at a great price. Proceeds raised from these items will be split between ReSOURCE and the VYCC. You can support two local conservation nonprofits with one purchase! Check them out by going to the HOME category on our auction site.

The VYCC’s annual Online Holiday Auction has begun! Afraid of long lines and crowded stores during the holiday season? No worries, the VYCC can help you finish up your holiday shopping from the luxury of your home computer.

We have Ski/Ride Passes to Bolton, Sugarbush, Killington, Mad River, Jay Peak, Mt. Snow, and Middlebury Snowbowl; Gift certificates to shops like the Peace & Justice Store, August First Bakery, and Bikram Yoga; Fine Dining, Museum Passes, Orchestra & Theatre Tickets, Artwork and Jewelry by local artists…and much, much more!

This year we’re also offering a special “Talents of the VYCC” section, in which you can bid on workshops and lessons provided by the VYCC’s very own Headquarters Staff! Bid on everything from Backcountry Ski Lessons with Breck (Director of Development) to a Leave No Trace Trainer Course with Chris (Conservation Intern in Residence).

Our Online Holiday Auction is in partnership with the Moosalamoo Association, the Catamount Trail Association, and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. Help support our efforts by bidding at our Online Holiday Auction! By purchasing an item, you’re helping the VYCC and our partners provide more jobs to Vermont’s youth and complete important conservation projects throughout the state.

Let the shopping begin! www.vycc.cmarket.com

The VYCC’s annual Online Holiday Auction is quickly approaching and we need your help! The VYCC is poised to receive $400,000 in stimulus funding. However, to receive the funding, we must first provide a matching $100,000. Without the matching funds, the VYCC will not receive the stimulus funding. You can help us achieve this goal by making a donation to the VYCC’s statewide Online Holiday Auction.

Donations can be as simple or creative as you want. Here are some examples of great past gifts:
• Gift certificates
• Artwork
• Gift baskets
• Oil changes
• Financial or legal services
• Cooking classes
• Weekend getaways
• Ski passes…and everything in between!

We are partnering with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association,the Catamount Trail Association, and the Moosalamoo Association to create our largest auction yet. Combined, our mailing lists have over 10,000 names. Making a donation is simple, it’s tax deductible, and it’s a great way to get your business’s name in front of thousands of eyes as they do their holiday shopping.

Your donation will support the VYCC’s efforts to create jobs and change lives. Each year, we complete priority conservation projects in nearly every county in Vermont. In 2009, we enrolled over 540 Crew Members and provided them with meaningful jobs during a time when employment opportunities are scarce. With your help, we can continue this important work.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Kristin Smith at kristin.smith@vycc.org or 802.434.3969 x122.

Thank you, from all of us at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps!