CHRISTMAS RAFFLE WINNERS CHOSEN –THREE HAPPY WINNERS!

There are three families who had even happier holidays thanks to shopping locally.

The Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce drew the winning receipts for the annual Retail Merchants Raffle on Christmas Eve. The three baskets contained items from local stores and assorted gift certificates from many CVCC member businesses worth almost $1200. Chamber Treasurer Heather Mitchell phoned the lucky winners Victoria O’Dell, pictured with the first prize baskets. Second prize went to The Begin Family and third prize to Sydney Lester.

We would like to extend special thanks to the generous member businesses that participated in the Retail Merchant’s Raffle. Donations were even more generous this year, and the CVCC encourages everyone to continue to support our local businesses. Special thanks are extended to 50 East Gallery, Mohan and Mohan Accounting, the Cambridge Hotel, LJ Fulfillment, Kings Car Care, Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, Bensons, Black Dog Wines and Liquor, Mount Nebo Gallery, School House Pizza, Over the Moon Graphics, O’Hearns Pharmacy, Cambridge Antiques, Alexander’s True Value, Two Top Hairstyling, Cambridge Auto Parts, Over the Moon Beads and Gifts, Deluge Designs, Jays Pizzeria, the Village Store and Stewart’s Shops for their generosity. We would also like to thank area residents for making the effort to increase their local shopping, as evidenced by the large amount of receipts and entries collected.

DID YOU NOTICE THE NEW HOLIDAY BANNERS? The Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee purchased and donated the banners to the Village to help bring in the holiday cheer year after year. Funding for this committee comes in part from the clothing drop boxes on Pearl Street behind the firehouse and next to Cambridge Auto Parts on South Park Street. The Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce also donated food and Stewarts milk coupons to the Cambridge Food Pantry this fall and winter by using some of the clothing box funds. Donate your old clothes and blankets to these clothing drop boxes and help us beautify Cambridge and feed those in need.

The Board of Directors of the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce wishes everyone a happy and prosperous new year. We are now looking forward to 2010 and to the 10th Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival June 4th-6th, 2010. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month, 6 pm for Balloon meetings and general meetings begin at 7pm, held at the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad building. To volunteer or for more information contact the Chamber by phone 677-0887 or by e-mail: cambridgechamber@gmail.com or visit our web site at cambridgenychamber.com.

Photo: CVCC Treasurer Heather Mitchell with first prize winner Victoria O’Dell

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LIGHTS... MUSIC..... CHRISTMAS!

The very well attended 12th annual Christmas in Cambridge Festival, organized by the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce, was an evening of music, tree lightings, storytelling and the arrival of the man in red.

A large crowd enjoyed the parade, strolling up to Memorial Park for the annual lighting of the Village Christmas Tree where Santa made his first appearance, arriving in a fire truck. The Community Chorale Society they weren't there, then led the merrymakers to The Cambridge Hotel. The Hotel generously gave cookies and hot cider to the crowd, and supplied their porch for the announcement of prizes and the reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by local celebrity John James. Santa filled in more of his list, sitting with children and listening to Christmas wishes.

PRIZES WERE AWARDED

CVCC President Lisa Pembroke announced the winners of this year's decorating contests as follows. For Best Decorated Businesses: First Prize was given to The Garden Shop and Second Prize to O’Hearn’s Pharmacy and Gifts.

In the category of Best Decorated Homes, First Prize was awarded to the McLenithan Family on Academy Street. There was a tie for second place with the Mattson and Green families sharing the honor.

Parade participants also received prizes. First Prize was given to Alexander's Hardware and Second Prize went to the Community Sunday School.

In the spirit of “Buy Local” all the above prize winners were awarded Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce gift certificates that are redeemable at any participating chamber member.

The Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who participated in this year’s event, with special thanks to the Cambridge Village Police, DPW and Fire Departments, the Cambridge Hotel and John James.

The Board of Directors and members of the CVCC would like to remind the community to Shop Locally this holiday season. Save gas, save time and keep our business community strong. The annual gift basket raffle continues taking entries until December 23. Shop locally to win! The lucky winners will be called on Christmas eve. If you can’t think of the perfect gift, purchase a Chamber Gift Certificate! For more information contact the Chamber by phone 677-0887 or by e-mail: cambridgechamber@gmail.com.