Vine testimonials from readers, event organizers and advertisers

If you are a Vine reader, advertiser, community organizer or just like the Vine, we want to hear what you have to say! (Potential advertisers like this). Please email your Vine feedback to us for possible publication!
Testimonial from local personal chef Heidi Couture: first a reader, then a Vine recipe contributor, now an advertiser:
The Vine has not only given me and my personal chef business Haute Cuisine Couture terrific exposure, but a real feeling of genuine community support. I see a big spike of views on my website when the Vine newsletter comes out. I am very happy to be working with the Vine on my new Restaurant Rover series. The Vine works for me!
From Betsy Lane, Vine reader since Issue #1:
From the very first issue, The Vine has been of enormous benefit to our town. The easy, friendly tone of the articles makes us feel as though we are part of a small village. It’s the best place for information on everything from our new veterinary hospital to the latest news about the Westminster Chamber Music Workshop, to say nothing about good advice on where to find a good meal! We are very fortunate to have such a good source of easily accessible information about what is happening in Westminster.
From Kevin and Elaine Jones, Gold Star Parents of Westminster:
We lost our son, 1st Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones, in Iraq. We started the Ryan Patrick Jones Foundation, which gives back to the community and supports things that Ryan loved. We were surprised of how many people in town were not even aware of the Foundation and all the good things it does. Thanks to the efforts of Jen and Jay of the Vine, more local people were made aware of the Foundation and what this town meant to our son, more people have recognized who Ryan was, and continues to mean to this community. He is a gift to this town that keeps on giving! We cannot thank Jen and Jay enough not only for what they have done in making people aware of the Foundation but also the people of the community and people who lived here at one time, moved away and subscribe to the Vine to keep their local ties. We say THANK YOU for your continued support. God Bless.
From Beth D'Onfro, reader who sees increased attendance at local events and credits Community Vine:
I'd like to extend kudos to you both for establishing the Vine in 2009. Thanks to your countless hours of time, Westminster has a top notch community resource that so many have come to depend on. In addition, your human interest and news stories are interesting and a delight to read. I never thought I'd say it (as a "paper" paper junkie) but thanks to your efforts, Westminster is enjoying the future of net-based local journalism and the benefits of resulting awareness and involvement. I wish you continued success in 2011 and beyond - which means some level of profitability. I urge local organizations and potential advertisers to take note of the fact that mention in the Vine of events that I have been involved in has undoubtedly increased attendance. People are reading the Vine.
From Joyce Holroyd-McGuire, Vine reader:
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much our family appreciates the Vine. The Vine has provided us with "everything Westminster" in that it covers a wide range of topics from local political stories to amusing tales of wildlife adventures. Community Vine has provided extensive coverage of community events from the 250th Anniversary of Westminster to human interest stories, such as the story of a Westminster resident battling Multiple Sclerosis and fundraising initiatives to purchase a NEADS dog for her.
The articles are informative with special care taken to include a variety of photo collages that accompany the stories. The Vine has provided residents with a calendar of upcoming meetings and events for town government, school, town agencies, churches, and other local resources. The Vine goes a step further in that it will also write about specific issues on a state and national level that will impact the Westminster community.
A favorite of ours were the frequent status updates of the Depot Road Bridge Project. The bridge was taken for granted until it became clear it was one of the more favored ways for travelers to access route 2. The Vine consistently sought information from local and state politicians and contractors involved with the project, of the status and progress to complete the new bridge. My family looks forward to each new issue of the Vine, and wants to offer our wish for your continued success.
From Angie Gambo, Westminster Local Project Committee member, Habitat for Humanity:
You can’t put a price on the value of getting the word out about all the good that is happening right here in Westminster. I’ve been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity since June 2010, when it was first announced that the local Affiliate would be building a home right here in town and I can say without reservation that the generous support of The Vine, which has always been willing and eager to spread the word about our fundraising and volunteer efforts, has enabled us to succeed in great fashion!
Many businesses say they “give back” to their communities but, The Community Vine really does put its money where its mouth is. Thank you for your support and consistent coverage of the Westminster Habitat for Humanity project. I applaud your generosity and am honored to call myself a loyal reader of your publication. Keep up the GREAT work!
From Bret Williams, President of Green Mountain Beverage on his interview experience with Community Vine:
I am writing in appreciation for the article about Woodchuck Draft Cider. The entire interview and story writing process was unique in that Jen had a genuine concern in making sure that all of the information was accurate and fairly represented. This made the process enjoyable, less stressful and eliminated any surprises. In this day and age, it was refreshing to spend time with someone who understands the concerns about having their "story" put into print. In many other instances, I have been frustrated by the lack of professionalism and the "get it done now" mentality.
This experience was the exact opposite. The other real positive aspect of Community Vine is the passion that both Jay and Jen have for Westminster in general. When you take this unique process and combine it with authors/publishers who are truly proud of Westminster you end up with an honest and very well written piece-- every time. I would enjoy having the Vine back to the Cidery anytime. Thank you and all the best to you.
From advertisers Bruce and Cindy Vincent, Vincent’s Country Store and Country Treasures Gift Shop:
Advertising in the Vine has been a definite plus for our businesses. Jen and her team have always gone above and beyond in making sure our ads look great and they have always helped us to maximize the placement and effectiveness of our ads. Working with them has been a positive experience all the way around!
From advertisers Mark and Katherine Ransom DVM, Wachusett Animal Hospital and Pet Retreat:
Wachusett Animal Hospital and Pet Retreat has benefited significantly from advertising on Community Vine. The story about our business has resulted in a significant number of consistent customer referrals and the mention of WAHPR within other parts of the Vine newsletter and website are an added bonus that we like to see when we read the Vine. Our Grand Opening attracted about 500 potential customers. Jen was instrumental in getting the word out. She knows everyone.
From advertiser Jason Kimball, The Angler Fish Market and Chowder Company
Jay and Jen (of the Vine) are very involved in our community, and they truly care about keeping people ‘in the know’ in Westminster. Lots of our customers read the Vine and have commented that they’ve seen our ad in the Vine. I’m very careful with my advertising dollars--advertising on the Vine is worthwhile!
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Latest Stories
- Exciting news at the Food Pantry: Find it on Facebook and more
- Lions Club Breakfast and Lottery Ticket tree raffle to benefit Food Pantry
- Obituary: Ryan Douglas Francis
- Newsletter Introduction: Issue #60, The final Vine issue
- Wanted: Things that will help me and others, ski and snowboard boots and outerwear
- Turkey Tale: a story submitted by Erin Shenk
- Ashburnham Board of Selectmen: November 21, 2011: Income Surveys, NCSC and a new Treasurer
- Westminster Board of Selectmen: November 28, 2011: Carter Road complaints, energy incentives program and dog complaints
- Volunteers needed for an Old Town Hall assessment committee
- Jay wrote a book. I don't know where he found the time! Check out ‘Keeping Up’
This day in history...
![]() |
|
Word of the day
![]() |
|
The final issue of the Vine was published on December 1, 2011. To stay up to date on things going on in Westminster, please click the Facebook logo above or search COMMUNITY VINE on Facebook and like us. We will continue to allow non-profits to post their events.
Login to comment on Vine stories
Quote of the day
![]() |
|
New England Patriots news
|

In the early 1800s, tensions between the US and Spain were increasing over border disputes in North America. With Spanish power in the New World declining, it was widely believed that Spain would lose land to the US. The Adams-Onís Treaty settled the dispute by attempting to draw clearer borders, roughly granting Florida and Louisiana to the US while giving everything west of Louisiana to Spain. The US did not pay Spain directly for the new land. Instead, it compensated Spain in what way?
The New Yorker is an American magazine known for its sophisticated tone, liberal political perspective, varied literary fare, and witty single-panel cartoons. It was founded by journalist Harold Ross, who aimed to create a sophisticated, metropolitan magazine—in contrast to publications such as Life, which he saw as unrefined. Now one of the most respected publications in the US, The New Yorker is recognized for its strict style and high-quality content. Who is its mascot?

