В Беннингтоне официально признали Никку Монте «шоколатье-исключительным» графства

BENNINGTON — A grateful and appreciative community was on hand late Monday afternoon in front of The Village Chocolate Shoppe in downtown Bennington to honor to Nick Monte, confectioner and long-time contributor to the greater Bennington County civic and business communities and who, for the last quarter of a century, has put a literal smile on the face of everyone who walks through his door. A crowd of over 50 well-wishers gathered to honor the 88-year-old chocolatier who had little choice but to receive the sweet plaudits from his many admirers including Rep. Mary Morrissey who read aloud House Concurrent Resolution 294 (H.C.R. 294), which formally dubbed Monte as "Bennington County’s chocolatier extraordinaire." The multi-partisan resolution was sponsored by a broad coalition of local Bennington County lawmakers, including Representatives Morrissey of Bennington, Cooper of Pownal, Corcoran of Bennington, Durfee of Shaftsbury, Greer of Bennington, Hunter of Manchester, James of Manchester, and Nigro of Bennington, several of whom were on hand for the event along with a slate of community leaders, including State Senator Seth Bongartz, members of the Bennington Select Board, the Arlington Lions Club, NorShaft Lions Club, Bennington Project Independence, the Sacred Heart school, Better Bennington Corporation, the Bennington Chamber of Commerce and other business owners. None of them let Monte’s evident reticence get in their way as they took turns thanking him for his decades of community service and for his varied contributions to Bennington county. “We know he’s special. But when he finds out, he's gonna be mad,” daughter Sherry half-joked before the ceremonies began, describing her father who does the best job he can regardless of recognition because “that’s what we’re supposed to do.” “He doesn't want recognition. He just does what he does. And that's what he’s taught us.” “But it’s special for us to see him recognized,” she said, describing what brought those assembled together. “The entire time we were growing up we had a general store in Arlington and he wanted to slow down. In 1988 he bought a small store that we have in East Arlington, The Village Peddler,” sister Denise Monte recalled. It was there that Mr. Monte started developing his skills with chocolate. In 2002 Monte was approached about relocating to Bennington as part of efforts by local business organizations to invigorate the downtown area, but moving his business wasn’t something the elder Monte wanted to do. Instead, he bought another store front. “The summer before we opened this store, he went to candy school–the Gus Pulakos school in Erie, Pennsylvania and earned his Certificate of Proficiency in retail candy manufacturing,” daughter Denise said. “We opened this store in 2002.” Since then, Monte has been filling his shelves and display cases with confections and candies, always experimenting with new ideas and never willing to take shortcuts on quality. “We make things in small batches more often,” she said “which is a lot of work. But it’s worth it.” That devotion to producing a quality product eventually earned the Monte family recognition. “Nick and his family will be, once again, one of the best of the best exhibitors at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in Springfield, Mass, promoting Vermont and, of course, Bennington and Bennington County,” said Rep. Morrissey as part of her remarks honoring Monte and his family. “This is their 15th year that they have been chosen to be one of Vermont's ambassadors to this two-week event.” The “Big E” is a non-profit exposition and organization whose mission is to “provide programs and exhibitions designed to include local and regional participation, demonstration and competition,” according to their website, with the goal of presenting “the best interests of New England and the Northeast” while “focus(ing) attention on New England heritage and its pioneering spirit.” Monte’s elite confections have been recognized as among the very best of what Vermont has to offer. Last Monday, those gathered recognized Monte’s contributions that reach beyond top-notch chocolate. “I am sure, as I am talking about Nick, he is probably grimacing at me,” said Morrissey. “He does not like to be fussed over. So this event is probably a little challenging for him. He is a very humble and soft-spoken person.” Monte and his business was lauded as “an anchor in our downtown” by the Bennington select board and was praised for “the many lives and communities made stronger” thanks to his efforts by the Arlington Lions Club. Keith Carey, President of the Better Bennington Corporation and owner of the Gamer’s Grotto respected Monte’s longevity and his devoted customers. “It's inspirational,” Carey remarked. “As a local business owner who’s been visiting The Village Chocolate Shoppe for many years, it’s inspiring and encouraging to know there are still long-standing businesses in our downtown and to see that we are one of the thriving gateways to Vermont.” “Our hats are off to you tonight, Nick, for your kindness and generosity,” said a representative from the Bennington Cancer Center Community Crusaders. “We would not be so successful without your devotion and compassion.” “Nick, we are all simply here today to say thank you, and that we love you,” Morrissey said. “On behalf of Sherry, Ken and Mom, we just want to say thank you,” said daughter Denise, addressing the appreciative crowd. “I'm looking out at his whole life, and it's so wonderful. There's so many people here finding out what we already knew about him, which was that he is an amazing human being. Thank you so much for coming. We really appreciate it. And now, it's time for some chocolate.”