VERGENNES — The annual Silent Auction of Gift Baskets to benefit the Bixby Memorial Library has begun. “Distinctively Vermont, Uniquely Local” is the theme this year. The auction closes at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, the day of the Vergennes Holiday Stroll.
Festively decorating the library shelves are baskets that include toys, cookbooks, pet items and many local handmade crafts. The silent auction includes gift certificates from local eateries, Main Street businesses, fitness centers, Vergennes Shopping Center stores as well as surrounding area businesses.
Contributing artists include Jeff Tweedy, who has refinished the library doors and much of the original furniture during his time at the Bixby this summer. In his spare time, he incorporates local wood and bark, pine cones and dried grasses to create one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired mirrors and wall adornments. These are suitable for the home or as a gift of Vermont nature to a faraway friend. And Lisa Patton’s ever popular quilted pot holders add a gaiety of color to any kitchen or make a great hostess gift.
Karlene DeVine, president of the Friends of the Bixby, notes there is an added feature this year. “Buy Now” on several items allows determined bidders to walk out of the library with the item at valued cost before the bidding closes.
DeVine said, “We have some extremely talented artists and crafts persons and the Silent Auction is recipient of their many labors. The generosity of donations from individuals and businesses is overwhelming. We have over $4,000 worth of merchandise in this year’s auction.”
To see photos of many of the items, go to the Bixby’s Facebook page. Bidding can be done during library hours, Monday through Saturday. Watch the Addison Independent for an ad that lists all of the generous donors that have made the silent auction possible.