WEDNESDAY'S HUM ( 5-24-06 )

LOWE-DOWN
Does it seem like home improvement giant Lowe's has ramped up their advertising in this area? Well, maybe for good reason. There ia a BIG super secret announcement planned later this morning; it's a joint news conference with CLF and Lowe's reps. When Vermont Hum investigators asked people on the street where they buy their home improvement stuff, one answer was consistent. " Gee, we go to Home Depot, but wish there were other places available."
There are other places available. Good ol' Agway has a big presence in the area - they just don't have the national ad budget that HD or Lowe's has. Aubuchon ably fills needs in several communities and the north end of Burlington has a gem in Hill's Hardware. Locals know and love Hill's. And don't forget Ace Hardware. Or Sears. Or...

FIVE CORNERS UPDATE
Arrived at the Essex Junction Five Corners Light yesterday around noon. A thought popped in my noggin. "I'm hungry, I'm craving a grinder, Martone's is right there, and the I'll be idling for over an hour waiting for this stupid light to turn green." So I put the car in park, got the grinder and had a fabulous lunch skimming the latest copy of the Colchester Sun. You know, I think the Five Corners is quickly becoming one of my favorite destinations.!