Yes, add a pinch of hope, a sprinkling of care and a dash of optimism and you can basically make any dream a reality.
I’ve always considered Colebrook, NH “the little town that could” and once again, they’ve reaffirmed my faith in their tenacity, resolve and spirit. When word came down in April that area landmark Le Rendez-Vous was shutting down because the U.S. Embassy refused to renew the visa of owner Verlaine Daeron, the community could have accepted the news as just another blow to the local economy. Fat chance…..
Instead, they wrote letters, they lobbied their congressmen and pulled together a petition to be sent to the the U.S. Embassy in Paris. How dare the team of bureaucrats at the Embassy decide that the little bakery that had provided so much joy to Colebrook residents wasn’t turning enough of a profit to merit a visa renewal?
Last week, thanks to the determination of “the little town that could,” the Embassy reversed their decision – Verlaine would be allowed to return to the U.S., Le Rendez-Vous would remain open and Colebrook residents would be able to enjoy the freshly baked breads and chocolate madelines they’ve come to expect over the past eight years.
Congratulations to Le Rendez-Vous, congratulations to New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation, congratulations to the Division of Economic Development (especially Beno Lamontagne for his efforts to save the bakery) and most of all, congratulations to the citizens of Colebrook for a job well done. This little town’s spirit is a tasty recipe for success and community pride indeed.
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Tags: Beno Lamontagne, Colebrook, Le Rendez-Vous, NH Division of Economic Development, Verlaine Daeron