COMMUNITIES AND LIFESTYLE IN THE HEART OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
the comeback of THE CAPITOL THEATRE
a pair of alumni return to lead NORWICH UNIVERSITY
revitalizing WATERBURY
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Enjoy Autumn's Splendor!
How many times have you caught a glimpse of fall in Central Vermont and are reminded just how incredibly lucky we are to live in such a place? From the front porch and driveway mums and asters to the farms harvesting apples and pumpkins to the mountainsides swathed with colors, the natural beauty surrounding us is endless.
And how about the many ways to spend your time during autumn’s days: high school football games, fall festivals, and the last days of the outdoor farmer’s markets. So many things to take in.
And we hope you’ll take in our issue and enjoy it, as well. In this issue, we introduce you to Norwich University’s 25th president, John Broadmeadow, and his wife, Karen, plus an inspiring look at the revitalization of Waterbury and the rescue and resuscitation of the Capitol Theatre in Montpelier.
Also in this issue, our special Health Watch section features profiles of three local med-spas and provides insights on dementia’s warning signs and the mind-body benefits of yoga.
Here's to a happy and healthy fall in Central Vermont!
John and Robin Gales
Central Vermont
Coffee Table Publishing, LLC
32 Hermit Thrush Lane South Burlington, VT 05403 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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What We’re Talking About...
Football Games and Family Gatherings
Cold days call for warm meals like this hearty bowl of Barbecue Chili See recipes for this dish and more at www.bestofcentralvermont.com
Share your comments on our site or on social media, or drop us a line at ryan@ bestofcentralvt.com. You might even see your name in our next issue.
OCTO CLICK ON our online calendar to see local events happening in our community, and you can add your own event for free!
Children Experience Big Emotions
When things don’t go as planned or they feel overstimulated or face new experiences, children may respond with anger and frustration, fueled by feelings of shame, embarrassment, or even a sense of injustice. Learn more at www.bestofcentralvermont.com.
Hey, Central Vermont DIG IN
DISHES
PIECASSO’S FAMILY PIZZERIA
Sink your teeth into our PieCOWso Burger. Made to order, it’s everything it should be: a bold, flavor-packed creation crafted for true burger lovers. This mouthwatering masterpiece starts with locally raised ground beef, grilled to juicy perfection, and topped with our handpicked toppings of the day. Of course, it’s always served with our fresh-cut french fries or side salad (if requested). www.piecasso.com
TIPSY TROUT
After you’ve taken in the fall colors at Mount Mainsfield, Tipsy Trout should be your next stop. Located in the Spruce Peak Lodge, Tipsy Trout has the perfect afternoon/evening indulgence: pristine oysters on the half shell, sourced directly from small, independent oyster farmers along the New England Coast. This signature offering celebrates our connection to the sea and commitment to freshness, sustainability, and craft. www.sprucepeak.com/dine/tipsy-trout
BOHEMIAN BAKERY
Stop in and enjoy our savory egg Danish with cheese and chives, pecan tart, chocolate-chocolate macarons, pistachio Paris-Brest, and caffe latte. www.bohemianbakeryvt.com
DOC PONDS
We’re a casual mountain pub located just outside downtown Stowe. We’ve got a long list of beers on tap, and great food, including our old-school calamari, with lemon, basil and olive oil, and lentils and mushrooms with poached Vermont chilies. www.docponds.com
LADDER 1 GRILL
Our wood-fired, brick-oven pizza is second to none! We have specialty pizzas, or you can custom order your favorites, 12- and 16-inch. While you’re enjoying our delicious pizza, check out our fabulous location: a Barre City firehouse, built in 1904. www.ladder1grill.com
CORNERSTONE PUB & KITCHEN
There’s nothing better than a delicious cheeseburger, and Cornerstone does not disappoint. Using only fresh ingredients and cooked to your order, it comes with fresh fries and a selection from one of the best beer menus in the area. www.cornerstonepk.com
OAKES & EVELYN
PROHIBITION PIG
Waterbury’s own Pro Pig is where smoked meats meet fresh brewed beer meet incredible local cocktails. And speaking of meats, gather a group and order the ‘Buy the Farm’ platter; there’s a little bit of everything 0 for everyone! www.prohibitionpig.com
You’re going to love the hamachi crudo salsa verde, with local tomatoes, olives, and chili crunch. It’s an incredible combination that will leave your taste buds dazzled! We look forward to making your evening out memorable. www.oakesandevelyn.com
52 State Street Montpelier, VT www.oakesandevelyn.com
170 River Street Montpelier VT 802-229-9005 www.uttonsautomotive.com
27 State Street Montpelier, VT www.capitolgrounds.com
Crafted in Vermont THE ENDURING ALLURE OF ARTISANS HAND CRAFT GALLERY
Step into Artisans Hand Craft Gallery in downtown Montpelier, and you are entering more than a shop. You are stepping into a legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Since 1978, this vibrant gallery is one of Vermont’s most enduring showcases for contemporary craft.
It began as a pop-up. In December of that year, a group of young artists took over a small Langdon Street storefront and filled it with their work. Among them were Mary Azarian, Paul Kelton, and Terry Allen. They wanted control over how their pieces were shown and sold. What started as an experiment quickly turned permanent. The
gallery moved locations, grew in size, and eventually found its long-term home at 89 Main Street, inside City Center.
KEEPING ARTWORK LOCAL
Today, Artisans Hand represents over one hundred thirty working artists, nearly all of them from Vermont. Work is selected
Opposite: Handblown glass Twister vases by Janet Zug of Zug Glass Studio. This page, clockwise from above : Artisans Hand board members (left to right): Jeweler Lochlin Smith, jeweler Bill Butler, potter Lucinda Rochester Smith, potter Leslie Koehler, and fiber artist Maggie Neale. Not pictured: Paula Smyrski. Ceramic chopstick bowl by Leslie Koehler. Mixed-metal earrings by Amy Dalton of Ojalá Designs.
through a jury process and includes everything from jewelry and ceramics to textiles, glass, wood, and photography. The focus is on originality, high-quality craftsmanship, and creative use of materials.
Gallery and Promotions Manager Elissa Campbell explains, “There's a person and a story behind every piece we carry. Each one is imbued with passion and skill.”
ALL IS ARRANGED WITH CARE
You can feel it when you walk in. Visitors often pause to take in the scent, a cozy mix of beeswax candles and goat’s milk soaps. Then comes the color and texture, the handwoven scarves, the carved wooden utensils, the shimmering blown-glass ornaments. Everything is arranged with care. Nothing feels overcrowded.
That experience is part of what makes Artisans Hand a must-visit. The team behind the scenes takes pride in their customer service, not just helping people find the perfect gift, but also helping them understand what makes that object special.
“We try to educate customers about the value of handmade work,” says Campbell. “These are heirloom pieces, meant to last. When someone buys from us, they are not just supporting a gallery; they are
Clockwise from right: Forest Series ceramic mug by Alexi High. Departure silkscreened print by Carol MacDonald. Ceramic pitcher by Lucinda Rochester Smith of Greenwood Pottery.
Opposite page: Cherry tasting spoons by Ellen and Jeff Falsgraf of Vermont Spoon.
supporting Vermont artists and preserving traditional skills.”
BRINGING NEW ITEMS AND IDEAS TO LIFE
One new initiative the gallery is especially excited about is Passport to Montpelier Created by board member Bill Butler, the bilingual coupon booklet invites Canadian tourists to explore downtown. It includes discounts at more than thirty local businesses, including Artisans Hand, as well as a self-guided walking tour and a spotlight on Montpelier’s illuminated bridges. The booklet is free and valid through July 2026. Though the structure of Artisans Hand has shifted over time (today, it operates with a board, a manager, and staff), the mission remains the same. It is still a gallery run by artists, for artists, and for the people who believe in the value of art made by hand. So whether you are a tourist strolling through town or a Vermonter looking for a gift with meaning, step inside Artisans Hand. You may not only leave with something beautiful, but also with a beautiful story.
ARTISANS HAND CRAFT GALLERY
89 Main Street at City Center Montpelier, VT www.artisanshand.com
Full circle on the hill
A PAIR OF DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI
RETURN TO LEAD NORWICH UNIVERSITY FORWARD
At Norwich University, history is not only preserved; it is lived.
John and Karen Broadmeadow, both members of the Class of 1983, have returned to the place where they met as students. They now serve as visible leaders in a new chapter of the
university’s story. For the first time, a pair of Norwich alumni resides in the President’s House. Their personal journey and the university’s evolution are deeply connected.
John, a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps, became Norwich
University’s 25th president in May 2024. Karen, who grew up in Montpelier, serves as Chair of the Partridge Society Board of Directors and Interim Chair of Women Kicking Glass 2.0. After four decades of service, travel, and transformation, they have come home.
Above: Captain Alden Partridge's educational vision remains central to Norwich University's implementation of academics..The Corps has produced many national leaders—now, the Broadmeadows play a role in molding them. LtGen Broadmeadow holds a unique place in Norwich University's history as the highest-ranking Marine to graduate from The Hill.
Left: Karen and John spent much time in Woodbury Hall as students, never knowing it would be their future home.
Karen’s Norwich experience began with a change in plans. “I had initially planned on attending another school in Vermont, but discovered quickly that it just wasn’t the right fit,” she said. Enrolling at Vermont College and later earning her bachelor’s from Norwich, she found a sense of community that would stay with her through years of military life.
“I remember riding the red school bus between campuses, studying in Harmon Hall, and events like the Regimental Ball and Mountain Day,” she said. “Vermonters are known to be tough, resilient, and self-reliant. I leaned on those traits when I married John and stepped into the life of a military spouse.”
Now living just a few miles from where she grew up, Karen feels the strength of returning. “The Northfield and Norwich
communities have been very welcoming,” she said. “I’ve run into so many people who knew my family or had my mom as a teacher. It feels familiar in the best way.”
She and John first crossed paths in their later college years, connected by a series of shared statistics classes. “I affectionately say we were number nerds together,” Karen said. Their relationship began just before graduation, when John invited her to the Junior Weekend Formal. “We’ve been together ever since.”
Their bond, rooted in Norwich’s academic halls, grew across continents and decades. John’s military career took them around the globe, while Karen built a career in human resources and led support efforts
Above: John, Karen, and Quincy enjoy life on The Hill where it all began. Right: The Upper Parade Ground, overlooked by Jackman Hall, is an iconic Norwich location that is home to trainings, events, and impactful moments.
for military families. Through it all, Norwich remained a steady anchor.
John credits the university with shaping both his leadership and his life. “It is a special honor to return to my alma mater,” he said. “I credit much of my professional and personal successes to the values I learned here. I’m happy to give back to this special institution.”
John becomes the first Norwich graduate in more than thirty years to serve as president. His appointment continues a legacy that feels deeply personal.
“Karen is the most important element of my life,” he said. “That life together started here. It will always be special because of that.”
Living in the President’s House brings that sentiment into focus. “Woodbury Hall was the senior class club when we were here. It was where we started our first formal date,” John said. “Our first photo together was taken right in front of this house. Returning to live in it forty years later is very special.”
Karen sees similar threads of continuity. Today, civilian students and cadets share the same campus, which she views as a significant change from her time. “It’s interesting to observe the deeper integration of the two lifestyles,” she said. “But the learning environment and the faculty’s dedication to Norwich values are just as strong as ever.”
Together, the Broadmeadows are engaged in university life. Karen supports student leadership and alumni programming. John keeps his door open to cadets and civilians alike, eager to hear how Norwich is shaping their stories.
John’s leadership style reflects both his military background and his understanding of higher education. “Academic environments require a good deal of empathy,” he said. “The varied experiences from my time in the Marine Corps helped me understand the needs and challenges of much of our community.”
Looking to the future, he remains optimistic. “Norwich is in good shape to weather the current turmoil surrounding higher education,” he said. “We have wonderful employees and faculty, a beautiful
Opposite: Jackman Hall and the huge American flag draped in front of its pillars in its iconic display. Beleow: Captain Alden Partridge founded the school and continues overseeing its success both in spirit and from his statue in the heart of campus.
campus, and a dynamic curriculum.”
What excites him most is the student body. “They have drive, intellect, and a strong desire to lead,” he said. “They live our mission statement. They want to be citizens who make a difference.”
When asked what advice he would give today’s students, John echoed Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s recent commencement speech. “Be active citizens in your community, our nation, and the world,” he said. “Use the advantages Norwich gave you for good.”
Karen hopes that today’s students form the same lasting connection she did. “I hope they appreciate the uniqueness of Norwich and that their experiences will guide them back to the Hill year after year.”
From red school buses to campus leadership, from statistics classes to strategic planning, the Broadmeadows have lived the Norwich story in full. Their return is not only a personal homecoming but a renewal of the university’s mission, strengthened by those who remember its roots and now help shape its future.
Capitol Spa
BY REINA ESSER
THE CAPITOL THEATRE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
If you grew up in Montpelier, chances are you have memories inside the Capitol Theatre. For nearly a century, it has been the city’s place for movie magic, laughter with friends, and first dates shared under the glow of the big screen.
EARLY DISASTERS LEAD TO A FRESH START
The building’s story is as dramatic as the films it has shown. When it opened in the late 1920s as the Playhouse, it was the pride of downtown. Then came the disasters: first a fallen elm tree in 1938, followed by a fire that nearly destroyed it the next year. What could have been the
end became instead a fresh start. Using what remained of the original walls, builder K.R. Beard and carpenter Nelson Paxman reconstructed the theatre in 1939, giving Montpelier the Capitol Theatre.
THE CAPITOL AS SOCIAL HUB
With more than six hundred seats and a sweeping balcony, the Capitol became the kind of place where the whole town gathered. By the 1960s, the Cody family owned it, along with Burlington’s Flynn Theater. Later, Fred and Mary Bashara took it on as a family project, transforming the single screen into a multi-auditorium space. They
restored old seats with red upholstery, hung bright curtains, and expanded to five auditoriums. The Capitol quickly became a hub where locals came not only to see films but also to socialize.
Then the floods came. In March 1992, Montpelier filled with water, and the Capitol filled with it too. The sprinkler system burst, and the seats and floors were ruined. “Everywhere we looked was soaking wet,” remembers Cyndy BasharaGolonka. It was heartbreaking, but the family knew they would rebuild.
THE COMMUNITY PITCHES IN
Three decades later, disaster struck again.
First page: The pile of debris left over from the cleanup after the 2023 flood. This page: Inside the Capitol Theatre during the 2023 renovation: mud-covered floors, water-stained seats, candy scattered about, and salvaged film reels, waiting for a second life as decor.
The summer rains of 2023 sent floodwaters through downtown Montpelier. This time, Cyndy was there with her husband, children, and father, pulling out carpets and hauling ruined seats to the curb. Neighbors streamed in as well. “We had about twentyfive community members come down to help us take out the seats. All five hundred of them lined the front of our buildings,” she says. “Some people asked how they could help. Others just acted.”
Piece by piece, the theatre was stripped down to its bones. Walls were opened to the studs, floors pulled up, and blowers running day and night to dry the space. Yet amid the wreckage, there was vision. Old film reels discovered in the balcony were saved and now hang on the walls as décor. The wainscoting was preserved and returned to its place. A new concession stand was built to echo the one that had been lost. Even the couches were reupholstered again, giving them another chance to welcome guests.
THE CAPITOL BOUNCES BACK
Six months later, the lights dimmed and the Capitol was back in business, reopening with the latest Hunger Games movie. Families filled the seats once more. “When people walk in now, they see the original colors: red, navy, and purple,” Cyndy says. “It feels like the Capitol again.”
The return has been emotional. Customers stop to share their memories and thank the family for bringing the theatre back. Parents introduce their children to the thrill of the big screen. “You can’t get that excitement at home,” Cyndy says.
For Montpelier, the Capitol Theatre is more than a building. It is proof that even after fire, flood, and hardship, some places are simply too important to lose. “If you build it, they will come,” Cyndy says with a smile. And in Montpelier, they always do.
CAPITOL THEATRE
93 State Street
Montpelier, VT www.fgbtheaters.com
The Capitol Theatre shines again, boasting a vintage refresh with modern amenities, and bringing the joy of movies back to the state's capital.
Clockwise from top: Middlebury Martini Cup and Abbey Cup. Juniper Oil Lamp, Anjou Vase, and Evergreen Oil Lamp. Celestial Necklace. Danforth's 2025 Christmas Ornament.
DANFORTH PEWTER TURNS 50 Honoring Tradition, Craft, and Community
In 1755, in what was then still a British colony, Thomas Danforth II opened a pewter workshop in Middletown, Connecticut. Today, Danforth Pewter, named Vermont’s Small Business of the Year in 1997, has grown to encompass five locations in the state, including its flagship store in Middlebury, where the company moved in 1989, after outgrowing its workshop in Woodstock.
Though the business is known for its one-of-a-kind oil lamps, jewelry, tumblers, picture frames, candlesticks, and other timeless heirlooms, among the company’s most beloved traditions is the annual Christmas ornament. Each year around this time, customers eagerly await the new design, often adding it to their holiday collections and gifting it to their loved ones. Personalization through engraving or hand-inscription makes the ornaments even more meaningful. “It is something made with heart and hands by Vermonters,” the founders share.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
Back in 1775, Thomas Danforth could not have known how his little pewter shop would one day morph into the Danforth Pewter we know today. However, it is because of the popularity of Thomas’s well-made household goods, such as plates, cups, and teapots, that the business survived the generations for over a century, before closing in the late 1860s, when Pewter suddenly fell out of style. For the next hundred years, the Danforths’
metalworking tools lay dormant.
But in 1975, something remarkable happened that would give new life to the tradition. That was the year Fred Danforth, originally a wood craftsman, with urging from his wife, Judi, an aspiring pewter smith, decided to rekindle the family tradition and open a small pewter
workshop in Woodstock, VT. Judi, who had grown up near Woodstock, knew it was the right place to build their future.
PERFECTING THEIR CRAFT
From their farmhouse, they sketched designs, experimented with prototypes, and welcomed curious visitors, who often
A WHIRLWIND OF GROWTH
left with a new piece in hand. Those early sales confirmed their belief that handcrafted pewter could be both beautiful and functional, and the business quickly became known for its one-of-a-kind oil lamps, jewelry, tumblers, picture frames, candlesticks, and other timeless heirlooms.
As demand grew, the couple soon realized they could not keep up on their own. Hiring their first employees allowed them to focus on design while training others in the art of crafting pewter. It was a turning point, one that laid the foundation for a business that has now endured for half a century.
In 1978, Danforth Pewter moved from Woodstock to Lincoln, and then, in 1989, to a new workshop in Middlebury. Not long after, the Disney Company called with an unexpected offer: a license to create classic Winnie the Pooh designs. Fred and Judi accepted, and the next decade became a whirlwind of growth. The characters were brought to life in pewter, and the company expanded far beyond Vermont.
From day one, Danforth Pewter has been a family-run, family-like business with a passion for working metal by hand. Some pieces made by Colonial and Early American Danforths now live in the Smithsonian, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the Winterthur Museum in Delaware, the DeWitt-Wallace Museum in Colonial Williamsburg, and many other history museums.
Through all this change, the business has remained committed to its roots. Every product is still designed and made in Middlebury. New employees are trained to become skilled artisans, and quality remains the highest priority. “We design and make everything here in Vermont,” the founders explain. “That has always been our intention.”
WHY PEWTER IS APPEALING
Part of what makes pewter so appealing is the metal itself. An alloy of primarily tin, pewter is food-safe, relatively soft, and warm to the touch. Its low melting point allows artisans to pour it into molds, forming ornaments, jewelry, and picture frames. For larger items, like the company’s signature oil lamps, artisans spin a disc of pewter on a lathe, shaping it into vases, baby cups, and other heirloom-quality designs.
Previous page: Founders Fred and Judi Danforth in their workshop. Above: Founder Fred Danforth spinning an oik lamp in the Middlebury workshop.
THERE'S
A DANFORTH PEWTER NEAR YOU!
Shop now for your holiday gifts at one of Danforth Pewter’s five nearby locations, or shop online anytime at www.danforthpewter.com.
Middlebury Flagship Store 52 Seymour Street
802-388-0098
Downtown 46 Main Street
802-989-7310
Burlington Downtown 111 Church Street
802-860-7135
Waterbury Center Cabot Annex 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Road
802-560-4100
Woodstock 7 Central Street
802-457-7269
Creating a new piece begins with an idea, usually captured first in a sketch. From there, an original model is made by hand or with the help of a computerassisted mill. The design moves into mold making, a specialized process that requires precision and artistry. Once complete, molten pewter is poured into the molds, cooled, and refined into the finished product. For hollowware, Fred developed designs directly on the lathe, creating custom tools so that other artisans could replicate the pieces.
HALLMARK DESIGNS ENDURE
Looking back over fifty years, certain designs stand out as especially meaningful. The oil lamps remain a hallmark of originality, while the ornaments reflect the company’s mission to create personal,
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enduring pieces. Both have become touchstones of Danforth Pewter’s identity. Vermont itself is deeply embedded in that identity. The state’s landscapes and wildlife inspire many designs, while the quality and dedication of local employees define the business. “Vermonters appreciate and support local businesses,” the company says. “Our community is everything.”
From artisans in the workshop to associates in the retail stores, each person takes pride in their role. Loyal customers sustain the business, stopping by midwinter to pick up a gift and returning year after year to continue family traditions.
STAYING TRUE TO ITS ROOTS
Today, as the company celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, Danforth Pewter carries out Judi and Fred’s vision, staying true to the family’s original values of sustainability and authentic, handmade artistry while bringing in new talent to design and explore the versatile properties of pewter.
The founders are proud of what has
been achieved. They credit their success to their employees, whose hard work and skill have carried the company forward, and they value the balance they have struck between tradition and innovation. Stores in Vermont—and across New England—along with an online presence, now bring Vermont craftsmanship to customers nationwide.
LOOKING AHEAD
The vision is clear looking ahead. “We hope people will remember that we stayed true to our values of making fine quality pieces,” the company says. “That we stayed relevant, evolving as new opportunities presented themselves, and that people will still visit our stores when they need a finely designed and handmade gift.”
Above and right: Founder Judi Danforth at an artisan craft fair. Veteran mold maker Carla Jimmo hand-cutting a mold for a Christmas ornament. Below: Moonglow Vase, Anjou Vase, and Everlasting Vase.
BY MARIE EDINGER
Revitalizing
waterbury
A TOWN ACTS TO PRESERVE THE OLD AND PROMOTE THE NEW
Waterbury has been a proud part of Vermont since its charter in 1763. It’s named for the first European settlers, who came largely from Waterbury, Connecticut. Before then, Native Americans enjoyed the region for the plentiful water, timber, and soil. James Marsh is credited as the city’s first permanent settler in 1783. Now, the town of Waterbury
is making great strides to promote its economic, social, and historic vitality.
A DESIGNATED DOWNTOWN AREA
Today, the Vermont Downtown Program, a group dedicated to supporting growth and strength in the state’s historic downtown areas, has named Waterbury one out of twenty-three “Designated Downtowns”
and has partnered with the local nonprofit Revitalizing Waterbury, which is coordinating some of the initiatives. So far, Waterbury’s revitalization has focused largely on the downtown area, but the revitalization efforts are already visible in the broader community: A new skate park is opening up in town, thanks to a community initiative.
Community-supported artwork Phoenix Rising pays tribute to Waterbury's resilient spirit in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Below: Revitalizing Waterbury sponsors the midsummer Waterbury Arts Fest to promote and celebrate the work of over a hundred artists, artisans, and food producers.
Roger Clapp, executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury, says the group is planning to expand its efforts to include Waterbury Center and other surrounding communities.
Roger and his wife have lived in Waterbury since 2000 and raised their two boys there. He served as president of the Waterbury Winterfest Committee for several years. When he retired from his position at a civic engagement nonprofit called PH International, he took over Revitalizing Waterbury.
WATERBURY CENTER STATE PARK
Roger describes Waterbury Center as the “gateway to the Waterbury Reservoir” and an “absolute jewel” of a recreational area, featuring picnicking, camping, a swimming beach, a nature trail, and boat rentals.
“Access to the Waterbury Reservoir is a key feature for a lot of residents who like to go kayaking or paddle boarding in the summer,” Roger says. “It’s a really picturesque state park; a nice spot for swimming and ice fishing and skating in the winter.” Also, Waterbury Center has direct access to the mountains, which makes it attractive to cross-country and backcountry skiers, as well as mountain bikers and snowshoers.
LIFE IS GOOD IN WATERBURY
“Waterbury Center is fairly well known to the traveling public,” Roger says, “but it’s also a great place to live.” It’s also a safe place for families because it has no rowdy nightlife scene.
Roger points to a few new things in the area, like Zenbarn on Guptil Road, which has musical entertainment a few nights a week, the Hope Davy Park disk golf area, and a couple of marijuana dispensaries.
At the same time, Waterbury Center is trying to preserve its historical heritage.
“What is interesting about the Center is that it’s at the quieter end of Waterbury, with the potential of redefining how it functions as a village center,” Roger says. “I think there is a lot of interest in creating more of a hub of activity, with residents taking more control of their future.”
BETTER CONNECTIONS
The town filed for a grant with the Vermont Department of Transportation to make Waterbury Center more walkable, safer, and more connected, so that it can be a more vital community. Roger says it’ll be a year-long planning process, but it will result in the development of pedestrian walkways and other ways to better connect the village.
“The village is a bit disjointed right now because there’s the historical center facing the Grange Hall Cultural Center,” Roger explains, “and then there’s the commercial center with Cold Hollow Cider Mill along Route 100.”
Right:
So the question is, how to better connect those, as well as develop walkable access to the recreation area at Waterbury Reservoir.
The Better Connections Grant is bringing in different community organizations and businesses to help with the planning. So far, it’s been largely a grassroots effort. Owen Sette Ducati, the economic development director of Revitalizing Waterbury, has played a major role. Waterbury Center residents Duncan McDougall and Kati Gallagher have been spearheading community involvement.
The Grange Hall Cultural Center, for instance, holds theatrical performances throughout the year and participates in the planning process. Roger says Artisan Coffee and Tea just established a new roasting facility and café a little north of the center, adjacent to Evergreen Gardens, a popular landscaping and garden center. They’re also contributing to the plans to connect the community.
Above and right: Waterbury Reservoir provides 860 acres of serene aqautic beauty and adventure, tucked between the Green Mountains and the Worcester Range.
HISTORIC WATERBURY
Waterbury’s rich history is one of its major points of pride, and the Grange Hall is one of its hubs. The building was constructed in the 1850s and now serves as an emerging cultural center for the village.
A Methodist church built in 1833 that anchors Waterbury Center is on the National Register of Historic Places. Twenty years ago, Revitalizing Waterbury led the restoration of the Waterbury Railroad Station, built in 1875, which is now home to Black Cap Coffee and Bakery, which hosts thousands of travelers each year. They also refreshed the Visitors Center at the Waterbury Train Station, which now has artifacts and vintage décor on display, along with some newly crafted features.
A local nonprofit called MakerSphere established a studio in the Green Mountain Seminary, which dates back to 1869, and now offers art and trade classes for all ages. They’re also remodeling an old ambulance facility to serve as a workshop in Waterbury Center.
“There are some distinctive historical elements that anchor Waterbury Center as a picturesque New England village,” Roger says. “At the same time, it’s got a definite twenty-first-century vibe with fresh community interest.”
REVITALIZING WATERBURY
PO Box 473
Waterbury, VT www.revitalizingwaterbury.org
WATCH HEALTH
HEALTH NEWS YOU CAN USE
RECHARGE REFRESH and RECOVER with ELECTROLYTE DRINKS
Staying hydrated is a health topic that never gets old because of how many of our bodily functions rely on water. But water is not the only element our bodies lose when we sweat; they also lose essential minerals called electrolytes.
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes are essential elements that contain minerals like bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium, which help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain blood pressure and pH balance in our bodies.
One medically recognized way to replenish these minerals is with products sold as powders or sports drinks. These drinks and powders generally contain carbohydrates and a small amount of an electrolyte such as sodium. When they are dissolved in fluid, they gain an electrical charge that influences nerve function, muscle contraction, blood pressure, pH balance, hydration status, and more.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ELECTROLYTE DRINK
There are times you may need an electrolyte drink to supplement the electrolytes you get from food, such as after an illness; before, during, and after prolonged exercise or heavy sweating; and when exposed to extreme heat for a long time. But many electrolyte beverages contain large amounts of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors, which you should avoid. Instead, check the labels and opt for products that are sweetened with natural sugars. You should also avoid products that contain added vitamins, minerals, and performance enhancements. Anything over 100 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for sodium and other vitamins and minerals may cause elevated blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, muscle cramps, weakness, and headaches.
BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT WITH PROBIOTICS
Your gut microbiome—the community of microbes living in your GI tract—plays a complex role in your digestive system, helping to break down and absorb certain nutrients and medications, and helping train your immune system to recognize and eliminate harmful microbes. Probiotics are the “good guys” of gut microbes that help strengthen and maintain the GI tract.
PROBIOTIC-RICH FOOD VS SUPPLEMENTS
One of the most important jobs probiotics do is fight off the more harmful types of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that might want to take up residence in your gut. Some probiotic-rich foods include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses. There are also many probiotic supplements on the market that will do the same thing, but they are not recommended for everyday use and not approved by the FDA.
BERRIES ARE SO BENEFICIAL FOR YOU!
Berries are among the healthiest foods you can eat. They are among the top sources of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients, and they can help reduce the risk of many age-related conditions.
WHAT’S IN A BERRY?
Berries provide potassium, magnesium, vitamins C and K, fiber, and prebiotics— carbohydrates that help promote a healthy gut. Researchers have found that eating blueberries can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes; that eating foods high in anthocyanins (mostly blueberries and strawberries) can help people keep weight
off; and that berry consumption can reduce the risk of heart attack and boost learning and memory.
WHICH BERRIES ARE BEST?
• Blackberries have the most potassium (233 mg per cup) and almost as much fiber as raspberries.
• Blueberries have compounds that help generate new nerve cells in the brain and increase their communication.
• Raspberries (red, black, and golden) have the highest amount of fiber—8 grams per cup—of any of these berries.
WHAT’S YOUR SLEEP TYPE?
ARE YOU A BEAR, LION, WOLF, OR DOLPHIN?
Knowing your sleep chronotype may help you understand how your internal clock works and how you can synchronize it with your daily activities to use your time most efficiently. Understanding your sleep type can help you sleep better and boost your productivity. There are four sleep chronotypes: bear, lion, wolf, and dolphin, and each is distinctly different. Your chronotype is likely to be different in adulthood than it was when you were a child and will likely change again when you get into your later years.
THE BEAR Most people fall under this sleep category. This means their sleep and wake cycle goes according to the sun. Bear chronotypes wake easily and typically fall asleep with no problem. Productivity seems best before noon, and they’re prone to a “post-lunch” dip between 2pm and 4pm.
THE LION The lion is the chronotype most closely associated with being an
“early bird.” Lions are most productive in the morning up until noon. Typically, lion types wind down in the evening and end up falling asleep by 9pm or 10pm.
THE WOLF Wolves are the “night owls” among us. They stay up after dark and often have trouble waking up in the morning. In fact, the wolf feel more energetic when they wake up at noon, which is when their peak productivity starts, ending at 4pm. Wolf types get another boost around 6pm, and they can get a lot done while everyone else is winding down.
THE DOLPHIN Dolphins are the outliers. Dolphins don’t stick to any particular sleep schedule. Dolphins are easily disturbed by environmental factors, such as light and sound. If you go to sleep at different times and find yourself awake at odd hours, you’re probably a dolphin. A dolphin’s window of productivity is 10am to 2pm.
BY MARIE EDINGER
Relaxation and Rejuvenation Med-spas are all the rage in Central Vermont
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Central Vermont, three premier med-spas offer a perfect blend of luxury and wellness, promising rejuvenation and tranquility for every visitor.
MED-SPA VS. DAY SPA
What’s the difference between a med-spa and a day spa? While day spas focus mostly on massages, facials, and in some
cases, advanced skin treatments like peels, med-spas also offer everything day spas offer, plus a host of nonsurgical procedures for the face and body.
Med-spas also employ a staff of technicians, licensed to perform procedures, like administering Botox and dermal fillers, along with providing treatments for aging skin, hair removal, and weight loss support.
The popularity of med-spas has skyrocketed in recent years, and in Central Vermont, three are particular standouts.
1 VIDA WELLNESS
Jolanta Amblo, MD, an internal medicine physician at Northwestern Medical Center in Saint Albans, and Diana McTeague, RN, a former staff nurse at Weeks Medical Center and Memorial Hospital in North Conway,
NH, are the owners of Vida Wellness.
The business came about after Jolanta experienced problems with her skin and was happy with the procedures she got. She decided to share her experience with others, so she partnered with Diana, who shared her belief that a holistic approach is the best way to achieve a healthy mind and body.
Before Vida Wellness opened, “People here in Central Vermont had to drive to Burlington for these services,” Jolanta says.
Unlike some med-spas, Vida Wellness focuses solely on nonsurgical medical procedures. Besides offering neuromodulators, laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling, Vida Wellness offers platelet-rich plasma treatments for hair and skin rejuvenation, and IV therapy for boosting energy and replenishing electrolytes.
Jolanta says the therapy will be especially helpful to people recovering from periods of strenuous exercise.
“There’s a huge range of treatments,” Jolanta explains. “We start [with] very sensitive treatments and build up to
The main treatment room at Vida Wellness and (below) its urban chic reception area.
more aggressive ones. We do consultations first before we treat a patient.”
2 CAPITOL SPA
Capitol Spa, a boutique spa, offers advanced skincare, body care, therapeutic massage, infrared sauna, waxing services, and brow and lash services, along with some medical-adjacent procedures, like teeth whitening.
“We try to provide authentic, customized services,” says owner Margo Hanson. “We’ll analyze your skin and talk to you and see what your goals are for that day and what your long-term goals are. We value the relationship in addition to giving the service.”
Above: The inviting entrance to Capitol Spa, where morning glories and tomato plants grow. Right: The spa's waiting area has a quiet elegance.
Vida Wellness
105 North Main Street
Suite 204
Barre, VT
802-858-5657
www.vidavt.com
Capitol Spa
78 Barre Street Montpelier, VT
802-917-6766
www.capitolspavt.com
Wild Rose Holistic Skin + Body
132 Main Street
2nd Floor
Montpelier, VT
802-522-6237
www.wildroseholistic.com
As a boutique spa, Capitol also plays an important role in skin awareness. Estheticians and massage therapists are trained to notice changes that clients might miss—sometimes spotting a mole or skin concern in a hard-to-see place. “We’re not diagnosing,” Margo explains, “but part of our work is knowing when to say, ‘this looks like something you might want to have checked out.’ It’s another way professional spa services can support long-term wellness.”
3
WILD ROSE HOLISTIC SKIN + BODY STUDIO
Founder and owner Jenn Harrigan's former career as a critical care and surgical nurse taught her the importance of self-care and stress relief. After suffering a severe skin reaction to a medication, she decided to dive into organic, clean, plant-based skincare herself. At Wild Rose, she seeks to offer clients the benefits of what she learned.
The spa specializes in organic facials, microneedling, and dermaplaning— treatments that blend organic botanicals with eco-friendly practices to help your skin feel radiant, renewed, and deeply cared for.
Photo: Ryan Bent
Partnering with local brands like MJH Ayurvedic Botanicals allows Jenn to use locally sourced, organic products in facials and advanced skin treatments, ensuring that every person’s experience is effective and eco-conscious.
“Everyone deserves to feel rejuvenated without harmful additives,” Jenn says. “I [founded the spa] to show people that botanical skincare is just as effective—if not more effective—than the super-highend medical-grade products.”
Jenn stresses she’s diligent about creating a partnership with clients to build custom
treatment plans, including advanced in-spa treatments like facials and peels, coupled with a revamped at-home regimen.
“Professional skincare isn’t just about vanity; it’s about health,” Jenn says. “The skin is our largest organ, and what we put
on it truly matters as much as what we put in our bodies. Clean, organic, plant-based products can be both gentle and powerful, and with the right guidance, they can transform not only your skin, but also the way you feel in your own body.
Jenn Harrigan, a former critical care and surgical nurse, is the founder of Wild Rose. Rigjht: The spa's cozy, welcoming reception area.
Recognizing the Signs of Dementia
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE SOMETIMES SUBTLE SYMPTOMS
It often starts quietly. A missed appointment. A conversation repeated more than once. A familiar road that suddenly feels confusing. For many families, these small moments are the first hints of something bigger. Dementia is not a single disease but a group of conditions that affect memory, reasoning, and daily life. While it is most common in older adults, it is not a natural part of aging, and early recognition can make a world of difference.
EXTREME FORGETFULNESS
Memory loss is usually the first symptom people notice . Forgetting where you put your glasses is normal. Forgetting what glasses are used for is not. Dementia often shows up as forgetting recently learned information, relying heavily on reminders, or asking the same questions again and again. Another red flag is confusion about time or place. Someone might lose track of the date, or suddenly feel lost in a neighborhood they know well.
DIFFICULTY EXPRESSING ONESELF
Struggling with language can also be telling. A person may pause often in conversation, struggle to find words, or use the wrong names for familiar objects. At first, these slips may seem like harmless quirks, but over time, they interfere with daily connections. Alongside language changes, behavior and personality often shift too. Someone who was once cheerful may become withdrawn or suspicious. Others may show irritability, anxiety, or a loss of interest in favorite activities.
STRUGGLING WITH DAILY CHORES
Daily tasks can become unexpectedly difficult. Paying bills, cooking meals, or following a recipe may feel overwhelming. These are not just signs of getting older. They are signals that the brain is struggling in ways that deserve attention.
The good news is that recognizing these changes early matters. While most forms of dementia cannot be cured, treatments and lifestyle adjustments can slow
progression and improve quality of life. An early diagnosis also allows families to plan, organize care, and build support systems while their loved one can still participate in those decisions.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
If you notice persistent memory lapses, confusion, or personality changes in yourself or someone close to you, reach out to a doctor. Primary care physicians can start the conversation and, if needed, connect patients with specialists. Acting sooner rather than later brings peace of mind and opens the door to resources and care.
RESOURCES
For more information and support, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or call their 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
For more information and resources on early signs of dementia visit www.bestofcentralvermont.com
BY EMILY PARKER
PHOTOS COURTESY
Reset YOUR BODY
With a little help from your friends at Emerge with Amy LePage
Inside a sunlit studio in Montpelier, Amy LePage invites people to slow down, breathe, and notice. Through her practice, Emerge with Amy LePage, she helps people of all ages and stages discover tools for living in their bodies with more ease.
She offers somatic movement and bodywork for anyone seeking greater awareness, along with specialized
support for people during pregnancy and postpartum.
A LIFELONG LOVE OF MOVEMENT
Amy’s journey began with a lifelong love of movement. She trained in modern dance and contact improvisation, exploring what the body could express. Later, as a yoga therapy practitioner with a focus on functional movement, she found herself
drawn back to anatomy and physiology. That scientific curiosity, paired with her creative background, eventually led her to clinical somatics.
“I do this work because I want to open up possibilities for people to move better, breathe better, and feel more comfortable and confident in navigating the loads of life,” Amy says. “My aim is to help people recognize what is happening within
Amy LePage's prenatal yoga and strength classes help folks feel better during pregnancy, while preparing for birth, and postpartum. Photo by Abigail Feldman.
themselves and know they have skills to do something about it.”
RETRAINING THE BRAIN
Her approach often begins with noticing small details: a clenched jaw during a hard conversation, a rib cage that will not expand, or a shoulder bracing against pain. With guided movement and breath awareness, clients learn how to release patterns of tension and shift toward greater ease.
For someone struggling with sleep, for example, she introduces practices that calm the nervous system and quiet the mind. For
someone recovering from injury, she uses gentle pandiculations—active contractions followed by slow releases—to retrain the brain and restore natural movement.
Somatic movement, Amy explains, is not about exercise or set poses. “It’s more an exploration of noticing the internal experience of movement, breath, and stillness,” she says.
The results can be surprising. She recalls a student who handed her a sticker after class that read, Do less with more intention. That phrase, Amy says, perfectly captures the essence of the practice.
CLIENTS GAIN NEW INSIGHTS
Bodywork is another thread in her work. Like traditional massage, it can involve passive touch, but Amy’s sessions often include moments when the client is an active participant.
“This is brain work,” she says. “We are literally rewiring and reeducating the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.”
Clients regularly leave with new insights. “I hear all the time: ‘I haven’t felt my rib cage move like that before,’ or, ‘When I move my pelvis, my head moves.’ Those ah-ha moments are so powerful.”
RESET IN JUST THIRTY SECONDS
Her group classes bring similar discoveries. In a recent series focused on the shoulders, neck, and jaw, students were amazed at how much impact small movements could have. In her “Rest Well” and “Screen Time
Left: Somatic movement classes have a class theme or are tailored to each person joining the class. Photo by Amy Modem. Above: Amy LePage, founder. Photo by Abigail Feldman.
From pelvic floor birth prep to Spinning Babies® education to moving breathing birth classes, body-focused birth prep is Amy's specialty. Bodywork sessions combine a variety of modalities meeting each person's specific needs while encouraging personal agency in their health and well-being. Photos both pages by Amy Modem.
Reset” sessions, she emphasizes sprinkling “movement moments” into daily life. “Even thirty seconds here and there can feel like pressing the reset button,” she says. Students find that approach doable and sustainable, especially when supported by recordings they can use at home.
Over time, she sees profound changes in her students. “Softness and strength,” Amy says, are the words that come to mind. She describes students leaving class with more fluid gaits, peaceful expressions, and less discomfort. One student told her, “I feel like the Tin Man when I walk into class and walk out with full range of motion and a clear mind.”
CHILDBIRTH
CLASSES AND MORE
Amy’s work also extends to people during pregnancy and postpartum, a focus shaped by her own experience. She remembers struggling with what she now recognizes as postpartum depression when her children were young.
“I just wanted to help other moms not feel this way,” she says. Her movement background and improvisational mindset had supported her through her own births, and she wanted to share that support with others.
Today, she offers childbirth education, prenatal and postnatal classes, and bodywork sessions that create a safe, compassionate space. Students describe her as encouraging, supportive, and grounding.
One participant shares, “Amy taught me valuable and profound wisdom with prenatal care and somatic bodywork sessions that I leaned on during labor and beyond. I practically floated out of my sessions with her.”
Another notes, “Classes with Amy have helped me gain insight into various ways to improve my postpartum strength, posture, and comfort. She is a wealth of knowledge and has a kind, warm way about her that immediately makes you feel comfortable.”
Support people and partners are often welcomed into classes and bodywork
sessions. “There is so much for them to learn and understand too,” Amy says. “It helps them feel more connected during pregnancy and birth.
“From surrogates and intended parents to grandparents attending a “Move and Breathe with Baby” class, she embraces the many shapes a supportive community can take.
TURN INWARD AND HIT RESET
Her hope for everyone who works with her is simple but profound: that they carry forward the small moments of awareness. “Movement moments, even just for thirty seconds or a minute, are an opportunity to tune inward, shift your perspective, and hit the reset button,” she says.
For Amy, the human body is not simply an instrument to be used, but, as she quotes Thomas Hanna, “a realm of one’s being to be experienced, explored, enriched and, thereby, educated.”
For more information on offerings and class schedule, visit www.emergewith amylepage.com
THE BOUNTIFUL BENEFITS OF YOGA
It’s as good for the body as it is for the mind
Walk into a yoga class and you will find a mix of people: young, old, athletic, and curious, all rolling out their mats for an hour of breathing, stretching, and letting go. What makes yoga so enduring is that it offers something for everyone. It is not only about touching your toes or twisting into impossible shapes. At its heart, yoga is about balance: balance in the body, balance in the mind, and sometimes even balance in life.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
The physical benefits are often the first to show up. Muscles that once felt tight begin to soften. Simple stretches make everyday movements easier, whether it is reaching for groceries on the top shelf or sitting more comfortably at a desk. As flexibility improves, so does strength. Holding poses such as plank or warrior build core and leg muscles in ways that surprise many
beginners. Over time, this combination of strength and stretch helps with posture, joint health, and injury prevention.
STRESS RELIEF
But ask most practitioners why they keep coming back, and they will often mention the stress relief. The quiet focus on breath has a way of slowing racing thoughts and settling frayed nerves. In a world full of constant noise and deadlines, the stillness of yoga feels like a rare gift. Even a short session can shift the mood from tense and distracted to calm and grounded.
IMPROVED HEART HEALTH
Yoga also has a way of supporting longterm health. Research has linked regular practice to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and improved heart health. Gentle styles like restorative or yin are particularly helpful for those living with chronic pain, offering comfort without
strain. The practice adapts to the person, not the other way around, which makes it accessible at every stage of life.
BUILDS PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
Perhaps most compelling is the way yoga builds community and connection. Sharing a space, moving in rhythm with others, and supporting each other through the challenge of a pose can create friendships that last well beyond class. For some, yoga also carries a spiritual element, inviting reflection and a sense of belonging to something larger than the self. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for fitness, stress relief, or a search for peace, yoga offers a pathway worth exploring. It asks only that you show up, breathe, and see what unfolds.
