Best-of-Burlington-Fall-2012

BURLINGTON

BEST OF

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L I F E A N D C U LT U R E I N T H E C H A M P L A I N VA L L E Y

VOLUME 5 NO. 4 $4.95

Celebrate Fall

GAME DAY!

The Patriots at Gillette Stadium

Climbing at Petra Cliffs

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center

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Contents FE AT U R E S

26 A Day at Gillette Stadium

Enjoy a Patriots game, tailgating, and more.

by KEVIN GRAY and deb thompson

34 MEntertainment ountain Music and

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center opens Act II. by mark aiken

44 PCenter etra Cliffs Climbing

From passionate climbers to passionate owners. by mark aiken

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Editor’s Note

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Contributors

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Online Exclusives

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Gatherings

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What’s New The scoop on tablets. by ryan adam

18 Art Scene Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center.

by JENNIFER ROSE SMITH

22 Cooking Healthy A taste of autumn.

d epart m ents

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by chef JJ Vezina

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Community Spotlight ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. by nancy humphrey case

58 People to Know Lauren Shanard, DDS, at Contemporary Dental Arts. by sarah tuff

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Local Flavors Do you know The Spot?

by Jennifer Rose Smith

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What’s in Store Vermont Violins. by nancy Humphrey case

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What’s Hot The Classic Bike Experience. by tom brandes

Special Advertising Section

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F all Adventures!

Shopping and fun things to do in our local Burlington area.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide

83 Happenings A calendar of events.

88 Burlington Buzz Christine Plunkett, president of Burlington College.

Cover photo Bambi L. Dingman/Dreamstime.com

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by mike morin

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BEST OF

BURLINGTON Coffee Table Publishing, LLC PO Box 1460, Quechee, VT 05059 (802) 295-5295 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Publishers

Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch editor

Deborah Thompson ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kristy Erickson Copy EDITOR

Elaine Ambrose Art direction/Design

CW Design Solutions, Inc. advertising design

Hutchens Design, LLC web design

Ryan Frisch advertising

Robin Gales John Gales (802) 295-5295 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, PO Box 1460 Quechee, VT 05059. Or e-mail editor@bestof burlingtonvt.com. Advertising inquires may be made by e-mailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetable publishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC Š, 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

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SFI-CS-A-HC

Fall Means Fun —and Football!

e d it o r ’ s n o te

The clear, crisp days of fall are a welcome relief for many from the heat and humidity of summer. Shorter days and cool nights signal that it’s time for the back-to-school bustle.

The kids have outgrown everything, so we’re off to shop for new duds, shoes, and backpacks. Swimsuits and flip-flops have been marked down for clearance to allow space for the latest styles of fall jeans and sweaters.

There’s something about autumn weather that makes it perfect for football. Bright, sunny days with cooler temperatures are just right for bleacher-sitting in a light jacket or sweater, and evening games may even call for your favorite football blanket. High school and college athletes are ready to face their rivals, and NFL teams are eager to see how their draft picks will perform this year.

As a football fan myself, I’ve been counting down the days to football season since the Super Bowl ended in February, and I’m sure that people all over New England are ready to cheer the Patriots on to another fantastic season. Last fall, I traveled with a group of friends to Gillette Stadium to see the Pats play the New York Giants. My inspiration for the trip was an idea to capture the experience of the day for an article for the magazine—the drive to Foxboro, tailgating before the game, the game itself, the stadium, the field, the sights, the sounds, the people. Our photographer friend came along, too, so we would have great photos to help us savor the memories of the day and to share with readers. The chronicle of our exciting adventure begins on page 26, and I hope you have as much fun reading about it as we had being there.

Wherever your inspirations and adventures take you this season, I hope they’re wonderful and memorable. Enjoy!

Deborah Thompson Editor editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N

Contributors Mark Aiken

Kevin Gray

A travel writer who specializes in outdoor living, recreational pursuits, and all topics in between, Mark lives in Richmond, Vermont. When he’s not writing, he trains for marathons, plays pickup hockey, teaches skiing at Stowe, and plans bigger and better vacations.

Kevin Gray, whose feature writing has won first place from the New Hampshire Press Association, has covered all sports since 1994 for the New Hampshire Union Leader. In this issue he shares the experience of attending the Patriots–Giants game last fall. He lives in Bow, New Hampshire.

Nancy Humphrey Case

Jack Rowell

Nancy is a contributor for the Christian Science Monitor and has been published in a wide variety of publications, including Northern Woodlands, the Chicago Tribune, Mothering, and Cricket. She enjoys writing about Vermont’s landscape and culture, planning the next project at her home in Hyde Park, and riding her horses in the woods.

Jack has been capturing personalities with his photography for more than 40 years. His work has been published in Time, Newsweek, the New York Times, Times of London, and more.

One-man exhibitions include the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College and, in Vermont, at the Chandler Gallery in Randolph and the Governor’s Reception Area in Montpelier.

Jennifer Rose Smith

Sarah Tuff

Jennifer is a freelance writer, baker, and assistant sugarmaker. She writes about food, travel, and culture, and her work has appeared in Best of Burlington, Vermont Magazine, and Local Banquet. She lives in Burlington.

Sarah writes about health, fitness, travel, and more for a variety of regional and national publications.

She lives with her husband, Carlton Dunn, and their two young children in Shelburne, Vermont.

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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N O N L I N E

Online Exclusives Only at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Know the Signs of Concussion In this season of football, it’s important to recognize the signs of concussion, which can occur not only in sports but also from minor falls and without loss of consciousness.

Kids’ Nutrition Look out for your little ones with healthy, delicious back-to-school lunches and snacks.

Get Your Beauty Sleep Find out why getting eight hours of sleep is your best weapon against aging.

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Gatherings ENJOYING EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Photos by Raj Chawia

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Highlights from the Greater Burlington YMCA’s 146th annual meeting at the Burlington Country Club. 1 Burlington Superintendent Jeanne Collins speaking with Burlington High School Principal and new Y board member Amy Mellencamp. 2 The Y preschool Tin Can Band was presented with the Social Responsibility Award for making music for a good cause: a food drive. They prepare backstage with their homemade instruments to march into the room and collect their award. 3 Y board members Bill Little of MVP Health Care and Marilyn Cormier of St. Michael’s College. 4 NorthCountry Federal Credit Union, the Y’s sponsor for the annual

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meeting, sent their top executives to the event. 5 From left: Mary Burns, CEO and President of the Greater Burlington YMCA, board chair Renee Bourget-Place of KPMG, and board member Marilyn Cormier of St. Michael’s College. 6 Three generations of Pomerleaus of Pomerleau Real Estate: Anthony, daughter Grace, and grandson Terry.

Terry Pomerleau was elected to serve on the Y board. 7 Joshua Scheidt, winner of the Character in Action Award, with his YMCA Dynamo swim coach Chris Cochran. In the past year, Joshua cleared debris from the Burlington bike path, volunteered for the Vermont City Marathon, and ran a lemonade stand for charity.

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Send photos of your event to editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com.

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w h at ’ s ne w

by Ryan Adam

The Scoop on

Tablets cuneiform not required

The tablet has existed since the n. dawn of written communicatio has What started out as a simple scratch pad been transformed into a wonder of modern technology.

Computer companies have made many deattempts at marketing a midsized mobile vice over the past few decades. However, il it wasn’t until Apple released the iPad in Apr of 2010 that tablet devices really caught on with the masses.

What Is a Tablet?

een a The modern tablet device fills the niche betw your for big too is t table smartphone and a laptop. A ssoacce of full bag pocket, but it doesn’t require a large ries like a laptop does.

Apple’s Apple’s iPad comes in one size. It runs on d in the foun one the to iOS system, which is identical

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iPhone. The iPad has a 9.7-inch screen, and the whole unit is about the size of an 8x10inch photograph.

While the iPad tends to dominate the tablet market, it is not the only option. Many competitors have released similar products that run Google’s Android operating system.

This is the same OS that’s found in many smartphones by Motorola, Samsung, HTC, and others. The iPad’s biggest competition at this point is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The Samsung Galaxy Tab has a 10.1-inch widescreen display. Roughly the same size as the iPad, it’s more rectangular because of the display’s widescreen aspect ratio. In addition to the 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab device, there is a profusion of Android tablets available from many different manufacturers.

Most of these are in the 10-inch size range, but some come in a smaller 7-inch form.

Amazon’s Kindle Fire is one such 7-inch tablet.

Both the iPad and the Android tablets are available as Wi-Fi–only devices as well as 3G or 4G wireless devices. The 3G or 4G devices require a data plan through a wireless provider.

Ease of Use No matter which tablet you choose, you will find it incredibly easy to use. As with your smartphone when you first got it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

Even performing tasks you may already do on your phone, you will find the tablet experience to be not only bigger but also less taxing. You don’t have to scroll endlessly to reach the end of an e-mail. You don’t have to constantly expand and shrink web pages and pictures. You can open a digital version of a book or magazine and see the whole page. In fact, many publishers are offering tablet versions of their magazines to subscribers. With the Amazon Kindle app you don’t need to have a separate device— you can purchase and read Amazon eBooks right on your tablet.

In addition, a tablet can increase your productivity when you’re on the go. The on-screen touch keyboard is larger and more comfortable to work with than the one on your phone. Alternately, you can use a small Bluetooth keyboard to connect wirelessly and type documents, as I’m doing right now. Oh, did I forget to mention that I’m writing this article on my tablet?

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ART SCENE S P O N S O R E D B Y V er m ont ener g y by j enn i f er rose s m i t h P h otos by R ob H u nter

Frog Hollow leaping forward, with an eye on the past For many tourists—and locals—Vermont crafts evoke handwoven cloth, birch-bark baskets, and watercolor paintings of barns set against the sweeping Green Mountains. Visitors to Burlington’s Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center will find striking examples of these, and more, among the artwork that lines every surface in the Church Street shop and gallery. While each artist brings a unique history to his or her work, each is also part of a proud and continuous tradition.

Today’s Technology, Tomorrow’s Craft Undulating strands of handspun wool are dyed in hues that evoke fall foliage or the lush colors of summer. Paintbrush furrows cross canvases in the familiar arcs of Vermont’s verdant countryside. Other pieces, however, may startle. Black and white photographs of Tasha Tudor are painted in muted pastels, a merging of media that creates a haunting, sweet effect. Erik Rehman’s sculpted clay heads depict the human mind laid bare, and whole cities sprout from the pale skulls.

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Mixing new forms with traditional art doesn’t perturb Rob Hunter, Frog Hollow’s executive director. He points out, “Today’s technology is tomorrow’s craft,” and he doesn’t attempt to define the work on display in the gallery. Frog Hollow represents over 200 artists, and Hunter evaluates their merits as members of the art community, asking what each individual brings to the State Craft Center, which was founded in Middlebury in 1971.

Far left: 85 Church Street storefront. Center: A view of the gallery features turned vessels by Tom Dunne. Left: Artists Sabra Field, Mark Schwabe, and Peter Miller chat during an exhibit opening. Photo by Buzz Kuhns.

With a history as varied as the art on the walls, the State Craft Center has followed a braided path in promoting what is called “the essential importance of the handcrafted.� The center has devoted many of its resources to education, and for 40 years its staff has taught generations of Vermonters about everything from digital photography to making clay pinch pots. 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington 19

Honoring Tradition in Changing Times Like many businesses, the financial downturn proved difficult for Frog Hollow and resulted in the closing of both the original Middlebury location and a newer Manchester gallery. Hunter, who has been the executive director of the Craft Center since 2010, puts a positive spin on these difficult times. “It was a chance for us to take a hard look at the work we do and really decide what our priorities are,” he says.

This meant accepting the changing art world while keeping one eye on the founders’ original goals and intents. “They were primarily interested in connecting the community to artists,” Hunter explains, and his eyes light up as he describes how he intends to carry on the tradition. “I think the only way to do that is through storytelling and narrative.” Gesturing to a large print by Vermont artist Sabra Field, he notes that with no story and no background, the artwork is just ink on paper.

This focus on storytelling is evident in the gallery, where a small card identifies each artisan and shares a few lines about his or her work and philosophy. Recently added QR codes can be scanned by visitors’ smartphones to easily access more information about the artists and their creative processes.

Hunter also believes that education, a founding value of the Craft Center, is fundamentally rooted in storytelling. This fall the Craft Center is launching the pilot of a new arts program called Lessons Exploring Artist’s Process, or LEAP-Frog. Volunteers will work with students to explore many aspects of the artistic process, including historical and practical perspectives.

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Instead of simply teaching students about how to work with clay or examining the work of established artists, Hunter says a clay class might discuss traditional methods of the Abenaki Indians, move into a hands-on section, and then meet working artists once the students have gained the perspective to understand the context and complexity of the artists’ works.

In 2010, Frog Hollow created a book chronicling the history of the State Craft Center based on a paper written 15 years ago by then-Middlebury College student Rachel Esch. Artists, one-time directors, and friends of the gallery contributed their memories, telling stories about their work and the life of art in Vermont. It is a patchwork of diverse perspectives, and it’s apparent that the gallery has weathered many twists and turns, including fire, to survive in a constantly evolving culture.

Still, the black and white snapshots of working artists from the early 1970s are surprisingly similar to the digital photos that appear in Frog Hollow’s new artists’ blog, and it is evident that Rob Hunter’s passion and enthusiasm have been shared by each of the Center’s many past directors. Hunter is determined to keep Frog Hollow relevant in today’s art and education world, and his solution is straightforward. “We’re bringing it all right back to the beginning,” he says.

Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center 85 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 863–6458 www.froghollow.org

Top row, from left: Executive Director Rob Hunter speaks with visitors at a gallery event. Photo by Buzz Kuhns. Frog Hollow represents over 200 Vermont juried artisans. The work of close to 170 Vermont artists is currently on exhibit and includes woodworkers, fiber artists, potters, jewelers, glassblowers, printmakers, painters, photographers, and many more. Raku fired vessels by Irene Leader Lacroix. Left below: Paintings by Carol Norton and glass by AO! Glass. Above: Gallery view features pottery by Elizabeth Saslaw.

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a taste of

autumn

recipes from the windjammer and upper deck pub

Broccoli–Cheddar Ale Soup

The sharpness of the Vermont cheddar and the bite of our local Long Trail Ale make this warm, full-bodied soup so delightful. It’s hearty enough for a main meal but simple enough to add as an enhancement.

Serves 7 ⁄2 cup melted butter 1 cup flour 1 ⁄4 cup oil 1 ⁄2 cup diced yellow onion 1 ⁄2 cup celery cut into half-moon slices 4 cups cooked broccoli crowns 3 cups plus 2 oz beer (Long Trail Ale recommended) 4 cups chicken stock (or use vegetable stock for a vegetarian soup) 4 cups slightly undercooked potatoes cut into small dice 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp chili powder 1 tsp fenugreek* 3 cups heavy cream 3 cups half & half 10 oz shredded sharp cheddar Salt and pepper to taste Garnish (any or all of the following): sliced bread, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, and scallions 1

* A Middle Eastern aromatic seed that can be found in specialty sections of most grocery stores.

For roux: Melt 1⁄2 cup butter in a small saucepan and then whisk in 1 cup flour until thick. Set aside.

The transition from a light, cool summer palate to an appetite for richer and warmer dishes is a welcomed transformation in my kitchen.

Fall cooking hits all of the senses, and the flavors and smells are like no other season. The fall harvest provides an endless supply of options, from a variety of squash and wild mushrooms to apples, root vegetables, and pumpkins. Meals are hearty, intense, and inviting. I’ve chosen a few traditional autumn favorites that I think are staples in any recipe collection. 4

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1. Heat a large pot over medium heat with 1⁄4 cup of oil. When the oil starts to lightly smoke, add the onion, celery, and broccoli and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly tender. Deglaze the pan with 3 cups of beer and cook the alcohol out for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add chicken stock, slightly undercooked potatoes, coriander, chili powder, and fenugreek.

Bring temperature up to medium, add roux, and stir very well to avoid clumps. When thickened, add cream, half & half, and the remaining 2 ounces of beer to maintain beer flavor without cooking it out. Stir well, and then add shredded cheddar and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Have fun with the garnish. We suggest everything from oil-brushed and grilled bread to tender broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, and scallions.

Coo k in g h ea l t h y b y J J V E Z I N A , e x e c u t ive c h ef A T TH E W I N D J A M M E R R E S T A U R A N T P H O T O S BY B R E N T H A R R E W Y N

New England Shepherd’s Pie

A traditional shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb with carrots and peas and a crust of potatoes. What we’ve grown to love in New England with ground beef, corn, and potato is actually called Cottage Pie. Adding extra seasonings and sauce when cooking the beef, using aged cheddar, and piping the mashed potatoes separate this recipe from others.

Serves 4 11⁄2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered lengthwise 1 ⁄2 tsp salt 4 Tbsp heavy cream 2 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp milk Salt and pepper to taste 4 cups frozen corn 3 Tbsp oil 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 ⁄4 cup minced garlic

2 lb ground rib eye 2 lb ground sirloin 1 Tbsp dried basil 1 Tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp ground fennel seed 1 tsp dried sage 11⁄2 cup marinara 2 cups tomato strips 2 oz shredded Cabot Vermont Cheddar

1. Put potatoes in a saucepan with ½ teaspoon salt, and cover them with water.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and place potatoes in a bowl.

2. Warm the cream and melt butter in it, either in the microwave or a pan on the stove. Add to potatoes and mash with a masher. With a sturdy spoon, beat potatoes and add milk until they reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

3. Bring a dry nonstick pan up to high heat and add the frozen corn. Firmly press the corn down in the pan and do not stir for several minutes until a dark roasted color appears. Set aside.

4. Add 3 tablespoons of oil to a large saucepan and place over medium heat.

When oil begins to smoke, add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden brown.

Add the ground rib eye and sirloin and increase the temperature to medium-high.

Continue to cook until meat starts to break down, and then add all remaining ingredients except potatoes and cheese and simmer on low for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Layer the meat mixture on the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch pan. Add a layer of roasted corn. Top corn with slightly warmed mashed potatoes. (Use a piping bag with a tip for the mashed potatoes if you want to create a design on top.)

6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese of your choice and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes and cheese are golden brown.

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Apple–Pear Crisp

There is nothing like the smell of warm pears and apples with cinnamon filling your kitchen. Top with a delicious, crunchy mixture of oats and brown sugar and you’ve got the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. This recipe is great with many varieties of fruit, so feel free to substitute with your own preferences.

Makes one 9x13-inch pan Topping 1 ⁄2 lb butter 1 tsp cinnamon 11⁄2 cups brown sugar 2 cups oats Filling 71⁄2 cups apples (about 9 apples, McIntosh work best) 3 cups canned pears, drained 4 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp cornstarch For topping, warm butter to soften and mix all ingredients together. Set aside.

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1. Preheat oven to 300°.

2. Peel, core, and slice apples and set aside.

3. Mix pears, confectioners’ sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Add apples.

4. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with a light layer of butter. Spread fruit mixture out evenly, and then add the oat topping mixture to cover the filling. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes uncovered. The oats should be golden brown. Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

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W E ’ R E o f f t o g i l l e t t e s ta d i u m

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by kevin gray and deb thompson Photos by Kevin Littlefield unless otherwise noted

Twenty years ago,

Above: Fans enter the stadium on November 6, 2011, for the Patriots–Giants game. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots. Left: Pregame ceremonies featured an exciting flyover. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots/David Silverman. Above right: Tailgating before the game has become an integral part of game day.

as Patriots seasonticket holders at the old concrete jungle that was Foxboro Stadium, we’d drop the tailgate and settle for burgers and beer before kickoff.

Back then, the best tailgaters had a TV with rabbit ears.

Man, are those days long gone! We no longer own a pair of season tickets in the corner of the stadium, but football season isn’t complete without a trip to Gillette Stadium, where fans have perfected the art of tailgating. Last fall, unwittingly, we watched a preview of Super Bowl XLVI, a game in which Eli Manning orchestrated a last-minute comeback to beat the Pats, 24–20. 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Top: Action on the field. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots. Left: Tailgaters show their Patriots spirit. Inset, above: Four guys from Hineburg, Vermont, are Giants fans. From left are Tim Parent, Matt Mason, Dan Parent, Jeff Parent. The group is comprised of two brothers, a son, and a son-in-law.

Above: John Carr and Otis Thomson with an RV owned by their friend Dave Peck. All travel from Maine to every Pats home game. Top right: Parking lots are filled with activity before the game. Center: A family of divided loyalties from Bristol, Vermont: Dad Jim Bunch and son Jude are Giants fans; mom Karen Bunch and son Toby love the Pats. Right: Time to

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Driving to the Game Once coolers and people were packed into the car, we headed out on our fun-filled day. Long before we arrived at Gillette Stadium, we were seized by the Patriots football spirit when, in the rest area where we stopped to meet up with some members of our group, we spotted a motor home completely covered with hand-painted murals of Patriots players in action. Not being able to resist finding out more, we approached this decked-out, oversized Pats poster on wheels. The residents within emerged to greet us and satisfy our curiosity. Come to find out, the guys travel to every Pats home game from Maine! We were told that the amazing illustrations covering the vehicle had been painted by Boston Globe illustrator Larry Johnson. Now those guys are diehard Patriots fans who know how to travel in style! 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Above: The Pats take the field! Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots/David Silverman. Below: Rob Gronkowski gains yardage after a great catch. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots.

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At the Stadium Our plan to leave Manchester, New Hampshire, by 9:30am for a 4pm game time was a good one—we were not delayed at all in traffic entering the stadium. Driving into the Gillette parking lot by 11am found us pulling into a parking space on the first row next to the fence beside Route 1. Good job!

Once people and coolers were unloaded from our groups’ vehicles, setting up tables, chairs, grills, food, condiments, and utensils commenced. The kids—dreaming of someday being on the field and becoming the next Tom Brady—threw the football in perfect spirals. Some of the adults simply sat back to view the unbelievable scene taking place in our corner of the parking lot.

Much of the game-day experience hasn’t changed through the years—good friends and passionate fans are the only real essentials—but the pregame festivities have reached Super Bowl proportions in their own right. The parking lots are a land of Wi-Fi, high-definition video screens—and food, glorious food. A fan to our left was smoking an expensive cigar, and there was a smorgasbord of surf and turf—chicken, steak, shrimp, and even lobster—along our row of parked vehicles.

There’s shopping and dining at Patriot Place, even a cinema for those unable to score a ticket. (My friend, Kevin Littlefield, actually never got into the game and wandered through the sprawling complex, checking out The Hall at Patriot Place.) 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Let the Game Begin!

With all the pregame fun and people watching, before we knew it, it was time to head into the stadium. We certainly didn’t want to miss team warm-ups and the opening ceremonies. We joined the throngs lined up to enter and finally made our way to our seats—first row on the second tier! Excellent!

Both teams were on the field, and we quickly scanned uniform numbers to spot our favorite players—12 Brady, 83 Welker, 87 Gronk, and 75 Wilfork. Unfortunately, the Pats were at the far end of the field, but Eli Manning was right in front of us. Just our luck!

Soon both teams left the field for the locker rooms, and we were treated to a rousing patriotic ceremony featuring members of the military and huge American flags. The crowd of 60,000 plus rose as one for “The StarSpangled Banner,” and in an unbelievable feat of perfect timing, four screaming jets streaked overhead in a goose-bump-inducing flyover on the last few notes of the anthem. If the crowd wasn’t frenzied enough already, this spectacle sent them over the edge!

Game-time action was exciting, to say the least, and we yelled and cheered until we were hoarse. As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, the Pats scored to take the lead with just a few minutes left in the game, and we were satisfied once more that Brady had led our beloved team to yet another victory.

As we began our walk out of the stadium (to beat the crowd leaving the parking lot was our mission), the crowd, which included a large percentage of Giants fans—erupted in a roar.

Arch-enemy Eli had somehow managed to take his team down the field to score a touchdown and defeat the Pats in the final seconds.

How could we have forgotten Yogi Bera’s most famous lesson: “It’s not over until it’s over.”

Next time, we’ll wait for the final second to expire before we leave our seats, and we’ll be prepared to spend a couple hours tailgating post-game.

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Mountain Music and Entertainment 34

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Burlington’s Gregory Douglass knows that opening acts don’t do encores. That’s why when Douglass opened for a Grammy Awardwinning singer and songwriter at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, he made a deal with the audience. “The next number is my second to last

Spruce peak performing A r t s c e n t e r o p e n s a c t II

song,” he said. “When I finish, if you would call out for an encore—maybe even rise up out of your

by mark aiken

seats—I will then perform my last song . . . and we

Photos courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort

can pretend it’s an encore.” 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Top: Exterior views of the Arts Center. Above: Inside the 420-seat, state-of-the-art theater and lobby area.

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This friendly exchange between performer and audience is one example of the possibilities at Vermont’s newest venue for the performing arts. “The performers love the acoustics and the intimacy of the room,” says Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer, Director of Development, Fundraising, and Special Events. Indeed, when Douglass first stepped onto the stage, the room was silent; you could almost hear him breathing. “I guess you might think it’s intimidating,” Douglass says. “But nothing beats it. You have everyone’s attention; as an artist, it’s an opportunity I really value.”

No Bad Seats Audiences and performers alike have experienced this closeness and intimacy since the 420-seat center opened its doors in December 2010. The idea for a performing arts center came out of discussions held a decade ago, when planners for the new base area at Stowe Mountain Resort’s Spruce Peak first asked what amenities the resort could offer the community.

The development at Spruce has so far included a new hotel with a bar and restaurant, a base lodge for skiers and riders, a golf course and clubhouse,

stores along a brick plaza area, and now the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center (SPPAC).

The Center was loosely based on models found at western resorts—particularly the Vilar Center at Colorado’s Beaver Creek.

SPPAC’s mission is to provide world-class performances in an acoustically perfect setting. The space is simple and elegant with lots of wood trim. There are simply no bad seats.

And members of the theater’s management personally greet guests who enter the lobby on nights of performances. 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington 37

Right: James Taylor performs with Boston Symphony Orchestra cellist Owen Young at a benefit concert on New Year’s Eve 2010. Far right: Gregory Douglass.

Great Expectations Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center is here as a result of a group of Spruce Peak at Stowe residents. Homeowners at the resort, this group donated 90 percent of the Center’s construction costs. While several of the key management players at the ski area also sit on the Center’s board of directors, SPPAC is its own entity—a nonprofit organization. This means that Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer faces the same challenges as any other nonprofit director, except that SPPAC is perceived as being connected to a savvy and fashionable resort.

“The reality is that less than 50 percent of revenues come from ticket sales,” says Jeffries-Dwyer. This makes fundraising and seeking donors, sponsors, and members as important as booking quality acts. Another reality: “This is a late-buy town,” says Jeffries-Dwyer. SPPAC’s target markets—full-time locals, more distant regional residents, part-time residents and second homeowners, and vacationers—display a tendency to buy tickets in the last hours before a performance. “This makes life both interesting and challenging,” says Jeffries-Dwyer.

Closely tied to fundraising is SPPAC’s educational mission. “Five percent of membership dollars raised go toward educational funds,” she says. For example, last fall when Itzhak Perlman came to SPPAC with a cadre of master students from New York City’s Perlman Music Program for two weekend concerts, the program included a free public rehearsal for Vermont music students and their teachers. On the floor at the very front sat 80 five- to eightyear-old students who got to participate in a question-and-answer session. “He told them there’s no song too small,” JeffriesDwyer says. “It’s all in how it’s performed.”

Perlman’s orchestra then performed “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in different keys and tempos. “The dialog between 38

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these children and Maestro Perlman was incredibly moving,” Jeffries-Dwyer says.

SPPAC breaks its schedule into two “Acts,” with Act I running from November to April and Act II making up summer and fall. The first year had a learning curve; for example, the SPPAC team discovered that certain seasons (can you say “mud?”) don’t bode well for ticket sales at a performing arts center at a resort. On the other hand, stick season—when Vermont transitions from fall to winter (the foliage is gone, leaving sticks on the trees, and one mighty wind sends them all to your lawn)—is a great time for family and educational programming like Maestro Perlman’s visit.

Regardless of who attends—or when— everyone seems to have the same expectation: that SPPAC will provide high-quality performances. “Our brand is synonymous with the brand of everything else at this mountain,” says Jeffries-Dwyer. “Rustic, elegant, charming, and providing a fivestar, excellent experience.”

Return of a Native Son On a tour with Shawn Colvin, Gregory Douglass of Burlington jumped when he saw that Colvin had an upcoming tour

date at SPPAC. “I immediately approached them,” Douglass says. The venue is just miles from his birthplace in Morrisville.

“I really wanted to play here,” he says.

Having performed hundreds of concerts at hundreds of venues nationwide, Douglass has seen a lot. What he experienced at his hometown venue was a high-caliber operation, especially compared to what an independent artist is accustomed to. At the end of his performance, his response was the same as most artists—that is, he hoped to play here again. “It really felt like I had come full circle,” says Douglass, who got his start in the Lamoille Community Theater in Hyde Park.

And Douglass, like several performers from SPPAC’s first season, did return. In November 2011, he celebrated the release of his CD Lucid with his own show at SPPAC. Due to touring schedules, many performers arrive, play their gig, and then depart for the next destination. Douglass got to take advantage of eating at Solstice restaurant, staying at the hotel, and getting drinks after the show. “It was great not having to drive afterwards,” he says—a luxury that a performing artist doesn’t often enjoy.

Other high points of the first year and a half include Cloris Leachman’s performance, concluded with her walk right down the aisle, telling audience members she’d meet them in the lobby. Or when James Taylor interrupted his program to digress for several minutes about Stowe, the mountains, and the incredible new performing arts center.

SPPAC is a simple but elegant building where top-shelf entertainment comes to the mountains of Vermont. “We live in this little town,” says Jeffries-Dwyer. “But we have this incredible resort where you can ski, dine, and get the quality of entertainment that you’d otherwise have to travel to a city to see.” In the midst of another foliage season, Jeffries-Dwyer looks forward to Act II and the exciting future for Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center 122 Hourglass Drive Stowe, VT Box Office: (802) 760–4634 www.sprucepeakarts.org Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington 39

Fall

Adventures!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shopping & fun things to do in our local Burlington area!

Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery

Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace A multidealer shop overflowing with antiques and vintage goods for inspired lifestyles. Vintage Inspired also offers classes, lectures, and a rotating art gallery. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint available!

180 Flynn Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 488-5766 info@VintageInspired.net www.VintageInspired.net Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 12–4pm

For more than 20 years, FS Gallery has been a destination for discerning art lovers seeking the finest in original art, museum-quality custom framing, and restoration services. We also offer an eclectic and affordable selection of handmade and fair trade crafts and gifts. Local shopping made easy!

86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com

Salaam & The Men’s Store A savvy boutique on Church Street Marketplace featuring our own locally made Salaam line as well as a fantastic selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women by your favorite brands such as Desigual, Lucky, and Ben Sherman.

90 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.salaamclothing.com

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Village Wine and Coffee Let us help you find the perfect wines for your Thanksgiving dinner and special parties. We have in-store wine tastings, case lot discounts, specials, and new wines arriving weekly. Stop in this fall and enjoy a great cup of coffee and homemade pastries.

5288 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8922 www.villagewineandcoffee.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Redmond Interior Design Working closely with architects and homeowners to bring beautiful interiors to life, we specialize in high-end residential and hospitality projects. Let our 20 years of international design experience help make your dream space a reality.

215 College Street, Studio 2C Burlington, VT (802) 310-4990 www.redmondinteriordesign.com

Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers Discover thousands of wines (Vermont’s largest selection), more than 150 local and international cheeses, discount gourmet products, and delicious made-in-Vermont specialties at bargain prices.

We find the deals, you enjoy the savings!

There’s only one Cheese Traders in the world— come treat yourself.

1186 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 863-0143 www.cheesetraders.com Open daily 10am–7pm

Mason Brothers Evolution Yoga Treat yourself to a massage this fall. Relieve sore muscles with an herbal wrap or hotstone, deep-tissue, or Swedish massage. Visit our website or call to schedule an appointment.

20 Kilburn Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-9642 www.evolutionvt.com

Offering the finest reclaimed and antique building materials, Mason Brothers’ Architectural Salvage Warehouse’s 13,000-square-foot warehouse is filled with fireplace mantels, stained and beveled-glass windows, lighting, hardware, columns and pillars, marble and pedestal sinks, claw-foot tubs, stripped doors, windows, furniture, and unique artifacts.

11 Maple Street Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-4221 www.greatsalvage.com Mon–Sat 9am–5pm

The Willow House At Willow House we carry a large selection of country, primitive, and cottage style linens. We feature coordinating linens for all areas of your home from curtains to tables linens to shower curtains and everything in between. We also offer custom work with your choice of fabric and style.

10 Patchen Road South Burlington, VT (802) 864-3540 www.countryhomevermont.com Open 7 days a week

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Fabulous finds the greater Fall Adventures! inBurlington area!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Vermont Farm Table Store Specializing in made-to-order tables and benches, we take pride in traditional building techniques, nontoxic finishes, and a commitment to handcrafted furniture that works just as hard as you do.

197 College Street Burlington, VT (888) 425-8838 www.vermontfarmtable.com

Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room Join us for a taste, a tour of the winery, or a relaxing fall afternoon at the vineyard. Learn about our adventure growing grapes and making wine in Vermont’s northern climate, and then sip a selection of our award-winning wines while you enjoy the sights of harvest and fall color from our patio overlooking the vines. Don’t forget to ask us about planning your special event here!

6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com Open daily 11am–5pm

Jamie Two Coats A magical place in the heart of Shelburne Village, filled to the brim with your favorite things! Beautiful dolls, wooden toys, fun dress-up, art supplies, Lego, Playmobil, pogo sticks, and hula-hoops are just the beginning. We now have Zutano and Angel Dear clothing to add to our wonderful baby collection. Come in and explore!

54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3221 Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 11am–5pm

ECCO Clothes ECCO, Vermont’s original designer boutique, is stocked with all of your fall essentials! Cozy sweaters by Vince, Velvet, Michael Stars, and Feel the Piece; boots by Dolce Vita and Steve Madden; and all of your favorite denim brands, including J Brand, AG, Paige, 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and DL 1961.

ECCO has the most extensive selection of special occasion dresses around, from Susana Monaco to BCBG, Aidan Mattox, and more. And don’t forget, ECCO has a full men’s section as well.

81 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 860-2220 www.eccoclothesboutique.com

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Petra Cliffs Climbing Center

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PA S S I O N AT E CLIMBERS BECOME PA S S I O N AT E OWNERS

Above: Owners Steve and Andrea Charest.

Right: Climbers challenge themselves on the walls at Petra Cliffs.

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ocated in a semi-industrial neighborhood in Burlington’s south end, Petra Cliffs Climbing Center looks like any other metal warehouse. The interior, however, is one of Burlington’s most colorful and unique. The walls and floors are decorated with Anasazi-like handprints and designs and the colors of Arizona’s Painted Desert. Hundreds of climbing holds (each labeled with a piece of colored tape indicating routes to follow) cover the 30-foot walls. Meanwhile, climbers cling to the holds protected by ropes that dangle from the ceilings. 4

PHYSICAL Rx b y m ar k ai k e n P h o t o s b y P a u l B o is v e r t

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Climbing is different from many sports; it’s an individual sport that requires partners.

Above: Rock climbing guide Paul Brown teaches a lesson. Left and right: Climbers enjoy testing their skills.

Steve and Andrea Charest met at Petra Cliffs as employees. Sharing interests in outdoor pursuits (like climbing), they married in 2006. Then in April 2012, Steve and Andrea purchased Petra Cliffs. For the first time, passionate climbers took over Burlington’s only climbing gym.

Bringing Climbing to the Masses Chip Schlegel established Petra Cliffs in 2000 after his first climbing gym venture—Burlington Rock Gym (basically a wall on the end of an indoor soccer facility)—lost its lease.

“Chip laid the foundation for this business,” says Steve. “There’s always been climbing around Burlington, but Chip introduced it to the masses.”

The first time either of the Charests considered ownership was in 2005, when Schlegel put the gym up for sale. They watched the proceedings closely as Schlegel interviewed potential buyers. “Chip created something we really identified with,” says Andrea. “We were concerned about who was going to buy the gym.”

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That turned out to be Mike Anderson, a schoolteacher from New Jersey.

“He brought great energy,” says Steve. Under Anderson, Petra Cliffs paid more attention to its ropes course and team-building programs, developing standards and affiliations with national organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). He also gave Steve and Andrea management roles—good experience for future business owners.

A Change of Plan A decade ago, if you had asked Steve Charest if he pictured himself owning a climbing gym in 10 years, his answer would have been simple. “Absolutely not!” he laughs. As a student at Johnson State College, he got an internship at Petra Cliffs in 2001. When the internship ended, Schlegel offered him a job. Steve decided to work that summer before setting sights on his true

Above left: Young boys climb during SUMMAT summer camp at Petra Cliffs. Top right: Owner Steve Charest teaches a beginner lesson to new climbers. Above: A group of youngsters play games at SUMMAT summer camp.

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Climbers put their skills to the test.

ambition—ski bumming. Still at Petra Cliffs over 10 years later, he has taught climbing, served as an outdoor guide, led overnight summertime expeditions, run challenge courses and teambuilding programs for both school and corporate groups, and for the last few years served as director of outdoor programs.

Andrea never dreamed of owning her own business either. “I never really knew what I wanted to be,” she says. Always independent, however, she was interested in climbing. After landing a work-study assignment at UVM’s climbing wall as a student, she met Schlegel at a ropes course facilitator training. Before long, they struck a deal; she distributed marketing materials in exchange for climbing passes. By 2002, she started working birthday parties; by 2005 she was a full-time employee, serving as front desk staffer, summer camp and expedition leader, team-building facilitator, climbing team coach, climbing instructor, and most recently indoor manager.

A Learning Curve off the Wall New climbers in the Burlington area— many of whom learned to climb at Petra Cliffs—view Steve and Andrea 48

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as old-school climbers. “Misconception!” says Steve, who expresses a deep respect for Vermont’s climbing history. “The real old-schoolers like Travis Peckham, Derek Doucet, and Dave Furman were putting up routes when I moved here,” he says. Steve predicts a resurgence in Vermont climbing, due in part to Peckham’s new guidebook.

Climbing is different from many sports; it’s an individual sport that requires partners. It’s equipment intensive, and there are inherent risks. A gym provides the equipment, mitigates much of the risk, and sometimes provides partners. John Limanek climbs at Petra Cliffs up to three times a week. “There’s great energy here,” he says. “People reach out to each other, and there’s great support. I can always find someone to climb with.”

Limanek would know; he’s been coming to the gym since the beginning, when his son Taylor held his ninth birthday party here. Both of his sons participated in every youth program the gym offered (climbing club, climbing team, and summer expeditions that exposed them to outdoor climbing from New York to Maine).

They eventually became employees, staffing parties and Friday night kids clubs. In addition to an attraction for the adventure of climbing, the Limanek brothers also respected the climbers at Petra Cliffs, Steve and Andrea among them. They also looked up to Peter Kamitses, an elite climber who still serves as the gym’s head route-setter. Now the Limaneks have left for college, having chosen their school—Montana State University in Bozeman—in part because of its proximity to quality climbing. 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Tough Schist:

Vermont’s New Climbing Guidebook Travis Peckham has been climbing in Vermont for 20 years, and he’s been taking notes and sketching routes along the way.

Three years ago, he decided to design a guide of the four climbing areas near Burlington conserved by CRAG–Vermont (Climbing Resource Access Group), an organization of climbers dedicated to protecting beloved cliffs. “The whole thing snowballed from there,” Peckham says.

The guidebook includes descriptions of 500 routes at 23 climbing areas with public access. It includes approach maps, topographical cliff maps, and color photos. “I think it’s important to document the climbing history of these sites,” says Peckham. “And if you want to mobilize people to protect something special, they have to know where to find it.” Tough Schist is published by Vermont Rock Press, www.vermontrock.com.

“Without the introduction that Petra Cliffs provided, I doubt climbing would even be on their radar,” says the elder Limanek.

Having spent the better part of the last decade introducing thousands of people to climbing, Steve and Andrea Charest now face a learning curve of their own. They have already implemented changes (notably, moving the hold-cleaning station—where every climbing hold that goes on the walls is scrubbed and disinfected—from a public restroom into a work area), and are looking to the future. The gym needs owners who plan to be involved, she says. “Which is good, because we like being here!” Of course, they’re not always on site. Take a recent weekend, for example. After work, they packed their things for a short trip—to go climbing.

Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School 105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657–3872 www.PetraCliffs.com 50

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GET CONNECTED Get listed on the bestofburlingtonvt.com BUSINESS DIRECTORY and you will also be included on our printed list in every issue of Best of Burlington (see page 12).

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Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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BY NANCY HUMPHREY CASE

Lake Aquarium and Science Center REFLECTING A PEOPLE’S AFFECTION FOR THEIR LAKE Visit the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center perched on Burlington’s waterfront, and you will have your pulse on something integral to this community.

Go upstairs, gaze through the wall of windows at the spectacular beauty of Lake Champlain. Then, at the “Voices for the Lake” kiosk, take in people’s stories about their experiences with the lake. A girl talks about sitting in a rock shaped like a chair and watching ducks. A woman recalls racing sailboats in the 1970s from Appletree Point to Essex. Children remember biking to the beach near a family camp. The sentiment flows like a river into a basin. Perhaps you will be moved to add your story to the 4,000 here. 4

Top: ECHO exterior. Below, from left: ECHO After Dark events for the 21+ crowd attract a large number of people to hear experts talk about a variety of subjects from the science of beer to black holes and genetics.© ECHO, G. Smart. The exhibit RACE: Are We So Different? will be at the ECHO from October 6 through January 27. ECHO education staff member shares frog sounds with ECHO guests.

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Baby Turtles

Get a Head Start From October to June, visitors can see baby spiny softshell turtles getting a head start on life in ECHO’s animal care room. A threatened species (only 300 adult spiny softshells remain in Lake Champlain), these babies make a tasty snack for predators in their narrowing habitat in the Champlain Islands. A fish and wildlife expert collects the turtle eggs from compromised nest sites, hatches them at home, and then brings them to ECHO, where they grow bigger and stronger over the winter. The young turtles are released to their original sites in June.

For the Love of the Lake An acronym for Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity, ECHO evolved in the 1990s, when people all over the region started noticing the lake wasn’t as clean as it used to be and decided that something needed to be done about it. The Lake Champlain Basin Science Center opened in 1995 in the old Navy building. The new facility was built in 2003 and renamed ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, reflecting the strong history of support for protection of the lake by Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle.

“In those formative years, the question was, how are we going to reach and educate the public?” says Phelan Fretz, executive director of ECHO since 2002, “because every one of the 600,000 people living in the Lake Champlain Basin has a stake in this and a responsibility.”

ECHO’s mission has always been about lake stewardship, and its permanent exhibits reflect that. A 7,000-gallon tank gives visitors a window on the lake bottom, with a reproduction of a shipwreck, a giant snapping turtle, sturgeon, zebra mussels, and 54

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Left, from top: Two young volunteers compare their spiny softshell turtles before they release them into the freedom of Lake Champlain. Close-up view of a neonate (baby) spiny softshell turtle at its winter home at ECHO. © Jane Lindholm 2012, used with permission.

Media outlets from around the region cover the spiny softshell release.

Here Jane Lindholm from Vermont Public Radio interviews a young volunteer about the turtles he is about to release. A young boy gently releases his spiny softshell turtle into Lake Champlain.

Above: ECHO boasts a saltwater tank featuring animals that would have been in the ancient salt sea that existed 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, covering the area (and more) that is now the freshwater Lake Champlain. Left: Children enjoy learning about wetlands.

other forms of aquatic life. The “Awesome Forces” theater upstairs shows how the geology of the region was formed, and a salt tank houses animals that lived here 13,000 years ago when the lake was an inland sea. Other exhibits feature frogs, snakes, turtles, salamanders, and fish that live in and along the rivers that flow into Lake Champlain today.

Programs for Everyone All these as well as ECHO’s extensive educational programs and partnerships aim to inform the public about the unique ecosystem in the Lake Champlain Basin and what they can do to protect its quality. To sustain this mission, rotating exhibits such as the recent Our Body: The Universe Within and the upcoming Race: Are We So Different? are brought in to keep people coming back—local residents as well as visitors to the area. About 150,000 people flock to ECHO each year, and its programs spill over into local schools.

Anne Tewksbury of the Sustainability Academy has been involved with ECHO from the beginning and praises its work with schools. “The combination of ECHO staff going into classrooms, classes visiting ECHO, and teacher outreach and training make ECHO so effective,” she says. She also calls their grade-level, standards-based curriculum “right on target for what we need.”

Third-grader William Hagenlocher of Northfield vividly remembers what he learned months after his class visited the Native American exhibit at ECHO. He also now knows Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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that zebra mussels are not good for the lake. And he will be of voting age in nine years.

One of ECHO’s programs teaches science inquiry to elementary students.

Perhaps this is what’s behind a YouTube video showing a young visitor to ECHO. “I’m wondering why seagulls float,” he says, wide-eyed. “Why don’t they absorb water? What is the reason? Do they have insulation on their wings? Why do all these strange things happen in nature?”

The urgent tone of his voice finally drops as he concludes, “It’s something I should look up.”

But ECHO isn’t just for children. In response to 90 community-feedback interviews conducted in 2008, the organization has made a concerted effort to expand its appeal to adults and teens as well. One program that grew out of this thrust is “Echo After Dark”—a series of talks, French-café style. An expert on a subject such as robotics or pulsars is invited in, but it’s more of a discussion than a lecture, with the audience invited to share thoughts and raise questions.

“We’ve been amazed at the response,” Phelan says. “These conversations are stimulating and sometimes intense!”

Another strategy for strengthening ECHO’s ties to the community as well as its financial sustainability is the completion last spring of a new, 4,000-squarefoot expansion. The flexible space with a state-of-the-art sound system and a 9x14-foot film screen can be used for either temporary exhibits or community functions such as meetings, presentations, film screenings—even proms.

Partnerships & Getting the Message Out All these new initiatives have the underlying goal of developing support for the stewardship of Lake Champlain. Two of ECHO’s partners, housed in the same building, share and support this goal.

One is the research lab of UVM’s Rubenstein School, which works with ECHO to give exposure to its findings regarding the ecology of the lake. “It’s important for us to get our research out into the public eye, not just into scientific journals,” says 56

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researcher Jason Stockwell. “It allows everyone to make better-informed decisions regarding how the lake is managed.”

The second partner in close proximity to ECHO is the Lake Champlain Basin Program, whose mission is to coordinate the implementation of the Lake Champlain Management Plan, Opportunities for Action, by 100-plus groups in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. The LCBP staffs a resource room at ECHO that connects visitors with what is being done to improve habitat and water quality throughout the region and lets them know how they can participate. “Our partnership provides important opportunities to work one-on-one with homeowners, recreation users, and business owners, who have a potential impact on the lake,” says Education and Outreach Coordinator Colleen Hickey.

So, is all this public education and outreach having an impact? The LCBP’s “State of the Lake” report released August 1 shows some encouraging trends, such as a drop in mercury levels in fish, while documenting continuing problems such as still-too-high phosphorus levels and new threats such as blue-green algae blooms. What the state of the lake would be today without ECHO is difficult to measure. “We know some people are putting into practice what they learn here (installing rain barrels to catch runoff from their roofs, for example), says Colleen.

“Can we follow visitors in their lives to see if they make a change? No,” says Gerianne Smart, ECHO’s director of marketing and communications. “But we can say that the message has gotten out to as many people as possible. Put all [the programs] together and it adds up to people caring about our lake.”

Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 1 College Street Burlington, VT (877) ECHOFUN www.echovermont.org Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Above: Dr Shanard’s treatment suite, where pleasant surroundings, relaxing music,comfy neck pillows, and a gentle touch will put you at ease. Right: The professional team at Contemporary Dental Arts: Jackie Sutphen, administrative; Kim Provost, dental assistant; Dr. Lauren J. Shanard, DDS; Bridget Bohorfoush, dental assistant; Kathie Russell, dental hygienist; and Penny Wells, patient scheduling and financial coordinator.

Opposite, top: Dr. Lauren Shanard, DDS. Below: The comfortable waiting room.

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Right: Dr. Shanard and assistant Kim Provost work together to create a beautiful smile for their patient. Center, from left: The lab at Contemporary Dental Arts is the pulse of daily operations. Bridget Bohorfoush meticulously monitors sterilization. Bottom, from left: Personal attention to every detail and facet of patient care is a hallmark at Contemporary Dental Arts. Penny Wells, scheduling and financial coordinator, is an insurance whiz and is always there to greet you with a smile!

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“For me, a smile is your calling card,” says Shanard in the comfortable waiting room of her Williston practice (Contemporary Dental Arts), explaining how she chose to venture into the world of dentistry, establish her own business, and seek the distinguished AACD title. “It’s the first thing someone looks at.

People see a smile and say to themselves, ‘Oh, she’s got a great smile, she must have a great life.’”

Making a Good Impression At Contemporary Dental Arts, the first thing someone looks at might be the views— Shanard opened this pretty hilltop space in 2000, after practicing in South Burlington for 11 years. “From the moment patients walk in my door, there’s a sense of comfort and a real focus on customer service,” she says of the approach she shares with a staff of seven. “I have the most incredible team of people; they treat everyone like family members.

Shanard points out that while she specializes in cosmetic, implant, and reconstructive dentistry, her practice is still one grounded in general dentistry. Shanard completely remodeled her practice in 2009 to offer not only state-of-the-art treatment but also such amenities as warm blankets, memory foam neck pillows, Bose headphones, optional oral conscious sedation to eliminate anxiety, digital technology, and a consultation room where Shanard will spend 45 minutes to an hour talking with a new patient. Instead of seeing 25 patients a day, she sees about five. A typical day might range from general maintenance to working on part of a three-month-long, fullmouth restoration.

“Selecting the right person to give you a natural, unique, confident smile can be a difficult and confusing process,” she says. “An AACD-accredited dentist has exceptional training and a keen artistic eye . . . I’m a nut about photography. I put images on a big screen so people can see everything I’m talking about.”

Filling a Need Testimonials to Shanard’s work reveal her patients’ surprise to find a truly top-notch dentist hundreds of miles from Boston or New York City. Shanard even draws several out-of-staters and dentists as clients, “which is really kind of fun,” she says. 4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Dr. Lauren Shanard puts the final touches on a porcelain restoration.

As alluring as Vermont is, however, Shanard says that the Green Mountain State really needs quality dental care (and not just because of the maple syrup). “Contrary to popular belief, while Vermont is considered a laid-back, relaxed place, from what I see, there’s a lot of stress here,” says Dr. Shanard. “Vermonters have to work really, really hard to make ends meet, to live the lifestyle they want to live, and with that comes a lot of stress. People don’t always take care of themselves, or they wear out their teeth from grinding and clenching, or don’t have the time for routine care. There’s a lot going on in Vermont in terms of teeth.”

And as it turns out, there’s a lot going on in Vermont in terms of modern dentistry. “To be able to help someone struggling with low self-esteem,” says Shanard, “to help them to develop confidence and the ability to move forward at a job interview or have a relationship that works for them—that’s where I get my deepest pleasure.”

Contemporary Dental Arts 75 Talcott Road #60 Williston, VT (802) 878–9888 www.contemporarydentalartsvt.com

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LOC AL FL AVORS b y j e n n i f e r ros e s m i t h P h o t os b y Jac k R o w e ll

Do You Know The Spot? a ta s t e o f s u r f c u lt u r e in landlocked vermont As Shelburne Road heads south out of Burlington, a futuristic wind turbine soars above the angular 1950s roofline of a former gas station. The gas pumps and garage doors are long gone, but historic notes linger in the building’s vintage look. In 2009, owner Russ Scully and his wife Roxanne bought the property and reinvented it as The Spot, a surf-inspired restaurant that is a paean to wind, waves, and sunny climes.

Light pours in through tall windows and illuminates the palm trees that sprout from the tables. Tropical fish peer out of a 150-gallon saltwater tank, and bamboo and thatch add an exotic flair. 4

Owner Russ Scully.

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Scully looks right at home in these surroundings. With a mop of shaggy hair above ocean-grey eyes, he looks more like a surfer than a restaurateur. His plaid shorts and flipflops may evoke beach over boardroom, but since moving to Burlington in 1997, Scully has launched a series of ventures, ranging from website development to paddle board sales.

Healthy Fare for Surfer Appetites During that time, Scully pined for the breakfast places that he and his wife frequented in their former home of Santa Barbara, California. “We had our favorite place, all the servers knew us, and it was walkable from our house,” he says. When the former gas station came on the market, Scully jumped at the chance to buy and renovate it. “I thought: great building, great location, and I’ve got all this surf enthusiasm that I want to pour into this place. I knew it would be unique, and I could really introduce people to great surf food.”

When I wonder what “surf food” is, Scully grins. “Imagine you’re coming in from a morning in the water, really tired, and you need to refuel. What you want is healthy stuff, high in protein.” For breakfast, the restaurant offers a slew of egg dishes with fresh add-ins like avocado and black beans. Lunch options include classic sandwiches and a 64

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Left, from top: The bamboo counter and tropical plants at the entrance of the Spot invoke feelings of visiting a Caribbean island or Costa Rica, two places Scully enjoys surfing with his family. Early on, the Scullys created an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy in the summer months. Dinner is served Tuesday–Saturday until 9pm. The Boom Shaka (foreground) is shown with the number-one item on the menu, the Peahi, which is the signature fish taco. Above left: General Manager Shannon Lipkin stands in front of a surfboard converted into a blackboard, ready to display the daily specials. Above: Jacob Smith serves up dishes that might make you forget you are in landlocked Vermont.

burger made with Vermont-raised beef, as well as hearty salads. The recently added dinner menu is an international mélange that ranges from pulled pork barbecue to crab enchiladas. Scully starts most days with the Lopez, a granola and fruit dish named for surf legend Gerry Lopez, but he says his dinner pick is the Peahi, the restaurant’s take on fish tacos made with sustainably farmed tilapia and shredded cabbage, topped with a sweet mango salsa.

Many of the menu items refer to surf culture, including famous Hawaiian locales like Waimea and Peahi. A sandwich piled with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado is called the Mahalo, which means “thank you” in Hawaiian. If you’re not sure what a grommet is, or where to find Half Moon Bay on a map of California, don’t fret. Scully keeps a surf encyclopedia on hand in the restaurant so curious customers can learn more about the language and culture that underlie the laidback theme.4 Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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Top, from left: The Spot features signature cocktails. John David prepares the night’s dinner special.

During special events, local musicians add their flavor to the relaxed atmosphere. Above: Servers place orders on a point-of-sale system designed by Scully’s other venture, Scully Interactive. Right: Customers enjoy the tropical fish.

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Wind and Waves For Scully, an added perk of running the restaurant has been meeting fellow wave enthusiasts who are happy to get a taste of the coast in landlocked Vermont. “It has uncovered so many people who are surfers,” he enthuses.

“I’ll go in there and they’ll tell me how they used to live in Hawaii, about the great day they surfed at Waimea!”

When he went into business, Scully was determined to create a work life that allowed him to pursue his passion for surfing, and he doesn’t discriminate when it comes to wind and waves. Since 2008, he’s fallen for Vermont’s newest trend, stand-up paddle boarding, and gets out on the lake whenever he can.

That interest has blossomed into yet another business venture, selling the boards to eager locals at his Pine Street shop WND & WVS. So, I asked, does nurturing a Vermont surf empire allow Scully to keep his own surfing skills up to snuff? “When I started this business,” he replies, “I said that as soon as it cuts into my water time, I’ll know I made a mistake.” He smiles. “It hasn’t turned out to be a mistake.”

THE SPOT 210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com Open daily 7am–3pm Dinner Tue–Sat 3–9pm

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Above: Vermont Violins owner Oren Kronick in the West Lebanon store, established in 2003 at the PowerHouse Mall. Right: A row of violins. Luthier (violin repairman) Ed Porte inspects a cello. Store manager Paul Ruscak tests a violin for sale.

VERMONT

iolins V I N S P I R AT I O N AND PERSONAL AT T E N T I O N

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When Lori Lewis’s son Gabriello was four years old, he sat on Santa’s lap and told him exactly what he wanted for Christmas—a violin. Not having a musical background, Lori was a bit surprised. But when “Gabo” repeated his request to two more Santas, she knew she had to follow up on her son’s interest. She found Vermont Violins in the phone book and spoke with owner Kathy Reilly. Kathy’s guidance opened a door to a rich experience for Gabo, who at age 11 is now playing in the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s Symphonia Orchestra and recently won an award from the National Association of Gifted and Talented Children for an essay he wrote about his love for the violin. 4

W H AT ’ S IN S TO R E

by NANCY HUMPHREY CASE P hotos courtes y of VERMONT VIOLINS

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It’s that kind of outcome that motivates Kathy Reilly and her husband Oren Kronick, who own and manage three stores—one in Burlington, one in Montpelier, and one in West Lebanon.

Kathy, an Oberlin College graduate and former violin teacher, runs the Burlington Violin Shop, and Oren “toggles between Montpelier and West Lebanon,” Kathy says. “We work really hard, and sometimes I come home really tired, but I’m also energized.”

Community-Based Shops Vermont Violins started in 1994 in Montpelier “with a few rental instruments in someone’s garage,” Kathy says. An experienced businessman, Oren bought the fledging outfit then

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Top left: Luthier Ed Porte uses mirrors to inspect the interior of a damaged violin. Above: Violins, violas, and celli grace the windows of the store. Below, far left: A luthier’s bench is like an alchemist’s study, with tools, bottles of potions, and boiling liquids scattered about. Violin surgery in progress.

added a second store in West Lebanon’s PowerHouse Mall. Six years ago, Burlington Violin Shop approached Kathy and Oren about buying their store. Not only did the couple go for it, last year they relocated the second-story Main Street shop to a beautiful groundfloor space on Church Street. All three shops offer a full line of stringed instruments—violins, violas, celli, and bass—and accompanying accessories and services.

Their business has increased about 10 percent a year for the past few years. “With the bad economy, we expected a decrease last year, but that didn’t happen,” Kathy says. The shops are clearly filling a need. Kathy calls them community based and says their model is the traditional violin shop that not only sells instruments but also Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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everything else their clientele needs. “We work with families to find appropriate books, fit chin rests, make sound adjustments—all aspects of their needs,” Kathy says. “Someone might come in and say, ‘This peg broke; I need a new one, and I have a concert tomorrow.’ We’re like a family doctor for violins.”

Supporting Young Musicians Another role Vermont Violins plays is helping parents like Lori Lewis sort out the process of supporting their children’s musical progress. “She provides us with a lot of insight and information, not just instruments,” Lori says of Kathy. For example, when Gabo was ready for a fun, new challenge, Kathy told him about Vermont Fiddleheads, a group of young people who play traditional fiddle music by ear. Kathy offers space for the group to practice once a month and partners with them in bringing Scottish and Irish fiddlers to Burlington.

When Gabo needed a specially sized violin, Kathy arranged for her head luthier, Jim Banicki, who trained at the Ken-

neth Warren School of Violin Making in Chicago, to build him one. “Gabo’s arm was not quite long enough for a half-size violin,” Lori says, “but his fingers were too big for a quarter size. Jim built him a beautiful instrument with an incredible sound.” Jim used wood that he selected on a trip to Germany.

Gabo’s younger brother, eight-year-old Zani, has been playing the cello since he was three and relishes visits to the Burlington Violin Shop. “Whenever we go there, he disappears into the back of the shop to see what Jim is working on,” Lori says. “Kathy and Jim always make a point to stop and talk to the boys. It’s such a warm and welcoming shop. Kathy goes out of her way to make all the children feel special.”

Children are important clients at Vermont Violins, which sells violins so small (one-sixteenth size) that one customer mistook them for Christmas tree ornaments. The shops sell introductory packages (violin, bow, case, etc.) for $500, which customers can rent to own in three years. At the same time, Kathy and Oren

Above, from left: Master luthier James Banicki carves a violin’s back plate. Crafting a violin requires delicacy and detail. Carving an inlay channel and setting in ribbing. Left: A violin hand-crafted in the Vermont Violins workshop, antiqued in the traditional Italian style.

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serve the needs of professional musicians living in Vermont or playing in Vermont with summer programs such as the Meadowmount School of Music and the Green Mountain Music Festival. For example, Jim Banicki did major work on a violin owned

by Clayton Haslop, who played the violin solo in the movie Ratatouille.

Jim finds it exciting to work with these professionals, but after six years with Vermont Violins, he also finds it heartwarming to see and hear beginners “learning and growing right before your eyes.”

Passion & Opportunity While some schools may give preference to bands over orchestras in their budgets, Kathy sees the violin as a vehicle for exploring textures of sound inaccessible to wind instruments.

She also points out that stringed instruments offer a broader range of expression and the opportunity to hear and reproduce variable pitches as opposed to pressing keys that play prescribed notes.

The passion that energizes Vermont Violins has its roots in Kathy’s own experience as a youth. She traveled to West Germany before the Berlin Wall came down, talked politics in pubs with young people from East Germany and Czechoslovakia, and then played alongside them in a German castle as part of an international youth orchestra. “It was such a different way to experience the world,” Kathy says. “To give kids that kind of opportunity is a gift—for me.”

Vermont Violins 23 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 862–0349 www.vermontviolins.com

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The Classic Bike Experience B U I L D I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S O N E B I K E AT A T I M E

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W h at ’ s h ot B Y TO M B R A N D E S

It’s not a stretch to say British motorcycles from the 1960s and ’70s have been Jack Manning’s lifelong passion. He pestered his parents to let him buy a motorcycle, and his dad finally agreed to let him buy a bike when he turned 18. Manning still owns that first bike, a 1973 Triumph. 4

This 1975 Norton Commando, a barn find dismantled in boxes, was completely restored to near-new condition as a street-ready café racer.

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Opposite: Some of Jack’s tools of the trade are over 60 years old, handed down from his dad. Timeless lines of classic machinery.

Customers can specify components and paint on custom bikes. Above: Iconic images of Britain’s Golden Era of Motorcycling.

Now as co-owner of the Classic Bike Experience in Essex, Vermont, he helps others who are similarly smitten with Triumph, BSA, and Norton machines to repair and restore them to their former glory. The oneof-a-kind shop started as a club whose members loved to work on bikes and share skills.

A Relationship Business

In late 2008, Manning took a small inheritance from his mom and bought a bunch of rusty motorcycle parts to start a business— in Vermont, in the winter, at the start of the Great Recession. Despite this seemingly inauspicious beginning, his business has grown by 25 to 30 percent every year.

“It’s a relationship business in a collaborative industry where we share information with other shops,” says Manning. “The first question I ask when people bring their bike in is, ‘What is your relationship with your bike?’ I want to know the bike’s story, and my customers usually end up being friends.”

According to Manning, his passion for British bikes is similar to drivers’ affection for Jaguars, Triumphs, and MGs from the same period. If you like the look and the feel of these bikes, you’re hooked. Now he gets to do what he loves for a living—helping others get their bikes out of boxes, basements, and barns, and back on the road.

Getting Customers Involved

Most customers of the Classic Bike Experience live within a five- or six-hour drive of the shop, but bikes have come from as far away as Colorado and Florida. For $300, Manning or one of his crew will go over a bike and detail what needs to be repaired or replaced. Some owners use this report as a Fall 2012 / Best of Burlington

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blueprint and perform the repairs themselves. Most, however, sign on to have their bike placed in the service queue, knowing it’s in good, albeit dirty, hands.

Very few bikes leave the shop restored to their original condition. While his customers want the look and sound of the classic British bikes, most appreciate upgrades, including brakes and wiring kits from aftermarket suppliers, that improve rider comfort and safety without detracting from the bike’s appearance.

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Customers can perform some of the work themselves during the repair/restoration process. Manning isn’t aware of anyone else who does this, but he likes getting his customers involved. “People think it’s cool as a moose, but not many people actually work on their bikes in our shop,” adds co-owner Nick Woodbury. “But we’ve discovered the more you can get people involved, the better you can manage their expectations, and they’re happier with the results.” 4

Left: The clean, well lit-shop utilizes custom gurneys to work on the machines and shuttle them around their 1,800 square feet of floor space.

Below left and center: Norton Commandos, built from 1968 to 1975, were the hot ride in the era and represent over 50 percent of the bikes coming through CBE and 75 percent of the sales volume. Below: The shop enjoys international recognition working on Commandos, which came in 750cc and 850cc models.

Fall Events

The Classic Bike Experience will hold an open house on Saturday, October 6 from 10am–2pm with a group photo at noon. Stop by and see some classic British bikes, buy a T-shirt, ask questions, and talk about any repair/restoration projects you might be considering.

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Cafe Racer TV

Last fall the Classic Bike Experience was featured on three episodes of Cafe Racer on Discovery’s Velocity Channel. In Great Britain, a cafe racer is a customized street-racing bike that fans ride from cafe to cafe, similar to bike bar hopping in this country.

The show’s producers were intrigued after viewing a YouTube video entitled The Norton Project (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=82iVMONcwss), which has been viewed more than 280,000 times. They contacted Manning, and the rest is history.

Manning and his crew collaborated with employees of Hot Rod Hotel to find, build, and test a Norton Commando, one of the most iconic bikes ever made. The show raised awareness and sales for the Classic Bike Experience. Officials from Hot Rod Hotel, which stores and rents classic cars and bikes, were so impressed they asked Manning to restore another Norton Commando so their customers could rent one with a riding partner.

“Mom would be thrilled that I’m doing this, and she helped me get started,” says Manning, who currently has a backlog of six to eight months and is looking to add a mechanic. But success hasn’t changed Manning. Wednesday is still club night, as old friends gather at the shop to work on bikes and share stories and a beer after the tools are put away. “Remember, restore, and relive the excitement of owning a classic bike,” he adds. “What are you waiting for?”

Below: The CBE crew. Rider: Govi. Kneeling: Co-owner Jack, Subha, Kay. Back row: Stud Nuts, co-owner Nick, Chris, Brent, Jeff, Peter, Sag.

The Classic Bike Experience 104 Center Road (Route 15) Essex, VT (802) 878-5383 www.classicbikeexperience.com 80

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burlington

special advertising section

Dining & Entertainment Guide Great places to eat locally in and around Burlington.

The Wooden Spoon Bistro

Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25

Visit us for remarkable food, outstanding drinks, and the best service around! Our American Pub Food cuisine and uncommon offerings such as shrimp corn dogs and Vermont short ribs smothered in apple cider gravy are sure to please every palate. A family-owned bistro, The Wooden Spoon hopes to fill the family-friendly dining void in South Burlington. Serving dinner Tuesday to Saturday 3–10pm and Sunday 3–8pm, and Sunday Brunch 10am–2pm, featuring build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. $$ 1210 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT (802) 399-2074 www.woodenspoonbistro.com

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special advertising section

Beyond the Menu

Archie’s Grill This family-owned gem serves up local beef and turkey burgers, homemade fries, salads, and a variety of hot sandwiches and vegetarian options.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. $ 4109 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985.4912 www.archies.com

The FarmHouse Tap & Grill A farm-to-table gastropub serving award-winning local burgers, Vermont cheeses, charcuterie, and innovative entrees. The taproom features unique beers from Vermont’s backyard and beyond. $$ 160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com

entertainment and dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area

The Bearded Frog An American bistro. Whether it’s the delicious pub fare or dinner with friends, the menu will never disappoint.

Located in the recently renovated historic Shelburne Inn. Complete selection of food-friendly wines by the glass, half bottle, or full bottle. $$ 5247 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-9877 www.thebeardedfrog.com

The Spot

210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com

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1 Lawson Lane Burlington, VT (802) 363-3639 www.bluecatvt.com

Leunig’s Bistro Burlington’s best bistro for over 30 years. Serving local food with a worldly accent. Every meal provides the panache of Paris and the value of Vermont, right in the center of town. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. $–$$ Between Church and College Streets Burlington, VT (802) 863-3759 www.leunigsbistro.com

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy our surf-style ambience and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$

Blue Cat Cafe & Wine Bar A cozy corner cafe in the center of downtown serving Certified Angus Beef steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options using local produce and featuring Vermont cheeses. Our wine list boasts over 300 labels from around the world. $-$$

Ray’s Seafood Family owned and operated fish market and restaurant offering fresh seafood, sit-down service, and takeout menu. Seafood and land lovers specials, including daily specials. Call ahead for your order. $–$$ 49 North Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-7928 www.raysseafoodmarket.com

discover

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts presents its fall lineup, including Paula Poundstone, Trisha Brown Dance Company, Capitol Steps, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Chick Corea & Gary Burton, Mermaid Theatre Company, The Intergalactic Nemesis Book Two, and the Shaolin Warriors.

153 Main Street, Burlington, VT (802) 86-FLYNN FlynnTix box office www.flynncenter.org www.flynntix.org

photo credit: Frédéric Silberman

Happenings

FALL 2012

A Calendar of Events

September 21

4

Nora Chipaumire FlynnSpace, 8pm

FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org

Sounds and Silence In celebration of John Cage’s 100th birthday, Amber deLaurentis, Brian Johnson, and Adam Tendler perform a tribute to the master of minimalism.

FlynnSpace, 8pm September 15

Long Gone

Capitol Steps October 6

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September 14

October 19

Chick Corea & Gary Burton MainStage, 8pm

FlynnSpace, 7pm September 21

The Taming of the Shrew MainStage, 10:30am & 8pm

Happenings is sponsored by VSO Instant Wine Cellar

September 23

Vermont Women Writers Panel Amy E. Tarrant Gallery, 3pm September 28

Paula Poundstone MainStage, 8pm October 5

Trisha Brown Dance Company MainStage, 8pm October 6

Capitol Steps MainStage, 8pm

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HAPPENINGS October 12

Ricky Skaggs MainStage, 8pm October 21

Treasured Stories

by Eric Carle MainStage, 3pm October 26

The Intergalactic Nemesis MainStage, 8pm November 8

Miguel Gutierrez FlynnSpace, 8pm

SHELBURNE FARMS 1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985–8442 www.shelburnefarms.org Hours: 9am–5:30pm daily

Intergalactic Nemesis October 26

November 10

Brooklyn Rider

September–May, 2nd Thursday of the month

Aspiring Naturalists!

MainStage, 8pm

Teens will practice naturalist skills through observation and exploring seasonal changes around the farm.

Info and preregistration: Margaret Burke, (802) 985-0327

November 17

September 8

FlynnSpace, 8pm November 16

Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot

Rez Abbasi Invocation Quintet FlynnSpace, 8pm November 28

Shaolin Warriors MainStage, 7pm November 29

The Improvised Shakespeare Company FlynnSpace, 8pm

Mushroom ID in the Woodlands of Shelburne Farms Registration: (802) 985-8686 10am–12:30pm September 8–October 21

Storywalk Read a wonderful children’s book while walking amidst the beauty of the Long Tree Hill Trail at Shelburne Farms.

September 12 & October 10

Sun to Cheese Tour A behind-the-scenes look at dairy farming and cheesemaking!

Preregistration: (802) 985-8686 September 15

34th Annual Harvest Festival Celebrate the autumn traditions of Vermont’s farms and forests with musical entertainment, hayrides, demonstrations, farm animals, and more.

10am–4pm

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vermont symphony orchestra Made in Vermont Music Festival Join friends and neighbors for some brilliant music to go along with Vermont’s brilliant fall foliage.

September 21

Johnson State College 7:30pm September 22

Vergennes Opera House, Vergennes 7:30pm September 23

Haskell Opera House 4pm September 27

Lyndon State College 7:30pm September 28 September 16

Annual Choral Celebration of the Earth: World Peace and Healing Gather in the cathedral-like Breeding Barn to hear an inspirational blend of choral voices from All Souls Interfaith Choir, In Accord, and the Essex Children’s Choir.

Info: www.allsoulsinterfaith.org Breeding Barn, 4pm September 18

Porches and Porch Life Lecture by Thomas Durant Visser, author of Porches of North America.

Registration: (802) 985-8686 7–8:30pm September 29

Orienteering Learn to use a compass and explore the fields and woodlands of Shelburne Farms.

Registration: (802) 985-8686 Clinic: 9–10am, courses begin at 10am– 12pm with beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses.

October 4

Annual Share the Harvest Enjoy breakfast at the Inn at Shelburne Farms, and the inn will contribute 10 percent of its sales to help low-income families afford a summer of fresh produce from local farms.

Info: www.nofavt.org Reservations: (802) 985-8498 7:30–11am

Bellows Falls Opera House 7:30pm September 29

Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph 7:30pm September 30

Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans 3pm October 1

Castleton State College Fine Arts Center 7pm

Halloween Family Concert: A Symphony of Whales This kid-friendly concert includes an introduction to the instruments and several seasonally spooky selections. The highlight of the performance is a narration with music based on the book A Symphony of Whales by Steve Schuch.

October 20

McCarthy Arts Center at St. Michael’s College, Colchester 11am October 20

Bellows Free Academy Performing Arts Center, St. Albans 4pm October 21

Middlebury College Mahaney Center for the Arts 2pm Please check the VSO website at www.vso.org or call (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 for additional information.

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HAPPENINGS Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 1 College Street Burlington, VT (877) ECHOFUN www.echovermont.org October 6

Opening Celebration: Let’s Talk About Race!

The community conversation will focus on talking about race in our homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

October 11

ECHO After Dark: Wine & Chocolate: The Art & Science We’ll be tasting wines from around the world and pairing them with chocolate while invited speakers share their knowledge.

7–9pm

Other Noteworthy Events Through September 18

Exhibition: Abbey Meaker and Amanda Zackem Info: (802) 985-3848, www.fsgallery.com Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery September 7–29

Represent & 5 and Dime Info: (802) 587-2512, spacegalleryvt.com The SPACE Gallery September 7–8

Annual South End Burlington Art Hop More than 600 artists will display their work in over 100 studios and business locations.

Info: www.seaba.com September 8 & 22, October 6

Shipwreck Tour Info: www.lcmm.org Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 11am September 8–9

Marketfest Street Festival Enjoy some of the area’s greatest entertainment and shopping!

Info: www.churchstmarketplace.com September 21

Light the Night Walk Raises awareness of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Info: (802) 233-0014, www.lightthenight.org The Annex At Memorial Auditorium, 6pm

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October 12–January 25, Fridays

Preschool Story Hour: Let’s Talk About Race ECHO is proud to join forces with Reading to End Racism, an all-volunteer community-based initiative.

11am November 8

Café Scientifique: Race & Environmental Justice: Bridging the Gap Between Us How do our social connections to people different from ourselves affect our attitudes toward environmental issues?

6:30–8:30pm November 10

Saturday Community Conversation Series: Burlington’s Changing Community This conversation will focus on the relationship between changes in Burlington’s demographics and the community’s urban planning, criminal justice system, social services, and business infrastructure.

10am–5pm September 21–23

Burlington Book Festival Info: (802) 658-3328, burlingtonbookfestival.com

September 21–October 23

Exhibition: Dianne Shullenberger Reception: September 21, 6–8pm Info: (802) 985-3848, www.fsgallery.com Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery September 27–October 7

How I Learned to Drive Info: (802) 656-2094, www.uvmtheatre.org UVM Theatre October 1–31

L’Art de Paris Paintings by Katharine Montstream. Streets of Paris and the French countryside. Opening reception: Friday, Oct 5, 5–8pm Info: (802) 859-9222, www.kmmstudio.com The SEABA Center, 404 Pine Street, Burlington

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BURLINGTON BUZZ

BY MIKE MORIN

A Chat with

Christine Plunkett

Christine Plunkett serves as president of Burlington College, after working as vice president of administration and finance.

Plunkett, who grew up in Vermont, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and Master of Business Administration degree from Northeastern University. She served as a member of the development team for the groundbreaking financial software VisiCalc and worked as an independent financial and software consultant in the greater Boston area for over 10 years.

Burlington College began 40 years ago as a communitybased institution inspired by the University Without Walls.

How has the college evolved to what it is today?

Burlington College remains dedicated to its original mission of integrating learning, personal development, and engagement in the community in a comprehensive educational opportunity. We offer a much wider range of academic programs now, but our individualized major remains one of our most popular degree options.

How did you find your way from the world of private finance to academia?

My mother was a teacher and my dad was a research biologist. Having watched my own children navigate the complexities and challenges of their educations, I have long been drawn to student-centered learning environments. My years in private industry and finance were important to my professional development. But those jobs were not personally satisfying in the way that my work in academia has been.

Tell us about Burlington College’s groundbreaking Four-Year Tuition Freeze initiative.

As one of the smallest colleges in the country, Burlington College is nimble when it comes to addressing the needs of our students and their families. Our tuition freeze

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Paul Boisvert

president of burlington college

guarantees no increase in annual tuition for four years for full-time students. Not only does this save these students over $5,000 cumulatively, but it also allows them to budget their payments without the usual anxiety surrounding annual tuition increases.

As one who appreciates cost concerns, talk about the Burlington College Vermont First Scholarship.

Our Vermont First Scholarship offers one year of free tuition and three years of tuition reduced by 50 percent to the two top academically ranked graduates of every Vermont public or independent high school. We are committed to minimizing the financial barriers to higher education for Vermont’s students, and these scholarships are one piece of our overall plan to make college more affordable.

What are the best things about returning to your Vermont roots?

My 17 years in the Boston area were wonderful years during which I continued my education, started my family, and began to develop my career. But for me, the people, lifestyle, and beauty of Vermont are unmatched anywhere in the country. This is such a special place, with easy access to both rural and city life. In just a few minutes I can swim, mountain climb, snowshoe, hike, or ride my bike.

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