Best of Burlington - Winter 2017

WINTER 2017/2018

VOLUME 11 NO 1 $4.95

MATER CHRISTI SCHOOL

FOSTERING THE FREEDOM TO LEARN

CITY MARKET THE ACCIDENTAL GROCERY STORE

BOLTON VALLEY RESORT SKIS INTO THE FUTURE

32

BOLTON VALLEY RESORT Skis into the future.

BY PHYL NEWBECK

48

MATER CHRISTI SCHOOL Fostering the freedom to teach, learn, and create.

BY COREY BURDICK

60

CITY MARKET

The accidental grocery store branches out from grass roots.

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG

12 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Cover photo by Roger Crowley

Contents D E PA R T M E N T S

17 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 18 ONLINE HUB

24

20 CONTRIBUTORS 22 GATHERINGS 24 ART SCENE

Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

BY MARY GOW

30 PETS AND PEOPLE

News, products, and furry facts.

40 WHAT’S IN STORE

Common Deer.

BY NANCY HUMPHREY CASE

40

68 CHEERS!

Toasting the New Year with Vermont’s cocktail mavens.

BY JENN ROSE SMITH

72 WHAT’S COOKING

Comfort Food: A recipe for fond memories, kindness, and love.

BY SUSAN NYE

72

75 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Learn to parlez français with the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region.

BY PAM HUNT

82 IN PRINT

X marks the spot: Uncovering Burlington's hidden jewels.

BY KELSEY WEIDMANN

58

Celebrating the Winter Holidays SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

14 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

36

Coffee Table Publishing, LLC 32 Hermit Thrush Lane South Burlington, VT 05403 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

PUBLISHERS

Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch COPY EDITOR

Elaine Ambrose ART DIRECTION/DESIGN

Robbie Alterio ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hutchens Media, LLC WEB DESIGN

Locable ADVERTISING

Robin Gales (802) 299-9086 John Gales (802) 558-2719 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, 32 Hermit Thrush Lane, South Burlington, VT 05403. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, ©2017/2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

16 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

V

Welcome to Winter

in Burlington and Chittenden County!

ermonters, whether natives or transplants, and even our reverse-snowbird visitors seeking to ski or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, embrace winter with as much enthusiasm as our other seasons. This issue we prove our point, and then some!

We shine a spotlight on Bolton Valley Ski Resort as it rides, slides, and skis into the future. Its owners are determined to continually add services, and we’re fortunate to benefit from the additions along the way. Even thinking about winter sports works up an appetite, so next we’re off to visit the new location of City Market and share this beloved co-op’s unique story. City Market is a great example of living locally, doing good, and eating well.

Speaking of local, we’re popping into Common Deer on the corner of College and South Winooski Avenue. It’s filled with numerous handcrafted items and other products made around the corner or in other parts of New England, as well as farther afield. But they all have one vital characteristic in common—they’re made in the USA. Common Deer is unique, fun, and filled with wonderful items for giving or keeping. Plan to spend a winter afternoon to see them all.

The season of merry making wouldn’t be complete without a visit to your favorite bar to sample a new cocktail. But don’t take our advice. Take it from the “spirited women” you’ll meet in this issue who can be found mixing and pouring creative libations at some of our favorite spots. They offer insights and recipes to get you in the mood for mixing traditional drinks with new twists, just in time for holiday celebrations.

No winter would be complete without the sounds of the season, and we have the best! We’ll look in on the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and all they do for our state. We’ve also got some must-try comfort food recipes to warm up these cold days; we’ll brush up on our French so we can parlez-vous with our neighbors farther north; and we’ll visit a great Burlington institution, Mater Christi School.

Happy winter! We hope you enjoy all there is to discover in our beautiful part of the world, and the staff and we wish you the brightest and merriest of holidays.

John and Robin Gales LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

@bestofburlingtonmag

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 17

ONLINE HUB

/2018

R 2017

WINTE

WWW.BESTOFBURLINGTONVT.COM

VOLUME

11 NO

1 $4.95

L SCHOLEOAR N CHRISTI MATEINRG THE FREEDOM TO FOSTER ET K R CITY MCIADENTAL THE AC STORE Y GROCER

RESORT VALLEY E BOLTOISNINTO THE FUTUR SK

FIND SPECIAL GIFTS AND HELP THE LOCAL ECONOMY GROW

Common Deer has everything you need to fill your holiday gift list: unique Vermont gifts, apparel, and the perfect accessories for you and your home this season. And be joyful that it’s all . . .

Made in the USA. www.commondeervt.com

SIGN UP TODAY!

A COOL NIGHT OUT

Come out and celebrate the sixth annual Hotel Vermont’s Ice Bar on February 3rd and 4th! Sure, it’s cold . . . but it’s cool in so many ways. Have a drink, chill with ice sculptures and ice games, and make memories at the photobooth. For tickets, go to www .flynntix.org; for more information, visit hotelvt.com/calendar.

KEEP FIT THIS WINTER

Learn the most effective ways to stay fit and trim this winter with Trainer Bill McGrath of Market Place fitness. What’s your goal?

Losing inches without fear of gaining too much muscle?

Building strength and endurance for hiking or running? No matter what your goals are, Bill can help you reach them. www.marketplacefitness.com

VISIT OUR SPONSOR

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK 18 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Follow us on Instagram @bestofburlingtonmag

eNewsletter SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

What does our newsletter include?

• A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers • Local event listings from our calendar • Special offers from Best of Burlington and local businesses • Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles, and much more . . .

Join the conversation online... www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Feel free to drop us a line at ryan@bestof burlingtonvt.com, or share your comments on our site or on social media. You might even see your name in our next issue.

9 JANUA

CLICK ON our online calendar to see local events happening in our community, and you can add your own event free!

CONTRIBUTORS BEST OF BURLINGTON

Roger is a freelance Vermont photographer from East Montpelier specializing in event, sport, and portrait photography. Roger’s photography career began in the 1970s serving local newspapers and teaching darkroom film techniques. A list of his published works includes Sports Illustrated, Runner’s World, Golf Week, and many others.

Corey has spent the past 12 years pursuing her passion for all things food and wine. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and has received her WSET Level 2 certification from the Vermont Wine School. When she isn’t writing or cooking up something delicious with locally sourced foods, you can find her running, vintage treasure hunting, roller-skating, or puddle jumping.

COREY BURDICK

ROGER CROWLEY

Mary is a journalist, freelance writer and an arts correspondent for the Times Argus, a contributor to numerous regional magazines, and the author of history of science books for middle school students.

Mary lives in Warren and can be reached at mgow@gmavt.net.

MARY GOW

Mary Ann is a transplanted Iowan who still can’t believe she’s learned how to ski. Or do yoga. Her writing has appeared in Kids VT, the Burlington Free Press, the Des Moines Register, and the Associated Press. Always admiring Vermont’s beauty, she can be heard regularly harping at her kids to “check out the view.”

MARY ANN LICKTEIG

Kelsey is a New Jersey native who considers Vermont her second home, as she has been skiing at Mad River Glen since she was a toddler. When she isn’t writing or blogging, the Rutgers graduate is experimenting in the kitchen or snuggled up with a mystery novel and can be reached at keweidmann@gmail.com.

Writer, photographer, and chef, Susan is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout New England. Her blog, Around the Table (www.susannye. wordpress.com), is filled with her favorite recipes and stories about family and friendship. When she’s not writing or cooking, Susan is hiking, biking, or kayaking near her New Hampshire home.

SUSAN NYE

20 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

KELSEY WEIDMANN

GATHERINGS

THE WINTER MUSIC SCENE HEATS UP! After more than 20 years, a Vermont-based band is still shaking things up

T

om Petty. Bob Dylan. Paul Simon. Vermont’s own Chad Hollister has opened for all of them, along with a slew of other top artists. Now he has signed a record deal with Pacific Records and released Stop the World, featuring his 10-piece band, which means Burlington-area music fans will have a chance to not only hear the new tunes but see the band live.

“My song ‘Breathe’ just went on the featurefilm soundtrack for 9/11,” says Chad, who also highlights a show that features two sets with the 10-piece band at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center on January 13. Sponsors include Optical Expressions Berlin, North Branch Vineyards, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Alpine Shop Freelance Automotive, and Breton and Simon.

“Following our Spruce Peak show, we hop in our RV and do six months from Vermont to Seattle,” he says of the tour, which will range from intimate club shows to larger concerts.

“We’ll be homeschooling our kids, Riley (12) and Bodi (10), and doing songwriting workshops in schools.”

The 10-piece band features Jeff Poremski on lead guitar and vocals, Jared Johnson on bass, Tommy Diehl on drums, Steve Benson on mandolin/pedal steel, Yahuba Garcia on percussion, Chris Peterman on sax, Luke Laplant on baritone sax, Alex Lee Clark on trombone, and Kevin Moehringer on trombone.

“I’ve always felt that music is a gift and have felt very lucky to do what I do,” says Chad. “I’m always looking to the next adventure and a way to get my music out to more fans.” 4

22 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ART SCENE

BY MARY GOW MADE IN VERMONT PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIAN DROURR JUKEBOX PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUKE AWTRY

E

xactly seven tickets were presold for the first Vermont Symphony Orchestra Jukebox Warehouse Chamber Music Project event at ArtsRiot on Pine Street last January.

On top of that, the evening was absolutely frigid. After all the planning, VSO Executive Director Benjamin Cadwallader was hoping for at least a moderate crowd for this new format in an unconventional venue.

The program included an original version of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a Beethoven

24 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

masterpiece, and the rock-and-roll-inspired “Aheym” by Bryce Dessner. Seating ranged from conventional to informal tables with food and beverage service available. Ticket prices were “pay what you can”—five dollars would be fine, but so would fifty. But between the discouraging weather and minimal early response, Benjamin was concerned, until he got to ArtsRiot.

Arriving early, “I saw a line out the door. We were at capacity for fire code. We had to turn

away board members,” Benjamin recalls. The evening was exhilarating. “People soaked in classical music loved it, and people not really familiar with classical music loved it,” he notes.

All four inaugural Jukebox concerts sold out, and the series is back and expanded this year, part of the VSO’s initiative to reach and serve even more Vermonters.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Now in its 83rd year, the VSO continues doing

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 25

Below: Audience members enjoying the alternative setting of ArtsRiot at a Jukebox concert.

what it does best and is also moving ahead with dynamic new programming and connections.

It is the country’s oldest state-assisted orchestra and one of the finest US orchestras of its size.

Presenting over 40 concerts a year, it reaches every corner of Vermont. From Masterworks concerts with a full orchestra and acclaimed soloists to intimate chamber music to summer-festival outdoor concerts to the annual free Farmers’ Night Concert series at the State House and children’s concerts, the VSO brings superb live music performances and education to Vermonters.

“We serve Vermonters through music. In this service, we also try to advance the art form in creative, interesting, authentic ways,” says Benjamin. “Our statewide reach is unique.

Most orchestras focus on a city, a building, a neighborhood. That’s simply not who we are.

We are Vermont’s orchestra, from Brattleboro to Derby Line, and that presents a whole set of unique opportunities and challenges.”

A VITAL TRADITION From the beginning, the VSO has been statewide, not tied to a single venue. Started in 1934 by music enthusiasts including the young conductor Alan Carter, the VSO attracted 26 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

musicians from around the state who traveled to perform for Vermonters. Its early reputation earned them an invitation to the 1939 New York World’s Fair, a journey financed in part by $1,000 authorized by the Vermont legislature, initiating the vital tradition of state support for this cultural institution.

Since 2000, the VSO has been led by violinist, conductor, and music director Jaime Laredo, “Grammy Award-winning, internationally respected superstar musician Jaime Laredo,” Benjamin notes. “We are so fortunate in Vermont to have this magical man here. The impact of Jaime’s musicianship is on full beautiful display with our musicians and concerts.”

DEPTH, DIVERSITY, AND OUTSTANDING MUSICIANS Throughout the year, the diversity and depth of the VSO’s programs and the outstanding quality of its musicians offer audiences an incredible range of orchestral, choral, and chamber music experiences. Concerts feature not only audience favorites but also important lesser-known and new works. The orchestra’s season begins every fall with the Made in Vermont Statewide Tour. This year, it included a new creative twist as the VSO partnered with the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival to pair Brattleboro composer Paul Dedell’s new work with a film by Jesse Kreitzer.

The Masterworks series of five concerts at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts opens in the fall and stretches to late spring. Visiting soloists and the VSO chorus directed by José Daniel Flores-Caraballo are featured throughout the season. Among upcoming concerts, on March 24, visiting conductor Karina Canellakis leads the orchestra. The program includes André Previn’s “Double Concerto” for violin and cello written for and performed by VSO’s Jaime Laredo on violin and Sharon Robinson, his wife, on cello.

Jukebox concerts, generally two weeks before Masterworks, have chamber music programs that complement the upcoming Masterworks concerts. In October, Jukebox featured Dvorak’s String Quartet No. 12 “American.”

Masterworks featured Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World. Vermont composer Matt LaRocca curates and provides entertaining and insightful commentary. Three more Jukebox events are scheduled for ArtsRiot this season, Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 27

Principal Cellist John Dunlop performs at a Jukebox concert.

and the show will also go on the road.

Holiday concerts include Brass Quintet/ Counterpoint and Holiday Pops tours. This season Counterpoint vocal ensemble teams up with the VSO Brass Quintet to ring in the holidays. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops features festive music from around the world and a special appearance by the Bronze Ambassadors, a nationally recognized student bell choir from Newport.

The VSO’s Farmers’ Night Concert at the State House in February is the orchestra’s annual thank-you gift to the state. Each year it showcases a young Vermont composer. Just a few months later, the Summer Festival Tour takes off around the Fourth of July, and the orchestra heads to fields and farms for exuberant outdoor concerts with convenient nearby rain sites.

Besides concerts, the VSO maintains a vibrant presence in schools that is central to its service to the state. “We are honored to bring music, art, joy, beauty into the lives of over 20,000 schoolchildren every year,” notes Benjamin.

“Music is a vehicle to bridge age gaps, political gaps, and other differences. We are often focused on what pulls us apart, but music can pull us together,’’ Benjamin adds. 4

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Full program available at: www.vso.org (800) VSO-9293 x10 or (802) 864-5741 x10 28 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Discover, Dine, Stay & Shop

Shelburne, Vermont Village Wine and Coffee 5288 Shelburne Road #1 Shelburne, VT www.villagewineandcoffee.com Mon–Sat 7am–6pm Sun 8:30am–4pm

Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery

A Little Something

Chef Contos Kitchen & Store

Gifts, Jewelry, and More!

65 Falls Road Shelburne, VT

Shelburne Bay Plaza 2989 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-9909 www.alittlesomethingvt.com FB: A Little Something (Gifts)

(802) 497-3942 www.chefcontos.com

Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop

Shelburne Vineyard Winery & Tasting Room

86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT

54 Falls Road In the of Village Shelburne, VT

6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT

(802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com

(802) 985-3221 Open daily 10am–6pm

Custom Framing • Fine Art Restoration • Gifts

(802) 985-8222 www.ShelburneVineyard.com

Flying Pig Bookstore

Yoga Roots

Shelburne Country Store

5247 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT

Daily Yoga • Workshops Teacher Trainings

29 Falls Road Shelburne, VT

(802) 985-3999 www.flyingpigbooks.com

120 Graham Way, Suite 140 Shelburne, VT

(802) 985-3657 www.shelburnecountrystore.com Open daily 9am–6pm

(802) 985-0090 www.yogarootsvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 29

Santa Paws Is Coming to Town PETS AND PEOPLE

SPONSORED BY BEVS

Bascolor Electric Rotating Butterfly flashes in the dark to fulfill even the most bored kitty’s natural hunting urges. An antiskid base makes it stable and the rod spins 360 degrees. The butterfly will still flutter even when your cat holds it in her claws.

Irresistible! amazon.com

How Sweet the Smell Do you take cover when your pet bird takes flight? Duck no more with this avian flight suit. It’s a “bird diaper” that looks like a little jumper with elastic straps that go over the wings, an opening for tail feathers, and a Velcro fastening down the back. And it comes in over 12 sizes from petite to colossal (think parakeet to macaw). www.flightquarters.com

If your dog loves nothing more than rolling his shoulders in the smelliest substance he can find, this no-stink collar might be a great holiday gift for both of you. It’s made to keep from trapping bacteria that can lead to itchy skin and unfortunate odors (or aromas, in your dog’s mind). And it’s waterproof. The smart colors are a nice bonus too. Dublin Dog All-Style No Stink Dog Collar, Dublindog.com

Musher’s Secret to the Rescue Winter is tough on dogs’ paws. Protect them from ice, snow, road salt, and other chemicals with Musher’s Secret, a dense barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with paws. Developed in Canada for sled dogs, it provides good protection even in the worst road and trail conditions.

Musher’s is made from a blend of foodgrade waxes and is safe and nontoxic. www.musherssecret.net

A Fish In Space Betta Aquarium might be at the top of Albert Finny’s wish list. This brilliant fish bowl lands your goldfish among the stars and planets, like a golden comet shooting through space. Featuring a space city, 3D planets, and a clever UFO aquarium cap, the compact 3/4-gallon size is perfect for desktops. www.wrapables.com 30 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Critter Trail Triple Play Habitat is so much more than a cage and wheel.

Create a tower, arch, or tunnel habitat design to house your hamster or gerbil, and treat your small BFF to three challenging environments. This habitat will amuse you and your small friends, whether they’re scooting through the tunnels, peering from the tower, or rolling around in the wheel. amazon.com

Big Dogs, Bigger Hearts The Saint Bernard’s name originated from the Great and Little St. Bernard Hospices, two hospices for travelers on the dangerous Great and Little Saint Bernard Passes in the Western Alps. Bernard of Menthon, the 11th century monk who founded the hospices, lent his name to the passes, the hospices, and the gentle giants!

A Winning Pair Many kinds of pet birds enjoy living in pairs. Parakeets are known to make good companions not only for their featherless friends but for each other as well.

It’s Purrrses for Paws Time!

Please consider donating your extra purses—seldom or gently used—that are hanging out in your closet and elsewhere to the Humane Society of Chittenden County. Through a live and silent auction and more, the dedicated staff there will work diligently to turn them into new homes for shelter pets. Donations of new and like-new purses, clutches, and handbags are being accepted for the shelter’s popular Purrrses for Paws event to be held at the Burlington International Airport on February 8, 2018.

The evening will include tasty hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and exciting live and silent auctions offering new and like-new purses of all kinds, in addition to many on sale. Mark your calendars—this is an evening you won’t want to miss! Find out more at HSCC’s website, www.chittendenhumane.org/ News-and-Events and at their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/chittendenhumane.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 31

BY PHYL NEWBECK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOLTON VALLEY RESORT, SHEM ROOSE, AND JUSTIN CASH

Coming Home

Bolton Valley Resort

32 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

skis into the future

The DesLauriers family has come back home. Twenty years after Ralph DesLauriers sold Bolton Valley Resort, he has repurchased the ski area and now runs it with the help of his son Evan, his daughter Lindsay, and a strong team led by General Manager George B. Potter.

B

ack in 1966 when Ralph founded the resort, he had the new interstate highway to thank. The road took a chunk out of the family’s 40-acre South Burlington farm, and with the money Ralph’s father received, he purchased 8,000 acres of timberland in Bolton with the goal of building a ski area.

A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE, A FAMILY AFFAIR At the time, Ralph was running a restaurant and a golf club, but skiing was a growing sport in Vermont, and he thought owning a ski area would be fun. He took all his savings and came up with what he describes as the first ski area

master plan in the East. Ralph had to do a bit of juggling to secure funding since the bank wouldn’t loan him money without an access road to reach the property, and the state wouldn’t allow him to build an access road if he didn’t have the money, but eventually the pieces fell into place.

Ralph sold the ski area in 1997, leaving Evan, the youngest of the DesLauriers children, feeling cheated since his elder siblings had grown up with their own personal ski hill. Lindsay recalls that her own social life revolved around the ski area. “It was awesome,” she says.

“This is where all my friends skied, and I’d just go out in the morning, grab a hot chocolate, find my friends, and Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 33

Above: A mother and son enjoy a day on the mountain. Right: The Bryant Camp attracts backcountry travelers and entices them to spend a night in the woods.

go skiing. It was like living in paradise except that, during the shoulder seasons, there was only one permanent resident with a kid, and she wasn’t even my age.”

The number of permanent residents is one of the biggest changes to have occurred in the intervening years. “Back then, maybe 15 to 20 percent of the houses and condos had permanent residents,” Ralph recalls, “and now it’s 80 percent.”

Ralph and Evan spent a year and a half talking about the potential acquisition before being approached by Doug Nedde and Larry Williams, the fourth set of owners since Ralph sold the resort. Although he had spent many of the intervening years living in Jackson Hole, 34 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 35

Above: A skier enjoys a powder day under bluebird skies. Right: Ralph DesLauriers pictured with his daughter Lindsay DesLauriers and son Evan DesLauriers.

Ralph had never sold his Bolton home, and after he made the purchase, Lindsay relocated from Huntington and Evan from South Burlington.

“I had told all my friends we’d be back,” Evan says, conceding that this might have been wishful thinking on his part. The two men planned their return from a Burlington office in the same building where Ralph had borrowed the money to start the resort. Lindsay’s nonprofit organization, Main Street Alliance, is also located in that building.

CHANGES BRING NEW ENERGY General Manager George B. Potter is excited to have the DesLauriers family back. “There is new energy,” he says. “When I got here in 36 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

2007, it was in dire straits; they were losing $1.5 million annually. I brought in some new people, and they helped me implement what we saw as opportunities to improve the financial and operating focus.” George is proud that there has been very little staff turnover since his arrival 10 years ago. “We’re poised to be very successful, with a little help from Mother Nature,” he says.

One change from the previous ownership is that the family has reacquired the base lodge, hotel, and sports center, which were previously leased. With all of those under one umbrella, it is easier to work on improving the facilities.

One area of improvement is the wastewater system, a project that has fallen under Lindsay’s aegis.

“The state of Vermont has been incredibly helpful in that,” she says. Other planned changes are expanded snowmaking, additional hours for the restaurant facilities, improved parking, and additional summer programming. “If summer is successful you can keep your staff year-round,” says George. Addition-

Want more?

Visit us online at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com, and you'll find more photos, and more information about the stories you love to read in

Check us out now at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 37

ally, the resort is working with Efficiency Vermont and Green Mountain Power to purchase energy-efficient compressors and snow guns.

BIG DREAMS AND ELBOW GREASE While some things have changed, others have not. “Part of our original plan,” Ralph says, “was not to develop the access road but to have everything at the village so people could walk. We used to say that you could park your car and forget about it for a week.”

Vice President for Sales and Marketing Josh Arneson reports that a similar phrase is part of their current marketing. “There is a tremendous sense of arrival when you get here,” says George. “You can walk to anything and be part of the community.”

For Evan, the return to Bolton is a dream come true. He left Vermont for California where he skied competitively, but he’s happy to be home where he can help his father implement their vision. He has enjoyed presiding over new activities like Bolton’s first disc golf tournament, a fun event that sold 38 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

out. “It’s testament to what can happen with a little elbow grease,” he says.

Lindsay remembers an idyllic childhood where, at a very young age (she thinks she might have been only three), she was allowed to ride one of the lower mountain lifts without her parents as long as she waited for a ski instructor or patroller. “My daughter is 11 and she can do that now,” she says. “Nobody loves Bolton and wants it to succeed like we do. This is an opportunity for our kids to grow up here.”

Now 82, Ralph considers himself lucky to have spent his life in businesses that he enjoyed. “My life is a miracle with how well my kids came out and how well my businesses came out,” he says.

“My businesses were all about making people happy. Since my dad sold the cows, I’ve never had a hard day’s work.” 4

Bolton Valley Resort 4302 Bolton Access Road Bolton Valley, VT (802) 434-3444 www.boltonvalley.com Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 39

IN STORE

BY NANCY HUMPHREY CASE

PHOTOS BY ROGER CROWLEY

F

rom the outside, Common Deer may look like other locally owned shops with interesting clothing and home décor in the Church Street area. But the store at 210 College Street is anything but common—it sells only goods made in the USA. Go in and browse, and you may immediately sense the difference. The place is a haven

40 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

for anyone who shudders when they walk through big-box stores loaded with mass-produced, plastic goods that will likely end up in landfills soon.

Here at Common Deer, handcrafted or thoughtfully designed articles made largely of natural materials stand out as having an honest, genuine, and enduring quality—and with

good reason. Behind each item, there is a story of someone’s vision, values, and a commitment to a better life.

BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION Although the store first opened in 2013 in Shelburne and moved to Burlington just two years ago, Common Deer’s story started 35 years

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 41

Ulpa et autestrum quam quaturio. Me ommos doleseq uuntis plignimus et ention nis doloressimus am volupic tempor aut dis iduci sit, qui blaborr orernam quia dolor ad estio doluptaquid maionse quaspel iquide eni ut faccupti untia ate ilicipis con nonem sime ma conserc hiciam endanto explique dolupta consequo eseque pro te sus

Above: A chalk map prominently displays a sampling of the 350+ brands carried at Common Deer, giving customers information about where products are made. While the Beals strive to have each state represented, they are skewed locally.

Right: Sharon and Sarah Beal of Common Deer.

Far right: Staff at Common Deer enjoy what they do, which is obvious even before you enter the store, with humor and puns on signs.

ago with owner Sharon Beal’s vision. “It was a dream of mine to open a store with handmade, American-made products,” she says.

This desire grew stronger through Sharon’s experience selling businesses for Vermont Business Brokers with her husband John. She “was getting sick of (domestic) manufacturers having to close their doors, feeling they couldn’t compete,” says their daughter Sarah. “She wanted to be part of the solution.”

42 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Sarah now co-owns Common Deer with her mother, and John and son Johnny help out at the store. They also have nine employees, any one of whom, Sharon says, could run the store.

“Mom has a really good philosophy of empowering the staff,” Sarah says. “It’s a team approach.” She and Sarah encourage them to pitch new vendors, give input about what customers want, and suggest new directions for the company. “The ideas are flowing constantly,” Sharon says. “I get so much feedback from the entire team about what we can do to make the store better. It’s an environment where everyone is heard, everyone is key. It gives me so much joy to come through the door and see their smiles.”

A STORE WITH HEART You might say that Common Deer is a store with heart. The whole motive behind it was to help American craftspeople and smallbatch manufacturers succeed in their honest efforts to support their families and communities by making durable quality goods Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 43

Above: A moment of calm in the store.

Right and below: Common Deer features many goods that are made in Vermont but also works with local artists and companies to design tasteful American-made souvenirs.Â

44 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

in ways that are more environmentally and socially responsible than many of the goods manufactured overseas.

Today, 350 vendors are represented in the store, which Sarah proudly notes is “just nuts!” One wall of their office is covered with thank-you notes from these vendors, whom Sharon describes as “extremely hardworking and extremely talented people.” She adds, “It’s a feel-good situation. When we talk with them, there’s a synergy between our two companies.”

Many of the vendors are local makers glad to have found a retail partner in Common Deer. Matt and Britt Witt of Red House in Shelburne, for example, produce handmade waxed canvas bags. Sharon says the Witts “are the best people, which makes it so easy to sell their beautiful bags.”

Many items that the store carries are things you won’t find elsewhere. Take, for example, a flyswatter made of leather attached securely to a wooden handle; trivets, coasters, and a laptop case made of felted merino wool; little brass page markers to keep track of important pages in your journal or planner; a product made of all-natural essential oils for conditioning men’s beards; and a scratch-off chart illustrating a reading list of 100 not-to-be-missed novels.

COMMON DEER, FOR THE COMMON GOOD Vendors range from a single individual working at home or in a barn to factory-sized manufacturers like Woolrich, which has been producing woolen clothing and blankets for over 175 years. A similar outfit represented at Common Deer is Minnesota’s Faribault Woolen Mill, where fifth-generation craftspeople take raw fleeces and turn them into super-comfortable clothing and blankets in a factory that combines century-old machinery with modern technology.

At the other end of the scale is Bradley Mountain, a California company started in 2012 when Tyler Axtell set up a sewing machine in a garage and began making leather bags he designed himself as improvements to what was available in the marketplace. Today, a team of six craftspeople at Bradley Mountain is still making durable bags, rucksacks, and other adventure gear, one piece at a time. They use organically tanned leather, solid brass and copper hardware, and wool padding for straps.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 45

While Common Deer does feature lovely decorative items, it is primarily a gift and lifestyle shop, carrying men’s and women’s apparel, bags, accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, vintage goods, stationery, and much more.

That Sharon Beal has created a marketplace for makers like Tyler Axtell and the Witt family indicates not only her own valuing of American producers, small and larger. It also demonstrates that she knew instinctively that Vermonters would value what these people are striving to accomplish.

“Shopping small and locally is in the blood of Vermonters,” Sarah says. “We don’t have to sell that concept to our community, but we’ve made it easier for them to find these great American-made products and brands.”

Both Sharon and Sarah are thrilled to be part of what they see as a vibrant business community in Burlington. In August, Sarah organized a “support your local businesses” event on College Street with outdoor music, decorations, an interactive street-map game, and raffle prizes for people who visited some of the 30 participating locally owned shops. It was a big success—another testament to how the Beals’ model of caring about others’ welfare multiplies everyone’s good—the “Common” good. 4

Common Deer 210 College Street #101 Burlington, VT (802) 497-0100 www.commondeervt.com A portion of Common Deer merchandise is also available online at www.commondeervt.com.

46 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 47

Mater Christi School

Fostering the freedom to teach, learn, and create

48 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Head of School Tim Loescher and Assistant Head of School Amanda Barone frame the entrance to the middle school where they greet students each morning. Faculty members know every student by name.

BY COREY BURDICK

PHOTOS BY AMBIENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Tim Loescher is in his first year as Head of School at Mater Christi, but he’s calm and collected even as the first weeks get underway.

Part of the reason, he explains, is that he feels he’s doing what he was called to do. For him, this isn’t just a job, nor is it for the teachers who choose to spend their careers at Mater Christi.

T

im taught at the school for five years before becoming an administrator and explains that, at Mater Christi, “you have to love the kids and what you’re teaching, but you also need to feel you have the freedom to create . . . to be told you have to do it a certain way robs people of that.”

A PASSION FOR TEACHING As an independent school, Mater Christi has the flexibility to implement state and national education initiatives as staff and

administrators see fit. The school is accredited by the State of Vermont and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), but unlike public schools, academic and technological changes are implemented at its own pace. “We don’t have to jump on every pedagogical trend that rolls into town. Rather, we have the space to assess and personalize that which meets our goals as a school,” Tim says. That’s why the core of education at Mater Christi remains the building blocks: grammar, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 49

Above: Elementary school students navigate the crosswalk that separates the elementary school building from the middle school. Below: Jean Rock, office manager and unofficial historian of Mater Christi, is the parent of alumni and grandparent of a current Mater Christi student.

As I make my way across the school’s beautiful grounds on a late fall afternoon, monarch butterflies dance, creating a bucolic scene. Inside, I’m greeted by longtime office manager Jean Rock, part of Mater Christi for 34 years. Classes are in session, giving the halls a peaceful air, but inside the classrooms, it’s a different story. Enrollment and Marketing Manager Melissa Senesac graciously takes me on a tour of the school to observe classes in progress.

The passion for teaching is clearly evident in each classroom as students respond with curious engagement. Questions are asked freely in a French class, a subject students begin studying in kindergarten; students excitedly break into teams for a vocabulary quiz game.

50 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Students in the middle school all have Chrome Books, but they remain closed on their desks until teachers instruct them to use them for specific lessons.

DEDICATED TO EVERY STUDENT’S SUCCESS This is all part of the school’s philosophy that allows teachers the latitude to use methods they feel are best suited to the students and subject matter. Amanda Barone, Assistant Head of School, says, “As an administrator, I know I can trust the teachers to do what they do best and give them the freedom to teach. They are given the independence to teach to a curriculum, but how they get there is their choice.”

We tuck into Allan Whayland’s literature class which overlaps and integrates with History and English. The lesson today is on the Jim Crow South as it pertains to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He has been a teacher for over 25 years, 18 at Mater Christi. Allan has taught in large public school districts in Arizona as well as Burlington and says, “Nothing compares to the fantastic experiences I have had at Mater Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 51

Above: Veteran teacher Allan Whayland guides a class discussion on To Kill a Mockingbird in a middle school literature class. Below: Glenda Bedard engages fifth graders in small groups as they discuss their upcoming social studies project.

Christi. This school is completely dedicated to the academic success and social well-being of all of our students. Also, one could not find anywhere with more comradeship among colleagues, which filters to our students. I am not Catholic, but I have been truly blessed to work with these great kids in a terrific school.�

In fact, contrary to a common misconception, given that the school is under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese, numerous faiths are represented here. Current-year figures indicate that 55 percent of students identify as Catholic, while 45 percent identify either with a different faith or none.

All students participate in Mass and take religion classes, even if they aren’t Catholic. Sharing knowledge about one’s faith is 52 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

A LITTLE HISTORY As anyone who has traversed Mansfield Avenue in Burlington knows, Mater Christi School is hard to miss. Its stately brick buildings and ornate statues epitomize part of the city’s history. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school celebrated 50 years of educating students in 2012–2013, but its founding goes much farther back.

In 1886, students entered Mount Saint Mary Academy for the first time, located within the newly constructed Sisters of Mercy convent, but it wasn’t until 1963 that the school relocated from 100 down to 50 Mansfield Avenue.

One thing hasn’t changed since its inception—a strong commitment to providing rigorous education in a setting that fosters personal growth and global responsibility.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 53

Above: Middle school students tackle a math problem.

Below: Elementary students in the library engage in a favorite activity known as DEAR: Drop Everything And Read.

encouraged, and the welcoming environment creates the space for dialogue around different religions. A world religions class offered in middle school helps facilitate this.

Julia Melloni, a religion teacher at the school for the past five years, says, “I took the position because I could integrate my concern for human dignity as a Catholic and all my knowledge and experience as a humanities teacher in the public school.

Working with students in faith formation and compassionate activism in the Sisters of Mercy tradition makes going to work every day a real vocation.”

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD Many schools have benchmarks they aim to see their graduates hit. Some call these their district ends and include, for example, citizenship, personal growth, and engagement with the world. At Mater Christi, these also include faith and values (soul), intellect (mind), and character (heart), values that correlate with the school’s ethos of educating the whole child. Mater Christi hopes graduates leave with not only a solid base of academic proficiency in order to successfully transition to high school but also the 54 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ability to empathize with those from different economic, racial, and social backgrounds.

Aside from anecdotal praise of their graduates, evidence of success can also be found in the fact that, of the 70 percent of Mater Christi students who go on to Rice Memorial High

School, over the past 15 years, 80 percent of their valedictorians or salutatorians have been Mater Christi School alumni. And for multiple years, both have been MCS alumni.

All Mater Christi students spend time outdoors every day in the large playground adjacent

Mater Christi second-grade teacher Miranda McClellan is known for her nurturing approach to individualized classroom work.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY Natalia, a sixth grader who has been at Mater Christi since kindergarten, says, “The teachers take time to learn everyone’s name. Everyone in the middle school feels included. When you are in the hall, all students take the time to learn everyone’s name.”

Christopher, a seventh grader who has been at Mater Christi since fifth grade, added, “All the teachers know each other and they get along. I can’t wait to do the seventh-grade play in Literature class because it’s a way to mix learning and fun."

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 55

New teacher Konrad Herath energizes an experienced middle school French class. Mater Christi students start French language instruction in kindergarten.

to the basketball court and soccer field.

Enrollment at Mater Christi over the years has been stable at around 250 students. This year, enrollment is lower at 213 due to the graduation of a record-breaking eighth grade class of 53 students last spring. Mater Christi recruits strong students from the greater Burlington area. Many parents find the location of the school convenient as it is in central Burlington, adjacent to the UVM campus. Tuition increases are managed carefully to ensure affordability, and financial aid is available as a result of charitable giving and a scholarship endowment. Admissions encourages families not to let tuition deter them from simply visiting the school, taking a tour, or scheduling a shadow day.

Ultimately, for Mater Christi parents, the sacrifices of tuition and transportation are worth it. As John and Malitta Lacy, parents of two daughters at the school, wrote, “Mater Christi has come to provide an excellent level of education for our children. We have seen their personal growth and excitement in learning and exploring their capabilities, which is very important to our family. Whether it be the programs, the teachers, or the openness to continually improve their experience, all of it 56 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

makes Mater Christi a great choice for our children and our family.” 4

Mater Christi School 50 Mansfield Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 658-3992 www.mcschool.org

The 2017–2018 tuition for Preschool and Pre-K is $8,392 (5 days per week) and $7,553 (4 days). Tuition for grades K–8 is $8,267; however, the actual per student cost is in excess of $12,000 a year.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 57

Warm Winter Wishes SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room

Join us for a taste and tour and let us share our adventure growing grapes and making wine in Northern Vermont. Then relax with a glass of your favorite wine or savor a wine pairing with a selection of local artisan treats. Bring a friend, or just get your work done. You can keep up with our concert and event schedule on the web, Facebook, and Instagram.

And while you’re here don’t forget to ask about our wine club, planning a personal or corporate event, and holiday gift ideas.

6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.ShelburneVineyard.com Open 7 days a week all year Nov–Apr 11am–5pm May–Oct 11am–6pm

ECCO Clothes ECCO, Burlington’s original designer boutique, has been bringing top brands to Vermont for over 25 years! From denim to dresses, boots to high heels, ECCO has it all! Premium denim for women and men by AG, J Brand, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity; sweaters by Velvet, Vince, and Repeat; basics by Tart Collections, James Perse, and Michael Stars; dresses by Susana Monaco, BCBG, Amanda Uprichard, and Laundry; shoes from Dolce Vita, Seychelles, and Steve Madden; and handbags by Liebeskind and Hobo. Jewelry by Adina Reyter, Gorjana, and Dogeared.

From basic to anything but, ECCO has you covered. Visit ECCO on the corner of Church Street and Bank Street in the of Burlington.

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

Petra Cliffs Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School focuses on climbing and mountain-related education and recreation, accessible to all ages and abilities. We offer premium instruction and services through experience-based education in an inspiring atmosphere for families and friends to gather for a challenge and fun. Petra Cliffs is also home to an indoor ropes course for birthday parties, teams, and groups.

105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657-3872 www.PetraCliffs.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Istanbul Kebab House Offering Burlington’s only rooftop dining, Istanbul Kebab House in downtown Burlington takes you to Istanbul and back with every bite.

Delicious and healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeout, all made with 100 percent fresh Turkish ingredients. A truly authentic Turkish dining experience.

175 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 857-5091 www.istanbulkebabhousevt.com

Morse Farm Whether you’re sharing the taste of Vermont with friends and family across the country or across the street, Morse Farm has a selection of the finest Vermont products in gift combinations for any budget. Stop by or shop online. Sure, there’s the finest Vermont maple syrup you’ll ever taste, but there’s so much more to choose from. Looking for a corporate gift that makes an impression? Contact Morse Farm for a quote on Vermont Maple Syrup packaged with your company’s logo.

Vermont Singing Drum

1168 County Road Montpelier, VT (800) 242-2740 maple@morsefarm.com www.morsefarm.com

4 Howard Street Burlington, VT (802) 448-4223 www.vermontsingingdrum.com

Jess Boutique Jess is a beautiful designer boutique on the Church Street Marketplace. This holiday season make someone you love feel special with bags from Botkier, cashmere from White and Warren, a stunning dress from Ted Baker, or amazing jewelry from artisans around the world. Jess has everything you need to make your holidays sparkle.

98 Church Street Burlington, VT www.jessboutique.com

A meditation drum for everyone, artfully crafted to perfection in both sight and sound. These musical pieces of art are handmade, hand finished, and hand tuned.

Choose from the Zen Drum, a traditional steel tongue drum with tank drum overtones, or the Bliss Drum, made from heavier steel with a dreamy sound and clear, crisp tones.

Visit our workshop and showroom in the heart of Burlington’s Art District.

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG

PHOT0S PROVIDED BY CITY MARKET

60 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Accidental 

Store

GROCERY

B

City Market branches out from grass roots

City Market’s downtown store entrance always greets customers with seasonal abundance and variety.

urlington’s City Market Onion River Co-op hosted its annual meeting at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain this fall. Before the customary slide show featuring graphs to illustrate sales figures and other data, the store treated members to what it called, “a light dinner.”

Some members, including this writer, learned a new definition of “light.” Just past the beer and wine station stood the first tables, laden with cheese, fruits, and nuts, like all the good things in a cornucopia, only without the cornucopia. The bounty lay directly on the tablecloth. Hot buffets offered ham, sweet potato mash, vegetables and salads, with each dish’s ingredients and their provenance listed in City Market’s quirky signature font. “Roasted Apples with Honey & Ricotta: Scott Farm Apples, Champlain Apiaries Honey, Maple Brook Ricotta, Sunflower Oil, Salt & Pepper.”

Servers passed trays of appetizers and desserts.

“Food is everywhere,” one woman said. Presented with miniature crème brûlées, key lime tarts, and coconut cakes, one man had to decline. “I can’t have dairy,” he said, to which the server replied, “There are also some vegan treats coming around.”

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 61

Clockwise from above: View from City Market’s downtown gardens. Bulk foods, kombucha, free reverse-osmosis water for members, and a rotating menu in the Prepared Foods Department are only a few of the offerings. Midway through construction prior to siding and signage, City Market’s South End store takes shape.

A MARKET WITH A MISSION City Market is not your typical grocery store.

Ethan Alden-Danforth remembered calling his fiancée during one of his first visits “to brag that they had kombucha on tap.”

With roots in the back-to-the-land movement of the early 1970s, City Market sprouted from food-buying groups and grew into a thriving two-store operation. Its 15-year-old downtown store, open 16 hours daily, welcomes members and nonmembers and averages 4,500 transactions a day. Sales for the year ending July 1 approached $42 million, the second-highest sales volume for a single-store co-op in the country.

The second, and larger, store opened recently in the city’s South End, and the co-op has rented space in the Old North End for possibly a third.

Enhancing quality of life and strengthening the local food system are among City Market’s missions. “I like to say that the grocery store is a bit of a front,” says General Manager John Tashiro. Behind the produce (71 percent sold is 62 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

organic), milk (it’s even sold in glass bottles), and bread (21 local bakeries deliver weekly) is a co-op engaged in community building, environmental protection and sustainability, and philanthropy.

City Market offers members a discount if they volunteer at one of 23 partner organizations. In 2016, members put in 16,983 hours, the equivalent of eight and a half full-time jobs. The store’s Rally for Change program, in which cashiers ask customers if they’d like to round up their bill to the nearest dollar, has raised about $440,000 in the last three years.

The money is divided among the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and other charities on a

rotating basis. The Food for All program gives low-income shoppers a 10 percent discount and has about 1,100 participants.

For the last three years, the EPA has awarded City Market a GreenChill Award for reducing refrigerant emissions, which deplete the ozone layer. The industry emission average is 40 percent, John says, while City Market’s is 3 percent.

To reduce the number of plastic water bottles sold, the store installed a reverse osmosis machine, which allows customers to fill bottles with water that has passed, under pressure, through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 63

Above: An aerial view of the new South End store during construction. Right: Freshly painted mural by artists Haley Bishop Rockwood and DeAnna Lynn Kerley of the Poppyclock Collective.

In addition to providing a market for their goods, City Market supports local producers with its Local Farm and Producer Investment Program. Earlier this year, the program gave Hinesburg’s Besteyfield Farm, producer of “pasture-raised eggs from rather contented hens,” a five-year, no-interest $30,000 loan.

“It’s huge,” owner Ben Butterfield says. It has allowed him to more than double his flock, add fencing, upgrade nest boxes, and buy an egg washer, just in time to help meet City Market’s increased demand. “They’ve been my number-one customer the whole time I’ve been in operation,” says Ben. “My farm exists, in large part, due to City Market.”

And additional dollars flow into the local economy through patronage refund checks issued to members—more than $330,000 this year.

64 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Bigger & Better City Market’s downtown store is notorious for being cozy. Shopping carts make threepoint turns to leave the bulk-food and wellness sections. The new 25,000-squarefoot store is 56 percent bigger and offers 15,000 square feet of retail space compared to 12,000 square feet downtown. Other highlights include: • 115 parking spaces, including two electric charging stations • A permanent juice bar operated by Juice for the People • A café with 40 seats inside and 30 outside • A full teaching kitchen • A community room • An outdoor Discovery Garden playground featuring tree stumps, boulders, and a cedar “living wall” • Exterior murals painted by artists Haley Bishop Rockwood and DeAnna Lynn Kerley of the Poppyclock Collective and

by Abby Manock • Exterior aluminum panels featuring pixelated agricultural images

THE CITY MARKET STORY The irony of the City Market story is that no one set out to establish a grocery store in the first place. City Market started in area living rooms and kitchens and in dormitories at the University of Vermont, where people who wanted food alternatives got together and made shopping lists. Some wanted foods that were not locally available; some sought cheaper sources; and others wanted to create an anticapitalist economy not dependent upon profit. They drove trucks and vans to New York, Boston, and Montreal to buy food from warehouses and wholesalers, then brought it back and divvied it up.

In a 2013 roundtable discussion facilitated

by Cooperative Vermont, four early co-op employees—Terry Bouricius, Larry Kupferman, Susan Schoenfeld, and Mark Furnari— discussed its history. “It’s worth pointing out, for younger people who may not be aware of this, that what we might now call health food— raw almonds or tamari—could not be bought

Happy Holidays FROM ALL OF US AT

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 65

Above and right: Interior and exterior views of the new South End store as construction progresses.

anywhere in Burlington,” Terry says. Tofu couldn’t be found in Vermont, so people turned to buying groups.

Each “pre-order group” comprised between two and 20 families. Each month, they sent a representative to a meeting to get a list of available products, then each group decided what to buy. Raisins, for example, might come in a 30-pound box. “Your pre-order group had to get 30 pounds of raisins or no raisins,” Terry explains.

Items were added as people figured out how to get them—produce, canned goods, beans, grains, socks. At its height, there were about 100 pre-order groups and one million dollars in sales.

All along, the operation resisted a traditional business structure. “It might have been antigovernance,” Larry says. “It might have been a sense of, we can do this without needing a lot of boards of directors, general managers, and structure.” The concept, 66 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Member Benefits Anyone can become a City Market member by buying equity for $15 annually; full equity is reached at $200. Member benefits, including patronage refunds during profitable years and free reverseosmosis water, start with the first $15.

Members can take out their equity any time. “It’s always your money,” says Director of Community Engagement Allison Hope.

Mark says, was antiprofit. “And so success was really about running everything and coming up with a zero net balance.”

Needing a place to divide bulk orders, the co-op moved around, eventually landing in a former bike shop at 77 Archibald Street. At first, the warehouse opened once a month, on the day after distribution, to sell what was left over. Then, people ordered extra on purpose.

“And month by month, we would order a little bit more, a little bit more,” Terry says. “We finally got a cash register, and it got to the point where we had enough leftover food to last all the way until the next pre-order.”

The pre-order groups started to disappear “because we added the convenience of being able to get raisins whenever you wanted in any amount you wanted,” Terry adds.

Mark, now a South Burlington leadership development consultant, says the experience was empowering. It taught him that it’s possible to try something in the world. “That, personally, was the greatest gift that the co-op gave me as a human being,” he says. “And I carry it in my work to this day. . . . If you imagine it, you can do it.” 4

City Market, Onion River Co-op 82 South Winooski Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 861-9700 Hours: 7am to 11pm daily 207 Flynn Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 540-6400 Hours: 7am to 9pm daily citymarket.coop

Shop Local

This Holiday Season

When you shop with your local Burlington neighbors, you help the local economy, and you get great Vermont products!

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 67

CHEERS

BY JEN ROSE SMITH

Spirited Women

Toasting the New Year with Vermont’s

COCKTAIL MAVENS

While the bartending profession is famously male-domi-

love about mixing drinks in Vermont and what they’ll be

nated, the women of Vermont’s cocktail scene are mixing

pouring in the coming year. And for home bartenders

some of the best drinks around, from sparkling takes on

resolved to step up their pouring skills for the holidays,

classics to brand-new recipes with garden-fresh flavors.

they offered professional tips on must-try ingredients and

We asked a few experienced cocktail hands what they

techniques for 2018.

68 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter Sangria 2 oz Burgenland red wine or another full-bodied red ½ oz Stair’s Pear brandy from Flag Hill Farm, Vershire ½ oz Vanilla Rum, Mad River Distillers, Warren ½ oz sweet vermouth 3 dashes Benedictine ½ oz spiced syrup (Megan uses a house-made version with pears, cinnamon, and nutmeg) Ginger beer Combine all ingredients except the ginger beer in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain onto fresh ice in a rocks glass, then top with ginger beer.

MEGAN McGINN, HONEY ROAD OPPOSITE PAGE

“The Burlington cocktail scene is young, vibrant, and really smart—almost nerdy. We all have this love for the classics, but all the great products around drive an evolution of what you do,” Megan says. To reflect the fresh, local focus of Honey Road’s Mediterranean menu, Megan’s developed drinks that use produce from local farms and her own garden, as well as spirits from Vermont producers.

Cicada Killer 1½ oz Bar Hill Gin, Caledonia Spirits, Hardwick ½ oz yellow chartreuse ½ oz Campari ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice ¾ oz Rose’s Grenadine 4 cucumber slices and a mint sprig Combine three cucumber slices with the grenadine in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently, then add remaining ingredients (except for last cucumber slice and the mint sprig) and ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and double-strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. To garnish, spear the mint sprig through the remaining cucumber slice and set it on top of the drink.

NADIA WOMBLE, WATERWORKS “It’s a really nice community here,” says Nadia.

“Everyone knows each other, and everyone helps each other out, like a family.” As she heads into 2018, Nadia plans to add some heat to her drinks with warming flavors and a bitter edge—like the blend of Campari and yellow chartreuse in her Bee’s Knees variation.

Roman Holiday 1½ oz SILO Gin, SILO Distillery, Windsor ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ oz black pepper simple syrup ½ oz extra-virgin olive oil Egg white Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously without ice for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake a second time for 30 seconds, then use a fine-mesh strainer to strain mixture onto fresh ice in a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a dusting of freshly ground black pepper.

Black Pepper Simple Syrup 1 cup water 1 cup sugar ¼ to ½ cup cracked black peppercorns, to taste Combine all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat and let sit for one hour, then strain into a jar. Store simple syrup in the refrigerator.

LEDA NUTTING, ARTSRIOT With three years behind the bar at ArtsRiot, Leda is bringing some unexpected flavors to the cocktail program. “I’m really interested in adding more savory elements,” she says, “and I want to incorporate more unconventional elements, from olive oil to red pepper and vegetables.”

WINTER 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 69

Bitter to the Bone 2 oz Cynar ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice ¾ oz simple syrup 1 egg white Alice and the Magician “Bitter Orange” Aromatic Mist Combine all ingredients except aromatic mist without ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake hard until frothy, about 30 seconds. Add ice, then shake for an additional 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and top with a single spray of the Alice and the Magician mist.

SYDNEY STOCKMANN, PIZZERIA VERITÀ Sydney, a longtime veteran of the Burlington cocktail scene, sees drinks with a lighter touch for the coming year. “I think that low-alcohol cocktails are going to be super cool, where you can go out and have multiple drinks—I like using bitters, apéritifs, amari, and vermouth, which have just as much flavor as spirits.”

Weapon of Mass Delight 2 oz Stonecutter Spirits Single Barrel Gin ¾ oz cinnamon syrup ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice 3–4 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake for 8–12 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and serve.

Cinnamon Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 5 cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients in a small pot, and bring to a boil, stirring

occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat and let sit for 20 minutes.

Remove sticks before using.

SAS STEWART, STONECUTTER SPIRITS “The quality of local spirits in Vermont is unparalleled,” says Sas, “and I’ve had gorgeous cocktails in restaurants and bars that span from Brattleboro to the Northeast Kingdom. Bars in small towns all over Vermont are pumping out worldclass cocktails—and you don’t have to wait two hours to get a seat at that bar.”

70 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

New Year’s Resolutions for the Home Bartender We asked each of our spirits experts to tell us one item or ingredient home bartenders can use to up their cocktail game in 2018.

“Barolo Chinato! It has this purplishpink color, with a flavor that’s very approachable.”

— Sydney “Roasted fruit—we’re roasting pears and making these warm, spiced syrups with nutmeg and cinnamon, then adding local honey.”

— Megan “I’ve been playing with black pepper simple syrup, but you can use lemongrass, ginger, fennel . . . it’s a really easy way to get creative when you don’t have a lot of amaro or bitters on hand.”

— Leda “Technique . . . using the proper spoon to stir your Old Fashioned and a classic julep strainer to pour over ice.”

— Nadia “Infusions! They’re hidden on back bars across Vermont, and they can add a dimension to a cocktail without a ton of effort. I love putting raspberries in Montenegro or even cinnamon tea in bourbon—all you need is a little time to add incredible dimension to your glass.”

— Sas WINTER 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 71

WHAT’S COOKING

BY SUSAN NYE

Comfort food was the backbone of our grandmothers’ recipe boxes.

Throughout the winter, weekends with Nana meant hearty stews, soups, pastas, and casseroles. Bubbling on the stove or in the oven, comfort food filled her kitchen with tantalizing warmth and her family with good cheer. Whether our sniffles were from a cold or a broken heart, Nana’s famous pot roast or Nonni’s lasagna was the sure cure.

Although our love of comfort food might be rooted deep in childhood, we delight in its diversity. After grandma’s best efforts, our favorites have their origins on any and all of the seven continents. With braised beef, it’s all about the wine you choose, a beautiful French Bourgogne or a classic Tuscan Chianti. Then again, maybe you’d rather simmer your

72 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

short ribs in a pint of Guinness. Do you favor spices from North Africa, curries from Asia, or herbs from the South of France, or all (and more) of the above? When it comes to pasta, do you crave udon noodles at the end of a frosty day? Perhaps you hanker for grits, linguine, or pierogies.

As much as we love indulging in these wonderful dishes, there is also great comfort in preparing them. Whether you’ve had a terrible week at work or the temperature is way below zero, the rhythmic chopping of onions and carrots in a warm kitchen can bring a sense of well-being and peace. As you stir vegetables into soup, fond memories of Meme’s kitchen are sure to make you smile. It doesn’t matter that your soup has spices your Meme never heard of.

Guinness Short Ribs SERVES 8

4 oz (4–5 slices) thick-cut bacon, roughly chopped 6–8 lb beef short ribs Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 carrots, finely chopped 4 stalks celery, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1½ cups crushed tomatoes 1½–2 cups Guinness 2 cups chicken stock 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme 2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 bay leaf 1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. Cook the bacon in a heavy casserole over medium-low heat until crisp and brown. Remove the bacon and reserve.

Leaving just enough to lightly coat the pan, pour off any excess bacon fat and reserve.

3. Season the beef with salt and pepper and, working in batches, brown it over medium-high heat. Remove and add to the reserved bacon.

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving just enough to lightly coat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Season with paprika, salt and pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté 2–3 minutes more.

5. Stir the vinegar, mustard, and tomatoes into the vegetables. Slowly add the Guinness and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Add the herbs, return the beef and bacon to the pot, and bring everything to a simmer.

6. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven.

Cook at 350° for 2–2½ hours or until the beef is tender. Add more beer and/or stock if needed.

7. Carefully transfer the beef to a deep serving platter. If necessary, bring the sauce to a boil over high heat to reduce.

Ladle the sauce over the beef and serve.

Linguine with Roasted Butternut Squash SERVES 8

6 Tbsp butter About 2 oz (2–3 slices) thick-cut bacon, finely chopped 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 onion, chopped About 1 lb linguine 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage ½ Tbsp fresh thyme 2 Tbsp cognac Garnish: crumbled goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and chopped chives

7. Transfer the linguine to a large platter or individual plates, sprinkle with goat cheese, bacon, hazelnuts, and chives, and serve.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the bacon and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

3. Whisk the vinegar into the skillet, add the squash, season with pepper, and toss to coat. Roast uncovered at 375° for 20 minutes. Add the onion, toss to combine, and roast 15–20 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. The vegetables can be roasted in advance and reheated before tossing with the pasta.

4. Cook the linguine according to package directions in a large pot of boiling, salted water.

5. While the pasta cooks, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. When it begins to brown, add the sage and thyme and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter is golden brown. Remove from the heat, whisk in the cognac, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and toss with the browned butter, roasted squash, and onions.

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 73

Moroccan Spiced Chicken, Chickpea & Vegetable Soup SERVES 8

Olive oil 2–3 lb chicken thighs 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and chopped 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 (14–16 oz) can chopped tomatoes 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2–3 quarts chicken or vegetable stock Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 lb fresh baby spinach 1. Lightly coat a large soup pot with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper; working in batches if necessary, brown the chicken, 2–3 minutes per side.

Reserve.

2. If necessary, add a little more olive oil to the pot along with the onion, squash, carrot, and bell peppers and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the spices and garlic and sauté 2–3 minutes more.

3. Return the chicken to the pot and add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and stock. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and gently simmer for 45 minutes.

4. Remove soup from the heat. Remove the chicken from the pot. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and cut or shred into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back to the soup. If you have time, the soup is best made to this point, cooled to room temperature, covered, and refrigerated for several hours or overnight.

5. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, stir in the spinach, and reheat to steaming. Ladle the soup into bowls or mugs and serve.

74 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

BY PAM HUNT

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RENEE GREENLEE

Learn to Parler Français

WHAT’S THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE?

B

urlingtonians enjoy ample opportunities to interact with French-speaking Canadians, here in Vermont or over the border in Quebec, just 45 miles away. As many discover, however, French grammar and vocabulary learned long ago in

high school might be a bit rusty for real-world communication. Luckily, improving existing language skills or even starting from scratch is possible, thanks to the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region (AFLCR) and Your French Connection.

The AFLCR is a chapter of the Paris-based organization, Alliance Française, founded on July 21, 1883 by a group of French writers and thinkers, including Jules Verne and Louis Pasteur. The AF, with more than a thousand branches worldwide, adheres to a mission of promoting French language and culture. Though the Burlington area has been home to previous AF chapters, the current one was founded in the early 2000s by what former AFLCR President Linda Pervier describes as a “dream team” of French professors, teachers, and diplomats.

In the mid 2000s, the AFLCR rented space in the Fort Ethan Allen campus of St. Michael’s College and began offering classes, and Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 75

Your French Connection guides participants in developing their French-language skills outside the classroom. By using their five senses, learners experience the language in context by engaging in real-life situations and activities. Here, two members of the group study and discuss a painting by Brigite Normandin at the Galerie Art Plus in Sutton, Quebec.

76 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

a Montpelier location soon followed. Under the direction of Micheline Tremblay, the course catalog has grown to include traditional language classes from the beginner level to advanced. Volunteers at the AFCLR have also coordinated private classes, game nights, and cultural and literary discussions. Although the courses cover the nuts and bolts of grammar, the focus is on understanding the spoken language and learning to communicate. Marc Juneau, a teacher at AFLCR, explains, “There’s no way you can speak and write until you read and listen . . . a lot.”

EXPANDING TO BURLINGTON & BEYOND In November 2015, the AFLCR opened its Burlington location in a cozy house on King Street. Adrienne Coléon Gaskell, a current board member and former vice president, says the impetus for the new center was to make classes and events more accessible. “With such a diverse francophone culture here in Burlington, we felt it was important to have a physical location to truly serve our community,” she says.

The AFLCR provides many opportunities for Francophiles to meet. A monthly children’s program enables the fast-growing community of bilingual families to get together and spend time immersed in the French language. The center also holds lectures, book clubs, and film screenings— Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 77

Right: Professional baker Heike Meyer collaborates with Your French Connection for the Baking in French workshops held at the Brot Bakehouse School and Kitchen in Fairfax. Here, students admire their handmade croissants before popping them into the oven.

Below: The group of voyageuses stops for lunch during a daylong excursion to what they’ve seen so far, en français, bien sûr!

including the annual Vermont International Film Festival, which the AFLCR sponsors.

A monthly happy hour at a local bar—en français, of course—provides a venue for practicing conversation skills while meeting new people. In fact, Adrienne says that the “appartement à Paris” décor of the King Street location is thanks to a chance meeting between herself and designer Suzanne Stimik at one of these gatherings.

The AFLCR plays an important role in the local business community by actively supporting French-speaking visitors. The organization has distributed the inviting “Bienvenue Québécois” stickers that adorn many area shops, and it runs Church Street’s summertime welcome cart, festooned with both the blue-and-white fleur-de-lis flags of Quebec and the French Tricolour. Linda Pervier says, “We actively seek to enhance this community’s lively relationship with our francophone neighbors, whose proximity makes our AF chapter a very special one indeed.”

IMMERSION WITH YOUR FRENCH CONNECTION The language and culture immersion programs offered by Your French Connection (YFC) get speakers of all abilities out into the world, where they gain the confidence to practice what they’ve studied in class—a perfect complement to the AFLCR’s offerings.

Founder Alysse Anton has taught French as a foreign language for nearly two decades.

Her experience as assistant director of the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy impressed upon her the importance of immersive experiences for learning a language. After all, she says, “immersion is how we all learned our mother tongue.”

Although learning in a classroom is import78 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ant, Alysse believes learning through experience leads to better results. “The learner focuses on doing the activity and lets go of emotions, such as the fear of making mistakes.”

In fact, Alysse encourages her students to make mistakes. She likens the process to learning to ride a bicycle: Studying the intricacies and structure of a language in the classroom is like looking at a detailed picture of a bike— you learn the names of all the parts, you see how they’re put together, but you still don’t know how it feels to ride one. “With immersion,” she says, “you might fall, you might bruise your knees a little, but you will experience what riding a bike is all about.”

Your French Connection currently uses the nearby Eastern Townships and Montreal as a living classroom for participants, or voyageurs and voyageuses, as Alysse calls them—an indication that this learning experience is truly a journey, literally and figuratively.

From the moment they leave Burlington, Alysse and her groups interact—totally in French, for the excursions for intermediate and advanced learners—with each other and with the Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 79

Right: Heike teaches the group how to make croissants while they practice their French-language skills and learn new vocabulary.

locals they encounter, whether it’s a baker in Dunham explaining how he makes sourdough levain, a guide at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal describing the influence of women on Marc Chagall’s work, or a Québécois farmer explaining the correct vocabulary for describing a cow’s udders.

The aims of Your French Connection’s experiences are to keep trying, to not get fixated on finding the perfect word—to even fall off that bike—in order to gain the confidence that comes with realizing a native French speaker understands you, even if you’ve used the subjunctive tense incorrectly. 4

Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region 43 King Street Burlington, VT www.aflcr.org.

Your French Connection yourfrenchconnection.net 80 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 81

IN PRINT

BY KELSEY WEIDMANN

X Marks the Spot Uncoverin� Burlington’s Hidden Jewels

82 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Gabrielle and friends take a fun-filled journey through 50 Cities of the USA.

F

rom its funky eateries and bustling downtown to its beautiful lake, Burlington has plenty of personality. Our beloved neighborhoods, with all their quirks and charms, captivated Gabrielle Balkan and earned a spot in her new book of maps, 50 Cities of the USA: Explore America’s Cities with 50 Fact-Filled Maps, illustrated by Sol Linero.

Gabrielle wrote her book with the same unconventional style in which she enjoys her Vermont maple syrup, which she puts in her coffee. But the result is a sweet surprise that delivers fun and facts to kids of all ages.

A CITY OF SURPRISES The initial glance at the Burlington spread can feel overwhelming.

Who knew so many remarkable things could be packed into one city? However, that feeling is quickly replaced with awe as your curiosity guides you into uncharted territory.

Gabrielle weaves together facts and activities to create a tapestry that is both informative and full of possibility. She highlights shipwreck diving (which she would love to do) and juggling balls of fire during the Festival of Fools (which she admits she is not brave enough to try).

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 83

50 Cities creates ideal (if impossible!) area itineraries. Lovers of geography spot quintessential map elements. The 50 States highlights local treasures, such as Vermont's Abenaki Tribal Museum.

84 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Through it all, she is particularly intrigued

by Electra Havemeyer Webb, founder of the Shelburne Museum. As a woman in the late 19th century, there were many challenges Webb had to face to assert her independence.

“It took a lot of foresight and vision to achieve her dream,” Gabrielle says.

And the most shocking tidbit from her research? The discovery of Charlotte the Whale, a beluga whose bones were found in a field in the city. “[That] blew my mind! I want students to think about their hometown being different today

than it was thousands of years ago. We don’t normally associate Vermont with the ocean!”

UNEARTHING KNOWLEDGE Hiding underneath all the excitement is the heart of Gabrielle’s book: teaching geography to children. Inspired by her own struggles with geography in elementary school, she adds kid-friendly details such as hidden pictures to the pages, encouraging kids to search through the big book to find something new that they would not otherwise have uncovered.

While the book’s main audience is children, it is enjoyable for adults too and the perfect coffee-table book. Flipping through the contents will spark memories of prior travels and spur family conversations. And even adults might learn a surprising factoid or two.

LEARNING TO HAVE AN OPEN MIND Gabrielle hopes the book will also serve as a stepping-stone in kids’ understanding and appreciation of diverse places and people. She learned this early on since her family lives in three distinct places: New York, Indiana, and Arizona. “A home in Vermont looks different from a home in [another] city. My goal is to show that we all have things in common, and our differences are important and special.”

On classroom visits, she emphasizes the importance of having confidence in yourself and your choices. Even though 50 Cities of the USA is a factual book, decisions had to be made about what to include. “I tell the kids there’s no wrong choice, just a different choice,” Gabrielle says.

She still reminds herself of this advice as she compares her author self to a raccoon— both are attracted to curious treasures that others may not see as valuable. “I like to collect interesting things and figure out a way to present them to the world.”

A CROSS-CONTINENTAL RELATIONSHIP 50 Cities of the USA was a collaborative effort that took a year to complete. Gabrielle and Sol met through Gabrielle’s editor, who was impressed by Sol’s previous work. Sol lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, so the two artists communicated via email and video calls.

Gabrielle studied and fact-checked each city for about five days, picking and choosing the content. “Whittling down choices is . . . a challenge. I wanted to show a variety of people and didn’t want to leave out a whole culture.”

When she was satisfied, she sent her notes to Sol for her to illustrate.

Throughout the process, they took into account Sol’s artistic strengths and interests. She loves drawing flowers and buildings but not frogs—those critters have bothered her since she was a girl. So they limited the number of frogs but kept the one on the Burlington page.

The pair has no definite plans for another collaboration in the future, but Gabrielle is dreaming about writing a book about 50 small

Subscribe Today!

One year subscription only $19.95 plus tax (4 issues)

Pay Online at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com or send your check to BEST OF BURLINGTON,

32 Hermit Thrush Lane, South Burlington, VT 05403

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 85

86 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Jamie Oliver Magazine cover illustrated by Sol Linero, © Jamie Oliver Magazine.

Sol Linero, Artist Extraordinaire Argentinian native Sol Linero is the talented artist behind the book’s vibrant illustrations.

Her cheerful artwork in a cooking magazine first intrigued Rachel Williams, publisher of Wide-Eyed Editions, but it was her Texas postcard piece in Jamie Oliver Magazine that ultimately inspired the design for 50 Cities of the USA. Sol’s hand-drawn lettering adds a special flair to the book, and her playfully geometric style lends itself especially well to buildings. She enjoys the challenge of translating their intricate details into simpler drawings while keeping the spirit alive.

Past projects of hers include WordPress; O, The Oprah Magazine; Scholastic Magazine; and the Pottery Barn Kids catalog. Sol Linero can be reached at sol@sollinero.com.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Best of Burlington eNewsletter What does our newsletter include?

• A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers • Local event listings from our calendar • Special offers from Best of Burlington and local businesses • Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles, and much more . . .

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 87

Bookstore events include little-known facts about local landmarks.

towns. She would also like to publish a companion activity book for 50 Cities of the USA, as she did with her previous volume, The 50 States.

As her book demonstrates, there is much more to a place than what is immediately visible. There are often many gems just waiting to be discovered.

After reading, do not hesitate to dig a little deeper.

Gabrielle urges her readers to use the book as a starting point in their adventures. Whether you are a native or a visitor to Burlington, young or young at heart, get out there, start exploring, and have fun! 4

READY TO BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE? First, pick up a copy at a local bookstore.

• Phoenix Books Burlington at 191 Bank Street • Crow Bookshop at 14 Church Street To learn more about Gabrielle Balkan, visit her website, www.Gabriellebalkan.com. Sol Linero can be reached at sol@sollinero.com.

88 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 89

WINTER HAPPENINGS 2017/2018 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS DECEMBER 1

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas

DECEMBER 8

A Christmas Carol

MainStage, 8pm DECEMBER 2

Brian McCarthy Quartet FlynnSpace, 8pm DECEMBER 3

Melissa Etheridge MainStage, 8pm DECEMBER 5, 6

Kinky Boots

MainStage, 7:30pm DECEMBER 6–10

Winter Tales

FlynnSpace, 6–9, 7:30pm; 9, 2pm; 10, 2pm, 6pm DECEMBER 8

A Christmas Carol MainStage, 7pm

FEBRUARY 15

Dianne Reeves

DECEMBER 9

VSO Holiday Pops MainStage, 7:30pm DECEMBER 10

OrchestraChorusPalooza MainStage, 4pm

DECEMBER 14, 15

Flynn Show Choirs!

FlynnSpace, 6pm, 8pm DECEMBER 16, 17

Vermont’s Own Nutcracker

MainStage, 16, 2pm, 7pm; 17, 1pm, 6pm DECEMBER 22, 23

Shen Yun – Classical Chinese Dance MainStage, 22, 7:30pm; 23, 2pm JANUARY 12, 13

Sandglass Theater – Babylon

DECEMBER 22, 23

Shen Yun

FlynnSpace, 8pm JANUARY 17

JANUARY 24–FEBRUARY 11

FEBRUARY 7

MainStage, 7:30

FlynnSpace, 7:30pm, Sun 2pm

MainStage, 7:30pm

JANUARY 19

JANUARY 27

FEBRUARY 10

MainStage, 8pm

MainStage, 7:30pm

MainStage, 8pm

JANUARY 20

JANUARY 28

FEBRUARY 15

MainStage, 7:30pm

MainStage, 3pm

MainStage, 7:30pm

JANUARY 24

FEBRUARY 2-3

FEBRUARY 16

MainStage, 7:30

MainStage, 8pm

FlynnSpace, 8pm, 10pm

The Illusionists DBR and Marc Bamuthi Joseph Burlington Chamber Orchestra Mavis Staples 90 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Doublewide by Vermont Stage VSO Masterworks VYO Winter Concert Claire Cunningham and Jess Curtis

Cinderella Pilobolus

Dianne Reeves

The Sweet Remains

FEBRUARY 17

TURNmusic

FlynnSpace, 8pm FEBRUARY 21

Manual Cinema

MainStage, 7:30pm FEBRUARY 24

Second City

MainStage, 8pm FEBRUARY 28

Bedlam Theater’s Hamlet MainStage, 7:30pm MARCH 1

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Palace 9 Cinemas, 2pm, 7pm MARCH 7

Sex with Strangers by Vermont Stage FlynnSpace, 7pm MARCH 9

Urban Bush Women MainStage, 8pm

FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 153 Main Street Burlington, VT (802) 863-5966 www.flynncenter.org Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 91

WINTER HAPPENINGS 2017/2018 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 www.vso.org The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops features festive music from around the world, a carol sing-along, and a special appearance by the Bronze Ambassadors, a nationally recognized student bell choir from Newport.

DECEMBER 8 Barre Opera House, 7:30pm DECEMBER 9 Flynn Center MainStage, 7:30pm DECEMBER 10 Paramount Theater, 7:30pm DECEMBER 13 United Church Warren, 7:30pm DECEMBER 15 Newport, VT Counterpoint, under the direction of Nathaniel G. Lew, joins forces with the VSO Brass Quintet to ring in the holidays in style!

92 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

WINTER HAPPENINGS 2017/2018 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 2–3

Deck the Halls

At the Museum

SHELBURNE MUSEUM 6000 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3346 shelburnemuseum.org

THROUGH JANUARY 21

Exhibit: Hooked on Patty Yoder THROUGH FEBRUARY 18

Exhibit: Sweet Tooth: The Art of Dessert DECEMBER 2–3

Deck the Halls

Celebrate the creative spirit of the holiday season. Visit our festive trees, participate in art activities, and enjoy the sounds of the season. 10–4pm DECEMBER 4–8

Rug-Hooking Demonstrations 1–3pm JANUARY 28

Film Screening: Fed Up

A documentary on how sugar affects brain function. 2pm

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 93

WINTER HAPPENINGS 2017/2018 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE Burlington Winter Weekend February 2–3

OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS THE UVM DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE DECEMBER 2 & 3

The Toys Take Over Christmas 2, 2pm, 6pm; 3, 10am, 2pm

FEBRUARY 22–24 & MARCH 1–4

Peter and the Starcatcher

22–24, 7:30pm; 1–3, 7:30pm; Feb 24 & Mar 4, 2pm

FLEMING MUSEUM OF ART DECEMBER 3

Winter’s Warm Music 2pm

PRENATAL METHOD STUDIO FEBRUARY 24–MARCH 3

Yoga Retreat: Cuba

Prenatal Method Studio, www.prenatalmethod.com

COOK ACADEMY DECEMBER–FEBRUARY The Essex Resort & Spa’s on-site cooking class program gives you the chance to work with renowned chefs in the fun atmosphere of their intimate classroom kitchen. Classes offer a low-pressure, hands-on culinary experience where you can enjoy learning new techniques or honing the skills you already have. Visit the Essex Resort & Spa’s website to view a full list of classes and to reserve your spot.

Essex Resort & Spa, www.essexresortspa.com

94 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 558-2719 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net.

A Little Something ....................................................................... 29

Dear Lucy........................................................................................ 47

Red House Building........................................................................77

Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center.................................................5

Ecco Clothes...............................................................................3, 58

Saratoga Olive Oil Company...................................................... 47

Berlin City Fiat/Alfa Romeo............................Inside Back Cover

Flying Pig Book Store.................................................................... 29

Shelburne Country Store............................................................. 29

Bouchard-Pierce Candlelight.......................................................53

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts....................................... 63

Shelburne Meat Market................................................................57

Bouchard-Pierce Thermador....................................................... 91

Furchgott Sourdiffe ...................................................................... 29

Shelburne Vineyard Wine and Tasting Room................. 29, 58

Boyden Valley Winery................................................................... 81

HAVEN design + building............................................................. 19

Slate................................................................................................... 16

Burlington Country Club.............................................................. 95

Inside Out Gallery..........................................................................27

SportStyle . ..................................................................................... 43

Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists..................... 31

Istanbul Kebab House.................................................................. 59

Stowe Kitchen and Linens............................................................37

Burlington Furniture.........................................................................9

Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop.......................................................... 29

The Automaster................................................................................4

Burlington Marble & Granite....................................................... 15

Jay Peak...............................................................................................6

The Essex Resort & Spa................................................................. 11

Burlington Surf Club......................................................................93

J . Morgans Steakhouse............................................................... 43

The Grass Gauchos....................................................................... 45

Chef Contos Kitchen and Store................................................. 29

Jacob Albee Goldsmith....................................................................1

The Residence at Shelburne Bay............................................... 89

Church Hill Landscapes............................................................... 28

Jess Boutique.............................................................................. 7, 59

Tom Moore Builder, Inc................................... Inside Front Cover

City Lights........................................................................................ 16

Karlise Fine Jewelers.....................................................................53

University Mall................................................................................55

City Market......................................................................................35

Kiss the Cook.................................................................................. 28

UVM Medical Center......................................................................8

Clear Choice MD............................................................................ 51

Landshapes...................................................................................... 91

Vermont Bed Store/Wendell’s Furniture....................................2

Close to Home................................................................................ 13

Marketplace Fitness..................................................................... 45

Vermont Comedy Club.................................................................74

Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty...............................

Morning Dew Landscaping.......................................................... 31

Vermont Custom Closets............................................................. 71

........................................................................... Outside Back Cover

Morse Farm..................................................................................... 59

Vermont Singing Drum................................................................ 59

Common Deer.................................................................................23

Outdoor Gear Exchange............................................................... 71

Vermont Symphony Orchestra...................................................10

Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel........................................... 81

Patterson and Smith Construction.............................................55

Village Wine and Coffee.............................................................. 29

Culligan Water Systems............................................................... 21

Pauline’s Café..................................................................................67

Wake Robin......................................................................................57

Cushman Design Group...............................................................77

Peregrine Design/Build................................................................. 17

Whim Boutique............................................................................... 51

Danform Shoes.............................................................................. 65

Personal Fitness Interiors.............................................................27

Windows & Doors by Brownell.................................................. 87

Davis & Hodgdon Associates..................................................... 89

Petra Cliffs....................................................................................... 58

Yoga Roots...................................................................................... 29

Winter 2017/2018 | Best of Burlington | 95

In this New Year, forgive mistakes, forget sorrows, love truly and laugh endlessly.

Here’s to things yet to come and blessings to you all!

LAST GLANCE

96 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

COFFEE TABLE PUBLISHING, LLC 32 Hermit Thrush Lane South Burlington, VT 05403