Best of Central Vermont - Spring 2019

Central Vermont best of

SPRING 2019 VOLUME 7, NO. 2

COMMUNITIES AND LIFESTYLE IN THE HEART OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS

SPECIAL SECTION

at home in CENTRAL VERMONT

SIP INTO SPRING LOCAL WINES PAIR WITH BREAD AND CHEESE

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF VERMONT WELLNESS SOLUTIONS AT VERMONT WORKPLACES

,,

crosswater"' ---- LONDON

10 FARRELL ST. SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 802.861.3200 • CLOSETOHOMEVT.COM

Contents FEATURES

28

SIP INTO SPRING WITH LOCAL WINES DON’T FORGET THE BREAD AND CHEESE

BY COREY BURDICK

60

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF VERMONT WORKSITE WELLNESS SOLUTIONS OF VERMONT EMPLOYERS

BY MARY GOW

30 34 75

22

13 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 14 ONLINE HUB 16 CONTRIBUTORS 18 OCCASIONS

SEASONAL VIEWS

20 SPRING INTO ACTION OUT & ABOUT 22

BY CASSIE HORNER

HOT SPOT

34 VERMONT SALUMI

BY JAY MURRY

WATERBURY WORKS

68 WATERBURY MAIN STREET

RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

70 MONTPELIER ALIVE ART WALK

Home 39 INAt CENTRAL VERMONT

Metamorphosis MetamorphosisI

SPECIAL SECTION 39 CLOSE TO HOME European Bath Line captures styles from traditional to modern.

40 CUSHMAN DESIGN GROUP Celebrates Vermont summers.

42 BRENNA B INTERIORS Telling the unique story of every home.

44 DI STEFANO LANDSCAPING Fire, the center around which we gather.

46 YESTERMORROW The tiny house.

48 LANDSHAPES Connecting the inside with the outside.

BY PHYL NEWBECK

50 SLATE Stylish products to update your home.

CALENDAR

52 KNAUF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

75 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 79 AD INDEX 80 LAST GLANCE

Contents DEPARTMENTS

Metamorphosis of a mountain home.

53 THE CARRIAGE SHED Helping find the structure that perfectly suits.

54 SPRING CLEANING Let it shine.

55 CULLIGAN WATER SYSTEMS Soft water.

56 INSPIRED CLOSETS Inspire to be organized.

59 WINDOWS & DOORS BY BROWNELL Longevity for windows and doors.

best of

Central Vermont SPRING 2019 | VOLUME 7 NO.2

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

Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Goss Duby ART DIRECTOR

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Hutchens Media, LLC WEB DESIGN

Locable ADVERTISING

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by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, ©2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Central Vermont accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Happy Spring!

W

elcome to spring in Central Vermont. Time to shake off the late winter blahs and start anew. Spring in Central Vermont exemplifies a fresh start, and this issue will show you where that’s happening.

First, we’ve dedicated an entire section to the Central Vermont home. Filled with

design ideas for both inside and outside the home. It’s spring, which means it’s time to turn your attention to your home and garden, and this section is filled with ideas and information.

Norwich University is celebrating 200 years of teaching citizen-soldiers. We take a look at the university and how it’s much more than a military school.

We get dirty with the Muddy Onion, a spring classic bike gravel grinder that is fun to participate in or just grab a hot cup of coffee and watch the riders.

We also found a hidden gem in Plainfield, Vermont Salumi. Mmmm. Delicious salamis, sausages, and chorizo made with fresh, local ingredients. So grab a sausage, some Vermont cheese made right up the road in Cabot, and a nice local wine from one of the fine wineries in the area, and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring!

There’s much more to be found in our issue. Please enjoy and get back out there.

Spring is here!!!

Publishers

www.facebook.com/ BestOfCentralVermont

Follow us on Instagram @bestofcentralvermontmag www.bestofcentralvt.com 13

VISIT US ONLINE

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best of

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING THIS SPRING? Check out some local selections at www.bestofcentralvt.com

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WARMER WEATHER MEANS FARMERS’ MARKETS!

Feel free to drop us a line at ryan@bestof centralvt.com, or share your comments on our site or on social media. You might even see your name in our next issue.

Find out the 7 ways to enjoy farm produce this spring at www.bestofcentralvt.com www.facebook.com/ BestOfCentralVermont

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

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APRI

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contributors

COREY BURDICK is a graduate of Mount Holyoke

College and Vermont Wine School’s WSET Level II program.

She is passionate about local food systems, natural wine, running, and cooking from scratch. When she isn’t writing, you can find her vintage treasure hunting, visiting rescue dogs, and roller-skating through her neighborhood. Her work can also be found in Edible Green Mountains and The Other Paper.

MARY GOW is a journalist, freelance writer, and 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.

PHYL NEWBECK

is a former flatlander from New York City. She lives in Jericho, where she has learned to stack a mean pile of firewood. When not skiing, skating, bicycling, swimming, or kayaking, she writes for several local publications. Phyl is the author of Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.

JAY MURRY wears a trio of hats on any given day.

He is a published freelance writer whose previous work has been featured in Marathon & Beyond and Ultrarunning magazines; the sports play-by-play “Voice of the Bears” at Washington University in St. Louis; and a special-education paraprofessional at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O’Fallon, Missouri.

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

Stowe, Vermont

Discover, Dine, Stay & Shop

The Body Lounge

Tres Amigos

BunyaBunya Boutique

1799 Mountain Road Red Barn Shops Stowe, VT

1190 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

1799 Mountain Road In the Red Barn Shops Stowe, VT

www.tresamigosvt.com

(802) 253-7333 www.bodyloungevt.com

(802) 585-3699

Explore Magical The Country Store on Main 109 Main Street Stowe, VT

Stowe

Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 91 Main Street Stowe, VT

(802) 253-7653 info@countrystorevt.com www.countrystorevt.com

(802) 253-3033 stowe@ferrojewelers.com www.ferrojewelers.com/stowe

The Bench

Commodities Natural Market

492 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

512 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

(802) 253-5100 www.benchvt.com www.facebook.com/benchvt/

(802) 253-4464 www.commoditiesnaturalmarket.com Open 7 Days

OCCASIONS | BY COREY BURDICK

Maple Open House Weekend How Sweet It Is

S

pringtime in Vermont is magical, and the slow build of anticipation toward warmer days is punctuated in the most delicious way: maple sugaring time. As the numerous maple producers in the state set to work tapping trees and boiling sap, Vermonters have a unique opportunity every year on the fourth weekend in March to experience the splendor of this natural wonder firsthand during Maple Open House Weekend.

This year, if you find yourself in Central Vermont, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier should be at the top of your list for a visit. While guests are welcome to visit Morse Farm year-round, March is the ideal time to revel in the steamy sugarhouse and see the sugaring process in action.

Sara Garland, who plans all of the events at Morse Farm in addition to managing their marketing efforts, said that Morse Farm has been participating in Maple Open House Weekend for as long as she can remember.

This year, they will be offering sugar on snow Friday, March 22, through Sunday, March 24, from 11am to 4pm. “We’ll also have warm raised donuts ready to dip in your hot syrup and dill pickles to cut the sweetness—a Vermont tradition!” Garland said.

On Saturday, lunch will be offered and will include maple baked beans, both hot and sweet, as well as sap-boiled hot dogs. Don’t feel like cooking Sunday morning? Pop by Morse where a pancake breakfast will take place from 8 to 10:30am, hosted by the Girl Scouts. The cost is $8 for all you can eat pancakes with a side of bacon and coffee.

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

Fancy a libation? Barr Hill, the Hardwick-based company that broke ground in August on a tasting room in Montpelier, will be on-site offering maple cocktails and spirits tasting from 12 to 4pm. Of course, the Bee’s Knees will be a featured cocktail, given that their gin is gently sweetened with Vermont honey.

Garland added, “Weather permitting we’ll be boiling both days, providing tours, offering maple syrup samples and other local goodies to taste, and, as always, the world’s best maple creemees!”

For more information on Morse Farm go to www.morsefarm.com. For a list of all Maple Open House Weekend events statewide, check out vermontmaple.org and diginvt.com.

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

SPRING GARDENING getting the garden ready

EVERGREEN GARDENS OF VERMONT 15 Cabin Lane PO Box 60 Waterbury Center, VT (802) 244-8523 www.evergreengardensvt.com 20

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

Winter may hang on past its welcome, but it is time to start thinking about planning gardens and starting seeds. After a cold snowy winter, the smell of soil, your hands in the dirt, and that burst of colorful spring flowers are just what we need to nourish the spirit. It is time to take action and dive into spring.

SEED STARTING—GET BUSY! Hardiness zones for Vermont vary from Zone 5 in the south to Zone 3 in the northern sections, plus elevation can affect the local zone. To learn your zone, visit planthardiness.ars.usda .gov or ask the experts at Evergreen Gardens of Vermont. Typically, the last frost date in Vermont is around May 25.

If you haven’t already, begin now to plan your vegetable and flower gardens. Decide what you want to grow from seed and settle on the number of plants you want to plant. Many vegetables can be started indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Add a pop of color to your gardens with annual poppies, zinnias, and cosmos.

Look for quality, affordable seeds such as High Mowing, Renee’s, Botanical Interest, and Johnny’s. You don’t need to throw out old seeds. If you kept them in a cool, dry place, chances are they should be fine to use, although the germination rate may decrease slightly.

Having the right seed starting equipment, like trays and covers, starter pots made of peat or coir, and peat pellets, can be helpful. If you don’t have a bright sunny area, grow lights and heat mats can make all the difference.

Give your seeds the right start with a light soil that is recommended for seed starting. Soils such as Espoma Organic Seed Starting Mix and Moo Start Organic Germinating Mix work well.

PREPARE THE WAY The warm sun and spring rains will wash away the last of the snow and thaw the soil.

While your seeds are sprouting, get outside and prepare the gardens. Rake away dead matter from garden beds and add compost as well as topsoil if needed. Be careful not to disturb the shoots from spring bulbs that will be emerging. Snowdrops and crocus are the first to show themselves followed by sunny daffodils, colorful tulips, and deep purple grape hyacinths.

Who doesn’t like the happy faces of pansies in the springtime? They are cheerful and always bring a smile. Best of all they are tough little flowers, happy in cool temperatures, and can shake off a frost. Take a moment to smell the spring air. It is laden with the promise of the lush growing season to come. www.bestofcentralvt.com 21

OUT & ABOUT | BY CASSIE HORNER

Norwich University 200 Years of Educating Citizen-Soldiers

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, Norwich University marked its 200th anniversary with a day of special events at the Vermont State House. As part of the special day, there was a State of Vermont joint House and Senate resolution marking Norwich University’s 200th anniversary in the House Chamber. Credit Mark Collier/Norwich University.

N

orwich University in Northfield, Vermont, is rolling out a red carpet of events in Vermont and across the country in celebration of its 200th birthday.

Highlights include an extravaganza homecoming with an alumni parade and fireworks, and galas in major cities such as Boston, New York, and Washington, DC.

affairs. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the state of Vermont and the nation in educating citizen-soldiers and dynamic global leaders. Norwich students have been building and defending the republic for 200 years, and we are forging our future to serve the nation’s needs for the next 200 years.”

A PROUD MILESTONE

A book, Citizens and Soldiers: The First 200 Years of Norwich University by New York Times best-selling author Alex Kershaw, tells the story of the school that began as a military academy in Norwich, Vermont. It is the nation’s oldest

“We are one of only about 40 institutions of higher education in the country to reach this 200-year milestone,” says Daphne Larkin, director of media relations and community 22

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

CITIZENS AND SOLDIERS

private military college and the birthplace of ROTC. Two-thirds of the resident students join the Corps of Cadets. The university also serves civilian students, both residential and commuters, along with students enrolled in online graduate and continuing education programs.

The campus student population is over 2,400 and the online population is over 1,600.

The history of Norwich University began thanks to Captain Alden Partridge who founded the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy in 1819. That year saw the breaking of ground for the first of the school’s buildings in Norwich. The structure

Top: Norwich University cadets assembled outside the South Barracks in Norwich, Vermont, approximately 1850s. Middle: Picture postcard of the US Weather Bureau building at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, approximately the 1910s–1930s.

Bottom: Norwich University Color Guard on horseback during winter, approximately 1935.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 23

OUT & ABOUT

Top: On Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, Norwich University marked its 200th anniversary with a day of special events at the Vermont State House. Credit Diane Scolaro/Norwich University. Right: Norwich University President Richard W. Schneider places a “NU200” pin on the lapel of Vermont Governor Phil Scott during “Norwich Day at the Vermont State House,” marking the university’s bicentennial. Credit Mark Collier/Norwich University.

was completed in 1820 and the first students enrolled. That was also the year the school band was organized, giving Norwich University the distinction of having the oldest collegiate band in the United States.

Five years later, the academy pulled up stakes and moved to Middletown, Connecticut.

That relocation proved to be unsuccessful when the state refused to grant it a charter. By 1829, 24

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

the school was back in Norwich, and received a charter from the Legislature of the State of Vermont in 1834 recognizing it as Norwich University. As early as 1860, the General Alumni Association was formed, showing the strong foundation of the academy.

Sadly, tragedy struck in the form of fire in 1866. The Old South Barracks was destroyed. Rather than rebuild, the decision was made to relocate to a parcel of land in Northfield, Vermont. The Old Barracks (renamed Jackman Hall) was the first building on the new campus.

THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF VERMONT One interesting fact in Norwich University’s history is that in 1880, the Vermont Legislature changed the name to Lewis College, in honor of benefactor Charles Hildreth Lewis. That was short-lived and in 1884 the name reverted to Norwich University. The legislature weighed in again fourteen years later when it settled the title of “The Military College of Vermont” on the school.

One of the highlights of the 200th Birthday celebrations is the creation of The Bicentennial Stairs. Constructed between the southeast corner of the Upper Parade and Sullivan Museum and History Center, the stairs memorialize 78 individuals important to the development and legacy of Norwich University in its second century. In keeping with the school’s mission “to make moral, patriotic, effective, and useful citizens,” the stairs honor a wide variety of people ranging from US congressmen and military officers to benefactors, volunteers, and board chairs.

The Homecoming Weekend is set for September 18–22, and is expected to be the largest event in Norwich University’s history.

The festivities honor class years ending in four and nine. On Friday, there will be the Celebrate 200: All-Class Bicentennial Birthday Party, followed by knock-your-socks-off fireworks. On Saturday, a highlight of the day is the Alumni Parade and Old Guard medallion presentation to the Class of 1969. That is also the day of the Cadets Football vs. Coast Guard Academy.

For more information about the Bicentennial and its many activities, visit bicentennial.norwich.edu. www.bestofcentralvt.com 25

OUT & ABOUT

MUDDY ONION

Spring Classic Gravel Grinder

S

pring means it’s time to get the bikes in gear for warm weather cycling. A great way to usher in the season is by riding in the 2019 Muddy Onion Spring Classic Gravel Grinder on Saturday, April 20. Sponsored

by Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier, this annual event invites people to grab their friends for a fun outing exploring the dirt roads of Central Vermont.

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

The Muddy Onion is billed as “not easy but fun.” Cyclists come from all over New England and beyond to participate in one of a variety of rides. The Open, Singlespeed, and Fat Bike options cover 36.9 miles. The Hibernator lets riders emerge more slowly from winter rest with a 21.3-mile trip. There is also a category for 17 and under youth. A fully stocked aid station is set up in Adamant.

“The Muddy Onion is more than just a spring cycling event. It’s a winter awakening, a personal challenge to share with friends, a celebration of two-wheeled camaraderie and adventure. Onion River Outdoors strives to put on the highest quality events that maximize fun and inclusion, all based out of our bike, gear, camping, and ski shop in beautiful downtown Montpelier,” says Kip Roberts of

Opposite: The Muddy Onion after party is one of the best, with BBQ and beer on a blocked-off side street next to Onion Rver Outdoors. Top: The peloton parades out of Montpelier like one big rolling party. Bottom: No matter which route you pick, it’s guaranteed to travel scenic, rolling Vermont gravel.

Onion River Outdoors. “The Muddy Onion Spring Classic Gravel Grinder is one of our favorite events—now in its seventh year—and we’re proud to partner with local advocacy organizations, businesses, and specialty outdoor brands to once again bring this rolling party on wheels to Central Vermont. This ride isn’t a race and folks should feel comfortable choosing a distance and pace that works for them. With over 500 riders expected this year, you’re sure to find a partner or two or ten with whom to share the spring Vermont gravelly goodness.”

Gravel races and rides in Vermont are growing in popularity with riders eager to experience the challenges of varying conditions of back roads. The Muddy Onion offers the chance to explore the rural landscape in a day built around camaraderie and the great outdoors.

The rides end with a big parking lot party with BBQ and beer. To register and buy tickets, visit www.bikereg.com /muddy-onion-spring-classic-gravel-grinder. www.bestofcentralvt.com 27

BY COREY BURDICK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOYDEN VALLEY WINERY AND FRESH TRACKS FARM

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

SIP INTO

Spring WITH

Local

Wines

Don’t forget the bread and cheese!

Spring has finally made its appearance in Vermont! With a winter that began in November, even the muddy roads are a welcome scene. Before you know it, it will be time to sit on the back deck at home or at your favorite bistro sipping a glass of something delicious with an after-work nibble. To get you in the mood for those delicious days to come, try out some of these scrumptious local wines, meads, cheeses, and breads. Warmer days are right around the corner. www.bestofcentralvt.com 29

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

Opposite: The bounty of the table, good friends, and a glass of something special.

Left: Rosé La JuJu, named for daughters Juliette and Laurence, is perfect for enjoying all on its own.

SPARKLING Bubbles are perfect any time of year, but there’s something about the sound of babbling brooks during early springtime nature walks that has me reaching for a glass of fizz. Rather than dive right into a Prosecco or Champagne, a sparkling mead from Artesano in Groton, Vermont, makes for a suitable transition.

Artesano’s sparkling cranberry mead has a gorgeous hue and is made from Vermont wildflower honey and Vermont Cranberry Company’s locally grown berries. It has the perfect combination of tartness and sweetness while remaining off dry.

WHITE A number of Vermont vineyards create whites using the La Crescent grape. While delicious, I love the unique blend in Lincoln Peak Winery’s Black Sparrow. Lincoln Peak Winery is located just north of Middlebury in New Haven and is run by the Granstrom family. Black Sparrow features Louise Swenson grapes, Prairie Star, www.bestofcentralvt.com 31

What is a glass of wine without accompanying bread and cheese? Pair fresh bread with Digger’s Dance, an earthy red developed as a celebration of the art of farming.

and Adalmiina, all from their own vineyard. The wine itself is dry with notes of Granny Smith apple and field flowers. Lively on the tongue, it makes for a perfect accompaniment to spring dishes like pasta salads.

RED Reds are notoriously difficult to produce in cold climates, but several vineyards have homed in on what it takes to produce a balanced vintage.

Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard and Winery, located in Berlin and founded in 2002 (a tasting room opened in 2009) by Christina Castegren, produces the lovely Digger’s Dance, which was developed as a celebration 32

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

of the art of farming. The wine is a blend of Marquette, St. Croix, and Frontenac grapes grown at Fresh Tracks. Aged in French and American oak barrels for 15 months, Digger’s Dance emits an earthiness and dark berry flavors—great for those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to cozy, cool weather wines.

ROSÉ No libation, in my opinion, ushers in spring quite as well as a rosé.

Boyden Valley Winery in Cambridge, Vermont does it right with their Rosé La JuJu. The wine is named after David and Linda Boyden’s

daughters Juliette (JuJu) and Laurence. The rosé is composed of estate grown Frontenac and Cayuga White grapes and boasts beautiful acidity with hints of raspberry. A dry wine with subtle flavors, it’s perfect for enjoying all on its own.

BREAD What is a glass of wine or cider without some crusty bread and cheese? The possibilities are endless in Vermont, from Red Hen in Middlesex to O Bread at Shelburne Farms.

Personally, I love the breads prepared by Elmore Mountain Bread. Elmore Mountain Bread is owned and operated by husband and wife team Andrew Heyn and Blair Marvin.

Each loaf is handmade and attended to from start to finish, a 16-hour process. This dedication is apparent from the first bite of any of their offerings.

The breads run the gamut from baguettes to Anadama Bread made of organic stoneground wheat flour, organic stoneground cornmeal, maple syrup, sea salt, and yeast. Have a sweet tooth? Try the Maple Cinnamon Raisin or for a savory treat, the Rosemary Olive Oil or Seven Grain variety, which includes cracked wheat, rye, barley, steel cut oats, millet, and flaxseed.

Each of these toasts ever so nicely and would be ideal for an oozy grilled cheese!

CHEESES Lucky for cheese-lovers, the number of incredible Vermont cheese producers (and their accolades at national and international competitions) seems to expand annually. This also makes it challenging to recommend only a couple, but those mentioned here are tried and true and work with an array of wines.

Sage Farm Goat Dairy, founded in 2008, produces an abundance of delicious cheeses from the milk of their herd of Alpine goats.

The farm is small and family run and that’s how sisters Molly and Katie Pindell intend to keep it. According to their website, “each cheese, from ashy pyramids to smoked chèvre, is hand-ladled and carefully ripened in their own cave.” One that really stands out is the Belvidere, which, in addition to being a fantastic cheese, honors the Vermont tradition of collaboration by utilizing cream from Butterworks Farm in Westfield in combination with Sage Farm’s goat milk. Belvidere boasts a yeast-ripened

Geotrichum rind and is aged three to four weeks. Its toasty aroma pairs perfectly with crusty bread.

Vermont Shepherd, located in Putney, has been making cheese since 1993. Verano, their flagship cheese, is incredibly nuanced.

Verano is a seasonal cheese made from unpasteurized sheep’s milk. It is only available from August through April and exhibits a creamy flavor with subtle herbal notes of clover. Terroir, or taste of place, is evident in this cheese, with the flavor calling to mind the vision of sheep grazing the fields.

Cheers to a spring filled with warm days and ample time to relax among the green mountains, enjoying all of the delicacies they have to offer. ✿

www.bestofcentralvt.com 33

HOT SP OT | B Y J AY M U R R Y P H O T O S B Y C H I P N AT V I G

This page: Made with the “holy trinity of pork, red wine, and rosemary,� this sausage goes well with oven-roasted potatoes or vegetables.

Opposite: The recipe that started it all: red wine, garlic, salt, pepper.

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BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

Uncommonly Savory Sausage The “USS” Vermont Salumi is Your Vessel to “The Cure for the Common Meat”

“The Cure for the Common Meat” is the slogan for Vermont Salumi, and it achieves two purposes. First, it effectively promotes the company and arouses curiosity about it. And, it also shows how Vermont Salumi dispels common notions about the nature of making tasty sausage.

It’s hip to eat sausage once again, so if you are hungry to rediscover the versatility and satisfaction that sausage provides, go to Vermont Salumi and discover its savory sausage, salami, and prosciutto cotto.

VERMONT SALUMI: BACK TO THE FUTURE When you climb aboard Vermont Salumi, you will be taken back to the Old World style of making sausage. The admiral of that vessel is Peter Colman, and he learned the art of sausage making from time spent in Italy.

Peter was raised in Vermont, but he was born in Italy and revisited it several times during summers of his youth and young adulthood. He developed a love of food from his mother, and one day it grew to a desire www.bestofcentralvt.com 35

Above: Salumi’s version of Italian sausage, no sugar added. “We call this the ‘suit and tie’ of sausages,” says Peter. Below: “As much as I love the simplicity of the strict point of view of traditional sausage making, I also think it gets a little boring and I want to mess around and come up with something new. Growing up in Vermont, I can’t help but include maple syrup as an ingredient.”

Opposite: Salami three ways. Fresh, authentic ingredients, handmade with care.

to learn how to make prosciutto. From there, discussions between Peter’s Uncle Franco and a family friend led to a meeting with the friend’s son Pepe—a butcher in Italy. Peter became fascinated with the whole process of sausage making, took lots of notes, and began setting up his own business.

One of the lessons of making sausage is rooted in simplicity—no trendy infusions of cheese, fruit, or other culinary exotica are needed. Peter says “Even the guys that taught me how to make sausage would literally say, you just put red wine, black pepper, and garlic in it, and that’s it. Don’t add or put anything else.”

Peter knows all about the trend to experiment with adding unconventional ingredients to sausage, but he has resisted joining that 36

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

movement. “Even with my spices, I keep a minimalist approach. I’m not going crazy; I like it so you can taste the pork in our products.”

A glance at the website of Vermont Salumi reflects the emphasis on traditional spices, timeless herbs like fennel and rosemary, and brown sugar and maple syrup

used to create the boneless hams. Simple is good—very, very good.

#SAUSAGE: TRENDING UP A January 9, 2019, online story from Business Wire forecasts that global sausage consumption will enjoy a four percent growth from 2019 to

2023. In our fast-paced world, there is less time available for cooking an extensive and complicated meal. Sausages are easy and quick to cook. An article from The National Provisioner from November 2018 states the increasing popularity of sausage and processed meats comes from fast-food restaurants’ menu expansion to all-day breakfast items, and to consumer demand for more versatility of protein in their meals.

Peter says another reason for the upward trend is the consumers’ pursuit to enjoy authentic food again, instead of fad diets that once frowned on sausage. “Food in general has become hip over the last few years, so we’re seeing a little blip on people’s excitement and enthusiasm to eat, to eat more adventurously, and rich and heavy food is trending.”

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL BREWERIES, CIDERIES, DISTILLERIES, AND WINERIES

VERMONT SALUMI’S CHALLENGES AND FUTURE Peter says he can compete with corporate processed meat companies thanks to Salumi’s simple attention to quality. “We still grind and use fresh garlic, we use real wine, and I think a lot of these big corporate guys don’t do that.” Peter continues, “I try to come up with some flavors that are a little out of the comfort zone of America, or different than what other people are doing.”

Eyeing the future, Peter has toyed with creating sausages that catch the fancy of those who enjoy a fine pilsner or stout with a meal.

“When we started, we used to make an English banger and I can see running some specials here and there.”

Peter is also testing three new versions of traditional salami using meats beyond the usual pork and beef, such as goat. “I think people are going to be more open to things like that, and it will be interesting to see what their response will be to it.” Peter concludes that he is open to collaborations with entities like breweries and distilleries, to see if they can extend the marketing reach of his products. www.bestofcentralvt.com 37

Salumi’s Chorizo was inspired by Peter’s travels in Mexico and eating Chorizo in the coastal city of Puerto Escondido.

Country singer and sausage entrepreneur Jimmy Dean once said, “Sausage is a great deal like life. You get out of it about what you put into it.” Peter puts a lot of passion, care, and quality into making sausage. As a result, the customers who take a maiden voyage aboard the “USS” Vermont Salumi come back for more cruises to the charcuterie d’Italia. Buon appetito! ✿

Vermont Salumi 142 Cate Farm Road Plainfield, VT (802) 454-1010 www.vermontsalumi.com info@vermontsalumi.com

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AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

A Peaceful Sanctuary T

he bathroom continues to be a focus of the home as it provides a healthy sanctuary and peaceful space to prepare for the new day or unwind at day’s end.

Choices for high-quality, well-designed faucets and fixtures continue to grow, and now a well-established European bath line has entered the US market. Crosswater London has landed on our shores with a select portfolio of faucets and fixtures that eloquently capture styles from traditional to country to modern.

Crosswater London owner and driving force David Hance started the company from his car trunk in 1998 with a small loan from his mother. Having developed his vision into a major bath force in Europe, the company is now building strength on our shores.

Keeping with the growing trend of the industrial modern style ethos, Crosswater has introduced the “Union” series of faucets.

Italian artistry and innovation are the trademark of this line, which offers various metal finishes and a bold red lever thrown into the mix for a splash of fun color. The single-lever

wall-mount basin faucet is especially eyecatching with its simple hose bib design.

As the shower continues to be a major part of the spa-like bath experience, Crosswater has introduced innovative new shower technology entitled “Dial” that precisely controls the temperature and flow of water. A simple push of the handle adjusts water flow and the temperature can be changed easily with a twist of the dial. The result is superb precision showering all from one well-designed and gorgeously crafted control set.

Close to Home is proud to be one of the select Crosswater showrooms in the US and they proudly display their faucets, fixtures, and accessories. Please stop on by to view this impressive collection.

CLOSE TO HOME 10 Farrell Street South Burlington, VT (802) 861-3200 www.closetohomevt.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 39

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT PHOTOS BY SUSAN TEARE

Cushman Design Group CELEBRATES VERMONT SUMMERS

S

ummer in Vermont is verdant and lush, warm and fragrant, with long, sunlight-filled days and luxurious nights. We love to design rooms that completely connect us from our cozy winter sanctuaries to the sweetness of summer. These rooms and spaces give us the opportunity to glide effortlessly from fully indoors to totally outdoors. While they offer us shelter from the summer rainstorm, the hot midday 40

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

sun, and the mosquitoes of dusk, they enhance our senses with the soft acoustics and delightful aromas of the green earth, of hayfields, of fresh water, or of the deep forest. They provide places for family gathering or private meditation. In the middle of our long winters, these spaces offer us the reminder that there will be a time when we will once again revel in and embrace our precious Vermont summer.

Opposite: This screen porch, which connects directly to the home’s living room via wide sliding doors, features polycarbonate roof panels for additional year-round light. The lightweight, composite member timber framing creates strength and visual interest. On Sunday afternoons, you might find the owners napping on the two-person chaise.

Above left: Situated on a northern Vermont lake, this master bedroom opens up to a classic sleeping porch with enough room for a lounge chair, perfect for catnapping on a lazy summer afternoon.

Above right: The relationship between the living room and screen porch of this Lake Champlain cottage is very transparent. The family gathers nightly for summer dinners under the conical roof of the screened porch. Roll-down clear vinyl shades provide protection from the wind.

Left: Overlooking both Mt. Mansfield and Camel’s Hump, this generous, timberframed screen porch connects directly to the home’s kitchen. The porch features an eight-person dining table, a wonderful conversation seating area, and a gas stove to cozy up to when the air is still a bit chilly.

Cushman Design Group P.O. Box 655 100 Mountain Road Stowe, VT cushmandesign.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 41

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

Brenna B Interiors Telling the unique story of every home

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T

ucked away in the heart of Stowe Village is Brenna B Interiors. This full-service design studio offers all aspects of interior design throughout the New England area, reimagining everything from condos and commercial buildings to ski chalets and lakeside retreats. Brenna Brochhausen and her team take great pride in restoring historical farmhouses to their original splendor and bringing new life to beloved family homes. Since collaboration is the key to a successful process, the strong relationships they’ve forged with exceptional contractors and trade professionals are paramount.

Brenna has always had a passion for color and design and their ability to transform living spaces into unique retreats. Every home has a story, and the team inspires clients to tell that story as, together, they create the home of their dreams. To Brenna, it’s vital to create spaces where people can live their best lives and enjoy serenity and comfort in their homes.

AMAZING METAMORPHOSES Every project presents its own problems, but whenever possible, the team aims to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In order to provide her clients with as much insight as possible, Brenna maintains an open dialogue with everyone involved in a project, as communication is an integral aspect of any project.

The importance of great collaboration between client, architect, builder, and designer cannot be overstated. Rather than stamp each project with her own style or ever-changing trends, Brenna’s expertise lies in her ability to bring to life each client’s specific style while weaving in the fresh, clean look of a Brenna B Interiors design. This blend of collaboration, vision, and imagination culminates in an amazing metamorphosis, leaving clients awestruck and captivated by their new surroundings.

Timeless design is crafted with simplicity, function, and a sense of surprise and delight. These essential ingredients ensure that when a client walks through the doors at the end of the day, it truly feels like home.

Brenna B Interiors 109 Main Street Stowe, VT (802) 760-6499 www.brennabinteriors.com

www.bestofcentralvt.com 43

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

di Stefano Landscaping

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I

t’s the era of the screen, when our eyes are drawn to the ever present and ever changing lights and colors on electronic devices of all sizes. What in nature can compete with these distractions? There are few things in the landscape that can draw one’s attention better than fire. Fire draws us in and fascinates us. It’s a center around which we gather, a place for camaraderie and companionship.

At di Stefano Landscaping we create for our clients a safe and beautiful way of enjoying this long loved element. After careful consideration of existing site conditions and our clients’ desires to enjoy their outdoor spaces, we will design and install a custom crafted fire feature.

A recent client discovered they use their fire feature even more than they thought they would when they originally had it installed.

When asked how often they actually use their fire pit, their response was, “Almost every evening in the summertime. Our high school kids would invite their friends over to congregate around the fire pit and enjoy each other’s company.”

So if you are looking for a wood burning or gas fire feature in your landscape, give the professionals at di Stefano Landscaping a call.

di Stefano Landscaping PO Box 56 Jericho VT 05465 (802) 279-5900 info@distefanolandscaping.com

www.bestofcentralvt.com 45

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

Yestermorrow Tiny House Design/Build Certificate

T

he tiny house movement, with its focus on tiny, mobile house structures, fascinates people. These creative, customized dwellings reflect the nesting instincts of the individuals building or commissioning them. It is a natural for Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield to offer a four-week Tiny House Design/Build Certificate since their mission consists of “inspiring people to create a better, more sustainable world by providing hands-on education.”

“The course is for a mix of skill levels ranging from beginners who have never built anything to carpenters who want to know more about the tiny house movement,” says Genevieve Law, project and curriculum manager at Yestermorrow. “Instructors range from tiny house ‘elite’ who live in one to architects, carpenters, and electricians.”

The four-week course begins with learning about the tiny house movement and with the opportunity for each student to design and draft a house. There is instruction on the safe use of tools, and the opportunity to use this knowledge in the hands-on building of a house on wheels for a client.

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“The goal is to empower students to do a project on their own,” says Law. “We provide a wide range of options. The course is very heavy on the hands-on opportunity for them to learn by doing.” Students learn about framing, roofing, installation of windows and doors, electrical and other systems, and some exterior and interior finishing. By the end of the four weeks, the house is not completely finished but will be transportable. The client will finish it at his or her location.

Students have the option of additional learning by attending weekend classes in tiny house design, composting toilets, and design of the gypsy wagon with its distinctive curved roof.

Yestermorrow, founded in 1980, offers a wide range of classes. It is committed to community partnerships to design and build structures such as the Waterbury Dog Park shade shelter, the centerpiece structure of Fayston Elementary playground, and the mobile writer’s cabin at Shelburne Farms.

For more information about the Tiny House Design/Build Certificate course, including the syllabus, and the catalog of other classes, visit Yestermorrow.org. Also watch the website for details about the 2019 Tiny House Festival to be held in Waitsfield.

Yestermorrow Design/ Build School 7865 Main Street Waitsfield, VT (888) 496-5541 info@yestermorrow.org www.bestofcentralvt.com 47

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

Connecting the Inside with the Outside

M

ore and more customers are expanding their outdoor living spaces with large interconnected patios. When a simple deck or porch isn’t enough, it can be extended with patio spaces that include rooms created with landscape features such as fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, or even pool and spas.

Connecting existing decks, porches, entrances, or out buildings with patios creates the opportunity to have one cohesive connected space, allowing better flow throughout the property. These spaces become focal points when entertaining as they allow guests to have their choice of rooms or features to visit, all while being part of one large group. Some designs allow the guest to enter the space straight from the driveway with access to the house via the patio.

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When connecting existing decks, entrances, or outbuildings, drainage should be a consideration. All patio areas need to drain away from buildings, and this can become more difficult if these areas are at different elevations. The use of decorative drains or creative grading can alleviate any water issues. Having these spaces at different elevations also provides an architectural interest.

Material choices for patios are vast these days. Many of the manufactured pavers that were once viewed as cheap or of poor quality are rivaling natural stone in their design capabilities as well as their longevity. Most manufacturers will even offer warranties on color and durability. That being said, natural stone is still the most popular option in this area, with granite and bluestone being the most widely used.

Other important design considerations include sizing the patio and rooms to accommodate furniture while allowing space to freely walk around, and designing landscape lighting for safety and to highlight features. If possible, include plantings to soften the edges of the space, especially if the patio is very large.

Having an interconnected patio is a great way to increase the size of your living space, providing

the opportunity for outdoor fun and entertaining during the warm months of the year.

Landshapes 88 Rogers Lane Richmond, VT (802) 434-3500 info@landshapes.net landshapes.net

www.bestofcentralvt.com 49

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

SLATE SHARES

Stylish products to update your home Classic yet modern brass-necked bud vases come in three darling sizes for any bloom.

A row of these stunning metal Tavern pendant lights hang elegantly over any counter space.

Also available in white with brass chain.

Hand embroidered artisan baskets made with sturdy handles and natural earth tone color schemes.

Sustainably built and thoughtfully crafted Cisco Brothers’ Malibu sofa can be upholstered or slipcovered. Its 100% solid wood frame is guaranteed for life.

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Mud Australia’s handcrafted dishware is both functional and timeless.

These minimalist designs seamlessly fit into any kitchen, making them a modern take on traditional chinaware.

Cozy weighted throws that are low maintenance, machine washable, and perfect for cold Vermont winters.

A solid walnut frame paired with ecologically sourced fabrics creates a timeless silhouette that delivers on both comfort and style.

SLATE 89 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 540-6850 www.slatehome.co

Sophisticated Belgian linen pillows that are meant for everyday living.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 51

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT PHOTO BY DERRICK BARRETT

METAMORPHOSIS

of a Mountainside Home

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he transformation of the interior and exterior of this home nestled on the side of a mountain focused on capturing the warm, southern exposure and dramatic views of the Stowe valley and Worcester Mountain Range backdrop.

From the intimate family room, walls of glass open on to a breathtaking view.

Bluestone flooring flows out to a new terrace anchored into the steep hillside and surrounded by forest, sky, and mountains.

The recently renovated indoor-outdoor space offers year-round observation of an 52

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ever-changing scene featuring the sun, the clouds, the birds and stars—all the majesty Vermont’s natural beauty has to offer.

Elements of water and fire on the terrace symbolize the life and inspiration of this rich mountain environment. A squareshaped refreshing pool reflects the sky and mountains, and a stainless-clad gas fireplace creates a place of warmth. The exquisite combination of stainless steel and sleek forms of the fiber cement urns, bowls, and tabletop connect back to complement the simple beauty of the interior.

Birds find sanctuary here too, as the house and terrace are surrounded by drifts of deciduous holly and viburnums laden with berries throughout fall and winter. Native alpine plants anchor the hillside that embraces the home’s entrance.

KNAUF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 525 Hercules Drive Suite 2B Colchester, VT 802-522-0676 www.cynthiaknauf.com

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

The

Carriage Shed

H

ave you been to The Carriage Shed lately? If not, you need to come and check out our four-acre display lot located in White River Junction. The lot is bursting at the hinges with a large assortment of Amish built storage sheds, chicken coops, garages, and a five-stall horse barn. While you are visiting, bring a list of ideas. This way we can sit down together to come up with the perfect structure to fit your needs.

The biggest trend we are noticing at The Carriage Shed is that customers keep wanting taller walls. There are a variety of reasons someone would like taller walls, whether it be for equipment storage, vehicle lifts, to keep your campers and boats out of the weather, or even a basketball court. The structures are typically made to look like a barn. This is due to the fact that board and batten barns fit with any style architecture and siding.

The Carriage Shed has also seen an uptick in Certified Modular Home construction.

This is an excellent way to get the home of your dreams at a more economical price. Our certified homes have to meet the same codes as a site-built home. Each certified home comes with a set of stamped plans. During

construction, the home is inspected to make sure it meets all of the codes required by your state and town. There are a variety of styles and floorplans to choose from.

The Carriage Shed is a family-owned and -operated business. Owner Robert Therrien has been in the construction business his entire life, which makes the entire building process an easy and enjoyable task for the customer. Stop by our lot and take a good look at the quality

of our structures. We always tell people to compare before you buy. We will only sell top quality products at an affordable price.

THE CARRIAGE SHED 1195 VA Cutoff Road White River Junction, VT 800-441-6057 www.carriageshed.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 53

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

Spring Cleaning tip: Take the dishes out and wipe down the interior as well.

Refresh your bedding. Check the label of pillows and comforters and wash if possible. If not, hang outside on a breezy, sunshiny day to freshen them up.

DO THE BRIGHTEN UP

You know that first fresh day in spring, when the day is warm and the sky is clear, and you just want to throw open all the windows and let that wonderful spring air fill your home? It’s right around the corner, and when it comes you want your home ship-shape and ready. Put a little time and elbow grease into spring cleaning early in the season so you can enjoy the benefits throughout the warmest months of the year.

LET THE SUN SHINE Dusty, grimy windows block a lot of sunshine, so get those windows sparkly. But do it on a cloudy day—for two reasons.

A cloudy day means you can get the glass clean before the sun dries out your window cleaner, and the diffuse light makes it easier to see streaks and smudges. There’s a reason professional window washers use a 54

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

squeegee—they do a great job. You might not be able to get a hold of the oversized ones they use (or need one, unless you live in a skyscraper), but the cleaning aisles of many stores carry a selection of sizes suitable for use in the home.

The horizontal surface of fan blades is a natural place for dust to collect unnoticed.

Before you turn that fan on for the first hot day of the year, swipe away the dust with an extendable duster or microfiber cloth. One internet life hack recommends using an old pillow case as a duster, in order to prevent the dust from falling as you go.

Doorknobs are the Grand Central Station of the germs in any home, traveling from knob to hand to everywhere else. Cleaning wipes make quick work of a full house circuit of door handles, and hit those light switches while you’re at it.

Kitchen cabinets build up a layer of grime through a year’s worth of cooking. Going at the panels, edges, and sides of your cabinets with warm soapy water, and then rinsing with a clean, wet cloth, can cut through that grimy layer to brighten up your cabinets. Pro

Lighting fixtures and lightbulbs are a sneaky place for an accumulation of dust that often goes unnoticed, dimming the light they cast.

Bring them back to full power with a swipe of a microfiber cloth or old, clean sock used as a dusting mitt.

Under the refrigerator is the no man’s land of housecleaning. Neglected and ignored most of the year, spring is a great time to haul that fridge away from the wall.

You’ll probably find that pen you were looking for, maybe some stray Legos or cutlery, possibly a spider or two. While you’re vacuuming, don’t forget the condenser coils on the back of the fridge. It will be cleaner and run more efficiently to boot.

GO GREEN If you’re looking for ways to make your cleaning routine more ecologically sound, consider green mopping to reduce the amount of water you use to mop your floors. Green Cleaning Coach Leslie Reichert suggests that instead of filling a bucket, try filling a spray bottle with diluted cleaning solution. Spray, and then swab with a microfiber mop.

GO SLOW TO BE FAST Maybe you’re in a rush to get the tedious job of vacuuming done quickly, but slowing down and moving methodically and slowly across the floor will do a more complete job.

Many modern, high-efficiency, green models of washing machines use a low volume of water which tend to build up a residue of laundry detergent more than traditional models, so don’t forget to regularly clean the washer per its recommendations.

Celebrate the end of winter and the onset of warm weather with a spick-and-span home!

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

O

ne of the most significant but often overlooked sources of cost savings runs right through our everyday lives.

It’s a resource we rely on for bathing, washing, and running appliances: water.

Nearly 90 percent of US homes have hard water, according to the United States Geological Survey. When not properly treated with a water softening system, hard water is not only a nuisance—it’s a drain on the wallet.

Hard water naturally contains dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. A deposit of these minerals, called scale, on the insides of water-using appliances can damage equipment and lead to premature replacement.

Using softened water increases the lifespan of appliances such as washing machines.

And longer-lived appliances aren’t the only benefit of water softening systems.

DETERGENT SAVINGS Soft water requires less soap and cleaning aids to wash laundry, dishes, hair, and body. Save on detergent purchases while getting even cleaner results.

soft water Good for Your Budget

LOWER ENERGY BILLS

HEALTHIER PLUMBING

Cooler water is required for clothes washing when the water is softened, so consumers can now wash their clothes in 60-degree versus 100-degree water temperatures, decreasing the energy required to heat water for successful stain removal.

Scale buildup caused by hard water not only attacks appliances, but clogs pipes, slows drains, and constricts the rate of water flow from showerheads. Soft water keeps pipes and drains open and prevents the need for costly plumbing repairs.

WATER HEATER EFFICIENCY Gas storage tank household water heaters that run on hard water have as much as a 48 percent loss of efficiency, whereas those operating on soft water can maintain their original efficiency rating over a 15-year lifetime.

Culligan Water Technologies 154 Brentwood Drive, Suite 1 Colchester, VT (802) 865-0000 culligan4u.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 55

AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

BY NANCY HUMPHREY CASE

Todd and Elizabeth Warren are helping people to organize the way they live.

P

Inspired Closets

icture this: You’re already late for work and you can’t find the shoes that match your outfit. You rummage through the back of your bedroom closet, but it’s dark in there and shoes are jumbled together with ski boots and tote bags. Exasperated, you finally give up, put on something else and race downstairs only to trip over one of the dog toys strewn across your path to the door.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Todd and Elizabeth Warren, owners of Inspired Closets in Williston, have helped hundreds of people bring order to their households since they added closets to the product line of Otter Creek Awnings in 2005. Formerly called Vermont Custom Closets, their business fills 5,000 square feet and serves customers all over Vermont, upstate New York, and New Hampshire’s Upper Valley.

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ORGANIZATION OPTIONS While Todd runs the side of the business that sells and installs closet and organizational systems, Elizabeth offers a complementary service—helping people with home organization as a professional organizer and stager. Called Organize My Home, the service includes everything from an hour of consulting to come up with a plan a client can execute herself, to actually sorting, editing, and rearranging a client’s abundant possessions in new storage spaces throughout her home.

“I think of it like hardware and software,” Todd says. “The closet business is like the ‘hardware’ side of the business. Organize My Home is the ‘software’ side—it’s all about systems and process.”

The Warrens see the evolution of their business, which “really took off” when they sep-

arated it from Otter Creek Awnings and started Vermont Custom Closets in 2013, as part of a hot national trend.

“We all aspire to be more organized, but there’s a big demand now because we’re part of the Home & Garden Television generation. When people see organized spaces and beautiful homes on TV, they have the expectation that things should be organized, tidy, in their places. These cultural influences are driving the industry.”

Todd cites the popularity of professional organizer Marie Kondo as evidence of this trend.

“We all have too many things and not enough storage space,” he says. “And the evolution of closet design has resulted in products that are so much better. Wire shelving is going away, and closets can now be as beautiful and functional as the rest of the home. A client can choose from 19 different wood grain finishes, and the accessories

Opposite: Great closets come from great design.

This design maximizes storage space with the use of specific shoe shelving, pull-out drawers, baskets, and hanging space of all heights.

Top and above left: The Williston showroom features 14 different vignettes and offers organizational ideas for every room in the house.

Above right: Murphy beds are the perfect way to maximize usable space and still have a comfortable area for guests.

Left: The staff at Inspired Closets can organize any area of your home.

All Inspired Closets materials and workmanship are guaranteed for a lifetime.

are endless—from jewelry trays and valet rods to pull-out hampers and pull-down ironing boards.”

ROOM BY ROOM It’s not just about bedroom closets, either.

After clients have those done, they go on to the pantry, mudroom, laundry room, and even the garage. “You do one project, find out how easy and fun it is, then you say, OK, next on our list is the garage, for example,” Elizabeth says.

“About half our clients are repeat customers.” www.bestofcentralvt.com 57

The Warrens’ 5,000-square-foot showroom, just completed in December, features 14 different vignettes illustrating how different spaces in the home can be organized. “It’s one of the nicest Inspired Closets showrooms anywhere in the country,” Todd says. While sharing the name with 43 other businesses that carry the same manufacturer’s products, the Warrens stress that their business is locally owned and operated and has strong ties to the Burlington community. Their business model is also one of comprehensive service throughout a project, from coming out for a home consultation and taking measurements, through the design process, to installation and clean up. “There are not a lot of companies who are in charge of the process from start to finish,” Elizabeth says.

MAKING CLIENTS HAPPY Clients vouch for their excellent work. Suzanne Johnson of Shelburne says Todd gave her “the best possible customer service” and that she “couldn’t be happier” with her new closet.

Brenda Green of Essex has hired the Warrens multiple times as she has renovated her 20-year-old home in stages. “Elizabeth is outstanding for coming out and designing something to fit your needs,” Brenda says. “Our new mudroom is amazing. Everyone who comes in comments on it. And their employees are the best, very respectful, very neat, thorough, and making sure their work is 110 percent.”

The Warrens are very conscious of costs in working within clients’ budgets. “From some of our marketing you might think we only do big, extravagant spaces,” Todd remarks. “It’s actually quite the opposite. Vermont homes tend to have smaller closet spaces, so the majority of projects we do are in small closets. I think the smaller the closet, the more important it is that the storage space is maximized.”

Both Todd and Elizabeth are excited to turn things around for their clients. They love to see the “Aha” moments when clients see a cluttered, overwhelming space replaced by one that is beautiful and orderly. “It sounds silly to say, but we absolutely have clients that tell us we have changed the way they live,” Todd says. “Starting your day in an organized, stress-free way has a way of making your whole day a little easier.” ✿

Inspired Closets 17 Echo Place Williston, VT (802) 658-0000 www.inspiredclosetsvt.com

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AT HOME IN CENTRAL VERMONT

WHAT’S NEW

in Windows and Doors

People want spaces that are filled with light — Christine Marvin, Director, Corporate Strategy + Design, The Marvin Companies

LONGEVITY IN DESIGN In 2019, expect to see a fresh focus on quality and timelessness. Recently, there have been trends toward sustainable elements and heirloom pieces, and as styles continue to become more eclectic, this focus on longevity will continue. Homeowners might find themselves willing to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time, and quality and craftmanship will continue to be important as buyers weigh the acquisition of pieces that will stay in the family for years. As Domino Magazine puts it, “The idea of investing in key, standout pieces that will last the test of time, be it decoratively or simply for quality, is an approach we can definitely get behind.”

CLEAN LINES, BIG GLASS Last year saw a trend toward narrower frames, bigger glass, contrasting colors, and simple hardware that transform traditional-looking windows into architectural statements. Expecting this trend to continue, Marvin Windows & Doors made the commitment to modern design with the recently introduced Marvin Modern product line. “Today’s lifestyles are about removing encumbrances and opting for simplicity. People want spaces that are filled with light, take the eye beyond the boundaries of home and into the outdoors,” says Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design.

CONNECTING TO THE OUTDOORS The concept of Biophilia, introduced in 1984

by Edward O. Wilson, is the innate desire to connect with and look at natural forms and elements. In 2019, we spend most of our time indoors, and areas designed to connect us with light and views, to enable us to rest and recharge, will become more commonplace as a way to improve our physical, social, and emotional well-being in our homes. In 2018, Marvin noted the “increasing importance of the art and science of light in the way a space feels,” and this focus is expected to continue and grow.

BOLD BLACK Last year saw a trend in mixed finishes and dark interior window frames gain

momentum. Bold black accents were impossibly vogue in 2018. Matte black showed up on kitchen appliances, accent walls, cars, and bathroom fixtures, making it the right time for Marvin to extend black interior finish options. Going forward, look out for monochromatic black palettes to make a showing on walls, tiles, and floors.

Marvin Design Gallery

By Windows & Doors By Brownell Williston, VT West Lebanon, NH Plattsburgh, NY www.wdbrownell.com (800) 773-4803 www.bestofcentralvt.com 59

BY MARY GOW

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF VERMONT

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont WORKSITE WELLNESS SOLUTIONS FOR VERMONT EMPLOYERS

W

ellness is personal. And building a worksite wellness program that meets the needs of all employees and different organizations can be tough, but Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont’s (BCBSVT) Accountable Blue program gets it right and makes it stick. The seeds of the Accountable Blue program were planted nearly a decade ago with now-CEO Don George’s commitment to making BCBSVT a health and wellness company, not just an insurance company. From a handful of original employer groups in 2012, Accountable Blue groups in 2019 reach nearly 45 percent of Vermont’s employerbased population—and the numbers keep growing.

Kim Langlais, a health and wellness consultant at BCBSVT, helps employer groups develop their health and wellness programs.

Kim notes, “Wellness is much more than just healthy eating and moving. We always look at the six dimensions of wellness— emotional, social, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual.”

The primary goal of Accountable Blue is to support employers in creating a culture of wellness in their worksites.

Its custom-tailored programs promote a culture of wellness and 60

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The Vermont Department of Health and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports just awarded Cathedral Square a 2019 Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness Gold Level Award. Here employees of Central Vermont Medical Center gather for the Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 61

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Opposite left: Vermont Law School employees take advantage of on-site exercise facilities.

Opposite right: Dawne Smith (left) and Connie Warren of BCBSVT follow the crowd in Berlin for National Walk @ Lunch Day.

give individuals tools and encouragement for healthy behaviors. Not only does Accountable Blue help make healthy choices the easy and fun choices, it also leads to measurable results with fewer health claims and greater pride in organizations.

CATHEDRAL SQUARE

Accountable Blue partner and leader in worksite health and wellness At Burlington-based nonprofit organization Cathedral Square, the journey toward wellness starts with a hike up Camel’s Hump.

This may sound unrealistic to some, but for Cathedral Square’s 161 employees, a hike up Camel’s Hump is the model for a yearlong health and wellness board game that encourages mindful health and wellness activities. The board game consists of “steps” toward the summit of Vermont’s most iconic mountain. You can earn “steps” by participating in activities such as an annual medical exam, tai chi classes, nutrition seminars at local grocery stores, art classes, and even sleep-improvement techniques.

Cathedral Square is one of over 95 employers around Vermont whose employees participate in Accountable Blue. “We are trying to create healthy organizations with healthy individuals,” says Kim. Over the years, Kim has helped launch many Accountable Blue worksite programs at employer groups across the state.

She works alongside the employers to make wellness a cultural norm instead of a cultural exception. “It’s a partnership. As the consultant, I guide them along, but it becomes each employer group’s unique program,” says Kim. The “Climb-Up-Camel’s-Hump” board game brings a variety of healthy opportunities together, giving people choices to take on new initiatives as well as reinforce healthy behaviors. “The game has been a huge success. This year we added points for participating in more healthy habits,” says Amy Rogers, training coordinator for the Support and Services at Home (SASH) program and chair of the Cathedral Square wellness committee.

windows and doors

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Above: Employees of Cathedral Square attend a nutrition seminar at the local Shaw's.

Right: Cathedral Square's employee-taught on-site wellness class and wellness committee in action.

The Camel’s Hump game lets individuals track their wellness achievements and brings people together. Participating in monthly in-person events is among one of the ways to earn stickers for progressing up the mountain. Activities are diverse—from a group walk along the Burlington waterfront to seminars on sleep and personal finances to stress-relieving art therapy. Last year they inaugurated a book club. The program appeals to many people by providing prizes such as mugs and gift certificates for different types of achievements. “This year, we have even more people involved,” Amy says, noting that, “It’s not really about the rewards, it’s about doing things to take care of yourself.”

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A quick look at how Accountable Blue is helping improve the lives of Vermonters The program’s numbers tell the story of their success, notes James Mauro, Director of Business Intelligence.

Here are several characteristics of the highest performing Accountable Blue employer groups: ✓ A 6 percent lower cost trend per year compared to other Accountable Blue employer groups. ✓ 5 percent more of the members have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). The program’s focus on higher levels of exercise, better diet, adequate sleep, and stress management all contribute to these gains. ✓ Members are more productive at work, missing fewer days for illness. ✓ More Vermonters in the program see their primary physician for an annual checkup compared to the nonAccountable Blue population. This translates to about 2,100 more people getting checkups in 2018. ✓ Almost 90 percent of members of Accountable Blue groups report that they are proud to work for their employer.

HERITAGE FAMILY CREDIT UNION

A long-time Accountable Blue partner and local worksite wellness advocate Heritage Family Credit Union was among the earliest groups to develop an Accountable Blue program. Now seven years in, Heritage has seen considerable and measurable gains, including fewer claims that have led to lower premiums, notes Peg Lucci, vice president of organizational development and training. Of 180 employees at Heritage’s 11 locations, about 80 percent participate in at least one activity each year, and some, Peg notes, “go to everything.”

“Using data from our health care claims and health interest survey, we then determine our focus at the beginning of each year,” explains Peg about Heritage’s process in developing their wellness program. At Heritage and all other Accountable Blue groups, the in-house www.bestofcentralvt.com 65

BCBSVT’s employees take a moment outside to participate in a group stretching session.

wellness committee strategizes and organizes their planning with dedicated support from BCBSVT. In turn, BCBSVT provides services such as in-person consulting and rich, detailoriented data compiled from health assessment surveys and health care claims, to name only a few. Through Accountable Blue, clients have access to consumer engagement support including designing and preparing wellness materials and help in locating experts to lead workshops or speak about various topics.

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Heritage’s Accountable Blue health and wellness program, like other groups, has developed a mission and vision statement.

Laying out each year’s plan, Peg notes, “We know it will include nutrition, physical fitness, stress reduction, ergonomics.” Their program is rich in variety, too. “We do yoga every week.

We have events, such as an indoor golf event during the winter, which draws about 50 people. For our first ever movie-night potluck, we featured the film Forks Over Knives, with a

To learn more about BCBSVT’s Accountable Blue program, visit www.bcbsvt.com/health-and-wellness /worksite-health-wellness. You can also email them directly at bwell@ bcbsvt.com. BCBSVT can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook .com/bcbsvt, Instagram at www .instagram .com/bcbsvt and Twitter at twitter.com/BCBSVT.

Cornell University whole-foods expert guest speaker and a menu of whole food plant-based dishes. There is also a bowling league and a 5K walk or run to get people moving, and most importantly, socializing.” With an eye to stress reduction, Heritage’s efforts include jigsaw puzzles in the break room and very popular monthly visits to the Pyramid Holistic Health Center’s salt cave.

One highly successful offering organized by BCBSVT with support from the pharmacy team is Medication Therapy Management (MTM). This program allows people to bring their medications and supplements to a BCBSVT consultant who then works with them and their providers to optimize treatments, take medications properly, and eliminate redundant medications.

Peg notes that, “At Heritage, we are driven to ensure that employees are supported regardless of what location they work at here in Vermont.

It is also of utter importance to our leadership team that people are able to participate regardless of what department they’re in or level of employment. Our CEO Matt Levandowski sees the importance of wellness in the workplace and is both a participant and advocate.”

Health and wellness is a journey for all Vermonters, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is here to help employer groups build health and wellness into their workplace cultures. ✿

inspired closets

ONLINE EXTRA Learn more about wellness and better living suggestions from BCBS of Vermont. Go to www.bestofcentralvt.com.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Waterbury Main Street

RECONSTRUCTION Beginning in mid-April of 2019, Main Street in Waterbury will undergo a “full depth reconstruction.” Nearly thirty years of planning have led to a project scope that will bring much needed renewal to downtown Waterbury.

With federal funding of 95 percent, VTrans designed and oversees the project, and J.A.

existing

McDonald is the contractor.

IMPROVEMENTS The 100-year-old water and sewer infrastructure and storm drains will be replaced, and aerial utilities in the core downtown area will be buried underground. New, ADA-compliant sidewalks, period lampposts, landscaping and replanting of trees, informational kiosks, wayfinding signs, hanging flower baskets, and banners will enhance the entire downtown.

Almost 30 percent of trees will be taken down, many of them not in good health. By the end of the project, more trees will be planted than will be removed. Replacement trees, new trees, and landscaping will take place in 2021.

During the winter season each year, Main Street will be paved over.

START OF WORK Weather permitting, work will begin on April 15, 2019, and will start at Park Street and work south towards Demeritt Place. In late summer or early fall, construction will take place from Elm Street to Park Row, with the possibility that some of Stowe Street will see some work at that time.

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Proposed

PROJECT AREA The geographical length of the project extends from the railroad bridge near the Route 100– Main Street roundabout approximately one mile south to Demeritt Place. Some side streets within the project area will receive utility work, storm drainage, and sidewalks.

The Main Street work zone will be broken into four segments with two to three phases each.

Construction will move from one segment to another over the course of two and a half years.

FLOW OF TRAFFIC Construction will be sequenced to maintain traffic flow and minimize disruption. Two-way traffic will be maintained as much as possible.

In 2019, there will be two three-week periods during the spring and summer where Main Street will have one-way alternating traffic between 9am and 3pm to allow water and sewer line replacements to take place.

WORK HOURS Construction work is planned for mainly daytime operations, from approximately 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. Some nighttime work may occur, such as utility work that cannot be done during the daytime hours. Saturday construction may occasionally take place outside of the core of the downtown area.

IMPORTANT DATES MARCH 12 • Main Street Business Information Meeting, Steele Community Room, 7pm MARCH 21 • Public Information Meeting Steele Community Room, 6pm MARCH 25–APRIL 15 • Drainage work at three locations off of Main Street • Start of tree cutting APRIL 15 (WEATHER PERMITTING) • Ground breaking ceremony for Main Street Reconstruction

STAY INFORMED For the most up-to-date information, visit waterburyworks.com.

To receive automatic email updates, sign up on waterburyworks.com.

Construction updates will be posted on Front Porch Forum, announced on WDEV, and printed weekly in the Waterbury Record. www.bestofcentralvt.com 69

COMMUNIT Y SP OTLIGHT | B Y P H Y L N E W B E C K PHOTOS BY RICHARDSON PHOTOGR APHY

This page: Attendees can start at any of the venues and pick up a guidebook. Some people visit just a few favorites and others try to make it to every venue.

Opposite top: Your Words Were Found So I Ate Them by A.S. McGuffin.

Opposite right: August Morning by Merry K. Schmidt Opposite bottom: Untold Stories by Michael Schumacher.

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Art Walk in Montpelier F

our times a year, the streets of Vermont’s capital city exude beauty as Montpelier Alive sponsors their quarterly Art Walk. The event has been taking place since 2006 and showcases the work of a multitude of artists from Central Vermont and beyond at locations across the city. It takes place from 4 to 8pm on the first Fridays of February, May, September, and December.

ART IN THE COMMUNITY Yvonne Baab, the owner of Global Gifts on Langdon Street, has been the Art Walk coordinator for the last six years, working with the help of the seven-person Art Walk Committee. The event usually features at least 25 venues and has had as many as 33. These include the Vermont College of Fine Arts, galleries, retail stores, professional offices, and municipal establishments like the Supreme Court Gallery. Beyond the downtown area, the North Branch Nature Center and the Hunger Mountain Co-op Café take part in the event. Roughly 500 guidebooks are

prepared before each Art Walk to provide information on where to see the exhibits, and the information is also available online.

Artwork runs the gamut from various types of paintings to photography, fiber art, and sculpture. Most of those displaying their work are part-time artists with jobs in other fields.

Some venues also include musical acts, and all provide light refreshments.

Art Walk was started by a group of artists who wanted to raise the profile of the arts in Central Vermont. Today, it has grown into a well-established community event.

This year, Montpelier Alive’s Executive Director Dan Groberg is pleased to report that Magic Hat Brewery has signed on as a sponsor of the event. “In addition to www.bestofcentralvt.com 71

Top: 4th Avenue by Ann Young.

Bottom: Left by Glen Hutcheson.

Opposite top: Art Walk balloons Opposite bottom: Charlotte Reflected by Rosalind Daniels.

providing financial support,” he says, “they will also be doing pop-up events with music, art, and beer.” In February, the pop-up took place in the space formerly occupied by Asiana House and included the opportunity for visitors to watch artists at work. At the conclusion of the evening, those works were auctioned off.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL There are a number of artists who show their work repeatedly but there is always room for new arrivals. Local venues reach out to find artists whose work will fill their space, but in other cases, it is the artists who make first contact. Part of Yvonne’s job is to facilitate that process. “I really like promoting art,” she says. “I also think this is good for downtown Montpelier. We are helping to support local businesses and artists.” Yvonne says Montpelier Alive is happy to be able to provide an event that is good for residents and tourists alike. “It’s a great draw to get people downtown,” she notes.

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WONDERFUL TALENT Lucy Ferrada, the owner of Cheshire Cat Clothing, has been participating in Art Walk since its inception. At the time, Cheshire Cat already featured local craftspeople including Hal Mayforth, a nationally recognized cartoonist. An artist herself, Lucy designs her own clothing line and often meets other

artists at craft shows or through Vermont Handcrafters. “It’s nice for local artists to have places other than craft shows to display their work,” she says. “It’s really quite easy to find wonderful talent.” Lucy displays the work of at least one new artist at every Art Walk, turning the evening into a gallery opening with wine and cheese and a chance for visitors

to talk to the artist. “It brings in a group of people who might not otherwise have come into the shop,” she observes. “It exposes the business to a different demographic.”

In addition to the four regular Art Walks, Montpelier will host an arts festival called ArtsFest to coincide with the New England Foundation for the Arts Creative Communities Exchange on June 5 and 6.

According to Dan, the conference will bring in as many as 300 people from across New England. Scheduled ArtsFest activities will include art demonstrations, workshops, street musicians, and walking tours with an additional Art Walk scheduled for June 6.

Glen Coburn Hutcheson has a unique view of Art Walk since he is one of the founders of a gallery on Barre Street called The Front, a member of the Art Walk www.bestofcentralvt.com 73

Above: Kaleidoscope I by Maryellen Sullivan.

Right: Shamanic Acrylic by Linda River Valente.

Bottom: Two Crows by Jonathan Rose.

Committee, an artist himself, and a member of the Montpelier City Council. “If there wasn’t an Art Walk, the Front wouldn’t be nearly as successful as we are,” he says of the cooperative venture. All members of the gallery show at least one piece of artwork during the quarterly events. For Glen, Art Walk is an important window into the character of Montpelier. “Art really helps me understand the identity of who and what Montpelier is,” he says. “Art Walk gives us a wonderful starting point for conversation, self-reflection, and understanding the character of the community.” ✿

ART WALK DATES February 1 May 3 September 6 December 6

ARTSFEST June 5–6

ADDITIONAL ART WALK June 6

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SPRING 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

SPRUCE PEAK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Le Cirque Esprit

Jason Bishop Magic and Illusion

ArtSmart: Master composers

MARCH 28 at 9:30am Le Cirque Esprit MARCH 28 at 7pm Le Cirque Esprit: Spirit of the Machine APRIL 5 at 7pm The Allman Betts Band APRIL 10 at 12pm ArtSmart: The Met Opera story of Die Walküre with Erik Kroncke APRIL 10 at 1pm The Met Opera Live in HD: Die Walküre APRIL 13 at 7pm Under the Street Lamp

An electrifying evening of classic hits from the American Radio Songbook.

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center 122 Hourglass Drive Stowe, VT www.sprucepeakarts.org

MAY 7 at 12pm ArtSmart: The Met Opera— Understanding the Story of Aïda with Erik Kroncke MAY 7 at 1pm The Met Opera Live in HD: Aïda MAY 9 at 6:30pm TEDx Stowe

MAY 16 at 1pm ArtSmart: Investigation and insight into works by master composers MAY 18 at 7pm Annual Family Concert: The Five “B’s” JUNE 13 at 1pm The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: Carmen Suite/Petrushka

MAY 13 at 9:30am The Man Who Planted Trees www.bestofcentralvt.com 75

SPRING 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

MONTPELIER ALIVE MAY 2 Green Up Day

Green Up Day is a special day in Vermont when thousands of volunteers come out in their communities for a massive spring cleanup of litter.

MAY 3–5 Montpelier Mayfest

Montpelier is alive with more than 18 events, including the Capital City Farmers’ Market, the Onion River Bike Swap, Three Penny Taproom’s anniversary party called Montbeelier, and more.

The All Species Day parade, a favorite for locals of all ages, is not to be missed on Sunday.

NORTH BRANCH NATURE CENTER APRIL 15–17

April Break Camp (for children K–3rd grade) Time to get out and play! Join us for 1 to 3 days of spring nature adventures and activities.

JUNE 5–6 ArtsFest

ArtsFest is a two-day event designed to exhibit the vast and diverse artistic talent in Central Vermont, and a chance for seasoned and emerging artists to showcase their talents.

39 Main Street Montpelier, VT www.montpelieralive.org

APRIL 24 at 5:30pm

Art Gallery and Poetry Reception: Endangered Medicinal Plants by Jesse LoVasco

APRIL 27 at 6:30pm Birding Basics Class

MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 7pm Friday Morning Spring Bird Walks Free for members. $10 nonmembers

MAY 19 at 10am

Spring Wild Edible Workshop Fee: $30 members, $35 non-members.

713 Elm Street Montpelier, VT info@northbranchnaturecenter.org

MARCH 30 24th Annual BrewFest Part II Sample the finest in craft beers and regional favorites, plus ciders! Enjoy samples from 2 Roads Brewing, Ballast Point, Clown Shoes, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Spiked Seltzer, Stone Brewing, Stony Creek, and Ten Barrel.

If your tastes run closer to home, don’t miss samples from Vermont’s own 14th Star, Boyden Valley Winery and Cidery, Harpoon, Long Trail, Magic Hat, Otter Creek, Shed, and more.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH 4323 VT Route 108 S Cambridge, VT www.smuggs.com 76

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The Secret Sisters

BARRE OPERA HOUSE MARCH 23 at 7:30pm The Secret Sisters—Celebration Series APRIL 6 at 7:30pm Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn—Celebration Series APRIL 14 at 2pm The Adventures of Sharp Ears, A Sly Fox by No Strings Marionettes APRIL 19 at 7:30pm The Quebe Sisters MAY 4 at 7:30pm Age Out Loud, presented by Central Vermont Council on Aging 6 N Main Street Barre, VT www.barreoperahouse.org

STUDIO PLACE ARTS MARCH 19–MAY 4 BASH (Big Arty SPA Happening) & Deep Blue In the gallery on the main floor is a show called Deep Blue, which includes installations, sculptures, and other artwork inspired by oceanic life.

On the second floor, arts, crafts, antiques, and other items in a Silent Auction to benefit SPA programs (bidding begins March 19 and concludes on April 12 at the annual BASH).

The third-floor gallery will feature works on paper that combine figure drawing, abstract marks, words, symbols, and fantastical creatures by artist Teresa Celemin.

APRIL 12, 7–9pm

Join our members for the BASH. This annual event helps raise funds for SPA education and exhibition programs. There will be two live musical performances, including a blues band on the first floor, and a jazz performance on the third floor.

201 North Main Street Barre, VT www.studioplacearts.com

HELEN DAY ART CENTER APRIL 6 at 5pm The Gala—30th Annual Benefit

Celebrate your relationship with art and space as you enjoy a night of dinner, dancing, and imagination at the Lodge at Spruce Peak. Cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, followed by dinner & dancing. Black Tie Optional.

MAY 1–JUNE 1 Student Art Show

Featuring works from Stowe Elementary, Stowe Middle School, Stowe High School, Mountain River School, and guest school Rumney Elementary in Middlesex.

JUNE 22–AUGUST 24 Composing Form Suzy Spence: On the Hunt Dusty Boynton: Reliefs Temporary address during construction 151 Main Street, Unit 4 Stowe, VT www.helenday.com Tuesday–Saturday 10–5pm www.bestofcentralvt.com 77

SPRING 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

MAD RIVER VALLEY COOKING CLASSES AT THE STORE WITH CHEF ARIANNA March 30 at 6pm

Cooking Class: French Bistro

April 6 at 6pm

Cooking Class: Global Cuisine—Flavors of Spain

APRIL 11 at 6pm

Cooking Class: Spring Sauces

APRIL 13 at 6pm

Cooking Class: Chef’s Table—April Showers, Lighter Fare

Chef Arianna

APRIL 18 at 6pm

Cooking Class: Global Cuisine—Tastes of Vietnam

APRIL 25 at 6pm

Cooking Class: Seafood Pop-Up

APRIL 27 at 6pm

Cooking Class: The Mediterranean Diet For more information, class descriptions, and menus, visit www.vermontstore.com/the-kitchen

OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS APRIL 26–28 The 53rd Vermont Maple Festival

MAY 18 at 12pm Craft Brew Races

APRIL 10 at 7:30pm David Bromberg Quintet at The Double E!

JUNE 8 at 2pm Brew-Grass Festival

www.vermontmaplefestival.com

The Double E: T Rex Theater Essex Junction, VT

APRIL 13 at 5pm Otter Creek Classic 11

Middlebury Mountaineer/ Green Mountain Adventures 56 Main Street, Middlebury, VT

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Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa Stowe, VT

Taste craft beers from more than twenty Vermont breweries, enjoy local eats, and listen to jammin’ bluegrass bands. 21+ event.

Lincoln Peak Courtyard, Lincoln Peak Sugarbush Resort Warren, VT www.sugarbush.com/event /brew-grass-festival

best of

Central Vermont ADVERTISERS INDEX alla vita...................................................................................................................................................21 Arbortrek................................................................................................................................................ 6 Artisan’s Gallery.................................................................................................................................23 Artisan’s Hand....................................................................................................................................33 Bare Medical Spa................................................................................................................................... 1 Ben and Jerry’s....................................................................................................................................45 Brenna B Interiors...............................................................................................................................38 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont.................................................................................................15 Bunya Bunya Boutique.......................................................................................................................17 Burlington Furniture.............................................................................................. Inside Back Cover Burlington Marble and Granite.........................................................................................................11 Burlington Mattress...........................................................................................................................73 Central Vermont Medical Center...................................................................................................77 Close to Home.......................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Cody Chevrolet...................................................................................................................................79 Coldwell Banker/Classic Homes....................................................................Outside Back Cover Commodities Natural Market..........................................................................................................17 Cornerstone Restaurant..................................................................................................................... 5 CW Print + Design.............................................................................................................................63 Culligan Water Systems..................................................................................................................... 7 Cushman Design Group...................................................................................................................65 di Stefano Landscaping....................................................................................................................... 3 Evergreen Gardens of Vermont.......................................................................................................12 Ferro Estate and Custom Jewelers..................................................................................................17 Fringe Salon and Lash Bar................................................................................................................43 J Morgan’s Steakhouse/Capitol Plaza...........................................................................................12 Inspired Closets..................................................................................................................................67 Knauf Landscape Architecture.......................................................................................................66 Ladder One Restaurant.....................................................................................................................33

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Landshapes...........................................................................................................................................13 Mayo Health Center..........................................................................................................................69 Mid State Dodge.................................................................................................................................. 4 Montpelier Alive................................................................................................................................... 2 Montpelier Orthodontics.................................................................................................................43 Moruzzi’s Restaurant and Speakeasy.............................................................................................21 Morse Farm..........................................................................................................................................73 Onion River Outdoors.......................................................................................................................47 Outdoor Gear Exchange...................................................................................................................27 Red House Builders............................................................................................................................67 Richard Wobby Jewelers..................................................................................................................27 ROAM...................................................................................................................................................78 Sarducci’s Restaurant and Bar........................................................................................................... 9 Shelburne Museum............................................................................................................................65 Slate.......................................................................................................................................................58 Spruce Peak Arts................................................................................................................................37 The Automaster...................................................................................................................................19 The Bench Restaurant........................................................................................................................17 The Body Lounge.................................................................................................................................17 The Carriage Shed.......................................................................................................................25, 47 The Country Store on Main..............................................................................................................17 The Store..............................................................................................................................................58 Tres Amigos Restaurant.....................................................................................................................17 Total Fitness Equipment...................................................................................................................25 Vermont Artisan’s Coffee and Tea.................................................................................................49 Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard Pierce Candlelight......................................................69 Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard Pierce Wolf...................................................................45 Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture.................................................................................62 Wake Robin..........................................................................................................................................30 Windows & Doors by Brownell.......................................................................................................63

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L AST GL ANCE

Spring is here WELCOME all the new

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BEGINNINGS

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