BURLINGTON
BEST OF
SPRING 2012
L I F E A N D C U LT U R E I N T H E C H A M P L A I N VA L L E Y
VOLUME 5 NO. 2 $4.95
THomeowners’ R E N D W AGuide TCH Build, Remodel & Decorate
Discover the New STELLA MAE
A Toast to VERMONT SPIRITS
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Contents
FE AT U R E S
24 Vermont Quilt Festival
Celebrating a homespun art reinvented. by Nancy Humphrey Case
33 SPECIAL REPORT:
Trend Watch 2012
Build, renovate, and decorate with advice from local experts on the best choices for your home.
68 Vermont Spirits
Maple makes them unique. by Pamela J. Podger
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Editor’s Note
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Contributors
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Online Exclusives
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Gatherings
16 Art Scene The Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery. by jennifer Rose Smith
20 Cooking Healthy Favorite sauces from the Windjammer Restaurant. by chef JJ Vezina
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74 What’s in Store
d e p art m ents
Stella Shoes is now Stella Mae. by sarah tuff
80 People to Know Vermont Nanny Connection. by Sarah zobel
84 Hot Spot Henry’s Diner. by jennifer Rose Smith
91 Dining & Entertainment Guide 93 Happenings A calendar of events.
96 Burlington Buzz Mark Bonfigli, founder and CEO of Dealer.com.
74 30 Spring Fling Support local businesses when you shop, play, and dine.
Cover photo by Jack Rowell
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BEST OF
BURLINGTON Coffee Table Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 1460, Quechee, VT 05059 (802) 295-5295 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Publishers
Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch editor
Deborah Thompson ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Kristy Erickson Copy EDITOR
Elaine Ambrose Art direction/Design
CW Design Solutions, Inc. advertising design
Hutchens Design, LLC web design
Ryan Frisch advertising
Robin Gales John Gales (802) 295-5295 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, P.O. Box 1460 Quechee, VT 05059. Or e-mail editor@bestof burlingtonvt.com. Advertising inquires may be made by e-mailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetable publishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC Š, 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.
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Welcome, Spring!
e d i t o r ’ s n o te
What is it about this season that makes me want to clean out every closet and drawer in my house? I know for sure that the sun streaming in through the windows has me on a mission to find my bottle of Windex! Perhaps the gradually lengthening days coupled with warming temperatures inspire me to scrub off winter’s dirt and grime so that everything sparkles. On the first warm day, I treated my car to a nice sudsy bath as well as a thorough vacuuming to remove the sand and salt from the mats. Soon every trace of winter will be gone, inside the house and out! We’ve packed this issue full of great ideas for the season, starting with our special Trend Watch section (page 33). Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an old one, or simply looking for a new sofa, you’ll find valuable advice from local experts on design trends, new materials, saving energy, and decorating. Once you’re ready to begin your project, keep your dollars local and support area businesses. For your spring fashions, visit Stella Mae on Church Street (page 74). Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover, a graduation, a wedding, Mother’s Day, or a birthday, you’ll find the latest styles and shoes in a beautiful setting. But wait a minute—who needs a special occasion to go shopping? Stop in anytime! We’re taking you to the amazing Vermont Quilt Festival (page 24), and we’re dropping in to visit Joan Furchgott at the Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery in Shelburne (page 16), Hope Moulton at Vermont Nanny Connection (page 80), Steve Johnson of Vermont Spirits (page 68), and Naomi and Bill Maglaris at Henry’s Diner (page 84). Come along with us! The rest of the staff and I wish you a wonderful spring. Enjoy!
Deborah Thompson Editor editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com
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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N
Contributors Paul Boisvert
Pamela J. Podger
Paul was born and raised in Shelburne, Vermont. His love of photography began when his father gave him a Hero Imperial 120 camera when he was eight years old. He began a full-time freelance photography business upon leaving school, and he now takes acclaimed photographs for the New York Times, Vermont Life, Ski Magazine, and many commercial clients as well.
Pam has been a staff reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Wall Street Journal, and other daily newspapers for more than 25 years. Her freelance writing has appeared in the New York Times, Montana Magazine, and other publications. As a reporter, she’s sung with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and, while covering California prisons, met Charles Manson and declined his offer of a Snickers bar. She reported from Colombia as a Fulbright Scholar in 1989.
Nancy Humphrey Case Nancy is a contributor for The Christian Science Monitor and has been published in a wide variety of publications, including Northern Woodlands, Chicago Tribune, Mothering, and Cricket. She enjoys writing about Vermont’s landscape and culture, planning the next project at her home in Hyde Park, and riding her horses in the woods.
Mary Gow Mary holds the middle place in a family with three generations of women writers. Best known for her award-winning history of science books for middle school students, she is also a regular contributor to regional magazines. She lives in Warren, Vermont.
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Jennifer Rose Smith Jennifer is a freelance writer, baker, and assistant sugarmaker. She writes about food, travel, and culture, and her work has appeared in Best of Burlington, Vermont Magazine, and Local Banquet. She lives in Burlington.
Sarah Zobel Sarah writes about health and wellness and parenting for regional and national publications. She lives with her husband and two sons in Essex Junction, Vermont.
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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N O N L I N E
Online Exclusives Only at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Small Dog Electronics Need a laptop or an iPhone? Bring your four-legged friend along to play with other dogs while you shop.
My Web Grocer
O’Brien Brothers Agency
Save time and simplify shopping—order your groceries online.
This family-owned company has been helping Vermonters find homes since 1958.
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Gatherings
p h o t o s b y D A V I D E A TO N
ENJOYING EVENTS AROUND TOWN
The 2012 Burlington Penguin Plunge to support Special Olympics Vermont was held on February 4. The Burlington Plunge typically draws more than 1,100 participants who raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Vermont. This year’s event marked the 17th anniversary of the Plunge, which is the organization’s largest fundraiser. For more information, call (802) 863-5222 or go to www.vtso.org.
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Send photos of your event to editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com.
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ART SCENE S P O N S O R E D B Y V er m ont ener g y by j enn i f er rose s m i t h
THE Furchgot T SOURDIFFE GALLERY
a life brimful with art
S
The bright, airy Victorian that houses Shelburne’s Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery has retained the welcoming, lived-in feeling of a home, albeit one that is filled to the brim with art. Stained glass windows filter morning light into its many rooms. Paintings hang from every vertical surface, transforming bays and nooks into cozy showcases. Even the stairwell is a narrow gallery of beautifully wrought small works. Joan Furchgott, who bought and transformed the gallery in 1991 with husband Brad Sourdiffe, was raised in another home filled with art. “We had a lot of art by family and friends, including my dad,” she recalls. “It was always in our house, art books everywhere! I think I’m lucky that I grew up with that.”
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Opposite: Gifts of Spring by Kate Hartley, watercolor, 29”x21”. Top: Natura, Contra Natura by Adelaide Murphy Tyrol, acrylic on panel, 36”x22”. Center: Two Barns, Early Morning by Virginia McNeice, oil on canvas, 30”x24”. Bottom: Beth Pearson’s When Summer Rolls Around, mixed media on panel, 24”x19”. Left: Both Brad and Joan have 35 years of experience in custom framing, and they say no job is too big or too small.
Creating Distinction with Solid Technique That early exposure may have helped shape her unpretentious approach to enjoying art, one that she shares with visitors to the gallery. When helping customers select pieces for their homes, she asks, “Do you like it? Does it give you pleasure, or make you think?” Furchgott encourages people to develop their own tastes. After all, she says, “You’re the one who’s going to be living with it on the wall, and it should be something that you respond to—the colors and the movement . . . whatever it is.” While the work in the FS Gallery is highly varied, it’s united by a common thread— Furchgott’s personal tastes. Her choice to display only the artists whose work she loves Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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Left: FS Gallery features an eclectic collection of handmade, fair trade, and affordable items for gifts or home decor. They include handblown glass, pottery, jewelry, scarves, handbags, and photo frames. Below left: Lara Maloy helps a customer. Bottom: Light streams in through stained glass windows onto old pine floors in the Queen Anne Victorian, making a comfortable space to contemplate work by over 40 contemporary artists working in a multitude of media.
Seeking Something Unique Though she is drawn to work that reflects Vermont’s natural beauty, Furchgott seeks out artists with an individual approach. “We have this incredible landscape, but I like to see people create something distinctive with it, so it has something to say about where they’re coming from.” Walking slowly through the gallery’s rooms, Furchgott hesitates when asked to single out an artist whose work demonstrates her selection process. Instead, she pauses at each wall, lingering by every cluster of artwork. Gesturing toward a group of fabric collages by Dianne Shullenberger, Furchgott points out the quality of the workmanship, noting that the artist creates the kind of unique landscapes she looks for. Indeed the pieces, though abstract, vividly evoke Vermont’s wild beauty. Flame-colored trees are full of life, and the frayed, bunched cloth mimics the layered fluttering of autumn’s brilliant maples. Close up, a hand-stitched web of silvery thread drifts over a varied patchwork of pale hues.
MORE THAN FRAMING A large part of the gallery’s business is custom framing, and they specialize in handcrafted work including French, gilded, and fabric-covered mats, and hand-finished and gilded frames, often milled from native woods especially for them. Joan and Brad take pride in the quality of their work, starting with the design and attention to all details, leading to a unique handcrafted piece guaranteed to last a lifetime. Conservation services include paintings and works on paper, but Brad is recognized throughout New England and beyond for his work on frames and objects, many of which hang in museums and other public institutions such as the Vermont State House.
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has allowed her to remain passionate about her work. She prefers to explore “where [art] comes from and where it’s going, rather than focusing on what’s real contemporary. I like contemporary art, but I’m not fixated on what the newest thing is.” She looks for artists with a highly developed personal style and those whose work is grounded in solid technique. Furchgott notes that “you can tell, even if someone’s doing really abstract work, if they have a basis in drawing and realism. You see that in Picasso . . . no matter what goes on in the art world, they need to develop those skills to be able to put something over convincingly.”
At a distance, the fabrics meld into a pitchperfect image of fallen snow. Exploring the gallery with Joan Furchgott, it is clear that a love of art has shaped her life. With Sourdiffe, she’s filled her home with it and raised two children who are artists in their own rights. Like her husband, she’s trained in art, art history, and in the precise crafts of art restoration and framing. With that depth of perspective, what does she see for Vermont’s evolving art scene? Characteristically, she’s enthusiastic. Smiling, she says, “There’s a whole other generation, and I think they’re doing very interesting things—there are going to be some big shifts!”
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery 86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985–3848 www.fsgallery.com Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30am–5:30pm Saturday 10am–5pm
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Quick & Easy
sauces
PA I R T H E M WITH ALMOST ANYTHING
b y J J V E Z I N A , e x e c u t ive c h e f A T TH E W I N D J A M M E R R E S T A U R A N T P H O T O S BY B R E N T H A R R E W Y N
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As the days get longer and spring approaches, people start to get antsy for change. I get asked a lot for simple ideas to jazz up a main course. Adding a glaze, sauce, or homemade aioli can be that little extra touch that takes your meal from average to something special in a matter of minutes. Here are some of my favorite sauces and enhancements that complement just about any meal.
Coo k in g h ea l t h y
Citrus Cracked Pepper Sauce
Tarragon Aioli
1 cup mayonnaise Juice of 1 lemon ½ cup orange juice concentrate 1 Tbsp cracked black pepper ½ tsp salt
2 medium garlic cloves 2 eggs 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp fresh tarragon, minced 2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup vegetable oil 2 Tbsp cold water 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Makes approximately 1½ cups
Combine all ingredients in a metal mixing bowl. Keep refrigerated. Tip: One trick I use for juicing lemons and limes is to microwave them for 20 seconds, remove, roll them on a flat surface using your palm, and then cut in half and juice. Our bacon-wrapped sea scallops are served with a side of the Citrus Cracked Pepper Sauce. This sauce works well with most seafood and shrimp, but it’s also great on pasta salad and potato salad and as a dressing on mixed greens.
Makes approximately 1½ cups
In a food processor add garlic, eggs, salt, tarragon, and lemon juice. Mix for 20 seconds, then slowly add oil. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Transfer to a bowl. Whisk in remaining ingredients. An aioli by definition is a homemade mayonnaise with garlic. We use Tarragon Aioli on our house-ground pork loin and pancetta burger. Feel free to experiment with the aioli by substituting other fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, or spices such as allspice, curry, or chipotle for the tarragon. Explore other options by adding roasted red peppers, capers, shallots, or olives. The variations are limitless.
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Ginger Honey Glaze Makes approximately 1 cup
1 cup honey 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1 tsp garlic, minced 2 tsp fish sauce* 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar Pinch of salt and pepper Mix all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. * Fish sauce can be found in any Asian market or specialty grocery store. We finish our sweet potato and Dijon salmon with this glaze. I would recommend it with most market fish including trout and halibut. It’s great on pork and chicken and is excellent in a stir-fry.
Cape Mustard Sauce Makes approximately 11⁄4 cups ½ tsp black sesame seeds ½ tsp white sesame seeds 1 cup mayonnaise ¾ tsp dry English mustard 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp A1 sauce
2 Tbsp heavy cream 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp chopped garlic 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Toast sesame seeds in a 350° oven until they are golden brown. Check every 2 minutes to make sure they don’t burn, as oven temperatures can vary. Let cool. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Keep chilled. We serve this on our New England Lump Crab Cakes. This also works well as a dressing for market greens. I would also recommend it to spice up a panini or specialty sandwich. NOTE: All of these sauces will keep for several weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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by nancy humphrey case photos by jeffrey lomicka
Vermont
Quilt Festival
c e l e b r at i n g a homespun art reinvented
When the Vermont Quilt Festival first opened its doors in 1977 in Northfield, Vermont, the modest show was part of a local, one-day community celebration, and the majority of the quilts on display were pieced or appliquĂŠd and quilted by hand according to traditional patterns and methods.
Opposite: The Vermont Quilt Festival features intricate art quilts such as this pieced design by Judy Dales depicting calla lilies. Top: The show always includes an exhibit of dozens of exquisitely crafted antique quilts. Above: Pamela Druhen’s Taking in the View invites viewers into the wonder of the natural world.
Today the festival has burst its physical and artistic seams, drawing more than 10,000 people from all over the US and beyond to a three-day event at the Champlain Valley Exposition site in Essex Junction. Attendees pour in to learn from and be inspired by artisans whose ultra-creative designs and imaginative techniques have essentially redefined quilt making. 4
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Left: Ann Standish used “thread painting” for small details in Cambridge from Above. Bottom left: The Faraway Farm Elm Tree is by Eliza Greenhoe-Bergh, an award-winning quilter who finds inspiration in the landscape surrounding her home in Dummerston. Bottom right: Beach Houses shows Mickey Lawler’s distinctive use of her hand-painted fabrics.
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Above: A vendor demonstrates one of the many new tools available to today’s quilters. The show draws more than 80 vendors from all over the US.
Works of Art “It is absolutely mind-blowing,” says Fran Oken of Rutland, who attended last year’s festival. Although Fran still loves the antique quilts, she finds the variety of today’s collections “astounding.” Fabrics are handpainted, wrinkled to suggest flower petals, layered in collages, detailed with colored pencils, encrusted with beads, or textured with thread. Today’s quilts are works of art—more likely to be hung on a wall than laid on a bed. “People who haven’t been to a quilt show in a while think they’re for ‘little old ladies.’ That’s not the case at all,” says Mary Ryan, who heads up marketing for the Vermont Quilt Festival. This year’s festival will be held Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1 and includes classes, vendor booths, and appraisal services as well as row upon row of spectacular quilts. Richard Cleveland, a trustee and founder of the festival, has seen major changes in the kinds of quilts exhibited since the festival’s inception. “[Today] there are more original patterns—art quilts,” he says. Cleveland also points out there are more men exhibiting today and that quilted garments—patchwork vests and skirts, for example—have brought high fashion to quilt making. 4 Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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Mickey Lawler painted a scene on fabric, cut it up, and sewed it back together in sections to create Pim’s Quilt. The 2012 festival will feature a special exhibit of Lawler’s quilts.
New Techniques Mary Ryan has an interesting take on these changes. “Women today are so busy, but they still want that creative outlet,” she says. “They have to do quilting in a way that’s in keeping with their busy lives.” This generally means less work is done by hand and more by machine. Track quilting machines move over the quilt held in a frame, as opposed to a person feeding the quilt through a stationary sewing machine. One of the new techniques Mary has seen at the festival with increasing frequency over the past five years is “thread painting,” whereby a quilter uses a complex pattern of long, usually contrasting-colored stitches to give added texture to a quilt. “It’s a whole new art,” she says of the technique that simulates printed fabric. Although done with machine, it requires a great deal of skill, Mary adds. A byproduct of these changes is a thriving equipment industry, seen in the dozens of vendors at the Vermont Quilt Festival. “It’s exploded,” says one vendor. “There are a gazillion pencils, threads, paints, machinery.” Templates and other plastic forms make drawing vines, petals, and other curves an efficient science. Pieces can be cut from several layers of fabric at once, reducing labor and increasing the proportion of time spent on the art rather than on the mechanics of quilt making. 28
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Classes and Special Exhibits Since the early 1980s, the festival has offered classes on all aspects of quilt making as part of its program. Last year, more than 900 people participated. In one class, seven quilters learned how to negotiate the tricky inset seams of the Carolina quilt pattern. “All of them completed a block—without any sweat or blood,” says a teacher from Vermont Quilt Designs of Pittsford, Vermont. “It was great to see.” Classes offered this year range from pictorial appliqué and landscapes to precision machine piecing and special techniques like thread painting. In addition to a stunning array of Contest Quilts, each annual festival includes an exhibit of antique quilts and two other special exhibits. The 2012 festival will feature quilts from the 1800s and early 1900s that show how traditional patterns were personalized—repeated in an infinite variety of ways. Another special exhibit will feature the contemporary quilts and painted fabrics of Mickey Lawler of West Hartford, Connecticut. Collaborative quilting projects by Anne Gallo of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Susan Raban of Brookfield, New Hampshire, will make up the third special exhibit. A final must-see of this year’s show is the raffle quilt titled Ianthe Kaleidoscope Stars, designed and pieced by Vermont quilter Sadie Meakin and hand-quilted by an Amish quilter. Some of the hexagonal stars in this quilt are cut from the exquisite fabrics of Liberty of London.
Just the Facts June 29–July 1 Friday and Saturday 9 to 6 Sunday 9 to 3 Admission: $12; seniors and groups $10 Champlain Valley Exposition grounds Essex Junction, VT For more information: www.vqf.org or (802) 872-0034
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Spring Fling Shopping & fun things to do in our local Burlington area!
Jamie Two Coats A magical place in the heart of Shelburne Village filled to the brim with your favorite things! Beautiful dolls, wonderful wooden toys, fun dress up, creative art supplies, Lego, Playmobile, and Bruder trucks. A great place to pick up that last-minute birthday gift. 54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3221 Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 11am-5pm
Lake Champlain Ferries Three ferry crossings on Lake Champlain: • Grand Isle, VT to Plattsburgh, NY: Open 24 hours daily • Burlington, VT to Port Kent, NY: Open mid June – Columbus Day • Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY: Open all year, ice conditions permitting Public cruises and private charters available during the summer season. Visit www.ferries.com for more information. 1 King Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-9804 www.ferries.com
Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room Experience spring at the vineyard. Watch the buds swell, the vines leaf out, and the grapes of next season’s vintage form. You can taste our award-winning wines, tour the winery, and enjoy the spring sunshine in our Tasting Room or out on the patio 7 days a week, 11am5pm. Also, ask us about planning your special event here. 6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The Vermont Farm Table Store Handcrafted, solid wood furniture and kitchen goods, built from new and reclaimed materials. Stop by to chat about your custom table, shop our holiday gifts, and view our unique wood selections! 197 College Street Burlington, VT (888) 425-8838 www.vermontfarmtable.com
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery For over 20 years FS Gallery has been a destination for discerning art lovers seeking the finest in original art, museum-quality custom framing, and restoration services. We also offer an eclectic and affordable selection of handmade and fair trade crafts and gifts. Local shopping made easy! 86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com
ECCO Clothes Burlington’s hottest designer boutique is all about spring! Stand out in beautiful tops by Ella Moss, Splendid, and Language and the best labels in denim for women AND men from AG, Paige, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, and more. ECCO has an amazing selection of dresses by Aidan Mattox, BCBG, Alexia Admor, and Velvet. Tons of shoes, handbags, unique jewelry, and hair accessories will complete your spring look. Get it all at ECCO! 81 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 860-2220 www.eccoclothesboutique.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Spring Fling Mason Brothers Offering the finest reclaimed and antique building materials, Mason Brothers’ Architectural Salvage Warehouse’s 13,000-square-foot warehouse is filled with fireplace mantels, stained and beveled-glass windows, lighting, hardware, columns and pillars, marble and pedestal sinks, claw-foot tubs, stripped doors, windows, furniture, and unique artifacts. Open Monday through Saturday 9-5. 11 Maple Street Essex Jct., VT (802) 879-4221 www.greatsalvage.com
Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers Discover thousands of wines (Vermont’s largest selection!), over 150 local and international cheeses, discount gourmet products, and delicious made-in-Vermont specialties at bargain prices. We find the deals, you enjoy the savings! There’s only one Cheese Traders in the world—come treat yourself. Daily 10-7; open Sundays. 1186 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 863-0143 www.cheesetraders.com
The Willow House Willow House features 11 beautifully decorated rooms full of country, primitive, and cottage-style home furnishings, antiques, and gifts. At the Willow House, you will find furniture, hooked and braided rugs, prints, signs, candles, floral items, lamps, linens, window treatments, and much more. Friendly staff, easy parking, and very reasonable prices await you. 10 Patchen Road South Burlington, VT (802) 864-3540 www.countryhomevermont.com
Salaam & The Men’s Store A savvy boutique on Church Street Marketplace featuring our own locally made Salaam line as well as a fantastic selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women by your favorite brands such as Desigual, Lucky, and Ben Sherman. 90 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.salaamclothing.com
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Great finds in the greater Burlington area!
special advertising section
trend watch compiled by Mary Gow
Build, Remodel & Decorate
Tips from Local Experts Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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builders & contractors
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A
s our lives become more hectic, our homes are our sanctuaries—our space to enjoy family, friends, and sometimes solitude. Savoring that space, our connections between indoors and outdoors are closer than ever. In new homes and renovations, in town and in the country, designs increasingly integrate home and landscape. Along with connecting to the
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special advertising section
environment, we are also choosing to care for it—with style. Energy-efficient designs and products are attractive and affordable, and they have become the norm. Come along as we tour the latest home designs, discover the best new materials, and share tips and advice from local professionals on every aspect of creating a comfortable, welcoming home.
s p ecial advertising section
“We see a lot of people with strong connections to a piece of land, a location, or a great neighborhood. These connections give them confidence and motivation to move forward with exciting building projects.� Chris Quinn, Red House Building
photos by j. grantz, courtesy of red house
photo by j. grantz, courtesy of red house
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builders & contractors
2 0 1 2
special advertising section
smart OPTIONS “We’re seeing a lot of customization,” says Chris Snyder of Snyder Homes. “People want to make their home their home. They are modifying standard floor plans for their personal preferences,” continues Chris. “Personal choices of faucets, countertops, and other details make a house a personal home. From an energy standpoint, the focus on the thermal envelope continues—making it well insulated and really tight.” Chris Quinn of Red House Building agrees: “Almost everything we build is super insulated, and now super insulated is becoming the standard. That is a good thing, and it’s come a long way in just five years. Homes are far more energy efficient and comfortable.”
HOMES GO HIGH TECH “Whole-house automation has increased,” reports Chris Quinn. “With the technology available now you can have your home’s audio, video, heating, security, and lighting all automated. Your dollar goes so much further now than even five years ago, and systems are better structured to accommodate changing technology. Retrofits are better, easier, and more affordable
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photo courtesy of cushman design
s p e c i al advertising section
DID YOU KNOW? “Floor plans are still open, but not 100 percent open—people are including nooks and some separate spaces,” says Chris Snyder of Snyder Homes. photos courtesy of snyder homes
than ever before. The systems can easily be scaled to meet functional and budget needs.” Ted Clark of Cedar Ledge Builders also sees an increase in high tech at home. “Technology is really becoming a big part of the home,” he says. “Customers are linking security, lighting, and climate control in a home grid that can be accessed through a smartphone. The house can be monitored even while homeowners are away.”
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SMALLER CAN BE BETTER “People are gravitating toward smaller spaces and homes,” says Andrew Volansky, architect with Cushman Design Group in Stowe. “They are looking for ways to effectively combine uses and minimize duplication as a way to reduce overall square footage. They are asking themselves which spaces are most important and are visualizing themselves within those spaces to help determine whether those areas are critical to the design and to their homes.” Andrew explains, “We use the cooking metaphor of reducing a sauce—clients are doing this with their homes, and we find that the end result can be much richer.”
SMART GREEN “Green building has been a trend for a number of years,” reports Ted Clark
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special advertising sec t i o n
photos courtesy of cushman design group
“Today people want a builder to help them work through the design process. We can show them 3-D designs and rendering of colors and textures. You can really explore the options of what a space might look like with 3-D modeling.” Ted Clark, Cedar Ledge Builders
of Cedar Ledge Builders. “A lot of our custom-
Lumber. “In late 2011 we had a flurry of new
ers are going to ‘smart green.’ Rather than
home starts. It was very surprising and is
making big investments in photovoltaics or
very promising. It’s a good mix of homes of
geothermal, they are choosing high-efficiency
all sizes.”
windows and doors, high-value installations in lighting, and efficient appliances.”
Homeowners are looking for easy- or nocare materials. Jim says, “There is a definite trend toward more maintenance-free exte-
NEW CONSTRUCTION
riors. This includes exterior clad windows,
The future for home building starts is looking
James Hardie cement siding, and AZEK
up, according to Jim Carroll, president of Rice
PVC trim applications.”
Renovations Are Up! According to Cedar Ledge Builders, kitchens and baths offer the highest return and make the biggest impact on daily life. “Smart green” gets rolled into those renovations with features including highefficiency water heaters.
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kitchens
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hether it’s a weeknight dinner with your family or a holiday open house, everyone knows that people love to gather in the kitchen. Make it marvelous with a beautiful design and the highest quality materials and appliances your budget will allow. “Many people are leaning toward a transitional style, a combination of traditional and modern styles,” says Rebecca Kruger of Prime Renovation Group in Williston. “Transitional designs feature simple Shaker doors, slab drawers, painted wood—white or soft cream in color and working with a natural color palette.”
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photo courtesy of Prime Renovation Group
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“The bead board or cottage/ farmhouse style is still in high demand, depending on the style of the house.� Rebecca Kruger, Prime Renovation Group, Williston, Vt
photo courtesy of Prime Renovation Group
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kitchens
2 0 1 2 ask the experts Rebecca Kruger of Prime Renovation Group in Williston has some sage advice for her clients. “I tell all my customers there are three big decisions to make in kitchens, and I consider everything else to be details.” The big three are: 1. Flooring: “I’m seeing a lot more hardwood flooring in kitchens. Hardwood tends to be warmer and homier. You can add area rugs for a whole new array of options and colors.” 2. Cabinetry: “People are leaning toward one extreme or the other— light or dark. Either way, customers prefer simple, straight lines and a clean look.” 3. Countertops: “The trend is granite! We’ve had phases of Corian (an engineered stone) and quartz, but we are definitely in a granite phase. Granite is unique, and being a natural stone, no two pieces are alike.”
DID YOU KNOW? According to Mary Skelton of Blodgett Supply and Bath Showplace in Williston, “People are getting more excited about updating and upgrading, not for potential future buyers but for their own enjoyment and comfort right now.”
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affordable luxury Even if you can’t pull off an entire kitchen renovation, you can take some simple steps to refresh and revitalize your space. Just ask Mary Skelton of Blodgett Supply and Bath Showplace in Williston. “You can bring affordable luxury to your home with something as simple as a new kitchen faucet,” Mary says. “There are so many choices! We have an entire display of new designs and finishes in faucets.”
“A kitchen sink and faucet are the most used appliances in the home. People should love them; they should make you happy.” —Mary Skelton, Blodgett Supply and Bath Showplace
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bathrooms
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close to home
“Color-wise, we’re seeing lots of neutrals in the bathroom—browns, creams, and off-whites.” Rebecca Kruger, Prime Renovation Group
FORM & FUNCTION “People are often replacing a tub with a luxurious shower—with rain heads, body sprays, and steam for health and relaxation,” says Mary Skelton of Blodgett Supply and Bath Showcase. “Some people do tile with a glass enclosure for easy-to-clean, solid surface walls.” Want a cleaner look? “Go European,” says Frank deAngelis, owner of Close to Home. “Sinks, vanities, bidets, and toilets are attached to the wall rather than sitting on the floor. This opens up more space and makes the room look larger—and it’s easier to clean the floor!”
photo courtesy of close to home
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windows
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hen it comes to beautiful windows and patio doors, low maintenance and high energy efficiency are major industry trends. “Windows and doors are key pieces in your home environment; you live with and use them every day,” says Charles Pelsue of Windows and Doors by Brownell in Williston. Homeowners in this area are savvy shoppers, and they want to make informed decisions. “This
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is a very hands-on marketplace,” explains Charles. “Local and regional customers are looking for personalized service. Our shoppers want to see displays and get information to make decisions about their windows and doors. Elsewhere, people may rely on their architect or builder to make those choices, but the norm here is to see what they are getting before it is in their home. Our extensive displays help people make the right decisions for their homes.”
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photo courtesy of windows and doors by brownell
photo courtesy of windows and doors by brownell
“Fiberglass is becoming more popular for durability and ecological reasons. It’s strong, it lasts a long time, and it is easy to maintain.” Charles Pelsue, Windows and Doors by Brownell
PROTECT THE PLANET “There is a great deal of customer interest in products that have lower environmental impacts, both in the products’ manufacture and in their effectiveness in reducing energy use.” — Charles Pelsue, Windows and Doors by Brownell photo courtesy of windows and doors by brownell
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window treatments
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STYLE GALORE On the decorative soft goods end of window treatments, Gordon Clements, owner of Gordon’s Window Decor, sees some new trends: “Along with a wide variety of top treatments and interlined draperies, we’re
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seeing more panels—often panels with large grommets and exotic hardware systems. Different styles of headings are also becoming more popular—not just French pleats but widespread use of cartridge pleats, ripple folds, and others.” photos courtesy of Gordon’s Window Decor
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windows
windows
Comfortex windows photos courtesy of Gordon’s Window Decor
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“Cellular shades are not only for new homes. Installing them in older homes helps with energy efficiency at a much lower cost than replacement windows. They have a long life span and require little maintenance.” Gordon Clements, Gordon’s Window Decor
“As the country continues its inevitable shift to the electrical Smart Grid, with Vermont at the forefront, it is increasingly important that people be able to manage their energy control mechanisms in response to what will be very significant changes in the costs of energy during the day. There will be huge financial incentives to be energy efficient. Gordon’s has window shade systems that are integrated into home automation—at the time of day when the price of electricity goes up, the shades automatically come down.” Gordon Clements, Gordon’s Window Decor
BLINDS AND SHADES Did you know that homeowners are turning to window treatments to save energy? According to Gordon Clements, owner of Gordon’s Window Decor, “For homeowners, this past recession shifted their priority of needs to energy and cost issues, then comfort and appearance. This created a huge shift in demand to insulating shades like Architella and EcoSmart, products that literally pay for themselves. This trend was fueled by building science research by the likes of the Department of Energy, Harvard, and others, which found that the shades insulate windows surprisingly well, significantly reducing energy waste.” Gordon continues, “Properly installed cellular shades cut both heating and cooling costs by creating a series of insulating layers, reducing heat transfer through the window. Since fit is critical to performance, these are custom-made shades, a side benefit of which is the technology is available for most any window, even unusual shapes or dimensions.”
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interiors
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I “There is a renewed interest in rugs that are handwoven or with chunky knotted features.” Pam Carter, Interior Design by Keeping Good Company
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f you’ll be decorating a room soon, you may want to follow some advice from local designers on this year’s top trends. Michelle Holland of Holland Interiors and Patina of Shelburne says, “Ultimately, quality never goes out of style. As humans, I think we have an innate desire to surround ourselves with objects that are natural and handcrafted. If you are going to invest in one thing this year, make it a piece that will endure.”
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“In chaotic economic and political times, I think people seek sanctuary in their homes. Thus, design palettes have a calming softness to them— neutrals, linens, and natural materials, like sisal and wool.� Michelle Holland, Patina
photo courtesy of keeping good company
lamp by Hubbardton forge from City lights
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interiors
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TANTALIZING TEXTURES
“Featured lighting that adds a touch of glamour, such as chandeliers, remains right on trend, playing the part of a piece of jewelry in the room.” Michelle Holland, Patina
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Pam Carter of Interior Design by Keeping Good Company says, “Soft furnishings and fabrics are still the heart of any good decor composition. The most popular fabric trends include iridescent metallic, strong patterns, menswear, modern florals, richly textured woven fabrics, velvet, silk, and faux fur. Mother Nature is never far behind in inspiration, with natural fibers such as bamboo, jute, eucalyptus, raw silk, wool, and cork making their presence felt.”
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FURNITURE TREND “Design lines of furniture are becoming more streamlined. Yesterday’s bulky sofas are giving way to smaller styles with lower backs and sleeker looks,” says Pam Carter at Interior Design by Keeping Good Company. “People are preferring to cluster their furniture into conversation groups for added flexibility.”
photo courtesy of cushman design group
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interiors
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TREAD LIGHTLY Pam Carter of Interior Design by Keeping Good Company says, “There seems to be a move away from wall-to-wall carpeting and a move toward easy-to-clean materials such as tiles, laminate, or wood flooring, which are then warmed up and accented using a variety of rugs. Some popular rugs include those that make a design statement and serve as an interesting foundation for rooms with a neutral base and upholstered furnishings.”
“Tangerine Tango is the color of the year for 2012 — it’s sophisticated yet dramatic and seductive. Neutral hues from gray to camel continue to flourish for big-ticket items like sofas, carpets, and even paint palettes. Trendier colors like acid green and amethyst are seen as accent colors.” Pam Carter, Interior Design by Keeping Good Company
photo courtesy of cushman design group
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photo courtesy of keeping good company
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COLOR TRENDS “Gone are the days when people were conservative about wall colors. They are more daring now—partly thanks to television design shows—because they can see bolder colors being used and see how they look in different rooms. We are seeing deeper colors and more saturated colors. Benjamin Moore has a line called Color Stories. These are full-spectrum colors with no black or gray in them. They are much truer, richer, deeper colors. They are more influenced by light, changing subtly with natural and indoor lighting.” Dave Erkson, Vermont Paint Company
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lighting
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lamp by Hubbardton forge from City lights
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hether you’re simply looking for a new lamp or want to replace your outdated fixtures, Bradford Hume, owner of City Lights in Burlington, says, “With Vermont’s many historic homes, designs relating to antique looks remain popular, but these can also come with a contemporary flair. Stylistically, you can point to Hubbardton Forge—they have designs that are a little more modern. They have some very cool new shapes and materials—their fibrous materials diffuse the light in very ethereal-looking pendants.”
Hubbardton Forge photos courtesy of City Lights
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“For energy efficiency, dimmers save power and they save the life of the bulb.”
SMART FIXTURES “One trend is for fixtures that take a variety of bulbs— power-saving/ Earth-saving bulbs, conventional bulbs, compact fluorescents, LED bulbs, halogens—they all have the same base.” Bradford Hume, City Lights
Bradford Hume, City Lights
dimmer by lutron
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Photo by Susan Teare, Courtesy of Cynthia Knauf
landscape & outdoors
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hat’s new about outdoor spaces? Cynthia Knauf of Cynthia Knauf Landscapes says, “Every year there seems to be a greater understanding of integrating landscaping and building right from the beginning—taking the land and surroundings into consideration in planning a new home or addition. People are recognizing how the outside informs what they want to do inside and what they want to see looking from the inside out.” Cynthia continues, “People are seeing inside and outside as one composition. That’s really cool and it’s how I look at it too. They are thinking more broadly, more holistically, for function as well as aesthetics.”
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courtesy of landshapes
“Everybody’s going green. People are trying to do the right thing for the environment. It’s very exciting.” Marie P. Limoge, Landshapes
Outdoor furniture by Telescope Casual Furniture.
Photo by Susan Teare, courtesy of cynthia knauf
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outdoors
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Todd Warren of Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets says, “Live more outdoors this year.” He explains, “We all know how short the summer season can be in Vermont. This is all the more reason to maximize the opportunity to live outdoors as often as possible. Trends for 2012 include updating and enlarging deck and patio areas; good-looking and comfortable outdoor furniture; long-lasting, maintenance-free materials; and retractable fabric awnings for shade and rain protection. Today’s outdoor living spaces are simply an extension of one’s interior space.”
“All of our buildings are Amish-made. The Amish are true craftsmen with great integrity, and they bring this quality to everything from a doghouse to a 12,000-square-foot barn. We’ve never had anybody not love their buildings.” Robert Therrien, The Carriage Shed
photos courtesy of THE carriage shed
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photos courtesy of otter creek
“A customized canopy will provide you with sun when you want it, shade when you don’t, and a protected area on rainy days.” Todd Warren, Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets
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outdoors
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PATIOS & MORE Chris Quinn of Red House Building says, “We are increasingly involved in outdoor living spaces that can include extensive stone work, pools, spas, firepots, outdoor kitchens, and designed gardens—these features help capitalize on the natural setting of a house and complete the design vision.”
Native Plants “People are interested in native plants. We have so many beautiful native plants, why not utilize what we have and what grows well here? The use of these cuts back on the amount of maintenance your garden needs.” Marie P. Limoge, Landshapes
Photo by Susan Teare, courtesy of cynthia knauf
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outdoors
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New Products Have you heard about permeable pavers? “Instead of using asphalt or concrete as paving material, you can use permeable pavers,” says Marie Limoge of Landshapes. “These allow water to filter through them, reducing storm water runoff. Permeable pavers can be used for a residential walkway or a patio, and they also work for large commercial spaces.” Since water can filter through the soil below the paved surface, numerous environmental issues associated with water runoff can be prevented. 66 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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MAPLE MAKES THEM UNIQUE BY PAMELA J. PODGER PHOTOS BY SCOTT ACHS
With New England vodkas made from Maine potatoes, New Hampshire apples, and even Massachusetts cranberries, it seems fitting that one boutique distillery in Vermont uses maple sap. Vermont Spirits Distilling Company, which began in 1999 near St. Johnsbury, recently relocated to a 4,000-square-foot building in Quechee Gorge Village. President and CEO Steve Johnson says his microdistillery, which produces handcrafted vodkas, complements the village’s fine furniture, jewelry, cheese, and other artisan shops enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Vodka, a colorless, odorless spirit, is typically distilled from grains, potatoes, or other starches that are fermented to produce alcohol. By using Vermont maple sap as the spirit’s base, the complex sugars create desirable characteristics, Johnson says. “There are the sweetness and characteristics from the maple and there is a slight aroma of butterscotch,” he explains. “Maple is a complex sugar.”
A Vodka with Flavor
Steve Johnson, president and CEO, on the porch of the new distillery in Quechee, a project he’s overseen since November 2010.
Vermont Spirits is one of a new breed of microdistillers growing from just a handful in 1990, chiefly farmers making fruit brandy, to about 325 microdistillers today, according to Bill Owens, founder of American Distilling Institute in Hayward, California. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reports that sales of specialized super-premium vodkas (about $25 a bottle and up) increased by 3.2 percent last year, from $49 million to $51 million, according to spokeswoman Danielle Eddy. Vermont Spirits is among a dozen or so small, craft distilleries in Vermont, including Green Mountain Distillers in Stowe, which uses organic grain as its base, and Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington 69
Harry Gorman, vice president and distiller, next to the fractioning column still he built by hand.
Saxtons River Distillery in Brattleboro, which makes a maple-infused liqueur. “Ours is a vodka with flavor, not a flavored vodka,” says Harry Gorman, distiller for Vermont Spirits. “As far as I know, we’re the only ones making vodka from fermented maple.” Johnson said his Vermont Spirits’ Gold vodka (about $40 for a 750-milliliter bottle) 70 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
and the higher-end Limited Release vodka, which is distilled from early-run sap (about $45 for a 375-ml bottle and sold only in Vermont and New York City) are expressions of Vermont. His distillery also taps into Vermont’s dairy heritage by producing small batches of Vermont White, which uses fermented milk sugars and spring waters distilled into vodka (about $30 for a 750-ml bottle). Vermont Spirits also sells nip bottles for $2.50 each. “We’re trying to preserve the qualities of the original ingredients in the vodka. With non-traditional ingredients like maple, there are some characteristics we want to highlight,” says Mimi Buttenheim, general manager.
From Sap to Spirits Sap from Vermont’s maple trees flows for about six weeks each spring when warming daytime temperatures combine with freezing nights to release the stored sugars as sap. Using a proprietary distilling process, each bottle of Vermont Spirits’ Limited Release uses about 40 gallons, or the entire sap run of a mature maple tree in the sugaring season. Vermont Spirits products are available in about 20 states, including Washington, Oregon, Tennessee, and all of the New England states. The distillery is growing, with possible inroads to China after Johnson’s trip Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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in October. The distillery will also expand from its current six employees, as Johnson intends to hire another five employees before summer. Production of the clear, colorless spirit began at the Quechee distillery in late October. Johnson says the former location outside of St. Johnsbury was “off the beaten path” and they wanted easy access to the interstate, visibility, and foot traffic from the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors to Quechee Gorge. Johnson, originally from Canada, has a varied background including commercial banking, magazine editing, and marketing for a slate roofing business. He joined Vermont Spirits about five years ago as an investor and took over the business three and a half years ago. “I like the hands-on part. Sitting at a desk isn’t my thing,” Johnson notes. “I like the moving parts, such as agriculture, taxation, and legislation.” In May 2009, Vermont laws changed, and microdistillers are now allowed to sell directly to consumers by offering tastings and retail sales on their premises as well as at wine and beer festivals. Inside the cavernous Quechee distillery, visitors are greeted by a
750-ml bottles on the bottle filler.
tasting bar and a retail shop that sells logo apparel, such as T-shirts, tote bags, and hats, as well as cocktail bitters and mixes, and barware and accessories, Buttenheim says. In the future, they hope to use local tradesmen to make specialty glasses and wooden gift boxes, Johnson adds. The building’s far end is devoted to bottling and distilling, which visitors may observe. Racks of oak barrels purchased from a bourbon distillery are given new life by aging Vermont Spirits’ latest product, an apple brandy made in the French Calvados style. The tasting room is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Call (866) 998-6352 for the latest information and specials.
Art and Science
Steel barrels house the 192-proof vodka before it is finished to 80 proof for bottling.
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Aromatic puffs escape from two stainlesssteel stills, a smaller one with a 160-gallon capacity and one “that resembles a lunar module” with a 500-gallon capacity, according to Gorman. Each has a glass fractionating column, rising more than 15 feet into the air, where the spirits spiral through condensing coils as the vodka is distilled three times. The fermenting tanks emit a smell of maple that permeates the building.
Bottled Gold.
Gorman, who is one of about 40 investors, returned to Vermont after living in Ireland for 11 years, where he built a biogas plant and repaired a stone ruin in his spare time. Since 2004, he’s been the distiller making Vermont Spirits’ 80-proof vodka. He says his craft is a blend of art and science. “Distillation is all about boiling points and condensation,” Gorman explains. “The art is the procedure that allows you to make the cuts of heads and tails, or the unwanted compounds, and leave the heart. You do that by smell, timing, temperature, and experience.” Vermont Spirits is poised for growth in its Quechee location. “We’re trying to keep a Vermont theme to everything we produce,” Johnson says. “This is a new business that has really taken off from small beginnings.”
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. Quechee Gorge Village 5573 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (866) 99VODKA (998–6352) www.vermontspirits.com
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MAE DAY R
When Llyndara Harbour moved to Burlington from San Francisco 10 years ago, she didn’t want to open a shoe store. Sure, she had expressed to her new friends here that she couldn’t find the right kind of footwear. And sure, she had an extensive history in retail, having managed boutiques and worked as a freelance merchandiser, and then as an account executive for beauty-product manufacturer Prescriptives. But her own shoe store? “I was completely opposed,” said Harbour, who wasn’t ready to take the leap into the Church Street fashion scene. 4
stella goes sole searching with n e w a p pa r e l a n d a new name Above: Store owner Llyndara Harbour. Opposite: Co-manager Beth Schachter tries on J Shoes.
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W H AT ’ S IN S TO R E by SARAH TUFF P H O T O S BY J A C K R O W E L L
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Top row from left: Apparel in spring tones. The Serpico by Coclico is available online and in the store. Recycled fabric bags. Right: Sales associate Amanda Richer. Opposite: Cynthia Braren tries on a Dolce Vita silk blouse and Frye ankle boots.
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Flash-forward to 2012: at the center of the pedestrian cobblestone marketplace proudly sits Stella Mae, the shoe (and now, apparel and accessories) store she didn’t want to open. Boy, is she—and thousands of shoppers locally and nationally—glad she did.
Moving On Up Glancing at the artfully arranged Miz Mooz shoes, Frye boots, and Cotton Candy dresses, it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when this store wasn’t here. But as many Vermonters will remember, this space was once Scribbles Stationery. When Harbour opened her shop in 2003, it was called simply Stella, and it was housed across the street in 700 square feet above Ken’s Pizza and Pub. “We started with 45 Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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Above: What’s more fun than shopping for shoes? Opposite: Cynthia Braren.
pairs of shoes,” recalls Harbour. “It was a hilarious, eclectic assortment.” Harbour’s “hilarious” selections were taken seriously by shoppers, so much so that when Stella outgrew the space above Ken’s, it was able to move below Scribbles. Then, when Scribbles closed in 2009, Harbour and her team were ready to move on up. “We felt saddened by the loss of Scribbles but also excited about the opportunity to take a street-level space,” says Harbour. “It was essentially like starting from scratch— we suddenly had so many more people coming in the door, and the inventory going out the door every day changed. It was overwhelming!” But with Harbour’s background in selling great products, Stella was on its well-shod feet in no time. The 2,000-square-foot store was transformed into its current iteration, with soothing neutral tones, funky oversized ottomans, comfy couches, and lighting fixtures as eye-catching as the merchandise on display. While there’s the stray former UVM parent or returning tourist who might enter expecting paper and pens instead of Fossil bags and Feisty Ink necklaces, most are happy to discover new lines of clothing alongside shoes. 78
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Modern Store & Modern Choices The addition of apparel came with the new space, and it’s continuously updated to reflect Harbour’s mission to curate pieces for the modern woman and to promote “fashion with compassion,” with sustainable materials, locally made products, and other “feel-good finds.” As co-manager Beth Schachter explains, “A lot of people are paying attention to what products they’re buying.” She adds that the shop’s regular customers also know to snatch up something they like without ado, as Harbour typically orders limited pieces in each size. This, along with new exclusive colors that some footwear brands create only for Stella Mae, adds up to the one-of-a-kind shopping experience that simply can’t be had at chain stores. What if you’ve moved 3,000 miles away, or you can’t take time off work to browse through the latest goods in person on Church Street? Not a problem, thanks to the new website, www.stella-mae.com. It caters to both local shoppers (with notices about special sales, for example) and national fashion aficionados. There’s also the new name, Stella Mae, and a new sign. “The business has just grown and grown, and it’s no longer Stella, a Place to Buy Shoes,” says Harbour.
“It felt like the right time to modernize the store and become Stella Mae.” There are actually two sister stores as well: Baltimore’s Poppy and Stella (run by Harbour’s actual sister) and Austin’s Stella Says Go, operated by her best friends. So, yes, Burlington is actually a trendsetter for the rest of the country now. “This town has really transformed in the last decade, with people moving from New York, Boston, and the West Coast,” says Harbour, adding that Burlington is actually smarter than many cities when it comes to weather-appropriate, comfortable, and contemporary clothing— which benefits her store whether people are shopping in person or online. “We’ve tried to make our site look as big and national as possible, but behind the scenes, it’s a completely local movement. It feels really good and it’s fun for us.”
Stella Mae 96 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864–2800 www.stella-mae.com
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PEOPLE TO K N O W by sarah zobel photo by paul O. Boisvert
Vermont
Nanny Connection Providing high-quality childcare As the mother of two young children, Hope Moulton understands the importance of a good caregiver. In fact, Moulton, owner of Vermont Nanny Connection, often thinks of her daughters, five-year-old Corrina and twoyear-old Kaya, as she places nannies and sitters with families. “I say to myself, ‘If I didn’t trust my children with this person, there’s no way I could let them be part of the agency,’” Moulton observes. Potential hires must undergo a thorough interview and background check before they will be added to Vermont Nanny Connection’s roster. After a prospective nanny completes a detailed application, Moulton schedules an in-person interview and contacts no fewer than three references to assess childcare experience and skills, as well as personality. She also completes a criminal, sexual offender, and driving-record review. “Not everyone’s meant to be a caretaker,” Moulton says. “I want to be sure I’m providing quality nannies and sitters, and that’s always in the back of my mind during the process.” Finding the Right Fit
Opposite: Hope Moulton with her daughters.
Moulton also meets with families to familiarize herself with their dynamics and determine their needs. Does the nanny’s age matter? Is it okay if she has to commute, or do they want someone who lives nearby? How many hours a week do they need a nanny, and if she’ll be full-time, do they want her to live with them? Families are then provided with the names of a handful of prospective nannies and can choose which ones they’d like to meet. Even after a contract has been formalized and the nanny has started working, Moulton checks in a few times to make sure everyone’s happy with the arrangement. The process seems to work. Molly Walsh of Shelburne has hired four part-time nannies, whom she calls “exemplary,” through Vermont Nanny Connection. “Besides their education, this is the most important decision we can make for our children,” says Walsh, Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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mother of twin three-year-olds. “Every time I leave the house, I know my kids are in great hands—loving, strong, careful, responsible, reliable people.”
Meeting a Variety of Needs The agency, which was founded by Katie Ketner in 2005, also provides traditional babysitters. The Sitter Connection meets short-term caregiving needs through occasional weekend and evening positions in homes and in area hotels. Other than the temporary nature of the assignments, the process is the same as for nannies—sitters are required to undergo background checks. On average, Vermont Nanny Connection’s roster lists between 200 and 300 nannies and no fewer than 100 sitters, though there is some overlap, as many of the nannies pick up sitting jobs during their off hours. Applicants for both nanny and sitter positions must have reliable transportation and be at least 18 years old—the majority are in their 20s—with a minimum of two years of childcare experience. Most are college graduates, and all receive training in first aid and CPR. Favored by some families are the “granny nannies,” women in their 60s who are, in general, especially comfortable with newborns and infants. And male caregivers are available as well; Sitter Connection currently has on call two men in their 20s, both avid skiers and employees of area school districts who frequently meet their charges on the slopes during winter breaks. Moulton also provides caregivers for special events such as weddings and staff parties. For a small fee, sitters
“I want to be sure I’m providing quality nannies and sitters. If I didn’t trust my children with this person, there’s no way I could let them be part of the agency.”
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will arrive armed with activity bags geared to the ages of the children; these might include Play-Doh, jump ropes, coloring books, or board games. Vermont Nanny Connection sitters have worked at Burton Snowboard’s Fall Bash, for example; the activity bags for that event included pumpkins for decorating.
Reaching Out Moulton, who moved to Montpelier from Florida when she was 14, is one of five children. Growing up, she babysat often and spent several summers working as a nanny herself. With a master’s degree in deaf education, Moulton also works part-time as a consultant for the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, primarily in schools in the Northeast Kingdom. She purchased the Vermont Nanny Connection in 2010 and is always looking for ways to help it grow and evolve. One goal is to be able to reach every corner of Vermont; right now, if someone calls from a location where she hasn’t yet recruited a nanny, Moulton will go out of her way to advertise for that position, including postings on college bulletin boards and advertisements in local papers. Moulton is constantly reaching out to those who work for her as well, including scheduling an annual get-together. The meet-and-greet allows newer nannies to get tips from those who have been “in the trenches” longer, but it’s also a chance for Moulton to check in. “I love getting ideas and feedback from nannies for ways to improve things,” Moulton says. “Hope is diplomatic, calm, caring, and trustworthy,” says Molly Walsh. “When it comes to our children, what could be more important than that?”
Information For rates and other information about Vermont Nanny Connection go to www. VermontNannyConnection.com.
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m a k i n g c u s t o m e r s c o m f o r ta b l e w i t h o l d - fa s h i o n e d c h a r m
Perched on a stool at Henry’s Diner, you watch the street scene drift gently by the windows, as if the restaurant itself is moving. The long, narrow shape of the building and its vintage interior lend the feel of a classic railway car, and if your mind wanders, you may begin to hear the steady clacking of wheels or feel the rhythmic swaying of a train. You’re not moving, of course. Henry’s has been on Bank Street since 1925, and it’s not going anywhere, according to owners Bill and Naomi Maglaris. They’ve worked hard to restore the diner’s nostalgic charm, which recalls the golden age of rail travel. The original diners were retired train cars that had been converted into stationary restaurants, and Henry’s, full of retro touches, evokes that era. When the Maglarises bought the diner in 2004, it was decorated with dark paneling and orange Naugahyde, which they replaced with Americana-inspired tables, chairs, and knickknacks that created a cozy, vintage look. Noting that she grew up with a kitchen table similar to the ones at Henry’s, Naomi has overheard several happy customers exclaim, “My grandmother had a table just like this!” 4
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hot spot by jennifer rose smith photos by paul o. boisvert
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Above: Dennis serves scrambled eggs and special link sausage. Bridget brings another delectable offering to a hungry customer. Starlene proudly delivers meals to hungry customers. Right: A customer enjoys breakfast while Edita checks to make sure her customers are happy.
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A Burlington Classic According to Bill Maglaris, that oldfashioned feel is important to many of Henry’s regulars, who sometimes share their own memories of the longtime Burlington establishment. “We have people who come here who went to UVM in 1935 and ate here as students, people who proposed to their wives here, people our age who came here with their grandparents. It’s pretty amazing.” The menu, too, has a nostalgic quality. Many items are diner classics, like the very popular corned beef hash, which comes in a hefty cast-iron skillet with home fries and eggs. House-made biscuits arrive swathed in rich sausage gravy, and buttermilk pancakes are served in fluffy piles accompanied by small pitchers of maple syrup. Throwbacks from the dinner menu include hamburger steaks in gravy and beef liver with grilled onions. 4 Spring 2012 / Best of Burlington
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Like Henry’s Diner itself, the Maglaris family has had an enduring presence in the Burlington restaurant scene. Bill’s grandfather opened the Arcadia Restaurant in 1906, right next door to the Flynn Theater. When the Maglarises bought South Burlington’s Parkway Diner in 2008, they renamed it the Arcadia in honor of the family business, which closed in 1972.
Accommodating Diverse Tastes The Maglarises came to the United States from a small village in Greece, and Bill and Naomi have upheld tradition by offering some favorite Greek dishes on their menus. In addition to American fare, customers at Henry’s can order a gyro platter with tzatziki and homemade pita bread, as well as souvlaki and spanakopita. Even omelets come Greek-style with tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese. And when the Maglarises opened two new diners in 2010, they named one Apollo and the other Athena, each for a god in the Greek pantheon.
Adding three more diners during the peak of the current recession might seem like risky business, but Bill was reassured by his grandfather’s memories of managing a restaurant during the Depression of the 1930s. “He used to say that during the Depression, people still wanted to come out, and they wanted entertainment. They still had to eat, so they’d go to a diner and order a cup of coffee and a piece of pie.” The entertainment? With a chuckle, Maglaris notes that, “when you go into a diner, there’s so many different types of people. You just never know what you’re going to see. That’s the entertainment.” Accommodating those diverse customers is at the heart of running a business like Henry’s. The Maglarises see all sorts of people slide into their grey and gold upholstered booths, and Naomi and Bill believe their job is to welcome them all. “We want people to feel like they’re at home, like they’re comfortable. Regardless of whatever else we do, that’s the most important thing
Above left: Marta peels fresh potatoes for mashed. Above right: Bridget and Edita behind the counter. Owners Naomi and Bill Maglaris. Left: Henry’s most loyal customer has been coming here for decades.
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to maintain. I think that whether people know it or not, it’s what keeps them coming back.” The Maglarises will soon be able to welcome even more customers to their tables; in December they purchased Libby’s Diner in Colchester. In keeping with the Hellenic theme, they reopened in February as the Athens Diner. “And it’s got to be good,” says Naomi, smiling. “If you’re going to name a diner The Athens, you’ve got to make sure it’s good.”
Henry’s Diner 155 Bank Street (802) 862-9010 www.henrysdiner1925.com Sunday–Thursday 6am–4pm; Friday & Saturday 6am–9pm
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best of
burlington
special advertising section
Dining & Entertainment Guide Great places to eat locally in and around Burlington.
The Wooden Spoon Bistro
Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25
Visit us at 1210 Williston Road for remarkable food, outstanding drinks, and the best service around! Our American Pub Food cuisine and uncommon offerings such as shrimp corn dogs and VT short ribs smothered in apple cider gravy are sure to please every palate. A family-owned bistro, The Wooden Spoon hopes to fill the family-friendly dining void in South Burlington. Serving dinner Tuesday to Saturday 3-10pm and Sunday 3-8pm, and Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm, featuring a buildyour-own Bloody Mary bar. 1210 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT (802) 399-2074 www.woodenspoonbistro.com
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special advertising section
Beyond the Menu
Archie’s Grill This family-owned gem serves up local beef and turkey burgers, homemade fries, salads, and a variety of hot sandwiches and vegetarian options. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $ 4109 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985.4912 www.archiesgrill.com
Leunig’s Burlington’s best bistro for over 30 years. Serving local food with a worldly accent. Every meal provides the panache of Paris and the value of Vermont, right in the center of town. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. $–$$ Between Church and College Streets Burlington, VT (802) 863-3759 www.leunigsbistro.com
entertainment and dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area
Bearded Frog An American bistro. Whether it’s the delicious pub fare or dinner with friends, the menu will never disappoint. Located in the recently renovated historic Shelburne Inn. Complete selection of food-friendly wines by the glass, half bottle, or full bottle. $$
A family-owned bistro featuring American pub food. Steak frites, Caesar salad, bruschetta with roasted fresh corn, basil, and tomatoes. The area’s only Oyster Shooter cocktail. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday and Sunday Brunch. $$ 1210 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 399-2074 www.woodenspoonbistro.com
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160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com
5247 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-9877
Pauline’s Cafe
The Spot
Chef owned, featuring American cuisine, from casual to fine dining, local and wild food, and our famous crab cakes! Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Private dining rooms. $–$$
Enjoy our surf-style ambiance and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$
1834 Shelburne Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-1081 www.paulinescafe.com Open daily. Lunch, dinner. Sunday brunch.
210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
The Wooden Spoon Bistro
FarmHouse Tap and Grill A farm-to-table gastropub serving award-winning local burgers, Vermont cheeses, charcuterie, and innovative entrees. The taproom features unique beers from Vermont’s backyard and beyond. $$
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts presents its spring lineup, including SFJAZZ Collective, Golden Dragon Acrobats of China, “South Pacific,” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Spirit of Uganda, A Tribute to Bill Monroe, Joan Rivers, “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters,” Bernadette Peters, and “Beauty and the Beast.” 153 Main Street, Burlington, VT (802) 652-4509 (802) 86-FLYNN FlynnTix box office www.flynncenter.org www.flynntix.org
discover
Happenings
A Calendar of Events
SPRING 2012
April 22
4
Alvin Ailey MainStage, 7pm
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
March 23
The Music of Phil Kline
153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org
FlynnSpace, 8pm
March 2
March 25
SF JAZZ Collective
March 24
Trey McIntyre Project MainStage, 8pm
Spirit of Uganda
MainStage, 8pm
MainStage, 7pm
March 9
March 27
AXIS Dance Company MainStage, 8pm
AXIS Dance Company March 9
Spamalot
April 3
Film: Hell and Back Again
MainStage, 7:30pm
FlynnSpace, 7pm
March 31
April 4
Mike Daisey MainStage, 8pm
Hermeto Pascoal MainStage, 7:30pm
March 11
Golden Dragon Acrobats MainStage, 6pm March 15
South Pacific MainStage, 7:30pm March 17
Lunasa MainStage, 8pm March 20
Film: Revenge of the Electric Car FlynnSpace, 7pm
Spamalot March 27
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HAPPENINGS March 17 & 18
Shelburne Farms
Teen Weekend Overnight
1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985–8442 www.shelburnefarms.org Hours: 9am—5:30pm daily
Investigate how living things survive the winter and enter into spring. 10am Saturday–2pm Sunday
March 4–May 6
Bionutrient-Rich Crop Production Course A two-session course designed for homesteaders, gardeners, and others who want to know more about growing and eating high-quality food. 9:30am–4:30pm Registration: www.realfoodscampaign.org
April 20
A Tribute to Bill Monroe MainStage, 8pm
ABC’s of Farm Education Project Seasons Farmer Workshop
Joan Rivers MainStage, 7:30pm
MainStage, 3pm
Discover exciting, hands-on ways to develop agricultural education programs for school groups. Info and registration: Erica Curry, (802) 985-0325 or ecurry@shelburnefarms.org
May 4
March 12
April 29
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
India Jazz Suites
Evening Knitting Circle
MainStage, 8pm
The last in this series of winter evenings to knit, relax, and chat with fellow knitting enthusiasts. 7–9pm Registration: (802) 985-8686
May 10
Beauty and the Beast MainStage, 7:30pm May 11
March 17
Paul Dresher Double Duo
Dog-Powered Fun
FlynnSpace, 8pm May 17
Bernadette Peters MainStage, 7:30pm May 22
Film: Strong! FlynnSpace, 7pm
ernadette Peters B May 17
5th Annual Jr. Iron Chef VT A statewide competition that gives students an opportunity to prepare farm-fresh foods. March 24 & 25
March 9–11
April 26
March 24
Join musher Jean Coffey and her team of sled dogs. 9:30–11:30am & 12:30–2:30pm Registration: (802) 985-8686
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend Info: www.vermontmaple.org May 3–6
Earthtime: Living Practice/Practice for Living A retreat focused on creating a relationship with nature. To apply: (802) 985-8686 or ktwotrees@gmail.com May 11–13
Of Cows, Caves, and Cheese Take a journey into artisanal cheese making. 8am Friday–4pm Saturday Registration: (802) 985-0342 May 25–27
Bedrock to Birds: The Natural History of Shelburne Farms’ Working Landscape You’ll enjoy bird walks, wildflower identification, and wildlife. 11am Friday– 2pm Sunday Registration: (802) 985-0342
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks 2012 Series Held at the Flynn Center in Burlington. Concerts begin at 8pm; free preconcert discussion at 7pm. March 10
Prokofiev, Classical Symphony Strauss, Horn Concerto No. 1 Beethoven, Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” (Jaime Laredo, conductor; Jennifer Montone, horn) April 28
I ndia Jazz Suites May 4
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Osvaldo Golijov, Sidereus De Falla, Nights in the Gardens of Spain Shostakovich, Symphony No. 1 (Jaime Laredo, conductor; Alon Goldstein, piano)
Other Noteworthy Spring Events Branch Out Burlington! Tree Sale Bare-root trees at unbelievable prices. Trees are 5 to 6 feet tall and branched. Please order early! Trees must be picked up at the UVM Hort Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, May 5 between 9 and 11am. Profits go toward buying additional trees to be planted at the UVM Horticulture Farm. Info and order form: www. branchoutburlington.org/events/treesale/treesale. htm (order deadline is April 25) March 3
Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade Gather in downtown Burlington to watch as a promenade of 45 fantastic floats passes by, along with the frenzied hurling of beads! 3pm March 6
Humanities Program Concert Series A violin/piano recital with Kevin Lawrence, violin. Sonatas of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Free admission. Saint Michael’s College, McCarthy Arts Center, 7:30pm April 4
Music and Literature Series Dvorak, Trio in F Minor; Mussorgsky, Songs and Dances of Death. Also includes pianist Michael Arnowitt with Kevin Lawrence, violin, John Dunlop, cello, and Erik Kroncke, bass-baritone. UVM Recital Hall, 7:30pm
Sunday Matinee Series Paramount Theater, Rutland, 4pm March 11
Prokofiev, Classical Symphony Strauss, Horn Concerto No. 1 Beethoven, Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” (Jaime Laredo, conductor; Jennifer Montone, horn)
Additional Events April 21
Uncorking Spring A casual evening of music and more to support the VSO’s SymphonyKids Educational Outreach programs. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 5:30–7:30pm Please check the VSO website at www.vso.org or call (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 for additional information.
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BURLINGTON BUZZ BY MIKE MORIN
A Moment with
Mark Bonfigli
founder and Ceo, dealer.com
Mark Bonfigli is the founder and CEO of Dealer.com and has more than 20 years of marketing, retailing, wholesaling, and service experience in the auto industry. Most recently, he was a recipient of the 2009 Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award for the New England region. He also received the 2009 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year award. Today, Dealer.com is the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry. Starting out as Earthcars in 1994, did you and brother Andy catch grief from salespeople for helping consumers avoid them when buying vehicles? Back then, our little dealership had no salespeople and was really focused on providing reliable low-cost and, often, recycled vehicles. We kept hearing from consumers that they didn’t want to deal with salespeople, so we made sure to offer cars at a fixed price and provide enough information and literature to educate customers about each vehicle. How have auto retailers responded to Dealer.com here in Vermont? Excellent! The leading dealers in the state are loyal users of our websites and online marketing solutions. Since we are based in Vermont, our clients here have had the benefit of using our leading solutions for over 12 years. You were invited to speak at the Direct Sales Executive Summit with automotive sales and marketing leaders, which sounds like true validation for Dealer.com. I was proud, but the real validation for us comes from our partners (clients) because they tell us every day how much
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the Dealer.com solution helps them to be more efficient, gain more sales, and manage their customers better. We are intensely focused on making their businesses better. Dealer.com says that 84 percent of car shoppers are Facebook users. What are a few things car dealers should avoid in their social media campaigns? The biggest mistake that dealers are making on sites like Facebook is to treat them like a forum to conduct sales offerings or promote sales throughout a given day or week or month. The problem with this is that people don’t go to Facebook to look for car deals. Dealers need to simply be friends and talk about the things that are more fun and on the lighter side. Last fall you tweeted that you were headed home to Vermont from Las Vegas for “real air and real food.” Why this love of the state? Vermont, in my opinion, is one of the healthiest states in the US. I was born here and take full advantage of the local farmed foods and fresh air. At that time (of the tweet), I had spent a week in conventions breathing recirculated, smoky air, and I could not wait to get back home to our beautiful state and the Organic Dot Com Cafe food at Dealer.com!
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