Best of Burlington - Winter 2020 by Coffee Table Publishing

WINTER 2020/2021

VOLUME 14 NO 1

BURLINGTON AIRPORT TURNS 100

FROM FARM FIELDS TO FLOURISHING HUB

PLAY DOG PLAY MEANS BUSINESS DESPITE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

SHOPPING LOCAL SUPPORT AREA BUSINESSES

HOWARD CENTER

SERVING THE PUBLIC SINCE 1865

Explore all of the endless possibilities this season. Only

Under Contract!

BEGIN YOUR LAKE CHAMPLAIN LEGACY

A winding driveway leads to this Lake Champlain surprise: a majestic contemporary with walls of windows overlooking Town Farm Bay. Thirty minutes south of Burlington . CHARLOTTE, VT | $1,995,000 | MLS# 4831960 JANA GRANZELLA | C: 802.238.4712

ALL YOU NEED TO BUILD YOUR VT HOMESTEAD

This lovely country cape has a wide front porch and welcomes you with an ample garage and large living areas. Attached, three-car garage, 18 acres to roam, barn, greenhouse and more! FRANKLIN, VT | $400,000 | MLS# 4836193 SARAH MACLEOD | C: 802.858.5359

EMBRACE YOUR OWN LAKEFRONT GETAWAY Breathtaking views combined with the soothing tranquility of Lake Champlain, this beachfront home offers unmatched relaxation for the mind, body and soul year-round. COLCHESTER, VT | $435,000 | MLS# 4838271 KAREN BRESNAHAN | C: 802.310.0447

Under Contract!

UPGRADED HOME IN UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD

One of six beautiful homes in a unique neighborhood. Enjoy this well kept home right next to an open field of common land with mountain views. Ideal garage for car collector, workshop, gym, etc. SHELBURNE, VT | $839,000 | MLS# 4835900 DIANE ARMSTRONG | C: 802.735.7535

RARE OPPORTUNITY ALONG LAKE CHAMPLAIN A private, serene setting for your future home with 558 feet of sandy beach, 18.5 acres and views of the Adirondack Mountains. COLCHESTER, VT | $4,450,000 | MLS# 4774333 MARY PAT PALMER | C: 802.238.3325 DIANE ARMSTRONG | C: 802.735.7535

HISTORIC VILLAGE HOME

Historic Shelburne Village home built in 1855 with original detail throughout with multiple porches, three levels of living space, a carriage barn with apartment just under one acre. SHELBURNE, VT | $999,000 | MLS# 4837283 NANCY WARREN FARLEY | C: 802.734.5024

EXQUISITE CUSTOM HOME

This custom home overlooks the Vermont National Golf Course framed against a backdrop of views of the Green Mountains. SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT | $975,000 | MLS# 4838551 CAROL STONE | C: 802.343.0541 KAREN BRESNAHAN | C: 802.310.0447

PRIVATE THREE-LOT COMMUNITY

Ready to build 15.9 acre lot. Access to downtown Burlington. Permits in place, underground power at site. SHELBURNE, VT | $250,000 | MLS# 4801372 MARY PAT PALMER | C: 802.238.3325 DIANE ARMSTRONG | C: 802.735.7535

SUNSETS AND ADIRONDACK VIEWS

Nestled in Sawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay, this, four bedroom raised Ranch offers multiple living spaces. Enjoy waterfront living. SOUTH HERO, VT | $905,000 | MLS# 4825335 NANCY WARREN FARLEY | C: 802.734.5024 JAY STRAUSSER | C: 802.578.2094

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION AND PEACEFUL SETTING

Located on a quiet country hillside in Walden, Vermont, this stunning five bedroom, four and a half bath home offers endless space inside and out. Outside, you have 21+ acres of field and trails to explore year-round. WALDEN, VT | $590,000 | MLS# 4837011 RANDY SNELLING | C: 603.359.0583

BUILD YOUR HOME ON SHELBURNE FARMS

A very rare opportunity to build your home on Shelburne Farms and enjoy the lands and trails on this iconic property. This 4.5-acre parcel is in a spectacular setting with stunning panoramic views. SHELBURNE, VT | $3,300,000 | MLS# 4837918 MARY PAT PALMER | C: 802.238.3325

HISTORIC PROPERTY

This updated 1850s home sits on 3.2 acres at the corner of Ferry/Greenbush Road. Enjoy views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from the west facing back of property. CHARLOTTE, VT | $849,000 | MLS# 4833012 JAY STRAUSSER | C: 802.578.2094

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Winter features

34 THE ALPHA AND BETA OF AMERICAN AVIATION

Burlington International Airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 years of national leadership gets infused by Beta Technologies.

BY JAY MURRY

42 KEEP THE HOLIDAYS LOCAL

Gifts for the fashionista, the home survivor, and the outdoor lover.

64 HOWARD CENTER

Help is here.

BY JAY MURRY

Contents

COVER PHOTO BY PHYL NEWBECK. VIEW OF MT. MANSFIELD FROM THE TOP OF BOLTON VALLEY RESORT.

Thinking about building a custom home? Our new model home in Underhill is open for tours.

This modern home features an open floor plan, wood wall accents, custom built-ins, breathtaking mountain views, and much more. Efficiency Vermont certifed High Performance. Completely solar powered. Schedule a tour and complimentary consulation with Tom today.

www.tommoorebuildervt.com | 802.899.2376 Custom Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Remodeling â&#x20AC;˘ Distinctive Cabinetry

24 17 PUBLISHERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NOTE 18 ONLINE HUB

30 58

20 CONTRIBUTORS 22 GATHERINGS

Discover all Catamount Outdoor Family Center has to offer.

24 PETS & PEOPLE News, products, and furry facts.

28 CHEERS! Celebrate the season.

30 ART SCENE Spotlight on cartoonist Lillie J. Harris. BY MOLLY RITVO

52 BRIGHT IDEAS Play Dog Play means business despite pandemic challenges. BY VIRGINIA DEAN

58 HOT SPOT Fun and games at The Boardroom in Burlington. BY BART BEESON

70 WHAT'S IN STORE

Being independent pays off: Phoenix Books. BY PHYL NEWBECK

76 HAPPENINGS A calendar of events.

79 ADVERTISERS INDEX 80 LAST GLANCE

Contents departments

14 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

the art of stone crafting

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

PUBLISHERS

Robin Gales John Gales CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Deb Thompson COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Goss Duby ART DIRECTION/DESIGN

Robbie Alterio ADVERTISING DESIGN

Robbycat Design WEB DESIGN

Locable ADVERTISING

Robin Gales (802) 299-9086 John Gales (802) 558-2719 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted. Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, 32 Hermit Thrush Lane, South Burlington, VT 05403. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, Â©2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

16 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Welcoming in 2021 Winter is here, which means a new year. We can hear the collective “thank goodness” utterances from here. However, looking back at the year gone by and thinking about plans for the year ahead, we all should give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back. Just look at the innovation the area has accomplished—restaurants offering take-out and outside dining, virtual fashion shows courtesy of Church Street boutiques, and curbside delivery is as common as making sure we wear our masks when we’re out. It seems we’ve all grown closer while staying further apart. Our winter issue touches on this in unique ways. For example, we check in on the Howard Center and find what we thought we’d find: a helping hand. In so many ways the Howard Center delivers community time and again. And speaking of helping in the community, please remember to shop local as often as you can. To help you out, we’ve provided a few ideas in Keep the Holidays Local. You’ll see plenty of fun gifts available from local stores. And I do believe curbside delivery is available. BTV is 100 years old. BTV is the airport code for Burlington International Airport. Let us catch you up on what was and what is coming. Oh, and who hasn’t driven past the airport in hopes of seeing activity, or parked to watch takeoffs and landings? There’s just something about an airport that stirs a sense of adventure. We introduce you to Lyra and Play Dog Play, which has two locations in the area. What a great place for you and your dog! Lastly, find our spotlight on The Boardroom board game cafe. You’ll find Life, Operation, Monopoly—and a whole new generation of games—plus a great place to play them and good food. We could go for a round of Clue ourselves. Enjoy the winter and say goodbye to 2020! Be safe and healthy. Happy Holidays!

John and Robin Gales Publishers

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HELP TEENS MANAGE MENTAL STRAIN Find tips to deal with stress at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

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

EDIBLE HOLIDAY DECOR Create festive and delicious decorations. Find out more at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com. “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK 18 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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contributors 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.

BART BEESON is a freelance writer and photographer based in Burlington, Vermont. He is a regular contributor to Travel Weekly and Everett Potter’s Travel Report and has been published in The Washington Post, USA Today, Foreign Policy, and other media outlets. When he’s not traveling, Bart can be found hiking with his dog Kesey or spending time with his family in central New Hampshire.

MOLLY RITVO is a freelance writer who lives in Burlington, Vermont, with her husband and daughter. She holds a BA from Tufts University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. Molly is writing a novel as well as a collection of essays on motherhood. Learn more about Molly at mollyritvo.com.

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.

20 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

WINTER IS CALLING

YOU BETTER HAVE A JEEP

Call 800-340-0101

midstatedodge.com

Barre - Montpelier

GATHERINGS

Happy Trails!

atamount Outdoor Family Center (COFC) is moving ahead with some exciting plans for winter operations to include cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and sledding. The trail system at Catamount offers users diverse options for outdoor recreation and forest explorations. The proximity of the trails to the greater Burlington area makes Catamount a premier destination for the local community and visitors alike. The mission at COFC is to create outdoor experiences at the Catamount Community Forest that build active lifestyles and environmental awareness. COFC grooms over 35 kilometers of ski trails with their new Ginzu Groomer and offer both classic and skate ski rentals. In addition, they have an expanding network of groomed fat bike trails throughout the north side of the property and an extensive network of single track trails that can be enjoyed by snowshoers. With fantastic beginner and 22 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Discover all Catamount Outdoor Family Center has to offer novice trails for those with less experience plus increasingly difficult terrain for those looking for more of a challenge, Catamount has the terrain to fit your needs. During the winter, COFC is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Night skiing hours on the lighted loop are Tuesday through Thursday until 8pm. In addition to ski rentals, they offer adult size fat bike rentals and snowshoe rentals for all sizes.

Throughout the winter you will find plenty to do and explore at Catamount. The Catamount Explorations program is designed for grades one through six to learn about their natural environment through outdoor recreation. Weekly fat bike group rides and a variety of events continue throughout the season. Instructors are available to teach custom lessons for Nordic skiers and cyclists.

From left: A Nordic skier enjoys the solitude of the forest trails. A fat biker explores the groomed singletrack network. A family snowshoes together through the fresh snow.

Visit their website for information on upcoming clinics and demo days. For those visiting frequently to bike or ski, Catamount offers annual and seasonal membership options, or you can purchase a single-day membership to enjoy the trails. Snowshoeing and sledding access is complimentary. The recreational trails and facilities are an incredible asset for the community, and COFC is excited to welcome you to come and take advantage of your community forest.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center Winter Operations 592 Governor Chittenden Road Williston, VT (802) 879-6001 www.catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.org

HELP OTHERS EXPERIENCE

THE JOY OF LIVE PERFORMANCE.

FLYNNVT.ORG

GIVE THE ARTS TO UNIFY, INSPIRE, AND HEAL.

SUPPORTING COFC Catamount Outdoor Family Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which manages the recreational trails and programs on the Catamount Community Forest. Funding to support operations comes from user fees, memberships, sponsorships, grants, and individual tax-deductible donations. Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 23

PETS AND PEOPLE SPONSORED BY BEVS

FASHION AND FUNCTION Keep your pets warm in the winter months!

e may admire our pets’ plush coats, but believe it or not, fur may not be enough to keep them warm when it’s very cold outside. For cats and dogs with short fur, the protection is even more minimal, “sort of like wearing a T-shirt when it’s below freezing,” says Marla J. McGeorge, DVM. And, if your four-legged friend’s coat gets wet, the fur loses much of its insulating ability. Follow the tips below to keep your pets safe and warm this winter. • Leave your pets’ coats a little longer in the winter to provide more warmth. That summer haircut from your groomer should be avoided during cold weather. If you have short-haired breeds, consider getting them a coat or sweater that covers them from neck to tail and around the abdomen. • When walking your dogs during bad weather, keep them on leash. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season. • Many pets like to play in the snow but beware of salt and chemicals people use on their sidewalks and driveways. Thoroughly clean your pets’ paws, legs, and abdomen after they have been outside. These products can also burn pads and the sensitive skin between

24 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

GIFTS FOR PET LOVERS Not all animal lovers have pets of their own—and if that’s the case, a Symbolic Adoption Kit from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) makes for a great gift. Instead of adopting an actual animal, your money goes to help save animals in the wild, and your friend or loved one will receive a stuffed plush animal along with an adoption certificate and species card. Options include an Amur tiger, African elephant, emperor penguin, leopard, octopus, and polar bear—choose from more than 100 different animals. Every purchase supports WWF’s efforts to protect endangered animals worldwide. If you’re unsure of which animal to pick, you can opt for a gift card. For more information, go to www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center. their toes. Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Dog boots are effective at protecting your pet’s feet from snow and ice as well as de-icing products, which can make your dog sick if he licks it off his paws. • Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, so clean up any spills or leaks immediately. Ingesting even small amounts can be deadly. • You never know when you might be without power or be stranded at home for a couple days due to winter storms. Keep your pet preparedness kit well-stocked and ready. Items to include are leashes; pet carrying cases; bowls; sanitation materials; chew toys; a minimum of three days of food, meds, and water; your veterinarian’s contact information; and a photo of your pet. • Unless your dog is a Northern breed, remember that if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your animals, so keep them inside. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather. SOURCES: AKC.ORG; AMERICANHUMANE.ORG; ASPCA.ORG

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 25

70 ESSEX WAY • ESSEX • VERMONT • 05452 800.727.4295 • ESSEXRESORT.COM

CHEERS!

 Season

CELEBRATE Craft cocktails offer a new twist on the holidays

The cold, wintry months may seem long and dreary, so add some warmth and joy this season by trying a craft cocktail recipe or two from Vermontbased distillery Caledonia Spirits. The company’s beverage director Sam Nelis and his team have expertly crafted several seasonal drinks that will be perfect for cocktail enthusiasts who are excited about dipping into their home bar this winter. These cocktails are perfect for any upcoming holiday gathering or simply when you just want to treat yourself to a delicious, cozy cocktail by the fire.

CALEDONIA SPIRITS has recently launched its All the Basics Cocktail Kit to take the cocktail creation process to the next level. The kit features a collection of Barr Hill-branded stainless steel tools, including large and small shaker tins, a bar spoon, a jigger, and a four-prong Hawthorne strainer, along with a Cocktails of Note recipe book for even more cocktails to try at home—a great gift idea. 28 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Respect Your Elderberry INGREDIENTS

1 oz Barr Hill Gin K oz house echinacea liquor

Cuffing Season INGREDIENTS

1K oz Brown Butter Fat Washed Tom Cat Gin O oz cognac

K oz elderberry-manuka honey

K oz squash syrup

K oz lemon juice

6 drops cinnamon tincture

8 drops lemongrass tincture

2 drops apple bitters

Hot water

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Lemon twist

1 sage leaf

Add ingredients to a teacup and

Stir ingredients together and pour over

top with hot water, garnish with a

rocks, discard orange peel, and garnish

lemon twist.

with sage.

(C. 2019 MARY ALBERTI @ GIN LANE)

(NATE CANAN-ZUCKER @ BARR HILL)

Barr Hill Martini

Amaro Sour

INGREDIENTS

2K oz Barr Hill Vodka

1 oz Barr Hill Gin

K oz dry vermouth

1 oz Amaro (Bespoke)

2 dashes orange bitters

1 oz fresh lemon juice

Lemon twist

K oz raw honey syrup

Stir together, garnish with a large

1 egg white

lemon twist. An elegantly chilled

Lemon twist

martini can be one of the best

Combine ingredients in mixing tin,

winter warmers. The orange bitters

dry shake without ice for 30 seconds.

bring out the botanical notes and

Add ice and shake for another 15

creamy texture from the distilled

seconds. Double strain into coupe

honey, and the lemon twist

and garnish with a lemon twist and

accents the bright pop of

a spray or drops of the same amaro

the vodka.Â Â (SAM NELIS @ BARR HILL)

you used. (SAM NELIS @ BARR HILL)

ONLINE EXTRA Find more seasonal cocktail recipes at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 29

ART SCENE BY MOLLY RITVO

Spotlight on Cartoonist

Lillie J. Harris From The New Yorker to Vermont

illie J. Harris didn’t plan on becoming a cartoonist. Today, the artist is attending the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction. Lillie’s cartoons have been featured in prominent publications 30 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

including The New Yorker and DC’s Magic Bullet as well as at the Vermont Folklife Center. Despite the growing accolades, Lillie remains a humble artist and graphic storyteller who simply enjoys creating art. “I’ve drawn for

most of my life, but only recently have I begun to start my career in cartooning and illustration,” describing the work as “often rooted in wonder, frenetic and visceral, and purposely childlike, vibrant, playful.” Lillie

Left: Puppy Portrait. Below: The Royals Son. Bottom: The Eagle and the Beetle. Opposite: March to Now.

is continuously inspired by the cartoons of childhood, specifically the comedic timing in Chuck Jones’s Looney Tunes. The Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction is the only art school focused on teaching the medium of cartoon and graphic novel in the country. “The program definitely aided in unlocking necessary skills such as time management and book production,” reflects Lillie. “I’m much more confident in my abilities now thanks to the curriculum.” UNPRECEDENTED? Lillie’s work was selected to be displayed with a few other artists at an upcoming exhibit at Burlington City Arts (BCA). The exhibit titled Unprecedented? (October 23, 2020 to January 30, 2021) “explores the psychological, social, and cultural impact of the extraordinary events of 2020 since the pandemic and intensifying demand for racial justice that has reshaped our world,” says Heather Ferrell, Curator and Director of Exhibitions. Lillie hopes that the piece, titled March to Now, will show not just the grimness of the world right now but also remind the audience that there is still joy to be seen. March to Now is an illustration that shows “this very act of joy, play, and curiosity, while still staying true to the reality we’re all facing,” explains Lillie. “I’ve made it a purposeful act not to dwell on creating unnecessarily morbid pieces, at least for the time being.” Lillie acknowledges that in these challenging times “I seek to depict more playfulness and joy.” Before 2020, Lillie tended to “push my illustrations into more morose places but making the conscious choice to not is healing for me.” When asked if cartoons are created as a response to the current racial injustice happening in our world right now, Lillie thoughtfully states that “I don’t create art solely for the sake of teaching about a specific Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 31

Below: Photo by Hard Art DC. Right: Monster Parade.

injustice or marginalization.” Instead, Lillie aims to share a narrative through storytelling and illustrations. “The storytelling aspect of cartooning is what brings me the most joy and being able to illustrate those stories always feels like the cherry on top.” NEW IDENTITIES AND COMMUNITIES The Maryland native has been drawing ever since childhood but didn’t identify as a cartoonist until moving to Vermont. “Making the choice to study at the Center for Cartoon Studies in 2019 is what made the title of ‘cartoonist’ official for me.” Along the way, Lillie has been published, outlined and scripted a new project, and placed a heating pad over the drawing-hand wrist to prevent strain—a right of passage for many cartoonists. “All of those things seem to build onto the idea of ‘being a cartoonist’ for me,” Lillie adds, very humbly. Lillie is also part of a group of artists that are often underrepresented in Vermont: the Black artist community. “The discomfort of 32 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

feeling as though you’re one of only a handful of other Black people in art space isn’t a new concept for me,” explains Lillie. “It’s always a joy to see other Black people around town, though.” One way that Lillie has connected with other Black artists is through JAG Productions, a theater company in White River Junction that focuses on works by and about Black people. “JAG Productions was the first Black artist community I found upon moving to Vermont. I really love the seclusion of Vermont (from a nature aspect) and the fact that people tend to be relatively friendly in a sincere way,” Lillie notes.

DISPLAYING IN BURLINGTON Lillie is thrilled to be a part of Unprecedented? at the BCA and is eager to be showcased in more Vermont venues. The BCA expects this will happen for the artist. “In March to Now, Lillie Harris creates a work that captures the confusion, anxiety, comfort, and uncertainty felt by so many children and families during the pandemic,” says Curator and Director of Exhibitions Ferrell. “Enlarged to an immense scale for Unprecedented?, Lillie’s contrast of vibrant colors with bold contour lines embody the tension and implicit narratives of this surreal moment in history.” Due to the

“March to Now is an illustration that shows this very act of joy, play, and curiosity, while still staying true to the reality we’re all facing. It’s my hope to blend the two adverse emotions of childlike wonder and apprehension together. Before 2020 I tended to want to push my illustrations into some morose places (I still do, at times). Making the conscious choice to depict playfulness and joy at this time is more rewarding for me, and healing, too.” —Lillie Harris

pandemic, Lillie’s parents will not be able to celebrate in person, but they are cheering Lillie on from afar, as they have been along the way. “My dear friends graciously gave their physical copies of The New Yorker to my parents so they could hold the issue with my comic in their hands,” Lillie says with a smile. “It was a very proud moment for my family.” Unprecedented? will be displayed October 23, 2020 to January 30, 2021 at Burlington City Arts. To view more of Lillie’s work, visit lilliejharris.com or the comic distributor, RadiatorComics.com.

Burlington City Arts 135 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 865-7166 www.burlingtoncityarts.org

ONLINE EXTRA Find a conversation with John Flanagan of BCA at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 33

BY JAY MURRY PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND BETA TECHNOLOGIES

Burlington International Airport’s 100 years of national leadership gets infused by Beta Technologies I’ve been tellin’ my dreams to the scarecrow About the places that I’d like to see. I say, “Friend, do you think I’ll ever get there?” But he just stands there smilin’ back at me. —“Born to Fly” by Sara Evans

f that scarecrow stood in Vermont over the past century, it had lots of smiles. It knows that passengers who used Burlington International Airport (BTV) happily arrived at their destinations; because BTV has been a national leader of aviation innovation since its inception in 1920. As BTV enters another century of service, it has not relegated itself to a soft recliner and subsistence on memories from a distant past. Its administration embraces the future and the creative vitality from Beta Technologies. The result will be an ageless BTV whose contributions to aviation will continue to be voluminous and electric. 34 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

The

Alpha & Beta

OF AMERICAN AVIATION

Abore dolorporem eumqui beatem et perum evenda dentior essecae con restio beaque sit aut elluptatur, quodis doloreh entota vellit, sante sit dit hitios aliquaestio et que num idunditias si berio dolore, ent aut eos restibu sandandant autat. A draft of a future exterior view of the airport.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 35

36 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

CURATED GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST. HOME KITCHEN DECOR LIFESTYLE

Clockwise from top left: Amelia Earhart arrived at BTV on a Boston-Maine & Central Vermont Airways Stinson Trimotor in May 1934, where she was greeted by 2,000 people and presented with the keys to the city. Airplanes of the past.

BTV: THE “WRIGHT” STUFF Orville and Wilbur Wright are credited with the genesis of modern airflight in 1903. Vermont residents ascended to the skies shortly thereafter. There was something different that put the state on a higher flight deck of aviation achievement. Visionary innovation: looking for something to enhance the evolution of aviation and putting it into practice years ahead of expectation. James Hartness in 1916 created plans for “landing places” that became the blueprints for modern airports. In 1919, the trio of Mason Beebe, John Burns, and James Taylor used the writings of Hartness to select the plot of land on which BTV now resides. In the late 1920s, the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America deemed BTV “safe and suitable for use by commercial flyers.” One of the members of that national organization was Orville Wright. From there, BTV took off into its aviation adulthood.

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GUARDIANS OF THE AIR Throughout its first 100 years, BTV has had many guardians that looked after its health and welfare and provided guardians that have kept America safe. Harold Pugh and his wife Grace were highly active caretakers of BTV for over a decade that stretched into the 1940s. Grace became the first woman pilot in Vermont in 1938, and Harold’s Fly Right School of Aviation produced nearly 5,000 pilot graduates per month in 1942. BTV was the busiest airport in the world, with 662 flights per day. The most important development that ensured BTV’s existence was its relationship Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 37

LIGHT COLUMNS INTERSPERSED ALONG LENGTH OF BUILDING ARE REMINISCENT OF VERMONTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NATIVE BIRCH TREES AS SEEN IN NATURE

ALTERNATING BANDS OF ORNAMENTAL GRASS AND DECORATIVE GRAVEL ADD COLOR & TEXTURE AND ALLOW FOR STORWATER MITIGATION

PROPOSED BUILDING

PROPOSED RIVER BIRCH REINFORCE LIGHT COLUMNS PROPOSED SHADE TREE

RELOCATED SECURITY FENCE

CONSOLIDATE DUMPSTERS TO ONE LOCATION.

SERVICE DRIVE

EXISTING TREES, TYP.

EVERGREENS SCREEN TRANSFORMERS, TYP.

PLANTINGS TO SCREEN DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE

SINGLE STEM BIRCH TREES REPLICATE THE PATTERN OF THE LIGHT COLUMNS AND REPRESENT THE SPECIES AS SEEN IN THE NATIVE LANDSCAPE

ALTERNATING BANDS OF ORNAMENTAL GRASSES AND LAWN MIRROR THE BANDS ALONG THE BUILDING FACADE EXISTING TREES PROPOSED RIVER BIRCH GROVE

EXISTING WALK

Above: BTV terminal integration project conceptual site plan. Below: Over the years, the airport has grown and become more modern. The early days of the airport featured grass or dirt landing strips.

38 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

with the Vermont Air and Army National Guard (VtAANG) that began in 1946. Gene Richards, current BTV Director of Aviation, says, “the relationship with the Guard and military has been the one constant thread” through the airport’s history and success. BTV became one of the most important airports in the country; especially since it was directly on the jet flight path between the former Soviet Union and the eastern US. VtAANG was one of the first responders to New York City after the attacks of 9/11. It flew over NYC for 122 consecutive days to prevent further incursions into that airspace. Following 9/11, VtAANG continued to be recognized for military aviation excellence when it was selected by the US Air Force to fly the F-35A Lightning II jet fighter in 2019. According to Lockheed Martin, “The F-35 serves as the backbone of allied airpower for 13 nations and counting.” The collaboration of BTV and VtAANG has given stability to Burlington and the world during times of uncertainty and unrest.

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BETA TECHNOLOGIES: BLOCKING AVIATION’S GROWING PAINS BTV is not resting on its laurels from the last century. Director of Aviation Gene Richards knows that future success of the airport depends on what is being done now to ensure it. He got ahead of the electric aircraft curve by bringing a leading innovator to BTV. Beta Technologies has been an effective beta-blocker for BTV by lowering the blood pressure caused by stress generated from an uncertain aviation future. Beta is creating electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically. Kyle Clark, Founder of Beta, says the plane is perfect for “moving organs between hospitals, moving people efficiently in Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 39

densely populated areas, and for high-value package deliveries.” Kyle says the most intrigue will center on the time saved by using commuter electric aircraft. “We go on an eight-minute flight from Burlington to Plattsburg, right across the lake. And it’s an hour-and-a-half drive. On a flight from here to New York City, you got to show up at the airport an hour beforehand— for a 35-minute flight. The flight to NYC in one of my little planes is just under an hour. I get there faster because I avoid all the BS associated with what we have overlaid on top of airline travel.” Kyle expects long-range electric air flight will become common by 2040, which will undoubtedly amp up the demand to fly electric.

40 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Left, above: Visitors to the airport have included Wiley Post (left) and his navigator Harold Gatty (third from left). Their historic flight in 1931 set the record for aerial circumnavigation of the world, flying a distance of 15,747 miles in a Lockheed Vega named Winnie Mae in 8 days, 15 hours, and 51 minutes. Left, below: Beta Technologies' experimental electric aircraft ALIA sits on the tarmac at the Burlington International Airport.

SCINTILLATING SYNERGY When Gene first learned about Beta’s research and development, he became akin to a stock market trader who just found a can’t-miss buy, “So, when that partnership started, and we started having conversations, oh! It was so contagious for me. I just wanted to help out and make them successful.” When Kyle saw an opportunity to turn an aging BTV hangar into a Beta base of operations, he discovered a can’t-miss opportunity for his success. “Time is super, super valuable. If we had to go and permit a new hangar somewhere, we would’ve been 12 months behind. By investing $10 million into a city building, we didn’t have to go and delay for a year or two—which is worth that money for us.” As a result, Beta is ahead of its competition that has spent much more money and time trying to keep up. Gene says BTV “expects in the near future to use Beta’s aircraft for commercial and private aviation needs.” What can air travelers expect from this synergy of innovation? A second century of BTV that will be second-to-none in the aviation industry.

Burlington International Airport 1200 Airport Drive South Burlington, VT (802) 863-2874 www.btv.aero

Beta Technologies 1150 Airport Drive South Burlington, VT (802) 281-3623 www.beta.team

ONLINE EXTRA Watch a video about the 100-year history of the airport at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 41

KeepîĽ&#x2C6;Holidays Local for the

Fashionista

Everyone knows a stylish person who craves the latest fashions. Here are some up-to-date choices they'll love, all from local retailers.

1. Slate Jaunt Crossbody Bag www.slatehome.co

Dear Lucy Shoes Ugg Classic Mini www.dearlucy.com

Green Envy Stay warm and look good www.shopgreenenvy.com

A Little Something Featuring local designers www.alittlesomethingvt.com

Whim Boutique BB Dakota Glitter Duster www.whimboutique.com Ecco Clothes Boutique All the brands you want! www.eccoclothesboutique.com

42 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

3 4

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 43

for the

Fashionista 1. Expressions Samuel necklace by Anne-Marie Chagnon www.expressions.com

Jamie Two-Coats Cozy lined overalls www.facebook.com/jamietwocoats

Jess Boutique Brochu Walker Looker in cashmere with georgette underlayer www.jessboutique.com

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44 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 45

KeepHolidays Local for the

Home Survivor

So there’s no doubt we are spending more time at home. Why not make the most of it? Relax with your favorite comfy outfit, grab a book, cook something special, enjoy. Here’s some ideas to help you get your chill on.

46 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ECCO Clothes Boutique Staying at home never felt so good www.eccoclothesboutique.com Slate Herringbone throw www.slatehome.co Expressions Baggu standard reusable bag www.expressions.com

Green Envy Who doesn’t love warm candlelight! www.shopgreenenvy.com

Katharine Montstream Sail at Dusk, oil on canvas 30” x 40” www.kmmstudio.com

Furchgott Sourdiffe Framing of all sorts for the home www.fsgallery.com

A Little Something Beautiful antler-themed serving trays www.alittlesomethingvt.com

4 3

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 47

for the

Home Survivor 1. Jamie Two-Coats Super soft snuggly panda www.facebook.com/jamietwocoats

Jess Boutique Voluspa pedestal four-candle set www.jessboutique.com Kiss the Cook Le Creuset's wide round Dutch oven, special price www.kissthecook.net

Whim Boutique Z Supply pj sets www.whimboutique.com

Phoenix Books Distilled Vermont: A History & Guide with Cocktail Recipes www.phoenixbooks.biz

48 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 49

KeepîĽ&#x2C6;Holidays Local for the

Outdoor Lover

Vermonters love being outside, whether they're out playing and exploring in it or bringing the outside in. Outdoor enthusiasts will love these gift ideas!

50 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Katharine Montstream Bristol Falls www.kmmstudio.com Dear Lucy Shoes Ugg Adirondack www.dearlucy.com Ecco Clothes Beautiful parka to keep you warm this winter www.eccoclothes.com Jess Boutique Leather mittens lined with fake fur www.Jessboutique.com A Little Something Cashmere wraps for the chilly weather www.alittlesomethingvt.com Phoenix Books Winter Hiking Guide to Vermont from the Green Mountain Club, www.phoenixbooks.biz

6 5

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 51

BRIGHT IDEAS BY VIRGINIA DEAN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLAY DOG PLAY

Play Dog Play

Means Business Despite Pandemic Challenges Bright ideas for catering to clients

ts name may indicate what Play Dog Play represents to dogs and owners, but don’t mistake the serious nature of one of the most popular daycare, boarding, and grooming businesses in the Burlington area. Established 12 years ago by Ryan Norton and Masha Stern, the facility is now run by Lyra A.

52 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Pecor and staff members who hold the best interest of every dog as their top priority—despite the recent pandemic and the challenges it has brought. A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT “We go beyond the services of a dog daycare and boarding facility,” says Lyra.

“We provide our dogs a safe and supportive environment to practice appropriate social skills that they can then, in turn, continue to practice in the real world. In other words, we are supporting our dogs to feel comfortable just being a dog around other dogs.” Servicing up to 80 clients at its Pine

Clockwise from above: Little Bear, Bear, and Duke. Opposite: The gang's all here! Front row from left: Jaylah, Belle, and Holly. Back row: Max, sweet golden, and Bartley.

Street location and up to 20 dogs at its Williston Road Training Center, the canines spend most of their day socializing in a group designed for them. Daycare and boarding clients, for example, are split into groups based on energy level instead of size, ensuring that the center can support each individual pet in its care regardless of the day. PANDEMIC PIVOT At the start of COVID-19 in early spring, however, Play Dog Play quickly implemented a change in its operational procedures before officially reopening May 11 to accommodate the challenges of the global virus. A contactless drop-off and pickup protocol for owners, for instance, was executed in addition to limiting the types of belongings accepted from homes. “These protocols are in place to minimize points of contact between our owners and employees,” says Lyra. “Masks and social distancing, of course, are required in both of our facilities. We are closely abiding by state regulations surrounding disinfection procedures and have doubled, if not tripled, our cleaning procedures since reopening to ensure the safety of our employees.” While they have begun offering owners the option to return to normal drop-off procedures, the contactless option will remain in place until further notice, Lyra added. “We are eager to continue to support the positive trends in our state and do our part to keep our community members feeling comfortable and safe,” Lyra says. In addition, even though research Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 53

54 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Clockwise from left: Pembroke and Jaylah. Bauer enjoys a tennis ball. Bentley and Maya.

FALL EXHIBITIONS OCTOBER 23, 2020 – JANUARY 30, 2021

indicates that dogs are not as susceptible to the virus, Play Dog Play now requires owners to keep their dogs home from the facility if they are sick or have been around someone who has been sick. “We feel it is our collective responsibility to keep each other safe and healthy by exercising extreme caution until further notice,” says Lyra. OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY Both locations at Play Dog Play feature large indoor facilities filled with agility playgrounds, elevated beds, and a large number of tennis balls to provide hours of fun, exercise, and socialization. The outdoor play areas provide fresh air and a change of scenery. Interviews are required for all dogs prior to their attendance in daycare or boarding. The interview consists of evaluating a dog’s behavior in various aspects of the facility environment. Evaluations are done by one of the facility’s trained dog handlers and can be watched by owners from its observation deck. Boarding dogs are awakened at 6am and have a 7am breakfast. They then join daycare dogs during the day for exercise and play. In the evening, they go to their personal suite for dinner and rest. Then at 10pm, staff return to give a bathroom break. Both locations host limited numbers of pets (14 to 20) with state-of-the-art boarding suites. Each is equipped with large elevated cot beds and water and food bowls. While in its care, all dogs are monitored carefully for their consumption of fresh water that is continuously checked and refreshed. “Our dogs spend the majority of their day socializing in a group designed for them,” says Lyra. “Dogs are individuals, just like us, and it’s crucial to have a flexible line of thinking and desire to meet the dogs’ needs.” ENJOYABLE COMPANIONS The goal of training is to provide an approach that creates a “well-mannered, stable, and enjoyable companion,” according to the center’s website. The training is designed to create a sustainable behavioral change that extends beyond the training setting.

Participating Artists Jeremy Ayers, Becci Davis, Lillie Harris, Akiko Jackson, Brielle Rovito, EveNSteve, Dan Siegel, Sarah Camille Wilson EveNSteve, The Home Of My Choice, 2020 (detail of 9 panels)

Radiant Thought, 2020 (concept image)

G ALLE R Y HOU R S W E D -SAT : 12 -5 P M | SUN-TU ES : CLOS ED 2020 EXHIBITION YEAR PRESENTED BY

BCA Exhibitions are funded in part by a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Vermont Arts Council

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Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 55

Caring Community

As a Life Plan Community, Wake gives you andRobin As a Life PlanRobin Community, Wake your family the comfort of knowing all your health gives you and your family the comfort needs will be met right in one place. Becoming of knowing all your health aneeds will resident means you enjoy Independent Living have a be met right in one place. and Becoming full access to therapyresident treatment, licensed residential means you enjoy Independent care, 5-star skilled nursing, and have compassionate Living and full access and to therapy personalized memory care. treatment, licensed residential care, 5-star skilled nursing, and compassionate and Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to announce personalized our Linden Health Center memory care. received a 2019 American Healthcare Quality Award, and we would love toWeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re shareproud with you more information to announce our Linden about our vibrant lifeplan community. Start your journey Health Center received the American today by scheduling a tour or Quality visiting Award, wakerobin.com. Healthcare and we would love to share with you more information about our vibrant community. Start your journey today by scheduling a virtual tour or visiting wakerobin.com.

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56 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Above: Leddy. Opposite: Pepper and Thomas.

Grooming services include bathing, ear cleaning, toenail trim, and furminator treatment. The facility’s wash stations allow owners to bathe their own dog without worrying about cleaning up afterward. There are two stainless steel wash tubs at each location complete with ramps and electric dryers. Such extras as towels, shampoo, conditioners, nail trimmers, and brushes are provided. A pet supply store at the Pine Street location carries a variety of premium dog and cat food as well as other pet supplies from local Vermont companies and trusted brands in the US and Canada. Whether boarding or at daycare, it is of utmost importance that Play Dog Play creates and cultivates an environment that is conducive for its four-legged clients. “Our owners receive detailed and thorough reports at pickup, so they are kept up to speed on their dog’s progress and behavior in our environment,” says Lyra. “We love to celebrate our dogs’ successes while problemsolving and collaborating on any behavioral concerns with our owners,” says Lyra.

Jamie Two-CoatS’ ToY ShoP 54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT

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Play Dog Play 668 Pine Street Burlington, VT 1725 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 540-0545 www.playdogvt.com Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 57

HOT SPOT BY BART BEESON

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOARDROOM

Fun and Games at The Boardroom Cafe in Burlington Parcheesi,anyone?

For many people, playing board games brings back memories of their youth—the colorful board of Candy Land, the fake money and metal pieces of Monopoly, the complex plastic contraption of Mouse Trap. And while those games are still popular, there’s a whole world of board games most people don’t know about, with more coming out every day. At Vermont’s first board game cafe, The Boardroom, customers can choose from nearly 700 different games, both old and new. Having 58 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Opposite from top: The Black & Blue grilled cheese is just one of the decadent sandwiches. A perfect starter is a pickle plate with dill, horseradish, and spicy pickle chips. You probably won't find a better brunch staple in Burlington than the Big Awesome Sandwich. The sign hangs on the recently renovated historic building. Above: In addition to the extensive game library, The Boardroom has a retail section where customers can buy or special order their favorite games. Left: Owner Kerry Winger.

to pick from so many might seem overwhelming to some, but co-owner Kerry Winger says, “We tend to offer suggestions to people. We might ask you to name some games that you like and we help people cross over to the modern style of gaming. And then in reverse, for people who have only played modern games, we try to bring them back to the classics.” MAKING SPACE FOR GAMES Kerry and her husband Mark opened The Boardroom in November of 2019, after finding a space on Burlington’s Mill Street, just across the river from downtown Winooski. Kerry relates that after visiting similar cafes in other cities, she had a clear vision of what she wanted in her own game Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 59

Above: Customers play the game Pocket Aviary, a game by local developers Concept Medley. Right: Donnie Coleman of Concept Medley teaches Version Conflict, a two-player legacy fighting game. Opposite: The giant 10-inch pretzel served with cheese sauce is everyone's favorite go-to gaming snack.

cafe. First, she wanted to make sure that she hired wait staff who played a lot of games, so that they could teach customers how to play. She also wanted to make sure that people had enough room for their food and their games, and not be squeezed into a table for two. And she wanted customers to be able to get up and browse the games themselves, without having to request a specific game from a staff member. Finally, Kerry felt it was important that they didn’t charge by the hour, so that people could play as long as they want. “We have people who come in as soon as we open at noon on Saturday and stay until we close—they eat all day, they have something to drink, they play four or five games, and it’s their monthly get together with their friends,” she says. (The Boardroom charges a $6 per person table fee to play games and offers monthly and yearly passes.)

60 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

A ROUSING SUCCESS After opening, Kerry was surprised at the enthusiastic community response. “When we initially opened, people in the community reached out to me and started donating games to us,” she says. They quickly developed regulars, who would come in three or four times a week. Additionally, as board games can be expensive, many customers would come in to try a game to see if they liked it enough to purchase it for themselves. Kerry adds that one of her favorite parts of the job was seeing parents come in and teach games they had when they were young to their own children. They soon started offering group games like Dungeons and Dragons (with staff members serving as Dungeon Master), workshops, trivia nights, and other events. Unfortunately, after being open only a few months, The Boardroom had to close due to COVID-19. They reopened in mid-August (much to their customers’ delight) with new safety protocols in place such as having fewer tables to allow for social distancing and sanitizing each game after being used. CLASSIC GAME After talking to Kerry on the phone, I decided I had to visit in person, so on a rainy Tuesday evening my friend and I headed to the cafe to play some games. We were greeted by a friendly host who explained how the place works and offered suggestions about which game we should play based on some of our favorites. The cafe is set on two floors and feels both open and cozy at the same time, with the upper level overlooking the downstairs area. Games line all the walls and Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 61

Above: Customers test their knowledge with a classic game of Trivial Pursuit. Right: Pass the Pigs is even better when played with giant foam pigs. Opposite: The homemade bagel bites will bring you right back to middle school. The Rachel, a Reuben with pastrami or turkey, is served with a pile of chips and is a Boardroom favorite.

are color coded with stickers depending on their degree of difficulty (our host told us that they have one game that can take about 10 hours to play, and that’s if you know what you’re doing.) On Kerry’s recommendation we decided to play Parcheesi (like Sorry! but more strategic, she tells us). After a quick review of the rules with our host, we settled in at an upstairs table and moved our pieces around the board while enjoying a couple of cold IPAs. The cafe menu can only be described as comfort food, featuring a variety of PB&Js, grinders, milkshakes, and grilled cheeses—we chose two of the latter for our dinner. NO WI-FI ALLOWED While it was a quiet evening at the cafe, it was easy to imagine it buzzing with groups of people laughing and talking strategy while immersed in their respective games. There’s 62 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

a small sign on the wall that says “No Wi-Fi, Play Boardgames, Talk to Each Other.” Says Kerry, “It’s really about bringing people to-

gether. Most people who come here and hang out don’t even look at their phones because it’s not about that.” We spent an enjoyable hour

at the cafe, and as we were leaving I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help thinking how, as things eventually return to normal, we could use more places like this that bring people together.

The Boardroom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Board Game Cafe 3 Mill Street Burlington, VT (802) 540-1710 www.theboardroomvt.com

ONLINE EXTRA Find Kelly's top game picks at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 63

BY JAY MURRY PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOWARD CENTER

HOWARD’s

Web

When E.B. White published his children’s novel Charlotte’s Web in 1952, he probably didn’t realize that his classic literary work would serve as a metaphor 68 years later during a worldwide pandemic. But just as Charlotte the spider innovatively used her web to save the life of her friend Wilbur the pig, Howard Center has used nimble creativity to extend its web of delivering mental health services during the ongoing threat presented by COVID-19. HOWARD CENTER’S LIFESAVING WEB Howard Center traces the first strands of its public service web back to 1865. Its origin was in the form of the Home for Destitute Children, founded to give widows and children orphaned during the Civil War a place to call home.

64 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

COVID-19 cannot destroy Howard Center’s extensive web of services and help

Opposite: Howard Center provides a breadth of services, including group counseling. Photo Credit: Unsplash to respect client confidentiality. Right: Howard Center’s development team receives a donation from a local charity. Below: Howard Center provides support and services to children and families starting with early childhood programs. Photo Credit: Unsplash to respect client confidentiality.

Let’s fast-forward to 2020. Howard Center now has a web of services and programs that stretches for miles. Charlotte McCorkel, Senior Director of Client Services, says Howard Center now is a large social service agency. She elaborates that it “serves children, adults, families, and communities as the provider for mental health, substance use, and developmental services in Chittenden County.” Not only does Howard Center’s web of services stretch across more than just one aspect of mental and physical well-being, Charlotte adds that the web extends along the continuum of life. “We provide support and services to children and families starting with early childhood programs and then through adolescence and adulthood and through elder care as well.” She adds that

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 65

Above: Members of Howard Center’s Street Outreach team. Photo by Eric Goldmann. Opposite: Howard Center colleagues collaborate.

extensive range of services requires a specialized staff of 1,600 strong, spread across 60-plus Howard Center sites including 22 residential programs, four independent therapeutic schools, and many clinics and outpatient sites that provide short-term and long-term help. Charlotte also mentions that Howard Center staff is “embedded in almost every school in Chittenden County and works with law enforcement, medical providers, and in partnership with many other agencies.” She continues, “That web is really important, because often people aren’t just struggling with one challenge. They may have a mental health diagnosis but also have a struggle with addiction. Or they may have a developmental disability and a mental health diagnosis. So it’s really important that the web of support exists so we can meet the needs of the whole person.” The existence of this strong yet delicate web was put to the test by the arrival of a new and dangerous virus. THE COVID-19 CHALLENGE In Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte the spider took action when it appeared that she might lose her friend to an outside threat. The staff members of “Howard’s Web” likewise acted quickly and decisively when COVID-19 threatened to stop the services provided by Howard Center. In particular, Howard Center’s Charlotte says when the effects of the virus began to be felt in mid-March, the challenge was to keep clients and staff as safe as possible while continuing essential services so the needs of the community could be met. Some of the staff 66 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Photo: Jim Westphalen

immediately started working from home and providing services through telehealth. For office visits, Plexiglas was installed and masks were ordered. Regarding face-to-face programs in residential and crisis settings, clients and staff were provided with proper personal protective equipment and other safety measures so that people could be as safe as possible while essential services were provided. COVID-19 produced a heightened frontline responder reaction among all staff members at the beginning of the pandemic. Dan Hall, Director of Outpatient Services at Howard Center, says once it was apparent that COVID-19 was going to be around for a while, his outpatient staff “very quickly transitioned to telehealth and remote services.” Dan adds that it didn’t take long to see the advantages of having more virtual meetings. “I think outpatient services are more conducive to that, so within a week or two of that transition, everything was done via telehealth with Zoom being the virtual meeting platform. We worked to reach out and engage our existing clients and then we began to add new folks.” If Howard Center efforts to succeed and thrive in spite of COVID-19 could be distilled down to one word, it would be “pivot.” Charlotte says, “Being able to pivot as quickly as possible from face-to-face services, to

253-2169 | Stowe, VT | cushmandesign.com

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 67

telehealth, to office-based work, and to homebased work—it’s been really critical for us to act fast.” The new strands of adaptation have bolstered Howard’s Web, enabling it to withstand further challenges in the future. 68 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

“HELP IS HERE.” ALWAYS. The most important strand of Howard’s Web is the motto of Howard Center, “Help is Here.” Even in the midst of the pandemic, those who need help can call (802) 488-6000,

or Howard Center’s 24-7 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, at (802) 4887777. Charlotte points out that Howard Center is accessible to all parts of the community, and a recent development will

Left: Honoring those who make a difference in the community at Howard Center’s 2019 Help is Here Award Celebration. Photo by Jude Domski Photography. Below: Attendees at Howard Center’s 2019 Annual Conference Overcoming Adversity: Bold Perspectives on Mental Health and Addiction. Photo by Karen Pike Photography.

help reach those who have been underserved. “Howard Center has joined Burlington and other partners to declare racism as a public health emergency. We know that there are health disparities that are faced by Black and Indigenous people of color, and Howard Center has been committed to reaching underserved populations for a number of years.” By declaring that emergency, she hopes Howard Center will reach even more people who are in need of services that can help them. To further that aim of reaching more people, Charlotte notes that Howard Center recently hosted a free and open to the public educational speaker series in recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2020. To finish the metaphorical comparison between the book Charlotte’s Web and Howard Center, consider this quote from the book. “A spider’s web is stronger than it looks. Although it is made of thin delicate strands, the web is not easily broken.” In the ongoing pandemic, and thanks to its dedicated staff, “Howard’s Web” at Howard Center remains sturdy, supportive, and unbroken.

Howard Center 208 Flynn Avenue, Suite 3J Burlington, VT (802) 488-6000 CRISIS: Need Help Now (802) 488-7777 www.howardcenter.org

sugarbush.com

800.53.SUGAR

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be here

It’s said that people come here because they want to be here. Maybe it’s the incredible snow or the legendary terrain or the pure majesty of our Mad River Valley setting. All good reasons to call Sugarbush home, but in the end, it’s the camaraderie of our people that makes everyone feel so welcome here. Come to Sugarbush. You belong here.

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 69

WHAT'S IN STORE BY PHYL NEWBECK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHOENIX BOOKS

70 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Being

Independent

Pays Off h OWNERS OF PHOENIX BOOKS LEARN AND EVOLVE It’s not easy being an independent bookstore owner, but Michael DeSanto and Renee Reiner have made it work. The couple came to Vermont in 1995 and purchased The Book Rack and Children’s Pages in Winooski. They moved the store to Essex Junction but sold it in 2003. “We were aimless for about four years,” Michael says. When the new owner of the store fell on hard times, the couple considered buying it back In Burlington, a mural of well-known characters from children's books painted by artist and bookseller Kristin Richland greets families.

and when that effort failed, they opened a new bookstore in Essex Junction in 2007. Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 71

Each Phoenix store carries a fully curated book selection and a wide variety of gifts, games, and toys.

BIRTH OF THE PHOENIX Christening their new endeavor Phoenix Books, the couple renovated the space to include a small café. They also sold wine and cheese plates and small, locally made goods. “It was never a question of could we be successful, but instead how big and successful would it be,” Michael says. The couple invested heavily in the 2,500-square-foot space but the lease ran out in 2017. Believing they would benefit from a larger space but wanting to stay in Essex Junction, Michael relocated the store to a Carmichael Street building that had previously housed Blockbuster Video. “Yet again we went into a space that needed to be fully renovated,” he says. The couple decided not to continue the café and wine and cheese since the store was next to a Dunkin Donuts. 72 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

In 2012, Phoenix Books expanded into the Queen City. “Burlington was content with Borders as a downtown bookstore,” Michael says, “but Borders closed a perfectly profitable business. When that happened, I decided I wanted to open a Burlington bookstore before some lawyer from New Jersey came up to fulfill their dream of doing that.” COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED ENTERPRISE Michael and Renee had discovered they had a difficult time sharing business responsibilities, so he had been in charge of the Essex store. Renee agreed to take the reins of the new store once they found a Burlington location. The couple bought the fixtures from the old Borders store and began to look for a suitable storefront. After they found a place on Bank Street, Eli Moulton, a specialist in communitysupported investments, stepped in to provide a legal framework for a community-supported enterprise where Burlington residents would invest in the bookstore-to-be. Meetings with community members proved encouraging and several thousands of dollars were invested in the new endeavor. Three years later, the couple was approached by Steve Costello who asked if they were interested in starting a store in Rutland. “That was the most fun,” Michael says. “I went to Rutland and laid out what I needed because we’d become more knowledgeable about the need for shared risk from the community. They told us they had already replicated what we had done in Burlington and 40 people had already committed $1,000.” A few more investors were added, including Tricia and Tom Huebner, with Tricia serving as managing partner of Phoenix Books Rutland. The couple purchased another store in Chester which was not as successful, something Michael believes might have to do with having changed the name. They sold the Chester store and purchased the Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, this time keeping the name and hiring Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowksi to take charge. “We keep learning,” Michael says. “That was a turnkey operation and it’s our most highly profitable business.” Over the years, Michael and Renee have tried a number of things including adding a publishing arm to the business. They hold a variety of events including readings and book signings and have established a book club which allows members to pay $30 a year in Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 73

Above and right: The bottom line is you can find anything you want at Phoenix or we will order it for you. Opposite: Our fully masked staff will gladly offer customers a mask if they need one.

return for 20 percent discounts on all subsequent book purchases. Although initially 25 percent of the titles sold were Vermont-based, that number is down to 10 to 15 percent, but Michael revels in the success of local authors like Archer Mayer, Chris Bohjalian, and Stephen P. Kiernan. THE VERMONT WAY Book buyer Beth Wagner says that during March and April, Vermonters responded to the pandemic by purchasing books on cooking, baking, self-sufficiency, and DIY projects. “It started to shift this summer,” she says “with the Black Lives Matter movement.” Beth says Vermonters have been buying books by and about Blacks including novels and biographies, as well as books on racial justice. This has included books by Vermont authors like Emily Bernard and Major Jackson. Additionally, political books like the ones written by Mary Trump and Bob Woodward have been flying off 74 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

We know that times are tough...

Help is here. Howard Center Main Number

802-488-6000

the shelves. “I feel like the interest in Vermont authors is tied into the overall support for Vermont bookstores,” Beth says. She praised Phoenix’s loyal customers for sticking with the store during difficult times. “You can feel the support every single day,” she says, “and that’s what keeps us going and gives me hope.” Although the pandemic initially caused the closing of all the stores, they have all reopened with restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of the things that allowed us to keep our sales within shouting distance was that we offered free shipping and curbside pickup,” Michael says. The couple firmly believes local bookstores, as well as other retail establishments, can and should be viable. “It is no secret that COVID-19 has assaulted small businesses and harmed our employees,” Michael says. “I believe in a small business-driven economy and its connection to a thriving community. If our Main Streets are to be more than boarded up shells of bygone days, we need to think about how we can restore, protect, and support our locally owned independent businesses.”

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Phoenix Books 191 Bank Street Burlington VT (802) 448-3350 2 Carmichael Street Essex Junction, VT (802) 872-7111 www.phoenixbooks.biz

ONLINE EXTRA Find the top five recommendations for winter reading at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

CREATE YOUR UNIQUE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE ESSEXRESORT.COM

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 75

WINTER HAPPENINGS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BURLINGTON CITY ARTS Please see website for details on exhibits and streaming events. NOW UNTIL JANUARY 30

Clay Mohrma featured artist Radiant Thought Clay Mohrman is a lighting artist, designer, and entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts. Mohrman brings together the divergent disciplines of commercial design, lighting, and fine art to create his dynamic sculptures and public installations. His recent artistic explorations reflect the internal experience of emotional processing while drawing the viewer’s attention to the present moment. Mohrman holds a BA in Product Design from Central Saint Martins, London, England. He has exhibited his work extensively in Vermont including venues such as Spruce Peak Lodge, Waking Windows, Casting Coalescence,

Hotel Vermont, and Karma Birdhouse. In 2017 Mohrman founded his company, Clay Mohr Lighting, and in 2018 he participated in Jump/Start, a business accelerator program developed by Generator in collaboration with LaunchVT. NOW UNTIL JANUARY 30

Lillie J. Harris

Lillie J. Harris is a cartoonist and illustrator from Prince George’s County in Maryland whose comics feature a black-and white palette reminiscent of film noir and often include elements of horror. Currently attending the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Lillie’s work has been featured in publications such as The New Yorker and D.C.’s Magic Bullet, and at the Vermont Folklife Center. Lillie is the featured artist of Unprecedented?

145 Church Street, Burlington (802) 865-7166 www.burlingtoncityarts.org

ARTHOUND GALLERY at ESSEX EXPERIENCE DECEMBER 2020

Kris Kringle Market & Christmas Tree Lighting In the spirit of the European Christmas markets, the ArtHound Gallery brings you a monthlong celebration of over 250 Vermont artists and an array of locally made products. Daily artist demonstration, curated gift baskets, and tables and an outside Christmas Tree lighting on December 6th at 6 pm kick off the holiday season. Local owners, John and Jennifer Churchman, are committed to providing you a safe and enjoyable holiday experience in the spacious gallery. Essex Experience, Essex, VT (802) 662-4808 JANUARY 2021

Let there be Light The ArtHound Gallery is happy to bring you a month-long event showcasing artists that have the elements of light at the heart of their work. Fine art originals, photography, candles, unique lighting, and more beautiful items that

76 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

bring light into our lives. Local owners, John and Jennifer Churchman, are committed to providing you a safe and enjoyable experience in the spacious gallery. Essex Experience, Essex, VT (802) 662-4808 FEBRUARY 2021

Fire & Ice The ArtHound Gallery is happy to bring you a month-long event showcasing artists that have the elements of fire and ice at the heart of their

work. An artist who works with the element of fire brings a special esthetic gift to the world. Pottery, pewter, metals, tin, glass, jewelry. You will feel the warmth emanate from their creations. The icy opposite is created through original paintings, fine art photography, and multi-media pieces. Local owners, John and Jennifer Churchman, are committed to providing you a safe and enjoyable experience in the spacious gallery. Essex Experience, Essex, VT (802) 662-4808

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Please see website for details on exhibits and streaming events.

DECEMBER 19 This livestreamed concert will feature four cellists and two percussionists and will be performed from Willow Gate Farm in Charlotte. John Dunlop, Dieuwke Davydov, Bonnie Klimowski, and Jonathan Brin, cellos. D. Thomas Toner and Nicola Cannizzaro, percussion. Hosted by VSO New Music Advisor David Ludwig. The program will premiere works from composers Molly Joyce and Michael Chorney. JANUARY 16 Jukebox Livestream. The popular chamber music series is streaming live from ArtsRiot! Hosted by Matt LaRocca, each concert will feature an eclectic program of familiar and nontraditional pieces, performed by the Jukebox string quartet.

2 Church Street, Burlington (802) 864-5741 www.vso.org

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 77

WINTER HAPPENINGS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OTHER WORTHY NOTES

Winter Lights on the grounds of Shelburne Museum

There will be three different time periods each day to allow social distancing. Select dates in November through January. Please see website for cost and times. shelburnemuseum.org/winter-lights

Please see website for details and streaming and online events

153 Main Street, Burlington (802) 86-Flynn www.flynnvt.org www.burlingtoncityarts.org

JANUARY 30 Free ice fishing day at Knight Point State Park. FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 6 Sugar on Snow at Shelburne Farms, check website for details.

Church Street Marketplace

Please see website for details on special events happening December through February on Church Street! Remember to shop local! (802) 863-1648 | www.churchstmarketplace.com

DECEMBER 7–14 Online tap classes via Zoom. Mondays, 5:30pm for Level 1, 6:45pm for Level 2 DECEMBER 1–15 Online Burlesque, 6pm. Ages 18 plus DECEMBER 6–13 Online Dance Mash-Up for teens, adults, and families. Sundays 2:45pm

LYRIC THEATER

Songs For A New World STREAMING ONLINE NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 19 This is Lyric’s first full length musical to be rehearsed, staged for, and filmed for a remote audience. A contemporary song cycle by Jason Robert Brown, Songs for a New World, weaves together 16 individual songs that are connected by a common theme, “the moment of decision.” Lyric is excited to bring this gorgeous show to our audiences. Tickets on sale starting November 13.

Miracle on Green Tree Drive: A Lyric Family Christmas Special 7 Green Tree Drive, South Burlington (802) 658-1484 www.lyrictheatrevt.org

78 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

STREAMING ONLINE DECEMBER 20 Miracle on Green Tree Drive is a televised Christmas special celebrating Lyric’s survival through these tough times and their unwavering commitment to ring in the holiday the only way they know how: through song and dance and storytelling. A completely original Lyric version of a 60’s variety Christmas television show . . . think Lawrence Welk except packed full of Lyric members.

ADVERTISERS INDEX For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 5582719 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net. A Little Something........................................................... 7, 43, 47, 51 Ardesh Finds & Furnishings ..............................................................5 ArtHound Gallery...............................................................................41 Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center..................................................... 1 Burlington City Arts . ....................................................................... 55 Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Services........................ 25 Burlington Marble and Granite.......................................................15 Catamount Physical Therapy......................................................... 77 Chroma Optics . ................................................................................ 55 Church Hill Landscapes...................................................................63 Cushman Design Group.................................................................. 67 Davis and Hodgdon Associates......................................................19 Dear Lucy ............................................................................... 9, 42, 50 Ecco Clothes......................................Inside Front Cover, 43, 46, 51 Expressions .......................................................................... 37, 44, 47 Ferro Estate Jewelers........................................................................ 33 Flynn Center....................................................................................... 23 Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty................................2 Fringe Salon and Lash Bar...............................................................79 Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery.......................................................16, 47 Green Envy.............................................................................. 6, 43, 47 Hickok & Boardman Real Estate....................Outside Back Cover Howard Center ................................................................................. 75 Hula .....................................................................................................45 Inspired Closets ................................................................................63 Istanbul Restaurant............................................................................41 Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop............................................... 44, 48, 57 Jess Boutique....................................................................3, 44, 48, 51 Kiss the Cook................................................................................48, 61 Knauf Landscape Architecture...................................................... 23 Landshapes.........................................................................................69 Lawson’s Finest Liquids................................................................... 27 Midstate Dodge..................................................................................21 Mirror Mirror........................................................................................ 6 Montstream Studio.............................................................. 17, 47, 50 NurseGrown Organics.....................................................................79 Outdoor Gear Exchange..................................................................45 Peregrine Design/Build.....................................................................61 Phoenix Books ......................................................................33, 49, 51 Radiance Wellness Spa........................................Inside Back Cover Red House Building............................................................................16 Sail Beyond Cancer ..........................................................................43 Shelburne Tap House.......................................................................39 Slate........................................................................................ 37, 42, 46 Sugarbush Resort..............................................................................69 The Automaster................................................................................... 8 The Carriage Shed . .......................................................................... 73 The Essex Resort and Spa........................................................ 26, 75 Timeless Designs..............................................................................49 Tina’s Home Designs.........................................................................10 Tom Moore Builder............................................................................13 Total Fitness Equipment.................................................................. 67 Vermont Cabinetry............................................................................. 4 Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard-Pierce Wolf................. 73 Vermont Real Estate Company......................................................39 Volansky Studio Architecture & Planning................................... 57 Wake Robin.........................................................................................56 Whim Boutique...................................................................... 9, 43, 49 Windows and Doors by Brownell....................................................11 WND&WVS.......................................................................................49

Winter 2020/2021 | Best of Burlington | 79

LAST GLANCE

kindness is like snow...it beautifies everything it touches -Kahlil Gibran

80 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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Best of Burlington - Winter 2020

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