Best of Burlington Spring 2023

MEET THE PLANET PEOPLE

WORKING HARD TO PICK UP MOTHER EARTH

JESS

BOUTIQUE

AND EXPRESSIONS

TRANSFORMING WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS IN MIND

REDHOUSE BUILDING

SUSTAINABLE COMFORT

Health & WELLNESS

Spring and allyour SpecialEvents are justaroundthe corner

All Photos: Erica Allen Studio

DECORATIVE BATH & ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT 257 PINE STREET BURLINGTON, VT 802.861.3200

CLOSETOHOMEVT.COM

34 JESS AND EXPRESSIONS

Jess Boutique and Expressions, always transform with their customers in mind.

BY TAY GREENLEAF

40 SUSTAINABLE COMFORT

Employee-owned Red House Building offers high end & high efficiency homes.

BY REBECCA LIEBSON

50 RADIANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS SPA

Focusing on beauty and health.

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

GREEN ENVY +

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BY MERYL SIEGMAN

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48NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL GROUP BY MERYL

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56 CHAMPLAIN SMILE SOLUTIONS BY MERYL

28

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58 BRILLIANT MASSAGE & SKIN BY MERYL SIEGMAN

62 BARE MEDICAL SPA + LASER CENTER BY MERYL

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64 9ROUND FITNESS BY MERYL

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66 CHEEKS LUXURY SKIN CLINIC BY MERYL

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72 8 TIPS TO HEALTHY EATING BY KRISTY ERICKSON

Coffee Table Publishing, LLC

32 Hermit Thrush Lane

South Burlington, VT 05403

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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COPY EDITOR

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ART DIRECTION/DESIGN

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ADVERTISING DESIGN

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Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, ©2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

Its Springtime!

With the arrival of Spring in Vermont, comes our annual spotlight on various health services available here in the Champlain Valley. From maintaining healthy skin with Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic, to the latest in integrated health services. e bring you the tram enter for ntegrative edicine, where they o er lyme disease treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy among others. We Introduce you to Main Wellness Works, and owner Heather Main provides a focus on integrative health coaching, her success is terrific

We check in with Dr. Parker at Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa and the many services they o er, and find information about a new and popular weight loss treatment from New England Medical Group. Nutritional advice, mental health, skin care, and much more. You can see why the health section in our spring issue is one of our most popular. ut we don’t stop there e spotlight ermont eal state and their exceptional service in the real estate market. Planet People are busy helping keep Vermont clean, and Red House Building, LOVE WHAT THEY DO, our Pets and People section, events, and a sprinkling of spring

Happy Spring.

Cheers,

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

FIX UP A FLAVORFUL SPRING TABLE!

These tasty dishes can help you serve up a meal perfect for any Spring gathering. Go to www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

What does our newsletter include?

• A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers

• Local event listings from our calendar

• Special o ers from Best of Burlington and local businesses

• Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles, and much more . . .

SLURPING ON SUNSHINE

When thinking about recipes to try this spring, consider taking advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out recipes and video at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

| www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

MAPLE festival THE VERMONT

The 56th Annual Vermont Maple Festival is a uniquely Vermont festival celebrating the end of maple syrup production for the year. Held in St Albans, VT on the last weekend of April every year, this 3-day festival is a celebration of all things maple syrup! Named one of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s Top 10 Time-Honored Events, this festival is a must.

This year the festival is taking place on April 28–30 and thousands of visitors will be in attendance to enjoy a packed calendar of events all weekend long. There will be a parade, daily craft shows, an antique show, live music & entertainment events, sugarhouse tours, syrup tastings, a pancake breakfast, several specialty food shows, maple cooking demonstrations, a maple bu et dinner and more.

There will also be an 8.5 mile Sap Run, a Youth Talent Show, a Fiddler’s Variety Show, jugglers, a dog performance, and the crowning of the festivals’ Maple King and Maple Queen.

The Maple Festival has several contests going on throughout the weekend including a maple cooking contest, a Vermont maple product

A Celebration of Maple Syrup

contest, their Sappy Art Show, a photography contest, The Maple Ambassador contest, a festival window display contest and a maple syrup contest.

Another highlight is the Maple Beverage Tasting at 14th Star Brewing on Saturday April 29th from 3pm-5pm. For $10, adults over 21 years of age can sample maple craft beer, wine, cider, spirits and more from more than 12 local breweries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies. A portion of each ticket goes to support the Vermont Maple

For the kids, there will be face painting, balloon art, carnival rides, and a kids scavenger hunt. And everyone will enjoy Vermont maple delicacies such as maple cotton candy, maple creemees and maple cream donuts available from our local vendors. Don't forget to stop by the Vermont Maple store for all things maple!

For more information, details and a full schedule of events, visit www.vtmaplefestival.org.

Sugar Makers’ Association and the Vermont Maple Festival.

GETTING YOUR PUP READY FOR SPRING!

IT’S ALMOST SPRINGTIME! The days are getting longer and the temps are getting warmer, so you know what that means…it’s almost dog park season!!!

As we begin to venture outside more with our furry friends, it’s important to remember these 9 important things to keep your pup safe and happy this Spring.

1. Your pup has been taking it easy all winter, so they’ve probably put on a little weight and lost some muscle tone. Ease your pup into outdoor playtimes. Doing it right away could lead to injury or exhaustion.

2. Before venturing out to the dog park, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their flea & tick medications.

3. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their

heartworm medication as well. Warm weather means active mosquitos who are carriers of the dangerous disease.

4. Dogs can experience seasonal allergies, just like humans. If you notice your pup sneezing, coughing, chewing at their fur or scratching excessively, take them to see their vet for an allergy check-up.

5. Beware of toxic Springtime plants. All varieties of lilies, morning glory, crocus, rhododendrons, tulips and azalea flowers are toxic to dogs. Make sure you are able to identify them to keep your dog safe.

6. Don’t let your dog drink from stagnant water. Stagnant water, such as ponds and puddles, can cause bacterial infections, gastrointestinal upset and some bacteria can be deadly.

7. Dogs can get skin cancer, especially if your dog has a white coat or pink skin around their eyes or nose. Make sure your light skinned and white colored pups aren’t out in the sun for too long without protective clothing or sunscreen. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray or Petkin Doggy Sun Stick are great options.

8. Don’t forget that Springtime is mating season for dogs. If your dog isn’t spayed or neutered, make sure to keep an extra close eye on them at the dog park.

9. Last but not least, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. It only takes one sick squirrel or raccoon wandering into a dog park to introduce your dog to rabies.

YOGA BUNNIES

If you’re feeling the urge to relax among adorable bunnies, you should check out a bunny yoga class at Water and Rock Studio’s in Burlington, VT. This studio teams up with local shelters, farms or rescues to bring these adorable, hoppy creatures to you. Classes are open to all ages and 50% of the proceeds go to the participating local animal rescue/farm. You can even plan a bunny yoga session for your own private group.

SPRING CHICKENS

Did you know that you can have backyard chickens in Burlington? It’s true! You are allowed up to three hens in your backyard. Not only do chickens provide eggs but they are excellent foragers and will rid your yard of pests if allowed to free-range in your (fenced) backyard. They eat pests too—crickets, mice and ticks are some of their favorite snacks!

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ART SCENE BY SARAH PAQUITTE

Comfort in Karate

Self

It’s not even 8 AM on a Sunday, and I have just picked up my bleary-eyed preteen from Villari’s Vermont, our karate dojo, where he has spent the past 24 hours with a group of tweens and teen leaders in our martial arts community. He’s happily (and groggily) recounting their team building activities, the work they did on an activity book for our youngest students, how they’re planning their next fundraiser for the dojo’s nonprofit, and the fun they had playing games and watching movies in sleeping bags piled up on exercise mats on the dojo oor.

I catch his smile in the rear view mirror as I pull onto Williston Road - remarkably empty and sparkling in the morning sun.

How did we get here? To this place where my eleven year old son and I are black belts? Where he is learning to be a leader and early mornings full of corralling kids into lines to practice kicks and punches is not just our norm, but one of the highlights of our week?

Ten years ago, I was told I’d never play sports again after a hip surgery that was marginally successful at best. After that, I spent years rebuilding my strength and ability to get through the day without being ruled by pain. ut when my eldest son, who was five at the time, was struggling with classmates pushing and hitting him on the playground,

I knew I had to do something to bolster his confidence and imbue him with boundaries and respect for himself as well as others.

So I turned to martial arts—way outside my comfort zone, and with no knowledge

of how profoundly our lives were about to change.

Inside those doors, I found a community I didn’t even know I was missing. I found balance in both mental and physical health. I

Defense and Wellness Center provides a community filled with power and peacefulness

found the courage to overcome my fears and insecurities. I found great workouts, and greater friendships.Now, every Saturday, my two sons and I pile into the car and take the familiar route to the dojo (though I’m beginning to suspect my car has done it enough times to autopilot the way). Loaded with sparring gear, uniforms, and water bottles, we traipse inside through the entryway piled with shoes from teeny 4-year-olds to adults topping six feet, through the lobby where a sibling invariably is working on their student handbook while waiting for their class to start, and out onto our training oor.

My boys immediately drop their gear and join their peers, practicing and warming up. Class is being led by a handful of teenagers, kids who you’d swear are the most well-adjusted, wonderful children on the planet. You’d be wrong. They’re kids, they’re totally normal, full of hormones and apathy, insecurities, and struggles in school. But at the dojo, they’re leaders and mentors, ushered through growing pains to become role models and helpers to younger students.

“The greatest reward is seeing how they grow and become more mature and professional. From distracted little kids twirling in circles, to me being able to rely on them at a moment’s notice,” says 8th Degree Black Belt and hief aster nstructor arrel u y. e and his partner, th egree lack elt aurie hover, have over years of combined teaching experience in martial arts. he leadership students’ confidence, peer to peer mentoring, communication skills, and understanding that as much as we all may be

Above: Meditation is one form of internal training and an integral piece of martial arts. Top right: A Leadership teen helps teach a young white belt their karate form.

di erent from each other, we can speak to each other with kindness as we lead, is a hallmark of the dojo’s leadership program, says aster u y.

lasses rotate, and the next group comes in, and now it’s the teens’ turn. ost of the class is also in the leadership program, which is an optional supplement to their training. love watching them become the person martial arts nurtures in them. trength takes root, confidence grows, and they bloom into young adults who are assets to society. s a

martial arts instructor for years, a father, and a community member, could not be more proud of these kids for the hard work and dedication they put into it. hey are not perfect, they make mistakes, and that’s okay. hey are human and they know that they’re allowed to be all those things.

t’s that grace and acceptance that underlies

Above: Master Instructor Taylor Duffy congratulates a young student for earning their yellow belt. Above right: Students from all over work together in class to practice after school and on weekends.

all of the training at the dojo that makes it my home away from home. Because, let’s be honest, our world is a juggling act caught in the crush of the day to day: work, errands and chores set to the soundtrack of ringing phones, texts and emails pouring in, co ee slugged down, and long nights just trying to stay a oat. ut the dojo o sets all of that, just by being.

There’s a sort of comforting ritual in sliding into my uniform and tying on my belt, a routinely feeling of peace in sitting and meditating before and after class. My mind immediately calms and focuses the moment I step inside the dojo.

This is where anything is possible. This is where I’m my truest self. This is where my people are— my children grow. here we find health and stability, support and strength. This is so much more than kicks and punches and cliched ideas of self defense.

This is martial arts.

Villari’s Self Defense and Wellness Center

15 Palmer Court

South Burlington, Vt 05403

(802) 864-0844

www.villaricenter.com

802-253-2169 | Stowe, VT | cushman design .com

Photo: Ryan Bent

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

ENJOY LOCAL

Supporting your local businessses supports the area where you live, work and play

ADDIE & GRACE BOUTIQUE

Step into a truly unique experience at Addie & Grace. We offer chic, sophisticated women’s clothing & accessories in a welcoming environment by the designers you know and love. Our stylists bring decades of expertise in the fashion industry, and tailor each shopping experience to help dress you for everyday, work, travel, or special occasion. addieandgrace.com

OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE

OGE Long Trail Relay Tee

Starting on June 6th, 2022, in honor of National Trails Day, Outdoor Gear Exchange embarked on a fundraiser for the Green Mountain Club in the form of an end-to-end relay hike of the entire length of the Long Trail. The Relay Tee commemorates the event with a picturesque graphic laid onto a soft cotton blend. gearx.com

EXPRESSIONS

Locally owned since 1979, Expressions has been outfitting women with quality casual wear. Feel beautiful every day with designers like Eileen Fisher, Elliott Lauren, Margaret O’Leary, Nic+Zoe, Habitat, and more! www.expressionsvt.com

GREEN ENVY

Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket ($695) Shop Veronica Beard’s coveted Miller blazer at Green Envy.  Find all your elevated essentials from your favorite brands including Ulla Johnson, Golden Goose, Zadig & Voltaire, Kerri Rosenthal, Moussy, Veronica Beard, Brochu Walker a nd more. Visit us in Burlington, Stowe, Manchester Center, and Providence, RI, or Shopgreenenvy.com

BARE MEDICAL SPA + LASER CENTER

Give the gift of beauty with a Gift Card from Bare Medical Spa! With a wide range of medical aesthetic treatments such as Botox and CoolSculpting® Elite to relaxing treatments including Lash & Brow Services, bare has something for everyone. www.barevt.com

JESS BOUTIQUE

Create the perfect look for that upcoming special event! Whether you’re a bride, mother of the bride/groom, party guest or person of honor, you’ll find the widest selection of beautiful designer pieces from Diane Von Furstenberg, Halston, Joseph Ribkoff, Shoshanna, Hutch, Julie Vos, Dean Davidson, and so many more. www.jessboutique.com

A LITTLE SOMETHING

TAT2 Necklace. Stunning sterling and gold plated earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Timeless and contemporary silver and gold, bold and simple designs are wearable every day. www.alittlesomethingvt.com

RADIANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS SPA

Hair loss and hair thinning commonly occur as we age for both men and women. We’re excited to share that we are now carrying Nutrafol! Awardwinning Hair Growth Nutraceuticals target the root causes of thinning hair from within. Come to Radiance to learn more about our medicalgrade skincare and Nutrafol today. www.radiancevt.com

BY TAY GREENLEAF PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESS BOUTIQUE AND EXPRESSIONS

EVER EVOLVING

AND EXPRESSIONS ALWAYS TRANSFORM WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS IN MIND

JESS BOUTIQUE

Opposite: et s he p yo fin the perfect o tfit for ny occ sion top in or c s for person i e ppointment

Abo e: e the center of ttention in one of o r e eg nt e ening go ns or cockt i resses

op eft: hop bright n be tif sep r tes ith co ors st in time for spring

ottom eft: A itt e sp rk e ith e e ry from esigners ike ie os pict re e n i son i ie ort n o n more

In 2011, Alexis Pomerleau would have never imagined she would be at the helm of two successful brick and mortar shops in Burlington. At the time, Jess Boutique had just opened at its Church St. location with resounding love from the community. Originally the passion project of her cousin Jess Pomerleau-Halnon, Alexis can recall the whirlwind of opening day saying, t was just a urry of people coming in and trying on dresses. I don’t think any of us stopped moving from the minute we opened to when the doors closed.”

Above: Dazzling shoes and purses to add to any outfit.

Right: Brides can shop for special pieces for all their upcoming events! Find white dresses and accessories perfect for engagement parties, bridal showers, or even day-of.

Below: Make a statement with bold belts and bags!

After the untimely death of Jess from a courageous battle with breast cancer in 2020, Alexis has taken up her cousin’s work of running both the original Jess Boutique and it’s sister store, Expressions. With Jess’ mother, Dee Pomerleau, the stores are perfectly curated with a good eye for great designs and aesthetics. While both locations always keep the current trends and their customer base in mind, each store has a di erent specialty. ess outi ue caters to a clientele of 30s and beyond and specializes in more formal attire such as ball gowns, bridesmaids dresses and event wear. To match its elegant designs, The decor is just as sophisticated, with intricate window displays, seasonal ower arrangements and a dedicated dress gallery. “What I hear from a lot of people who come in [to Jess Boutique] is ‘wow this looks like it could be in New York City,’”says Alexis. Expressions, which is located right next door, has a slightly more casual feel. ou’ll find a lot of cottons and linens–mostly organic materials,” Alexis explains.Jess purchased the roughly 40-yearold business in 2019 and went to great lengths to preserve the aesthetic that the original owners had worked to curate, which feels chic and warm for customers looking to spend some time searching the racks.

Alexis explains that while they want to carry the most sought after designs for their customers, they always want each client to feel like family. ot only are you able to find beautiful things to wear, it’s also about feeling really incredible and feeling really taken care of when you’re in the store,” she says. “When people walk through that door it’s not about ‘what can I sell you?’ It’s about ‘What can I do for you?’”

That philosophy has helped both Jess Boutique and Expressions attract loyal customers over the years who help shape the designs and styles of the store. Beyond the fashion, Alexis attributes the loyalty of the regulars to both shop’s ability to stay a oat during the Covid pandemic. At a time when much of Vermont was on lockdown, the two

WE’VE MOVED TO OUR BIGGER & BETTER, AND MORE EPIC LOCATION. SAME BUILDING, BUT NOW STREETSIDE ON PINE — LOOK WHO’S ALL GROWN UP!

Left: Look and feel your best self in your favorite designers, including Nic+Zoe, Elliott Lauren, Margaret O’Leary, and many more.

Above: Beautiful necklaces and earrings from Deborah Grivas will add a special to ch to ny o tfit e o : At pressions yo c n fin the i est se ection of i een isher in the Burlington area.

boutiques were forced to close their doors, but that didn’t stop Alexis from opening up the stores virtually. One of the creative tactics they employed during that time was using Instagram’s live video feature to sell clothes. Alexis would set up her camera and provide viewers with a QVC-style broadcast showcasing all the di erent products they had available in the store. Viewers could comment on the live videos, giving them the chance to interact with Alexis and ask questions to get the same level of service they would receive if they visited the store in person. hey also experimented with o ering what Alexis calls “style boxes.” Customers would provideJess Boutique with their sizes and a little information about what kinds of clothes they were looking for and Alexis and the rest of the team would put together a curated collection of items from the store. These “style boxes were then dropped o on customers’ doorsteps, allowing them to enjoy a personal shopping experience in a social distance friendly way.

Now, thankfully past the struggles of the pandemic, Alexis keeps looking for more ways to evolve the two businesses. While she is very thankful for the use of social media and the internet to keep the stores alive in quarantine, lexis stresses first and foremost the stores will remain part of the community as brick and mortar establishments. “We build our brands o of our customer buying habits and preferences,” says Alexis. “Having the ability to be in the community and keep things fresh in a way that our customers want to see is the most important thing.”

BY REBECCA LIEBSON | PHOTOS BY LINDSAY SELIN

SUSTAINABLE

EMPLOYEE-OWNED RED HOUSE BUILDING OFFERS HIGH END & HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES

Whether it’s a quaint ski cottage near Stowe, a net-zero energy getaway above Warren Village, or a 12,000 square-foot mansion on Lake Champlain, Red House Building has been delivering comfortable and sustainable homes that suit the Vermont lifestyle for roughly three decades.

“We work a pretty broad range in terms of scale of project, budget, and architectural styles,” said Chris Quinn, a general manager for the company.

Over the years, Red House Building has won praise not only for its craftsmanship, but for its unique way of doing business. In 2003 the company restructured and it is now entirely employee-owned.

“We created a model where employees that work for us for three years or longer can buy in and have an ownership stake in the company,” said Dunbar Oehmig, the company’s founder and general manager. “This business model is hard to come by in the building industry.”

Red House Building currently has 57 people on sta and, according to its website, more than half hold ownership shares in the company.

Red House Building has done a handful of restoration projects and worked on some boutique commercial properties here and

there, but the company’s main focus is building custom, new-construction homes that emphasi e energy efficiency.

“I often say that we build high-end by Vermont standards,” Chris said, noting that that tends to look very di erent from what

COMFORT

a high-end customer in ew ork or iami might request.

The team at Red House Building does not design the homes they build. Instead, they partner with outside architects to help bring the client’s vision to life.

ed ouse uilding recently worked with architect Elizabeth Herrmann to build the set ouse, a one-story, , s uarefoot home in harlotte overlooking the hamplain asin.

he -bedroom, . -bathroom home sits

atop a hillside facing the Green Mountains. The design combines agrarian tradition with modern sensibility. The sloped roof and broad overhang are reminiscent of a New England barn.

nside you’ll find white oak ooring and cabinets, marble countertops and ceramic tiles in the bathroom. The home’s exterior includes charred Japanese cypress siding and cedar soffits.

“We wanted to use low and no-maintenance materials but keep the palette natural, said Alex Terry from Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design. “The siding and simple forms are what give the house its unique character—both understated and dramatic at the same time. The cabinetry, tiles and light fixtures bring handmade touches and warmth to the spaces.

The client approached Red House Building in the very early stages of the project. They were living in Warren and wanted to build a home closer to where they work in olchester. hey also re uested to keep the entire home on one oor so that they would be able to age in place. Above all else, they wanted a home with a connection to the landscape.

Opposite top: Danby marble and white oak used throughout the kitchen and baths provide the perfect touch of warmth and luxury. Custom cabinets: Stark Mountain Woodworking Countertops: Burlington Marble and Granite.

Opposite bottom right: An office nook in the entry is tucked behind a custom barn-style sliding door; perfect for everyday living and easy to conceal when entertaining.

Red House Building accompanied the client through the entire process from buying the land, to selecting the architect. Much of the company’s work on the project involved finding solutions to logistical challenges.

“One of the client’s goals was to get southerly views and it took some creativity to get there,” explained Chris. The client’s request to keep the house one story added to the challenge.

Ultimately, Dunbar said they had to build the house at a particular elevation on the hillside and clear some of the land in order to get the views the client wanted.

The home took about 10 months to build from start to finish. hris said that supply chain shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic a ected their construction timelines in some cases.

Above: The design of thishomecapture the sweeping views of the Champlain Valley and surroundings throughout. Several vignettes provide the ideal space to enjoy breakfast or relax after a long day.

fter the first year of the pandemic we kind of learned and recalibrated the development of a lot of our projects with the designers and the architects, he said. his meant identifying which products tended to have the longest wait times and prioriti ing selecting those aspects of the home during the design process.

he home is as functional as it is beautiful. here is a kilowatt solar panel system on the roof, heat-pump powered heating and air conditioning and a esla powerwall as the backup electrical source in case of a power outage.

e’re always looking to make recommendations that make the project more cost efficient or more high performing without impacting the aesthetics, unbar said.

Red House Building

382 Hercules Dr., Ste. 5 & 6 Colchester, VT 05446

802-655-0009

redhousebuilding.com

SPRING 2023

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL GROUP INTRODUCES GLP-1 SEMAGLUTIDE

A NEW WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT Takes Burlington by Storm

If you’re interested in losing weight in a safe and e ective way and have tried other methods that have failed, it’s time to make an appointment with ew ngland edical Group in South Burlington. Opened in ovember , the medical clinic speciali es in - emaglutide injections for weight loss. n fact, it’s all they do.

e are a niche weight loss clinic focusing exclusively on - emaglutide, says owner founder athaniel eider. e has been involved in independent physician practices since operating several clinics in the idwest. e became interested in the medication after close family members strongly endorsed its efficacy based on their own personal experience with emaglutide. hen the approved it for weight loss treatments , he immediately jumped at the opportunity to start a clinic of his own. iven that of mericans are overweight, and ualify as obese, wanted to open a clinic that could help people who want to lose weight e ectively and a ordably.

WHAT IS GLP-1 SEMAGLUTIDE?

- emaglutide is a hormone called glucagon-like peptide that is naturally produced by the body. ne of its functions is to

New England Medical Group

54 W. Twin Oaks Terrace, Suite 14

South Burlington, VT

(802) 985-1653

www.newenglandmedicalgroup.com

regulate hunger and food intake. t functions by delaying the emptying of the stomach. t also helps suppress another hormone called glucagon, which can prevent you from feeling hungry, at explains.

The drug was originally designed to treat type diabetes by increasing the release of insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. nsulin helps move sugar from the blood to other body tissues, thereby lowering sugar levels. hen it was discovered thatdecreased appetite and promoted weight loss in diabetic patients, researchers began studying it for use as a treatment for weight loss. his medicine is really ama ing, at continues. t’s derived from a hormone that

naturally occurs in our bodies that wanes as we age. hat’s great about it is that people who use it have lots of energy. lthough not necessary for results, if they diet and exercise while taking it, they can lose more weight more uickly.

AN INJECTION EVERY WEEK

rescribed by a ermont licensed doctor and supplied by inspected and monitored private pharmacies, - is a custom-blended weekly treatment. t comes in li uid form in a multi-use vial and injected under the skin in the belly area.

e have two board-certified physicians on sta who are licensed in ermont. hey monitor patients and prescribe the doses, at explains.

“First, the patient comes in for an initial consultation with one of our doctors. They are screened for contra-indicated conditions such as thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, and to determine if the patient is already on a - . he first injection is administered by our medical assistant.” After that, patients can choose between coming in weekly for their dose, or learning how to inject it themselves.

AVOIDING BIG PHARMA

he medication is in great demand and availability is sometimes limited. o get around this problem, ew ngland edical roup works with smaller, private compounding pharmacies across the country that are overseen by the . ccording to at, hey are licensed to make medicines on a small scale from scratch. s a result, we never have the shortage that the name brands often experience, and our patients are not contributing to the shortages reported in the media.”

e goes on to say, his also helps keep our costs down. We can sell it at a fraction of the cost of name brand medicines, which are very expensive. eekly injections can cost as much as per month and more. ven if a patient is insured, the co-pays are normally uite high. at explains, e are able to treat patients at a cost that is lower than what many people are paying for coverage. asically, it comes down to a day, which is very competitive when it comes to elective medicine.

CAN YOU KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF?

hen asked if patients put the weight back on when they stop their injections, at explains, ur bodies have a set point at which our weight needs to be. ith - , patients can actually lower their set point because they’re not eating as much. nce they approach their desired weight, they can dial back their use by taking it less fre uently. e concludes, t’s also possible to stay on it for life.

o if you’ve been trying to lose weight without success, set up an appointment with ew ngland edical roup and check out the benefits of - .

a Medical Spa Blossoms in willistoN

RADIANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS SPA FOCUSES ON BEAUTY AND HEALTH

If you’ve driven past Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa on Williston Road in Williston, you might have wondered what “medical aesthetics” means. Medical aesthetics is the practice of performing medical procedures to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals, and look and feel their best. Many of the treatments are quick, safe, e ective and re uire little if any downtime.

The history of beauty goes back to the origins of humans and have historically involved dubious treatments. However, it was not until after the late 1990s when the FDA approved the first generation of cosmetic lasers to reduce wrinkles and Botox was approved for cosmetic use (in 2002), that medical spas began to appear, merging traditional spa treatments

(think: facials) with non-invasive and invasive medical technology to achieve better results.

Still curious? So were we, which is why we met with Dr. Colleen Parker, owner, lead physician, and medical director of Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa, and Kendall Beiswanger, business director, to learn more about the practice.

RADIANCE: ELEVATED AND UNIQUE

What makes Radiance unique starts with its founder, Dr. Colleen Parker. Dr. Parker is a board-certified anesthesiologist and has been practicing aesthetic medicine for over a decade in Vermont. Anesthesiology, with its concurrent knowledge of technology and ultrasound to keep patients healthy and ability wielding a

needle, lends itself beautifully to the practice of using lasers and needles to achieve cosmetic results. he and her sta have been providing superb treatments and procedures in their current location in Williston since 2019 in a lovely space that makes one feel special, safe, and welcomed.

adiance o ers a wide range of services. These range from esthetician procedures such as facials, microdermabrasion, and signature skin treatments that leave your skin glowing in time for an event, to more medically indicated procedures. These include fat reduction, injectables, pigmentation treatment, and a plethora of laser treatments that do everything from removing wrinkles to removing tattoos, and spider vein treatments. As an innovative medical

The Radiance team pictured from left to right: Shelly and Brittany, Reception. Dr. Parker and Dr. Bugbee. Gabby, Medical Assistant. Kendall, Business Manager. Andria, Medical Esthetician.

Above: Andria has been an esthetician at Radiance for over 3 years. Working under Dr. Parker, she is able to collaborate and learn from her medical expertise which gives her the ability to provide next-level skin treatments to her clients.

aesthetics and wellness clinic, it provides the best possible care and results for its patients using the highest quality devices, techniques, products, and procedures in a safe environment with a doctor on site.

Dr. Parker becomes animated when talking about her work. She explains, “There are so many things in this world that we can’t control. But here, we can do safe treatments that make a di erence in our patients’ lives. hat we see in the mirror in the morning can a ect how we interact with the world around us. We can help with that!” However, she also warns that because it is a relatively new field, it is widely unregulated in ermont. That means that injections and lasers can be performed by di erent types of professionals, with a large range of training and experience and some without any or minimal medical training. Many may assume that if the person is legally able to run a laser or use a needle in a face, that they are also competent, but in some situations that is not the case. Dr. Parker stresses asking the right questions of

the personnel and feeling confident that should any issue arise, it can be safely handled. Dr. Parker emphasizes “Safety comes first.”

One of the unique attributes of Radiance is the prior experience Dr. Parker brings with her from her training as an anesthesiologist. She obtained her training in ultrasound as a resident at the University of Vermont Medical Center in 2004. She now uses ultrasound regularly to ensure and confirm the safe and proper placement of dermal fillers. She states this should be the standard of care, but very few have received the training or have the equipment in their office. As a result, she has received referrals from other locations to help treat complications.

In addition to having a staff that is chosen for their training, experience, and highest standards of ethics and excellence, Dr. Parker explains, “There is no such thing as a ‘zero risk’ procedure, but we can decrease that low risk of potential problems. Patients should be assured that if there is a complication, their doctor is prepared to deal with it in a safe and expeditious manner.”

The professionalism of its staff is followed by offering the best care patients can experience. As Dr. Parker explains, “I saw a need in the med spa industry for expertise in anatomy,

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medicine, and science for non-invasive aesthetic medicine, in an environment that felt welcoming and in which patients received the highest standard of care.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ta members are involved with research and receive extensive training in new machines and treatments. As Dr. Parker says, “We spend a great deal of time educating the sta in technology and best practices. ur industry is such a young field, and it’s always changing. e must stay current and up to date. e pride ourselves on being at the forefront and maintaining a high standard of care. r. arker is a member of the merican edical ssociation , merican oard of nesthesiology , a fellow of merican ociety for asers, edicine, and urgery , and trains other physicians throughout the nation.

n its e orts to stay educated and remain on the cutting edge of new treatments and technology in medical aesthetics, Radiance is constantly upgrading its e uipment and services. endall explains, t’s exciting because we continue to learn about the health of skin and not just aesthetics. e o er some treatments

Dr. Parker and Dr. Bugbee are thorough with their patient consultations. They take the extra time to explain and educate each patient on the treatment options so they may make the best choice for them and their goals.

that are not available anywhere else in the state because we have the latest in products and equipment.” That being said, she warns, “we stay current but it’s not about going with the most trendy thing you see on Instagram, because that trend might not be e ective or safe. Dr. Parker is great about listening to patients’ concerns and helping them achieve what they are looking for.

EMPOWERING SUCCESS

The practice is committed to the advancement of women’s careers. s r. arker explains, am very proud of my sta . do everything possible to encourage my employees’ progress and support their careers including training, best practices, and professional development. I believe in strong women strongly supporting other women and provide emotional and financial support for my employees to achieve what they want to achieve.”

Kendall agrees, saying, “I started a ‘twomonth internship’ that never ended. I’ve been here four years. t’s a very supportive environment, definitely a place for growth and opportunity, which is a great thing to be part of.

Radiance recently hired a new physician, r. ara ugbee, a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She is currently being trained in many of the competencies the spa has to o er. hat represents a great deal of growth for us, says r. arker.

Dr. Parker and Kendall like to stress that there is more to aesthetics than beauty. s the company’s name indicates, the practice also encompasses wellness and feeling radiant and confident. ealthy skin is beautiful skin.

They hinted at many more treatments and advanced procedures they will be adding to their service menu, bringing the best to those living here in Vermont.

Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa

5399 Williston Road, Suite 101 (802) 777-7300

www.radiancevt.com

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

Champlain Smile Solutions Gives Clients Something to Grin About

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE SET THIS DENTAL PRACTICE APART

Have you ever imagined looking forward to going to the dentist? Yes, it’s possible, especially if your dentist is Champlain Smile Solutions in South Burlington. The dental practice, started by the husband and wife team Drs. Matthew and adam iulianelli in , o ers general and family dentistry, as well as cosmetic and implant dentistry. The couple pride themselves in winning over even the most anxious of clients. We spokewith Dr. Matt and Kay about what makes the practice so popular, and unique.

PUTTING PATIENTS AT EASE

As soon as patients walk in the door of the Kimball Avenue location, the homey, comfortable feel of the place puts them at ease. They’ll immediately notice that the waiting room isn’t jam packed. “That’s because we don’t cram in as many visits as possible into a day,” Matt explains. “We take the time to talk to our patients. We call it ‘co-discovery,’ a process in which we learn about the patient’s goals and concerns.”

In addition to spending lots of time with their patients and making them feel

comfortable, the dentists use the latest imaging technology that literally allows the patients to see what’s going on in 3D. “We have an intraoral scanner that captures digital dental impressions to produce a highly detailed image of the patient’s mouth,” Matt explains. “Not only is it highly diagnostic, it also allows patients to see a 3D image on a computer screen, so they understand exactly what’s going on. It’s a great addition to the practice.”

For the very anxious client, the practice o ers sedation to help them through dental procedures. Kay says, “Many people are scared of going to the dentist because of an unfavorable childhood experience or trouble

getting numb. Back then, we didn’t have the technology to deliver a pain-free experience. Fortunately, now we do.”

r. adam iulianelli is sedation certified, meaning that she has undergone extensive training in administering sedation medications and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). This allows her to administer IV sedation, which may sometimes be necessary for lengthy or complicated procedures. Often, both doctors will also administer oral sedation with an under-the-tongue pill that enables patients to remain comfortable and sleepy through the treatment. Both options are available to patients.

Another popular technology to help with

anxiety surrounding “getting the Novocaine shot” is a new computer-controlled system called he and. t looks like a small pen, and replaces the old-fashioned syringe that many people associate with painful injections to numb the teeth.

“Knowing that sedation is an option puts clients at ease from day one, says ay. t can even be used for filling a cavity or putting on a crown.”

CERTIFIED INVISALIGN PROVIDERS

oth att and adam are certified in nvisalign, an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use ofmetal braces. It consists of a series of custom-made thin clear trays that cover teeth and gently move them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and o , they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

“We use our intraoral scanner to facilitate the process, att explains. t’s a lot of fun because people get involved in their own

treatment. They actually look forward getting it. Invisaline is very popular because in general it straightens teeth quicker than traditional braces for most cases.”

THE “TRIAL SMILE” PROGRAM

While Champlain Smile Solutions provides general dentistry including fillings and crowns, many clients come in for cosmetic services, such as full mouth makeovers and teeth whitening.

e also o er the rial mile,’ a very beneficial service, att says. e work with a dental lab with very talented technicians and ceramists. They can craft a temporary overlay that patients can try out in the office, so they can see and feel what the treatment will actually look like. e goes on to explain that the office’s 3D scanner makes the process quick and easy.

hile they can’t go home with it, they get the benefit of seeing it in their mouths in real time, rather than relying on digitally altered before-and-after photos. We have the right combination of technology and talent to make

it happen. People become very comfortable with the treatment they’re going to get, because they know in advance what it will look like, without worrying about not liking the results.”

What sets Champlain Smile Solutions apart is its unique combination of state-of-the-art technology and outstanding patient care.

e also o er enhanced techni ues, such as early cavity and oral cancer detection, att concludes. “Our technology makes things a lot easier for our clients.”

No wonder the dental practice has so many satisfied clients. fter all, looking forward to going to the dentist is a dream come true.

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

Massage and Skin Care

BRILLIANT MASSAGE AND SKIN OFFERS A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO HEALTH, PAIN RELIEF AND RELAXATION

Brilliant Massage and Skin, a multimodality clinical spa, has been o ering world-class advanced massage therapy since it opened in 2016, adding skin care in . ts impressive list of massage services for pain relief, sports performance, injury prevention, muscle recovery, and relaxation, includes ashiatsu, deep tissue, sports, hot stones, wedish, pre-natal, and oncological.

also o ers a seemingly endless array of aesthetic care, such as facials and peels,

microdermabrasion, hydrafacials, corrective masks, hair removal and teeth whitening.

dditional benefits include customi ed massage and skin care, as well as memberships and packages that come with discounts and perks.

he clinic is located in downtown urlington, in the historic Gideon King House, the oldest brick building in the city, dating back to the 1790s. It has been such a success that it recently opened a second location on Patchen Road in outh urlington, not far from the airport.

o how did it all begin

MEET JOLITA BRILLIANT

olita rilliant akmanaite, the founder and owner of , is a certified massage therapist, licensed esthetician, and certified make-up artist. ith a long list of credentials and certifications, and a notable educational background, it seems like there’s practically nothing she doesn’t do.

olita has always been passionate about wellness and beauty, but has a diverse and colorful background. riginally from Lithuania, she studied music in school, and

became a proficient classical pianist, singer and songwriter in her native country. She was also an accomplished endurance runner and body builder.

She came to the United States in 2007 to study classical music, but soon switched her focus to health and wellness. “I have big dreams because I realize life is short and I want to do something interesting,” she tells us. After living in New York ity, she closed her eyes, put her finger on a map and ended up in Burlington. She has lived here ever since, in part because the people are so welcoming, but also because its climate and landscape remind her of home.

olita opened her first massage studio in the same location where BMS is now as a solo practitioner. In 2020, skin care was added to the list of services, after she completed her education as an esthetician. Today, she has two locations,

Brilliant Massage and Skin

one of which she owns, a sta of over and growing, a mind-boggling array of services and the happiest clientele in the state.

A STAFF OF OVERACHIEVERS

ll members of the sta are certified, licensed and insured professionals, each one proficient in a set of specific skills, such as pre-natal massage or fire cupping. hey are carefully vetted to make sure that they have attended a reputable massage school, passed the massage exam and have lots of hours under their belts.

hen asked if it’s difficult to become a licensed massage therapist in the state of ermont, olita uickly responds, o he goes on to say, he standards are pretty low. n fact, ermont is one of just three states that doesn’t have an exam applicants have to take. ou’re not even re uired to prove you have an education in massage. hat means practically anyone can go online, obtain a license and hang up a shingle to do massage.

hat’s why we do our due diligence when we hire a new massage therapist, olita

A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF

n addition to having an experienced, educated and talented sta , sets itself apart by o ering massage and skin care at both of its locations. lients can come in and get a massage and a facial without having to go to two di erent places, olita explains. hile many people come in for medical and sports massage for pain relief, we also o er softer treatments, such as wedish and hot stones. fter their massage, clients can indulge themselves in a relaxing and therapeutic facial.

n other words, many customers visit for some serious pampering. hat could be better than a -minute massage followed by a facial on a cold winter day nown for its fantastic couples’ treatments, is a great destination for a romantic retreat, or any time of year with the one you love.

PRESCHOOL-GRADE8

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

Bio-Hormone Replacement Therapy is Coming to Burlington

BARE MEDICAL SPA + LASER CENTER OFFERS A FANTASTIC NEW TREATMENT

Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center, the leading medical spa in Burlington, VT, is known for its unparalleled patient care and outstanding results. Always on the cutting edge of new technology, it plans to introduce Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in the spring of 2023.

THE GO-TO MED SPA FOR ALL THINGS COSMETIC

Founded by owner Jamie Clayton Spano, who is licensed in the state of Vermont as a medical aesthetician, certified laser technician, and makeup artist, are pa o ers a full-service menu for every cosmetic and aesthetic need, including laser hair removal, cosmetic injections, cellulite reduction and body contouring, sclerotherapy and laser vein removal, microneedling and PRP therapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, CoolSculpting, and intimate wellness.

Its a team of highly trained specialists and experts, including a medical doctor, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants,

aestheticians,laser technicians and medical estheticians, that shares a passion for the industry and a sincere interest in helping clients meet their cosmetic goals.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (BHRT)

We spoke to the team at Bare and they explain BHRT saying, “Bioidentical

hormone replacement therapy, also known as bioidentical hormone therapy or natural hormone therapy, mimic the hormones made by your body’s glands. Taking bioidentical hormones can help people who experience symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones.”

Bare Spa chose to add this particular therapy to its roster of cosmetic treatments because many of its clients complain that they su er from symptoms related to hormone imbalances, such as weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, hot ashes, low libido, and changes in skin, hair and metabolism.They strive to o er new services to complement what they already o er, and to stay competitive in the ever-evolving field of medical aesthetics.

THE POTENTIAL CLIENTS FOR BHRT

One well-known use of BHRT is treating the symptoms of menopause. Estrogen decline is associated with night sweats, hot ashes, facial hair growth, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness and an increased risk of urinary incontinence. However, it can also be used to help people lose weight since it plays an important role in managing and balancing hormones.

There are many reasons for men to try the therapy as well: Common symptoms of estrogen and testosterone imbalance include loss of libido, moodiness, irritability, depression, problems with memory and concentration, thinning hair, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and fatigue. Low levels of testosterone can also cause erectile dysfunction, including problems getting and maintaining an erection.

WHY IS BHRT BETTER THAN OTHER THERAPIES?

One of BHRT’s advantages is that it minimizes side effects, which can be common with other types of treatment. Because it uses bioidentical hormones, and releases them slowly, just the way your body releases natural hormones, clients don’t have to worry about the ‘peaks and valleys’ associated with pills and other therapies. And unlike creams or gels, the hormones are delivered right to your bloodstream, so they can effectively address a whole array of symptoms. Not only that, the treatment is quick, painless and life changing!

HOW IS BHRT ADMINISTERED?

The treatment supplies the body with hormones with the same chemical composition as natural ones. The hormones are compressed into small pellets that are inserted into the body. They release the hormones at a steady rate, administering a constant, controlled supply. Once the pellet has dissolved completely, which takes 4 to 5 months, we would then have the client return for another dose.

e are happy to learn that this e ective new treatment for much of what ails us is coming our way this spring. Meanwhile, book an appointment with Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center and discover how one of its other treatments help you live life at its very best.

Health & WELLNESS

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

Burlington Kickboxing Studio Welcomes All

NEW 9ROUND

FITNESS PROVES TO BE A REAL KNOCKOUT

Husband and wife team Jamie and Sara almisano are the first workout professionals to introduce 9Round Fitness to Vermont. amie, a former police officer, and ara, a full-time business professional and mom, have joined forces to bring the trendiest, and most efficient, way to get in shape to the reater urlington area.

he concept is remarkably simple. t is based on a -minute workout that changes daily, and keeps you at the fitness level you have always dreamed of. ma ingly, it can be accomplished on your own schedule and at your own pace.

A ROCKY START

amie and ara were on the verge of signing a lease on a space in arch, . t was going to be the culmination of their long-standing desire to start a fitness studio together after amie retired from the police force. owever, the start of the ovid pandemic put a complete halt to their plans.

fter the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the couple was finally able to fulfill their dream, opening in ecember . ocated at a prime location in the orset treet all, the s . ft. studio is one of the largest ound facilities in the country. s amie explains, he large space allows members to work out with plenty of room for social distancing.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

he facility is managed by amie, who is in charge of the day-to-day operations in addition to being

a trainer. Sara, a personal trainer as well, runs the back office operations. he couple’s first experience working together as business partners has turned out just fine, each one bringing a di erent skill set to the endeavor.

he couple’s son, yan, who recently graduated from college with a degree in exercise science, has also joined the team. n addition to having recently studied the latest developments in workout philosophy and exercise regimens, he also brings his community of classmates to ound, providing an excellent source for the most educated, upto-date trainers around.

THE 9ROUND CONCEPT

he fitness franchise ound is a speciali ed fitness program geared to clients who want a fun and efficient workout with results. t o ers kickboxing-focused training that incorporates functional, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens. he easy-to-follow routine, which can be done at any time based on members’ schedule, is carried out on a circuit of nine workout stations. professional trainer is always present to help clients with their form and keep them motivated, and because the program changes daily, the short, efficient circuit is never boring.

THE KICKBOXING WORKOUT

he routine is a mere minutes long, consisting of , -minute rounds that have been designed by kickboxing pros at ound, so members can get the most out of their workout in a short period of time. e’re uni ue in that we’re trainer led, amie says. here is a trainer available on the oor during every workout, explaining each circuit, helping with form and providing encouragement. ara adds, ur trainers are there to help members not only get the most of their workout, but also to provide correction, guidance and motivation. any are certified in a fitness practice, so they go one step above being a coach.’

nother benefit of the forward-thinking business model is that members get to work out completely on their own schedule. here are no set times when they have to show up. n addition, it provides a di erent workout every day, so no one gets bored or stuck in a groove. he workout is designed to be really efficient, says ara. hat’s great about it is that it gives people a specific set of things to do. hey don’t even have to think.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

riced to be a ordable yet somewhat exclusive, ound o ers unlimited monthly memberships,

allowing members to come in as many times as they like. uring their routine, they have access to the top trainers to correct their form, o er advice and keep them motivated.

he spacious gym is small enough to be intimate, so it is not intimidating, an important benefit for people just starting out on their fitness journey. he studio has a real ermont’ feel, ara says. t’s like a big family, with a real sense of camaraderie. any members come to ound to shed unwanted pounds, which is far easier to accomplish with our high-interval fitness training, amie continues. n addition, members have access to a nutrition portal that o ers nutritional guidance to help them with their individual needs.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

ccording to amie, one of the benefits of the ound itness program is that no experience is needed. ometimes people are intimidated by the concept, have never kickboxed or are afraid to get hurt. e have people at all stages of their fitness journey, some of whom have never thrown a kick and others who have been boxing all their lives. f you’re new at it, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. he workout can be as easy or grueling as you like. ound itness has seen continued growth as word gets out. amie and ara are also involved with community events, giving back to the community by helping people understand the importance of fitness and being healthy. et ready for an efficient and fun way to get in shape and reach your health goals. ut on your boxing gloves and join amie and ara for one of the best workouts in ermont.

9Round Fitness

150 Dorset Street, Suite 207 South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 495-5189

www.9round.com

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

Luxury Skin Care Service

CHEEKS CREATES A NICHE IN LUXURY AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

After meeting four years ago in Vermont, Gena Boyden and Anna Gilcris discovered they shared the same passion: helping people achieve healthy, beautiful skin at any age. Within two years, they launched Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic (formerly known as Cheeks Concierge Aesthetics), on Blair Park Road in Williston, specializing in truly personalized skincare.

Although the timing wasn’t perfect – the business opened during the Covid pandemic, just after lockdown was lifted—they quickly established themselves as the go-to aesthetic practice for bespoke skin treatments.

A WIDE-RANGING CLIENTELE

With clients who range from teenagers to octogenarians, and include both men and women, Gena and Anna understand that no two people are the same, and neither is their skin. “Our concept was to curate a highly customized program for each individual client, ena, a certified esthetician, explains. lients come to heeks for all di erent reasons, from seeking treatment for acne or being concerned about aging, to preparing for the before and after of upcoming surgery.

ome clients book their first appointment because they simply want to learn how to care for their skin and keep it healthy. “Many people are overwhelmed by all the treatment and product options out there,” Gena continues. “They often start out just looking for guidance.”

What they all have in common is their satisfaction with the ama ing results of their first treatment, inspiring them to come back for more.

ELITE CONCIERGE SERVICE

“We truly provide luxury skin care,” Gena goes on to explain. “What’s unique about us is that we’re committed to tailoring our products and services to each

client.” Anna, a licensed esthetician, adds, “We found a niche in the beauty industry as concierge estheticians. In addition to the boutique experience we provide, our facial treatments are as curated and customized as possible for every individual.”

The process usually starts with a hightech analysis of clients’ skin. Based on the findings and taking their lifestyle and goals into consideration, the team creates a customized regimen that pairs state-of-the-art equipment that is available only at Cheeks with products for clients to take home so they can continue to have healthy skin. The bespoke plan comes with complete instructions, including how much of each product to use and in what order.

heeks also o ers services either in clients’ homes or on location, as well as virtual meetings. Gena and Anna have even been known to hand-deliver the products that have been ordered. But, according to Gena, most people prefer to come in for treatments because they feel pampered and special as soon as they walk in the door, saying, rom start to finish, we make it a very special experience. We call it an ‘experience,’ but it’s hard to describe. When you come in, you feel you will be tended to and are getting the very best skin treatment.

A COMBINATION OF TECHNOLOGY, GREAT PRODUCTS AND KNOW-HOW

Because Cheeks’ bespoke services are curated for the individual, the practice o ers the Cheeks Signature, the Cheeks Signature Enhanced and the Cheeks Signature Elite treatments, time-based treatments which combine state-of-the art technology with firstrate products, such as Biologique Recherche

(BR) and Environ. As Gena explains about the lines they carry, hey’re very e ective at stimulating cells and have lots of active ingredients in them. Environ’s cornerstone ingredient is Vitamin A, which will normalize your skin and improve its hydration and pigmentation among other benefits.

“We want to simplify things for our clients, depending on whether they have 45, 75 or 90 minutes, or even hours, to spend with us, Anna explains. “When clients come, we decide the appropriate technologies, products and treatment methodology to help them meet their skin goals.

Some clients opt for the Skin Instant Lab by BR, which, according to Anna, “provides skin labs, just like the lab work that is done for your blood. We can measure your skin’s elasticity, pigmentation and oil production, among other things, to help us decide which skincare products to prescribe. As clients’ skin lab results change over time, so do the treatments and products we recommend, which are adjusted for maximum client benefit.

AGING BEAUTIFULLY IS KEY

don’t like the term anti-aging, ena concludes. “I prefer ‘aging beautifully.’ We can’t make you look young, but we can help you look fabulous. But it’s as much about health as it is about beauty, and nothing is better than healthy skin.

BY MERYL SIEGMAN | PHOTOS BY KAREN PIKE

A Focus on Integrative Health Coaching

Heather Main wants to help you lead a healthy life. That’s why she founded Main Wellness Works in 2002. Located in South Burlington, services include health coaching, workplace wellness programs, personal fitness training, and yoga. Through its partnerships with Joy Rides, based in Durango, Colorado, Heather is also o ering a wellness retreat in osta ica focusing on yoga and horseback riding.

A HEALTH AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL

Heather has worked in health education and fitness since . he holds degrees in psychology and health education, and has completed post-graduate work in exercise physiology, sports psychology and public health. he’s a certified fitness trainer, board certified health coach and yoga instructor.

“As an undergraduate student in psychology, I intended to go into mental health counseling,” Heather recalls, “but when I became interested in how behavioral health impacts mental health, I switched gears and

pursued health education and wellness.My goal is to help people optimize their quality of life through behavioral health.” After earning her master’s degree in health education and teaching health education at UVM, she opened her practice in South Burlington. eather approaches fitness training with a view to optimizing mental health. She focuses on her clients’ vision of their optimal well-being and personal goals in an atmosphere conducive to wellness and self-improvement. “My studio is the opposite of a typical gym environment,” she says. “Everything we do is one-on-one and focused on safe, e ective strategies that help people reach their personal goals.”

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH COACHING

eather believes that the field of health education is moving towards coaching.

So, what is integrative health coaching?

“‘Integrative’ refers to the whole person, recognizing that all aspects of health and wellness impact each other,” Heather explains. “For example, someone might want to make improvements to their eating habits in order to drop weight or reduce cholesterol, but live in a chaotic environment with high stress. t’s important and beneficial to look at how stress and the environment impact one’s ability to make more disciplined food choices.”

Heather goes on to explain, “There’s a fundamental di erence between health coaching and fitness training, which have been doing for 25 years. One is giving information to clients and the other is drawing information out. As a fitness trainer, o er structured strategy about what to do and when, and how much and how often. But as a coach, I elicit core motivation

from clients, treating them as experts in their own lives, and partner with them in developing the ideal strategy moving forward. In this way, the client is in the driver’s seat because goals and strategies that come from the client are the ones that are the most effective.”

HEALTH COACHING VS TRADITIONAL FITNESS EDUCATION

Heather mentions that according to the CDC, 75% of healthcare costs are associated with lifestyle-related chronic diseases. She says, “Coaches are experts in the process of

behavior change. A coach treats the client with unconditional respect and empathy. It’s a supportive process in which the coach is a partner, not an instructor.”

While health coaching differs from traditional health and fitness education, Heather is able to integrate both approaches based on her training and experience. She concludes, “Attaining optimal wellness is an exciting process because it lights that inner fire of what we want for ourselves. That way we can identify priorities, establish goals around them, and develop a weekly strategy about how to progress. It’s very much about structure and accountability.”

When asked what the future holds, Heather responds, “I am passionate about helping people develop the motivation and skills to take better care of themselves. My goal is to continue helping wonderful people embrace comprehensive health and well-being so that they feel fabulous about themselves.

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

A Medical Clinic That Treats the Whole Person—Mind, Body and Soul

As more companies of every kind are opening their doors in the Greater Burlington Area, we love exploring them to learn about who they are and what they o er our community.

e recently caught up with r. athryn oulter and orey i oma, both licensed

naturopathic doctors at the newly-opened tram enter in outh urlington to find out more.

They explained that the center is a collaboration among licensed, multidisciplinary practitioners who combine their expertise in service to the well-being of patients, their families, and the community. t o ers its own brand of integrative and naturopathic medicine, with a wide range of services to manage chronic illnesses, Lyme disease, pain management, weight and diet problems, women’s health, and adjunctive cancer care.

The doctors believe that one of the reasons they are unique is because they have an integral medical doctor, r. onald tram,

with over 30 years of experience in addition to the naturopaths on their sta to o er a combination of natural and alternative medical treatments.

An outpost of the original clinic in elmar, , near lbany, its founder, r. onald tram, chose ermont because of the community’s open approach to health and well-being and because of a need for more options for patients su ering from chronic illnesses.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EXPLAINED

While integrative medicine has been around for at least 100 years, it was only recently that there has been a distinct trend towards

incorporating it into standard medical practices. Integrative medicine uses an evidence-based approach to treat the whole person, employing a combination of therapies.

According to Dr. Boulter, “Integrative medicine is a whole person, whole body approach with the goal to treat the root cause of disease. The Stram Center is a collaboration of medical doctors, practitioners and naturopathic doctors working together. ur patients benefit from the skill and knowledge of our entire team, even if they are seeing just one of us. We try to combine the best of conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine.” An example, she explains, would be using herbal medicine, diet recommendations and medications in combination to treat an illness. “We connect the dots. Many patients bounce around among many di erent specialists. hen they come to us, we put their stories together. That’s because while specialists look at one organ or body part at a time, the Stram Center looks for root causes to treat the body as a whole.”

WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?

In addition to a medical doctor, the Stram Center also has two naturopathic doctors on sta . o what is a naturopathic doctor s Dr. Boulter explains, “We go through a medical school program that covers much the same curriculum that a medical doctor goes through. But we also study physical medicine like a chiropractor would, as well as herbal medicine.

The naturopathic medical philosophy really sets us apart, which means we find and treat root causes instead of symptoms. ur doctoral program is four years, and includes many rotations, but some naturopathic doctors only do a post-doctoral residency.”

Naturopathic doctors’ philosophy about treating patients is a little di erent than traditional medical doctors. or one thing, they tend to spend more time with each patient. or another, their practice is based on helping people with the belief that the body has an inherent ability to cure itself. hen treating a disease, they look beyond the specific body part or organ, investigating nutrients that might be missing, and even the patient’s lifestyle.

The center prides itself in using the best tools for their patients, coming up with a comprehensive and individualized treatment for each one. Dr. oulter notes that the tram enter o ers specialty testing to investigate the puzzle of complex symptoms.

POPULAR THERAPIES AT THE CENTER

Treating Lyme Disease plays a large role in the Stram Center’s practice —in fact, people come from all over the country after not having gotten the help they need elsewhere. As Dr. Boulter says, “We are literate in Lyme.” Other popular treatments include addressing environmental toxin disease, such as mold toxicity, regenerative injection therapies for joint repair and integrative cancer therapies.

Another specialty is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, used to treat brain injuries and neurological decline caused by strokes and various forms of dementia. “It’s a way of utilizing oxygen to help facilitate healing,” r. i oma explains. e use it to treat chronic in ammation and brain injuries.” Patients are placed inside a chamber which uses pressure to saturate all their cells with oxygen. “The highest pressure produces several hundred times more oxygen than normal, allowing organs and cells to start doing their own healing.” During treatments, he says, “the increased oxygen creates new stem cells and raises antioxidant levels. A process called angiogenesis helps create new blood vessels, which increases vascular ow to certain areas.

Unique to a small practice, the center has two chambers made of metal, allowing them to maximize the amount of pressure possible that is not achievable with soft chambers. The chamber has enough room for the patient to read or meditate, with access to a window and a TV screen. The two-person one has movie theater seats and is even large enough stand in. Some people choose to relax or get some work done during the hour-long process.

If you are curious if the Stram Center is right for you, Dr. Boulter o ers a free minute consultation to discuss your needs. e welcome the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine to northern Vermont with its innovative approach to healing.

8 TIPS for Clean Eating

Get back to basics to nourish your body

You’ve probably heard of clean eating, but how exactly would you go about cleaning up your own diet? Some clean-eating plans have a lot of rules; one may recommend detoxing or juicing, while another recommends eliminating entire food groups (like grains or dairy). Overly restrictive diets aren’t realistic or sustainable—and they take away the joy of eating! Clean eating can be simple and nourishing. At its core, it’s a dietary pattern that focuses on fresh, whole foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Here are some general guidelines that will help you move toward a cleaner diet.

1. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. ruits and veggies are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other plant compounds that fight in ammation and reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. lant-based foods should form the basis of a clean-eating diet. ncorporate fruits and veggies into every meal and make salads and other dishes as colorful as possible.

2. CHOOSE ORGANIC WHEN IT’S AVAILABLE, BUT DON’T FEAR CONVENTIONAL PRODUCE.

rganic farming methods use fewer toxic pesticides, which is good for both human and environmental health. ocal produce is also a great option, and the farmers’ market allows you the opportunity to chat with farmers about their use of pesticides they may use non-toxic pest-management methods or fewer pesticides than conventional farmers but have not taken the steps to become certified organic. t the grocery store, choose organic versions of fruits and veggies that contain the most pesticide residue, including berries, spinach, apples, and grapes. ut if your budget doesn’t allow for organic or it’s not available, just focus on eating more produce.

3. OPT FOR WHOLE GRAINS.

hole grains contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support good health. efined grains like white our and white rice lose one-half to two-thirds of their nutrients during the refining process. he most minimally processed grains include steel-cut oats, barley, uinoa, and farro. ook for whole-grain versions of pasta and bread.

7. MAKE WATER YOUR PRIMARY BEVERAGE.

Water is the purest and healthiest beverage you can drink. It has no additives, sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other questionable ingredients. nsweetened co ee and tea organic if possible) are also good choices.

4. CUT BACK ON SUGAR.

If you’re trying to eat clean, it’s important to avoid added sugar. Limit sweets like soda and baked goods, and keep an eye out for sugar and high-fructose corn syrup in packaged foods like tomato sauce and cereal.

6. THERE’S NO NEED TO ELIMINATE ALL PROCESSED FOODS. Steer clear of packaged foods containing ingredients that look like a list of chemicals, including overly processed and sugary cereals and snack foods. Yogurt, nuts, canned tomatoes and beans, and frozen fruits and vegetables are also processed, but they’re on the clean end of the spectrum.

5. ALWAYS READ LABELS.

To eat a cleaner diet, it’s critical to read labels. Look for foods without sugar as the main ingredient. Cleaner whole-grain packaged foods will list whole grains as the first ingredient. heck labels and avoid foods with unpronounceable ingredients.

8. DON’T BE OVERLY RIGID.

Making a food off-limits or calling it “dirty” will likely make that food even more tempting. Listen to your body and if a food doesn’t make you feel good, then don’t eat it. Also listen to your heart— going out for ice cream with your family occasionally offers a different kind of nourishment, and it’s not going to make your clean eating lifestyle go totally off the rails. Be mindful of what you’re putting in your body, choose minimally processed and real foods in their natural state, and make healthy choices most of the time. You’ll boost your health and start to appreciate food in a new way.

BY MERYL SIEGMAN

SUICIDE PREVENTION TAKES CENTER STAGE IN VERMONT

HOWARD CENTER FOCUSES ON EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT SUICIDE

A xture in Burlington since the midnineteenth century, Howard Center has over fty locations throughout the city and Chittenden County, with several in other parts of the state. A national leader in providing integrated community-based support for individuals, families, and communities, it o ers high quality mental health care, treatment for substance use disorders, and developmental disability services for those in need.

We recently spoke with Charlotte McCorkel, the Senior Director of Client Services, about the Center’s initiative to educate the public about suicide, including its prevention and how to cope with its aftermath and its impact on the community.

AN EXPERT ON SUICIDE PREVENTION

Charlotte is an expert on suicide prevention. A licensed clinical social worker, she arrived at oward enter in . s the senior director of client services, she has served in many di erent roles across the agency, most of them related to crisis work and increasing access to services.

Charlotte took an interest in suicide prevention early on in her career, explaining, “I saw how prevention can have an important impact on our community.” With years of experience and training with schools, youth mentors, parent groups, and other human service agencies related

to suicide prevention, she is perfectly suited to lead Howard Center’s latest initiative.

In collaboration with a team of associates, harlotte has led the e ort to create four Suicide Prevention Resource Guides and developed the materials that are currently being distributed to businesses about suicide “postvention”, an organized response to the aftermath of a suicide to promote healing and mitigate the negative e ects it causes.

SUICIDE AS A HEALTH ISSUE

“We see suicide prevention as a public health issue,” says Charlotte. “We target employers as a way of reaching out to the general public, so that we can provide both employers and their sta with basic information about prevention. And when a suicide does occur, the postvention principles used can help healing after the tragic incident and prevent other suicides.”

Vermont has a suicide rate that, in Charlotte’s words, is “concerning.” She continues, “It’s the highest among all the states in the northeast. Suicide is increasing across the country and across populations, which is why making prevention services available to those at risk as well as to their families and the public is such a priority. We

want to make reaching out for help as easy as possible.”

Charlotte goes on to say that big primary factors in Vermont’s growing rate of suicide include the state’s ruralism, increased isolation and decreased access to services. She points out, he leading cause of suicide is firearms. In Vermont, there is a particularly high rate of firearm ownership. s a result, oward Center places a great deal of emphasis on teaching folks how to keep firearms secure, such as through safe storage.

GETTING THE WORD OUT

“One of our biggest goals is to get the word out about our services,” Charlotte says, “which includes helping with mental health, substance use and disabilities, across the lifespan from early childhood services to eldercare. One of the reasons suicide prevention is so important is that it can impact all aspects of community.”

To further Howard Center’s most recent e ort to reach employers, it partnered with the Center for Health and Learning, with funding provided by the Vermont Community Foundation. The goal was to create resources for employers in Burlington and statewide related to suicide prevention, including how

they can support their sta if a suicide or other tragic event takes place.

Howard Center has a 24/7 crisis hotline, First Call for Chittenden County, (802)4887777. As of July of 2022, people can call 988 for help, connecting them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Its purpose is to make seeking assistance for suicide prevention as easy as calling 911. For those more comfortable with texting, there is also the Vermont Crisis Text Line: 741741. In either case, people in need are connected to the

closest crisis center. If it is determined that they require a face-to-face appointment or ongoing help, they are connected to Howard Center if they are in Chittenden County, or, if not, to their local designated agency.

“Part of our reason for providing suicide prevention messaging is that we want people to reach out for help as early as possible and in any way they feel comfortable,” Charlotte explains. Because people sometimes feel embarrassed or stigmatized, they need encouragement to seek help in a way that is completely private and confidential, just like speaking with their medical doctor would be.

Resources are available not only to those experiencing a crisis, but also to their friends, family members and employers. “Suicide impacts more than just family it also a ects other parts of the community,” Charlotte says. “We want employers and the public in general to have access to prevention and postvention information and services, so in case of emergency, they are as prepared as possible to respond.”

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

Howard Center has distributed the Howard Center Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan Guide and other materials to libraries, primary care offices and places of employment, so as many people as possible have the necessary information at their fingertips.

“Suicide is often seen as a private, scary and stigmatized topic,” Charlotte concludes. “By getting as much material as possible out to the community, we hope people will have the necessary information and resources to be able to support their loved ones and community.”

The resource guides referenced in this article can be found at howardcenter.org/ community-education/suicide-prevention.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a suicide crisis, please call 911 or 988; in Chittenden County call Howard Center’s First Call for Chittenden County at 802-488-7777.

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Meet The Planet People Working Hard To Pick Up Mother Earth

I’m sure at some point you’ve looked around dismayed at the amount of litter on the ground around you. Often, it’s most noticeable at the beach or in parks where one would hope people would be more conscientious about not littering. Maybe you’ve thought about picking up the litter yourself, but unfortunately you didn’t have a trash bag on you or didn’t want to get your hands dirty at that moment. That’s where Planet People comes in. Their goal is to pick up litter… and they have created the perfect collection system for everyone.

WHAT IS PLANET PEOPLE?

lanet eople is a non-profit organi ation run by everyday earth-lovers who pick up litter on streets, in parks, on beaches—well, everywhere! Their goal is not only to pick up litter, but to inspire the next generation to pick up litter as well.

Planet People was born while founder Ken Spencer was taking a walk along Nauset Beach. He loved walks in nature but hated seeing all the litter strewn about so he decided to do something about it.

“I decided to create Planet People because I thought maybe I could gather people who like

to take simple steps together; pick up trash when they walk, switch from plastic where possible, do some composting,” said Ken. “I wanted to celebrate the little things and share things was finally learning in my life.

The goal of Planet People is to provide the supplies and the motivation needed to get people out and about collecting litter. Ken designed a user-friendly litter collection system called a Planet Pack to help the mission.

Through their kickstarter campaign, Planet People raised enough money to make their first lanet acks which they use,

sell and donate to educational programs for trash collection.

The organization is 100% volunteer and now a tax exempt 501(c) (3) charity. It donates Planet Packs to preschool teachers, elementary schools, libraries, youth programs, and willing earth stewards. Folks who don’t need a donation can purchase Packs and donate to pay it forward at www.planetpeople.org.

What are planet Packs? Planet Packs are open-top cylindrical backpacks, designed to be safe, easy and fun to use. The pack is light and strong, about 2lbs, and sits comfortably on your back.

The back barrier is made from recycled plastics and is contoured to the human form and protects the wearer from anything sharp. he satchel that fits inside the backpack is made from tarps and will protect from anything wet. Just add a 13 gallon trash bag for easy disposal of litter.

The pack comes with long tongs, also created by Ken, that are aluminum, break down to half size for travel, and both keep your hands away from trash while saving your back from bending over.

Planet People donates packs and matches donors with schools that want Planet Packs. Every school has environmentally motivated teachers, librarians, clubs and students that Planet People wants to partner up with to engage students.

Ken envisions teachers homing the pack—just like the class rabbit of his generation. Kids can take the pack home overnight to pick up on their street, and become local heroes. Planet People hopes to use sponsors, donations and the help of other organizations to be able to donate Planet Packs to any educational program that wants them.

“Students can become Waste Free Warriors and learn they can do something now to care for their neighborhood and planet. They become empowered and aware through this simple work.”

Ken and Planet People promote Planet Pick-up events regularly. Planet Pick-up events are meet-ups for people interested in picking up litter in a group setting. They are a great way for young people to get their first taste of doing good for the environment in a safe way. If you are in the Burlington area, join the Burlington Sustainability Meetup group to get updated on local pick-ups.

Planet People invites organizations with earth caring constituencies to join their mission and become Planet Partners. They want to highlight your organization and work, invite your supporters to join this project, and o er discounts when they purchase or donate lanet acks. ou can find more information about this on their website.

These days, Planet People is looking for more people interested in tackling litter in their neighborhoods, for donors who would like to help Planet People donate Planet

Packs to schools, and for green oriented corporate sponsors who are willing to help fund the creation of Planet Packs in return for branding.

“The most rewarding thing about starting Planet People has been the reactions from people who start doing this and realize how good it feels. The testimonials people send me, the pictures of kids tromping around with a Planet Pack, and the enthusiastic reaction from everyday folks on the street who see us picking up are the things that keep me going.”

It’s as simple as that. It’s action vs. angst, it’s easy and healthy, and it feels good to do good. For more information about Planet People or purchasing a Planet Pack or starting a litter collection project at a school near you, orlearn how to become involved and request your own Planet Pack for your family and or local schools at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Planet People Inc.

2338 Greenbush Road

Charlotte, VT

(802)338-2439

www.planetpeople.org

Learn how you can request your own environmental Planet Packs at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

BY MATT HAEFELE PHOTOS BY SPENCER DAVIS

For Vermont Real Estate Company, Independence is Everything

How a client-centric approach fosters real estate excellence

When Kara Koptiuch and Bryce Gilmer decided to start their own brokerage, they knew they were onto something big. What started as a two-broker agency based out of a small office on ilburn treet in urlington is now Vermont’s leading independent brokerage with an annual sales volume of over million, offices in urlington and Montpelier, and twenty-three agents providing top-notch real estate services across every county in Vermont.

COMMITTED TO CULTURE

In 2016, Kara and Bryce were seasoned brokers, but their experience in the industry was frustrating and restricting. The franchise model o ered little exibility to work in a way that served their clients first. hey knew that if they started their own firm, they would be free to provide benefits to their clientele they wouldn’t otherwise be able to with larger brokerages and out-ofstate franchises. o, they started ermont eal state ompany.

From day one, Kara and Bryce have been committed to creating a culture of independence and client service. The business grew year after year as the two partners added industry veterans who aligned with their values and newer agents they were confident could live up to their service expectations. s the brokerage grew, the duo looked for ways to support their expanding roster in ways that helped agents expand their own network with the same independence that inspired Bryce and Kara to start the agency.

“We make sure that our agents prioritize client care. In agent interviews, we ask about what they will do to go above and beyond for their clients,” says Kara.

The company doesn’t just hire well – they invest in their agents. n-house training sessions focus on a client-first mentality, and templates and procedures are in place so clients receive the same service across the company. verything is designed to help agents succeed so they can, in turn, focus on returning client calls, help sellers clean out their houses, and even touch up paint before a showing!

ryce and ara’s investment consistently pays o . gent retention at the company is high, gent retention is important to us. We’ve seen other models where brokers seek to maximize

revenue with a revolving roster of agents who are focused on generating new business. Here, we believe in people first, for both our clients and our agents. It’s more important that we foster strong relationships than squeeze every dollar,” Bryce commented recently. “Real estate is such a hospitality, customer-first job—the big picture is that if you put people first, then the clients will trust you, and your business will grow.”

HOMEGROWN, ORGANIC GROWTH

Growth comes organically to Vermont Real Estate Company. Bryce and Kara are always considering opening new offices around Vermont and bringing on new agents, but only when it makes sense. For the brokers, rapid growth is the last thing they want.

“We’ve always been intentional about our growth,” says Bryce. “Whether bringing on a new agent or opening a new office, we first and foremost want to make sure that it will benefit the community, our clients, and our current agents. If we stick to our commitment to service, growth will follow. We’ve proven that.”

In 2019, Bryce and Kara knew the next intentional phase of growth wouldn’t be possible without the help of a driven colleague,

Susannah Kelley. By then, Susannah was in the industry for six years and brought efficiencies to the agency that would directly benefit their agents. Not only is Susannah a top-earning agent, but she also brings organizational and transactional expertise.

For Susannah, independence was important. “I felt I could thrive in the environment at Vermont Real Estate Company. At past brokerages, I wasn’t able to manage my clients’ real estate transactions from start to finish. Here, I am there every step of the way for my buyers and my sellers,” says Susannah. “I also love managing the team. I want our agents to know they’re working for a well-oiled machine and make sure they get an experience that enables them to thrive!”

ALL PART OF THE PLAN

Most brokerages their size would have a handful of administrators handling client transactions. At Vermont Real Estate Company, every team member has a real estate license, which adds another level of experience and expertise to each real estate transaction. Agents are their clients’ primary contact from the initial meeting to beyond closing. Says Kara, “One thing that

sets our agents apart is that they do everything, soup to nuts. I would send any one of my clients to any of our agents.”

Today, the brokerage is thriving. A quick glance at the hundreds of online reviews reveals the level of service Vermonters love about the agency. Past clients are always quick with a referral, and first-time clients don’t hesitate to add to the growing pile of glowing testimonials.

“I think it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our agents. I want to give a huge shout-out to our team. They are the cream of the crop!” says Kara.

Ultimately, the goal is to cover more ground and expand their coverage into the few remaining areas they don’t already service. But not without their commitment to their culture – because for Vermont Real Estate Company, independence is everything.

THE WALLFLOWERS

JUDY COLLINS

APRIL 13–APRIL 16

13–15, 7:30PM: 15 & 16, 1PM: 16, 6PM

SHREK: THE MUSICAL

APRIL 19, 7:30PM OUR PLANET

APRIL 20, 7:30PM

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

APRIL 22, 3PM

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

APRIL 23, 7:30PM

STOMP

APRIL 30, 8PM

JUDY COLLINS

MAY 2, 7:30PM

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

MAY 4, 7:30PM

THE WALLFLOWERS

MAY 6, 7:30PM

VSO AT THE FLYNN : A LAREDO SALUTE

MAY 7, 3PM

VYO SPRING CONCERT—THE LOST WORLD

MAY 16, 7PM

ERIC HOLDER

MAY 18, 7:30PM

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

MAY 19, 8PM

SAMANTHA BEE

153 Main Street Burlington, VT (802) 86-Flynn

www.flynnvt.org

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

VERMONT COMEDY CLUB

APRIL 7, 7PM

IMPROV

APRIL 7, 9PM

STANDUP

APRIL 8, 5PM

GOOD CLEAN FUN! FAMILY FRIENDLY SHOW

APRIL 8, 7PM & 9PM

WINNERS SHOWCASE : TOP 5!

APRIL 13, 7PM

KINGDOM KIDS PRESENT: HOME PLANET

APRIL 14–APRIL 15, 7PM & 9PM

MARTIN URBANO

JOE ‘MR. D.’ DOMBROWSKI

APRIL 20–22, 28–29

CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES

STEPH TOLEV & HARI KONDABOLU

101 Main Street Burlington, VT www.vermontcomedyclub.com

MAY 4– 6

CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES

KYLE KINANE

MAY–13

CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES

MICHAEL RAPAPORT

BURLINGTON CITY ARTS

APRIL 15, 9AM

CREATIVE AI VERMONT SYMPOSIUM

APRIL 19, 6:30PM

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FILM SERIES, MAU: DESIGN THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

APRIL 22, 11AM

APRIL FAMILY ART SATURDAY

135 Church Street Burlington, VT www.burlingtoncityarts.org

STEPH TOLEV

MICHAEL RAPAPORT

SAMPLE OF EVENTS/CHECK WEBSITE

APRIL 4 & 5, 8PM

CAROLINE ROSE

APRIL 7, 9PM

THE MACHINE

APRIL 10, 8:30PM

BIKINI KILL

APRIL 14, 8:30PM

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER

APRIL 14 & 15, NOON

APRIL 14, 8PM; APRIL 15, 9PM

MOE.

APRIL 19, 7PM

JOYWAVE

APRIL 21, 8:30PM

PINKY PATEL

MAY 1, 8:30PM

HOUNDMOUTH

MAY 13, 8:30PM

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

MAY 20, 8PM

SOCIAL DESTRUCTION

JUNE 15, 8:30PM

SOULS OF MISCHIEF

SPRING HAPPENINGS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAPLE EVENTS

APRIL 1 & 2

SPRING MAPLE OPEN HOUSE

SUGARTREE MAPLE FARM 787 Bradley Lane Williston,VT www.sugartreemaplefarm.com

APRIL 22, 10AM

KINGDOM MAPLE FESTIVAL St. Johnsbury, VT www.discoverstjohnsbury.com /maplefest.html

APRIL 28–30

56TH ANNUAL VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVAL www.vtmaplefestival.org

SHELBURNE VINEYARD

BRETT HUGHES & THAT BLUEGRASS BAND

APRIL 8, 7PM

CHAD HOLLISTER

APRIL 14, 6PM

MILTON BUSKER & THE GRIM WORK

APRIL 22, 6PM

BOB GAGNON JAZZ TRIO

MAY 4, 6PM

ELIJAH KRAATZ & TRIO DE RUMBA

MAY 19, 6PM

BLUEGRASS & BBQ WITH BRETT HUGHES & THAT BLUEGRASS BAND

MAY 20, 6PM

HAIR DOWN ON THE PATIO

MAY 26, 6PM

JUSTIN HOWL ON THE PATIO

MAY 28, 6PM

THE MORNING DUDES ON THE PATIO

JUNE 1–JUNE 15, 6PM

TROY MILLET ON THE PATIO

EVERY THURSDAY

JUNE 6, 6PM

SHAWN RICE ON THE PATIO

JUNE 9, 6PM

BLUEGRADD & BBQ WITH GOOD GRAVY

JUNE 11, 6PM

ANTARA & CHRIS CHENEY ON THE PATIO

6308 Shelburne Road

Shelburne, VT

(802)985-8222

www.shelburnevineyard.com

SPRING HAPPENINGS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

APRIL 22, 7PM

JUKEBOX AT ARTISTREE

2095 Pomfret Rd, South Pomfret,VT

APRIL 23, 12AM

JUKEBOX AT HIGHER GROUND Higher Ground

1214 Williston Rd, South Burlington,VT

MAY 6, 7:30PM

VSO AT THE FLYNN: A LAREDO SALUTE Flynn Center

153 Main Street, Burlington,VT

2 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-5741

www.vso.org

NECTAR’S

APRIL 12, 9PM

JOE HERTLER & THE RAINBOW SEEKERS AT METRONOME

APRIL 12, 6:30PM

COMEDY JAM

APRIL 19, 7PM

WHALES TALES AT METRONOME

APRIL 27, 8PM

JIMKATA AT METRONOME

APRIL 28, 9PM

ONYX AT METRONOME

MAY 5 & 6, 9PM

LITTLE STRANGER

MAY 10, 6:30PM

COMEDY JAM

MAY 17, 7PM

WHALES TALES AT METRONOME

188 Main Street Burlington, VT

(802)658-4771

www.liveatnectars.com

OTHER EVENTS

APRIL 8, 9AM

EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST

The Depot

50 Kingman Street

Saint Albans City, VT

APRIL 11, 5:30PM

VERMONT GO RED FOR WOMEN

EVENT

Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain

60 Battery St, Burlington, VT

APRIL 15

EASTER HOP 5K

Shelburne, VT

APRIL 23, 6PM

KARAOKE AT THE VENETIAN SODA LOUNGE

266 Pine Street #122

Burlington, VT

MAY 6, 4PM

MAUREEN HANCOCK COMEDIAN MEDIUM

The Depot

50 Kingman Street

Saint Albans City, VT

MAY 6, 7:30PM

MELISSA ERRICO

Burlington Memorial Auditorium

Burlington, VT

MAY 20, NOON

CRAFT BREW RACES | STOWE 2023

Stoweflake Resort

1746 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT

COFFEE TABLE PUBLISHING, LLC

South Burlington, VT 05403