BOOK A TABLE AT ELECTRA’S TO ENJOY INNOVATIVE CUISINE
MEET ME DOWNTOWN
A CLOSE-UP LOOK AT WHERE TO GO FOR SHOPPING, DINING, AND FUN
TOTAL ECLIPSE!
WHERE TO VIEW THIS HISTORIC EVENT
Stillwater
ASTR
SusanaMonaco
AmandaUprichard
French Connection
MotherDenim
DL1961
PaigeDenim
AGDenim
MichaelStars
JamesPerse
BellaDahl
Mauritius
Velvet
Vince
Seychelles
DolceVita
&!More...
Love that word. ust hearing it brings images of owers and sunshine to mind. And after this weird winter, owers and sunshine are welcome, and so are you to the pring issue. As we do every spring, we spotlight health and wellness options in the area, from new therapies to ancient practices we even have a gut check for you
For those who love planting in the yard or around the house, we checked in with Ali and ames of Claussen’s in Colchester for tips on spring owers and planting. o many choices and so much beauty.
Otter Creek Awnings has been around for a while now. We find out just what makes them so special and of course, relish the beautiful work they’ve done recently. We also give you a rundown of events celebrating the coming eclipse and provide some handy information.
Finally, we spotlight lectra’s estaurant in helburne. Chef onnell from eunig’s has opened lectra’s based on a vision and she has a terrific staff that brings that vision to life for you every day.
There’s plenty more in our issue to explore, so keep reading.
appy pring,
Discove the health bene ts of massage therapies.There are so many, from CBD to deep-tissue, scalp, hand, and foot massages. Read more at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
Spring is in the air, and you know what that means… It’s maple sugaring time! Check out our ve places to take the family for a fun afternoon at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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• 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 . . .
Join the conversation online... www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
Share your comments on our site or on social media, or drop us a line at ryan@bestofburlingtonvt.com. You might even see your name in our next issue.
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The 2023/24 season finale features Music Director Andrew Crust leading the Vermont Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of Sounding by composer Nico Muhly. In Sounding, fellow Vermonters Muhly and guest pianist Adam Tendler channel hymn tunes written of one of our state’s most famous residents, Justin Morgan. The concert includes Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres by “the 21st century’s gatecrasher of classical music,” Missy Mazzoli, and two memorable pieces with the VSO Chorus and guest vocalists Mary Bonhag, Julie Boulianne, Benjamin Butterfield, and Kevin Deas: Josquin Des Prez’s love song Mille Regretz, and W. A. Mozart’s enduring Requiem in D Minor. The
Get your spring shopping done early at the Vermont Gathering Spring Market, April 6-7, at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont.
For the second year in a row, the Blue Ribbon Pavilion will host over 65 crafters and artisans from across Vermont and New England.
Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift or graduation present?
How about a Vermont-made wedding gift or handcrafted birthday present ou’ll find it all here, along with woodcrafts, clothing, jewelry, spices, pottery, foodstuffs, and so much more.
The market is open Saturday, April 6, from 10 am–5 pm and
Sunday, April 7, from 10 am–5 pm. Admission is $10 for shoppers 12 and over; kids under 12 are admitted FREE!
The Champlain Valley Exposition is located at 105 Pearl Street in Essex Junction, Vermont, and free on-site parking is available.
The Spring Marketis brought to you by Vermont Gatherings, the area’s premier producer of local festivals, including the Vermont Renaissance Faire, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Expo, and Vermont Holiday Market.
For more information, visit our website at vtgatherings.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VTGatherings
• We provide a full service, in-house experience that starts with our design team and ends with our certi ed expert builders.
• We work with many local vendors to provide countertops, tile, lighting and plumbing xtures, hardwood and vinyl ooring, composite decking, decorative hardware & nishes.
• Just looking to buy cabinets? We now o er Bertch, St. Martin, and Tribeca.
After months of being trapped in the house, humans and pets can rejoice because spring is finally here. The days are getting longer, and the temps are getting warmer, which means we can stay out longer with our pets. But warmer weather also signals the start of flea and tick season.
O icially, the pest season starts in April, but in Vermont, it will begin as soon as evening temps stary above freezing. That’s when fleas can bite and annoy not only our beloved pets but also infest our homes as well as lead to tapeworms in our pets. How does a tiny flea give a pet a giant tapeworm, you wonder? Simply by ingesting a flea while grooming or ferociously itching themselves. That’s all it takes. Ticks can also cause a host of nasty illnesses in pets besides just attaching to their skin. Tick bites can lead to Lyme disease and Rocky
Mountain spotted fever in animals—and humans.
So, now is the time to prepare! It’s best to treat your pets before they come in contact with fleas and ticks. Topical treatments, chewable pills, and flea and tick collars are the most widely used preventatives. (Personally, I use all three: a pill for one dog, a collar for the other, and topical treatments for our cats.) But you can choose the method that works best for you and your pet.
Flea and tick collars are great because they last around seven months, but if you have young children who might touch them or your pet comes in contact with furniture, you might want to try another method. The same is true with topical treatments, which can last up to three months but contain chemicals that need time to dry. So, in those instances, pills are the most convenient. Check with your veterinarian to see what they recommend.
In Vermont, when daytime temps are above freezing and nights below freezing, that can only mean one thing: It’s time to collect that beautiful tree sap that turns into Vermont’s famous maple syrup.
MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS, located just 2.7 miles outside of Montpelier, is one place you can visit to learn all about the sugaring process—and it’s a great place to take your dog.
Open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Morse Farm is a throwback to a simpler, quieter time when generations of the same family worked together to carve out a living on the land.
You and your pup can visit the sugarhouse, walk the “maple trail,” which winds through the sugar bush, and then stop for a visit with Rex and James, the Morse Farm goats. Pieces of folk art and antique farm implements dot the property, making it a fun adventure for everyone.
To cap off your day, check out the dog-friendly Morse Farm store, brimming with maple products as well as an assortment of Vermont specialty foods and gifts. And, of course, you’ll have to try the farm’s renowned maple creemee (a swirling tower of Morse Farm maple syrup-flavored soft serve piled high upon a sugar or waffle cone), named an “exceptional creemee” by New England Traveler Today. www.morsefarm.com
PALMER’S SUGARHOUSE in Shelburne, VT, is another great sugaring season option. While only service dogs are allowed to enter the actual sugarhouse, visitors and their pups can hit the Nordic trail system with views of the Adirondacks, listen to live music, or visit the farm’s barn. For over 50 years, Palmer’s Sugarhouse, a familyrun business, has opened its doors to the public for an event called Sugar on Snow. Every Saturday and Sunday, March 3–April 14, from 9 am to 4 pm, Palmer’s has special Sugar on Snow tastings, as well as sugaring demonstrations, free maple samples, maple products for sale, live music, and horseback rides (weather permitting) offering views of the Adirondacks.
Palmer’s Sugarhouse is a friendly, comfortable family experience with plenty of parking and is handicap accessible. Schedule your visit to enjoy all that sugaring season has to offer. www.palmersugarhouse.com
Is your dog a sprinter or maybe a slow and steady strutter? Whatever your canine’s capacity for speed, show it o at the 26th annual Mutt Strutt at Little River State Park in Waterbury. Scheduled for April 21, the race begins at 10 am, and you can register your pup for $10 until April 10, $15 until April 19, and $20 on the day of the race.
Awards are given to the first-place finishers in each 10-year age group by gender and dog weight. Contact Maryellen Copping at melcopping@gmail.com for more info.
Supporting your local businesses supports the area where you live, work, and play
Through advanced treatments, elite products, and concierge care, Cheeks will help you look and feel your best at any age. Take advantage of seasonal o erings on gift cards, skin care products, and services to treat yourself or that special someone to an experience they will remember every time they look in the mirror. cheeks.cc
>> A LITTLE SOMETHING
All you need to shop local is A Little Something. It’s stocked with clothing, jewelry, and accessories and has the area’s best assortment of gifts and greeting cards. A Little Something is just a short ride from Burlington on Route 7. For unique items from small companies and local and independent designers, free gift wrapping, and easy parking, look no further. alittlesomethingvt.com
>> JAMIE TWO COATS TOY SHOP
>> VILLAGE WINE AND COFFEE
Building community through co ee and wine since 2005, Village Wine and Co ee features more than 1,200 wines from small and family-run wineries. Our co ee shop features baked goods, drip co ee, and espresso-based co ee drinks. For more information, call the co ee shop at (802) 985-8922 or the wine shop at (802) 985-8925 or visit us online. villagewineandco ee.com
Jamie Two Coats, an old-fashioned children’s toy shop in the heart of Shelburne Village, is lled to the brim with the best of toys and clothing for your little ones! facebook.com/jamietwocoats and instagram.com/jamietwocoats
Addie & Grace o ers chic, sophisticated women’s clothing and accessories in a welcoming environment by the designers you know and love. They represent dozens of top brands, including Joseph Ribko , AG Jeans, Autumn Cashmere, French Connection, Hutch, HOBO, Z Supply, and many more. Addie & Grace’s stylists tailor each shopping experience to help dress you for your every day, work, travel, and special occasions needs. addieandgrace.com
Take the time to care for yourself at Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa. At Radiance, we can provide you with a spa treatment to unwind, a laser facial that will boost your con dence, or perhaps a candle and skin care product so you can bring relaxation straight to the comfort of your own home. Whichever you choose, we promise it will have a lasting impact on your happiness, health, and well-being. radiancevt.com
Enjoy the gallery’s diverse range of contemporary art by established and emerging artists in a variety of media. Museumquality, custom framing services include hand- nished frames, design experience, and conservation specialists. You’ll also nd acollection of handmade jewelry, glass, and ceramics, plus ready-made photo frames. fsgallery.com
Come shop and explore our 6,000-square-foot retail store located at the Essex Experience in Essex, VT. The store is lled with goods from around the world. We’ve been working closely with artisans in India, Thailand, Nepal, and Indonesia for over 40 years. At Nusantara, you’ll nd soft cotton clothing, dresses, fun and ne jewelry, hundreds of accessories, vintage and antique textiles, home accents, and more. Contact us at (802) 764-0758 or nusantarashopvt@gmail.com
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that on April 8, 2024, Burlington will experience a total eclipse of the sun. According to the University of Vermont’s Space Grant Consortium, “At 2:14 pm, a solar total eclipse will begin in Burlington. From 3:26 to 3:29 pm, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon as it passes between the sun and the earth, darkening the skies as if it were dusk. In the case of clouds, it will be as dark as the middle of the night.”
The last time Burlington had a total solar eclipse was in 1932, and it won’t see another until 2106, so Burlington City Arts (BCA) and its partners in other city departments are pulling out all the stops to offer a “totally” awesome festival of family-friendly events called Obscura BTV.
CA will set up “o cial” viewing locations throughout parks in the area, including Waterfront Park, Battery Park, Perkins Pier,
City Hall Park, Roosevelt Park, Oakledge Park, and Leddy Park.
BCA Communications Director John Flanagan says, “At Waterfront Park, which is kind of the epicenter of all there is to do, there will be a stage and speaker towers and programming throughout the day, with music and an emcee leading people through the event, but of course, it will be quiet during the eclipse because that’s part of the experience, hearing the birds and the insects respond to the sudden fall of night.”
There will be merch booths selling eclipse swag, like glasses (BCA has ordered 50,000 Obscura BTV-branded ones), t-shirts, and posters. There will be plenty of portable toilets onsite and signal boosters to improve cell phone reception. Plus, City Hall Park will host an after-party, as in “after” the sun comes back out. “If it does,” John jokes.
Between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors are expected to descend on Burlington on April 8 to view the total eclipse, depending on
the cloud cover, and BCA and its partners, including the Burlington Police and Fire departments, are working hard to accommodate the crowds and keep everyone safe. “Every Burlington police officer is going to be in uniform that day and present in the city. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation,” John says.
Schools in the area will close at 11:30 am, and Route 127, known locally as the Beltline, will be closed from 10 am to 8 pm to provide vehicle parking. There will be shuttle buses running from 12 pm to 7:30 pm to transport
THE VENETIAN SODA LOUNGE will hold a total eclipse viewing party on April 8. Space-themed cocktails, crafted specially for the event, will be available. There will also be live music and a galactic costume contest with prizes for the best spacethemed outfit. Solar-safe glasses will be provided.
HILTON BURLINGTON LAKE CHAMPLAIN will sponsor a “Total Eclipse of the Heart” party on April 8, featuring ‘80s-themed music, dancing, passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket per person, and an ’80s-themed gift bag.
PALMER’S SUGAR HOUSE will hold a “Solar Eclipse 2024 Party” on April 8, o ering live music by the Tenderbellies, food by Farmer’s Market LLC and Babas Tacos, plus specialty elixirs.
Amaze your friends with some eclipse-inspired trivia.
1.The word eclipse comes from ekleipsis, the ancient Greek word for being abandoned.
2. A total solar eclipse is a rare event, estimated to recur at any given location only every 360–410 years on average.
3.A person who chases eclipses is known as an umbraphile, meaning shadow lover.
4.National Public Radio’s Glen Weldon said that films use eclipses “to signal to audiences that the normal rules have temporarily lifted, and things are about to get weird.”
5.The British astronomer and mathematician Sir Arthur Eddington used the total solar eclipse of May 29, 1919, to test Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
6. In China, solar eclipses were thought to be associated with the health and success of the emperor, and two astrologers were executed for failing to predict one.
7. The line “Then you flew your Learjet up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun” in Carly Simon’s pop hit “You’re So Vain” was supposedly inspired by the solar eclipse that occurred on March 7, 1970.
8. Greek historian Herodotus noted that a solar eclipse in 585 BCE stopped a war when both armies saw the dark skies as a sign to make peace.
9. A solar eclipse is responsible for the discovery of helium. The first piece of evidence of its existence was discovered by the French astronomer Jules Janssen during a total solar eclipse on August 18, 1868.
10.Edmund Halley, whom the famous Halley’s comet is named for, first predicted the timing and path of the total solar eclipse on May 3, 1715. His calculations were only 4 minutes and about 30 km (18 miles) o from the actual timing and path of the eclipse.
people to and from the Waterfront. City parking garages will also be open.
For more information about the eclipse, the city is holding a Total Solar Eclipse info session on March 21 at 6 pm at the Contois Auditorium. Obscura BTV planners, city leaders, and other eclipse event stakeholders will speak, and the event will be live-streamed on Channel 17 on YouTube.
APRIL 6
The First Unitarian Universalist Society, in partnership with Obscura BTV, will present Emmy-nominated cellist and composer Zoë Keating at 8 pm The classically trained innovator is known for her intricate, electronically manipulated soundscapes, which are enhanced by mesmerizing projections by Alex Reeves of Vanish Work.
APRIL 7
Obscura BTV will present Burlington-based composer Randal Pierce, who will perform
Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon” from his opera Rusalka and provide the soundtrack to George M li s’ silent film, A Trip to the Moon at 6:30 and 8:30 pm at the Contois Auditorium.
HotelVermont will host astrophysical scientist Alain J. Brizard, PhD, who will discuss the science and history behind a total solar eclipse.
APRIL 8
ECHO, LeahyCenterforLake Champlain, andtheVermont AstrologicalSociety will offer “ clipse
202 at C O.” The program will offer solar-safe viewing techniques, including sunoculars, telescope projections, and eclipse glasses, plus family-friendly, hands-on activities and a special eclipse pop-up exhibit to learn more about this rare astronomical event.
ShelburneVineyard will host “Moonshadow: An Eclipse Viewing Experience.” Take advantage of this opportunity to view the eclipse from a scenic Vermont vineyard accompanied by a live musical score performed on harp and guitar. There will also be tarot card readings and
vendors selling Vermont-made goods.
BTV, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, invites you to “Transcend,” an event that will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the solar eclipse from an airfield. The event will include live music, food trucks, bar service, games, displays, and more.
Live music and more events are scheduled before and the day of the eclipse. Learn more at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com!
e couldn’t claim to bring you the Best of Burlington without exploring what’s going on Downtown! From now on, we’ll use this space in every issue to provide you with Downtown News, Downtown Dining and Shopping tips, Downtown Events, and more.
Your participation is what makes Best of Burlington thrive! If you have any news to share or promotions you’d like to publicize, we’d love to hear from you.
The much-anticipated Hilton Hotel Champlain (formerly Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain) is on track and gearing up for a grand reveal! Despite the ongoing renovations, the hotel remains open and will soon launch two restaurants: Lily May’s Co ee & Café and Original Ski Fish + Oyster, a Chef Eric Warnstedt-inspired fish restaurant and oyster bar featuring a selection of fresh seafood with a rotating seasonal menu. Stay tuned for more updates! www.hotelchamplainvermont.com
Let’s give a warm welcome to these businesses that opened in 2023
•Always Full Asian Market (formerly Dobra Tea)
•Belleville Bakery (formerly My Little Cupcake)
•Despacito (ONE)
•Magic Chopsticks
•Marcos Pizza (formerly Big Daddy’s Pizza)
•Maverick Market (at Hotel Champlain and BTV Airport)
•Nomad Bakery
•Northfield Savings Bank (formerly Stephen & Burns)
•Paradiso Hi Fi Lounge (South End)
•Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine
•The Grey Jay
•The Pinery Beer Garden (South End; seasonal)
•The Tinkering Turtle (formerly Chop Shop Hair Design)
•Vermont Eclectic (formerly Monelle Vermont)
•Wings @ Maple
Keep an eye on our online calendar for a lineup of exciting events happening Downtown.
Garrett Leight’s eyewear is independently crafted and captures the spirit of its home base in Venice, CA. Whether you want frames made from eco-friendly bio-resin material, lenses with unique coloring, or an intricately carved detail on the temples, Leight’s designs are less about the logo and more about the look. Stop by the Optical Center soon to try the Clune, seen here in Sequoia Tortoise/Pure Rosewood.” opticalcentervt.com
Every cook’s kitchen should be stocked with sharp, durable, high-quality chef’s knives. Kiss the Cook has them at great prices. kissthecook.net
Step into Home and Garden Vermont and enjoy all the scents and colors of the spring season! With goods inspired by the great outdoors, we are ready to make your home a cozy habitat. Looking for the perfect gift? We’ll help you find that special something to delight anyone from 9 days to 99 years! homeandgardenvermont.com
Whether you’re adding to your vinyl collection or just starting out, swing by Burlington Records on College to peruse their incredible record collection, including hundreds of newly arrived jazz albums! Hurry in before they’re gone. burlingtonrecords.com
Burlington’s favorite boutique for over 30 years is filled with everything you need for events and everyday wear. From designer denim by Mother, Paige, and more to dresses for every wedding on the calendar, our team has curated a collection just for you. And we even have something for the guys.
eccoclothesboutique.com
There are so many dining options available locally that you’d be hard-pressed to try them all. But here are a few recommendations for dishes and other delectable delights from your friends and neighbors that you’ll want to follow up on.
“Chilaquiles! Tortilla chips topped with warm salsa verde, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, two sunny-sideup eggs, cilantro, and onion. It’s a perfect breakfast!”
— El Cortijo Taqueria
189 Bank Street cortijovt.com
“Escargots de Bourgogne. Burgundy snails, parsley, garlic butter, and pommes Dauphine. Yum! “
— Bistro de Margot
126 College Street bistrodemargot.com
“Croissants, fresh pastries, cappuccinos, hot lattes. Everything’s made fresh and local.”
— Leunig’sPetitBijouKiosk, Church Street leunigsbistro.com
“Spaghetti Frutti di Mare. House-made pasta, shrimp, mussels, garlic, lemon, and pomodoro sauce. Bon apetito!”
— Pascolo Ristorante 120 Church Street pascolovt.com
Accessories
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Outdoor Gear and Apparel
6.The Optical Center
1. Flynn Theater
1. Flynn Theater
www. ynnvt.org
www. ynnvt.org
www.opticalcentervt.com
10.Outdoor Gear Exchange
10.Outdoor
www.gearx.com
11.Dear Lucy
2.Burlington City Arts
2.Burlington City Arts
www.burlingtoncityarts.org
www.burlingtoncityarts.org
Dining
Dining
Pascolo Ristorante
Pascolo Ristorante
www.pascolovt.com
www.pascolovt.com
Leunig s Bistro
Leunig s Bistro
www.leunigsbistro.com
www.leunigsbistro.com
Leunig s Petit Bistro
Leunig s Petit Bistro
www.leunigsbistro.com
www.leunigsbistro.com
www.dearlucy.com
Home, Garden, and more
15.Home and Garden
www.homeandgardenvermont.com
Health
Health and Wellness
14.Bare Medical Spa and Laser Center
www.barevt.com
S on or
16.Burlington Records
www.burlingtonrecords.com
19.Kiss the Cook
www.kissthecook.net
20.City Market
www.citymarket.coop
Milne Travel
www.milnetravel.com
Milne Travel www.milnetravel.com
12. El Co tijo Taqueria
12. El Co tijo Taqueria
www.cortijovt.com
www.cortijovt.com
Clothing and Apparel
13.Farm ouse Tap and Grill
13.Farm ouse Tap and Grill www.farmhousetg.com
www.farmhousetg.com
Vermont Pub and Brewery
Vermont Pub and Brewery www.vermontbrewery.com
www.vermontbrewery.com
Bistro e Margot
Bistro e Margot www.bistrodemargot.com
www.bistrodemargot.com
7. Harbour Thread Womens
Thread Womens www.harbourthread.com
www.harbourthread.com
8. Harbour Thread Men’s
8. Harbour Thread Men’s www.harbourthread.com
www.harbourthread.com
9.Ecco Clothes for Women and Men
9.Ecco Clothes for Women and Men
www.eccoclothesboutique.com
www.eccoclothesboutique.com
2Bleu Northeast Kitchen
www.bleuvt.com
4Juniper Restaurant
www.hotelvt.com/eat-drink/ juniper/
5Hen of the Wood
www.henofthewood.com
7 Lily Ma ’s Coffee Café
www.hotelchamplainvermont.com/dine/lily/
8 Original Skiff Fish Oyster COMING SOON!
www.hotelchamplainvermont.com/dine/skiff/
10Spot on the Dock (opens in May)
www.spotonthedock.com
Shopping
9Coco Goose
www.shopcocogoose.com
11Nu Chocolat
www.nuchocolat.com
www.hotelchamplainvermont.com
Sponsors Shopping
9Coco Goose
www.shopcocogoose.com
11Nu Chocolat
www.nuchocolat.com
Sponsors City Market
www.citymarket.coop
Milne Travel
www.milnetravel.com
OTHERS
Union Station, Amtrak
www.amtrak.com
ECHO, Leahy Center
www.echovermont.org
United States Coast Guard & Bike Path
Lake Monsters
Administrative Offices
www.vermontlakemonsters.com
A communi -owned, full-service grocery ore open daily
Over 3,000 local products om over 400 local farms and vendors
Members earn great benefits –join the Co-op today!
BY MERYL SIEGMAN
PHOTOS BY ANGIE KING OF ANGIE KING PHOTOGRAPHY.
Donnell Collins knew how she wanted to spend the rest of her life as soon as she got a job at the Storm Café in Middlebury, VT, as a teenager. Now, almost 25 years later, she has enjoyed a stellar career in the restaurant business that has been rich and productive. But what chef wouldn’t want a restaurant of their own? They fantasize about scouting the location, selecting every item down to the last spoon, creating the perfect ambiance, and devising a menu that diners will love. That dream came true when Donnell opened Electra’s in Shelburne in November 2023.
Originally from California, Donnell moved to Vermont in the early 1990s. Her high school job at Storm Café inspired her to attend culinary school at Newberry College in Boston. Following graduation, she solidified her skills at high-end California eateries like Bistro Liaison in Berkeley and La Folie in San Francisco.
After returning to Vermont, she added to her experience by working at some of the state’s best-known establishments, including an internship at the Basin Harbor Club,
facilitating the opening of Starry Night Café, and working as a chef at Pauline’s and the Black Sheep Bistro. She ultimately landed at Leunig’s in downtown Burlington, where she continued to hone her skills in French cooking.
In 2013, after almost a decade at Leunig’s, Donnell and her then-business partner, Bob Conlon, purchased the restaurant. In late 2019, she bought Bob out and became the sole owner. “It was a week before the pandemic started,” Donnell recalls. “It wasn’t the best scenario to walk into.” But she plowed through with determination, keeping the restaurant a oat on
Burlington’s deserted Church Street as it weathered challenging times.
“I tried to do right by my employees,” she explains. “Quite a few had been working at Leunig’s for 10 or 20 years. It was very important for me to navigate the pandemic with integrity, keeping everyone employed and paying for their health insurance. So, we hunkered down and got through it.” This work ethic offers a glimpse into the chef’s priorities and why she has been such a success.
“I didn’t want to make any physical changes,” Donnell goes on to say, “because customers love the design. It feels like being transported to a restaurant in France.” But deciding to bring the menu back to its roots after it strayed into Italian dishes, she took advantage of her training and trips to France to create an authentic French bistro menu. She also recognized the importance of keeping the long-established restaurant relevant, saying, “It certainly has its regulars, folks who have been eating and drinking here for over 20 years, but we wanted to make sure we remained welcoming to fresh faces.”
For her next act, Donnell leased what used to be an old ticketing booth in a great location on the corner of Church and College
streets, across from Leunig’s. She turned the 7-by-10-foot structure into the wildly popular Petit Bijou Kiosk, a takeout spot serving delicious treats prepared by Leunig’s, including beignets, croissants, and pastries, and, as she describes it, “classic sandwiches you’ll only find in France.” In the summer, tables and chairs are set out on Church Street, making it the perfect spot for people-watching.
Next came Le Marche Café in Shelburne Village, where Donnell lives and where her chef’s intuition told her a revitalization of the restaurant scene was needed. Formerly Harrington’s of Vermont, this Frenchinspired bakery, café, and market opened in 2022. (See sidebar.)
Donnell found the perfect venue in the building that previously was home to the Bearded Frog. Located on Shelburne Road, it is the oldest building in the town’s historic district, dating back to 1796. She worked with her team to renovate the 3,000-square-foot space, which also includes the adjacent storefront, turning it into a 110-seat restaurant, bar, and lounge. The Bearded Frog’s bar was converted into a separate dining room, which can be used for private events.
Donnell saw this as her opportunity to bring her ideal restaurant to life, drawing from her years of experience in the industry and her trips to Europe to realize her vision. She says, “For every restauranteur, there is an opportunity to create something from the ground up, something special. Electra’s is the first place really had the chance to do that.” She was involved in every detail, from choosing fabrics and wallpaper to each piece of silverware and crystal stemware.
She cherished the idea of maintaining a
traditional and classic vibe with staff who were well-dressed. She says, “These days at restaurants, you encounter iPads at the table for ordering and waiters wearing cutoffs and sneakers. That’s not the direction wanted to see my restaurant go in.” he continues, “We are in the hospitality business. We should be able to feed people and give them an experience in a space they can admire and enjoy. nfortunately, a lot of restaurants have moved away from that. wanted to turn back the clock.”
Although Donnell’s cuisine is steeped in French tradition, she craved an opportunity to go in a new direction, saying, “I try not to give it a label and be tied to one type of cooking. ’ve been doing French for so long. ut can do anything here, Mexican and Asian as well.” he settles for the term “American Classic Traditional” to describe the ever-changing menu. n fulfilling her dream by opening lectra’s in helburne, onnell Collins’ culinary journey has come full circle. lectra’s is not just a restaurant but a testament to onnell’s dedication and innovation where diners can experience a meal to remember.
5247 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT electrasrestaurant.com
The recently opened Le Marche in Shelburne is a welcome addition to Donnell Collins’ Vermont restaurant empire. A bakery, café, and market rolled into one, this charming spot o ers French fare such as baguettes, co ee, and pastries. It also o ers beer and wine, prepared meals, and custom cheese plates. In addition, there’s a market where customers can find a curated selection of delicacies they can’t find in the United States, “We worked with importers to source really interesting merchandise directly from France,” she says. Donnell’s inspiration for Le Marche grew out of an idea for a place to grab something on your way to a picnic or outdoor concert. She says, “As a busy parent who works full time, I understand that some people just want somewhere to get a sandwich and where their kids can find something quick and easy.” Because she wasn’t interested in starting another sit-down restaurant, she originally conceived of Le Marche as a takeout spot. But, she says, “It’s gone way beyond my expectations. I was actually planning on not having tables.” But within days of opening, customers were clamoring for places to sit and linger while enjoying their food.
Le Marche in Shelburne epitomizes Donnell Collins’ commitment to providing a culinary venue where convenience meets indulgence, inviting customers to enjoy French-inspired delights and discover unique treasures from across the Atlantic in a charming market setting. It is also a place where people from the community can simply hang out.
5597 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT lemarchevt.com
Green thumbs, get ready. At Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse, and Perennial Farm, you’ll find everything you need to make your Vermont garden grow
Energy, a commitment to excellence, and forging lasting relationships with its customers is what Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse, and Perennial Farm in Colchester, VT, is all about.
Founded in 1972 by William “Bill” Claussen, the business is an all-year-round destination for everything garden-related, including annuals, perennials, edibles, cut owers, garden and home d cor, and more. The number of staff members varies from 30 to 40 depending on the season, but most of Claussen’s staff has been with them for a decade or more!
Chris Conant, who took over operations when Bill Claussen went into semi-retirement in the ’80s and who is now president, joined the company in the ’70s. Alongside Chris’ daughter, Ali Lapierre, vice president, who joined the company in 2006, and their team, they have upheld the high standards that their founder, who unfortunately passed away in 2022, set when he started the business.
Longtime employee James MacAuley, Claussen’s perennial farm manager for the last 22 years, told us that, though the greenhouses are
productive and busy all year round, springtime is prime time for Claussen’s. That’s when Vermont gardens and gardeners shake off their winter coats and prepare for a new growing season.
“We’re fully stocked with everyone’s favorite spring plants, shrubs, perennials, and edibles,” James says. Early bloomers like peonies and creeping phlox, along with strawberries and lupine (pronounced LOO-pin), are best sellers because of their showy, colorful owers, he says.
“Peonies and creeping phlox are old-fashioned favorites because they don’t require a lot of special care, and they are good, Vermont-hardy plants.” James also notes, “People love these
early-blooming plants because they provide the garden with a quick pick-me-up of color while they’re waiting for everything else to come up.”
For gardens that don’t get enough sun to support owering plants, good choices for
spring include perennials like hostas and heucheras, also known as coral bells. “ like to use a lot of foliage to add some color to shade,” ames says. “ ou can get lime-green foliage, maroon foliage, or bright yellow you can get mottled green and red foliage, all of which complement hostas in a shady spot.”
But what if you’re just starting out and not sure about what to plant this spring ames recommends woody shrubs like azaleas, which come in a variety of hues, including red, pink, and white rhododendrons, especially M variants, which produce trusses of pink and
(Previous page) Clausen's grows every plant imaginable in its 40-plus greenhouses, which operate on a year-round basis. Annual edibles like strawberries and perennial flowers are all seeded and grown on-site.
lavender blooms; and bright yellow forsythia. “All are good choices for beginning gardeners,” James says, making them super popular (and top sellers) in April and May. “Woody shrubs are easy to care for,” James says, and produce glorious blooms when properly fertilized. For best results, he recommends using a general fertilizer like Plant-tone, an all-natural, organic product that encourages growth and bigger blooms. For acid-loving shrubs such as rhododendrons and azaleas, James recommends Holly-tone, another great natural fertilizer.
Another popular shrub for beginner gardeners is hydrangeas. “They tend to be forgiving for hard winters once they’re established,” James says. “They’re droughttolerant and pretty much deer- and insectresistant. We sell a lot of hydrangeas in our shrub department.”
But beginners might want to think twice about growing roses. “Roses need a little more care because of foliar diseases and insect problems,” James says. But for the more experienced gardener, Claussen’s carries just about every variety you can think of. “We do climbers, shrub roses, hybrid teas, oribundas, and grandi oras we have about 40 varieties of roses, and everything is grown here, whether it’s from seed or, in the case of roses, bare-root plants.”
And by “grown here on the property,” James is referring to Claussen’s 40-plus greenhouses. “The square footage of our greenhouses has increased over the past 10 years,” he says. “We produce everything; we seed our perennials and annuals for our containers and our six packs and then transplant them into larger pots [during the colder months], so our greenhouses produce year-round,” he says. “In January, we only use about a third of our greenhouses, and then as spring progresses, we open another one and another one and another one until they are completely filled with beautiful plants ready for the garden.”
(Above and right) Claussen's is famous for its perennial farm, run by James MacAuley, which not only produces flowers but also edibles like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. In addition, Claussen's carries more than 40 varieties of roses, all grown on-site.
James also wants to call out Claussen’s selection of edibles, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, which also sprout early in spring. And that’s not to mention vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. “We do every edible we can carry,” James says. “After the last frost or even before, so the end of May, is when we really get busy.” He says, “People get excited when they see the edibles come up.”
To give berry plants a boost, James recommends using an acidic fertilizer like Berry-tone, an organic slow-release product that promises better growth and bigger fruit. “We’re not an organic grower, but we do recommend it for fertilizers. We carry a line of
organic or highly naturally organic fertilizers, and so we promote those as well, and we promote not using pesticides.”
So what does he counsel you to do about creepy crawlers that invade your garden? “For insects and fungicides, our go-to is neem oil, which takes care of most of the soft-bodied insects,” James says. “It’s a good organic spray that that we suggest our customers use on everything, even edibles. It even gets some of the tougher beetles with a couple of applications.”
Though Claussen’s does not offer plant installation, it does work with landscapers who buy its plants and then install them, and, of course, the staff offers free planting advice to all customers. “We can give advice to the customer if they bring in photographs; we can go over all the garden situations and design their garden,” James says. He also notes that some landscapers come in with their customers. “We go through the design, and then the customer gets to help pick out their plants.”
With its vast selection of plants, its huge greenhouse space, and its booming retail operation, it’s no wonder Claussen’s has been around for more than half a century. It’s also no wonder that the company has inspired such loyalty among its staff. “We have great employers. Chris and Ali take good care of us and they are wonderful to work for. We all work very hard together to provide Vermontgrown plants to our community,” James says. “They're good to us, so we're good to them, and we’re excited for another good spring,” We couldn’t agree more.
187 Main Street Colchester, VT claussens.com
For more tips on spring flowers and indoor plants go to www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
To be clear, there is still time for Congress to reach an agreement that would extend some of these provisions. However, given the current political climate and the upcoming election, it might benefit you to explore ways to take advantage of the current tax laws.
Currently, an individual can transfer 2.5 million and a married couple up to 25 million (during their lifetime or as part of their estate) without triggering federal gift taxes or estate taxes. owever, unless Congress takes action, that exemption amount will be cut in half for the 202 tax year. f your taxable estate exceeds the existing exemption amount, you might consider capitalizing on the current estate and gift tax laws to reduce your taxable estate. You could do so with annual cash gifts, 52 accelerated gifts, and irrevocable life insurance trusts Ts , to name a few.
ncome tax brackets are also scheduled to revert to pre-TC A levels so that many individuals can expect a significant increase in their effective tax rate. As such, you might consider taking advantage of the current lower tax
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 (sometimes referred to as the Trump tax cuts) had a significant impact on virtually every business and individual. Unless Congress acts soon, several of the tax benefits provided by the TCJA will expire on December 31, 2025. Understanding how this could impact your short- and long-term financial plans is critical.
rates through oth A conversions, income shifting, and capital gains harvesting.
For many Americans who receive income through pass-through business entities including many rental properties , one of the TC A’s most beneficial deductions was the deduction. The deduction allows individuals to deduct up to 20 percent of business income from pass-through entities,
including Schedule C businesses, S-Corps, and artnerships, on their 0 0s, but under the current rules, this deduction will sunset after 2025. eep in mind that there is a great deal of pressure on Congress to extend this provision, but we don’t know for sure what will happen.
To take advantage of current tax laws, start planning now and factor in taxes for 2025, too. Also, remember that the last six months of 2025 will be extremely busy for tax professionals, and since there is no way to predict if the TCJA provisions will be extended, now is the time to take advantage of existing tax laws.
You should not act on the information presented here without first seeking professional advice. Check with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation or contact avis odgdon at 802-8 8- 3 Williston or 802- 5- 32 utland .
RESOURCES:
www.kiplinger.com/taxes/what-to-do-beforetax-cuts-and-jobs-act-tcja-provisions-sunset
Delicious, clean, fast food. That’s what we do. And we are really good at it!
Our menu is 100% gluten free, GMO free and soy free wraps + bowls salads smoothies soups + stews coffee, tea + so much more
At REGEN, we want to help you achieve optimal health by offering proven therapies for Optimal Health Find us in the Blue Mall at 150 Dorset Street,
Theralight 360 Red Light Therapy
APEX Quad-Wave Laser
Full Spectrum Saunas
Ionic Detox Foot Bath
Discover Ecobean and REGEN at the Blue Mall in South Burlington, where you will find a revolutionary yet simple approach to wellness using cutting-edge technology to promote natural healing
In our busy, toxic world, it can be hard to come by convenient resources to live a healthy lifestyle and heal from chronic issues or injuries. Fortunately for Chittenden County and surrounding areas, Ecobean and REGEN are here to provide just that with a comprehensive range of resources to support individuals on their journey to health and healing.
Opposite and right: Ecobean in the Blue Mall on Dorset Street in South Burlington serves a 100 percent gluten-, GMO-, and soy-free menu. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, from 9 am to 7 pm.
On Dorset Street in South Burlington lies a sanctuary of wellness curated by a local couple—Trisha Dion and Justin Cruz. Trisha was born and raised in Milton, VT, and is a graduate of The UVM School of Business; Justin moved here from the hustle and bustle of Long Island at the age of 13 and graduated from BHS. Their journey began over a decade ago, fueled by the increasing awareness of what is allowed and is commonly found in our food, particularly when eating out.
Disappointed by the absence of local restaurants serving “clean” food and beverages (those without unhealthy ingredients such as GMOs, toxic chemicals, and gluten, to name a few), they embarked on a mission to remedy this and, in 2012, created Ecobean, a culinary destination where the integrity of every ingredient is held to the highest standard.
When cobean first opened, Trisha was well into her 13-year career as an insurance accountant in the captive insurance industry, and Justin, a celebrity hairstylist in NYC and LA, had a full roster of clients and was booked solid for months. Though neither had a background in food, they continued to learn and invest every penny they made into growing Ecobean.
Their strategy worked. From its humble beginnings on Pine Street in Burlington, Ecobean became a local favorite, renowned for its sourcing standards, dedication to quality, and superior customer service. “When word got around,” Justin says, “we ended up with lines almost out the door on many days.”
What’s more, their deep roots in the area allowed them to form strong connections and build a loyal customer base that appreciated their genuine passion for promoting wellness and supporting the local community.
Left: The TheraLight 360 Full-Body Red Light Therapy
Bed can be set to address pain, inflammation, sleep problems, hair loss, and more in just 15 minutes.
Opposite page: The Apex Quad-Wave red light laser generates a photochemical response that activates the body’s own healing process. In under 30 minutes, it can reduce pain and inflammation, and repair tissue.
Just like everyone else in the world, Trisha and Justin’s journey took an unexpected turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, in 2017, they had opened a second location in South Burlington. Justin says, “We put in a full kitchen, which our other space didn’t have. We wanted customers to be able to sit down for a meal knowing they can trust the integrity of every single ingredient they are consuming.”
The move also enabled the couple to greatly expand cobean’s offerings, never wavering from their original mission to use the utmost care and integrity when sourcing ingredients.
However, forced to adapt to the changing landscape during the pandemic, Trish and Justin decided to close their original location and redirect their focus toward meeting the growing demand for clean, healthy takeout options at their expanded restaurant.
Amid the challenges of the pandemic, a new vision materialized—a vision that merged their culinary oasis with a passion for holistic wellness and the latest in healing technologies. In 2022, drawing on their intimate knowledge of the community’s needs, they further expanded Ecobean and transformed an adjacent space into a technologically advanced health and wellness sanctuary called REGEN.
Trish says, “During the pandemic, we all learned a lot. We found ourselves with time to think and time to pay attention to ourselves and those around us.” Justin, as a lifelong learner, was no exception. He saw what was going on in the community and worldwide in regard to health and wellness and immediately began researching emerging technologies. This research led him to discover red light therapy, a modality that has quickly become mainstream because it’s effective, natural, and non-invasive. It heals at the cellular
level and reduces in ammation, making it great for everything, from pain relief and sleep improvement to emotional issues such as seasonal affectivedisorder and for use in reducing recovery time pre- and post-surgery.
The first piece of equipment on ustin’s radar was the Thera ight 3 0 Full ody ed ight Therapy ed. owever, the equipment came with a whopping price tag. “Our goal was to take this expensive technology and make it available locally,” ustin says. And he knew the only way to do that was to make it into a business, which is exactly what he did. “ ed light therapy is one of the hottest beauty and health trends out there,” ustin says. “ t’s huge for collagen production and anti-aging.”
ed light therapy, in particular, is F Acleared, and there are hundreds of published medical studies on ubMed that demonstrate its effectiveness. t has been shown to enhance the body’s natural processes for metabolizing free radicals and minimizing the damage they cause. This boost in the body’s natural healing cycle helps reduce in ammation and promote the healing of damaged tissues, increasing the rate and quality of tissue repair, improving muscle performance, enhancing recovery, and reducing pain with no known negative side effects.
At G , in addition to the Thera ight 3 0 bed, you will find an Apex uad-Wave red light laser, full-spectrum infrared saunas, and ionic detox foot bath systems. “These modalities not only jump-start the body’s natural healing processes for existing issues but are amazing for overall wellness and protecting the body from future injuries or sickness,” ustin says. eople can come in with pain at any level and leave in as little as 5 minutes, pain-free.
Trisha says, “Most issues, be they physical, mental, or on the skin, are the result of cellular damage and in ammation, all of which can be addressed easily, quickly, and painlessly at G .”
When you are done with your full-body healing experience, head through the glass door connecting G to cobean and further nourish your body with its 00 percent gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-freemenu of rice quinoa bowls, salads, wraps, soups, smoothies, and more. While they do serve organic chicken, grass-fed beef, and pastureraised pork, 0 percent of their ingredients are vegan, making cobean a culinary hotspot with something for everyone.
“ G is a natural extension of cobean,”
ustin adds. “We wanted a place where we can help people heal their bodies, detoxify, and have access to clean food.“One thing to note,” Trish adds, “is that although cobean is an organic establishment, you will OT leave hungry. ustin likes to eat until he is full, and his whole menu is created to be filling, taste amazing, and promote your health and wellness.”
ustin concludes, “When get up in the morning, am happy knowing we are giving people a choice. They can come here and eat clean food and then get the benefits of red light therapy in just 5 minutes. Trish and worked very hard for this.”
150 Dorset Street, Suite 310 South Burlington, VT regenvt.com
BY MERYL SIEGMAN
In last year’s Spring issue, we spotlighted Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic, which stands out for the highly personalized skin care services it offers. Owners Gena oyden and Anna Gilcris explained in depth how their bespoke Elite Concierge Service makes
them truly unique by tailoring products and services specifically to each client. At the time, Gena said, “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.”
Opened during the pandemic and now celebrating its fifth year, Cheeks continues to thrive as Gena and Anna pursue their goal of helping clients achieve healthy, beautiful
skin at any age. Its Advanced Face Treatment is a customized facial based on the client’s skin type and what they hope to achieve. It utilizes the many different resources the clinic has to offer.
Among the clinic’s resources are microcurrents, LED light therapy, oxygen infusion therapy, cryotherapy, and ultrasound. After performing an in-depth skin analysis on the client’s first visit, the estheticians choose from this menu based on each customer’s unique skin condition.
In the past year, the clinic has continued to grow. With the hiring of a new esthetician, it now offers eye treatments lash lifts and tints, and brow shaping and tinting that help make eyes look more youthful. Cheeks also purchased two new game-changing machines that make it a must-visit practice for the best non-surgical skin care around.
Emface, a revolutionary needle-free, non-invasive, non-surgical facelift, utilizes innovative technology to tighten, lift, and tone muscles and skin simultaneously, providing fast and effective results. t is F A-approved, and there is no downtime needed after treatment. It is particularly attractive to people who have an aversion to needles or are turned off by the high cost of surgery.
Emface uses two forms of energy: cuttingedge radiofrequency, which warms tissues and helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, the building blocks of youngerlooking skin, and electromagnetic energy, which targets the facial muscles, restoring and elevating facial tissues by selectively contracting muscles. As Anna explains, “It stimulates the elevator muscles in the face the ones that make us smile. It’s pain- and needle-free. Together, these two technologies address all the major causes of the facial aging process.”
Emface is administered in four 20-minute treatments, seven to 14 days apart, although
Cheeks throws in an additional session for free in order to help clients get the most out of their treatment. Optimal results are seen within 10 to 12 weeks and last for a year, and after that, require only annual maintenance.
This ground-breaking treatment is a hyaluronic acid stimulator that doesn’t use needles. “Although we are a luxury skin clinic with a focus on healthy skin, we also offer the services of a med spa,” Gena says. EXION Radio Frequency Microneedling, another treatment, uses synchronized radiofrequency and guided ultrasound to generate thermal stress, which increases blood circulation and stimulates fibroblasts within the deep layers of the dermis. t’s ideal for clients who suffer from sun damage, stretch marks, or acne scars. Gena advocates its use as a complement to the Emface treatment. “Together,” she says, “they create amazing results, including increasing
volume, hydration, and elasticity of the skin.” When researching the best new technology to invest in, Gena and Anna spoke with a number of plastic surgeons around the country. They quoted one doctor in particular as saying, “[These treatments] really work. I hope I never have to cut into another face.”
Gena and Anna invite you to try out their latest additions with an introductory offer that is packed with added value. Gena concludes, “While there are still surgical options for dealing with aging skin, we believe that this new technology re ects a current trend in skin care. This is where the skin industry is going.”
34 Blair Park Road Williston, VT 05495 cheeks.com
Nicolette Baron is the person to go see when you realize the bra you are wearing every day no longer feels quite right. The owner of L’ivresse Lingerie at the Essex Experience, she, along with her team of experienced and knowledgeable bra fitters, is ready to come to the rescue. In addition to her rich background in theater, art, fashion
design, retail sales, and tech, she knows bras, saying, “ ra fitting is about understanding the relationship between a person’s bra and how they move.”
Opened in 2021, this specialized lingerie store in ssex unction offers a vast array of bras for a wide range of body types, as well as an impressive selection of alluring lingerie. “We’re focused on inclusive inventory, with over 100 bra sizes in stock, ranging from A to K cups and lingerie in sizes XS to 3X in a variety of styles,” Nicolette says.
She goes on to explain that a new bra isn’t generally something you buy when everything is fine. “My clients often seek out my services when something changes, whether it’s as simple as discomfort or as serious as body changes or surgery.” The
store is also a destination for the postnatal set and, interestingly, recent divorcees (“Undergarments are often tied to one’s partner, so women going through a divorce will naturally want to refresh their closet.”)
According to Nicolette, when it comes to bras, one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming one bra serves all purposes. “Like shoes,” she says, “you need different pairs for different activities one for comfort to wear at home, one for extra support to go to the gym, and a fancy one for going out.” Customers often come into the store thinking that once they’ve found their correct size, all brands are the same, but that is definitely not the case.
And, like shoes, a good bra may take time to get worn in.
Thanks to her background in cabaret theater and costuming, icolette observes that fitting a bra has a lot in common with fitting a costume. “There are a lot of things in play,” she says. “You have to ask, ‘Will it make it through all the performances? Can you comfortably raise your arms above your head?’ We try to keep things predictable. That’s very important when you are dressing for your day.”
While it is believed that many women wear bras that are not the right size for them, Nicolette feels that if you are comfortable and happy with what you’re wearing, you don’t need to change anything. “But if you’re not comfortable,” she advises, “that’s an indicator that you have an issue. A good example is back pain. And if you’re buying bras from a website, you might not find your size and can end up with an ill-fitting bra.” That’s when customers turn to L’ivresse for help. Nicolette continues, “The bra-wearing experience is getting better for consumers. We’re seeing an incredible number of beautiful styles in lots of sizes. That’s what you’ll find at my store.”
Like many Vermonters, Nicolette cares about the environment. That’s why she carries brands that have an Oeko-Tex rating, which certifies products based on ethical and environmental standards to create a system of transparency around production. She has personally met a majority of the designers of brands featured in the store.
“Another reality,” Nicolette goes on to say, “is that a single bra has an incredible amount of manufacturing going into it, as many as 35 to 50 different pieces and four to six hours of sewing, depending on the style. As a result, a bra tends not to be an inexpensive item.” In addition, bras don’t follow a typical fast-fashion cycle in which items go out of style quickly. “Trying on the bra you are purchasing in the store helps make sure it’s a keeper,” she adds.
Like many Vermonters who started new businesses during the COVID pandemic,
Nicolette was stymied by supply chain issues as soon as she committed to the 1,800-squarefoot space at the Essex Experience. “Many things that we needed to open just weren’t available,” she recalls. Thanks to her existing relationships with people in the industry, she had no problem stocking her shelves with ample inventory. “But everything inside, from the counters to the fixtures, was either salvaged or reclaimed in some way.” With the help of her family and her own background in design, she was able to stay within budget while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. “That’s where my background in theater and art came into play,” she adds.
Even if it’s your only destination, L’ivresse Lingerie is worth the trip to the Essex Experience. You will find an incredible range of garments to choose from. As Nicolette concludes, “We serve every body. Whatever your age or body type, you can find something that feels right and feels like you.”
21 Essex Way, Suite 413 Essex Junction, VT
www.shoplivresse.com
You pull up to Pure Barre on Dorset Street in South Burlington, wondering if it’s a place to have a drink, practice law, or study ballet. You become even more curious when you see the offer to take a free class. The next thing you know, you’re a fan for life.
What is Pure Barre? Just ask Andrea Giardino, the owner of the Dorset Street fitness studio. “ ecause of the word barre,’ people think it’s ballet. But it’s not,” she explains. “ ou don’t need to be a dancer or even have any experience in dance. t’s a technique that fuses the concepts of other methods or elements of exercise to produce a well-rounded, full-body routine.”
o, what exactly is barre t’s a low-impact, full-body workout with a focus on high-intensity movements that work each muscle group to fatigue, coupled with stretchingexercisesto improve strength, endurance, and exibility. t’s offered in group classes. “ ure arrewelcomeseverybody,” Andrea says. “ ou don’t have to be exible to start.” t differs from other fitness methods because it uses a ballet barre and incorporates movements from ballet, yoga, Pilates, and now, with the newest class, ure arre efine strength training. The exercises target muscles that support and stabilize the body. enefits include improved strength, posture, exibility, balance, and muscle tone, as well as weight loss and reduced stress.
Andrea has devoted the last 20 years of her life to movement, fitness, and preventative health.
Growing up playing sports year-round, she became fascinated with all movement, eventually becoming involved in Pilates, calisthenics, and weight liftingand finding her way into the fitness industry as a personal trainer. She ultimately came across barre. “I quickly realized how much I enjoyed barre in general, with its really big range of motion and 360-degree approach, which hits my body from all angles. It gives me a feeling of completion,” Andrea recounts.
When she had the opportunity to audition as an instructor in South Burlington at Pure Barre, a franchise with 600 locations and over half a million clients, Andrea jumped at the opportunity. For the next six years, she was a part-time instructor at the studio she would eventually purchase. Now in her tenth year, she says, “My love for Pure Barre has grown. I can see doing it for the rest of my life. It’s low impact and supports all of those components that we tend to lose with time if we don’t condition them: deep core strength, balance, exibility, agility, and mind-muscle connection.”
Pure Barre’s membership consists of mostly
women, but, according to Andrea, “It is so beneficial to conditioning for everybody, male or female, no matter what age.” In fact, the clientele ranges from 20 to 75 years old. Andrea continues, “Pure Barre draws a lot of clients who are on their prenatal pregnancy journey, allowing them to maintain condition and strength. But we encourage men to come too because it offers them strengthening and cross-training exercises that result in strength, balance, and exibility.” What’s most important, she says, is prioritizing the personalized experience that each member has at Pure Barre.
The ample studio accommodates up to 22 participants in classes, which is a class size just large enough to create a busy, energetic vibe in the room but small enough so that the teacher can create that personal experience for every single student.
Music plays an important role in the workouts, too. Curated by “amazing masterminds” at Pure Barre’s headquarters, movements are driven by the beat. “It’s current, high-energy music,” says Andrea. “The tempo changes based on what we are working on in class. For the challenging sections, the music is
driving and motivating. The teachers connect the choreography with the music to help everyone stay driven during the class.”
Andrea believes the four core classes the studio offers differentiate it from other workout options:
CLASSIC: The studio’s “bread and butter,” everyone starts with this core strength, fullbody workout class.
EMPOWER: This high-intensity interval training class helps elevate the heart rate and build strength.
ALIGN: The unique emphasis of this strengthbuilding class is on exibility and balance. t’s the perfect class for those days when you want something less strenuous.
PUREBARREDEFINE: The newest addition, this weight-based strength-training class helps develop muscular strength and power. A real crowd-pleaser, it builds confidence in one’s form.
“One thing I simply love about barre,” Andrea concludes, “is that it continues to evolve. ust like fitness and nutrition, our knowledge continues to develop and progress all the time based on new research. It’s what our bodies need in this day and age.”
So what are you waiting for? Sign up now for your free complimentary class and get hooked.
Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center’s Innovative New Program Will Get You Motivated
In last Spring’s Health issue, we shined a spotlight on Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center. We focused on their recent introduction of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BioHRT), which uses processed hormones derived from plants to treat people whose own hormones are low or unbalanced.
Now a year later, with Alexis Cochran, MD, as their new medical director, Bare Medical Spa remains on the cutting edge of new technology in its pursuit of helping clients achieve their cosmetic goals and enhance their well-being.
Two other new additions to Bare Medical’s staff are aimi Wells, a certified health and wellness coach, and Ashley Birtz, a certified physician assistant and injector. They were brought on board to develop and administer the clinic’s innovative new Health Coaching and Body Transformation program.
medications is new to are Medical, just one more tool in their toolbox to help patients manage their weight. They also point out that all medication is administered following the guidelines of Dr. Cochran and medical protocol.
The clinic also offers three state-of-the-art treatments that can be included in their customized wellness plans, each one with its distinct benefits.
aimi describes the clinic’s latest offering with great enthusiasm, explaining, “Our goal is to help people learn healthy habits and maintain the wonderful outcomes they have achieved through our treatments.”
While Ashley oversees the medical weight loss aspect of the program, which includes vitamin therapies and medications, aimi is responsible for the accountability side, consulting with clients about their nutrition and exercise plans and helping them overcome the obstacles that prevent them from getting to their ideal weight. She says, “The Body Transformation Program is a comprehensive and personalized way to help our clients achieve the results they are striving for. They
will have the option to discuss medical weight loss with Ashley to see if they are eligible. We will also be providing one-on-one health coaching sessions along with a supportive Facebook group.
“We really want to give our members the best support we can during their journey to optimal health and make the road a little less bumpy along the way,” she says.
Ashley comments, “The coaching program is personalized for each client. Depending on the individual, we can layer the plan with some of the many treatments we offer. After age 25, we all become more insulin-resistant, so it becomes increasingly di cult to shed body fat. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. We are so happy to have the opportunity to help them reduce that risk.”
aimi and Ashley explain that the introduction of next-generation weight loss
Coolsculpting is also known as cryolipolysis. It uses cold temperatures to break down fat cells. With the amusing tagline, “If you can squeeze it, you can freeze it,” it’s a non-surgical procedure that can be used on many parts of the body. It works by using suction to hold the targeted area in place and then freezing it for 35 to 40 minutes. The treated spot is then massaged by the therapist. “It’s used for areas of bulges that refuse to go away even after you lose weight,” aimi explains. “After the treatment, fat cells are broken down and die.” Ashley adds, “With weight loss alone, you can’t target which area of the body is going to lose fat first. CoolSculpting treats those stubborn areas. Its biggest benefit is that it destroys 25 percent of treated fat cells, so it’s a lifelong fix.” This treatment can work in as little as one session, although most clients book a second session for additional fat loss.
Another of the center’s new treatments, Emsculpt Neo helps eliminate fat cells and build muscle in one treatment. Using highintensity radiofrequency that contracts
muscles, it can work on legs, glutes, abdomen, and arms.
“The radiofrequency prevents the buildup of lactic acid,” Jaimi says, so it doesn’t make you feel sore like after a traditional workout.” The treatment results in 25 percent muscle gain and 30 percent fat loss, the equivalent of doing 20,000 sit-ups or squats, depending on the area being treated. “Emsculpt is ideal if you want tone, definition, and added muscle,” Ashley adds.
You would choose this non-surgical treatment as part of your coaching program if you wanted to get rid of cellulite and tighten skin. Emtone uses radiofrequency, simultaneously delivering both thermal and mechanical energy to combat all the factors that contribute to cellulite and laxity.
“Clients use it for wherever they have cellulite, such as the stomach, thighs, or arms,” Jaimi explains. “You can see improvement after a single session.”
Clients must keep in mind that there is no quick fix to weight loss and getting in shape. “Medications and treatments don’t replace a workout regimen and healthy eating,” Ashley says. “What we offer is in addition to a healthy lifestyle. ou must first create a foundation with diet and exercise.”
That’s where the Health Coaching and Body Transformation program comes in. Ashley continues, “With medical advances and studies, we are learning more all the time about how to achieve and maintain an ideal weight. There’s no magic bullet out there.”
At Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center, they are thrilled with what they have achieved and how much more can be done. Ashley concludes, “We’re seeing great improvement in lab results. We have clients who have lost over 90 pounds and sustained it while experiencing less pain and in ammation. t’s a whole-body/mind approach.”
100 Bank Street, Suite 700 Burlington, VT barevt.com
In 1989, the NASA Clean Air Study found that many houseplants had the ability to improve air quality and remove toxic chemicals, such as those from paint, smoke, cleaning supplies, hairspray, solvents, and varnishes, from the air.
In fact, scientists found that through photosynthesis, the process of turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, some plants are able to actually cleanse the air of these toxins known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, and others), which can cause breathing di culties, irritation to the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat, and even cancer. And let’s not forget how increased oxygen levels in your home can boost your mood, improve overall health, and heighten your ability to focus.
Dracaena Marginatas, also known as dragon trees, are hardy yet attractive plants with green sword-like leaves edged in red. They require watering only once or twice a month and can survive in low light.
Toxins they remove: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
Spider Plants, known for their spiderlike look, are considered one of the most adaptable houseplants because they are easy to grow and require little care. They prefer shade and only weekly watering. Toxins they remove: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene
Majesty Palms are beautiful tropical plants known for their graceful, long green fronds. they need bright, indirect light and watering every one to two weeks. They’re slow-growing plants but can grow to be over 10 feet tall.
Toxins they remove: Formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide
Rubber Plants, with their large, deep green leaves, like bright indirect light, prefer moist, well-drained soil and require watering once every one to two weeks. Toxins they remove: Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene
Ferns require plenty of humidity, generous watering, and lots of space and light, but not exposure to direct sunlight. They prefer rich, well-drained soil.
Toxins they remove: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
Pothos, also known as golden pothos or Devil’s Ivy, are vine-like, trailing plants with heart-shaped leaves. They are easy to grow, require indirect sunlight, and only need to be watered once a week.
Toxins they remove: Formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.
Peace Lilies are lovely owering plants with dark green leaves and white ag-like “ owers.” They require bright, filtered light and prefer consistently moist soil. The leaves of peace lilies contain a compound that can cause swelling of the tongue or vomiting when ingested, so keep these plants away from kids and pets.
Toxins they remove: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and carbon dioxide
Snake Plants, also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongues,” are tall plants with stiff, sword-like leaves. These easy-to-grow plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in low light, making them the go-to choice for o ces.
Toxins the remove: Formaldehyde and benzene
English Ivy plants are evergreen perennials with glossy dark green leaves that need bright indirect light and loose, well-drained soil. They require watering only when their soil is completely dry, roughly once a week. English ivy is toxic to humans and animals, so keep it away from children and pets.
Toxins they remove: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide
Dracaena Warneckiis, also known as “Janet Craig” plants, have silver, green, and white sword-shaped leaves with a distinctive shimmer. They like bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light environments. They require watering only every one to two weeks and are toxic to cats and dogs.
Toxins they remove: Formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene
Facials have been around for over 500 years. We love them because they’re a great way to help you relax and make your skin glow. But according to esthetician Julie Schwetlick, there’s another reason why people should consider a trip to the skin spa: self-care. The owner of the unique skin care studio Skinvigo in Shelburne says, “Some people think getting a facial is a luxury, but I see it as an act of self-care, even self-respect. It’s so important to be generous to yourself.”
A licensed esthetician with a passion for working with her hands, Julie named her
company “Skinvigo” as a play on the word “invigoration,” which is at the core of the services she offers. he goes on to say, “The name was born with the idea of invigorating the skin, not masking it. If you give your skin the right care, you will be rewarded with healthy, glowing skin that speaks for itself.”
After growing up in Germany, Julie moved to New York City, where she got a job in PR, met her husband, and started a family. Her decision to change careers and become an esthetician came about when she received a facial from a friend as a birthday gift. She recalls, “I remember lying there and deciding this is what I would really love to do. I grew up believing that skin care is part of health care.”
She enrolled in the renowned Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics &
Cosmetology, the very first esthetics school in the United States. After graduation, she continued her education by taking the school’s advanced education seminars, including Sensitive and SensitizedSkin, and Oncology Esthetics.
Julie and her family moved to Vermont in 2016. After working for a medical spa for several years, she opened her own business in 2019, something she had always wanted to do. She says, “I had a very distinct idea of how to approach skin care. You need to be comfortable in your skin, which means being comfortable with who you are. Your skin as an organ is a very important part of that, and taking care of
your skin is essential to your health and overall well-being.”
Skinvigo is located at a fabulous location that is worth a trip in itself: the Wellness Center at the Shelburne Athletic Club, an oasis of relaxation and healing where you can get a massage or acupuncture or book your own personal Reiki or sound-healing session.
ulie was first introduced to eiki as a student at Christine Valmy. She recalls, “When an instructor put her hands over my head, a pleasant feeling of warmth radiated down my body. I tucked that feeling away in my mind.” After moving to Vermont, she fortuitously connected with Amy DeGroot, a Reiki master teacher and practitioner, who eventually became her teacher.
Julie becomes animated when explaining the art of Reiki, an ancient healing method originating in Tibet. “The name comes from joining two syllables in Japanese,” she explains. “Rei is universal cosmic energy, and ki refers to the life energy that runs through all living beings. The concept merges what we know about Western and Eastern healing and results in a really beautiful outcome.”
Julie goes on to say that the energy that ows in the body might be blocked by physical or emotional trauma, manifesting itself in exhaustion, mental distress, and in ammation. Reiki loosens blockages, reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and improves the natural healing process, bringing the body into balance, while its nonintrusive, gentle touch encourages energy circulation. Julie adds, “Often clients are curious but don’t know what to expect. The responses to Reiki are very individual: some people feel warmth, some have an emotional response, and some just fall asleep.”
During a traditional facial, skin is exfoliated, deep-cleaned, and then infused with ingredients and products that are beneficial to individuals, such as hydration, skin sensitivity, or breakouts. Julie explains that while skin health is always the focus, her facials target the facial muscles with massage as well. She says, “The majority of the
muscles in the face are muscles of expression. Facial expressions are deeply linked to our emotions, which are uniform worldwide, transcending language barriers. Both expressed and unexpressed emotions put an enormous load on the facial muscles. In fact, repetitive movements triggered by emotional patterns carve lines in the face.”
Julie hails the facial massage as an alternative to medical interventions. “People use Botox to paralyze the facial muscles,” she says. “But you can actually reduce the lines on your face by releasing your emotions.” During the massage, the facial muscles are manipulated so that they relax, and the muscle tone returns to normal. She adds, “The lines soften, and facial posture is restored, as the massage relieves tension, increases blood ow, and delivers nutrients to the cells. This facial feedback can even be effective in releasing emotional tensions.” Reiki adds an additional layer of body balancing to a facial, helping the body to heal, relax, and move toward its natural equilibrium while promoting a state of deep relaxation. aving regular facials benefits the skin the most, so scheduling a facial every six to eight weeks is ideal.
Skinvigo partners with Image Skincare, the number-one brand for spa use, and Julie notes that the sustainably sourced physicianformulated line is sold in over 60 countries. “I love the line because it allows me to customize each facial,” Julie explains. “I start with a skin analysis and then customize exfoliation and the products I use afterward to address skin stresses like dehydration, sun damage, breakouts, and premature aging.” She can also recommend a home-care regimen that will meet a client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget.
If you want soft, healthy skin and to feel beautiful from the inside out, book a Reiki facial. As Julie likes to say, “Start with skin health first, and that will carry you a long way. My clients leave the treatment room with invigorated skin and a restored mind and soul. The concept of skin care has come full circle.” Skinvigo Shelburne Athletic Club Wellness Center 166 Athletic Drive, Room 2 Shelburne, VT www.skinvigo.com
We’re all familiar with the expression, “A clean house is a happy house.” No one proves it better than Nicole Lopez, the owner of Fresh Winds Cleaning Services in Essex Junction. Founded in 20 , Fresh Winds offers a wide range of residential and commercial cleaning services in Chittenden County.
Family owned and operated, the company has earned its great reputation and devoted clientele based on reliability, consistency, and quality. It’s evident that Nicole truly loves her work, saying, “I’ve been cleaning houses for 10 years and have never been happier. Quality
is particularly important to me. I love doing a great job and making my clients happy.”
A transplant from Florida, Nicole got to know Vermont living in the Champlain Islands in the 2000s. After earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Champlain College, she was hired by the State of Vermont. ut after five years, she became emotionally drained by the work and decided to switch gears by starting her own cleaning company. Today, she thoroughly enjoys being in control of her schedule and the extra time she gets to spend with her family.
Fresh Winds offers general and deep cleaning, carpet shampooing, pressure and window
washing, rental changeovers, and move-in/ move-out and post-construction cleanups. Nicole knows she and her team are doing a great job when she gets exuberant texts and voicemails sent by clients who are thrilled with their services. “Some people don’t like cleaning,” she explains. “Mostly, they’re just happy to come home to a clean, orderly house.”
The health benefits of a clean house cannot be underestimated. Nicole noticed that over the 10 years that she has been in business, more and more of her clients mention that they are suffering from allergies, migraines and asthma. “I have some clients who ask me to come in regularly due to allergies
either they or their children have. Dust and animal dander seem to be the most prevalent causes,” she mentions. “Some clients get migraines from certain cleaning products that aren’t 100 percent natural.” She goes on to explain that many of her customers run Airbnb’s, whose clientele are becoming more fussy about the odors and chemicals in cleaning solutions, and specifically request that the property be cleaned with only unscented, natural products.
“But others,” she continues, “want their homes to be spick-and-span for their mental health. They love nothing more than coming home to a bright, clean house.” And still others simply don’t like to clean or just don’t have the time. Nicole concludes. “I love doing it, and I’d love to do it for you. It really makes my day.”
Nicole and her team provide full-service cleaning. They arrive with their own tools, equipment, and cleaning products, so clients don’t have to lift a finger. he notes that many of her clients, particularly those with allergies or whose children suffer from them, specifically ask for cleaning solutions that aren’t laden with additives and don’t have strong smells. Nicole has settled on three all-natural, hypoallergenic brands that she can rely on and that please her clientele: Branch Basics, Method, and Mrs. Meyers, especially, its multi-surface everyday cleaner. “If clients have a particular product they like,” Nicole notes, “They will often provide it themselves.”
Nicole is excited about the upcoming expansion of Fresh Winds. In addition to adding plowing and tree services to her roster of offerings, she looks forward to growing the cleaning business by hiring quality cleaners who meet her high standards. She concludes, “I can’t see myself doing anything else. I really want to grow my business and help as many people as possible.”
PO Box 8140
Essex Junction, VT 05451 802-871-0532
localvtcleaningservices@gmail.com
The body needs both in order to stay at its best
Some may find it unsettling to learn that our bodies are home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. owever, these microorganisms are good guys and are vital to our overall health. We need them in order to be healthy.
These microorganisms are collectively known as our gut microbiome, and they are essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, metabolism, and the immune system. ased on the important jobs the microbiome perform, it is obvious that keeping them happy is crucial.
aving poor gut health has been linked to many medical issues, such as acid re ux, irritable bowel
syndrome, allergies, obesity, diabetes, colon cancer, thyroid issues, eczema, migraines, in ammatory bowel disease, and mental health disorders.
very human has their own unique mixture of microorganisms living inside them. Each specific microbiome recipe is a combination of the foods we eat, our environment, and also what we inherit in utero.
Creating a hospitable environment for our healthy gut microorganisms to thrive is actually not hard to do. Most people have heard of probiotics, but not everyone knows about the importance of prebiotics.
Probiotics are consumed to repopulate the gut bacteria, while prebiotics are what we eat to keep the probiotic bacteria healthy. You can improve gut health almost overnight by eating a diet rich in probiotic and prebiotic foods daily.
Probiotics are found in fermented foods and drinks like yogurt, cheese, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut. owever, even if you eat a lot of foods that contain probiotics, it won’t do you much good if your intestinal environment doesn’t allow them to prosper. ere is where the importance of prebiotics comes in. asically, prebiotics are sources of fiber. Our gut bacteria love fiber. The gut bacteria living in our large intestines break down the fiber to produce a pH level that keeps the entire system healthy. Without prebiotics, aka fiber, probiotics would just introduce good bacteria that can’t live in our bodies.
Great prebiotic food options include beans, whole grains, garlic, bananas, onions, artichokes, mushrooms, soybeans, asparagus, and seaweed. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always great fiber sources for good gut health as well.
Overall, the goal should be to make sure your diet contains a good balance of probiotics and prebiotics. very day, you’ll repopulate the gut bacteria with probiotics and then keep the probiotic bacteria healthy with prebiotics. f you feed your gut well, it may repay you with better health.
BY KENDALL BEISWANGER
5399 Williston Road, Suite 101 Williston, VT www.radiancevt.com
Spring is a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings.
However, amidst all the excitement, we often forget to protect one of our most valuable assets—our skin! Your health is your wealth, and just as we prioritize exercise, nutrition, and mental health, skin care should also be a priority to combat premature aging, skin infections, and even skin cancer. A wellrounded approach to health and wellness should include your
A great part of medical aesthetics and skin care is the ability to provide and give you access to specialty products such as prescription medications specific to your skin, aesthetic goals, and skin type. Just as we treat the health of our body with medicine, we can target and treat skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, melasma, wrinkles, or psoriasis with specialty prescriptionstrength products. We can treat the skin from the inside out as well as the outside in for optimal skin health and transformative results. Always consult with your provider to help you discover and determine the products that would be best for you and your skin type because healthy and happy skin is beautiful skin!
skin for an overall balanced and healthy lifestyle.
That’s why we created this map to take the complication out of choosing what is best for your skin, with scientific and evidence-based facts from board-certified physician and local expert in aesthetics medicine Dr. Colleen Parker. As we implement healthy changes during the spring and beyond, let’s not forget that our skin deserves care and attention, too!
Su ort e skin as it ages!
Growth factors are natural proteins that stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. As we age, our body is unable to make these as quickly as before, which is why growth factors are great for preventing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, and loose or sagging skin.
Your Road Map to Healthy Skin This Spring ... ‘Tis the season for lawn mowing, but we don’t mean that kind of grass!
Sunscreen is your best friend for hea hy skin!
Physical SPFs (specifically ones with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients) provide a protective shield against harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Skin cells damaged by the sun will prematurely age your skin and put you at risk of skin cancer, further skin damage and overall degradation of your health. Simply put…just wear it!
S R A G
Hea hy skin is beautiful skin!
Retinol, retinoid, and tretinoin are all compounds related to vitamin A. Using retinoids will increase skin cell turnover to renew the skin and reverse signs of photoaging (sun damage). Vitamin A is important for skin cell function and can help protect from harmful UV rays and skin cancer!
Our skin is exposed to free radicals daily. It is important to protect your skin from these radicals to prevent the degradation of skin cells over time. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are both e ective antioxidants to protect your skin.
Indulge in a Single Treatment or Full Day of Pampering at Oasis Day Spa
Never heard of a Soft Pack? Neither have we, which is why we dropped in on Oasis Day Spa in Williston, VT. After spending some time with owner Stephanie Paquette, we were completely sold on the treatment, which isn’t available anywhere else in Vermont and possibly all of New England.
One of the first day spas in the area, Oasis opened in 2000 at the same location on Cornerstone rive that it occupies today. Only now, it has tripled in size, expanding across the hall and to the oor above, with 3 treatment rooms in addition to a full-service hair salon. ts selection of services includes massage, body treatments, facials, ydrafacials, manicures, pedicures, and makeup, all administered by a devoted team of licensed professionals, it’s the destination of choice for an hour or entire day of relaxing indulgence.
Also known as a dry oat, the oft ack system is similar to a waterbed, except it’s more like being inside one without getting wet. “ t’s my favorite body treatment,” tephanie says enthusiastically. “ ou’re never in contact with water at all, but you’re immersed in warmth, and you’re weightless it’s like you’re oating in pillowy water.”
ust imagine for a moment what the experience feels like. After changing into a robe and removing your jewelry, you lie on the surface of the oft ack, which looks like a massage table, while a therapist applies
products to your body. Then you are wrapped in the bladder and gently lowered into a bath of warm water and given a brief scalp massage to help you relax. ou stay dry while your body is suspended in warm water, soothing your muscles, elongating your spine, and relaxing your mind. on’t be surprised if you doze off.
“The water temperature is one and a half degrees warmer than your body’s temperature,” tephanie explains. “ ou’re immersed for 20 minutes, the maximum
amount of time, because the process elevates your body temperature.” According to the oft ack’s German manufacturer, that short time is the equivalent of two hours of rest for your muscular and skeletal system.
Although you can come in just for a 20-minute oft ack session, the majority of clients book it in conjunction with other bespoke treatments
that Oasis ay pa offers. egardless of which option you choose, “ t has an amazing effect on the musculoskeletal system,” according to tephanie. “ ecause you’re weightless, it’s great for people experiencing back pain.” The oft ack is also fabulous when used before a massage because, as she explains, “ t’s great for warming up the muscles so your massage can be that much more effective. t’s super relaxing.”
Or you can opt for a soothing body treatment. erhaps the umpkin Float, whose Cucurbita masque, with its lovely scent of pumpkin and spices, will exfoliate, purify, and deeply nourish your skin. Or you can choose among champagne and rose, cranberry, or mango avors for your ydrating ody xfoliation Float, whose creamy body butter will push deep into your skin for maximum hydration. Whichever you go for, the warm water will accelerate the benefits it provides. As tephanie explains, “We want the product to be absorbed into the skin, so you shouldn’t sweat and push it out. Through the process of osmosis, your skin will accept product deeper, about 0 times deeper than the same wrap would be on a table.”
Can’t decide The day spa’s knowledgeable staff will help you select the treatment that’s perfect for whatever ails you, whether it’s dry skin or muscle aches.
tephanie is rightfully proud of the phenomenal team she has cultivated, saying, “Our environment is a little different. Many of our technicians have been here for over a decade, with some dating back 20 years.” he believes the vibe created by the dedicated long-term staff carries forward to the comfort level of the spa’s clients, adding, “They like to see the same people over and over again when they come here it almost feels like family.”
o enjoy a oat at Oasis ay pa. As its owner says, “ t’s hard to believe that 20 minutes makes you feel that way, but it really does.”
300 Cornerstone Drive. #220 Williston, VT
oasisdayspavt.com
The Windjammer's new Lower Deck bar features the Cruvinet system, which dispenses wine in 1-, 3- and 6-ounce pours, so you can try a wine without committing to an entire glass.
The restaurant industry is a di cult one, famous for its failure rate. o, when an eatery has been around for years, you have to figure they’re doing something right.
At The Windjammer, success is due to the balance of the new and the familiar, the innovative and the traditional. The owners, managers, and chefs make sure the restaurant caters to its regular customers, who love it for what it is, while still thinking of ways to modernize and draw in new people.
The dining concept at The Windjammer is unique. t’s how they can ensure they have
something for everyone. “' t's very versatile, an helan, general manager at The Windjammer, said. “There’s no reason why we need to limit ourselves and our guests.”
The downstairs area seats about 300 people. While it leans more toward higher-end steak and seafood, over the past few years the chefs have been trying to focus on local and seasonal fare.
The upstairs area has an entirely different, much more casual vibe. The pper eck, as it’s known, fits 25 people into a sports bar or pub-style venue, offering things like wings and burgers.
ow, the owners are trying something new, an expanded wine bar. “ t was a vision we had for many years,” an explained. “ ut we were never able to pull the trigger because we were always so busy.”
The middle of the restaurant used to have a salad bar but the pandemic put an end to that concept. That's when they saw an opportunity to create the space they had always dreamed of.
Within the same footprint of the salad bar, The Windjammer now has a boat-shaped 2-seat bar built of mahogany, and they have named it The ower eck. They installed
a Cruvinet system, a device that keeps up to eight bottles of wine fresh by controlling temperature and pressure.
Dan explained that a normal bottle of wine is only fresh for maybe two days after you open it. The Cruvinet system extends
that lifespan from days to weeks. That way, The Windjammer can open finer bottles of wine for glass pours without fearing some would go to waste.
The Cruvinet system measures out pours by the ounces, so guests can choose
from 1-, 3-, or 6-ounce pours without the necessity of committing to an entire glass.
Though the new boat-shaped bar is special, like every other aspect of The Windjammer, the customer has choices. Although the seating is centered around the Cruvinet system, The
The Windjammer's new 12-seat, boat-shaped Lower Deck is a full-service bar where you can order anything from the wine list, along with beer or cocktails and food, like its house specialty, slow-roasted prime rib.
Lower Deck is also a full-service bar where you can order anything from the entire wine list, along with beer or cocktails and food. Likewise, you can order glasses of wine from the Cruvinet system even if you aren’t sitting at the new bar.
The Windjammer is already hosting wine tastings and tap takeovers at The Lower Deck. There’s no fee to attend, and visitors are under no obligation to purchase any of the wines offered all you need is a reservation for The Lower Deck on the night of the event. The restaurant hopes to do more of this moving forward and already has some wine tastings and wine dinners planned for 2024. Eventually, the restaurant would like to cosponsor events with breweries and distilleries.
To see when those events will be held, check out The Windjammer on social media. And since the wines rotate on a near-daily basis, Dan recommends calling ahead to see what's on offer. Although walk-ins are welcome, reservations for The Lower Deck can also be made in advance.
A local Vermont company can add value to your home while saving you money
Are you looking for a cost-effective way to add more color, personality, and curb appeal to your home while also lowering your monthly energy bill and reducing your carbon footprint?
It may surprise you to learn that awnings and solar shades are where it’s at. Awnings are a decorative and colorful way to make your home
more energy-e cient by using shade to cool your home instead of running the A/C. And for those not interested in awnings, solar shades are rollup, retractable, custom “sunglasses” for your windows. What’s even better, awnings and shades are made from mesh fabric so they’ll block the sun but not the view.
Otter Creek Awnings has been proudly
serving all of Vermont, pstate ew ork, and ew ampshire for over 8 years. What began in a Middlebury, VT, basement in the 0’s, is now the area’s o. awning company.
Otter Creek is the leading local supplier of retractable awnings, commercial awnings, deck and patio canopies, window awnings, solar shades, and many other shade products. The
company prides itself on offering the finest products and impeccable customer service. arah and ristopher arson purchased Otter Creek Awnings in 20 8. They were happy to be able to keep the company in the “Otter Creek family” and love that some of their products are made right down the
road in Middlebury, VT, where the company originated.
My husband had been in sales management with the company for years and was offered the opportunity to purchase it, arah said. “We loved the idea of owning a well-established Vermont company known for
Otter Creek Awnings can help design your outdoor oasis. Its designers provide free on-site estimates to determine the best solution for your home or business. (Next page) At Otter Creek Awnings' showroom, you can find an extensive display of awnings and peruse fabric options.
its customer service and quality products, and here we are today We’ve been loving every minute of it ever since!”
The Otter Creek Awning team really enjoys sharing all the possibilities and benefits that an awning can bring to a home or business. Gone are the days of plain, boring awnings. Homeowners and business owners are choosing bold, vibrant colors to add color and personality to their outdoor spaces.
Awnings can be manually operated using no electricity and can lower your energy bill by blocking sunlight and radiant heat from entering a room, all without blocking the view. Awnings and solar shades can also help reduce the need for air conditioning, lowering your energy consumption by 25 percent.
For some, retirement is a time to do little to nothing at all. But the people who choose to live at Wake Robin Life Plan Community have a different perspective. They’re still giving back to their community.
They’re learning and growing. And they’re living life to its fullest. If that sounds like you, come see for yourself in Shelburne, Vermont.
Wake Robin. It’s where you live.
WakeRobin.com
802-264-5100
Another benefit of an awning is that you can extend your home’s living space by covering your outdoor areas with a retractable patio awning or deck canopy, thus avoiding the high cost of construction and having to wait for the job to be completed. Otter Creek Awnings' products can add value to your home or property and can be installed in as little as a day.
“Our Gennius products are like new-age sunrooms that are installed onto your patio or deck and can be completely enclosed with screens. This product is hurricane-rated and protects against wind, and even has its own built-in gutter system for rainy days. Our Gennius products are custom-made for your space and are like adding another room to your house.”
All of their Gennius products are available to both residential and commercial clients and can be found on display in their showroom in Williston, which happens to be one of the largest awning showrooms in the country. There, you can see all their products and view fabric samples. They offer free estimates, which includes a designer coming to your home or business to see your space, take measurements, and provide a quote.
Motorized awnings, which allow you to control the awning remotely with the touch of a button or an app on your phone, are becoming more popular and attractive to customers.
The quality of the product that Otter Creek Awnings provides really stands out, as their awnings generally have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Otter Creek Awnings’ designers are always happy to discuss options for your outdoor oasis with you. Their massive showroom is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Visit their website, ottercreekawnings.com, for more information and to see what the company has to offer.
19 Echo Place Williston, VT ottercreekawnings.com
SPRING HAPPENINGS | SPONSORED BY VERMONT GATHERINGS.COM
153 Main Street Burlington, VT www.flynnvt.org
MARCH 12 & 13, 7:30PM
THE CHER SHOW
MARCH 16, 7:30PM
TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY
MARCH 17, 8PM
NICKEL CREEK WITH MONICA MARTIN
MARCH 24, 7PM
PEKING ACROBATS
www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
MARCH 29, 6:30PM
MARCH 30, 7:30PM
BANFF CENTER MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR
APRIL 11 & 12, 7:30PM
APRIL 13, 1PM & 7:30PM
APRIL 14, 1PM & 6PM
THE WIZARD OF OZ
APRIL 12 & 13, 7PM
TROUBLE AND TOGETHER
APRIL 17, 7PM
UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND
APRIL 18, 6PM
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
APRIL 20, 7PM
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
APRIL 24, 7:30PM
GOLDEN GIRLS
APRIL 25, 8PM
THE BURLINGTON GRANDSLAM CHAMPIONSHIP
APRIL 27, 8PM
ALMOST QUEEN
APRIL 29 & 30, 7:30PM
THE KITE RUNNER
MAY 2, 7:30PM
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
MAY 4, 7:30PM
VSO AT THE FLYNN
MAY 5, 3PM
VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT
MAY 7–9, 7:30PM
MEAN GIRLS, VT
CHECK WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 14, 8PM
MATISYAHU, CYDEWAYS
MARCH 14, 8PM
DROP IT
LIKE IT’S YACHT
MARCH 15, 8:30PM
BACK IN BLACK: THE TRUE AC/DC EXPERIENCE
MARCH 16, 8PM
BEASTIE BALLZ, BURNING MONK, LIMP BALLZ
MARCH 16, 8PM
JULIAN LAGE
MARCH 17, 8PM
NICKEL CREEK
MARCH 20, 7:30PM
METAL CHURCH
MARCH 21, 8PM
KIM GORDON
MARCH 21, 7:30PM
VOID BRINGER, COOKED, NAILED SHUT
MA, SPLIT IN HALF
MARCH 22, 8PM
NIKKI AND THE BARN BOYS
MARCH 22, 8PM
AND THAT’S WHY WE DRINK
MARCH 23, 8:30PM
MOON HOOCH
MARCH 23, 7:30PM
RICHARD THOMPSON First Unitarian Church
MARCH 24, 8PM
JEFF ROSENSTOCK
MARCH 25, 8PM
CHAPPELL ROAN
MARCH 29, 8PM
SHOVELS & ROPE
MARCH 29, 8PM
STOLEN GIN
MARCH 30, 8PM
ELIZA MCLAMB
MARCH 31, 7:30PM
SAJE
APRIL 2, 7:30PM
TEKE: TEKE
APRIL 3, 8PM
TOO MANY ZOOZ
APRIL 3 & 5, 7:30PM
ZACH NUGENT’S DEAD SET
APRIL 6, 8PM
ERICK THE ARCHITECT
APRIL 7, 7:30PM
RATBOYS
APRIL 7, 7:30PM
PREACHER LAWSON
APRIL 8, 7:30PM
LADY MOON & THE ECLIPSE
APRIL 13, 7:30PM
TOPHOUSE
APRIL 16, 7:30PM
JEFFREY MARTIN
APRIL 17, 7:30PM
JOHN R. MILLER, THE DESLONDES
APRIL 18, 7:30PM
HANS WILLIAMS
APRIL 18, 7:30PM
BADFISH: A TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME
APRIL 19, 8:30PM
CRAIG MITCHELL’S BIRTHDAY BASH
APRIL 20, 8PM
THE MOTET
APRIL 23, 8:30PM
ATMOSPHERE
APRIL 24, 7:30PM
NICK WATERHOUSE
APRIL 24 & 25, 8PM
UMPHREY’S MCGEE
APRIL 26, 7:30PM
THE WARPED TOUR BAND
APRIL 27, 8PM
BENJAMIN TOD & LOST DOG STREET BAND
APRIL 27, 7:30PM
2024 SPRING FLING MUSIC SHOWCASE
APRIL 27, 8PM
ALMOST QUEEN
MAY 1, 8PM
ELITA
MAY 2, 7:30PM
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
MAY 4, 9PM
THE TAYLOR PARTY: THE TS
DANCE PARTY – 18+
MAY 5, 8PM
ANDREW CUSHIN
MAY 6, 8PM
TWRP: TREY MAGNIFIQUE, NELWARD
Presents:
2nd Annual
April 6-7, 2024
8th Annual
June 22 & 23, 2024
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPO
Essex Junction, Vermont VERMONT
Fun family-friendly events for all ages!
Tickets & Info:
VTGatherings.com
MARCH 16, 6PM
AARON FLINN
MARCH 22, 5:30PM
WINE & CHEESE PAIRING
PRESENTED BY CITY MARKET
MARCH 23, 6PM
ALI T
MARCH 29, 7PM
MAL MAIZ
MARCH 30, 6PM
GLENN ROTH
APRIL 5, 7:30PM
IAPETUS CELLAR TASTING
APRIL 6, 6PM
RYAN SWEEZEY
APRIL 8, 1PM
MOONSHADOW: AN ECLIPSE VIEWING EXPERIENCE
APRIL 12, 7PM & MAY 10, 7PM
WIT & WINE (COMEDY NIGHT)
APRIL 13, 6PM
JOSHUA GLASS
APRIL 27, 6PM
REMEMBER BAKER
6308 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT
www.shelburnevineyard.com
APRIL 12, 7PM
JUKEBOX: THE SOUND OF SCIENCE Roots Studio Space Rutland, VT
APRIL 13, 7PM
JUKEBOX: THE SOUND OF SCIENCE BETA Technologies South Burlington, VT
APRIL 14, 7PM
JUKEBOX: THE SOUND OF SCIENCE Fairbanks Museum
St. Johnsbury, VT
APRIL 25, 2PM
VSO & OLLI: VSO OFFSTAGE, JUSTIN MORGAN’S MUSIC, THEN AND NOW St. Catherine’s of Siena Church Hall 72 Church Street Shelburne, VT
MARCH 11, 2PM
BURLINGTON BASH SCAVENGER HUNT
Speeder & Earl’s Coffee
412 Pine Street
Burlington, VT
www.unation.com/event/burlington-bash-scavenger-hunt-45046353
MARCH 13, 7:30PM
WILD PINK
Foam Brewers
112 Lake Street
Burlington, VT
www.foambrewers.com
MARCH 15, 7:30PM
MICHAEL NAU
Foam Brewers
112 Lake Street
Burlington, VT
www.foambrewers.com
MARCH 28, 6PM
COMBUSTOMATICS IN THE BARREL ROOM
Black Flannel Brewing Co.
www.Blackflannelbrewing.com
MARCH 30, 10:30AM
TIS THE SEASON! LAMBING AND MAPLE SUGARING
Shelburne Farms
MARCH 29 & 30, 7:30PM 2024 BANFF FILM FESTIVAL SPRING
MARCH 11–JUNE 9, ALL DAY MARGARET JACOBS: KINSHIP
MARCH 20, 6:30PM
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FILM SERIES, NEW ENGLAND MODERNISM: REVOLUTIONARY ARCHITECTURE IN THE 20TH CENTURY
APRIL 6, 6PM ASTRONOMICAL
APRIL 8, ALL DAY
OBSCURA BTV: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
Burlington, VT
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne, VT
shelburnefarms.org/calendar/tis-seasonlambing-maple-sugaring
APRIL 8, 11AM
SOLAR ECLIPSE—TOTALITY AT SHELBURNE MUSEUM
Museum Grounds
600 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT
www.shelburnemuseum.org
APRIL 8, 2PM
TRANSCEND
Burlington International Airport
1200 Airport Drive
South Burlington, VT
www.eventbrite.com/e/transcend-tickets794487683047
APRIL 8, 10AM
ECLIPSE 2024 AT ECHO
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 1 College Street
Burlington, VT
www.echovermont.org/event/ eclipse-2024-at-echo
APRIL 10–APRIL 14
MADE HERE FILM FESTIVAL
Burlington Beer Company
180 Flynn Avenue
Burlington, VT
www.vermontartscouncil.org/event/madehere-film-festival
MAY 4, 7:30PM
EMBRACE ME NYC COMEDY SHOW
Off Center for Dramatic Arts
1127 North Avenue, Set 27
Burlington, VT
www.unation.com/event/embrace-me-nyc-
APRIL 17, 6:30PM
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FILM SERIES, THE COLOUR OF INK
135 Church Street Burlington, VT
www.burlingtoncityarts.org
MARKETPLACE
MARCH 23, 11AM
APRIL 27, 11AM
MAY 25, 11AM
FAMILY ART SATURDAY
MARCH 26, 10AM
MERCY CONNECTIONS, IDEA TO ACTION
131 Church Street
#209-211 Burlington, VT
www.churchstmarketplace.com
www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
MARCH 13, 7PM
MARCH MADNESS: TWO-PROV (PRELIMS B)
MARCH 14, 9PM
RED FLAGS: COMEDY BASED ON YOUR BAD DATES!
MARCH 15 & 16, 7PM & 9PM
MOSES STORM
MARCH 20, 7PM
MARCH MADNESS: TWO-PROV (QUARTER-FINALS)
MARCH 21, 7PM
MARCH 22 & 23, 7PM & 9PM
SAM JAY
MARCH 21, 9PM
MARCH MADNESS: TWO-PROV (SEMI-FINALS)
MARCH 27, 7PM
MARCH MADNESS: TWO-PROV (FINALS)
APRIL 9, 7PM
SHREK TRIVIA!
APRIL 13, 5PM
GOOD CLEAN FUN
APRIL 14, 7PM
SAHIB SINGH
MAY 31 & JUNE 1, 7:30PM & 9:30PM
LAURIE KILMARTIN
MARCH 16 & 17, 9AM 2024 LAMOILLE VALLEY FISH & GAME CLUB SHOW
APRIL 6 & 7, 10AM 2ND ANNUAL VERMONT SPRING MARKET
APRIL 20 & 21, 10AM 2024 VERMONT SPRING HOME SHOW EXPO
APRIL 27 & 28, 10AM 5TH ANNUAL SCI-FI & FANTASY EXPO
Ecco Clothes......................................................Inside Front Cover
Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers............................................... 57
Flynn.........................................................................................................19
Fringe Hair Salon & Lash Bar.......................................................101
Furchgott Sourdi e Gallery .................................................18, 31
Green State Kitchen and Bath....................................................24
Hannaford Supermarkets............................Inside Back Cover
Home and Garden............................................................................ 47
Hula ............................................................................................................3
Inspired Closets of Vermont........................................................13
Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop ..........................................................31
Knauf Landscape Architecture...................................................48
L’ivresse Lingerie................................................................................ 53
Landshapes..........................................................................................73
Loewen Windows..............................................................................12
Milne Travel ........................................................................................ 85
Morning Dew Landscaping........................................................... 79
New England Medical Group.........................................................9
Nu Chocolat..........................................................................................15
Nusantara .....................................................................................10, 30
Oasis Day Spa .................................................................................... 79
Otter Creek Awnings......................................................................89
Outdoor Gear Exchange................................................................18
Peregrine Design/Build................................................................... 81
Polli Construction...............................................................................4
Pure Barre............................................................................................. 47
Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa
........................................................................Outside Back Cover, 31
Red House Builders.......................................................................... 28
Revive Salon & Spa .......................................................................... 46
Shelburne Athletic Complex ...................................................... 62
Shelburne Tap House...................................................................... 55
Skin Vigo................................................................................................ 55
The Automaster...................................................................................2
The Essex Resort and Spa.........................................................5, 81
The Lighting House..........................................................................34
The Optical Center........................................................................... 41
The Spot on the Dock ................................................................... 83
The Windjammer & Upper Deck Pub......................................35
Vermont Cabinetry........................................................................100
Vermont Gatherings ......................................................................96
Vermont Hand Crafted Furniture............................................ 29
Vermont Kitchen Design by Bourchard Pierce Wolf....... 55
Vermont Symphony Orchestra..................................................21
Village Wine and Co ee................................................................ 30
Volansky Studio Architecture ....................................................65
Wake Robin.......................................................................................... 92
Wnd n Wvs........................................................................................... 49
Facials. hemical eels. Dermas eep. icroneedling. Laser enesis. Tattoo emo al. adianceSignature Laser Lo eel.