Woodstock Magazine - Winter 2015 by Mountain View Publishing

WINTER 2015–2016

Winter Escapes Ski & Spa Resorts

Collective

The Art of Craft

Dining at Ruth’s Table Inspired Food from a Well-Prepared Chef

Vo l u m e 1 5 , N o . 4

CONTENTS

40 32 40 Collective Facials on the Green 46

Winter Escapes

by Lisa Densmore Ballard Ski and spa resorts offer the ultimate winter vacation.

by Dian Parker A decade of fine arts and crafts in Woodstock.

by Bridget Wiffin Experience a sanctuary of calm in the center of town. Cover photo by Lisa Densmore Ballard

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CONTENTS

In Every Issue

Departments

11 Editor’s Note 12 Contributors 14 Online Exclusives 71 Happenings 75 Advertisers Index 76 Last Glance

16 Everyday Essentials Tips for healthy living.

20 Around & About by Cassie Horner

27 Wine Wisdom

by Linda A. Ditch

63 Spotlight

by Meg Brazill Whippletree Yarn Shop.

67 Great Ideas

by Sara Widness Communication can continue with SendItLater.

Giving spirits.

58 Dining Out

by Meg Brazill Ruth’s Table in Woodstock.

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Unique Shopping in Woodstock Shop local for the best selection.

Mountain View Publishing, LLC 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 643-1830

mountainviewpublishing.com Publishers

Bob Frisch Cheryl Frisch Executive Editor

Deborah Thompson Associate Editor

Kristy Erickson Copy Editor

Elaine Ambrose Creative Director

Ellen Klempner-Beguin Art Director

Brad Wuorinen Ad Design

Hutchens Media, LLC Web Design

Locable Inbound Marketing Manager

Erin Frisch Advertising

Bob Frisch KEEP US POSTED. Woodstock Magazine wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Woodstock Magazine, 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or email us at: dthompson@mountainviewpublishing. com. Advertising inquiries may be made by email to rcfrisch1@comcast. net. Woodstock Magazine is published quarterly by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ÂŠ2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Woodstock Magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

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E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

IAN RAYMOND

A Season of Joy As cold weather arrives, we find ourselves bundling up against the wind and snow once again. Warm hats, gloves, and scarves have been placed on an easy-to-reach closet shelf, and pairs of boots stand tall beside the back door. Firewood is stacked high, and in the garage, the snowblower awaits its first noisy trip down the driveway. The excitement around town is contagious as Woodstock residents prepare for the holidays. Downtown merchants are displaying their most beautiful and useful gifts, and tiny white lights, fragrant wreaths and garlands, and red velvet bows seem to deck every window and door. It’s an enchanting time of year, and the spirit of the season is evident in cheery greetings exchanged on the street and in the enticing aroma of cookies baking at home. This issue offers many enjoyable ways to get through the long winter. Why not treat yourself or a friend to a luxurious facial or massage at Facials on the Green (page 46)? Owner Abigail Zsenai offers an array of personally customized options, and gift certificates are available. Or how about unwinding over a delicious lunch or dinner at Ruth’s Table (page 58)? Owner/chef Ruth Schimmelpfennig prepares her dishes with a love of cooking fused with influences from her German mother and grandmother and experience gained working with Wolfgang Puck in San Francisco. You won’t be disappointed! Shop for unique gifts at Collective, where you’ll find an outstanding array of arts and crafts from local artisans (page 40). The store is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, so stop in to wish them well for their next 10 years. If you’re looking for a winter getaway, check out Lisa Densmore Ballard’s suggestions for ski and spa vacations (page 32). The staff and I hope that your winter—and especially the holiday season—is filled with family, friends, and all the things you love most. Cherish the memories and enjoy!

Deborah Thompson Executive Editor dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com

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C O N T R I B U TO R S Lynn began her photographic career in Boston, studying at the New England School of Photography, assisting commercial photographers, and color printing in photo labs. Originally from West Virginia, she worked her way north, finally landing in the hills of Vermont where she has a studio in Woodstock. Her current assignments include photographing people, product, and art.

Lynn Bohannon

Meg Brazill is a regular contributor to regional New England magazines and teaches at the Writer’s Center in White River Junction, Vermont. A recovering punk rocker and performance artist, she lives with her daughter in South Woodstock. She is currently working on a book of short fiction when she’s not too busy living it.

Meg Brazill

Dian Parker

Dian is a freelance writer for a number of New England publications. A passionate gardener and oil painter, she also reviews art and writes about artists’ studios and gardens. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, she has worked professionally in theatre for 25 years as a director and teacher. Dian lives near Chelsea, Vermont, with her husband, Jasper Tomkins, a children’s book writer and illustrator. She is currently working on a novel.

Chantelle grew up in rural Vermont. She was introduced to photography at a young age and was immediately drawn to the excitement, challenge, and opportunities that each new photograph presented. After receiving a BFA in Photography from Sage College of Albany and a Certificate in Professional Photography from the Hallmark Institute of Photography, she returned to the Upper Valley and started CPerry Photography.

Chantelle Perry

A fifth-generation Vermonter, Jack Rowell was born and raised in central Vermont. He has been a professional photographer for over 35 years, shooting documentary, commercial, and advertising photographs. His work has been published in People Weekly, London Independent, Time, Newsweek, the New York Times, the Economist, and the Times of London. In addition, Jack is an enthusiastic and experienced angler.

Jack Rowell

Bridget is a grant writer and freelance writer who lives in central Vermont with her family. She moved to Vermont 13 years ago and since that time has been an editor and writer for several publications, including Outdoors Magazine in Burlington. When she isn’t in front of the computer, she enjoys hiking, gardening, live music, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

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ACTION GARAGE DOOR

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HOLLOWAY MOTOR CARS OF MANCHESTER

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JEFF WILMOT PAINTING & WALLPAPERING, INC. JUNCTION FRAME SHOP

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YOUNG’S DRYWALL

For more information about how your business can get listed on our ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY or for other online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 643-1830 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net. W I N T E R 2015–2016

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E V E RY DAY E S S E N T I A L S Tips for Healthy Living

Winter Wellness:

4 Tips to Boost Immunity E

ven though winter is just beginning, you may already be over it—or at least the sniffling and sneezing that are so common once the snow flies. It seems like everyone takes a turn fighting the latest “bug” going around the office or their child’s school. But there’s a lot of winter left to get through, and influenza peaks most years in January or February and can drag on well into the spring. Here are four simple tips for keeping your immune system in fighting form.

1. Eat a healthy diet. A nutrient-packed diet provides the foundation for a healthy immune system. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide immune-boosting antioxidants as well as all the vitamins and minerals the body needs to maintain a healthy defense. Choose foods rich in vitamin C, like berries, citrus, broccoli, and peppers.

2. Strengthen immunity with a multi. Vitamin D plays a critical role in immunity, and research shows that vitamin C can help decrease the duration and severity of cold symptoms. The body also needs the B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin A, and zinc to boost immunity, so look for these nutrients in a daily multivitamin.

3. Get regular exercise. Exercise helps the body fight infections. It also reduces stress, which is an enemy of the immune system. Researchers have found that the more physically active you are, the less likely you are to suffer colds in the winter months.

4. Practice healthy habits. Since cold and flu viruses are spread through contact, always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, or about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” And finally, keep your distance! Try to stay away from others who are sick, and if you’re Online Extra ill, stay home from work. Find tips for enjoying a Your coworkers—and your healthier holiday at www. body—will thank you. woodstockmagazine.com.

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Help Neighbors in Need Harsh winter weather is isolating for all of us, but especially for the chronically ill or elderly who live alone. If you have homebound neighbors, there are many ways to help them out during the winter months. Exchange phone numbers, and make sure the person has your number on speed dial and a phone that’s easily accessible. Set a regular time to visit for a chat and to check that your neighbor’s heat and hot water are running. Like most of us, any neighbor who has difficulty getting outside will always appreciate a shoveled walkway, hand-delivered mail, or a prepared meal. You can also help by picking up groceries or running other errands.

Tummy Troubles?

Brew a Cup of Tea Spices add warmth and flavor to your favorite holiday foods—and they can also help relieve some of the unpleasant side effects of overindulging in those very foods. Ginger is not only delicious but also a time-honored remedy for diarrhea and nausea. If you’re suffering from indigestion, consider peppermint. Peppermint causes the muscles in the stomach to relax, allowing food to pass through the digestive system more quickly. Keep ginger and peppermint teas on hand throughout the holiday season for a tasty and relaxing way to settle your stomach after a large meal.

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Winter Blues? W

hen the temperature drops and the days are dark and short, it’s easy to let the winter doldrums set in. If you’re feeling moody and lethargic, researchers say that the following tips can help lift your spirits and pull you out of a seasonal funk. Enjoy salmon. Or try a daily fish oil supplement. The omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish such as salmon and sardines have been shown to help improve cognitive function and support a healthy mood. Brighten up your environment. The reduced level of sunlight in winter may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. It can also lead to a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. When your body is craving sunlight, opening the blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting next to the window can provide an extra dose of sunshine. Get moving. A study from Harvard University suggests that walking briskly for about 35 minutes most days of the week can help improve symptoms of mild depression. If the weather isn’t too harsh, bundle up and take a walk in the sunlight. A walk outside can also help improve focus and lower stress levels. It’s normal to get the occasional blues this time of year. But if you feel down for days at a time and can’t find the motivation to do the things you normally enjoy, it’s time to see your doctor, especially if you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or if your appetite and sleep patterns have changed.

Carrots Really Are Good for Your Eyes And so are sweet potatoes, orange peppers, and dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale. A recent study finds that plant chemicals called carotenoids, which give red, yellow, orange, and green fruits and vegetables their colorful hues, may help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One of the most common causes of vision loss, AMD affects the center of the retina and can lead to a decline in central vision and even blindness. In addition to genetics, scientists have linked smoking and poor nutrition to this condition. Colorful fruits and veggies contain certain types of carotenoids that concentrate in the macula, where they are thought to protect it from damage from oxygen and light. To protect your vision and support overall wellness, experts recommend several servings of fruits and vegetables per day—the more colorful, the better.

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Skate Safely Looking for a way to entertain the kids on a snow day (and drain their energy while you’re at it)? Head to the Union Arena Community Center in Woodstock for a few hours of ice skating. But before you lace up your skates for some fun winter exercise, the National Safety Council suggests making sure you’re prepared: • Try on skates to be sure they fit well and provide proper ankle support. • Before the first skate of the season, have your blades professionally sharpened. • Know the basics, like how to stop and safely fall. • Dress warmly, and take breaks when you feel cold or tired. You can also rent the Union Arena by the hour, day, or week—perfect for birthday parties, corporate outings, and more. For more information and the Union Arena Community Center’s public skating schedule, visit unionarena.org.

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A RO U N D & A B O U T By Cassie Horner

Abracadabra Coffee Co. Flavor, character, and freshness signal the lure of specialty coffee for lovers of this ancient beverage. Clint Hunt and Antoinette Willey came to the business of coffee after a circuitous route that took them from a Vermont farm, where they planned to raise goats and make cheese, to Europe, where they studied the art of cheesemaking and experienced the wonder of coffee. “We were fascinated by how coffee broke down the cultural barrier,” Clint says. “Coming together over a French press in France or a stovetop espresso in Italy, we realized how important coffee was to connecting with others.” When they returned to Vermont, they realized that the area was lacking good, fresh, local coffee. Suddenly, their idea of cheesemaking morphed into coffee and Abracadabra Coffee Co. was born. The venture started with experimenting, bringing in willing friends as tasters. “I began buying green coffee beans and roasting them for ourselves on a small home roaster,” Clint says. The next step was signing up as a vendor at a local farmers’ market. The success of that season led the couple to attend The School of Coffee in Waterbury, Vermont. They learned more about roasting, cupping, and selecting coffee, and developed a business plan. The name Abracadabra Coffee Co. sums up the romance of the beverage. “The name evokes the feeling of magic and ritual that coffee has inspired throughout the world for centuries,” Clint says. “Coffee has a mystical influence, from its discovery in Ethiopia to its stimulation of conversations in cafés.” Their respect for coffee informs their mission of showcasing high-quality organic single-origin coffees through careful roasting. The process is pitched to “bring out the natural terroir and complex nuances of flavors.” Part of the company’s mission is to support the farmers who grow the coffee they buy. “We want to expand the education about specialty coffee and help customers gain access to fresh, interesting, and delicious coffee options,” Clint says. Whole-bean coffee from Abracadabra Coffee Co. is available at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market and F.H. Gillingham & Sons, and at Singleton’s General Store in Quechee. The cold-brew nitro coffee is available on draft for growler fills at Woodstock Hops N’ Barley.

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W I N T E R 2015–2016

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PHOTO BY LYNN BOHANNON

A RO U N D & A B O U T

Field to Flower:

Meg Alexander Art Exhibit “It brings you out of yourself more and is very loose and less controllable. It requires a different part of the brain.”

Meg stands beside her very large upside-down peony.

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“The way I come at things is more the way a sculptor thinks—I’m as interested in building the project as much as the pieces,” says artist Meg Alexander, reflecting on her exhibit at 5th Business Projects Gallery in Woodstock that runs through March 13. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Meg has an extensive resume of exhibits in New England. She usually works small. But the centerpiece of her Woodstock exhibit—a rain-drenched, upside-down peony—is very far up the scale, measuring 9.5 feet by 11.5 feet and filling much of one wall. In Another piece by Meg also features peonies. contrast, on an even larger wall matically by determining the width hangs a very small piece. The contrast makes the viewer reflect on the delica- of the tube that would fit in her car with the rolled-up finished product. cy of a single flower and the enormity She tried out a variety of papers beof a field. fore selecting one that is handmade in “For this project, I wanted to work Nepal of plant fibers. To glue together big,” Meg says. “It brings you out of 20 sheets of this, she used an archival yourself more and is very loose and less controllable. It requires a different starch paste. “I knew I wanted one major piece,” part of the brain.” One of Meg’s neighbors, who teaches Meg recalls. “Then I thought it would her daughter violin, has a beautiful pe- be good to activate the other wall as a ony garden. Over two growing seasons, way of connecting with the big piece, and so Field to Flower came to be. I Meg took photos, finally selecting the flipped things so the flower is large and Marden peony turned upside down in the field is small.” the rain. She decided on the size pragThe Woodstock exhibit is located at 2174 Maxham Meadow Way. To make an appointment to visit the gallery, contact Edythe Wright at edythe.f.wright@gmail. com or Amy Morel at amorel@nwtzl.com. The large work in progress at Meg’s studio.

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A RO U N D & A B O U T

Veterinarian Blakeley Murrell-Liland and Austin at Hartland Elementary School. The youngsters enjoy reading to Austin. Photo by Lauren Skilling.

Reading Time with Austin the Therapy Dog

A small group of students from Hartland Elementary School gathers around veterinarian Blakeley Murrell-Liland and therapy dog Austin. She gently coaches them on how to relate safely to a dog. Austin is a mellow fellow who doesn’t mind all of the attention from kids eager to pet and hug him. He is one of several therapy dogs that take turns spending time at the school, engaging students and listening to them read to him. “Dogs always listen, they don’t correct you, and they always want to hear what you have to say,” says Dr. Murrell-Liland. “The kids read happily aloud to Austin. They feel comfortable with him.” Dr. Murrell-Liland refers to what Austin provides as “fuzz therapy,” after a concept in a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon. “Technically, I’m just a person at the end of Austin’s leash,” she says. “They see Austin and want to relate to him. This is so much fun I would like to see more people involved.”

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“Dogs always listen, they don’t correct you, and they always want to hear what you have to say.” Getting involved requires getting certified. Dr. Murrell-Liland’s father, veterinarian Lynn Murrell, was certified with his dog Austin in the spring of 2015. She followed in his footsteps, working with Austin and receiving certification too. The one-hour certification through Therapy Dogs of Vermont involved Austin’s acing such skills as walking past a bowl of dog food, not jumping on someone in a wheelchair, and not reacting to someone wearing a hat. “You need the basic obedience skills a dog needs anyway,” says Dr. Murrell-Liland. The second part of the certification took place during three visits to Mertens House, a nursing home in Woodstock. “There were a lot of big smiles,” she says. “People were excited to see Austin.” Dr. Murrell-Liland’s interest is centered on bringing Austin to the elementary school her children attend. This calm, mature dog brings joy to young readers. “Basically, you need to know your own dog,” she says. For information about whether your dog could become a therapy dog, visit www.therapydogs.org or www.delta society.com.

Austin becomes acquainted with the children as Dr. Murrell-Liland looks on. Photo by Amy Treat. W I N T E R 2015–2016

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WINE WISDOM

Giving

Spirits

Delicious choices for every occasion By Linda A. Ditch

For the holidays, it’s a wise move to pick up wines and spirits for both gifts and celebrations. Woodstock Beverage owner Mike McCarthy has suggestions in all price ranges to make this season festive and merry. »

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WINE WISDOM

Cocktails FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Several local inns and restaurants shared these signature drink recipes with Mike. All of the spirit amounts in these cocktails are for one drink and can be adjusted to taste.

Negroni

The Whisperer

From Bentley’s Restaurant

From Twin Farms

1 oz Barr Hill Gin

Blueberries

1 oz Campari

Mint leaves

1 oz sweet vermouth

1–2 oz Vermont Spirits White Vodka

Garnish: orange slice

Club soda

Pour the ingredients into a rocks glass (short tumbler) over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Maple Manhattan From the Woodstock Inn & Resort

In a tall glass, muddle together a few blueberries and mint leaves. Add ice and pour in the vodka. Top off the glass with club soda.

Bee’s Knees From The Public House

2 oz Makers Mark Bourbon

2 oz Barr Hill Gin

1 oz Sapling Vermont Maple Liqueur

¾ oz grapefruit juice

2 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish: cherry Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker ﬁlled with ice. Shake to chill, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Vtini From 506 On The River Inn 2 oz SILO Vodka 1 oz Sapling Vermont Maple Liqueur ½ oz lemon juice Garnish: bacon Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker ﬁlled with ice. Shake to chill, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with bacon.

¾ oz pineapple juice Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker ﬁlled with ice. Shake to chill, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Vesper From the Parker House Inn and Bistro 3 oz Barr Hill Gin 1 oz SILO Vodka ½ oz Lillet aperitif Garnish: lemon twist Mix ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Creamsicle From the Bar nard Inn 2 oz Vermont Spirits White Vodka 1 oz Grand Marnier ½ tsp vanilla extract Garnish: orange zest Mix ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkling of orange zest.

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INEXPENSIVE GIFT WINES

Wine is the perfect gift—it pairs well with food but can also be enjoyed on its own. To complete your gift, just add a couple of wine glasses and a corkscrew to the package. Mike suggests the following inexpensive varieties from California. Bogle Vineyard’s Phantom – A rich, red blend comprised of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre grapes and aged for more than two years in old American oak. This wine has flavors of cherry, black pepper, juniper, blackberry, and boysenberry. Meiomi Pinot Noir – A wine made from grapes sourced from vineyards in Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties. This Pinot Noir is made to pair well with just about any food and taste. Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay – This wine’s name means “sea sun” to signify the vineyard’s location near Monterey Bay. An unoaked Chardonnay bottled in ceramic, it has bright and crisp fruit characteristics. Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay – This wine has bright, crisp citrus flavors with aromas of apple, roses, lemon blossom, and nectarines. BUBBLY SPARKLERS

If giving the gift of bubbles is more your style, Mike suggests these French champagnes, which are all under $60. Moët & Chandon – One of the most well-known names in champagne, Moët & Chandon has been making this bright, fruity, bubbly beverage for 270 years. Veuve Clicquot – A champagne easily recognized by its vibrant goldenyellow label. The wine has a multitude of tiny bubbles that transport the aromas of brioche and vanilla. Perrier-Jouët – This champagne makes a lovely gift, thanks to the beautiful flowers covering the bottle. The name was created when, in 1811, Pierre-Nicolas Perrier married Adele W I N T E R 2015–2016

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WINE WISDOM

Jouët. This champagne house is known for producing bottles only if the year’s harvest meets their exacting standards. G. H. Mumm – This is the official champagne of the Formula One auto racing series. The label stands out thanks to the red sash drawn diagonally across the front. It has the aromas of fresh fruit and caramel. VERMONT HOLIDAY SPIRITS

Mike’s shop supplies Vermont-made spirits to many of the local restaurants, which in turn use them to create signature cocktails. Here are some of the most popular varieties. Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Vodka and Barr Hill Gin – Made in Hardwick with Vermont honey. Sapling Vermont Maple Liqueur – Created by Saxtons River Distillery in Brattleboro, this spirit is rich and fullbodied with a subtle maple sweetness. SILO Vodka – Distilled in the Connecticut River Valley community of Windsor and made from grain acquired from Great River Farm. Vermont Spirits’ Gold and White Vodkas – Created in Quechee, the Gold Vodka is made with maple sap and the White Vodka with milk sugar. Woodstock Beverage 440 Woodstock Road (Route 4 E) Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1326

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Left: The author smiles slopeside. Below: The historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel welcomes skiers and spa goers below its namesake peak. Opposite: Relaxing under warm, wet towels during a Vichy water shower.

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WI NTER ESCAPES Ski and spa resorts offer the ultimate winter vacation Story and photos by Lisa Densmore Ballard

I arrived at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, on a stormy Friday, tired and stressed from too much work and too little sleep. After impatiently checking in, I raced to the spa in the hotel, questioning why I had booked a ski and spa trip. I had a season’s pass at a ski area only 20 minutes from home, and I could book a massage or pedicure at my local salon. The drive through nearwhiteout conditions and subzero temperatures only added to my stress. I didn’t want to be late for my first appointment. »

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From far left: Stone massage. Relaxation (waiting) room at the Omni Mount Washington Spa. Signature spa toiletries.

EVERY SPA

ASPECT WAS BY

THE

INFLUENCED

THE

SIDE

SOFTER NATURE

The spa at the Mount Washington is impressiveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a 25,000-square-foot wing built in 2009 that blends seamlessly with the century-old, castle-like hotel. Though grand, it feels intimate and exudes a peace drawn from its natural setting at the base of its namesake peak while excluding the wilder aspects of the White Mountains. I changed into a plush terry robe and slippers provided by a friendly receptionist. Abandoning my clothing and nagging electronic devices in the changing room granted me permission to shed the pressures of life and be in the moment. However, the ability to fully relax proved to be less a switch that could be flipped on and off, and more like a thermostat that took time to cool off. VICHY WATER SHOWER

Reclining on a comfortable chaise waiting for my first treatment, I felt like a bee losing its buzz. Silky music drifted quietly through air that smelled faintly

Left: Carving turns on the slopes of Bretton Woods. Opposite: A post-skiing pedicure.

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From far left: The spa gift shop at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Stone massage. Colorful polish for manicures and pedicures.

SPAS

ARE

ABOUT

TRANQUILITY ITIS OFF

ABOUT

LIFEIS

GETTING

TREADMILL

of balsam and wildflowers. Gauzy curtains between the chairs gave an illusion of solitude but not isolation. A cheerful attendant handed me a glass of water infused with a fruity essence, which I sipped more for something to do than from thirst. A few minutes later, a dark-eyed, dark-haired woman glided toward me, introducing herself as Maria, my first aesthetician. “Ready for your Signature Body Ritual?” she asked. I padded after her down a short hallway, then into a large room tiled floor to ceiling in soft green-blue hues. Though the treatment room was impervious to water, it was far from institutional feeling. The colors, fabrics— every aspect of the room and the spa in general—were influenced by the softer side of nature. “Our signature treatment is a Vichy water shower,” explained Maria, positioning me face down on a massage table under seven showerheads and a layer of towels. “Let me know if this is too hot,” she added.

The author skis hard on the slopes prior to enjoying her après-ski spa treatments.

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Warm, soothing water enveloped me. It seemed to soak through me. After allowing me to bask in the warm wet towels, Maria rubbed an exfoliating cream all over my legs, arms, and back. This was followed by a loofah rub, then a buffing lotion, massaging my body with each step. I rolled over, and she repeated the ritual. After the exfoliating, loofah, and buffing treatments, she left me to take a shower in the corner of the room. With 12 showerheads on three walls plus a super-sized one above, the vari-

1: TIPS FOR

ous scrubs and exfoliants washed away quickly as steam engulfed me inside the glass walls. After the shower, I returned to the Vichy water table, now dry, and lay down on my back. Maria wrapped my feet in warm towels, and then rubbed lotion over my skin. How glorious! “Spas are about tranquility,” said Maria as she worked. “It’s about getting off life’s treadmill.” Maria had become a professional spa aesthetician after visiting a spa herself. The experience changed her life. It was changing my

SPA GOERS

To get the most out of your spa visit, keep these tips in mind:

 Call

ahead. Reservations are usually required.

 Ask what you should bring. Most resort spas provide towels, robes, slippers, hair driers, and samples of their specialty toiletries, but you may need a bathing suit if the hot tub, steam room, or sauna is co-ed, or some other item depending on the treatment(s).  Arrive at least 30 minutes before your first treatment to give you time to change and start the relaxation process. If you’re booking back-to-back treatments, leave at least 15 minutes between treatments (30 minutes is better). Sometimes treatments run longer than scheduled, and it’s nice to take your time between them.  It’s standard to tip aestheticians between 15 percent and 20 percent per treatment.  Drink

water! Even wet treatments can be dehydrating.

 Relax and breathe through the pressure during a massage. If you exhale as pressure is applied, the knots will ease more quickly.  If you feel too hot or too cold, or uncomfortable in any way, say so. You can’t fully relax unless you’re content.  Avoid consuming alcohol prior to arriving, and tell your aesthetician if you are pregnant or if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition that may influence your ability to handle heat, massage, and/ or skin treatments.  Avoid shaving and excessive exposure to sun just prior to your spa visit, especially if you are booking a skin treatment.  Enjoy

yourself! A visit to a spa is truly personal time.

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life too. After the Vichy water treatment, my personal treadmill had slowed to a welcomed crawl. STONE MASSAGE

I spent the next morning exploring the slopes of Bretton Woods. It was a clear day but very cold, barely cresting 12 degrees. The manicured snow parted like chalk under my edges as I reveled in the rhythm of my turns. The panoramic view of the Presidential Range invigorated me. An avid skier, I enjoyed each run, but I only skied until lunchtime, not wanting to miss my next spa appointment. Until this trip, I had pooh-poohed people who opted for the spa on cold or stormy days, but after yesterday’s delightful experience, my attitude was shifting toward selfpampering rather than self-challenge. My afternoon spa treatment was called a stone massage. This time, a male aesthetician named Alec met me in the now-familiar relaxation area. “It’s not a deep tissue or sport massage,” he explained. “It’s all about escaping the world for a while.” I followed Alec into a massage room. After I lay on my stomach under warm towels, he turned on a soothing Brahms melody, and then placed several rounded black stones on my back, neck, and shoulders. The stones created a ribbon of heat that immediately eased my muscles. “Are thoth river rockth?” I asked in a muffled voice, my face pressing into the ring at the end of the table. “They’re basalt,” replied Alec. “They’re porous so they hold heat. I use two types of rocks, smaller working rocks and larger placed rocks.” Alec massaged my back, hamstrings, and calves with the working rocks, and then placed a tiny rock between each of my toes. The sense of warmth and indulgence from such pampering melted my body and soul into a puddle of pleasure. I capped the afternoon with a pedicure and a gourmet dinner in the hotel’s five-star dining room. Feeling completely sated, I watched 3 8 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

snowflakes dance past my hotel-room window, my eyelids heavy. Sleep would come more easily tonight than it had in months. Basking in the balmy, luxurious spa seemed in such contrast to schussing down a cold mountainside, but they somehow worked together to renew me. Skiing energized me because it’s outdoor exercise in the cold, fresh air. The spa enveloped me with warmth and wellness. Putting them together was the ultimate winter escape.

Ski & Spa Destinations Whether you want a weekend getaway or a weeklong winter vacation, you can find ski and spa resorts throughout the mountainous regions of the United States. Here are a few favorites that offer combined ski and spa getaways, as well as exceptional accommodations and dining. Omni Mount Washington Resort (NH): Driveable from Vermont. One of New England’s “grand” hotels nearby New Hampshire’s largest ski area. www.omnihotels. com/mountwashington The Cliff Lodge (UT): Located at Snowbird. Ski big mountain terrain and champagne powder between spa treatments. www.snowbird.com/lodging/theclifflodge Crystal Mountain (MI): A gem of the Midwest for a slopeside ski and spa retreat. Stay and dine in the resort’s upscale Kinlochen Lodge. www.crystalmountain.com Sun Valley Resort (ID): The newly renovated Sun Valley Lodge has a new, luxurious spa at a resort long known for its vertical groomers and rich skiing history. www. sunvalley.com

Online Extra Find the best apres-ski places near Woodstock at www. woodstockmagazine.com. W I N T E R 2015–2016

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Left: Chess set by Scott Duffy of Rockledge Farm. Below: The bright, modern space houses a variety of handcrafted items.

By Dian Parker Photos by Jack Rowell

A decade of fine arts and crafts in Woodstock

Collective

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Clockwise from left: Shoppers admire glass made by Nicholas Kekic. Mugs by Nicholas Seidner. Altered square bowl by Kathryn Myers. Necklace by Deirdre Donnelly.

ine art that serves a utilitarian purpose is wonderfully gratifying. Drinking your morning coffee from a hand-glazed cup, for instance, offers an entirely different experience than drinking from a store-bought mug. Turning on a lamp that has been custom designed and handcrafted with copper and brass, with the light shining through a lampshade made with real flowers, illuminates far more richly than a mass-produced lamp. Eating your salad out of a bowl carved from local hardwood or putting on a handwoven jacket made from silk and chenille are distinctly different experiences from those you have when you’ve purchased these items in a big-box store. »

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Such artful offerings are available at Collective, a cooperative comprised of 12 artists. These artists create the works, run the shop, and manage the business. Such a cooperative is a romantic idea at best, but now, 10 years later, the six founding members are still running Collective while managing to make a living doing what they love best—making art. The Collective will celebrate its 10th anniversary in July. WORKING TOGETHER FOR A COMMON IDEA

Collective is located in downtown Woodstock, just beyond the bridge on Central Street, in a historic building that was originally a mill that turned flaxseeds into linseed oil. Marcia Hammond, a fiber artist, had an idea to gather together a group of like-minded artists to run a business where they could sell their art. Marcia, along with Kathy Myers, Nicholas Seidner, Nicholas Kekic, Lynn Adams, and Deirdre Donnelly, are the original six that began Collective. It is rare to find 12 diverse individuals who love working together for a common idea. More rare is to be continuing to thrive a decade later. “It hasn’t always been easy,” Marcia says. “During the recession in 2008 we were really struggling. But we’ve managed to hang in there. This past weekend was our best yet!” Marcia creates wearable art that is deep in color, with silky textures. A weaver since 1962, she weaves jackets and scarves, shawls and throws. All her fabrics have a cotton

1. Garden pools by Kathryn Myers. 2. Collective sign on Central Street. 3. Felted scarves by Deborah Ellis. 4. Chris Eaton of Kingfisher Forge crafts wrought iron pieces. 5. Area of Collective featuring clothing and lamps. 6. Glass bowl by Nicholas Kekic. 7. Marcia Hammond creates handwoven rayon and chenille clothing. 8. Jewelry by Lynn Adams.

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1. Lamps by Highbeams' husband-wife team Bob Michaud and Trenny Robb. 2. Sculptural glass by guest artist Jen Violette. 3. Managing members are (from left) Nicholas Seidner, Lynn Adams, Marcia Hammond, Kathy Myers, Deirdre Donnelly, and Nicholas Kekic. Photo provided by Collective. 4. Woodworking by Scott Duffy of Rockledge Farm and glass by Nicholas Kekic.

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warp and a rayon chenille or a rayon and silk chenille weft. They hold their shape well and can be worn beautifully for a long time. Marcia is also the gallery director of Collective. Her jobs include managing membership, guest artists, and displays. Kathy Myers, another founding member, has been a potter since 1972 and is also the shop’s manager. Kathy owned and operated Woodstock Artisans along with two other artists for 25 years. Her pottery is wheel-thrown and functional, made from stoneware, and high-fired in a gas kiln using glazes she mixes herself. Her subtle colors, including tones of copper green, are favorites with many customers. Irish-born jeweler Deirdre Donnelly is the vice president of the group. She is also in charge of displays, guest artists, and work scheduling. Her handcrafted jewelry is art inspired by symbols found at ancient sites in Ireland. She designs and creates one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets using silver, high-karat gold, and quality gemstones. Born into a glass-making family, glassblower Nicholas Kekic is the secretary of the co-op. He designs and creates colorful blown-glass bowls, pitchers in transparent colors, and a variety of glass vessels with a frosted finish. “I find glass most beautiful when worked in a way that captures and expresses fluidity as a material while maximizing its unique relationship with light and color,” Nicholas says. Lynn Adams is a metalsmith as well as the treasurer of Collective. She creates earrings, necklaces, and pendants in enamel, silver, and gold. “Both my earrings and pendants are based on artwork that is photo-etched, a process that gives a precise line to the silver and can be repeated. Other pieces of mine are hand-etched,” she says. Lynn is also a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Potter Nicholas Seidner is in charge of promotion and publicity. Nicholas sources local minerals and oxides, which are processed at his pottery. He

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leaves portions of the pots unglazed to allow the vaporized glaze to respond to the clay surface in unpredictable ways. “Living in a geologically rich and diverse region,” he says, “I enjoy tracking down and testing local raw materials for my glaze ingredients.” These original six artists have to be flexible and strong to accommodate everyone’s needs. “We have a fabulous management team,” Marcia says, “that also maintains quality work—an exceptional group of people.” Indeed, walking into Collective, visitors are stunned by the excellence of the products, which are works of art. FULLY FUNCTIONAL WORKS OF ART

Along with the original six founders there are the additional six artists, called general members, who also keep the store running and well stocked with their work. Other artisans at Collective include Trenny Robb and Bob Michaud, who design and handcraft ceiling lights,

wall sconces, and lamps out of brass and copper. Their lampshades are made from mica, fabric, or glass and embedded with real leaves and flowers. Deborah Ellis, a felter, works with fine Merino wool to make scarves by felting silk and wool together. Rachael Kahn knits hats and scarves out of locally produced wool. Scott Duffy handcrafts custom-designed furniture and woodenware made from local and regional hardwoods and burls. He also creates unique cutting boards and chessboards. Photographer Nobu Fuji’i from Japan offers panoramic views of landscapes as haiku triptychs. And last but certainly not least is blacksmith Chris Eaton, who forges architectural hat stands, tables, and hooks out of metal, sometimes using railroad spikes. Every three months, Collective invites three new guest artists to include their work in the store. In the first quarter of 2016, from January to March, the artists selected are Susan Reich, jewelry; Janet

Avery, hooked rugs; and Carrie Cahill Mulligan, hats. The first Saturday of each quarter, Collective holds a reception introducing the new artists as well as new work by the members. In 2016 the first receptions are January 2 and April 2; receptions are held from 3 to 5pm. Most of the artworks at Collective are highly crafted artistic creations that are fully functional. But you just might find you’d rather keep them on your display shelf! Collective – the Art of Craft 47 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1298 www.collective-theartofcraft.com Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm

Online Extra Find more photos online at www.woodstockmagazine.com.

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Facials on the Green Experience a sanctuary of calm in the center of town By Bridget Wiffin Photos by Lynn Bohannon

Tucked away on the second floor of a beautiful 1800s Federal-style homestead is a special place. “When you leave here you will feel transformed,” says Abigail Zsenai, facialist and owner of Facials on the Green, a boutique facial spa located in the heart of downtown Woodstock. “At least my clients have told me that’s how they feel,” she laughs. »

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Owner Abigail Zsenai has created a warm, welcoming environment to ensure her clients receive the utmost pampering.

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Clockwise from top: Abigail uses only the finest organic and clinical products. The full menu of services is also available online. Abigail incorporates relaxing massage with hot stones into all of her facial treatments. Abigail’s professional makeup services are just what the bride ordered for her big day. Flowers courtesy of Birds of a Flower in Woodstock, Vermont.

As a licensed esthetician and certified massage therapist, Abigail has been providing facial treatments and massages at high-profile luxury spas around the country for nearly 10 years, including the Spa at the Woodstock Inn & Resort. First, however, she went through a transformation of her own. “This is my second career,” says Abigail. “I also have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management, and I spent 10 years working for Fortune 500 companies.” FOLLOWING HER PASSION

The daughter of a skin care consultant and professional makeup artist, Abigail grew up with an awareness and appreciation of the importance and benefits of proper skin care. “In my early 30s, I decided to follow my true passion, skin care.” She left her job at Merck & Co. to attend the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics in Woburn, Massachusetts, where she graduated at the top of her class. After years spent applying her esthetics education and absorbing the essence of different luxury-spa environments, Abigail felt inspired and ready to launch her own business. Facials on the Green,

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Facials on the Green, which opened its doors this past April, provides a “one-client-at-a-time, private, individualized luxury-spa experience in a charming, relaxed, quiet setting.”

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Abigail focuses on one client at a time to provide an individualized, luxury experience.

which opened its doors this past April, provides a “one-client-at-a-time, private, individualized luxury-spa experience in a charming, relaxed, quiet setting.” That is how Abigail describes her boutique facial spa, and—based on the 90-minute facial that I recently experienced—I would have to agree. When searching for the space that would be the location for her business, Abigail visited a room in the historic brick building that is also home to the Fox Gallery. “When I saw this space, I just knew it was the one,” says Abigail. Her goal was to create a private facial suite where a client could come directly inside for an appointment. Then, with the same vision and careful attention to detail that she applies to her facial treatments, she thoughtfully created, as it has been described, “a sanctuary of calm in the center of town.” LUXURY TREATMENTS AND LOCAL FLAIR

While the spa treatments that Abigail creates are influenced by her experiences from around the country and the globe—when she travels she makes it a point to gather new “ingredients” by getting a popular luxury facial 5 0 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

from the highest-rated local esthetician—she partnered with artists in the Woodstock community to add local touches to this sanctuary’s ambience. A variety of floral paintings by local artist Cynthia Emerlye beautify the walls. Abigail credits her mother, of Designs by Dorothea, Interior Design, for the room’s stylish and calming appearance. The delectable chocolate that her clients receive after each treatment is from William Winand, a professional chocolatier who studied his art in France before opening his shop in Woodstock. “I pick up chocolates fresh from him every week,” says Abigail, “always a different kind.” All the treatments offered at Facials on the Green—ranging from a signature 90-minute herbal infusion face and body treatment to a combined skin care and nutritional counseling consultation with a PhD holistic practitioner to a menu of seven customizable facial treatments—are personally designed by Abigail and reflect her commitment to providing results-driven skin care. She makes it a point to explain what sets her services apart from other spas. “Sometimes you go to a spa and you get a facial from a cosmetologist. I am a licensed esthetician.” Her facials, she says, are not basic because she incorW I N T E R 2015–2016

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Furnishings and accessories combine to create an atmosphere of exclusive tranquility.

porates the latest and best in skin care technologies and adds a lot of massage. “I am passionate about skin care and educating my clients so they become empowered to make the right decisions and have realistic expectations about their skin care treatments,” Abigail says. She offers the most advanced techniques, such as LED amber antiaging therapy, diamond microdermabrasion, ultrasonic, dermarolling, and oxygen facial treatments—all customized to your goals. FEEL RESTED AND REJUVENATED

While providing her clients with a pampering, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience is a primary goal, Abigail also strives to, as she explains, “offer real solutions and actually treat skin care problems and concerns including rosacea, acne, pigmentation, scarring, mature or premature aging, as well as sun-damaged skin.” During the 90-minute Barnard facial that I received, Abigail thoroughly explained each phase in detail. Key techniques included diamond microdermabrasion and the use of an oxygen machine wand, which, for me, was a highlight and felt as magical as it sounds. Every aspect of the experience—slipping on a comfortable robe, lying between heated blankets, choos5 2 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

ing from a selection of Abigail’s unique herbal-infused oils, the pleasant music, the massages with hot towels and hot stones, and the delicious piece of chocolate—creates an atmosphere in which stress melts away and one feels rested, rejuvenated, and, at least for a little while, like royalty. Not being one to limit her passion for skin care to her boutique in Woodstock, Abigail also travels with her mother to provide on-site professional hair and makeup services—which can include, of course, a signature facial treatment and massage—for Vermont brides and their wedding parties. Always thinking of ways to improve her services and create a truly unique spa experience that combines client education with topof-the-line pampering and relaxation techniques, Abigail is a self-proclaimed lifetime learner. “I have committed myself to continuing education in my field of expertise,” she says. Facials on the Green 5 The Green #9 Woodstock, VT (802) 280-5892 www.facialsonthegreen.com

Online Extra For Abigail’s skin care tips and more, go to www. woodstockmagazine.com. W I N T E R 2015–2016

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Unique Shopping in Woodstock

Farmhouse Pottery

Caulfield Art Gallery

1837 West Woodstock Road Woodstock, VT (802) 774-8373 www.FarmhousePottery.com

11 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1472 www.CaulfieldArtGallery.com

Mon–Sat 10am–5pm Sun 11am–4pm

Mon–Sun 10am–5pm

Ellaway’s Attic

Angkor Wat Restaurant

Woodstock Hops N’ Barley

61 Pleasant Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-9029 www.AngkorWatRestaurant.com

446 Woodstock Road Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2472 www.WoodstockHopsNBarley.com

Tue–Sun 4–9pm

Open daily

Selective Consignment 14 Central Street, Upstairs Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1066 www.EllawaysAttic.com

The Village Butcher 18 Elm Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2756 Open every day

Open daily

Fine Diamonds Gallery on The Green

NT Ferro Jewelers

Anything Printed

1 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-4956 www.GalleryOnTheGreen.com

11 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1901 www.FerroJewelers.com

2490 E Woodstock Road Woodstock, VT (802) 457-3414 www.AnythingPrinted.net

Open daily

Mon–Sat 10am–5pm Sun 11am-4pm

Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm

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Shop Local for the Best Selection

Eyes on Elm Boutique

Collective – the Art of Craft

Unicorn

23 Elm Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-7227 www.EyesOnElm.com

47 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1298 www.Collective-TheArtOfCraft.com

15 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2480 www.UnicornVT.com

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat 10am–5pm Sun 11am–4pm

Mon–Sat 10am–5pm Sun 11am–4pm

Mon–Fri 9:30am–5pm Sat 9:30am–5:30pm Sun 10:30am–4:30pm

Encore Designer Consignment

Gear Traders

1 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-9797 www.EncoreDesignerConsignment.com

1 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1451 www.GearTradersVT.com

442 Woodstock Road Woodstock, VT (802) 457-7281 www.WorthyVermont.com

Please visit our website for current hours.

Mon–Fri 4pm–10pm Sat 11:30am–10pm Sun 10am–9pm

South Woodstock Country Store & Deli

Frameworks Studio of Woodstock

Crystal & Bark Designs & The Little Flower Shoppe

4800 South Road South Woodstock, VT (802) 457-3050

63 Pleasant Street Barn Woodstock, VT (802) 356-5235

Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm Sat 7am–5pm Sun 8am–4pm

Open Tue–Sat

28 Pleasant Street Woodstock, VT (802) 332-6411 www.CrystalAndBarkDesigns.com

Worthy Kitchen

Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm W I N T E R 2015–2016

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Thomas R. Curtin - Winter Farm in the Mountains

Shop and Dine in Quechee this Holiday Season

Shepard Interior Selections

Quechee Mobil/Briar Rose Deli

9295 East Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 457-1116 www.shepardinteriordesign.com

Route 4, Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 296-6617

Mon–Fri 9am–4pm Anytime by appointment

Murphy’s Tavern at The Quechee Club

Mon–Fri 5am–9pm Sat 6am–9pm Sun 7am–9pm Pumps open 24 hours

Antiques Collaborative, Inc. 6931 Woodstock Road (Route 4) Quechee, VT (802) 296-5858 www.antiquescollaborative.com Open daily 10am–5pm Closed Wed

The Lucky Elephant

The Vermont Spot

593 Lakeland Drive Quechee, VT (802) 295-9356 www.quecheeclub.com

Quechee Gorge Village Route 4 Quechee, VT (802) 281-4717 www.iLuckyElephant.com

5573 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 281-6274

Fri & Sat 5:30–9pm

Open daily

Jake’s Quechee Market

Deirdre Donnelly Jewelry Art

Quality Inn

Quechee Gorge Village 5573 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 432-1700 www.deirdredonnelly.com

5817 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 295-7600 www.qualityinn.com/quechee

7161 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 291-9900 www.jakesquecheemarket.com Market: Open daily 7am–7:30pm Café: Open daily 7am–3pm

Open daily 10am–5pm

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Open daily 9:30am–5:30pm

DINING OUT

By Meg Brazill Photos by CPerry Photography

The WellPrepared Chef Ruth’s Table in Woodstock

Ruth takes a break from the kitchen.

hen Ruth Schimmelpfennig was working on her degree in comparative literature and Russian, she planned to earn a PhD and head to academia, but another passion, cooking, was also vying for her attention. Fast-forward to 2015, and Ruth has been the chef–owner of four restaurants: Frascati and Elan Vital in San Francisco, the Barnard Inn Restaurant & Max’s Tavern in Barnard, and now Ruth’s Table in Woodstock. It’s been a case of following her heart—and her stomach. Ruth credits her parents for encouraging her aspirations. They even provided the name for her latest venture, Ruth’s Table. It’s a perfect name for the

woman who trained as a professional chef at a time when few women were entering the male-dominated field—and she’s succeeded at every (ad)venture. Ruth grows animated when talking about the restaurant or one of her classic dishes like crispy chicken schnitzel, a nod to her German mother and grandmother’s cooking, as well as to her time at the Barnard Inn where she cooked for more than a decade. TABLE FOR TWO? OR TWO DOZEN

Ruth’s Table opened last July in the Central Street location that formerly housed the Daily Grind café. The current menu offers breakfast for late risers that might consist of a breakfast burrito (Cuban black beans, chorizo sausage,

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scrambled eggs, jalapeno jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream), or the daily breakfast sandwich on a Portuguese muffin; for lunch, it could be a slowroasted tomato bisque or a classic chicken salad sandwich or BLT, among other menu choices. And people love their fries. “We use a host of spices including paprika,” Ruth says. “I’ve never sold so many fries.” It appears she is selling a lot of everything on the menu. Ruth’s original plan called for daytime hours, but customers quickly convinced her to offer dinner too. With an extensive repertoire of recipes and a desire to use locally sourced, seasonal foods, expect the menu to change regularly. For now, restaurant goers might find entrées such as seafood fettuccine, mar-

Right: Tables and chairs made from reclaimed wood from California add to the warmth of the dining space. Below: A charming entrance at 61 Central Street welcomes diners.

Above: Ruth plates sesame-seared Atlantic salmon. Left: Grilled hanger steak with hand-cut frites and a Cabernet reduction sauce.

inated hanger steak, vegetable risotto, or the aforementioned schnitzel. Care for a warm black-and-white bread pudding to follow? Or maybe the Grand Isle Vermontmade salted caramel ice cream? There is also a selection of craft beers on tap, including seasonal brews, and wines from around the world. FROM BOOKS TO COOK

It’s a long way from Laguna Beach to Woodstock and from studying comparative literature and Russian to cooking fine food, but it’s been grounded in family, an appreciation for food, and a hunger for knowledge. »

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DINING OUT Right: Harvest table with a view onto Central Street. Below: Ruth plates seafood fettuccine with saffron and jumbo Maine mussels.

While Ruth was studying at the University of California at Irvine (where her father, who holds a PhD in philosophy from Princeton, was a professor), she commuted from home. Between reading Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, there was little time for much else. Before she’d head off to school, her dad would ask, “What are you going to cook for dinner? Weren’t we talking about saltimbocca?” By the time Ruth arrived home, her father would have shopped for the ingredients. “We’d spend hours talking and planning our meals for the week,” Ruth says. “He’s a total gourmand.” Ruth’s mother, Anneliese, grew up in post-war Bavarian Germany. Anneliese is a first-generation American and knew only German when she and her husband moved to Laguna Beach. “She’s an amazing cook,” Ruth says. “It’s incredible what she comes up with.” Every summer the family visited Germany, where Ruth learned about cooking from her grandmother too—far more than she realized at the time.

“My dad said, ‘You spend so much time dreaming about food and thinking about it. We can’t keep you out of the kitchen. These are the signals that you need to embrace this.’”

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Seafood fettuccine with a saffron cream reduction, jumbo Maine mussels, cod, and calamari.

Right: Vine-ripened, slow-roasted tomato bisque with garlicky croutons and Vermont cheddar. Below: The back bar features a quote of the week from Julia Child: “Learn how to cook . . . try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and, above all, have fun!” Bottom: Sesame-seared Atlantic salmon filet with wok-seared noodles and hoisin glaze.

Anneliese opened a small school for children in their home. It wasn’t long before the school’s reputation grew and expanded well beyond their home. By the time Ruth was attending UC Irvine, the students numbered 600 and Ruth cooked hot lunches for them to finance her studies. “There was such a balance in my life between the cerebral and gastronomic sides of me,” Ruth says. “My dad said, ‘You spend so much time dreaming about food and thinking about it. We can’t keep you out of the kitchen. These are the signals that you need to embrace this.’” It wasn’t a simple choice. Ruth loved cooking but she also loved the cerebral challenge her studies provided. Upon graduating from UC, her father gave her The Culinary Institute of America Cookbook. He told her to read it and try it. “If you’re interested, we’ll go look at culinary schools.” The tome was bigger than War and Peace. THE CIA FOR CHEFS

She visited several schools but was sold immediately on the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. “It had marble floors, vaulted ceilings, and a sense of antiquity,” Ruth says. “And hundreds of students with their high toques [chef hats] on! On my very first walkthrough, there was a group of students who had just completed a butter sculpture of Mount Rushmore. There was this intensity, and I wanted to be at this place.” With a scholarship to the CIA, she was on her way. »

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DINING OUT Black and white chocolate bread pudding served warm with chocolate sauce and sea salt caramel Island Homemade Ice Cream made in Grand Isle, Vermont.

“We’ve had that outpouring from local farmers and mushroom foragers, and it doesn’t get more delightful as a chef.” “It was the best experience of my life,” Ruth says about her time there. She likens the CIA to a mini universe where food is all anyone thinks about day and night, whether it’s crème brûlée or how to roast the perfect veal chop. “I was on cloud nine.” In 1995 Ruth graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America. THREE RESTAURANTS AND FOUR KIDS

After graduation she worked for Wolfgang Puck at his restaurant Postrio in San Francisco, but it wasn’t long before she had other ambitions. In 1996 she opened the 75-seat bistro Frascati with co-owner Will Dodson (they had met while studying at the CIA). Within three weeks there were lines down the street, according to a rave review in the San Francisco Examiner. A year later, they opened a second restaurant, Elan Vital, a 35-seat wine bar and tavern with a focus on fine French contemporary fare. By 2000, “we were

loving our careers,” but they started thinking about life beyond the rat race of the city. Ruth’s father, who grew up in Vermont, read in the New York Times that the Barnard Inn was for sale. Shortly after a visit to see it, they dissolved their restaurants in San Francisco and moved to Barnard. For their third venture, Ruth reopened the Barnard Inn Restaurant with then-husband Will Dodson. She envisioned the need for less-formal dining for people who want to eat out more often. “We renovated an area at the back of the inn and opened Max’s Tavern there.” After a successful run at the Barnard Inn for 10 years, she separated from her husband and moved to Woodstock. IGNITING THE FIRE

Ruth took a hiatus from cooking to focus on her four children. Then last summer, a trip to Germany and eating at some terrific restaurants in the Alps reignited her fire. Back home in Woodstock, she

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discovered the Daily Grind café had been shuttered and the space was for rent. Things clicked. “We took time over the winter to give it a facelift.” The space was licensed for 20 tables, but she wanted more so she put in a second bathroom. “The kitchen had none of the equipment for my style of cooking.” From the time she signed the lease in February to the opening on July 17, “We worked on the remodel, put in the bar, the back tile, and outfitted the kitchen.” With new refrigeration, a new stove, a fryolater, more prep space, proper shelving, and a second bathroom, it was finally ready. Even though it’s her fourth restaurant, this time around she’s making all the decisions, but she has a lot of experience to draw from. Her four children have grown up in the restaurant business surrounded by the clang of pots and pans. Now they’re old enough to help out a little in the restaurant, and it’s a great place to hang out after school. “There’s a lot of gratification,” Ruth says. In San Francisco, locals never walked in with food, but here it’s not at all unusual. Whether it’s the friend who has a locally raised turkey for her or the men who stop by carrying Hen of the Wood mushrooms, the surprises are a treat. “We’ve had that outpouring from local farmers and mushroom foragers, and it doesn’t get more delightful as a chef.” It’s clear she enjoys it all—from the chaos in the kitchen and the meals to cook to the people dining there. She loves the conviviality of it all. “If you can balance it all . . . there’s a lot of gratification,” Ruth says. “People clap when you come out of the kitchen.” And so they should. Bravo, and welcome to the neighborhood! Ruth’s Table 61 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-4844

S P OT L I G H T

Whippletree Yarn Shop Knit one, purl two at twenty years By Meg Brazill Photos by Lynn Bohannon

It’s a funny name for a yarn shop, but when Andrea Gregory and Shelley Carr took ownership of the store in 1996, Whippletree Yarn Shop was its name, and they weren’t about to change it. The store had a loyal following of customers around the country who knew it by that name. “Pre-Internet, it was all word of mouth,” Andrea says. “You can’t mess with that.” People traveling to Woodstock would discover the Whippletree, and then tell their friends all about it when they returned home. It wasn’t long before those friends would travel to Woodstock on their friends’ say-so. At least that’s how Andrea and Shelley spin that yarn. So, what’s a whippletree? And what does it have to do with knitting? Also known as a wiffletree, it’s a horizontal swinging bar that goes between a draft animal and its load. Leather straps from the team of horses or oxen are attached through its rings. And it has nothing to with knitting, crocheting, darning, or spinning. “The store window had a set of 20-watt lamps made from a whippletree,” Andrea says, “but we needed more light so we took them down.” When they bought the store, Andrea admits they did consider changing the name. “We discussed it for about 30 seconds,” she says with her characteristic understated humor. » Left: Yarn wall. Below: Andrea and Shelley.

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S P OT L I G H T

1. A cozy corner.

2. Customer service. 3. Another hat in progress. 4. Jewel tones. 5. Isaac relaxes.

In just a few months, the two women will have owned Whippletree Yarn Shop for 20 years. About two years ago, they decided it was time for the store to get a facelift, and with a lot of help, they renovated it top to bottom. “We ripped up the carpets, sanded the floor, and painted the walls Morning Sunshine, a color that has filled the place with light,” Andrea says. With its high ceilings and natural light from the front windows, the colors of all the yarns create a warm, bright place. They also moved all of the furnishings and uncovered some beautiful wooden brackets dated March 15, 1898. No one knows exactly how long it’s been a yarn shop, but it’s more than 50 years, and some people say it dates back to the 1950s. The owners have done research, and historical records show that it’s always been a mercantile shop.

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Storytelling at Wednesday Night Knitting.

WELCOMING AND HELPFUL

Long before the Internet, the Whippletree handled mail orders. Perhaps more importantly, the owners have long memories. “People will call up and say, ‘Two years ago I was in your store and saw a green sweater hanging on your wall. Do you have the pattern?’” And they’ll know which sweater that was. There are other yarn shops in the Upper Valley, but it’s the service that Andrea and Shelley provide that’s unique. “Our help desk is always open,” Andrea says. “Even if you didn’t buy it here,” Shelley adds. Visitors to the area frequently stop in the shop because they’re having a problem with their pattern or can’t figure out how to fix a mistake, and they’ll get the help they need. The store is a welcoming place too. A large wooden table toward the back is a great place to look through patterns and make plans for a future project or get help with an existing one. In the front, two comfortable chairs appeal to visitors who may not knit or crochet themselves. “Now that we have our two chairs in the front, a lot of men come in, grab the paper or their phones, and settle in,” Shelley says. And there are men who knit, of

course, some local and some who travel a distance. In fact, knitting was initially a male-only occupation. According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, 38 million people in North America knit, and the fastest growing group of knitters are teens and twentysomethings. If you don’t knit already, beware—a trip to Whippletree Yarn Shop may convert you.

stores in the area reduced their button inventory or dropped it altogether, the Whippletree got more buttons. Some are like small jewels; others are whimsical or sophisticated; some are classic; and there are buttons for kids too. Those buttons are kept near the bottom of the shelf so children can see and touch them. KNITTING IS SECOND NATURE

COLORS, TEXTURES, PATTERNS— AND BUTTONS!

Customers return from all over the country and from Europe. People seek them out online and in person. It’s easy to see why in the exquisite selection of yarns made from cotton, acrylic, wool, alpaca, angora, cashmere, and silk. There are blends from Europe, South America, and South Africa, as well as those made in the US. The shop also sells knitting needles, crochet hooks, and accessories such as buttons and shawl closures. They carry designs from Berroco, Classic Elite, Rowan, and numerous others as well as vintage patterns. They also provide knitting supplies, patterns (including their own), and buttons to dream about. If you’re not already that kind of dreamer, a trip to the Whippletree’s button shelves is a must. There are buttons to suit every style, color, and occasion. As other

Both women have been knitting for so long that it’s second nature to them. “I was taught by my best friend’s grandmother from Germany,” Shelley says. “I was eight and my grandmother taught me crochet and quilting. I learned to weave and spin later on.” Shelley says she recently discovered hand-dyeing and has begun adding colors to the wool roving. “It’s fascinating and somewhat addictive to dye wool, spin it, and ultimately knit it into a garment. For me, it is all about the color and enjoying the process.” Andrea says that she too has always been a knitter. “I don’t actually remember not knowing how to knit. My mother says I was three. I’ve knit all my life.” She has a degree in studio art with a concentration in textiles from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland. “My mother taught me to knit, but my grandmother taught me to weave,” Andrea says. »

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S P OT L I G H T

Whether they were born with it or raised on it, Andrea and Shelley come to it naturally. They pass that ease along to their customers and through knitting classes and in the Wednesday night dropin knitting group. Small businesses are never easy, and a niche business in a small town is particularly difficult. They’ve done something right by paying attention to their customers. “People walk in the door all the time and say, ‘You’re still here!’” Andrea says. “And that’s why we’re still here.” Whippletree Yarn Shop 7 Central Street Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1325 www.whippletreeyarnshop.com Mon–Sat 10am–5pm Sun 11am–4pm

Knitting is for all ages.

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G R E AT I D E A S

Communication Can Continue with SendItLater A way to engage with loved ones now and in the future By Sara Widness Photos courtesy of SendItLater

John Donovan and Romano Formichella didn’t know each other until a year or so ago. But they both knew Tom Hayes, who introduced them. Now they’re launching a company. Here’s the rest of the story. Romano Formichella, a count thanks to his French, German, and Italian lineage, grew up in Italy and now lives at Quechee Lakes. He holds undergraduate degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He minored in computer technology before computers became a

Front row, from left: Jen Faucon (SIL Chief Marketing Officer), Wendy Gawlik (CfR Executive Assistant), Tiffany Green (CfR Program Department Assistant), Sahil Sachdev (SIL Business Development), Professor John Donovan (SIL Vice Chairman), and Martha Robertson (CfR National Participant Coordinator). Back row: Josh Paredes (SIL Marketing Associate), Margot Page (CfR Co-Founder), Carole Phillips (CfR Volunteer), and Whitney Milhoan (CfR Executive Director). Photo taken at Casting for Recovery in Manchester, Vermont.

household word. “I learned about Woodstock when I was at MIT. Since 1988, I’ve had some kind of home here in the Woodstock area,” he says. Tom Hayes has practiced law and lived in Woodstock for 27 years. He holds an undergraduate degree from the US Naval Academy; he attended the US Naval War College, pursued an advanced degree, and graduated from South Texas College of Law. “One of the things I have enjoyed in my law practice is being able to put people together for a variety of purposes,” he says. »

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The concept was born on a significant birthday, when Romano said to his wife Nancy, “Too bad my mother can’t be on television to wish me a happy birthday.” 1. Wendy Gawlik, Benjamin Coole (SIL Customer Service), and Margot Page at Casting for Recovery. 2. Carole Phillips, Josh Paredes, and Tiffany Greene at Casting for Recovery. 3. Josh Paredes, Jen Faucon, Professor John Donovan, Romano Formichella (SIL Chairman Emeritus), and Nancy Formichella (SIL Chairman Emeritus) at the home of Romano and Nancy in Quechee, Vermont. 4. Jen Faucon, Whitney Milhoan, and Sahil Sachdev at Casting for Recovery. 5. Cristian Dolan (SIL Chairman) and Sanjay Sachdev (SIL Principal Global Advisor) at The Yale Club, New York City.

John Donovan has lived in Pomfret since 1976. He holds a post-doctorate degree from MIT, a PhD from Yale University, an MS and a Masters of Engineering degree from Yale College, and a BS from MIT/Tufts. He also holds an honorary doctorate in economics from the University of Economics, Prague. He is a tenured professor at MIT, a position he has held since 1970. He has taught in the computer science, engineering, and economics departments; is a visiting scholar at Harvard; and has served as a professor of pediatrics at Tufts Medical School. “I am good at finding a business disruption or a user demand that hasn’t been met,” he notes. AN IDEA IS BORN

These three Upper Valley residents and a talented team of young marketing and website gurus are revolutionizing the way people can continue to communicate—whether for special events or any occasion—with friends and loved ones. Such communication can continue even after the senders pass on. In March 2014, SendItLater was incorporated. 6 8 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

The concept was born on a significant birthday, when Romano said to his wife Nancy, “Too bad my mother can’t be on television to wish me a happy birthday.” They talked about how, when his mother was living, archiving a message for the future might have been accomplished. However, when this concept began to grow in Romano’s mind, the technology to execute his idea didn’t exist. Then one Christmas day his son said, “Dad, what happened to that great idea of yours?” Says Romano, “It had been some eight years in mothballs. I rolled it out.” Romano put his idea for archiving messages, cards, and gifts to share with loved ones in the future, perhaps even after the message sender has passed on, on paper. Then he shared the concept with his friend and attorney, Tom Hayes. “Tom suggested that, before going anywhere with my idea, I should talk with Professor John Donovan,” says Romano. “This was a fantastic meeting. We found everything we wanted in a human being in John Donovan. We fell in love with him, and it’s been a great story ever since. While the initial spark may have come from us, the architecture and all the reinventions of the product—into one that is exceptional right now—belong to John.” MESSAGES WITH A PURPOSE

About the time Tom introduced his clients to each other, John’s son, John Donovan Jr., had just learned that he had adrenalin cancer that was not expected to respond to treatment. Through this meeting, John found a way he could help his son. Says John, “My son told me, ‘Dad, I have only one regret.’ Then he took out a picture of his children. ‘They will never know me,’ he said. My son began writing messages, and we made a movie that will be sent to his children on their birthdays and graduations over the next 20 years. We used those Send ItLater capabilities that we had built. Part of my motivation was to make this happen.” » W I N T E R 2015–2016

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G R E AT I D E A S “One client had a need; the other had a solution,” says Tom. Through this meeting, Tom also found a way to continue to serve an organization dear to his heart. As circles within circles have a way of converging, Tom, an avid fly fisherman, is a former board chair of Casting for Recovery, a national organization headquartered in Manchester, Vermont, and dedicated to breast cancer survivors. His sister and mother were both diagnosed with breast cancer. Tom suggested that after in-house trials of Romano’s concept and John’s architecture, the group to inaugurate SendItLater should be Casting for Recovery. On September 15, 2015, six women, both staff and survivors, along with several members of the SendItLater team gathered in the Manchester office to experience the power of engaging with friends and loved ones now and into the future. They sent gifts, cards, and messages that will be archived until their delivery dates arrive. SEND FUTURE MESSAGES AND GIFTS

In addition to a wide array of gifts in assorted price ranges, money may be sent in the form of a gift card, bank check, and, in the future, Bitcoin. Sending messages, exclusive of the cost of optional gifts, is free. While they are the first clients to put SendIt Later to the test, Casting for Recovery also set in motion a revenue stream for their organization. As SendItLater grows, Casting for Recovery will benefit from an endowment of this company. To learn more about this organization, visit www.castingforrecovery.org. SendItLater revenues come from commissions from international gift partners and through arrangements with a growing list of US partners, including 1800Flowers.com, Harry & David, The Popcorn Factory, and more than 500 companies through GiftCards.com. SendItLater www.senditlater.com 70 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

HAPPENINGS: WINTER 2015–2016 DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY

December 3, 17 Open Mic Artistree, www.artistreevt.org, 7pm

December 11 Woodstock Elementary School Sunrise Chorus Performance Norman Williams Library, 4pm

December 13

Christmas Mystery Rollins Chapel, Hanover, 4 & 5pm

December 5–6 Christmas at the Farm Billings Farm & Museum, www.billingsfarm.org, 10am–4pm

December 5–6 Freelance Family Singers Holiday Concert First Congregational Church of Woodstock, 7pm Sat; 3pm Sun

December 11–13 Yoh Theatre Players Present Woven Yoh Theatre, 7:30pm Fri & Sat; 5:30pm Sun

December 11 Wassail Open House Woodstock History Center, www.woodstockhistorical.org, 5pm

December 11–13 Wassail Weekend Woodstock Village

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HAPPENINGS

January 16–18 Sleigh Ride Weekend Billings Farm & Museum, www.billingsfarm.org, 10am–4pm

December 11–13 Wassail Weekend

December 12 The Ten A Cappella Group

Billings Farm & Museum, www.billingsfarm.org, 10am–4pm

Historic Congregational Church, 3pm

December 12 Dana House Dressed for Christmas Woodstock History Center, www.woodstockhistorical.org, 12–2pm

December 12 Wassail Parade Woodstock Village, 2pm

December 12 Yule Log and Memory Tree Lighting and Carol Sing

December 12 Sly Voxes A Cappella Group Norman Williams Library, 3pm

December 12 Lighting of the Luminaries Woodstock Green, 4pm

December 12 Wassail Feast Woodstock Inn, 6pm

Woodstock Village, 2:30pm

December 12 Breakfast with Santa Little Theater, 7:30–11am

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December 11 La Voz de Tres with Michael Zsoldos Town Hall Theatre, 7:30pm

Pentangle Council on the Arts 31 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-3981 www.pentanglearts.org December 7 | Judy Collins: Holidays & Hits Town Hall Theatre, 7:30pm

December 12 | 14th Annual Holiday House Tour Woodstock Village, 9:30am–1:30pm

December 13 | Annual Messiah Sing Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 4pm

January 13 | National Theatre Live: Treasure Island Town Hall Theatre, 7:30pm

February 12–14 | The Vermont Flurry: Snow Sculpture Festival Woodstock Village Green, 10am–10pm

February 17 | National Theatre Live: Behind the Beautiful Forevers Town Hall Theatre, 7:30pm

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HAPPENINGS

February 12–14 The Vermont Flurry: Snow Sculpture Festival Woodstock Village Green

December 12–13 Wassail Craft Fair Masonic Lodge, 10am–4pm Sat; 10am–2pm Sun

December 13 VBPS Screening of Downton Abbey Town Hall Theatre, 1:30pm

December 19–January 3 (excluding Christmas day) Christmas at the Farm Billings Farm & Museum, www.billingsfarm.org, 10am–4pm

February 13–21 Sleigh Ride Week Billings Farm & Museum, www.billingsfarm.org, 10am–4pm

Online Extra Find more events online at www.woodstockmagazine.com. 7 4 F I N D WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E AT W W W. WO O D S TO C K M AGA Z I N E . C O M

ADVERTISERS INDEX G.R. Porter & Sons .................................................. 74 Gallery on the Green.............................................. 54 Gear Traders ........................................................... 55 GeoBarns................................................................. 50 Gilberte Interiors ...................................................... 7 Gillingham’s ............................................................ 10 Green Mountain Plumbing & Heating .................. 53 Henderson’s Tree & Garden Services ..................... 66 Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance............................. 11 Jake’s Quechee Market .......................................... 56 Jancewicz & Son ....................................................... 5 Jeff Wilmot Painting .............................................. 30 Kedron Valley Inn ................................................... 53 Keepers, A Country Café........................................ 52 Kendal at Hanover ................................................. 69 LaValley Building Supply........................................ 26 Mascoma Savings Bank .......................................... 13 Mertens House ....................................................... 72 Mindful Dermatology ............................................ 25 Mt. Ascutney Hospital ............................................ 73 Murphy’s Tavern at The Quechee Club ................. 56 N.T. Ferro Jewelers .........................................29 & 54 Newhall Farm ......................................................... 15 Ottauquechee Well Drilling ................................... 73 Public House of Quechee ....................................... 19 Quality Inn .............................................................. 56 Quechee Associates ................................................ 45 Quechee Lakes Listing............................................ 31 Quechee Mobil ....................................................... 56 Robert Wallace Real Estate...........Inside front cover Ruth’s Table ............................................................ 37 Shepard Interior Selections.................................... 56

Action Garage Door ............................................... 50 Ambrose Custom Builders...................................... 57 Angkor Wat Restaurant ......................................... 54 Anichini ..................................................................... 2 Antiques Collaborative .......................................... 56 Anything Printed .................................................... 54 Artemis Global Art ................................... Back cover Artistree .................................................................. 50 Bartolo Governanti State Farm Agent .................. 53 Bentleys................................................................... 69 Billings Farm & Museum ........................................ 12 Braeside Motel ....................................................... 12 Brown’s Floormasters ............................................. 57 Carpet King & Tile .................................................. 23 Caulfield Art Gallery .............................................. 54 Charles Silva Jr. Builder/Designer........................... 69 Clear Choice MD ..................................................... 70 Collective, the Art of Craft .................................... 55 Crystal & Bark ......................................................... 55 David Anderson Hill ............................................... 38 Deirdre Donnelly Jewelry Art ................................ 56 Donald Neely, DMD................................................ 51 Elevation Clothing.................................................. 17 Ellaway’s Attic......................................................... 54 Encore Designer Consignment .............................. 55 Engel & Volkers ...................................................... 52 Eyes on Elm Optical Boutique ............................... 55 Farmhouse Pottery ................................................. 54 First Impressions Salon & Spa ................................ 73 Five Olde Tavern & Grille ....................................... 70 Four Seasons Sotheby’s ............................................ 4 Frameworks ............................................................ 55

Singleton’s .............................................................. 10 Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group ........................Inside back cover South Woodstock Country Store ........................... 55 Stone Dental ........................................................... 17 Systems Plus Computers ......................................... 74 The Carriage Shed .................................................. 38 The Inn at Weathersfield ....................................... 29 The Lincoln Inn ....................................................... 15 The Lucky Elephant ................................................ 56 The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm.................... 25 The Vermont Spot ..........................................51 & 56 The Village Butcher ................................................ 54 The Williamson Group ............................................. 1 The Woodlands ...................................................... 19 Unicorn ................................................................... 55 Union Arena ........................................................... 51 Upland Construction .............................................. 52 Upper Valley Haven................................................ 30 Upper Valley Ride ................................................... 39 Vermont Facial Aesthetics...................................... 74 Vermont Farmstead Cheese ..................................... 3 Vitt & Associates ..................................................... 72 WISE ........................................................................ 39 Woodstock Beverage ............................................. 70 Woodstock Chamber of Commerce ...................... 37 Woodstock Farmers’ Market ................................. 23 Woodstock Home & Hardware ................................ 9 Woodstock Hops N’ Barley .................................... 54 Worthy Kitchen ...................................................... 55

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 643-1830 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net.

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» W I N T E R 2015–2016

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LAST GLANCE

The pine stays green in winter... wisdom in hardship. 窶年orman Douglas

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