Southern Vermont's Best Places 2023

Southern Vermont: The Region’s Best Places To Shop, Work and Explore

Fenton Family Dealerships page 3

Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities page 4

River Garden Marketplace page 5

Brattleboro Area Realty page 6

Vermont Hempicurean, Vermont Bud Barn and Vermont Grow Barn page 7

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital page 8

Saxtons River Distillery page 9

WW Building Supply page 10

Theory

Shop, Work, Explore and Live in Southern Vermont

Wellness page 11

United States Postal Service page 12

BRATTLEBORO — People who already live in Southern Vermont know what we’re about to tell you: There’s no place like it on Earth.

From its world-class resorts, like Mount Snow, and top-shelf arts venues such as Next Stage in Putney, Windham County has it all. With Bennington County and Southwestern New Hampshire nearby, visitors and others who want to live here will find the region welcoming to people of all stripes, whether you hail from Dummerston or Tarrytown, N.Y. Our welcome mat is ready and awaits.

We want you, the tourists, to come for our rugged outdoors and cultural venues; jobseekers, we need you to help round out our existing workforce; and folks who live here, we want you to remember all that you have in your backyard, whether you’re needing lumber from WW Building Supply or a wee bit of cannabis from the Ver-

mont Bud Barn or Theory Wellness, our region’s latest provider. Maybe cannabis isn’t your bag; maybe then Saxtons River Distillery is more your speed. Become a member and try their tastings at two locations in Brattleboro.

If you suffer an ailment, the helpful doctors and nurses at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will patch you up with tremendous care, and help you with whatever you need to make for a better you, with inpatient and outpatient treatment options available. Don’t forget to apply at BMH if you’re the kind of person who wants to make a difference in someone’s health journey and are looking for a new career.

If you need a new or used car, Fenton Family Dealerships has got you. You can also check them out for their latest job postings for service and tech workers, and more.

Parents of a child with special needs, and child-focused jobseek-

ers, must check out the Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, a workplace and center that’s built around individual success, and with specialized medical care and education.

Once you realize that Southern Vermont is the right place for you, make sure to reach out to Christine Lewis at Brattleboro Area Realty, so she can make your next trip here be to sign papers for your next home.

And, lastly, when you need to catch your breath, head over to the River Garden Marketplace, for some craft food, brews, live entertainment and more, all with a feelgood river view.

Southern Vermont has it all, whether you live here or visit. Make sure to make the most of it by visiting these client- and customer-focused businesses and organizations, each of which helps add to the rich tapestry of life in Green Mountains.

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Hundreds of people gathered along Main Street in 2012 for the Strolling of the Heifers Gallery Walk.

Fenton Family Dealerships needs 10 new employees

BY VERMONT NEWS & M EDIA

Business is bustling at Fenton Family Dealerships, and the company is looking to hire about 10 new employees.

“We currently have a need for automotive technicians, sales consultants and service advisors,” said Bob Swartz, CEO and vice president of Fenton Family Dealerships.

The company — founded over 35 years ago by Bill Fenton — has five franchises in four buildings: Hyundai of Keene and Subaru of Keene in Keene, N.H., and Toyota/Volvo of Keene and Honda of Keene in Swanzey, N.H.

“We’re a very community-minded dealership,” Swartz said of the company that supports more than 150 local charities, organizations, and schools every year. “We give back to the community that purchases and services through us, and we are looking for people who are basically good citizens who also want to be part of a company that gives back. We’re looking for honest people, people with integrity, with a good work ethic.”

Sign-on bonuses are provided to employees and are related to the position.

Swartz said the company provides one of the top pay rates in the industry, matches a 401(k) retirement account, offers a generous paid-time-off program and has one of the better automotive health insurance programs in the state. He also touted “a great work environment with state of the art equipment.”

Training is available for new employees.

“We also hire experienced people, as well, but it won’t prohibit us from hiring an entry-level technician,” Swartz said. “Especially in sales, we generally have to train who we hire.”

The best way to apply for a position with the company is to visit fentondealerships.com and click “Careers.”

Fenton serves serve all of Southern New Hampshire, including Keene, Peterborough, Claremont and surrounding areas; Southern Vermont, which includes Brattleboro, Bennington and surrounding areas; and Northern Massachusetts, which includes Fitchburg, Gardner, Templeton, Athol, Winchendon, Baldwinville and much more.

Cedarcrest needs energetic employees with passion for changing kids’ lives

VERMONT NEWS & M EDIA

It’s not every career where an employee transforms children’s lives. And not every workplace feels like a home.

Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, in Keene, N.H., promotes a one-of-a-kind environment that prioritizes children.

HELPING CHILDREN ENJOY THEIR BEST LIVES

The mission is to help the children with disabilities live their best lives with the use of technology and programs aimed at physical and cognitive development. The staff takes the children on field trips, such as going to a baseball game. Closer to home, the employees and children explore nature at Cedarcrest.

Employees experience fulfillment as the children develop and meet their goals. Employees on the administrative, medical and teaching sides of the center join forces to transform lives.

“The children all have personal goals that they are working towards, and the staff helps them make progress as best as they are able. I enjoy the striving aspect and admire the persistence everyone demonstrates. It’s a rewarding experience working at Cedarcrest, on many levels. There are opportunities to have fun while working, too,” said Patty Farmer, director of development and communications.

“I love working at Cedarcrest. The work I do is challenging, but satisfying. I feel like I contribute to the overall well-being of the children, even though I don’t provide care for them directly. The staff are highly committed to ensuring that the kids have fun and are given all kinds of great opportunities,” said Farmer.

WORK CULTURE

On 5 acres, Cedarcrest provides a comfortable environment for the children and the employees, said Director of Human Resources Erin Dallas-Patch.

“Cedarcrest is unlike anywhere else you can work; for many staff, it is like a home.”

It takes a special individual to succeed at Cedarcrest. According to Dallas-Patch, “An ideal employee is patient, competent, loves children and wants to see the children succeed.”

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

For aspiring individuals, Cedarcrest provides educational and training opportunities that lead an employee to develop and grow with the center.

“We’ve had many staff who started here as child care assistants, then became LNA, and then LPN/ RNs. Our current director of nursing began here as an LNA/RN/ nurse manager,” said Dallas-Patch.

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

Cedarcrest attracts high school and college students, as well as professionals who have stayed five to 20 years.

Mary Hatch, teacher and licensed nursing assistant, developed her career at Cedarcrest.

“Cedarcrest fosters a unique, warm and positive work environment and work culture. Everyone who works here is driven by the same desire to do what’s best for the children that live here. ... The staff members become more than just co-workers. They become people with whom you develop a deep respect for. People you can look up to, and people you can trust.”

And as further encouragement, field trips provide enjoyment for the children and the staff.

“Watching a child’s face light up as they hold a baby goat for the first time, or listening to their shrills of delight as they swim in the pool is the most rewarding feeling,” said Hatch.

OPPORTUNITIES

Cedarcrest has part-time positions with perks — a daily meal, tuition reimbursement, a wellness program, staff development and a retirement plan.

Full-time employees enjoy all of the above plus medical, dental, life insurance and a benefits package.

Cedarcrest is hiring a full-time licensed nurse assistant, a part-time respiratory therapist, a part-time feeding technician and part-time child care assistants. Go to cedarcrest4kids.org. Click on Careers and apply online.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, in Keene, N.H., promotes a homey atmosphere that prioritizes children. For the right individual, Cedarcrest provides educational and training opportunities that lead an employee to develop and grow with the center.

Oasis for fun, entertainment, quality offerings

River Garden Marketplace delivers

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — River Garden Marketplace is not your average bar and entertainment venue. It’s the Chelsea Market of Brattleboro, with the largest selection of craft beers in the region.

In the heart of downtown Brattleboro, River Garden Marketplace is a hub dedicated to food, drinks, arts and entertainment, all housed under one dramatic glass ceiling with fantastic river views. Its offerings include craft food and beverages, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor seating, a craft market and venue space for a variety of events.

River Garden has been open for over one year and transpired out of the Whetstone family with partners David Hiler, Tim Brady and Amy Brady. They serve upscale food and beverages in a casual atmosphere with entertainment four nights per week, including open mic nights, karaoke, sports game showings, live music, creator market and more.

“When the space was owned by the Strolling of the Heifers, there was a community space where people could come in and enjoy the view of the river and the beautifully designed building. But they did not offer any services for people to stick around,” co-owner David Hiler said. “We felt like we had the opportunity to provide a beer and a meal, while you watch the river. Or to check out some of the crafts we had or to hold a meeting downstairs in our event spaces. We still want to provide that community feeling here.”

Being 100 percent family-owned focuses the company on providing services that are an asset to its neighbors and the greater community.

If the events aren’t what attracts customers, then it’s the rare craft beverage offerings, including New England brews, hard cider, kombucha, and non-alcoholic libations. The tap list ranges from hazy IPAs to fruited sours and ciders and everything in between. For non-beer drinkers, River Garden is stocked with an eclectic wine and cocktail menu.

In between drinks, there’s an opportunity to view the art and craft marketplace — 10 custom booths displaying wares from local artists and craftspeople. The displays frequently rotate with a seasonality fo-

cus. One might find handmade jewelry, ceramics, prints and paintings, and leather accessories.

“The marketplace especially is a concept that was born out of our appreciation for places like Chelsea Market, which has a multilevel concept where you can buy crafts and eat food and listen to music. And there’s a changing menu. All of that is designed to bring people together to celebrate Vermont and celebrate what Brattleboro offers to our surrounding communities,” Hiler said.

The downstairs event space feels like a classy basement bar, but in fact, it’s a cozy and unique area that feels like home, with an exclusive experience, private bar and capacity for 75. With its popularity, the company plans soon to include a new bar and expand the space to accommodate 100 guests. Common inquiries from the public include private events, birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, business meetings and private parties for sports events.

Another exciting component of the River Garden is the craft kitchen which in addition to a selection of signature sandwiches and

snacks, offers monthly changing menus geared to the season or current events. Recent themes have highlighted Mardi Gras and Black History Month.

River Garden Marketplace is at

157 Main St. and is open 12 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 12 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, and 12 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more about this new food, drink, and fun oasis at rivergardenmarketplace.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

In the heart of downtown Brattleboro, River Garden Marketplace is a hub dedicated to food, drinks, arts and entertainment, all housed under one dramatic glass ceiling with fantastic river views. Its offerings include craft food and beverages, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor seating, a craft market and venue space for a variety of events.

PROVIDED PHOTO River Garden Marketplace co-owner David Hiler says, “We felt like we had the opportunity to provide a beer and a meal, while you watch the river.”

Brattleboro Area Realty is raising the bar

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — Since 1973, Brattleboro Area Realty has been leading in the matchmaking game when it comes to real estate.

Christine “Chris” Lewis jumped into the market just 15 years later with no experience and was the only woman in her office at the time. Now, she’s one of a dozen agents with a career in real estate serving Vermont and New Hampshire.

“We really try very hard to be a full-service agency and work extra hard to serve the clients and give them what they need,” Lewis said.

Buying or selling a home is no easy feat, especially when a lot of money is on the table. Brattleboro Area Realty has the knowledge and patience to help clients get the best offer and the ideal dream home.

Erich Hoyer co-founded the

agency for 38 years before passing in 2020. Lewis said that he always stressed the value of education and working fairly. Real estate agents are not trained inspectors, but after a few years, they know what details to pay attention to and that skill is not common.

“We can make them aware of the items that we need them to look at and be conscious of,” Lewis said. “I was happy when our new motto became ‘Raising the Bar,’ because real estate has been referred to as an easy job, but it’s very complicated when you’re handling personalities and intense emotions.”

First-time home buyers can have countless questions, and the process isn’t seamless. That’s why Brattleboro Area Realty is recognized for efficiency, support and hands-on processes.

There are also hiccups that can arise during the buying or selling process, and Lewis can speak on

sticking with the client every step of the way.

“We have to open their eyes so they can see the bigger picture and know what’s in their best interest,” she said.

Agents have received testimonials referring to efficient and frequent communication, and sharing resources for lenders and lawyers, as well as working with buyers out of state or during a pandemic.

While Brattleboro doesn’t have the attraction of a vacation lake or immediate access to mountains for skiing, it’s a beautiful area for empty nesters or first-time homebuyers, and that’s what Brattleboro Area Realty has seen over the last few years.

The agents are committed to the close, the search for a dream home and getting clients what they need. It’s the reason Lewis chose to work at Brattleboro Area Realty over other agencies just 35 years ago.

PROVIDED PHOTO Brattleboro Area Realty can show you this and many other fine properties in Southern Vermont.

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Your Vermont hideaway awaits. Call Realtor Christine Lewis today at 802-380-2088 or email chris@brattleboroarearealty.com

Christine Lewis

Vt. cannabis trifecta supports local growers, fans

Vermont Hempicurean, Vermont Bud Barn and Vermont Grow Barn are your one-stop shop

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — A bright red barn sitting beneath green steeples on Marlboro Road is home to three businesses under one roof, which all have the same mission: support cannabis fans and smaller-sized growers — not large corporate growers.

The Vermont Hempicurean was established in 2017 by Scott Sparks and now shares space with his Vermont Bud Barn and Vermont Grow Barn (established in 2021), making it the ultimate one-stop shop. The Hempicurean was in downtown Brattleboro for four years before moving to 257 Marlboro Road in February 2022.

Each section of the barn serves its own purpose — selling grow supplies, curating hemp products and educating customers about cannabis products.

Sparks embarked on Vermont Hempicurean after 30 years in the food service industry and attending the Northern Colorado Hemp Expo on a whim. A year later, he opened the Hempicurean shop in an effort to provide relief with the use of CBD, or cannabidiol, products. Those include oil, flower, seeds, edibles, topicals, capsules, pet products and clothing.

One thing led to another, and Sparks used his experience of working with local farmers to meet a need for well-sourced grow supplies. The Vermont Grow Barn stocks soil, nutrients, tents and lights for cannabis home growers, as well as other grow operations in need of supplies.

“I’m most proud of supporting the Vermont hemp and cannabis farmers by keeping it local,” Sparks said.

He has built and solidified his business relationships by visiting farms and selling products based on where they’re produced and sourced from.

The Bud Barn is Brattleboro’s first legal adult-use recreational cannabis dispensary and carries products from local cultivators and

manufacturers across the state, including Family Tree, Pinnacle Valley, Sunset Lake, Craft Cannabis of Vermont, Rebel Grown, Encore and more. It officially opened on Oct 24.

As a businessman, Sparks’ biggest concern is corporate cannabis flooding the market and pushing out small growers.

Like his love for cooking, Sparks hopes cannabis and CBD consumers can choose from a variety of options and have a positive result, similar to cooking a meal and receiving feedback.

“I have these ingredients, these ideas, and to put them together and bring them forth, and people really enjoy it, and you get a positive response back, that’s very rewarding,” he said in an interview with Craft State Media.

If you’re looking for a welcoming space to learn about cannabis, hemp, or growing supplies, look no further than the red barn at 257 Marlboro Road. The crew at the three sister shops is waiting to cultivate your next experience.

Visit vtbudbarn.com, vtgrowbarn. com and vthempicurean.com.

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO

The Bud Barn in Brattleboro opened its doors to the public on Oct. 24, 2022, becoming the first retail cannabis store to open in Southern Vermont.

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO General Manager Jeremy Deschaine

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Some of Hempicurean’s organic CBD products.

BMH delivers urban health care in a rural setting, always with patients in mind

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — Living in a rural community can have its challenges when it comes to accessing a truly broad range of health care services. But, with the presence of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, you know you’re in the right hands.

The licensed, modern, wellequipped 61-bed facility first opened in 1904 through a generous $100,000 donation from the Thomas Thompson Trust. Today the hospital offers inpatient and outpatient health care services including general surgery, a birthing center, a wound healing program, emergency services, orthopaedics and sports medicine—plus cancer, breast care, and cardiac programs, an OB-GYN and midwifery practice, surgical podiatry, and six primary health care practices.

“BMH is really a mission-driven health care organization that always puts the needs of patients and families first,” said Christopher Dougherty, president and chief executive officer. “We are proud of the role we play in Vermont’s ongoing health care reform initiatives, which aim to provide the communities we serve with greater value by improving the health of every person who lives here.”

Patients can feel confident that the care they receive is professional, compassionate, and respectful. They can also depend on BMH’s state-of-the-art technologies including 3D mammography, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (offered through the hospital’s Center for Wound Healing), and robot-assisted surgery for total hip and knee replacement provided by BMH Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

The availability of medically advanced care, combined with the comfort and convenience of being close to home, makes BMH a precious community resource. That’s true for cancer patients who come to BMH to receive on-site chemotherapy treatments. It’s also true for the region’s growing families

who in 2022 welcomed nearly 300 newborns at BMH’s highly-regarded Birthing Center.

Patients looking for comprehensive services from an accredited hospital laboratory will find them at BMH. They will also find a robust cardiology department, a radiology department that offers low-dose lung cancer screening—even a new orthopaedic technology (called iovera™) that uses advanced cold therapy to relieve arthritic pain.

“We have so much to offer our

community,” added Dougherty. “BMH has—and always will—work very hard to ensure that our patients have access to the evolving preventive, diagnostic, and treatment approaches coming out of largely urban areas.”

While the hospital is based in Brattleboro, it serves patients across the tri-state region of southeastern Vermont, southwestern New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. A patient from Greenfield, Mass., recently shared his gratitude for the

staff and BMH’s Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine program.

“BMH is the best medical practice I’ve ever visited. Staff is efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable,” he said.

If you’re looking for a new provider, a specialist, or patient-driven health care, BMH is the answer. The hospital proudly honors the region’s rich diversity and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of every person in the community. Learn more at bmhvt.org.

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Patients can feel confident that the care they receive at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is professional, compassionate and respectful with the use of state-of-the-art technologies. If you’re looking for a new provider, a specialist or patient-driven health care, BMH is the answer. Learn more at bmhvt.org.

Bridging family traditions between Vt., Lithuania with high-quality spirits

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — It’s no surprise that Vermont businesses are built on family traditions. One that is exceptionally unique is a distillery that was founded on recipes brought from Lithuania over 100 years ago.

Christian Stromberg opened Saxtons River Distillery in 2006 based on the wisdom and heritage of crafting fine liquors passed down through his family, after they fled czarist-controlled Lithuania in 1906. The appreciation of Vermont maple syrup and exploring sugar houses, paired with Lithuanian traditions and customs is what Stromberg based Saxtons on.

“Understanding the amount of work required to produce quality maple syrup has given me a profound respect for the final product. With a nod to family tradition and the tradition of Vermont,” Stromberg says.

Since its start in a hand-built barn on the banks of Saxtons River in Cambridgeport, the distillery has since moved to Brattleboro (2011) and has been featured in Forbes, Maxim, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times for producing high-quality products.

Saxtons’ spirits are sophisticated and carefully crafted with ingredients that are ethically and locally sourced in an effort to support other small businesses. The company sources its maple syrup and raw honey from local Vermont farms

for its Sapling line of products and coffee from Mocha Joe’s for the Perc Coffee Liqueur.

The Snowdrop Gin is the highest rated in New England, and the Perc Coffee Liqueur has received multiple gold medals.

“It’s recognition and the acknowledgment from those in the industry that we produce excellent, high-qual-

ity products,” said Joslin Roderick, business development manager.

The company’s dedication to using quality ingredients, even if it’s harder, is what makes Saxtons stand above its competition.

While the tasty cocktails and award-winning spirits are where Saxtons shines, the company also

vember 2022, its Snowdrop Vodka was released as a benefit for the Blue/Yellow USA nonprofit group in support of Ukraine, where 50 percent of the proceeds are donated.

Prior to that, Saxtons installed solar panels on the distillery roof to reduce its carbon footprint and positively contribute to alternate ways of producing power.

For those looking to sample Saxtons’ spirits, there’s a tasting room in downtown Brattleboro on Elliot Street, while all of the production and distillation happens at the Grand Tasting Room at 155 Chickering Drive. What makes it so grand is the full bar, light snacks, gift shop, indoor/outdoor space, and a venue for small and large gatherings. Saxtons also offers bar catering services for weddings and parties.

Saxtons has grown from a distillery and tasting room to selling products in California, Nevada, Montana, Utah and throughout New England. Join the Saxtons River Distillery Loyalty Program, and get a taste during open hours. More information and the whole product lineup

found on

can be

saxtonsdistillery.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

For those looking to sample Saxtons River Distillery’s spirits, there’s a tasting room in downtown Brattleboro on Elliot Street.

CHRISTIAN STROMBERG PHOTO

All of the production and distillation for Saxton River Distillery happens at the Grand Tasting Room at 155 Chickering Drive. What makes it so grand is the full bar, light snacks, gift shop, indoor/outdoor space, and a venue for small and large gatherings. Saxtons also offers bar catering services for weddings and parties.

PROVIDED PHOTO Join the Saxtons River Distillery Loyalty Program, and get a taste during open hours. More information and the whole product lineup can be found on saxtonsdistillery.com.

Best Places to Shop, Work

Family business of 50-plus years invests in local projects, small or large

Customer-focused teams aim to help you get it right the first time

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — For more than 50 years, WW Building Supply has been the one-stop shop for hardware supplies and lumber. With knowledgeable staff and as a longstanding family business, WW Building Supply serves Southern Vermont D.I.Y.ers, weekend warriors and construction experts at its shops in Wilmington and Newfane.

What does it mean to operate a full-service hardware store and lumber yard? Providing every possible product you need to build a house or maintain your home — lumber, building materials, roofing, foundation forms, drywall, paint, windows, doors, cleaning supplies, power tools, nails, screws, hardware, wood pellets and much more.

WW Building Supply customers can feel confident in a better finished product because of the company’s high quality, particularly in lumber and building materials that make jobsite projects more efficient.

Customers and the relationships that are built with the employees are the priority at WW Building Supply.

“I am most proud of the staff

who work here. They are so dedicated and knowledgeable. We carry so many products, and we’re always looking for the best quality products on the market, but it’s our people who make every day spe-

cial,” said General Manager Steve Wolf. “The relationships we have with our customers make us feel actively invested in their success. We share their challenges and celebrate their victories.”

Wolf said the local people whom the company serves is what makes his job meaningful and why he comes to work each day.

“I like building a work environment where everyone has a voice and a place on our team,” he said.

The foundation for this type of work environment and community focus dates back to 1969, when the company started as a lumber holding business for a housing development project led by Wayne White. Five years later it was sold to Dick Raymo, who opened the Wilmington store, which ran for 30 years.

The current owner, Ed Druke, who started working at WW Building Supply in 1985, bought the business from Raymo in 2006 and continues to serve at the company every day with his family.

“Our 50-plus year history has seen just three owners, all of them

local and family-focused. Our staff culture has a strong foundation in our local communities,” Wolf said.

The history, employees and future of WW Building Supply are congruent — value large and small projects and customer’s goals, providing high quality products and customer service and supporting its communities for another 50 years as a locally focused and family run business.

WW Building Supply offers free delivery and sells hardware products, building materials and masonry supplies. It’s also equipped with a Benjamin Moore paint center, kitchen and bath design center and Marvin window and door showroom.

“There’s nothing too big or too small for us to be helpful and ready to service our customers’ needs,” Wolf said. “We will never sell something we don’t believe in, and we’re honest about the pros and cons of different purchasing decisions.”

WW Building Supply in Wilmington and Newfane are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visit wwbuilding.com for more information.

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO

WW Building Supply is also equipped with a Benjamin Moore paint center, kitchen and bath design center and Marvin window and door showroom.

VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA FILE PHOTO

WW Building Supply customers can feel confident in a better finished product because of the company’s high quality, particularly in lumber and building materials that make jobsite projects more efficient.

Theory Wellness promotes access to all cannabis consumers at new Brattleboro dispensary

A new Brattleboro dispensary

BY MAKAYLA-COURTNEY MCGEENEY Vermont News & Media correspondent

BRATTLEBORO — Whether you’re a longtime cannabis user or just canna-curious, Theory Wellness’ Dispensary in Brattleboro has something for everyone. It promotes cannabis access for all, and cares about getting it right for both the customers and the team.

The new shop opened in the Fairfield Plaza Shopping Center at 768 Putney Road in December, making it the company’s eighth store on the East Coast.

Theory has been a leader in East Coast Cannabis since it was founded in 2015 by college roommates turned business partners Nick Friedman and Brandon Pollock. Their focus has been to create a company that works towards defining the era of cannabis post-prohibition. They’ve done this by building dynamic retail spaces, creating premium products in select markets, providing worldclass service, and having a history of industry firsts. Vermont is a first for them as it will be the only state where they are not vertically integrated to focus on the existing cultivation / production licensees.

“The Vermont network of local

cultivators is world-class in Vermont, so we’re excited to showcase their exceptional products,” said Teva Smith, director of retail for Theory Wellness.

Theory’s exceptional products aren’t the only thing it’s known for. It also donates a portion of opening sales to local nonprofit groups when a new retail store launches. In the past, this has included initiatives for local farmers’ markets, conservation

organizations and nature reserves.

“We like to use our operation as a force for good in any community we operate in,” Smith said.

The company donated 10 percent of its net profits from its opening day to the Vermont Natural Resources Council. This decision was made because of the state’s forward-thinking approach to environmentalism — a concept the cannabis industry shares.

Aside from giving back, Theory

is proud to hire talented staff who are known for providing world-class customer service at every one of its stores. The new dispensary added 10 new positions to the Southern Vermont job market.

Theory Wellness’ Brattleboro dispensary is located at 768 Putney Road in Brattleboro. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit theorywellness.org.

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Visit the new Theory Wellness dispensary at 768 Putney Road in Brattleboro. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit theorywellness.org.

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Theory Wellness is a recreational cannabis dispensary with a new shop in Brattleboro.

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Theory Wellness designs its shops to be modern and also inviting.

The USPS — a lot more than mail and stamps

VERMONT NEWS & M EDIA

The United States Postal Service is full of opportunities, and Ashley Hamilton has been taking advantage of them since she started as a parttime clerk in Williston back in 2006. In her 16 years, she has held over a half-dozen job titles within the USPS and is still far from seeing it all.

“The Post Office is not just about delivering mail and selling stamps. There is so much to offer once you get your foot in the door,” says Hamilton. “You can work in management, accounting, IT, sales, marketing, maintenance, safety, instructing and the list goes on …”

As a government employer, the USPS has more to offer than most of the private sector in terms of job security and benefits. Besides full health, vision and dental coverage, perhaps one of the most notable perks with the Postal Service is the ample vacation time and sick leave. After three years of service, annual leave jumps from 13 days to 20, and increases to 26 after 15 years. This is coupled with four hours of sick pay every pay period for fulltime employees.

Those who make the USPS a career will only continue to reap rewards long after they hang up the uniform for good.

“I have no worries about retiring,” says Hamilton.

And why should she? In addition to Social Security, when Hamilton retires, she will be able to collect from her federal pension, as well as a Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k). The Postal Service matches employee contributions up to 5 percent.

“You double your money right away,” Hamilton explains.

Within five years on the job as a clerk, Hamilton was an officer in charge for post offices without a postmaster, and was officially promoted to supervisor in 2013. In 2015, she took a position as manager of distributions at the processing and distribution center in Burlington. Then in 2018, she decided it was time for a new challenge and to learn something new, taking the operations specialist job in the same plant.

Hamilton isn’t the only example within her family of the possibility for upward mobility with the USPS. Her sister and her son both have taken advantage of opportunities, as well.

“My sister had a bank job, 20-plus years of experience, and they downsized,” Hamilton said. “She took a postal support employee job, and three years later, she is in management.”

As her son has illustrated, the Postal Service can be an excellent career path for those without post-secondary education, as well.

“My son graduated high school and did not want to go to college. He got hired as a mail handler assistant. Within six months, he was converted to ‘career’ status,” she went on. “Two years after being ‘career,’ at 21 years old, he is making $42,000 a year with federal health insurance, and he started his Thrift Savings Plan and is getting matched with 5 percent more added to his retirement.”

Of course, everywhere there is a need for mail, there is a need for the USPS, which employs 600,000 nationwide to date. This provides some flexibility in one’s career without having to sacrifice the rungs of the ladder they have already climbed.

“You can transfer anywhere in the U.S.,” Hamilton says. “During bad snowstorms, I always search in Hawaii, and there are always jobs posted!”

PROVIDED PHOTO

PROVIDED PHOTO